Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Reports: Nike pulls shoe after Kaepernick's criticism
Nike has scuttled its plans for a Fourth of July-themed sneaker that was to bear a Revolutionary War-era flag, a design that NFL player-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick disliked, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday. Kaepernick said the Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July, as the shoe was called, would be "an offensive symbol because of its connection to an era of slavery," according to a tweet from The Wall Street Journal, the first to report on the cancellation.
Injury may force Nationals' Rendon to skip All-Star Game
Just a couple of days after being selected to the All-Star Game for the first time, Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon said Tuesday that injuries might prevent from playing in next week's Midsummer Classic. "It's still not set in stone if I'm going yet," Rendon told reporters. "I've got a lot of injuries, or little ailments that I'm dealing with right now. So it's the kind of decision where I'm thinking about, I may want to get my body back to 100 percent over those four days instead of actually dealing with all this, and actually not getting time to rest. So I'm still thinking about it."
Angels mourn loss of 'family member' Skaggs
The tragic death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs in Texas on Monday was akin to losing a family member, Angels managers said on Tuesday. Skaggs, 27, was found unresponsive in a hotel room and pronounced dead at the scene by police in Southlake. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Kyrgios and Nadal set to renew 'salty' rivalry
It was the "super salty" blockbuster clash tennis fans around the world wanted to see and Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal duly obliged on Tuesday by setting up a second-round showdown at Wimbledon. When last Friday's men's draw set the pair on a collision course, the only fear was that Yuichi Sugita and Jordan Thompson might gatecrash a reunion between the duo who are not exactly considered best buddies on the tour.
Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 to reach Copa America final
Brazil advanced to the Copa America final with a 2-0 win over old rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a pulsating and, at times, bad-tempered match decided by a goal in each half from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. Both sides tried to impose themselves physically early on but it was Jesus who gave Brazil the lead after 19 minutes when Firmino sent in a low cross for the unmarked striker to side-foot home from close range.
Evergreen Lopez faces Khachanov test in Wimbledon second round
Feliciano Lopez believes there is no secret to his longevity as he looks to land another blow for the game's old guard when he takes on Russia's Karen Khachanov in the second round of Wimbledon on Wednesday. Playing in his 70th consecutive Grand Slam, the 37-year-old Spaniard swatted aside American Marcos Giron in his opener to set up a clash against world number nine Khachanov, who is 14 years his junior.
MLB roundup: Angels win 1st game after Skaggs' death
A day after teammate Tyler Skaggs was found dead in his team hotel room from undetermined causes, the Los Angeles Angels returned to the field Tuesday and earned a 9-4 win over the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. Los Angeles pitchers Andrew Heaney and Cam Bedrosian carried Skaggs' jersey out before the game and hung it in the dugout. The Angels then sent rookie Jose Suarez to the mound against All-Star Mike Minor of the Rangers, and Texas built a 3-1 lead through four innings.
Mexico overcome Haiti in extra time to reach Gold Cup final
Mexico moved into the Gold Cup final on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Haiti but they needed a penalty in extra time to beat the unfancied Caribbean outfit. The 10-times champions have won the tournament more than any other nation and they controlled the game from start to finish in front of a mostly Mexican crowd in Glendale, Arizona.
Morgan's 'tea-sipping' World Cup celebration causes a stir
Alex Morgan powered home the winning header against England to help the United States reach the women's World Cup final on Tuesday but it was her 'tea-sipping' goal celebration that has caused a stir. After putting the United States 2-1 up in the 31st minute, Morgan ran to the sideline and stopped to sip an imaginary cup of tea, sparking a slew of memes and American Revolution references on social media.
U.S. reach World Cup final with dramatic win over England
Defending champions United States reached the women's World Cup final for the fifth time after an incident-packed 2-1 win over England, who missed a late penalty, on Tuesday. In a tournament that has earned unprecedented attention, the much-anticipated game certainly delivered with an abundance of excitement and relentless effort, topped by moments of wonderful skill.
