TAMPA, Fla. >> New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner may support a salary cap proposal as long as it contains a provision mandating minimum payrolls.

“I have been on the record already saying that I would consider supporting a cap depending on what the cap is and contingent on the fact that there’s also a floor so the clubs that I feel aren’t spending enough money on payroll to improve their team would have to spend more,” Steinbrenner said.

The Yankees had Major League Baseball’s highest payroll for 15 straight years through 2013 but have not been the biggest spender since then.

MLB is the only one of the four major U.S. professional leagues without a salary cap but has had a luxury tax in place since 2003.

New Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein said in January he would support a cap. Bargaining will begin in about a year for an agreement to replace the five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association that expires in December 2026.

Yankees drop ban on beards >> The New York Yankees dropped their ban on beards, 49 years after it was imposed by owner George Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner announced the facial policy during spring training in 1976, mandating no long hair or beards — mustaches were allowed. Players complied but some pushed boundaries by going unshaven or letting hair fall over their collars.

Hal Steinbrenner, who succeeded his father as controlling owner in November 2008, discussed the contemplated change with Yankees stars Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole in one-on-one meetings. Steinbrenner then issued a statement that “we will be amending our expectations to allow our players and uniformed personnel to have well-groomed beards moving forward.”

Dodgers pitcher Miller has no fracture >> Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller still had a bit of a headache, but slept fine and felt much better a day after getting hit on the head by a line drive, manager Dave Roberts said.

Miller was still in concussion protocol after getting struck by a 105.5 mph liner hit by Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch in the first game of spring training.

Pro football

NFL investigators interviewed some massage therapists >> NFL investigators have been interviewing massage therapists who have accused Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior, the Baltimore Banner reported.

The news website cited three women who participated in the inquiry. The Banner has reported accusations from 16 massage therapists from eight Baltimore-area spas and wellness centers.

Jaguars hire Rams’ Gladstone as GM >> The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Los Angeles Rams executive James Gladstone as their general manager, reuniting him with new coach Liam Coen.

Gladstone held the position of director of scouting strategy in L.A. since 2019, working alongside Rams general manager Les Snead during the draft process. He’s been with the Rams since 2016 and was viewed as a key member of the scouting department.

College football

Portis joins Jackson’s staff at Delaware State >> Clinton Portis, who rushed for just under 10,000 yards over nine NFL seasons and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been named DeSean Jackson’s running backs coach and run game coordinator at Delaware State.

Portis joins Jackson, Norfolk State coach Michael Vick and Tennessee State coach Eddie George as former NFL stars to take jobs at historically Black universities.

Golf

Potgieter powers his way to a 61 >> Aldrich Potgieter showed his ability to shoot low in the Mexico Open, powering and putting his way to a 10-under 61 that gave the big-hitting South African a four-shot lead among the early starters at Vidanta Vallarta.

Potgieter tied the course record and was at 16-under 126, four shots ahead of Stephan Jaeger (64) and a daunting target for those playing in the afternoon.

Akie Iwai shoots 5-under 67 >> Sponsor invite Akie Iwai of Japan shot a 5-under 67 to take a two-stroke lead after two rounds of the LPGA’s Thailand tournament at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course.

After an opening-round 62, Iwai had a two-round total of 13-under 129.

American Angel Yin shot 64 and was in second place. J eeno Thitikul, the world No. 2 who turned 22, was tied for third place, also after a 64.