PRO FOOTBALL
Bengals RB Benson charged with assault
AUSTIN, Texas — Running back Cedric Benson was released from jail Sunday following an arrest on an assault charge, the second year in a row he has gotten into trouble in his home state.
Benson was a free agent after leading the Cincinnati Bengals in rushing each of the past three seasons. He hoped to stay with the Bengals and worked out with players in Cincinnati during the NFL’s lockout.
Travis County sheriff’s spokesman Roger Wade said Benson was arrested in downtown Austin on a misdemeanor count of assault with bodily injury with family violence.
BASEBALL
Orioles, Hardy agree on three-year extension
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles and shortstop J.J. Hardy agreed to a three-year contract Saturday, a deal that almost certainly assures he won’t be going anywhere before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
The deal cannot be finalized until Hardy passes a physical. He will reportedly receive around $22 million, and the contract includes a partial no-trade clause.
Hardy hit .275 with 13 homers and 33 RBI through Friday. He reached base in 42 of his past 47 games and has proved to be a valuable replacement for injured Brian Roberts in the leadoff spot.
Hardy also has committed only two errors in 63 games and ranks first in majors among shortstops with a .994 fielding percentage.
BASEBALL
Broken bone in hand lands Guerrero on disabled list
BALTIMORE — Orioles designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a broken bone in his right hand. The move is retroactive to July 11.
Guerrero has not played since being struck in the hand by a pitch from Boston’s Kyle Weiland on July 10. He’s batting .279 with seven homers and 31 RBI.
TENNIS
Ferrero sweeps past Andujar to win Mercedes Cup
STUTTGART, Germany —Juan Carlos Ferrero overcame a three-hour rain delay to defeat Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-0 in the Mercedes Cup.
The 31-year-old veteran recorded his first ace of the match to clinch the first set. He rolled through the next six games to secure his 16th career title and first since winning last August in Umag, Croatia.
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