Sports

Russia is banned from 2018 Olympics; athletes told to compete under 'Olympic Flag'
The decision by the International Olympic Committee follows last year's McLaren Report, which said more than 1,000 Russian athletes were involved in manipulating doping controls.
Why so glum? The Lynx captured their fourth WNBA championship in seven years. The Twins made the playoffs after finishing last a season ago. The Timberwolves are on track to be a playoff team for the first time in many years. The Vikings are in first place. And the University of Minnesota men's basketball team is nationally-ranked.
Demry Croft asked coach P.J. Fleck for his release after Saturday's 31-0 loss to Wisconsin. He has two years of eligibility remaining and could transfer to another school.
Dr. Larry Nassar was charged with molesting seven girls, mostly under the guise of treatment at his Lansing, Mich.-area home and a campus clinic. All but one of his accusers was a gymnast. He faces similar charges in a neighboring county and lawsuits filed by more than 125 women and girls.
If the Vikings win Thursday against Detroit, it puts them in a very strong position to make the playoffs.
Minnesota, football coach agree to contract extension
The University of Minnesota and head football coach P.J. Fleck have agreed to a contract extension that keeps Fleck in Minnesota through 2023.
Jana Novotna, 'Acrobatic Athlete' who won 17 Grand Slams, dies at 49
The Czech star won the singles Wimbledon title, 16 doubles Grand Slams and three Olympic medals. The Women's Tennis Association said the Hall of Famer died Sunday "after a long battle with cancer."
Undefeated: For Red Lake boxers, a requiem in the ring
Nearly every fighter who walks into Red Lake's reservation gym carries some kind of baggage. Boxing helps to cope. "It's like church," says one trainer. "It's where they escape everything. It's where they go to pray."