PANTHERS-NEWTON
Accident has changed how Panthers QB Newton’s views life
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Cam Newton says the automobile accident that left him with two broken bones in his lower back last December has given him a new outlook on life.
The Panthers’ fifth-year quarterback still wears the yellow hospital bracelet given to him that day as a reminder to live life to its fullest — and enjoy the journey.
Newton says, “I want to make the most of things and appreciate the blessing that I have on any day.”
The quarterback is doing just that.
Newton has been more visible in public this offseason than ever, even after he signed a five-year, $103 million contract extension. He’s travelled Down Under to learn how the Australians play football, attended the Preakness Stakes and visited with grieving family members of the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.
WINTHROP-TENNIS
Winthrop tennis coach resigns due to immigration issues
ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — Winthrop men’s tennis coach Sergey Belov has resigned because of what the school said were issues with his immigration status.
Belov is a Russian citizen who earned his bachelor’s and masters’ degrees from Winthrop. In his only season, Belov led the Eagles to a Big South Conference title and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
Winthrop athletic director Tom Hickman announced the move this week. Hickman said volunteer assistant John Collins would serve as interim coach.
Collins was a women’s tennis graduate assistant at Winthrop in 2013-14 before joining the men’s squad. Collins played three seasons at Maryland and one at Tennessee.
S CAROLINA-WILSON
South Carolina forward A’ja Wilson returns with more US gold
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Another summer, another international title for Southeastern Conference freshman of the year A’ja Wilson.
Wilson, who led the United States to the FIBA Americas U18 crown last summer, turned in another stellar performance during America’s run to gold at the FIBA U19 World Championships earlier this month.
Wilson set a U.S. record with 30 points against host-country Russia in the championship game, lifting the Americans to a 78-70 victory this Sunday. Wilson was voted the tournament MVP, averaging better than 22 points and eight rebounds over six games.
Not that the event didn’t take a toll. Wilson returned in a walking boot to protect a left ankle sprain suffered in the event. Wilson played through it in Russia and does not expect the injury to affect her this season.
NASCAR-QUALIFYING
Kyle Busch starts drive for 4th straight win from pole
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Kyle Busch will start his drive for his fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup victory from the pole.
Busch turned a lap of 178.416 mph Friday at Pocono Raceway to take the top spot for the first time during his sensational streak.
He also made it three straight Cup poles for Joe Gibbs Racing following back-to-back wins from Carl Edwards.
Busch missed the first 11 races of the season with a broken right leg and left foot. He returned in late May and has won three consecutive Sprint Cup Series races and four of the last five.
He’s trying to become the first Cup driver since Jimmie Johnson in 2007 to win four straight races. Busch won on the road course at Sonoma, then took the last three races at Kentucky, New Hampshire and Indianapolis.
Kevin Harvick was second, followed by Joey Logano, Austin Dillon and Tony Stewart.
