MOTOR SPORTS

Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden is accepted blame for manipulating the push-to-pass system in his season-opening win, calling it an embarrassment. He says he is “not a liar” and didn’t intentionally break the rules. Newgarden gave an emotional news conference at Barber Motorsports Park in his first public comments since IndyCar stripped him of the victory March 10.

OLYMPICS

The Paris Oympics flame was formally handed to French organizers on Friday in the all-marble stadium where the first modern Games were held in Athens in 1896. Greek water polo player Ioannis Fountoulis, the last in a long line of torchbearers, used the flame to light a cauldron at the Panathenaic Stadium. From there, it was delivered to Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet. The games run from July 26-Aug. 11.

BASKETBALL

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. A facial nerve gets inflamed or injured and suddenly muscles on one side of the face become weak or paralyzed. The cause isn’t known, although it’s linked to factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, certain viral infections and autoimmune disorders. Most people recover within about six months.