• NBA is looking into claims of salary cap circumvention

• ESPN says league has no proof owner funneled money

• Steve Ballmer denies allegations; Leonard trade on hold

The NBA has disputed an ESPN report on the league’s investigation into possible salary cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers.

On Monday, ESPN reported that, after an 11-month investigation, the NBA was not able to show proof that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard via team sponsorships to bypass the salary cap. The outlet also said the two sides have been “negotiating a resolution to the investigation”.

• Seven-time major champion beaten 6-2, 6-2

• Williams, 46, loses 11th match of the season

• Tsitsipas advances as Dimitrov squanders lead

Colombian Emilia Arango handed Venus Williams a 14th straight loss dating to July of last year, defeating the fading seven-time grand slam champion who is currently ranked 615th in 66 minutes by 6-2, 6-2 at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The 46-year-old Williams was given a wild card entry at an event where she reached a semi-final a dozen years ago. She has played and lost 11 times this season while competing on organizer free entries.

The Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies played before 8,000 fans on Thursday at a ballpark carved into the cornfields of tiny Dyersville, Iowa (population: 4,477), where the 1989 Kevin Costner film was shot

• Braves and Reds break MLB attendance record at Tennessee racetrack – in pictures