Sports News Roundup: Paris Masters, WADA head Reedie hits back at critics, Maryland board chairman resigns

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Ravens, Steelers clash for control of AFC North

The Baltimore Ravens missed the playoffs the past three seasons, have lost three of their past four games to sit at .500 -- and yet are upbeat about a crucial game, a visit Sunday from the AFC North leaders, the Pittsburgh Steelers. "Huge game here at our stadium. It means a lot," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We've got our season in front of us. We'd all love to have a better record than we do right now - we probably should have a better record - but the record is what it is. So that's our starting point. That's where we fight from."

Tennis: Federer begins road to 100 with a win in Paris

Roger Federer made a comfortable start to his quest for a 100th title, despatching Fabio Fognini in straight sets to ease into the quarter-finals at the Paris Masters on Thursday. The 37-year-old Swiss had only made a late decision to compete in Bercy after winning his 99th title in his hometown Basel on Sunday but, despite a touch of raggedness, was sharp enough to outclass the Italian 6-4 6-3 in his opening match.

Doping: WADA head Reedie hits back at critics, won't step down

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Craig Reedie hit back at his critics on Thursday and said he would not be resigning after coming under fire over the reinstatement of Russia's testing body RUSADA. The Scot bridled at comments made by U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) head Travis Tygart calling for him to step down and suggesting having an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member at the helm was "the fox guarding the henhouse".

Maryland board chairman resigns, player claims assault

The chairman of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents announced his resignation Thursday, a day after Maryland fired football coach DJ Durkin. James T. Brady issued a statement that said he was proud of the "deep and thorough process of responding to issues arising out of the tragic death of Jordan McNair," the Terrapins' offensive lineman who passed away earlier this year. The board, after reviewing an investigation into the football program, recommended Durkin be reinstated as football coach.

NBA roundup: Rose scores 50 as Wolves drop Jazz

Derrick Rose scored a career-high 50 points, including the go-ahead basket with 30 seconds left, to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in Minneapolis. Rose shot 19 of 31 from the field, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range. Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves and Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points.

Bettman: More European games on tap for 2019-20

The NHL will continue to build its presence in Europe next season, including a season-opening game in Prague and two games in Stockholm. Commissioner Gary Bettman revealed that information on Thursday in Helsinki, prior to the first of two games in two days between the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets in Finland.

Suspended Voynov applies for NHL reinstatement

Suspended defenseman Slava Voynov has applied for reinstatement into the National Hockey League, four years after being suspended indefinitely in the wake of domestic violence charges. Voynov, 28, played for St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL for the past three seasons. He also won a gold medal with Russia at the 2018 Winter Olympics but currently is not playing, while hoping for a return to the NHL.

Cora says Red Sox haven't decided on White House visit

If the World Series champion Boston Red Sox decide to visit the White House, manager Alex Cora said Thursday that he and his players will respect and honour that decision. Cora, a native of Puerto Rico, has been critical in the past of President Donald Trump's comments and actions in the wake of Hurricane Maria's devastation of the island in 2017.

Take 5: Can Packers' D maintain progress vs. Patriots?

Sunday's deflating ending in L.A. obscured an outstanding defensive performance by the Packers, who go from trying to slow down the Rams to preparing for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. As Green Bay draws another top NFL offence this week, New England should be an excellent barometer for Mike Pettine's defence.

NFL notebook: Still no sign of Steelers RB Bell

Le'Veon Bell did not report to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, the day after the NFL trade deadline passed. He now has forfeited more than $7 million in salary during his holdout. Bell has two weeks to report and still be eligible to play this season. The hard deadline to report is Nov. 13.

(With inputs from Reuters)