NASCAR’s Larson suspended for racial slur in virtual race
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Kyle Larson used a racial slur on a live stream during a virtual race and has been suspended by NASCAR and without pay by his team. Larson was competing in an iRacing event when he appeared to lose communication on his headset with his spotter. He said during a check of his microphone “you can’t hear me?” That was followed by the N-word. The star driver apologized, saying there was “no excuse” for his comment. Larson is half Japanese and his grandparents spent time in an interment camp in California. He is the second driver in a week to draw scrutiny while using the online racing platform.

Beloved Tigers star, Hall of Famer Al Kaline dies at 85
By JIM IRWIN and NOAH TRISTER Associated Press Writers
DETROIT (AP) — Al Kaline, the Hall of Fame outfielder who played his entire 22-season career for Detroit, has died. “Mr. Tiger” — as he was affectionately known — was 85. Kaline was the youngest player to win the American League batting title, in 1955 at age 20 with a .340 average. He was an All-Star in 15 seasons, won 10 Gold Gloves and was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1980 in his first year of eligibility. Kaline also sat behind a microphone as a Tigers broadcaster and was a special assistant to the general manager.

Falcons announce 1-year deal with RB Todd Gurley
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons have announced their one-year agreement with running back Todd Gurley. The framework of the $6 million deal was completed on March 20, less than 24 hours after Gurley was released by the Los Angeles Rams.  As is the case with other free agents who have reached agreements, Gurley still awaits a physical. The NFL isn’t allowing players to report to new teams immediately for those physicals during the coronavirus pandemic. Gurley’s physical will be especially important. He has been hampered by a left knee injury.

Ex-NFL kicker, Saints hero Tom Dempsey dies at 73
By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey has died at 73 from what his family described as complications from the new coronavirus. Dempsey was known for being the first to hit a field goal from 63 yards and for succeeding in pro sports despite being born without toes on the right foot with which he kicked. The 63-yard field goal stood as the longest in NFL history for 43 years until 2013. Dempsey kicked 11 seasons in the NFL with New Orleans, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers and Buffalo. He had been diagnosed with dementia and was living in a New Orleans nursing home that was hard hit by the virus.

‘Prime’ time? TE Ebron eager to start over with Steelers
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — New Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Eric Ebron says his surgically repaired ankle should be ready in time to start the 2020 season. The Steelers signed Ebron to a two-year contract. They hope he can return to the form he showed in 2018 when he caught 13 touchdown passes. The 26-year-old Ebron says he’s hitting the prime of his career and believes he will flourish while catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger. Ebron joked that he hopes to become Roethlisberger’s “best friend” and that the two can help the Steelers bounce back from an injury-plagued 8-8 season.

Ed Farmer, White Sox broadcaster, former pitcher, dies at 70
By ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer
CHICAGO (AP) — Ed Farmer, an All-Star reliever who spent nearly three decades as a radio broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox, has died. He was 70. The White Sox said he died Wednesday night in Los Angeles following complications from an illness. A native of Evergreen Park, Illinois, and a graduate of St. Rita High on Chicago’s South Side, Farmer pitched for eight teams over 11 seasons. He was an All-Star for the White Sox in 1980, when he saved 30 games — then a club record. Farmer joined Chicago’s radio booth in 1991 and completed his 29th season in 2019.