[naviga:h2]Accused Conley to skip NFL draft[/naviga:h2]

CLEVELAND — Former Ohio State football star Gareon Conley says he plans to skip attending the NFL draft in person on Thursday and decried allegations that he raped a woman as “completely false.”

No charges have been filed as police investigate claims made by a 23-year-old woman that he assaulted her in a Cleveland hotel on April 9.

Conley said in a statement that he believes the allegations are an attempt to ruin the draft experience for him and his family.

The woman told police Conley raped her in the bathroom of a hotel room after they met in the elevator and she agreed to go back to his room.

Conley’s attorney says the cornerback, projected to be a first-round pick, plans to speak with police about the incident after the draft.

[naviga:h2]Rockets owner fined $100,000 by NBA[/naviga:h2]

NEW YORK — Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has been fined $100,000 by the NBA for confronting a referee during live game action.

Byron Spruell, the NBA’s president of league operations, announced Alexander’s fine.

The incident occurred Tuesday in the final minute of the first quarter during the Rockets’ 105-99 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Alexander got up out of his courtside seat and walked toward Bill Kennedy. Alexander then says something to Kennedy before turning around and heading back to his seat.

[naviga:h2]World Cup to use video replays[/naviga:h2]

SANTIAGO, Chile — FIFA has confirmed that video replays will be used at the World Cup for the first time in 2018.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had already stated that he wanted the technology to be used in Russia, and now he has ended any doubt.

NHL announces Adams Award finalists

NEW YORK — Toronto’s Mike Babcock, Edmonton’s Todd McLellan and Columbus’ John Tortorella are the finalists for the Jack Adams Award as the NHL coach of the year.

Members of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association voted at the end of the regular season, with the top three designated finalists Wednesday. The winner will be announced June 21 at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.