Newsmakers
Withdrew Slowed by an injured left leg, Usain Bolt withdrew Tuesday from this month’s Diamond League meetings in Paris and Lausanne, dealing a blow to his title defense preparations for the world championships in August. “I’m disappointed not to be able to compete in Paris and Lausanne,” Bolt said in a statement on his website. “I love running at these meetings but at the moment I am unable to compete at 100 percent.” The statement said the 28-year-old “has been feeling discomfort in his left leg since his last competition which has restricted his training.”
• UFC lightweight champion Jose Aldo pulled out of his title defense against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 on July 11 with a rib injury. Chad Mendes will face McGregor for the interim title instead.
Signed Right winger Drew Stafford gave up long-term security to sign a new deal with the Winnipeg Jets. Stafford signed an $8.7 million, two-year contract on the eve of free agency to remain in Winnipeg, where he’s had success since a trade from the Buffalo Sabres. Stafford helped Winnipeg reach the playoffs amid several injuries, and that postseason appearance motivated him to want to return and do it all again.
• The Calgary Flames signed Dougie Hamilton to a six-year contract. Hamilton’s deal is reportedly worth $34.5 million. The Flames acquired Hamilton from Boston on Friday for the 15th, 42nd and 57th picks in the draft.
Honored Churchill Downs has renamed a stakes race to honor Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. The $175,000 Lukas Classic for 3-year-olds and up on dirt on Sept. 26 will wind down the upcoming 11-date meet at the track where he has won the marquee Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks for fillies four times each.
Waived Forward Alexander Semin’s time with the Carolina Hurricanes is over. The Hurricanes placed the enigmatic forward on unconditional waivers with the intent to buy out his hefty contract.
• Cody Hodgson’s career in Western New York will soon be over. A person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press on Monday that the Buffalo Sabres have placed Hodgson on unconditional waivers with the intention of buying out his contract.
Injured U.S. midfielder Brad Davis will miss the Gold Cup with a knee injury. A right knee bone bruise has bothered Davis, the Houston Dynamo’s captain, for several weeks. Davis had not played for the national team since last year’s World Cup.