Top National Sports Stories: Bettis returns…Strasburg feels ready…Goodell says rights must be respected…Federer pulls out

DENVER (AP) — Chad Bettis drew a standing ovation when he took the mound for the first time since cancer treatment, then threw seven impressive innings Monday night as the Colorado Rockies beat the Atlanta Braves 3-0. Bettis scattered six hits, walked none and struck out two. He hadn’t pitched in the majors since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in November. Bettis underwent surgery, followed by chemotherapy.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. (AP) — Stephen Strasburg didn’t think he needed to go on a rehab start, so he made quick work of his brief trip to the minors. The Washington Nationals right-hander struck out five and allowed three hits and one walk in a rehab appearance for Class A Potomac on Monday night. Facing the Salem Red Sox, Strasburg showcased good command of his fastball and good movement on his curveball as he allowed one earned run.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Asked about players who did not stand for the national anthem before preseason games, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday that while the playing of the anthem is a special moment to him, “we also have to understand the other side.” Goodell made the comments at University of Phoenix Stadium during a 45-minute question-and-answer period with Arizona Cardinals club seat holders. He said that “people do have rights and we want to respect those.”

MASON, Ohio (AP) — Wimbledon champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Western & Southern Open, which he has won seven times. Tournament officials announced Federer’s withdrawal on Monday, the first full day of matches at the event in Cincinnati. The 19-time major champion says he “tweaked” his back last week at the Rogers Cup, where he lost Sunday to Alexander Zverev in the final. Federer’s withdrawal means Rafael Nadal will return to No. 1 when new ATP rankings are released on Aug. 21.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for five games after shoving a referee following his red card during Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup on Sunday. The Spanish football federation says that Ronaldo has been suspended for one game for the red card and four games for pushing the referee in the back.