Auto Racing
Mayfield’s career on hold
NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield again is suspended from competition after the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday put on hold an injunction that had allowed him to race again.
The Circuit Court ruling renders ineffective a July 1 injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Graham Mullen that allowed Mayfield to return to competition. The Circuit Court’s ruling stands until NASCAR’s and Mayfield’s attorneys make their full case before the court.
Mayfield was suspended May 9 by NASCAR after it said he failed a random drug test. NASCAR later said he tested positive for methamphetamines. Mayfield has denied using the drug and blamed his positive test on the combination of allergy medication Claritin-D and Adderall, which is taken for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
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Mullen, in his July 1 injunction, questioned the integrity of the positive test.
After the injunction, NASCAR tested Mayfield again at his home. The driver tested positive for meth a second time, NASCAR said. Mayfield said an independent lab he contracted showed a negative result with a same-day sample.
Football
Eagles promote McDermott
PHILADELPHIA — Sean McDermott has replaced Jim Johnson as the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, two days before the team opens training camp.
The 68-year-old Johnson took an indefinite leave of absence in May to continue treatment for a cancerous tumor on his spine. It’s uncertain whether he’ll return to the team in any capacity.
McDermott, 35, will be introduced at a news conference this afternoon. He ran the defense in Johnson’s absence after serving as secondary coach last year.
McDermott originally joined the Eagles in 1998 as a scouting administrative coordinator, and has served in various roles as an assistant on the defensive staff.
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Bengals, fans settle lawsuit
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals will pay almost $250,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by fans who claimed they were being forced to buy tickets they didn’t want.
The suit settled this week was filed in 2004 by fans who agreed to buy club seat season tickets costing $1,250 to $2,600 but lost enthusiasm as the team continued to struggle. Those wanting to cancel the tickets were told they would have to pay through 2009. The fans said the original ticket information didn’t note any obligation to pay through 2009.
The fans will split $50,700 with no one receiving more than $2,600 and most getting just $100. Their attorneys will get $175,000.
