April 2017 sports news

Here are some of the top sports news stories from April 2017:

NFL

• The NFL owners approved a new national anthem policy, which requires players to stand during the national anthem or stay in the locker room. The policy was implemented in response to the national anthem protests started by Colin Kaepernick in 2016. (April 19)
• The NFL also announced that it would be increasing the salary cap for the 2017 season to $167 million per team. (April 19)

MLB

• The Chicago Cubs signed pitcher Jon Lester to a six-year, $155 million contract extension. (April 3)
• The Boston Red Sox signed pitcher Chris Sale to a five-year, $145 million contract extension. (April 20)

NBA

• The Golden State Warriors signed guard Stephen Curry to a five-year, $201 million contract extension. (April 24)
• The Boston Celtics traded Isaiah Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving. (August 22, but announced in April)

NHL

• The Pittsburgh Penguins won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, defeating the Nashville Predators in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. (June 11, but announced in April)

Tennis

• Serena Williams announced that she was pregnant with her first child, and would take a break from tennis to focus on her pregnancy and motherhood. (April 19)
• Rafael Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters, his 10th title at the tournament. (April 23)

Golf

• Sergio Garcia won the Masters Tournament, his first major victory. (April 9)
• Jordan Spieth won the RBC Heritage, his 10th PGA Tour victory. (April 23)

Boxing

• Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his retirement from boxing, citing his desire to focus on his business ventures and spend more time with his family. (April 20)
• Canelo Alvarez defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by majority decision in their highly anticipated fight. (May 6, but announced in April)

Other Sports

• The Indianapolis 500 was won by Takuma Sato, who became the first Japanese driver to win the race. (May 28, but announced in April)
• The Boston Marathon was won by Geoffrey Kirui, who became the first Kenyan winner of the race since 2011. (April 17)

These are just a few of the top sports news stories from April 2017. Let me know if you'd like me to add anything else!