Feb 14, 2018 3 min read

Pro golfer injured

in deadly car crash

Professional golfer Bill Haas was hospitalized but escaped serious injuries following a rollover crash in Los Angeles that killed the driver of the Ferrari he was riding in and injured the driver of a BMW, officials said Wednesday.

The two cars collided in the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Los Angeles police Officer James Stoughton.

A third vehicle driven by actor Luke Wilson was clipped by the Ferrari, Stoughton said. Wilson was not hurt.

The driver of the Ferrari, who died at the scene, was a member of the family that Haas was staying with as he prepared to play this week in the Genesis Open at nearby Riviera Country Club, the golfer’s manager Allen Hobbs said.

The 35-year-old Haas, a six-time PGA Tour winner and the son of golfer Jay Haas, will withdraw from the tournament, he said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Manziel attempting

comeback

Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel says he’s making a football comeback.

Manziel announced Wednesday that he’ll participate in the developmental Spring League in Austin, Texas, which will play from March 28 to April 15. The league is designed for players hoping to impress NFL scouts. The league confirmed Manziel will participate.

Manziel won the Heisman as a freshman with Texas A&M in 2012 and left school after his sophomore season for the NFL. He was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns, but was cut in 2016 and hasn’t played since.

In a recent interview with “Good Morning America”, Manziel said he’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has stopped drinking alcohol.

Loaiza pleads

not guilty

Former All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza has pleaded not guilty to drug charges following his arrest for allegedly possessing 44 pounds of suspected cocaine.

Loaiza denied all allegations during an appearance Wednesday in San Diego County Superior Court that was also attended by his father and other family members.

Prosecutors charged Loaiza with possession and transportation for sale of more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of cocaine base or heroin, and using a false compartment to smuggle drugs.

The specification of more than 10 kilograms could draw a stiffer penalty.

Loaiza would face up to 20 years and eight months in prison if convicted.

The court raised his bail to $250,000 after the prosecution argued he poses a flight risk.

Elder Francona

passes away

Former major leaguer John “Tito” Francona, the father of Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, has died. He was 84.

The Indians said the elder Francona died unexpectedly at his home in New Brighton Tuesday night.

Francona played in the majors for 15 seasons, six with the Indians.

Terry Francona is affectionately called “Tito” after his father.

Tito Francona batted .363 and finished fifth in AL MVP voting in 1959, his first season with the Indians. He led the AL in doubles the following year, and in 1961 he was an AL All-Star and led the league in singles.

Francona made his debut in 1956 with the Baltimore Orioles. He retired as a player following the 1970 season with Milwaukee.