McIlroy pulls out of British Open

Rory McIlroy pulled out of the British Open at St. Andrews on Wednesday with an ankle injury, the first time in 61 years the defending champion will not be playing.

McIlroy made the announcement by posting a photo on Instagram that showed his left ankle in an air cast, propped up as he watched Wimbledon on television. That will be his only view of St. Andrews next week, a blow to the world’s No. 1 player and to the oldest championship in golf.

McIlroy said he ruptured a ligament in his left ankle over the weekend while playing soccer with friends in Northern Ireland. He was hopeful that he would recover in time for The Open, but decided two days later it was not worth risking a full recovery.

Bucs’ corner Wilson injured by fireworks

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say cornerback C.J. Wilson injured one of his hands in a Fourth of July accident.

In a statement Wednesday, the team didn’t describe the nature of the accident but said its “primary concern at this moment is for his long-term health.”

Wilson was injured near his hometown of Lincolnton, North Carolina. He played at North Carolina State and has played in four NFL games over two seasons, two coming last year with the Bucs.

There was no call for an ambulance or emergency medical care that night.