Yankees fans who interfered with Dodgers’ Betts banned from all games indefinitely

NEW YORK >> Major League Baseball has banned two fans who interfered with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending any games at big league ballparks.

MLB sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.

“On Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior,” the letter read. “Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities,” the letter said.

Blue Jays add All-Star reliever Hoffman with $33M, 3-year contract

TORONTO>> All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $33 million, three-year contract.

Hoffman went 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves last season for the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies, earning his first All-Star selection in July.

Former Georgia QB Carson Beck commits to Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla.>> Carson Beck is heading to Miami.

Beck, the now-former Georgia quarterback, has pushed his NFL plans back a year and is committed to play next season at Miami, making the announcement Friday and becoming another huge transfer portal acquisition for the Hurricanes.

The move means Beck — who is recovering from elbow surgery performed in December — is presumably taking over as Cam Ward’s replacement as Miami’s starter for the 2025 season. Beck is dating Miami women’s basketball guard Hanna Cavinder.

NASCAR issues rule changes, creates an open spot for elite drivers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves claimed a spot in the season-opening Daytona 500 as part of a slew of rule changes NASCAR announced Friday.

Castroneves is guaranteed a spot in the field under a new provision that earmarks a starting position for what NASCAR called “world-class drivers” who enter a Cup Series race. Before the Friday change, Castroneves was going to either have to earn his spot in the 40-car field on speed in time trials or finishing position in a qualifying race.

Federal judge denies NASCAR’s motions to dismiss antitrust lawsuit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. >>A federal judge has denied NASCAR’s motions to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed against the stock car series.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina also denied NASCAR’s request that two teams — 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports — be ordered to post a bond to cover fees they would not be legally owed if they lose the case.

Ex-Rapids coach Fraser hired to lead Toronto

TORONTO>> Robin Fraser was hired by Toronto for his third Major League Soccer head coaching job. Fraser, 58, replaced John Herdman, who quit in November after about 14 months. Fraser agreed to a contract through the 2027 season.

Fraser coached Chivas USA in 2011 and ‘12, and Colorado from August 2019 until September 2023.