Burlington — The University of Vermont cancelled its women’s basketball road game against the University of North Carolina on Dec. 28 because of a state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people, Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman announced on Wednesday.

A number of entertainment acts, including a Bruce Springsteen concert, have canceled North Carolina events because of its so-called HB2 law.

“We strive very hard to create an inclusive climate for our students and staff in which they all can feel safe, respected, and valued. It would be hard to fulfill these obligations while competing in a state with this law, which is contrary to our values as an athletic department and university,” Schulman said in a statement.

Schulman said the decision “was made in consultation with our coaches, the women’s basketball team, and key university officials.”

Vermont opens the season against Bryant on Nov. 11.

NFL Football Chargers Withdraw Offer To First-Rounder

San Diego — The San Diego Chargers withdrew their contract offer to first-round draft pick Joey Bosa and will restructure a new deal that takes into account his absence from the team.

The Chargers’ statement Wednesday said they believe “Joey will be unable to contribute for the full 16-game season without the adequate time on the practice field, in the classroom, and in preseason games.” They characterized their previous offers to the Ohio State defensive end as fair and structurally consistent with the contracts of every other Chargers player.

Bosa is the only first-rounder who has not signed with his team.

Negotiations stalled over when Bosa’s $17 million bonus would be distributed and offset language in the contract.

San Diego said it offered an initial signing bonus payment larger than any draftee received in the last two drafts, and more money in 2016 than anyone draftee except Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

NHL Hockey Coyotes Hire Female Coach

Glendale, Ariz. — The Arizona Coyotes hired Dawn Braid as skating coach and said she is believed to be the first full-time female coach in NHL history.

Braid has a long association with the NHL. She worked part-time for the Coyotes last year and has served as a skating consultant with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and Calgary Flames.

Last year, the Buffalo Bills made Kathryn Smith the NFL’s first full-time assistant coach. Smith is the team’s quality control coach.

The NBA has had two female assistant coaches — Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Spurs and Nancy Lieberman of the Sacramento Kings.

A year ago, the Arizona Cardinals made Jen Welter the first woman to hold a coaching position of any kind in the NFL when she served as an intern in the preseason.

Olympics Gold Medalist Biles Welcomed Home to Texas

Houston — Fans waved American flags and cheered as Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles arrived home in Texas following the games in Rio de Janeiro.

The 19-year-old gymnast from Spring thanked the crowd Wednesday as part of the celebration at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

Mayor Sylvester Turner was among the dignitaries on hand and proclaimed Wednesday as “Simone Biles Day” in Houston. Turner presented Biles with a copy of the official proclamation, amid a backdrop of red, white and blue balloons arranged like a U.S. flag.

Biles — who won four gold medals in Rio — thanked the well-wishers and said she was “thrilled” at the reception.