Football

RGIII back in NFL — Robert Griffin III is back in the NFL, signing a one-year contract with a franchise a little over 30 miles from where he had his greatest success in the league. The former Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns quarterback signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a surprise announcement Wednesday. Griffin, 28, sat out the 2017 season after his release last March by the Browns, with whom he spent one injury-marred season, appearing in only five games. In Baltimore, Griffin will get the chance to back up Joe Flacco. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy with Baylor before being selected second overall in the 2012 draft by the Redskins. He enjoyed a sensational rookie season, throwing 20 touchdown passes and only five interceptions, but his career took a decisive downturn after he tore knee ligaments in a playoff loss to Seattle.

Mixed Martial arts

McGregor’s belt stripped — Conor McGregor’s run as UFC lightweight champion is set to end. The long-expected move that McGregor would lose his 155-belt was officially announced Wednesday by UFC president Dana White at a press conference for Saturday’s pay-per-view card at Barclays Center. McGregor has not fought for UFC since he won the 155-pound title at UFC 205 in November 2016. McGregor last fought at all in a boxing match he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Aug. 26, 2017. White had not announced he would officially strip McGregor of the championship until Wednesday when he discussed the popular Irish fighter’s return to UFC this year. “Conor McGregor is 100 percent coming back this year,” White said.

— From wire reports