Officer: Sharper’s DNA found on victim ADVERTISING Officer: Sharper’s DNA found on victim PHOENIX — An Arizona detective said the DNA of former NFL All-Pro safety Darren Sharper was found in an examination of one of two women who accuse
Officer: Sharper’s DNA found on victim
PHOENIX — An Arizona detective said the DNA of former NFL All-Pro safety Darren Sharper was found in an examination of one of two women who accuse him of drugging and sexually assaulting them last year at a Tempe apartment.
Tempe police Detective Kevin Mace said at a hearing in Phoenix on Wednesday that Sharper’s DNA was recovered from one of the women’s clothing, but none of his DNA was found during an exam of the other victim.
Mace’s testimony came at a hearing in which Sharper’s lawyers are challenging the evidence used to keep him in an Arizona jail without bail.
A judge hasn’t yet ruled on the issue and will continue the hearing today.
Chiefs WR Bowe pleads guilty
RIVERSIDE, Kan. — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe has pleaded guilty to amended charges of defective equipment and littering in connection with his November arrest for possessing marijuana.
Bowe paid $610 in fines after his plea was entered Wednesday in Riverside’s municipal court. City prosecutor Amy Ashefford said Bowe’s amended charges are no different from what others get when charged with speeding and possessing pot for the first time.
Bowe’s attorney, Kevin Regan, said the case is closed and there is no admission of guilt for the marijuana charge, which was dismissed.
Bowe was pulled over in the Kansas City suburb on Nov. 10 for driving 48 in a 35 mph zone. He was arrested after police found a black bag containing his wallet, driver’s license and two containers of suspected marijuana.
Federer, Nadal reach Monte Carlo 3rd round
MONACO — Roger Federer was happier than eight-time champion Rafael Nadal after their straight-sets wins to reach the Monte Carlo Masters third round Wednesday.
Federer took just 52 minutes to beat veteran Radek Stepanek 6-1, 6-2, while Nadal overcame a rusty start to put away Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-4, 6-1.
The top-seeded Nadal, who lost the title to Novak Djokovic last year, dropped his opening service game and trailed 3-1 in the first set. But from 4-4, the Spaniard reeled off six straight games, then the Russian qualifier broke his serve again.
Nadal’s body language suggested he was far from happy with his performance. At times he looked glum-faced, other times annoyed with his shots. His serve was vulnerable, too, as he conceded four break-point chances — including in consecutive service games during the second set. He clinched victory with a crisp forehand winner.
Federer, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2011, was far more ruthless as he raced to 5-0 in 17 minutes. He improved his record against the 35-year-old Stepanek to 14-2. The Czech has not beaten Federer in six years.
Atlanta lands MLS team for 2017
ATLANTA — Atlanta has become the newest city in Major League Soccer with an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2017.
The team announced Wednesday it will be owned by Arthur Blank, who also owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
The MLS team will play in a new $1 billion retractable roof stadium to be built next to the Georgia Dome. While primarily designed for the Falcons, Blank was eager to line up an additional revenue source for the new facility.
MLS, which has 19 teams this season, is expanding rapidly with a goal of having 24 franchises. Orlando and New York City are scheduled to begin play next season, and the league has awarded a provisional franchise in Miami to a group led by David Beckham, contingent on a new stadium deal.
Man City slips further out of title contention
MANCHESTER, England — The English Premier League trophy could be out of reach for Manchester City after a 2-2 home draw with last place Sunderland on Wednesday.
Samir Nasri’s late equalizer at Etihad Stadium was little consolation to City, which is now six points behind leader Liverpool and four points behind Chelsea.
Everton’s 3-2 loss to Crystal Palace dropped it to fourth, one point behind Arsenal.
Madrid beats Barcelona for cup
VALENCIA, Spain — Gareth Bale’s late gallop and goal sealed Real Madrid its 19th Copa del Rey title on Wednesday in a thrilling 2-1 win over Barcelona, as the Welshman filled the void left by the injured Cristiano Ronaldo to claim his first career trophy.
Bale scored in the 85th minute for his first goal in three “clasico” matches.
Angel Di Maria put Madrid ahead in the 11th minute, and Marc Bartra tied the score with a header in the 67th.
The loss is a blow for a Barcelona, as the Catalan club was eliminated from the Champions League and is in danger of losing its domestic league title.
By wire sources
