NFL: Vilma denies bounty

Suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan
Vilma, two former teammates and New Orleans assistant head coach Joe
Vitt all told a federal judge under oath that Vilma never put up cash for tackles that injured opponents.

The NFL launched a comprehensive wellness program for current and retired players — including a confidential mental health phone line.

Ndamukong Suh is being sued for just more than $1 million by a woman who claims she was injured in a December car crash in Oregon involving the Lions’ star.

GOLF: Piercy on top

Scott Piercy shot an 8-under 62 in the first round of Canadian Open in Ancaster, Ontario. Ernie Els is 10 shots back … Bernhard Langer shot a 6-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead over Mark McNulty after the first round of the Senior British Open in Turnberry, Scotland … Stacy Lewis shot a 9-under 63 to open a two-stroke lead at the Evian (France) Masters.

MLB: Marte debuts

Prized prospect Starling Marte homered on his first major league pitch and the Pirates jumped out to an early lead before holding on for a 5-3 win over the Astros, who have dropped 23 of their last 25 games.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said the team is actively trying to trade pitcher Zack Greinke before the non-waiver trade deadline July 31.

Barry Bonds requested another delay in his appeal of his obstruction of justice conviction. His lawyers asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to postpone the deadline for his reply brief from Aug. 2 to Aug. 16.

ETC.:

Leominster (Mass.) Mayor Dean Mazzarella fired John Perrault, a white police officer accused of using a racial slur to taunt Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford.

Neil Reed, the former Indiana basketball player who coach Bob Knight was caught on tape choking in 1997, died after collapsing in his Central California home. He was 36.

Wagner College will name its football field after coach Walt Hameline, who is entering his 32nd season at the school. The ceremony will take place on Sept. 15.