NFL
A second arbitrator ruled Friday that commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to discipline Saints players for their roles in a bounty program. The players’ union claimed Goodell is prohibited from punishing players for any conduct before the CBA was signed last August and sought to have player appeals heard by Art Shell and Ted Cottrell, jointly appointed by the league and union to review discipline handed out for on-field conduct . . . Saints owner Tom Benson hired a firm run by former FBI director Louis Freeh to conduct an internal investigation of the club with the aim of getting to the bottom of allegations ranging from wire-tapping during home games to the bounty scandal . . . Lions lineman Nick Fairley apologized for his recent arrests in Alabama for speeding and marijuana possession, saying his actions were inexcusable and did not meet the standards expected of a pro athlete . . . Linebacker Ben Leber retired after 10 seasons with the Chargers, Vikings, and Rams . . . Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said linebacker Terrell Suggs will get his entire $4.9 million salary regardless of how he tore his Achilles’ tendon in April. Suggs insists he was doing conditioning drills, but witnesses say he was playing basketball . . . Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams appeared to reveal defensive formations when he sent out a picture of his digital playbook on Twitter.
Two to stand trial in Giants fan attack
BASEBALL
Louis Sanchez, ordered to stand trial for the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium in 2011, acknowledged attacking a Giants fan in a jailhouse conversation, according to a transcript of the recorded discussion. The transcript between Sanchez, 30, and co-defendant Marvin Norwood, 31, was released after a hearing in which both men were ordered to stand trial on charges of mayhem, assault, and battery. Both have pleaded not guilty.
Yankees’ Chamberlain tests ankle
Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain threw off a full-height mound for the first time since dislocating his right ankle March 22, making 25 throws at the Yankees’ minor league complex. Chamberlain, who was working his way back from elbow ligament-replacement surgery when he hurt the ankle, has also resumed running sprints . . . Yankees reliever David Aardsma, who had elbow-ligament replacement last July, threw 40 pitches during his third batting practice session and could pitch in a simulated game late next week . . . A federal judge in Los Angeles denied a motion Thursday by ex-Mets outfielder Lenny Dykstra to dismiss over a dozen charges, including bankruptcy fraud and embezzlement.
Warriors sex harassment suit settled
BASKETBALL
According to her lawyer, Burt Boltuch, ex-Golden State Warriors community relations director Erika Smith settled out of court last month in a sexual harassment lawsuit against the team and former Warriors guard Monta Ellis that alleged Ellis sent her unwanted texts that included a photo of his genitals . . . In the WNBA, Kara Lawson scored 18 points to help the Connecticut Sun (5-1) beat the Indiana Fever, 89-81, in Indianapolis. Tamika Catchings had a season-high 31 points for the Fever . . . Cappie Pondexter’s 25 points led the New York Liberty past the Washington Mystics, 76-70, for their first road win . . . Angel McCoughtry scored 16 points and Lindsey Harding 14 as the host Atlanta Dream beat the San Antonio Silver Stars, 60-57 . . . Epiphanny Prince’s 3-pointer forced overtime and she had 8 points in the extra session as the Chicago Sky topped the Tulsa Shock, 98-91, in Rosemont, Ill.
Coyotes are closer to having an owner
MISCELLANY
The City Council of Glendale, Ariz., approved a 20-year, $325 million lease agreement for Jobing.com Arena, clearing the last major hurdle in the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to a group led by former Sharks CEO Greg Jamison, after a meeting attended by Jamison and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. The vote took place after a district court judge denied a request for a temporary restraining order filed by conservative watchdog group Goldwater Institute Friday morning . . . Arlington, Mass. native Katey Stone was named head coach of the 2014 US Olympic women’s hockey team . . . Former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve received threatening e-mails after blasting Quebec’s student movement, saying the threats came in reaction to his comments Thursday after protesters tried to disrupt a party kicking off Canadian Grand Prix festivities in Montreal . . . BC’s football game Sept. 15 at Northwestern will start at 3:30 p.m.