National Sports

The Gotzis decathlon in Austria is a storied annual event, but another sporting topic keeps popping up at the track this week.

TORONTO — By now, Drake's relentless grandstanding on behalf of his beloved Toronto Raptors is to be expected. And so too, then, is the wrath of Milwaukee Bucks' fans now excoriating the Canadian rapper for a series of escalating taunts.

WINNIPEG — Willie Jefferson thought there would be some backlash when he left the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the rival Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Turns out he was right.

SHEFFIELD, England — The Toronto Wolfpack ran in eight tries Friday to extend their winning streak to nine games with a 42-16 win over the Sheffield Eagles in Betfred Championship rugby league play.

TORONTO — Recently retired Canadian hooker Ray Barkwill is joining the coaching staff of Canada's under-18 rugby team for its July international series. The 38-year-old native of Niagara Falls, Ont.

TORONTO — One of the founding owners of the Toronto Raptors says he feels like a proud parent as the basketball team prepares for its biggest game in franchise history this weekend.

SAGUENAY, Que. — Olympic short-track speedskating champion Samuel Girard has announced his retirement from the sport. The 22-year-old from Ferland-et-Boilleau, Que.

LYON, France — A "low force" blast hit a busy pedestrian street Friday in the French city of Lyon, injuring seven people as it shattered the glass from a refrigerated shop cooler in a bakery, a local official said.

LYON, France — Tennis might have its legendary "Big Three" in Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. But now Canadian tennis has its own version — and the trio is ready to make waves at the French Open.

TORONTO — The situation may be new for Toronto as a city, but it's old hat for Kawhi Leonard.