Garnett, MLBPA critical,Built to Oppress and lot more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

MLBPA critical of Jays for not calling up Guerrero Jr.

The Major League Baseball Players Association criticized the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday for not promoting top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. among their September call-ups. "The union's position on service-time manipulation is clear, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other great young talents around baseball have earned the right to play on the field for a major league team," an MLBPA spokesman told Sportsnet. "The decision to not to bring him up is a business decision, not a baseball decision. It's bad for the Blue Jays, it's bad for fans, it's bad for players and it's bad for the industry."

Ex-NBA star Garnett sues ex-accountant for $77 million

A wealth manager already convicted of defrauding one former NBA star also stole $77 million from Kevin Garnett, and Garnett is suing his longtime accountant and accounting firm, saying they helped it happen. Garnett, who began and ended his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves and also played for the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets, is suing accountant Michael Wertheim and his firm, Welenken CPAs, for malpractice, saying they enabled Charles Banks IV to swindle Garnett by way of businesses in which they both held an interest.

Built to oppress: Arthur Ashe roof turns heat up on USTA

The heat-wave engulfing New York during this year's U.S. Open has left players gasping in distress and organizers faced with burning questions about the suffocating conditions on the tournament's main show court. Arthur Ashe Stadium was given a retractable roof, built at a cost of about $150 million in 2016, which has now turned into a public relations disaster for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) on the tournament's 50th anniversary, with the game's top players criticizing the conditions.

Nadal, Djokovic one win from renewing rivalry in New York

Defending U.S. Open champion Rafael Nadal and twice winner Novak Djokovic are one victory away from renewing their rivalry in the final with both expected to get through their semis on Friday. World number one Nadal faces big-serving Argentine third seed Juan Martin del Potro while sixth seed Novak Djokovic meets Japanese 21st seed Kei Nishikori bidding to secure a seventh trip to the showcase match at Flushing Meadows.

Williams crushes Sevastova to reach U.S. Open final

Serena Williams swept past Anastasija Sevastova 6-3 6-0 on Thursday and into the final of the U.S. Open to sit one win away from a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to continue her remarkable return to the top levels of the game after she almost died while having a baby last year. Williams walked off Arthur Ashe Stadium court with a wave and twirl then waited to find out who she will play in Saturday's final.

Former USA Gymnastics trainer in Texas jail on sex abuse charge

A former USA Gymnastics trainer was arrested and jailed in Texas after being accused of sexually abusing a child at a team training facility in Huntsville, jail officials said on Thursday. Debbie Van Horn, 64, was being held in the Walker County Jail on a single abuse count. There was no lawyer listed for her in jail records. She is due to be arraigned on Friday, according to a media report.

Osaka storms past Keys to reach first Grand Slam final

Naomi Osaka announced her arrival on the big stage at the U.S. Open on Thursday, beating last year's runner-up Madison Keys 6-2 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final and set up a clash with her childhood idol Serena Williams. The 20-year-old Osaka, who is the first Japanese woman to reach a singles final of a Grand Slam, had to fight harder than the score suggested to get past 14th seed Keys, who paid the price for a lack of killer instinct.

Wild C Staal awaiting contract talks after the season begins

Eric Staal, Minnesota's leading scorer a season ago, is eager to talk with the Wild about a long-term future with the team. "I've let it be known that I've enjoyed it and I'd like to stay," Staal said during the NHL Player Media Tour on Thursday. "I think it's a great fit for me hockey-wise. They're a team that wants to win the Stanley Cup real bad and so do I."

Woods, McIlroy share lead for the first time on PGA Tour

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy broke new ground when they tied for the first-round lead at the BMW Championship in Pennsylvania on Thursday. Despite 18 major championships between them, the pair had never shared the lead after any round on the PGA Tour until they carded matching eight-under-par 62s in oppressive humidity on the Aronimink course, west of Philadelphia.

MLB notebook: Donaldson not offered extension, agent says

The Toronto Blue Jays did not offer the third baseman Josh Donaldson a contract extension prior to trading him to the Cleveland Indians last week, according to Donaldson's agent. A report from Jon Heyman of Fancred on Thursday said the Jays "extended an offer for more than the three-year, $75 million deal the Phillies gave to free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta, another major star older than 30. The belief is they were flexible to go at least a bit higher.