National Sports

CHICAGO — The Toronto Blue Jays were sailing along after Justin Smoak and Josh Donaldson staked them to a commanding lead when tempers flared. Bullpens emptied. And in a flash, it was over.

Michael Jordan finally issued his response to LaVar Ball's bravado. "I don't think he could beat me if I was one-legged," Jordan said.

World No. 3 Roger Federer confirmed Tuesday that he will play in the Rogers Cup next week in Montreal. It will be the Swiss star's first trip to Montreal since 2011.

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints released Canadian offensive lineman Orlando Franklin on Tuesday. Franklin, 29, signed a one-year deal with the Saints on Thursday after being released by the Los Angeles Chargers.

TORONTO — Calgary's Brandon Campbell was removed as Canada's representative for the world driving championship Tuesday after being involved in a positive drug test.

EDMONTON — While the headlines have gone to quarterback Mike Reilly and the high-flying aerial pyrotechnics, the numbers suggest it's a crazed-dog defence that has the Edmonton Eskimos sitting pretty at 5-0.

TORONTO — There was some good news for Toronto FC on the injury front Tuesday with coach Greg Vanney confirming that wingback Oyvind Alseth's foot injury is not serious.

Karen Paquin has given up her job twice for her country. The flanker from Quebec City hopes to make that sacrifice pay off this month in Ireland where Canada, runner-up three years ago in France, looks to win the Women's Rugby World Cup.

TORONTO — Receivers Duron Carter and Marken Michel and defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat were named the CFL's players of the week Tuesday.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks signed receiver/returner Quincy McDuffie to a two-year deal Tuesday. McDuffie, 26, led the CFL in kickoff return average (27.7 yards) last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and also registered two TDs.