After The Game: May 2022

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Joel Embiid has thumb surgery

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid underwent surgery on Monday to repair his injured right thumb, the team announced, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Embiid also had a procedure to mend his left index finger, Charania adds.

JA Happ retires from baseball

Former All-Star pitcher J.A. Happ has retired from baseball, the left-hander told Jessica Lindberg's "The Heart Strong" podcast.

"Even though I had put the work in to be ready if the right situation came, I felt like it was time to move on and be a dad and dive into the kids," Happ said.

Buccaneers sign Hicks 1 Year $10M

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached an agreement with former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Hicks, a Pro Bowler in 2018, spent the last six seasons with the Bears, starting 77 games. The 32-year-old, who's been a solid run defender throughout his entire career, was one of football's most disruptive defensive linemen early in his stint in Chicago. He racked up 23 sacks and 38 tackles for loss from 2016-18.

Martin St. Louis’ contract

Canadiens interim head coach Martin St. Louis' official return behind the bench in Montreal appears imminent.

"I'm not worried about our negotiations with Martin," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said at the NHL Draft Combine on Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Sean Farrell. "Our focus has been on the draft coming up. … I expect in the coming days to be able to settle the contract."

Watson sexual misconduct reaches 23 women

Another massage therapist has filed a civil lawsuit against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, raising the number of women who have accused him of sexual misconduct to 23.

Iga Swiatek with another victory

The loss of one set by a player is normally not the stuff of headlines at a Grand Slam tournament. That did constitute news at the French Open on Monday, because the player was No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek and it had been more than a month since that happened to her.

Arizona Cardinals Jeff Gladney killed in car accident

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney died in a car accident Monday morning at the age of 25, his agent Brian Overstreet told Drew Davison and Clarence E. Hill of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who are mourning this tremendous loss," the Cardinals said in a statement.

Rangers thump Hurricanes in Game 7

Nothing is fazing these New York Rangers, not multi-game series deficit nor playing in a building where no road team has won in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Instead, this resilient bunch is carrying an ever-growing confidence straight into the Eastern Conference finals, thanks to another Game 7 win and the latest strong performance from possibly the game's best goaltender.

Monday, May 30, 2022

Detroit Tigers call up Kody Clemens

The Detroit Tigers called up 26-year-old infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens, the youngest son of seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens, on Monday.

The move was necessitated by outfielder Robbie Grossman landing on the injured list with a neck strain.

Jonathan Villar needs some dental work

The Chicago Cubs placed infielder Jonathan Villar on the 10-day injured list with a mouth injury.

Villar needs significant dental work after injuring himself when an exercise band he was using snapped back into his mouth

McCollum joins ESPN as NBA Analyst

New Orleans Pelicans guard and NBA Players Association president CJ McCollum has added another title to his busy schedule — NBA analyst for ESPN.

The network announced Monday that they have signed the Pelicans star to a multi-platform deal. He will make his ESPN debut on Thursday during "NBA Finals: Celebrating 75", which will be ESPN2's alternate presentation of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics.

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Gabe Kapler demands change

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, who has been avoiding the field during the national anthem as a protest following last week's school shooting in Texas, said he may suspend that decision Monday in recognition of Memorial Day.

Kapler said Friday he would refuse to take the field for the anthem to protest the nation's political direction. He said his protest would continue "until I feel better about the direction of our country."

Travis Kelce is focused on winning

Heading into the final stretch of his NFL career, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce says he's focused more on winning than maximizing his earnings.

"Money, in my mind, is almost secondary at this point in my career," Kelce said Thursday, according to The Kansas City Star's Blair Kerkhoff. "I'm here for the legacy, and I'm here to try and make the Kansas City Chiefs the best team possible. That's my main focus. That's why I'm here."

Finland edges Canada in OT for Gold

Finland defeated Canada 4-3 in overtime on home ice to win gold at the 2022 IIHF World Championship on Sunday, capturing its second title in the last three tournaments.

Blue Jays 4 Game sweep over Angeles

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. doubled home the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning for his season-high fifth RBI, and the Toronto Blue Jays overcame two homers by Shohei Ohtani to complete a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with an 11-10 victory Sunday.

Tyler Herro questionable for Game 7

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra announced guard Tyler Herro remains questionable for Sunday's do-or-die Game 7 against the Boston Celtics, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has missed the last three contests due to a groin injury.

Fernandez advances to quarter finals

U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez has moved into the quarterfinals at Roland Garros for the first time with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Amanda Anisimova.

The 19-year-old Fernandez had more than twice as many winners, 35, as unforced errors, 17, and continued her run of impressive returning at the tournament. She broke Anisimova six times and now has won 23 of her opponents' service games through four matches.

Jason Spezza announces his retirement

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza announced his retirement after 19 NHL seasons.

Additionally, the 38-year-old Spezza will immediately join Toronto's front office as a special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas.

Calgary Budweiser Models: Mission Failed

Their mission for the Budweiser models from Calgary's Cowboys Nightclub was clear in Game 5 of the Battle of Alberta: throw Connor McDavid off his game and power the Flames to a series-saving victory.

The Budweiser models behind the Oilers bench failed.

The 25-year-old superstar McDavid delivered a series-ending overtime goal and the Oilers are now headed to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2006.

David Njoku signs 4 year $56M contract

The Cleveland Browns and tight end David Njoku reached an agreement on a four-year, $56.75-million extension that includes $28 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Njoku's new $14.19-million average annual salary will rank fourth among tight ends

Antonio Brown says “I’m great”

The NFL might be done with Antonio Brown, and the wide receiver says he isn't looking to find a way back.

Asked if he would suit up next season during an interview at a Fan Controlled Football game, Brown said, "Nah, don't play yourself looking at me to play."

"Obviously, we live the game, but you can't play forever," he added. "I think I'm a great player that's done everything in the game."

Matthew Tkachuk open to resigning in Calgary

Matthew Tkachuk says he's willing to commit to the Calgary Flames for the foreseeable future this offseason.

The star forward, who enters the offseason as a restricted free agent, was asked about his desire to sign long term as the Flames cleared out their lockers on Saturday following their second-round elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers earlier this week.

Matt Chapman leads Jays to victory

Matt Chapman hit a go-ahead two-run double during Toronto's three-run eighth inning and the Blue Jays rallied for the second straight night to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Saturday.

Rangers force Game 7

The New York Rangers got off to a strong start and didn't need a comeback to win another elimination game.

One more like this — but on the road — and they'll be heading to the Eastern Conference finals.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Team Canada going for Gold

For the third consecutive IIHF World Championship, it will be Canada and Finland in the gold-medal game.

Canada scored six unanswered goals to defeat Czechia 6-1 in the semifinals Saturday.

Keuchel nearing end of his contract

The Chicago White Sox designated veteran left-hander Dallas Keuchel for assignment, the team announced Saturday.

Infielder Danny Mendick was recalled in a corresponding move.

Keuchel, 34, struggled to start the season, authoring a 7.88 ERA and 6.20 FIP over eight starts.

Jimmy Butler dominates with 47 Points

Kyle Lowry listened politely while Jimmy Butler shared the credit for Miami's Game 6 victory until his fellow All-Star took the humility too far and called his 47-point, elimination-avoiding performance "decent."

Gabe Kapler not standing for National Anthem

San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler said he won't stand on the field for the national anthem following the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers Tuesday.

"I don't plan on coming out for the anthem going forward until I feel better about the direction of our country,"

Lakers hire Darwin Ham as Head Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers hired Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham as their head coach Friday, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Ham beat out former Portland Trail Blazers bench boss Terry Stotts and Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson to earn his first head coaching job. The deal is for four seasons

Friday, May 27, 2022

Blake Coleman disallowed goal

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman doesn't understand why his go-ahead goal late in Thursday's Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilerswas disallowed.

"I don't think I understand the rule," Coleman said postgame, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "Getting pushed, trying to keep my foot on the ice. I haven't watched it enough, but in live speed, I felt like I was in a battle. My understanding is you can direct the puck, but you can't kick it. I didn't feel like I kicked it."

Good thing he has gorgeous wife to get over it.

Lamar Jackson will join Ravens shortly

Lamar Jackson skipped the Baltimore Ravens' organized team activities this week, and that's drawn some criticism from around the NFL.

Leylah Fernandez at the French Open

U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez has reached the fourth round at the French Open for the first time.

The 19-year-old Canadian beat Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 at Court Philippe Chatrier.

McDavid scores in OT to advance Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers cemented their place in the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2006 after defeating the Calgary Flames 5-4 in overtime in a chaotic Game 5 on Thursday night.

Oilers star Leon Draisaitl led the way with four points, while Connor McDavid ended the Flames' season with his overtime winner.

Golden State Warriors advance to NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors are heading back to the NBA Finals for the sixth time in the last eight seasons.

Klay Thompson scored 32 points, including 19 in the first half, while draining eight threes to help Golden State eliminate the Dallas Maverickswith a 120-110 Game 5 win at Chase Center on Thursday. This marks Thompson's first postseason run since 2019 after being held out the last two campaigns due to a torn ACL and a torn Achilles, respectively.

Guerrero takes Ohtani deep

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Shohei Ohtani for the first time, and George Springer hit a leadoff home run in the Toronto Blue Jays' 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night.

Curry wins Magic Johnson MVP Award

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry claimed the Magic Johnson Award, given to the Most Valuable Player of the Western Conference finals, following his team's five-game series victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Yankees and Rays stand up to gun violence

The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays used their social media accounts during Thursday night's game between the teams to spread information about how gun violence affects American life.

The move was made in response to recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo. Several notable sports figures — including Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr — have used their platform over the past few days to plead for action to combat gun violence.

Darryl Sutter pays tribute to Oilers

For Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter, honesty was the best policy before his team's do-or-die Game 5 against the Edmonton Oilerson Thursday night.

"It's got nothing to do with effort or anything like that with any of our guys that haven't been as productive after Game 1 in this series," the hardnosed bench boss said, according to TSN. "But you have to give Edmonton credit in that too.

Josh Donaldson is a racist pig!

Josh Donaldson has apologized to the wife and family of Jackie Robinson for referencing the pioneering Black baseball player in remarks that led to a confrontation with Chicago White Sox star Tim Anderson.

The New York Yankees third baseman was suspended for one game and fined on Monday by Major League Baseball. The league said Donaldson's comment on Saturday was "disrespectful and in poor judgment." Donaldson has appealed the discipline.

I didn't realize Josh Donaldson was such a racist pig!

Team Canada comeback win!

Team Canada is off to the 2022 World Hockey Championship semifinals after pulling off a comeback for the ages.

Canada trailed Sweden 3-0 in Thursday's quarterfinal matchup before scoring three goals in the third period - including two in the final two minutes of regulation - to force overtime. Drake Bathersonplayed the hero in the extra frame to seal a 4-3 victory.

School shooting close to Brooks Raley

The mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was especially disturbing for Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Brooks Raley.

The small community of about 16,000 people west of San Antonio is the left-hander's hometown, he attended school in the building where the shooting occurred, and his parents and a brother still reside there.

Trey Lance starting QB

Trey Lance took the practice field this week for the San Francisco 49ers in a far different state than his rookie campaign.

The nagging finger injury that limited him all last season has healed, his knowledge of the offense has grown and he has emerged as a leader now that he is set to take over for Jimmy Garoppolo as starting quarterback in San Francisco.

Devin White says “Super Bowl or nothing”

Linebacker Devin White says it's "Super Bowl or nothing" next season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I'll say it in front of all the cameras," White said following Wednesday's OTA session. "That's the only goal. That's what we want, and that's what we're after. We know we're not there yet. It's a long season; it's a long way to go. But that's what we're fighting for."

CeeDee Lamb is ready

CeeDee Lamb isn't shying away from the spotlight of being the Dallas Cowboys' No. 1 wide receiver in 2022.

"I've been ready," Lamb said, according to team reporter Rob Phillips. "That's just me and my competitiveness. That's in my nature. It's kind of how we grew up playing football. I'm always ready for my name to be called.

Avalanche fall short in OT

The Colorado Avalanche seemed destined to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final after steamrolling their way to a 3-0 lead midway through Wednesday night's Game 5.

The St. Louis Blues had other ideas. Forward Robert Thomas forced overtime with his second goal of the contest with one minute remaining in regulation, and veteran Tyler Bozak finished the job in the extra frame.

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