Hockey legend Jeremy Roenick has been suspended without pay this week by NBC where he has served as a sports commentator since 2010 for making “inappropriate comments.”

Roenick was on a separate podcast, Spitting Chiclets, when he started making lewd comments about his on-air colleagues, specifically Kathryn Tappen when they were on a vacation together. He stated that at least one person asked him if all three of them were together.

“Kathryn is an awesome co-worker. But all of a sudden, this older lady is sitting there (by the pool) with her husband, staring at us the whole time. I think her curiosity rose to a level where she’s like, ‘I’ve got to figure out what the hell is going on here.’ So she walks right into the pool and comes right up to us and says, ‘Ok, what’s the situation? What’s going on?’

“I just said, ‘I’m just having a very, very wonderful trip.’ She said, ‘Are they both with you?’ I said, ‘Yes, they are.’ Then Kathryn says, ‘Will you shut up?’ She starts yelling at me. I played it off like we were going to bed together every night, the three of us. And my wife and Kathryn are very close friends, and they scream and yell at me. But it’s worth the yelling. And if it really came to fruition, that would be good. But it’s never going to happen.”

He also described Tappen and his wife as “blond bombshells” and added, “If you’re gonna go with two blondes, go someplace in the summer where the pool is out.”

“Jeremy Roenick has been suspended indefinitely without pay for making inappropriate comments about his coworkers. We will have no further comment at this time,” NBC said in a statement.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Tappen released a  statement after the news of his suspension, “While Jeremy and I continue to be good friends, what he said was unacceptable, especially among workplace colleagues. I do not condone his comments.”

Roenick did not stop there. He also made comments about former Flyers hockey player who is also an analyst, Patrick Sharp. “He is so beautiful, I’d have to think about it if he asked me. I wouldn’t say no right away.”

Roenick has not been fired,  but the decision as to what NBC will do is widely followed as NBC has been in the spotlight with their handling of Matt Lauer, Harvey Weinstein and now America’s Got Talent‘s allegations of sexual misconduct and toxic culture.

Kameron Kelly‘s Cinderella story has been cut short after being waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.

Kelly was arrested outside Mario’s Southside Saloon in Pittsburgh after resisting arrest and what the Police stated was “terrorist threats.”

Kelly was upset that the song that he had chosen on the jukebox was skipped and threatened to hit an employee, according to the police report. He was removed from the bar and told he could no go back in. Then an officer stepped on a woman’s foot, stated she was “his girl” and allegedly “aggressively approached” the officer, saying, “I promise to God I’ll (expletive) you up, boy.”

The charges were two first-degree charges of terroristic threats and one count of second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Police officer Zachary Webb was working at the bar when he was approached by an employee that Kelly was acting inappropriately. Initially Kelly did not leave the bar when asked, but eventually complied. It was then that Webb stepped on the woman’s foot and the fighting started. Kelly pushed his chest against the officer and the officer tried to handcuff the football player.

Apparently, another man, Andrew Lewis, tried pulling Kelly away even after repeated attempts by officer Webb not to interfere. Other officers pulled Lewis away, according to the officer’s affidavit. The affidavit also states: “[Webb] knew that the longer officers struggled with Kelly, the more likely we would be putting ourselves in harms way either by Kelly’s actions or those of the irate onlookers.” Then, he was able to put him on his back and place handcuffs on him. Employees of the bar mentioned that this was not the first altercation that Kelly has had at that bar.

Webb was treated at the hospital for a cut lip, and continued to fight with the officers there.

Kelly, who went undrafted after a stellar collegiate career at San Diego State, got picked up by the Dallas Cowboys, but was cut before the season started. He then went to play for the AAF football league before finally getting signed back in the NFL by the Steelers this year. His most memorable game was getting an elusive interception off of MVP favorite Lamar Jackson in week 5.

Since he has been waived, any NFL team has the right to claim him.

The Cincinnati Reds have been looking for infield help and a new bat and are said to be in talks with the Cleveland Indians regarding All-Star Francisco Lindor.

GET DEALS ON CINCINNATI REDS TICKETS!

Lindor enjoyed another stellar year in 2019 batting .284 with 32 home runs, 101 runs and 22 stolen bases. He’s been an All-Star every year since he’s been in the league, and a two-time Gold Glover. The Indians are in the market for outfield help and apparently are willing to part with one of their stars.

The Reds finished in fourth place last year, missing the playoffs by 15 games. Fifty-seven one-run games, the most in the Major Leagues, with a record on  24-33. It would help them to add a plus hitter and a stop gap in the infield in those close games. The math works, as Lindor could potentially add at least 15 more wins, that could potentially put them in the playoffs (they were 75-87. 15 games would put them in playoff contention).

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Besides getting injured at the beginning of the year, Lindor had led the league in at bats the past two years, runs scored once, and sacrifice hits once.

The Indians are said to be interested in Center Fielder Nick Senzel after a solid rookie campaign.

The Reds scored the fourth fewest runs in MLB last year. Joey Votto and Matt Kemp are entering their 13th and 14th seasons and have been slowed by injury throughout their careers, but the Reds are not thinking rebuild anytime soon. They want to compete in the foreseeable future.

“I’ve said this before, I hate the word competitive,” said General Manager Nick Krall. “The goal is to win. It’s always to win, no matter what the circumstances. The goal is to go out, win and compete for the highest honor you can possibly compete. It’s always that goal. I feel we changed some of that mindset last year, and even though we only won 75 games.”

They have backed that up by spending $68 million on Mike Moustakas how hit 35 home runs last year and has averaged around 31 HRs the last three.

We’ll keep you posted on the latest news regarding Lindor and the Reds

The Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA Finals in 2016, but it was not without its controversy. Kevin Love spoke out this week regarding a cryptic message LeBron James tweeted during their time together.

Love was traded to the Cavaliers in 2014 where he went from being the first option on offense to the second, or even third. Apparently, this was not an easy adjustment for him and the team. Love expressed his thoughts about the fit in/out thing recently, when he spoke with Jason Lloyd of The Athletic:

GET DEALS ON CAVALIERS TICKETS HERE!

”I think on one end it was extremely passive-aggressive and silly, but at the same time, I feel like I did have to find my way and fit in. But it wasn’t an easy process for me. I think right now if that happened — it wouldn’t because I believe who I am now and the growth I’ve had — but I truly believe that you have to understand. ” Love said, “That’s why I never make assumptions. We’ve talked before about ‘The Four Agreements,’ right? Never make assumptions, never take anything personally. Well, obviously I took that personally. I wish I could’ve handed them that book and been like, ‘Listen, you’ve got to understand what it was like to be the main focus, 20 shots a night, be ‘the guy.’”

“My star dimmed a little bit to have to sacrifice. So at least just acknowledge it. All I wanted was a little bit of love. All I wanted was (a pat on the back, an arm around the shoulder). I never got that. I think I just wanted a little bit of love. Not even notoriety, just an acknowledgment of, ‘Hey, listen, we know that you’re sacrificing.’ That was not there the first year. I think Champ (James Jones) helped me to understand, ‘Listen, just be yourself and everything else will fall into place.’ But to really fully get there, it took me a year and some change.”

Love was averaging over 26 points per game and 12.5 rebounds while with Minnesota, but dipped the first year with the Cavs to 16 points per game and 9.7 rebounds while shooting almost six less points.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Rumors have been circulating that Cleveland is looking to trade Love.

Without their star player Cole Anthony, the North Carolina Tar Heels were  in a downward spiral. Now, they are in danger of not making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years.

They have lost five of their last six, and now with Anthony out after having arthroscopic knee surgery. Cole, the son of former NBA player Greg Anthony stated that if all goes well, he is set to return in one month, missing about seven games. When asked if there were any encouraging signs as to how his team played without Anthony, Legendary Head Coach Roy Williams replied ‘no.’

“I’d love to have Cole with us because he was playing better than anybody else on the offensive end, and second or third-best grade wise on the defensive end, but it is an excuse,” Williams said. “I’m glad that I’m able to get Anthony (Harris) and Jeremiah (Francis) some time, because I think in the long term, that may help, but I just don’t know that I will live that long.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

UNC’s ranking has not been favorable this year (95th), and neither has their schedule. They played top 15 teams five out of the past six teams. The good news is they have an easier schedule ahead. UCLA has a sightly better record, (7-4 to 6-5) but they are not as strong, Yale (9-3) plays in the weaker Ivy conference, Georgia Tech (4-5), Pittsburgh (8-3), and Clemson (5-5).

By the time their schedule gets tough again, Anthony is set to return. In his absence, Williams has been trying to develop his young core of players, but apparently it has not been working.

“I have some guys who have lost some confidence with their shot,” Williams said. “Some other guys have got to do better on the defensive end. But our whole team and the coaching staff, we’ve got to do a heck of a lot better.”

Among those who they are developing, freshman Armando Bacot, has struggled recently shooting 2 for 14 and 1 for 6 the last few games.

The Tar Heels play the Bruins on Saturday at 3:00pm EST.

The Browns‘ Myles Garrett is still suspended for the rest of the season after his appeal hearing on Wednesday. Garrett  has has accused Mason Rudolph of using a racial slur leading up to the fight.

Garrett’s comments in the closed session were made public after he stated that Rudolph used a racial slur during the game on Sunday. Garret stated he did not want that information to become public.

“I WAS ASSURED THAT THE HEARING WAS SPACE THAT AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK OPENLY AND HONESTLY ABOUT THE INCIDENT THAT LED TO MY SUSPENSION,” w rote Garrett. “THIS WAS NOT MEANT FOR PUBLIC DISSEMINATION, NOR WAS IT A CONVENIENT ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY MY ACTIONS OR RESTORE MY IMAGE IN THE EYES OF THOSE I DISAPPOINTED.” Garrett posted on Twitter.

Although he has been criticized for his comments and the fact that the NFL stated they found no evidence, Garrett stands by his comments and took responsibility for the helmet incident as well.

“I KNOW WHAT I HEARD. WHETHER MY OPPONENT’S COMMENT WAS BORN OUT OF FRUSTRATION OR IGNORANCE, I CANNOT SAY,” said Garrett. “BUT HIS ACTIONS DO NOT EXCUSE MY LACK OF RESTRAINT IN THE MOMENT, AND I TRULY REGRET THE IMPACT THIS HAS HAD ON THE LEAGUE, THE BROWNS AND OUR DEVOTED FANS.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The league announced shortly after that they would penalize Rudolph $50,000 for his part in the altercation. They saw the evidence that Rudolph tried taking the helmet off of Garrett as well, after the hit.

Rudolph has not taken lightly to the allegations of a racial slur. He spoke with team captain Cam Heyward who backed him up. “He was pretty distraught and said, ‘I did not say that,'” the defensive lineman said. “I think we knew that using that as an excuse is not right.”

In practice, coach Mike Tomlin addressed the accusation with the team. “That’s the first thing he said after he told us. He said, ‘We know Mason didn’t say that,'” backup quarterback Devlin Hodges said. “And from there, he said, ‘Let’s get back to practice and focus on the game.'”

In a much contested game, Deshawn Watson and the Houston Texans beat Jacoby Brissett and the Indianapolis Colts 20 -17 on Thursday night, breaking a tie for first place in the AFC South.

No score after the first quarter, as the Texans’ defense got the best of Bissett sacking and rushing. The Colts’ success came at not giving a target to the accurate and elusive Watson. There were roamers making sure he didn’t run while the wide receivers were well guarded. Watson’s lone interception happened on his first quarter.

The game started opened up in the second quarter with the running game on both sides. Carlos Hyde ran for enough yards to get a field goal and Jonathan Williams ran enough for Bissett to steal a move from the Texans’ playbook when he ran it six yards for a touchdown on a QB sneak.

Bissett would not get close to another touchdown the rest of the way and finished with 129 yards passing on  16 for 29, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was only sacked once, but still couldn’t find anyone open with the Texans defense hovering. Williams got the other lone touchdown and finished with 104 yards running.

Watson passed for 298 yards with two touchdowns and on interceptions for a QB rating of 104.6. He did not run the ball much as he was prevented from it, but the almost 300 yards and two touchdowns would prove to be enough in a game of defenses.

The play of the night was a touchdown throw by Watson to DeAndre Hopkins right down the middle for 35 yards on a beautiful arched spiral with 1:53 left in the first half.

The second half started 10-10, but the Colts scored first with a touchdown run by Williams for 13 yards. It started when the Texans made a gutsy play on their own 40 yard line and decided to go for it on fourth and three. They didn’t convert, turned the ball over, which led to Williams almost getting tackled in the middle, but bouncing off a defender, running to his left and scoring.  The Texans would only score a field goal in the third to end it 13-17.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

But that field goal would prove the difference maker, as Hopkins, made a spectacular catch down the sideline that led to another touchdown. Will Fuller V led all receivers with 140 yards from scrimmage.

The fight for the AFC south will be hotly contested, as both of these teams faced each other twice now and have split the series.

The wait is over for Carmelo Anthony as he has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Portland Trailblazers.

Anthony has been expressing his desire to return to the court since the off-season, yet not landing until now, with the 4-8 Blazers. Anthony is a 10-time All-Star who led the New York Knicks to three playoff appearances scoring over 24 points per game during his tenure.

GET TRAILBLAZERS’ TICKETS HERE!

Last year after ending up with the Houston Rockets after his time in Oklahoma with the Thunder, he explained that he “understood his role” and was “comfortable with coming off the bench when the team needs him to.”

Yet a few months later and only 10 games in, Anthony and the Rockets parted ways, Houston’s General Manager Daryl Morey explaining: “Carmelo had a tremendous approach during his time with the Rockets and accepted every role head coach Mike D’Antoni gave him. The fit we envisioned when Carmelo chose to sign with the Rockets has not materialized, therefore we thought it was best to move on as any other outcome would have been unfair to him.”

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

That sentiment was echoed by Houston (and Melo’s old Knicks’) Head Coach Mike D’Antoni. “We just had to see how things worked out,” D’Antoni said. “And the way we play probably wasn’t conducive to his game and he was trying to make the necessary sacrifices and it wasn’t fair to him as a Hall of Fame player to play in a way that wasn’t good for him, wasn’t good for us. It just wasn’t a fit.”

After two misfires, it seems as though other teams were not willing to take the risk. Until now. Although he has averaged 16.8 points per game, the Trailblazers were looking for some talent to fill holes.

“I have never seen him more excited to play basketball,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said by text on Friday morning. “And because of their injuries, this seems like a perfect fit.”

Los Angeles is the MVP city this year apparently, as the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger and Angels’ Mike Trout have won the MVP awards for their respective leagues, MLB announced on Thursday.

Bellinger received 19 of the 30 first place votes, with 10 second place votes. Trout received 17 of 30 first place votes.

Only in his third year in the league, Bellinger averaged .305 with 121 runs, 47 home runs and 115 RBI. He has now won the NL Rookie of the Year, become a two time All-Star, Silver Slugger award winner, Golden Glove, and MVP in only three seasons. He is one of four players to win the Rookie of the Year award, Golden Glove and MVP before the age of 25 (Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Fred Lynn, and Dustin Pedroia are the others).

Last year’s winner, Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich finished with 10 first place votes. He finished batting .329 with 44 home runs, 97 RBI and 100 runs in a season shortened at the end by injury. Newly minted World Series winner Anthony Rendon got the last place vote with a .319, 34 HR, 117 R, and 126 RBI stat line.

Trout, who also finished his season early due to injury, batted .291 with 34 home runs, 110 runs, 104 RBI’s in only 470 at bats and led the league with a .438 on base percentage (he was on base 44% of the times he went to bat!). All five of the top MVP vote-getters were in the top five in OBPs.

This is Trout’s third MVP award, winning also in 2012 and 2016. At 28, he is an eight time All-Star with a list of awards too long to list. Yet unlike the other teams that the MVP candidates represent, the Angels are the only ones with a losing record. In the history of the MLB, the MVP has been typically given to a player of a playoff-bound team.

The second most first place votes in the AL behind Trout was Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman, whom many had predicted was neck and neck with Trout for the award. Bregman batted .296, 122 R, 41 HR, 112 RBI for the World Series-bound Astros. He got a World Series ring his second year in the league. He has improved his offensive numbers in almost every catergory since he entered the league in 2016.

They might have won the game, but they lost a star. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett could be facing a season-end suspension or more due to a fight with Pittsburg Steelers’ quarterback Mason Rudolph on Thursday night.

Rudolph was having a particularly hard time with the Browns defense all game, getting sacked four times and intercepted four times as well, none by Garrett (although credit Garrett for many of his rushed throws that led to the picks). Rudolph doubled his interception numbers in one night, coming in with 11 touchdowns to four interceptions in his previous seven games.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The incident happened in the last eight seconds of the game during a Rudolph throw. Garrett delivered a hit right after the throw, but apparently Rudolph didn’t like the hit; or maybe something said or extended after the hit. The two were on the floor together, Garrett on top of Rudolph with his helmet facing his as if interacting. The tackle lasted probably a second longer than it could have, and that’s when Rudolph started pushing at Garrett and appeared to be going at Garrett’s helmet.

At that point, Garrett grabbed Rudolph by the armpit corners of his jersey, then went for his helmet and took it off. He held on to the quarteback’s hemlet as Rudolph went to try and get it back. With one of the offensive linemen between them, Garrett swung upwards and around the offensive lineman’s arms at Rudolph hitting him on the side of the head. The hit could have been even worse if Rudolph would not have reacted in time to move the center of his head away from the blow.

After that, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey who was on his way over, grabbed Garrett and started punching him and kicking him while on the floor with the offensive lineman on top of him.

Anyone that watches football knows that fights are regular. But someone trying to hit another player with a helmet on his uncovered head has not been seen either in awhile — or ever. The act has been widely condemned by all, including his own team, Browns QB Baker Mayfield making a statement as well.

“I didn’t see why it started, but it’s inexcusable. I don’t care, rivalry or not, we can’t do that,” Mayfield said. “That’s kind of the history of what’s been going on here lately, hurting yourself. That’s endangering the other team.

“That’s inexcusable. He knows that. Well, I hope he does now. It’s tough. We’ll see.”

The NFL stated that Garrett will be suspended indefinitely and, “at a minimum for the remainder of the regular season and postseason,” per NFL Senior VP of Football; International Communications Michael Signora.

A three game suspension was also handed down to Steelers center Pouncey for the punches and kicks on Garrett, and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi will serve a one game suspension for throwing Rudolph to the ground as well.

The actions and loss of Garrett are a major blow to the Browns, who made a statement this game, after coming in with a 3-6 record. They were chosen in many circles to make a playoff rush with a talented young quarterback, and two of the best receivers in the game in Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. joining the team.

Now they will be without their All-Pro, Pro-Bowl defensive end who is a cornerstone for the solid defense that held the Steelers to seven points and the Buffalo Bills to 16 a week earlier.

Rudolph’s lawyer stated that he is not ruling out charges, but neither the NFL nor the authorities were pursuing the matter criminally as charges have not been filed.

The score was close, but the play seemed lopsided Thursday night as the Oakland Raiders beat the L.A. Chargers 26-24.

Although neither Philip Rivers nor Derek Carr were particularly impressive for a sustained period of time besides some nice passes, the game went down to the final minutes due to some great defense. Carr ended up with an unimpressive 218 yards to Rivers’ 207. But the difference was the turnovers: Carr zero, Rivers three.

Rivers was picked early on twice, once in the opening drive by Erik Harris (who would go on to for another one that led to a pick-six). The Raiders can claim a team victory on this one with Carr protecting the ball an a single touchdown throw, kicker Daniel Carson going for eight points, rookie running back Joshua Jacobs scoring one and Harris with a touchdown.

Chargers were down 17-20 with four minutes to go when Rivers passed to Austin Ekeler in the red zone to make it 24-20. The Raiders had one final chance after that, which Carr took full advantage of. Credit the coaching staff as well, Carr threw the ball for first downs 10 to 12 yards at a time to go all the way across the field to the 18 yard line. No doubt San Diego expected another throw, Oakland instead handed the ball to Jacobs who ran almost straight ahead for the final touchdown. Jacobs ran for 71 yards, but that last drive drew up his fantasy value.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The Chargers were indeed outplayed as they rushed Rivers five times to go with the three picks; which makes me question why the score was so close.

We will see in the coming weeks if the Chargers can pick up steam as they play the Pat Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs (who have split games without him) and get close to above .500, while the Raiders next face the win-less Cincinnati Bengals at 0-8.

Raiders Bengals on Sunday night and the Chiefs versus Chargers on Monday Night. Football.

In an expected move, the New England Patriots have released wide receiver Josh Gordon this week. Gordon is also expected to be claimed with a team looking for receiver this week.

Gordon is considered one of the most talented wide receivers today, yet he has famously struggled with substance abuse that has led to multiple suspensions from the league. But the Patriots have a reputation for taking talented but troubled athletes into their team and usually doing something extraordinary with them.

Gordon had a relapse last season but was able to play 11 games. But a nagging injury has kept him from being the type of player the Pats envisioned once clean and sober. He was placed on the injured reserve list which many already knew was a step right before release.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

When healthy, he is a Pro-Bowler and one-of-a-kind talent. Even better, Gordon stressed that his knee feels “good enough to play” and whoever picks him up will only have to pay for the remainder of the season, about $1 million. He has caught 20 passes for 287 yards prior to his injury.

Teams that are in desperate need for wide receiver include the following:

1. The Jets seem to be on everyone’s list as first or second team that should take him. They have had their issues and how much of that is due to the lack of a solid wide receiver could be tested with the addition of Gordon.
2. Miami Dolphins are first in the waiver order, yet I am not sure if taking a troubled star is a priority for them right now. But if they are to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm right now, having someone deep to throw to deep could make all the difference, since ‘Fitzmagic’ is known for having a cannon for an arm.
3. As a Chicago Bears fan, I can tell you we’ve had a surprisingly bad season. Much is credited to quarterback Mitch Trubisky and/or Head Coach Matt Nagy. But what if we had deeper threats? Could it be that teams are used to the short passes and running plays?

We will have to wait and see who claims him. I am betting on Miami.

Joel Embiid and Karl Anthony-Townes got into a fight on Wednesday night. But Ben Simmons‘ choke hold had everyone talking.

Embiid and Anthony-Townes got tangled up away from the ball in a fight that got close to fist fighting if they didn’t immediately get into body locks trying to bring each other down on the ground. Both players were ejected after a long review session by referees.

The incident happened when the Philadelphia Sixers where defending the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves. A switch on defense got Embiid to guard Anthony-Townes under the rim. And that’s when the fight happened.

Video showed that Embiid pushed his body against the T’Wolves Forward, tangling his arm under Anthony-Townes (KAT).  KAT tried to untangle himself, pulling his other arm up. And that’s when the pushing and punching came in. KAT tried punching Embiid and missed, while Embiid pocket KAT in the eye. They grabbed each other by the neck and waist, clearly not knowing exactly what was next. By the time they were headed to the floor to scuffle, both teams were swarming the two.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

But there was a second incident that social media is calling for a review of. Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons was one of the first to disrupt the altercation, creating one of his own. Simmons got behind opposing player Anthony-Townes and finished bringing him to the floor pretty much with his body weight alone as Anthony-Townes was already falling and Simmons might as well have jumped on his back.  Fans are accusing him of a  dangerous move when he went for a choke hold.

The Sixers All-Star guard has been met with criticism over endangering his opponent with an unnecessary move.

While the referees officially put in their report that Simmons was a ‘peacemaker,’ the Timberwolves are rejecting that assessment.

Embiid has a history of trying to get under people’s skin. In 2018 he famously taunted New York Knick Michael Beasley, was trolled by pretty much all of Toronto including Drake last season, and has been deemed an internet troll (which he affirms).

The play is under review by the league as both Embiid and Anthony-Townes face possible suspensions. League president of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said video and interviews are being held about the situation.

The World Series has not gone well for the Houston Astros. They are down 0-2 going into the weekend after playing the first two games at home. Washington Nationals will put Anibal Sanchez on the mound while the Astros bring out Zack Greinke once again.

The last team to come back from  0-2 in the World Series was the New York Yankees in 1996. Making it more difficult, they have to tie the series while playing away from home.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Major League Baseball broke records this year with home runs, yet pitching stats also went up. The Washington Nationals were not necessarily favorites going into this World Series against the defending World Champions, but they featured three pitchers that averaged over 240 strikeouts each (Stephen Strasburg 251, Max Schrerzer 243, Patrick Corbin 238).

In comparison, the Astros’ top three have averaged an unprecedented 271 strikeouts (Greinke 187, Garret Cole 326 and Justin Velander 300). Each had a sub-3.00 ERA as well. Vegas must be losing quite a bit of money this October.

Many thought this would be a ‘rubber match’ with games decided on the pitching mound, but it has not turned out that way. Twenty-four runs have been scored between both teams in two games (to be fair, 17 of those have been by the Nationals).

With the loss of 2015 MVP Bryce Harper, the Nationals were not on many people’s radar as the post-season offensive firepowers Astros, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The Astros led or finished in the top three in almost every single offensive category this season (only missing in triples). While the Nats only placed in the top three in one.

So it’s quite a surprise that they have given Cole his first loss since May, and Greinke a shelling he hasn’t had in awhile as well. With such youngsters as Juan Soto who was left out of the All-Star team this year (the Astros had six All-Stars) the Nats have a lot to look forward to since they have quite a young roster.

Sanchez, the Nationals starter for Friday, was not in the top three conversation because, although he had a pretty good season, it was nothing to the level of his three teammates. But he’s become a beast in the postseason. In two games, he had 12.2 innings pitched with only one run allowed, 14 strikeouts and only three walks. We will see if Greinke bounces back and if the formidable Astros bats wake up, or if the Nationals continue their Cinderella season.

Crucial game three of the series is tonight at 7:10 p.m. EST.

We will have to wait and see how Zion Williamson impacts the league a little longer than just the start of the NBA season. Williamson injured his knee in preseason and is expected to miss a few weeks.

He was kept out of a preseason game earlier with a sore ‘left’ knee, but apparently this injury is to his ‘right’ knee. He is expected to make a full recovery. The NBA season for the New Orleans Pelicans is set to start this coming Tuesday.

Williamson has been averaging 23.3 points per game and 6.5 rebounds. He’s got a 71.4% field goal percentage, but the majority of his shots are either dunks or shots within five feet.

There was no indication of a collision that might have caused the knee problem, which is why Pelicans Executive VP David Griffin stated they were keeping him off the roster with “an abundance of caution.”

If you recall, Williamson has had his share of injuries in his lone year at college. He very famously tore his shoe on a stop in the middle of a game, injuring his leg.

The fans that bought tickets to the home opener will be disappointed, as the Pelicans have been selling record number of tickets to the first week of the season.

Many call him the next big sensation, comparing him to the explosiveness and aggressiveness of Derrick Rose and the overall impact and court awareness of Lebron James. I’d like to compare him to another player: Blake Griffin. At least in the beginning of his career.

Like Williamson, Griffin started his career as a physical anomaly: incredibly strong, fast and vertical for his size. Griffin tore through the league, bullying and dunking his way to numbers similar to Williamson’s preseason numbers. Both played primarily around the rim.

The Pelicans rookie has nailed a three or two during games, but most of his work is below the rim. Griffin now features mid-range and deep shots as well. And although Zion only averaged 2.3 assists a game, his court awareness and passing ability are definitely advance for a rookie. He is above average with court awareness than Griffin was in his early years. But, I see a lot of parallels between the two.

We will have to wait a little longer to find out, but expect a full recovery for the 276-pound dunk machine called Zion Williamson

It was all cheers and tears as C.C. Sabathia‘s made his final pitch as a Major League baseball player. As reported earlier, he was not going to start in the playoffs, but was available for relief.

Sabathia was battling injuries all year long. Instead of calling it a career after his last setback during the regular season, he came back for a final start, which was met with a lot of emotions from player and fans. It was his last major league start at home. No word was given whether he would be in the roster for the playoff at the time, so the assumption that this was his last appearance in pinstripes was valid.

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

But then, down two games to one against Houston, the New York Yankees were down 7-3 when Sabathia came in as relief in the eight inning. When the skipper Aaron Boone called for Sabathia, he was visibly emotional. Sabathia inherited two runners at the corners (one on a fielding error). He was pitching well, getting a few infield ground balls; but one of them was not fielded properly and ended up loading the bases. After a pitch to the next batter, he knew there was something wrong.

Sabathia briefly touched his shoulder, but walked around trying to stay in the game. The trainer and coach Girardi went on to the field to talk to Sabathia. After a warm up pitch, he begrudgingly walked back to the dugout.

It was a bittersweet moment of sportsmanship as the whole crowd rallied around him, including fans with both jerseys and Astros players giving him a standing ovation. Sabathia got to the steps of the hallway leading to the locker room, sat down, and put his head down away from the cameras.

It was the end of two decades of Sabathia. The Astros won 8-3 and are down three to one in the series.

The next game is Friday at 7:10 p.m. EST.

Joe Maddon was not going to be unemployed for long if he didn’t want to. The question was where he would go. On Wednesday, the manager signed a three-year deal with the Anaheim Angels.

It is quite a homecoming for Maddon, as he spent most of his career in Anaheim and won the 2002 World Series with the Angels as a bench coach. However, his career with the team started as a player.

From 1975 to 1979, Maddon was a catcher in the Angels organization. His last year, he switched from playing to scouting and started his ascent to the pinnacle of baseball glory with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.

Maddon spent the 1980s coaching in the minor leagues to a losing record and finally got to the big league club in 1993.

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Maddon won the World Series, ending the Cubs’ record 108-year national title drought. Nevertheless, some have argued the mastermind was Theo Epstein, the man who also ended the Boston Red Sox’ second-longest drought. However, Maddon’s work in Tampa Bay with the Rays showed his gift for coaching.

The Rays were rebuilding, had a young core and the lowest payroll in pro baseball, not to mention consecutive losing seasons and maybe more to come. But Maddon came and turned them into winners. The Rays clinched their first ever American League Division title, beating the heavyweight Red Sox and Yankees, who boasted much more massive payrolls.

Maddon is thus “going home” in a way. Now, he will handle a new roster that includes one of the best living players in Mike Trout, two-way sensation Shohei Otani (who is scheduled to pitch next year after spending a season only hitting after Tommy John surgery), a blooming Tommy La Stella (whom Maddon coached in Chicago), plus whatever roster moves they make this offseason. The Angels have had four consecutive losing seasons.

Maddon is famous for working with young and developing players. Fans will surely be excited to see what happens during the offseason.

The Washington Wizards and guard Bradley Beal agreed to a two-year extension to his original contract worth an extra $72 million this week. This was to be his last year of the deal.

This is significant, as many believe it will change the course of free agency to come. An extension of this type and amount will allow Beal to potentially sign the largest contract in NBA history, since he will be in his prime at the end of the three years left: he will be 29 in 2022.

Beal told reporters on Thursday that he loves Washington, D.C. and hopes to stay there for the rest of his NBA career.

“I love DC,” said Beal. “This is where I always wanted to be and this is where I wanna be for the rest of my career.”

Beal and teammate John Wall both signed huge contracts that show the Wizards’ confidence in their tandem. Owner Ted Leonsis signed large and long term contracts with both players early on in their careers before they had reached their prime, while they still showed promise. The most untested of these was Beal. Both players grew during their contract and their time on the team together.

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Beal also had a history of injuries before the original five-year, $128 million dollar contract in 2017. After that deal, he had his most productive years and the Wizards reached the playoffs.

Given the fact that superstar players have been increasingly moving from franchise to franchise and teaming up with other stars recently, it seems like an old strategy to keep a young core intact with max contracts the way Leonsis is. Sure, this strategy has payed off with improvement. However, the Wizards have also been scrutinized for their other roster moves in the past.

Wall, who has had a problem staying healthy before his own max deal in 2013, will miss all of next season with a torn Achilles tendon. Meanwhile, Beal signed the contract mainly due to the future and what the franchise is doing to add to the roster.

“He’s thrilled about all the resources that Ted is pouring into the franchise,” said Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein, who added his client is “thrilled how committed [Leonsis] and [General Manager] Tommy [Sheppard] are to building something special.”

The NBA season is just days away from starting. Staying healthy will be Beal’s number one focus until then.

The biggest hit the San Francisco 49ers have experienced this season is to their health. They are 5-0 with nine starters on their injured list.

Joe Staley — the six time Pro-Bowler and three time second team All-Pro offensive tackle — has been the most significant player lost to injury. Staley suffered a fracture left fibula against the Bengals on Sept. 15.

However, the good news is that coach Kyle Shanahan (who gets my vote for Coach of the Year as it stands) said Monday that Staley is close to returning, as is third-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. According to NBC Sports, the Niners said in their latest injury update that Staley could be back as soon as the Week 7 home game against Carolina, while WItherspoon could return to the lineup by the Week 8 matchup at Arizona.

Witherspoon — who has been really good lining up parallel to future Hall of Famer Richard Sherman at CB — went down with a right foot strain against the Steelers on September 22 . Sherman could have been the tenth player on this list of injuries after leaving the game against the Rams early with a right arm injury, but the coach said he would most likely play this week and did not put him on the injured reserve list (with another “honorable mention” that escaped the IR Sunday: K’Waun Williams, who was examined for a hand injury).

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey and full back Kyle Juszczyk are out for four to six weeks with significant knee injuries, and the latter requires surgery. This means the pair will return until sometime between the Nov. 11 home game against Seattle or the Dec. 1 matchup at Baltimore.

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Meanwhile, wide receivers Trent Taylor and rookie Jalen Hurd show that the injuries do not discriminate between defense or offense. Hurd has not played a snap in the NFL, but was chosen in the third round this year with a lot of promise after a decorated college career. Jason Verrett, Kentavius Street and Garrett Celek round out the list.

The 5-0 49ers play the new-look Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Redskins started the season 0-5; but after letting head coach Jay Gruden go last week, they beat the struggling Miami Dolphins under promoted coach Bill Calahan.

Hopefully, the Niners will have two of their main pieces back in time for their game against the surging Carolina Panthers, who have won the last four straight contests against good teams.

There’s no question that the Pittsburgh Steelers got one of the hardest schedules to begin the season. They will get tested even more now that defensive workhorse Stephon Tuitt went down with a season-ending injury on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Steelers won Sunday’s game by a score of 24-17. Tuitt — who signed a five-year, $60 million dollar extension in 2017 — was having a career year with 3.5 sacks during the first five games before he tore a pectoral muscle that will require surgery to fix. The defensive end’s teammates had much to say about the loss and the kind of year he was having.

Tyson Alualu said of Tuitt, “He was having his best year.”

“I think he could have played in the Pro Bowl,” claimed defensive coordinator Keith Butler.

“I thought Tuitt was having a heck of a year,” defensive lineman Cam Heyward added. “From the offseason to where he got here, he made a lot of progression. I was proud of him. I like to think he was having a Pro Bowl, All-Pro year.”

The Steelers have dealt with their star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being out for the season after Week 2. Roethlisberger had led them to two Super Bowl titles and were hoping to compete for another this year. They have lost some close games to the 5-1 Seahawks and the 5-0 49ers, even without Roethlisberger; which shows the resilience of the team. Now, they will have to show even more.

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Javon Hargrave is a nose tackle who filled in for Tuitt on Sunday, as did backup Alualu. Both Hargrave and Alualu played decently in Tuitt’s absence. However, the Chargers came back from 24-0 to score 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. We will have to wait and see in three weeks if Tuitt’s absence made a distance.

The Steelers are playing the Miami Dolphins on Sunday after a bye week. The Dolphins are 0-5 with no signs on improving this year, as they are missing quite a few pieces.