Pitt’s Conner named ACC player of year by coaches

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Atlantic Coast Conference coaches have selected Pittsburgh running back James Conner as their league player of the year and Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson as coach of the year.

The coaches released their all-conference teams and individual award winners Wednesday. The list included Clemson’s Vic Beasley as defensive player of the year, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya as league and offensive rookie of the year and Virginia safety Quin Blanding as defensive rookie of the year.

NFL

Panthers’ Newton to miss game after crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Cam Newton will not play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while recovering from an automobile crash that left him with two fractures in his lower back.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed Wednesday that Derek Anderson will start and Joe Webb will be his backup.

Newton was discharged from the hospital earlier Wednesday, a day after he was injured when his truck crashed and overturned in a two-car accident. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police issued no citations for the accident.

Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said Wednesday that Newton is stiff and sore, but otherwise “his spirits were high.”

A police report states that Newton was driving when a car driven by Nestor Pellot Jr., 46, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, pulled out in front of the fourth-year quarterback, causing his vehicle to flip. The report said Pellot didn’t see Newton’s truck at first, and when he did, he tried to avoid a collision.

The report does not place blame on either driver.

However, the report lists two witnesses who said Pellot pulled out in front of Newton, causing $9,000 damage to his 1998 Dodge truck. Pellot’s 2013 Buick suffered $4,000 in damage.

Owners give OK to new personal conduct policy

IRVING, Texas – NFL owners unanimously approved changes to the league personal conduct policy Wednesday, but Commissioner Roger Goodell will retain authority to rule on appeals.

A special counsel for investigations and conduct will oversee initial discipline, Goodell said.

“This will be a highly qualified individual with a criminal justice background hired as soon as possible for the newly created position,” Goodell said. “The person will oversee our investigations and decide the discipline for violations of the policy.”

After the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases, a more extensive list of prohibited conduct will be included in the policy, as well as specific criteria for paid leave for anyone charged with a violent crime.

soccer

U.S. women draw 1-1 with China in Brazil tournament

BRASILIA, Brazil – The United States women’s soccer team conceded a second-half equalizer in a 1-1 draw against China in the opening match of the International Tournament of Brasilia on Wednesday.

Carli Lloyd put the U.S. ahead in the 22nd minute, but Hang Peng equalized in the 66th of the opening game of the four-team competition. Host Brazil and Argentina will play in the late match at Mane Garrincha Stadium, which hosted seven World Cup matches.

Lloyd redirected the ball into the net from close range after a perfect low cross from the right side by Megan Rapinoe, scoring her 57th goal with the national team. China equalized thanks to its midfielder’s remarkable right-footed shot from the right side of the box, finding the upper left corner over goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Associated Press