US figure skating star Gracie Gold is stepping away from the sport to seek professional help with the Olympics a little more than five months away. The 2014 Olympic team bronze medalist and two-time national champion from Newton did not specify in a statement Friday to US Figure Skating what sort of help she needs. ‘‘My passion for skating and training remains strong,’’ Gold, 22, said. ‘‘However, after recent struggles on and off the ice, I realize I need to seek some professional help and will be taking some time off while preparing for my Grand Prix assignments. This time will help me become a stronger person, which I believe will be reflected in my skating performances as well.’’ Her decision was first reported by USA Today. Gold has dropped out of the Japan Open, an invitational team competition on Oct. 7. She has not abandoned her two major international assignments in the Grand Prix series: Cup of China and Internationaux de France. Both are in November. With Olympic qualifying for the US team set for early January, Gold’s prospects for competing in the Pyeongchang Games could be in jeopardy. She would still be eligible to compete at the nationals even if she skips her Grand Prix assignments.
BASEBALL
Beltre on the shelf
Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre could miss the rest of the season after an MRI showed a Grade 2 strain in his left hamstring. Beltre is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks. That would take his recovery into the final weekend of the regular season . . . Tigers righthander Michael Fulmer will miss at least two starts with recurring numbness in his pitching hand . . . Free agent catcher Derek Norris was suspended for the rest of the season by MLB for violating the sport’s domestic violence policy nearly two years ago
BASKETBALL
Lynx extend Fowles
The Minnesota Lynx signed All-Star center Sylvia Fowles to a multiyear contract extension. The favorite for the WNBA’s MVP award is averaging 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks . . . The New Orleans Pelicans will receive the draft rights to overseas professional Ater Majok as part of a trade that is sending forward Quincy Pondexter, a second-round draft choice, and cash to the Chicago Bulls.
BOXING
Pacquiao-Horn a no-go
Manny Pacquiao won’t box Jeff Horn in a Nov. 12 rematch of their WBO world welterweight title fight because the Filipino senator will be busy with government duties. Horn beat Pacquiao in a contentious unanimous decision in Brisbane on July 2. Pacquiao at the time said he wanted a rematch . . . Conor McGregor’s improbable challenge of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas was a box-office smash. An estimated 50 million people watched in the United States alone. According to preliminary numbers compiled by Showtime PPV, the fight threatens the 4.6 million benchmark set by Mayweather’s 2015 fight with Pacquiao.
MISCELLANY
CWHL to pay players
The Canadian Women’s Hockey League will start paying players for the first time this season. The board of directors approved pay ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per player, to be determined by years of service . . . Thomas Vanek and the Vancouver Canucks agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal . . . The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed free-agent center Alexander Wennberg to a six-year, $29.4 million contract . . . Lee Slattery overcame heavy rain and cold to shoot a 7-under 65 in Vysoky Ujezd, Czech Republic, and take the lead in the second round of the European Tour’s Czech Masters as tough weather conditions forced the suspension of play . . . Soccer star Wayne Rooney was charged with drunk driving in Manchester, England, and was released on bail. The 31-year-old striker was reportedly stopped by police near his Manchester home early Friday. He is due to appear in court on Sept. 18 . . . Shaunae Miller-Uibo won her second Diamond League final in as many weeks, setting a world leading time in the 400 meters at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels to add to her 200 title. Yohan Blake won the 100 meters, beating Michael Rodgers of the United States and fellow-Jamaican Julian Forte.
