SPORTS BRIEFS
NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace adds another sponsorship deal
WELCOME, N.C. – Bubba Wallace is adding to his NASCAR portfolio.
NASCAR'S only Black full-time driver announced a multiyear partnership with technology company Doordash on Friday. It will sponsor Wallace's No. 43 Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports beginning Sunday on the road course at Daytona International Speedway. The deal also includes six more races this year: Dover, Richmond, Las Vegas, Texas, Martinsville and Phoenix.
“One of the things I've been praying for for a really long time,” Wallace told the “Today” show.
Columbia Sportswear Co. signed Wallace as a brand ambassador earlier this week. The company will be on Wallace's car at Dover later this month and one to two other races not yet announced.
Wallace, in his third full season at NASCAR'S top Cup Series level, has gained national attention over the last several months as an activist. He successfully pushed NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag at its events and has led a conversation among his peers about racial equality.
He also signed a personal sponsorship agreement with Beats by Dre in July, a deal announced ahead of schedule when the company responded to President Donald Trump targeting Wallace in a tweet.
One week later, Cash App signed on to sponsor Wallace for five races.
“I'm just a walking ambassador right now and I love it,” Wallace said. “I'm very thankful for all these companies and organization to want to be part of this journey.”
Bulls fire coach Jim Boylen after missing playoffs again
CHICAGO – The Chicago Bulls fired coach Jim Boylen on Friday, the new front
5 NFL officials take a leave of absence for 2020 season
NEW YORK – The NFL'S longest-serving on-field official was among five who have opted to take a leave of absence for the 2020 season.
Line judge Jeff Bergman, who was entering his 29th year of service, headlined the list released Friday by the NFL.
Also in the group was back judge Steve Freeman, who was entering his 20th year. He is part of the league's only father-son duo in the officials ranks. Freeman is a former NFL player who spent 12 of his 13 seasons with the Bills.
Also opting out are field judges Greg Gautreaux and Joe Larrew and back judge Tony Steratore.
The league said additional officials will be hired and announced.
Officials are allowed to opt out under the protocols negotiated by the NFL and NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) because of the coronavirus pandemic.