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Memo tells teams of advocacy initiative plans

The NFL has sent a memo to the 32 teams rounding up its engagement initiatives with players, and looking toward what is next.

The update, obtained by The Associated Press, mentions plans to amplify players’ advocacy in communities and within the government structure at local, state and national levels.

After reviewing topics discussed with a players’ coalition at last week’s owners meetings — criminal justice reform, law enforcement, community engagement, and collaboration — and listing various programs in which the league and players are involved, the memo outlines plans for “media amplification and platform development” through programs launched in Weeks 13-15 of the schedule (Nov. 30-Dec. 18) and in January and February, through the Super Bowl.

Hingis to retire again after WTA Finals

Martina Hingis announced Thursday that she will retire from tennis for the third time in her career at the end of the ongoing WTA Finals.

The Swiss initially confirmed the news on Twitter and Facebook after winning her quarterfinal doubles match. The topseeded pair, Hingis and Chan Yung-Jan of Taipei, defeated Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany and Kveta Peschke of Czech Republic 6-3, 6-2.

“I told Latisha (Chan) from the start (of the year), ‘Hey this will probably be my last year,” Hingis said. “Probably people think after a season like this (to continue) but I think it’s perfect timing because you want to stop on top.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better finish.”

NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart says the league expects Colin Kaepernick to be invited to the next meeting between owners and players to discuss social justice initiatives.

Lockhart says the meeting probably will take place next week.

The players’ union and its members decide who attends such gatherings; the league and players met last week in New York in the wake of backlash concerning player demonstrations during the national anthem. Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem before the 2016 season and currently is out of the NFL, did not attend that meeting.