Update on the latest sports

NFL-PACKERS-RODGERS

Packers say they won’t let Rodgers situation distract the

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ teammates say the MVP’s uncertain status won’t distract them in their offseason preparations.

Rodgers hasn’t been present for organized team activities this week following an ESPN report last month that he doesn’t want to return to Green Bay. Rodgers was noncommittal about his future in an ESPN interview Monday night. Rodgers wasn’t the only notable Packer missing from Tuesday’s OTA session. All-Pro selection Davante Adams and most of the Packers’ other receivers also weren’t there.

Also happening in the NFL:

—Buffalo Bills players are split on whether to get vaccinated at the same time coach Sean McDermott is raising concerns that his team could fall behind in having COVID-19 protocol restrictions loosened for the start of training camp. McDermott notes the issue can be divisive and says he is attempting to educate rather than convince his players to get fully vaccinated. At issue is the six-week period for those who receive a two-dose vaccine in order to be deemed fully vaccinated. The time frame will soon be pushing into the Bills opening training camp in late July.

—The New York Giants have signed fourth-round draft pick Elerson Smith. He is the fourth of the team’s six draft picks to sign, joining linebacker Azeez Ojulari, running back Gary Brightwell and cornerback Rodarius Williams. Wide receiver Kadarius Toney of Florida, the first-round pick, and cornerback Aaron Robinson of Central Florida, the third-round choice, remain unsigned. Smith played in 38 games with 15 starts in three seasons at Northern Iowa.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided not to boycott offseason activities after all. A majority of the 90-man roster showed up for the start of organized team activities. The players hinted last month they may skip the voluntary OTAs due to concerns over health protocols and protections.

—The Atlanta Falcons began their offseason training program without longtime star receiver Julio Jones, who apparently has no intention of returning to a rebuilding team that is still struggling to get under the salary cap. Rookie coach Arthur Smith was tight-lipped about the Falcons’ options. But he insisted that he doesn’t begrudge Jones for speaking his mind.

—Injured quarterback Joe Burrow says he’ll be ready for the Cincinnati Bengals’ season opener on Sept. 12. He had surgery on his left knee in December, and he said it’s back to 80 to 85%. Wearing a knee brace, he threw on the practice field on the first day of organized team activities in which every eligible Bengals player took part. at LSU.

NBA-DRAFT TIEBREAKERS

Cavs lose pre-draft tiebreaker to Thunder, slide into 5 spot

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers dropped another close one.

After going 22-50 in a regular season loaded with injuries, Cleveland lost a tiebreaker on Tuesday to Oklahoma City and will have the No. 5 position in next month’s NBA draft lottery, one spot below the Thunder. The teams finished with identical records this season, prompting a “coin flip” that didn’t go the Cavs’ way. Cleveland’s odds for getting the No. 1 overall pick and perhaps a franchise-changing player like it did with LeBron James nearly 20 years ago didn’t change with the tiebreaker. The lottery is scheduled for June 22. The draft is July 29th.

NHL-GRETZKY-OILERS

Gretzky leaves Oilers front office, citing ‘life changes’

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Wayne Gretzky is leaving as vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers, citing “the pandemic and other life changes.”

The 60-year-old hockey great announced the decision Tuesday on Twitter. He says he will not be able to “dedicate the time nor effort needed to support this world-class organization.” The NHL’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time Stanley Cup winner as a player with Edmonton, Gretzky returned to the Oilers in a front-office role in 2016. Gretzky worked on the commercial side of the business and assisted in development in the district where the Rogers Place arena is located. The Oilers were eliminated from the first round of playoffs Monday when they were swept by the Winnipeg Jets.

MLB-PHILLIES-HARPER

Harper goes to IL

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has gone on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Sunday with a bruised left forearm. The move was made before Tuesday’s game in Miami.

The Phillies also reinstated outfielder Roman Quinn from the injured list.

Harper is hitless in his past 16 at-bats, which has dropped his OPS to .884. He sat out games Sunday and Monday. Manager Joe Girardi had said he was being given a break because of his slump. Harper took a 97 mph fastball to the face last month but wasn’t seriously hurt.

Also in MLB today:

— Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list after missing the first 45 games this season with a right oblique sprain. Mondesi is hitting seventh in the Royals’ posted lineup for tonight’s game at Tampa Bay. Mondesi was hurt in the Royals’ final spring training game on March 29.