Sports News Roundup: Dykstra arraigned on drug charges, WTA Finals, Usain Bolt

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt has been offered a professional football contract by the Central Coast Mariners, the Australian A-League club said on Tuesday.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Ex-MLB player Dykstra arraigned on drug, threat charges

Retired baseball player Lenny Dykstra was arraigned Monday in a New Jersey courtroom on two drug charges and for allegedly threatening an Uber driver, with his attorney entering a not guilty plea on Dykstra's behalf. Dykstra didn't say anything during the hearing in the courtroom of Union County Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh. He is scheduled to return on Dec. 3.

Ex-Panthers WR Carruth released from prison

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was released from prison Monday morning. Carruth, 44, left the Sampson Correctional Institution in Clinton, N.C., at 8 a.m. ET without speaking to reporters gathered near the exit.

A-League club confirm offer to Olympic champion Bolt

Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt has been offered a professional football contract by the Central Coast Mariners, the Australian A-League club said on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Jamaican has been on trial with the Gosford-based club since August as he attempts to make an audacious switch to a second professional sport after one of the most decorated careers in track and field.

NFL notebook: Cowboys acquire Raiders WR Cooper

The Dallas Cowboys acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders on Monday for a 2019 first-round pick. "He wanted the player, and he gave me the pick. That's what it came down to," Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said of the phone call from Cowboys president Stephen Jones regarding Cooper.

Cilic downs Shapovalov to reach second round in Basel

Third seed Marin Cilic eased into the second round of the Swiss Indoors tournament with a 6-4 6-2 victory over young Canadian Denis Shapovalov in Basel on Monday. The Croatian, who was champion in Basel in 2016 and can seal a spot at the ATP Finals if he wins the title again this year, opened up a 4-0 lead in the first set before 19-year-old Shapovalov got on the scoreboard.

Dodgers' Kershaw ready to face Sale in Fenway debut

In 11 major league seasons, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw never has pitched at Fenway Park. That's about to change -- on the biggest stage, no less.

Once a Boston hero, Dodgers' Roberts now leading the enemy

Dave Roberts will be in the visiting team's dugout when the Los Angeles Dodgers open the World Series at the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, but there was a time when he was the toast of Beantown. In a tense outing 14 years ago, Roberts, then a Red Sox pinch runner, stole the biggest base in Boston history and one that kick-started a comeback for the ages that culminated in the team's first World Series crown since 1918.

Stephens benefits from positive attitude in WTA Finals debut

Sloane Stephens was delighted to have started her debut WTA Finals tournament with a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 6-1 victory over Naomi Osaka on Monday, especially after the American dropped a tight second set when she had appeared in total control. Stephens, Osaka's predecessor as U.S. Open champion, stayed calm throughout the contest, adopting a patient approach from the baseline before unleashing her devastating forehand to keep her Japanese opponent pinned at the back of the court.

Bertens finds formula to make dream debut from nightmare start

Kiki Bertens was suffering a nightmare debut at the WTA Finals against Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber on Monday when the Dutchwoman decided to change her tactics after a pep talk with her coach. She ended up winning the match.

Falcons hand Giants fourth consecutive loss

Matt Ryan threw for 379 yards, and fill-in kicker Giorgio Tavecchio connected from 56 yards late for his third field goal as the host Atlanta Falcons extended the New York Giants' losing streak to four games with a 23-20 victory Monday night. Ryan, who completed his last 18 passes to finish 31 of 39, connected with Marvin Hall for a 47-yard touchdown. Tevin Coleman had a 30-yard TD run, and Tavecchio made field goals of 40 and 50 yards in addition to his 56-yarder with 1:55 remaining.

(With inputs from Reuters)

(With inputs from agencies.)