Reuters Sports News Summary

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Rockets owner backs D'Antoni as coach

Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni will return for the final season of a four-year contract, team owner Tilman Fertitta said in a story in the Houston Chronicle on Friday. "Mike will be the coach next year," Fertitta said. "He's not a lame duck to me. That's just a media term. That's just a media buzzword.

Horse dies at Pimlico day before Preakness race

A three-year-old filly collapsed and died after racing at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on Friday, a day before the Preakness Stakes. Congrats Gal fell to the track after finishing last in the Miss Preakness Stakes, officials said.

Late arrival nearly meant early PGA exit for Lipsky

A late arrival nearly meant an early exit from the PGA Championship for David Lipsky on Friday after the American failed to make his second round tee time and was handed a two-stroke penalty. The PGA of America said in a statement that Lipsky walked toward the first tee at Bethpage Black for his second round with his putter and a golf ball, but was not within the area defined as the starting point for his 12:43 p.m. ET start time.

NBA dismisses Evans from league for drug violation

Tyreke Evans was dismissed and disqualified from the NBA on Friday for violating the terms of the league's anti-drug program. Evans, a 10-year NBA veteran who played last season for the Indiana Pacers and was an unrestricted free agent, is eligible to apply for reinstatement in two years.

Davidson leaves Jackets to become president of Rangers

John Davidson was named president of the New York Rangers on Friday, shortly after he resigned as president of hockey operations of the Columbus Blue Jackets. "Today is the start of a new and exciting chapter in New York Rangers history," Madison Square Garden Company CEO James Dolan said. "John Davidson is one of the premier executives in the National Hockey League.

Woods misses cut at PGA Championship

Tiger Woods missed the cut at the PGA Championship after shooting a three-over-par 73 in the second round at Bethpage Black on Friday. A month after stunning the sports world by winning the Masters, Woods crashed back to earth in his first tournament appearance since claiming his 15th major, recording a five-over 145 total at Bethpage Black.

Maximum Security owner issues $20 million challenge to rivals

The owner of Maximum Security, the bay colt that finished first in the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago but was later disqualified, is so confident in his horse that he issued a $20 million challenge to several rivals on Friday. Gary West is offering $5 million each to the owners of Country House, War of Will, Long Range Toddy and Bodexpress if any of those horses finish ahead of Maximum Security the next time they race against him this year.

Gonzaga's Clarke stands out, Tacko stands tall at NBA Draft Combine

Brandon Clarke was viewed as a bit of an enigma entering the 2019 NBA Draft Combine. There was no doubting the Gonzaga forward's skill set at the combine, which wrapped up Friday evening after two days at Quest Multisport near United Center.

Koepka leads by seven shots at PGA with record low major score

Brooks Koepka planted one hand firmly on the Wanamaker Trophy when he bolted to a seven-stroke lead after the second round at the PGA Championship on Friday. The American carded a five-under-par 65 at Bethpage Black to set a the lowest score for the first 36 holes in major championship history -- 12-under 128.

Sharks: We've been good, not just lucky

The San Jose Sharks have had their share of breaks in the NHL playoffs. Just don't call them lucky.