Sports briefs
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Charge against
Harden dismissed
(AP) -- A misdemeanor gun charge against All-Star Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden in Texas has been dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program allowing him to avoid a criminal record. Court records show that a Harris County criminal court judge in Houston dismissed the charge Thursday at the request of the Harris County district attorney’s office following Harden’s completion of an alternative resolution program.
Such programs allow defendants to avoid a criminal conviction by doing community service, but court documents don’t detail the terms of Harden’s agreement. Harden was arrested June 13 in Houston after police found that he had a handgun in his vehicle in plain view.
Cousins, Crosby
get in scuffle
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) -- Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby got into a scuffle late in practice Friday before their teammates quickly jumped in and separated them. Cousins is operating the first-team offense in training camp.
He remained on the field to finish the drive. Crosby was sent to the sideline. Cousins appeared upset that Crosby tipped his pass that forced an incompletion. He then charged the 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end who is three inches taller and 42 pounds heavier.
Cause of death
is determined
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Authorities have determined that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner on Friday said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the team announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence.
Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
Reich pleased
with Smith
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- New York Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich is excited about Geno Smith’s performance this summer at quarterback.
He describes Smith, who is 35, as being in his physical prime and seeming like he’s 28. Reich praises Smith’s arm, movement and leadership, noting his impressive focus during training camp. The Jets acquired Smith from Las Vegas to boost an offense that struggled last season. Teammates also admire his leadership and professionalism.
Reich has lengthy experience coaching top quarterbacks and sees Smith’s throwing mechanics as exceptional, adding to the team’s overall optimism.
1960 season
revisited
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. Senate resolution has added Missouri to the list of teams with a claim to the 1960 national championship in college football. Missouri Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt introduced a resolution during a meeting Thursday recognizing the Tigers for a claim to the national title.
The measure was passed with no objections. Resolutions don’t have the force of law and by the chamber’s definition reflect the Senate’s “sentiments,” according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Missouri went 10-1 on the field with a loss to rival Kansas. But the Big Eight Conference later required the Jayhawks to forfeit for using an ineligible player.