WASHINGTON — Congress approved a resolution Wednesday urging a presidential pardon for Jack Johnson, the late black heavyweight champion who was imprisoned because of his romantic ties with a white woman.
The House passed the resolution by voice vote, about a month after the Senate approved it. The White House had no comment.
Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion in 1908. In 1913, he was convicted of violating the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for immoral purposes.
Johnson fled the country after his conviction but agreed years later to return and serve a 10-month jail sentence. He tried to renew his boxing career after leaving prison but failed to regain his title. He died in a car crash in 1946 at age 68.
NHL approves Reinsdorf bid
CHICAGO — The NHL Board of Governors approved a bid by Jerry Reinsdorf to assume ownership of the financially troubled Phoenix Coyotes, and unanimously rejected an application by Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie to buy the team.
Meanwhile, the Coyotes re-signed forward Scottie Upshall and goalie Josh Tordjman.
• The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Bryce Lampman, who played last season with Amur Khabarovsk of Russia.
Schumacher to replace Massa
ROME — Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is making a comeback for Ferrari to replace driver Felipe Massa until the Brazilian’s return from multiple skull fractures suffered Saturday during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Doctors said Massa, who took his first steps and was moved from intensive care, will not race again this season.
• BMW is pulling out of Formula One at the end of this season.
• Jeremy Mayfield‘s stepmother sued the suspended NASCAR driver in Statesville, N.C., claiming he made slanderous, false and defamatory statements.
Lisa Mayfield argued her stepson falsely accused her of killing his father and taking money from NASCAR. She’s seeking compensatory and punitive damages of more than $10,000 each.
Footnotes.
Tim Howard made six saves in regulation, stopped three shots on penalty kicks and got a little help in the 84th minute from teammate Jose Baxter, who corralled Rapids forward Conor Casey‘s shot with both feet just before it reached the goal line, to lead Everton over the Major League Soccer team 4-3 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie in the MLS All-Star Game in Sandy, Utah.
• The New Orleans Hornets signed forward Ike Diogu.
• Southern California freshman Frankie Telfort has a heart problem that will prevent the top linebacker prospect from playing for the Trojans.
• Elsie Windes scored five goals, including the tiebreaker with 4:22 left, and the United States advanced to the championship game of women’s water polo with an 8-7 win over Greece in Rome.
• In WNBA action, Jia Perkins scored 18 points and the host Chicago Sky beat the Los Angeles Sparks 75-63.
The Associated Press
