Sports News Summary: MLB remove marijuana from list of banned substances

Major League Baseball (MLB) will remove marijuana from its list of banned substances and players who test positive for opioids, fentanyl, cocaine and synthetic THC under random drug tests will be referred for treatment before being disciplined, the league's updated drug policy announced on Thursday. The sweeping changes, which take effect from Spring Training in 2020, "favor a treatment-based approach to Drugs of Abuse," according to the joint announcement from the MLB and its players' union. Soccer: Pulisic wins top U.S. soccer prize for second time

Christian Pulisic was named men's Player of the Year by the U.S. soccer federation on Thursday, with the 21-year-old becoming the youngest ever to claim the award twice. Pulisic, who also won in 2017, became the most expensive American soccer player in history when he signed with Premier League Chelsea in January for 64 million euros ($73.2 million). Portis, Horn among 10 former NFL players facing U.S. fraud charges

Federal authorities on Thursday charged 10 former National Football League players with allegedly defrauding a healthcare program of more than $3.4 million by filing false claims for hyperbaric oxygen chambers and other expensive medical equipment. Former Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, 38, and former Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers, 38, were among those charged by the U.S. Justice Department. Soccer: Bradley signs new deal with Toronto FC

Midfielder Michael Bradley has signed a new deal with Toronto FC, the Major League Soccer (MLS) side announced on Thursday, extending the team captain's six-season reign in the North. While the details of the contract were not immediately clear, the 32-year-old United States international could be set to end his career in Canada. MLB notebook: Study determines balls weren't juiced

The rise in home runs in 2019 wasn't because of a juiced ball, but rather due, in part, to inconsistent seam height on the baseball combined with "player behavior," according to preliminary results of a study commissioned by Major League Baseball. The early findings of the 27-page report were released Wednesday. The authors were a committee of professors charged with looking into the record number of home runs -- 6,776 -- in the past season. Yankees re-sign OF Gardner to one-year deal

The New York Yankees are re-signing outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year deal for a guaranteed $12.5 million, multiple outlets reported Thursday. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus and $8 million in salary for 2020. There is a $10 million club option for the 2021 season with a $2.5 million buyout if it is not exercised. NBA roundup: Clippers' Leonard wins in return to Toronto

Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points and added six assists and five rebounds on his return to Toronto, and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Raptors 112-92 Wednesday night. Leonard, who led the Raptors to the NBA title last season before leaving as a free agent, was presented with his championship ring in a ceremony before the game. There also was a video tribute. He was greeted with a loud, prolonged ovation. No rest for Woods as U.S. misfire on day one

Already shouldering a big burden as playing captain, Tiger Woods' Presidents Cup load grew heavier on Thursday after the United States crashed to a 4-1 deficit after the first round of fourball matches at Royal Melbourne. The first playing captain at the biennial tournament in 25 years, Woods led from the front in a six-birdie masterclass, carrying team mate Justin Thomas to a 4&3 trouncing of Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Golf: Saudi Arabia to host first-ever women's tournament in March 2020

Saudi Arabia will host its first ever golf tournament for women from March 19-22 next year at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Jeddah, with 108 professionals set to participate. The Ladies European Tour (LET) event will be staged in collaboration with Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation and will carry a winning purse of $1 million.