Former Broncos RB Ball arrested in Douglas County

Former Denver Broncos running back Lance Ball was arrested Monday in Douglas County on investigation of assault and domestic violence.

Deputies responded Monday to a residence in the Highlands Ranch area near Venneford Ranch Road and South University Boulevard on a report of a “physical domestic disturbance,” according to a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office news release.

A neighbor reported that a victim, bleeding from the head, had run to the neighbor’s house. Deputies arrived and the victim told them that Ball, 37, had started an argument when he returned home from a golf outing where he had been drinking, according to the release.

The argument escalated, and Ball allegedly strangled the victim, broke furnishings and removed a watch from the victim’s wrist, throwing it across a backyard. Ball allegedly threw a cell phone at the victim, hitting the victim in the head and causing a “significant wound.”

Browns’ players robbed of jewelry, vehicle in stickup

BEREA, Ohio>> Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski expressed relief that two of his defensive players were not physically harmed while being robbed at gunpoint by six masked men outside a downtown nightclub.

According to Cleveland Police, the players had jewelry and a truck taken during the early morning stickup.

Police redacted the names of the players in a field case report. However, a person familiar with the situation identified the players as cornerback Greg Newsome II and tackle Perrion Winfrey.

Flyers trade defenseman Provorov in 3-team deal

PHILADELPHIA >> The Philadelphia Flyers have traded Ivan Provorov, sending away the defenseman who boycotted the team’s Pride night as part of a three-team trade that included the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Los Angeles Kings.

The seventh overall pick of the 2015 draft, the 26-year-old Provorov lands in Columbus and is set to enter the fifth season of a $40.5 million, six-year contract.

Philadelphia traded Provorov and forward Hayden Hodgson to Los Angeles in exchange for goalie Cal Petersen, defenseman Sean Walker, defenseman Helge Grans and the Kings’ 2024 second-round pick.

Columbus acquired defenseman Kevin Connauton from Philadelphia in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick (22nd overall) and a conditional second-round pick in either the 2024 or 2025 NHL Draft. Columbus acquired Provorov from Los Angeles in exchange for Connauton.

Marquette extends Smart’s contract through 2029-30

MILWAUKEE>> Marquette coach Shaka Smart has received a contract extension after leading the Golden Eagles to their first outright regular-season championship and tournament title in the Big East.

Smart’s contract now runs through the 2029-30 season. This is the first extension Smart has received since signing a six-year deal when he took over as Marquette’s coach in 2021.

Marquette didn’t release financial terms of Smart’s deal.

James named starter for 24 Hours of Le Mans

LE MANS, France>> NBA superstar LeBron James has been named the official starter for the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans, which this year is welcoming American teams to the world’s most prestigious endurance race. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer said he’s honored to be included in the celebration of 100 years at Le Mans.