Sports Briefs

WADA: Lab data retrieved and being moved out of Moscow

MOSCOW (AP):

Experts from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have finished retrieving data from the Moscow lab that could lead to sanctions against Russian athletes implicated in the country's wide-ranging doping conspiracy.

WADA announced yesterday that the data has been transferred out of Russia for analysis by agency experts. WADA President Craig Reedie called it "a major breakthrough for clean sport".

WADA must still decide whether to rescind the Russian Anti-Doping Agency's (RUSADA) compliance. RUSADA was reinstated last September with the caveat that all the data be retrieved from the lab by December 31. But Russia sent WADA experts home empty-handed before the deadline, only for them to return last week.

WADA's compliance review committee is reviewing the case and will send its recommendation to the executive committee, which will decide RUSADA's status next Tuesday.

Gladys Knight to sing national anthem at Super Bowl

NEW YORK (AP):

Gladys Knight will sing The Star-Spangled Banner at this year's Super Bowl. The seven-time Grammy Award winner says she's proud to use her voice to "unite and represent our country" in her hometown of Atlanta.

The 74-year-old and the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Her hits include Midnight Train to Georgia and That's What Friends Are For.

Maroon 5 will be joined by Big Boi, Atlanta-based rapper from Outkast, and Travis Scott during the half-time performance.

CBS broadcasts this year's Super Bowl from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on February 3.