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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Raptors sign Josh Jackson


The Toronto Raptors announced the signing of forward Josh Jackson on Wednesday.

The move comes after the Raptors waived wing Svi Mykhailiuk on Monday.

Jackson's deal with the Raptors is non-guaranteed, Sportsnet's Blake Murphy reports. 

The 25-year-old split time between the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 5.7 points and 2.4 rebounds in 51 games.

Eagles trade Jalen Reagor to Vikings


The Philadelphia Eagles are trading wide receiver Jalen Reagor to the Minnesota Vikings, the Vikings announced Wednesday.

Minnesota will acquire the third-year wideout in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round pick and a conditional 2024 selection; the conditional pick could be a fourth- or fifth-rounder depending on statistical achievements.

Tony LaRussa taking leave of absence


Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa will be taking a leave of absence after undergoing a medical evaluation Wednesday, the club announced.

La Russa's length of absence will be pending the results of more tests, which are scheduled over the next few days in Arizona with his personal doctors.

Bench coach Miguel Cairo will be the acting skipper while La Russa is away.

Chicago Bears claim Alex Leatherwood


The Chicago Bears claimed former Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood off waivers, according to ESPN's Field Yates.

The Raiders parted ways with Leatherwood on Tuesday after reportedly failing to find a trade partner. The 17th overall pick in the 2021 draft failed to impress as a rookie guard and struggled massively at right tackle - his natural position - during the 2022 preseason.

Fernando Tatis Jr. postpones surgery


Fernando Tatis Jr. had to postpone a scheduled shoulder surgery because he has strep throat, the latest wrinkle in what's been a turbulent season for the San Diego Padres shortstop.

Tatis was slated to have the labrum in his left shoulder repaired on Tuesday, but that procedure now will be delayed a week or so while he recovers from the illness.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Kershaw ready to make return to rotation


Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is set to come off the injured list and rejoin the rotation Thursday to face the New York Mets.

Kershaw hasn't pitched since Aug. 4, when he exited a start against San Francisco because of lower back pain. The 34-year-old three-time NL Cy Young Award winner spent five weeks on the IL with a back injury earlier this season.

Kershaw felt good following a bullpen session Monday is ready to return in a game at Citi Field between NL division leaders.

Buffalo Bills without White to start season


The Buffalo Bills will be without their top cornerback to start the 2022 season.

The Bills announced Tuesday that they placed Tre'Davious White on the physically unable to perform list, which means he'll miss at least the first four games of the campaign.

White, who suffered a torn ACL last November, will be eligible to return in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jon Gruden publicly apologizes for emails


Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden publicly addressed the controversy that cost him his job last October for the first time Tuesday.

"I'm ashamed about what has come about in these emails, and I'll make no excuses for it," Gruden said, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "It's shameful. But I am a good person. I believe that. I go to church. I've been married for 31 years. I've got three great boys. I still love football. I've made some mistakes, but I don't think anybody in here hasn't. And I just ask for forgiveness, and hopefully, I get another shot."

Gruden resigned as coach of the Raiders on Oct. 11 after the NFL found emails he sent containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language.

Penguins sign Mike Sullivan to 3 Years


The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed head coach Mike Sullivan to a three-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday. 

The extension will kick in following the 2023-24 campaign and keep Sullivan behind the bench through 2026-27.

Sabres sign Tage Thompson to 7 Years


The Buffalo Sabres signed forward Tage Thompson to a seven-year extension worth $50 million on Tuesday.

The new pact begins in 2023-24. Thompson has one year remaining on his current deal with a cap hit of $1.4 million. The 24-year-old would have become a restricted free agent once the contract expired.

Gardner-Johnson traded to Eagles


The New Orleans Saints are trading defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles after extension talks broke down.

More to come.

Barrett and Knicks contract agreement


The New York Knicks are nearing a four-year extension worth up to $120 million with RJ Barrett, the wing's agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday.

By signing an extension, New York including Barrett in a trade for Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell is much more difficult to execute due to the poison pill provision. The Knicks have been heavily linked with Mitchell during the offseason.

The Knicks set a Monday deadline for the Jazz to agree to a trade before committing to a contract for Barrett, Wojnarowski adds.

Albert Pujols smacks 694th home run


St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols tagged his major league record 450th different pitcher for a home run, connecting off Cincinnati left-hander Ross Detwiler on Monday night in a 13-4 rout of the Reds.

Pujols hit his 694th home run overall. He had been tied with Barry Bonds for most pitchers as longball victims at 449.

Bonds leads the all-time home run list with 762, followed by Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696).

Garoppolo signs 1 Year with 49ers


Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a restructured one-year contract to remain with the San Francisco 49ers, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The new deal is worth $6.5 million in base salary with performance incentives that could lift his earnings to nearly $16 million in 2022, according to Schefter. The contract also includes no-trade and no-tag clauses, ensuring the veteran passer can hit free agency in 2023.

Jack Eichel battled through injuries


Jack Eichel doesn't want to pin his less-than-stellar 2021-22 performance on his health, but the Vegas Golden Knights forward says his multiple ailments prevented him from being his typically dominant self.

Golden Knights sign Adin Hill


The Vegas Golden Knights acquired goaltender Adin Hill from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick Monday.

Hill, 26, appeared in a career-high 25 games last season for the Sharks and authored a .906 save percentage to go with a 2.66 goals against average, two shutouts, and two assists. 

He has one season remaining on a two-year pact with a cap hit of $2.175 million.



Douglas Templeton
Templeton Marketing Inc.
www.templetonmarketing.ca
416-201-2712

Monday, August 29, 2022

Tony Gonsolin lands on injured list


The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right-hander Tony Gonsolin on the injured list with a forearm strain retroactive to Aug. 26, the team announced Monday.

Gonsolin was scheduled to start Monday's contest against the Miami Marlins, but Michael Grove will get the nod instead. Los Angeles recalled Grove from the minors to take Gonsolin's roster spot.

Justin Verlander exits game with calf injury


Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander exited his start Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles with right calf discomfort.

Verlander felt something in his calf while covering first base in the third inning and immediately told trainers about the issue, manager Dusty Baker said following the Astros' 3-1 win. He's scheduled to undergo medical imaging on Monday, which will determine the exact nature of the injury.

Oakland shuts down Yankees bats


On paper, it looked like a major mismatch, with last-place Oakland sending out a couple of struggling starters against Aaron Judge and the powerful New York Yankees.

Instead, the Yankees ended up with five hits in a puzzling set of back-to-back losses. 

Minor league call-up Adrián Martínez held New York hitless into the fifth inning and the Athletics beat Yankees 4-1 Sunday.

Mitch Trubisky makes run at starting QB job


Mitch Trubisky staked his claim to take over for the retired Ben Roethlisberger, throwing for 160 yards and a touchdown as the Pittsburgh Steelers eased past Detroit 19-9 in the NFL's preseason finale on Sunday afternoon.

Trubisky, signed to a two-year contract in March, was at his best late in the first half. Working the "two-minute" offense for the first time, Trubisky led the Steelers 92 yards in six plays, finishing off the crisp drive with a 6-yard strike to Steven Sims that gave Pittsburgh (3-0) a 16-point halftime lead.

Tom Brady ranks 1 in NFL Top 100 Players


Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady managed to fend off Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald for the top spot on the NFL 100.

Brady becomes the first player to be ranked No. 1 on four separate occasions (2011, 2017, 2018, 2022) on the NFL Network list since its introduction in 2011.

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Brian Robinson Jr was shot multiple times in carjacking


Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. is in stable condition after being shot multiple times as the victim in an apparent carjacking attempt, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"We have been made aware that Brian Robinson Jr. was the victim of an attempted armed robbery or carjacking in Washington, D.C.," the Commanders said in a statement. "He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is currently being treated at the hospital, where team officials are on-site with him. We ask that you please respect Brian's privacy at this time. "

The 23-year-old was struck in the lower body by at least two bullets, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Rory McIIroy FedEx Champion


Rory McIlroy shot a final-round 66 Sunday at East Lake Golf Club to win the TOUR Championship by one stroke over Sungjae Im and Scottie Scheffler.

With the win at 21-under, McIlroy earns $18 million and is crowned the FedEx Cup champion. The 33-year-old becomes the first player to win the FedEx Cup three times since the trophy's introduction in 2007. He also won it in 2016 and 2019.

Xander Schauffele finished fourth at 18-under, while Max Homa and Justin Thomas tied for fifth at 17-under.

Miami Dolphins sign Trey Flowers


The Miami Dolphins are signing free-agent pass-rusher Trey Flowers to a one-year contract worth $2.1 million, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Flowers, a seven-year veteran, played the first four seasons of his NFL career for the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowls with Miami's AFC East rival.

His strong play over that stretch - he recorded 21 sacks in 46 games - earned him a five-year, $90-million contract with the Detroit Lions in 2019.

Taurean Prince charged for weapon and drug possession


Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance stemming from a traffic stop in Texas in May.

The 28-year-old was pulled over in Dallas due to expired registration. He indicated to the officer that he had two handguns in his car, prompting the officer to ask Prince to leave the vehicle.

"While the officer was retrieving the handguns, he saw what appeared to be a vape pen with THC oil in the car," according to a statement from Arlington Police. "Based on finding the vape pen, the officer then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and also found a canister with marijuana inside."

THC oil is an illegal substance in Texas, in addition to carrying a gun while engaging in a criminal offense. 

The Baylor product was arrested at Miami International Airport on a fugitive out-of-state warrant and was released on bond on Friday.

Bergeron and Krejci return after Cassidy firing


Former Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy doesn't buy the narrative that his dismissal in Beantown influenced centers Patrice Bergeron's and David Krejci's decisions to return to the NHL.

Mickey Mantle 1952 card sells for $12.6M


After more than a month of fanfare, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card with a 9.5 grade from grader SGC -- the "finest known example" of a 1952 Topps Mantle -- has sold with Heritage Auctions for $12.6 million including buyer's premium. It's the most ever paid for any sports item, card or memorabilia.

Tagovailoa and Hill destroy Eagles 48-10


Tua Tagovailoa connected with Tyreek Hill for 51 yards on the first play from scrimmage, and the Miami Dolphins set a franchise record for points in a preseason game, beating the Philadelphia Eagles 48-10 on Saturday night.

Tagovailoa played the entire first quarter, looking more comfortable in first-year coach Mike McDaniel's system. He finished 6 of 7 for 121 yards and a touchdown in three series.

Buffalo Bills cut Matt Araiza for gang raping teenager


n the face of a major public backlash and internal questions over the decision to award Matt Araiza the punting job, the Buffalo Bills reversed course by cutting the rookie on Saturday, two days after a lawsuit was filed alleging the player and two college teammates gang-raped a teenager last fall.

"The last 48 hours have been very difficult for a lot of people. It's been tough. And you know, we sympathize with this whole situation, all the parties involved, this young woman, what she went through," general manager Brandon Beane said during a 26-minute news conference alongside coach Sean McDermott.

"But at this time, we just think it's the best move for everyone to move on from Matt and let him take care of this situation and focus on that. So, we're gonna part ways there,"

Chapman out with infected tattoo


The New York Yankees placed left-hander Aroldis Chapman on the injured list due to an infection in his leg that stemmed from a tattoo, the team announced Saturday.

The tattoo was a portrait of Chapman's sister, according to YES Network's Michael Kay.

Chapman hasn't pitched since Aug. 19, in part due to his infection, manager Aaron Boone said, according to YES Network's Jack Curry. The skipper doesn't believe it was risky for Chapman to get a tattoo at this point in the season and expects his former closer to pitch again this year.

Mets want to keep Jacob deGrom


New York Mets owner Steve Cohen wants to see right-hander Jacob deGrom pitching for his team next season and he's willing to do whatever it takes to retain the two-time National League Cy Young winner, who can opt out of his contract at the end of the 2022 campaign.

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Sam Darnold out with ankle sprain


Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to a high ankle sprain, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The 25-year-old will seek a second opinion on his diagnosis, Rapoport adds.

Darnold suffered the injury in the Panthers' preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills on Friday when C.J. Brewer landed on him. Darnold was carted off the field before being ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

Nazem Kadri brings Stanley Cup to London ON


Nazem Kadri is no stranger to making history, and he may have made some more Saturday.

The veteran forward brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown mosque in London, Ontario, during his day with the trophy and is apparently the first to ever take it inside one.

Kadri became the first Muslim player to win the Cup when the Colorado Avalanche claimed it in June. He signed a seven-year contract carrying a $7-million cap hit with the Calgary Flames as an unrestricted free agent Aug. 18.

White Sox fans boo the team off the field


The Chicago White Sox were booed off the field by their fans following Friday's 7-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Guaranteed Rate Field, and manager Tony La Russa feels like his club deserved it.

"They came to see us win a ballgame, and we got beat," La Russa said, according to The Athletic's James Fegan. "Most of the game, it was lopsided, right? They have every right to be upset - at the team, management, whatever, they've got every right to do it.

Taurean Prince charged with weapon & drug possession


Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance stemming from a traffic stop in Texas in May.

The 28-year-old was pulled over in Dallas due to expired registration. He indicated to the officer that he had two handguns in his car, prompting the officer to ask Prince to leave the vehicle.

"While the officer was retrieving the handguns, he saw what appeared to be a vape pen with THC oil in the car," according to a statement from Arlington Police. "Based on finding the vape pen, the officer then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and also found a canister with marijuana inside."

Geno Smith lands Seahawks QB position


Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith will be the team's starter for Week 1 following a competition with Drew Lock, head coach Pete Carroll announced Friday following the team's preseason finale.

Carroll said Smith "earned" the job while Lock "ran out of time" to beat out the veteran after missing the second preseason game due to COVID-19.

Seattle will face its former quarterback, Russell Wilson, in a Monday night opener against the Denver Broncos.

Friday, August 26, 2022

Mike Babcock making plans to retire


Former bench boss Mike Babcock hasn't officially closed the curtains on his head coaching career, but he doesn't intend to jump back into the NHL fray if a team comes knocking.

"No, that's sure not the plan," he said during an appearance Friday on 650 CKOM in Saskatchewan. "My wife and I have discussed this a ton, obviously. ... We always said we were going to retire at 60, and I'm 59. Basically, that's what it is.

Teams are looking at Mason Rudolph


Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is receiving trade interest ahead of Tuesday's cutdown day, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

With Rudolph seemingly the odd man out in Pittsburgh following the offseason additions of Mitchell Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett, the Steelers reportedly could be tempted to move the veteran "for the right price."

Trubisky is expected to enter the regular season as Pittsburgh's starter, while Pickett has impressed enough during the preseason to solidify the No. 2 spot.

Tim Anderson joins Team USA at the WBC


A star-studded Team USA continues to take shape for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, with Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson the latest player to join the roster Friday.

Red Wings sign Zadina to three years


The Detroit Red Wings inked forward Filip Zadina to a three-year contract carrying an average annual value of $1.825 million.

Zadina was a restricted free agent.

The 22-year-old established career highs with 10 goals, 14 assists, and 74 games played last season, and he did so while averaging a career-low 14:11 of ice time in 2021-22 - his fourth campaign with the Red Wings.

Tyler Glasnow signs with Rays


Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow signed a contract extension that will keep the right-hander with the franchise through the 2024 campaign.

The deal will pay Glasnow $25 million in 2024 and $5.35 million next season, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Glasnow was scheduled to become eligible for free agency following the 2023 season.

Taurean Prince arrested at Miami airport


Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taurean Prince was arrested at Miami International Airport on Thursday on a fugitive warrant that was issued in Texas, officials said.

He was being held Thursday night by the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department. Jail records did not show bond information, or the specifics of the charge or charges he is facing in Texas.

Leon Draisaitl had to evolve from ankle injury


Over two months after the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the postseason, Leon Draisaitl finally opened up about the high ankle sprain suffered in Game 6 of the first round against the Los Angeles Kings.

In fact, Draisaitl said the issue "evolved" him as a player. 

"The game after, I was trying to push off and I just had no pop, no jump," the superstar said during an interview on Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts: The Podcast." "I was getting frustrated with it because I was like, 'I can't beat guys, I don't know what to do now.' ... I just had to change my game a little bit, slow it down even more, if that's even possible."

Julio Rodriguez looking for long term contract


The Seattle Mariners and All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez are finalizing a long-term contract extension, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The deal is expected to guarantee Rodriguez $210 million over 14 years and could be worth over $400 million, according to Passan.

Rodriguez has put together a terrific rookie season and is a front-runner to take home AL Rookie of the Year honors. The 21-year-old owns a .799 OPS with 20 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases across 108 games.

Buffalo Bills Matt Araiza accused for gang rape


Matt Araiza, the "Punt God" who led San Diego State to a record-setting season before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills, and two of his former Aztecs teammates were accused in a civil lawsuit Thursday of gang-raping a teenager at an off-campus party last fall.

The lawsuit, filed in San Diego County Superior Court, accuses Araiza, Zavier Leonard and Nowlin "Pa'a" Ewaliko of gang-raping a then-17-year-old girl at a Halloween party at a home where Araiza had been living.

The plaintiff, now 18, is identified in the complaint as "Jane Doe" because she was underage at the time.

The lawsuit states that the teen had been drinking with friends when they decided to go to the party on Oct. 17 and she was "observably intoxicated upon arrival." She became separated from her friends and was approached by Araiza who offered her a drink, according to the lawsuit. She believes the drink "not only contained alcohol, but other intoxicating substances," the complaint said.

She told Araiza, who was 21 at the time, that she was a high school senior, according to the lawsuit. She alleges he then led her to a side yard where he asked her to perform oral sex and then had sex with her before taking her to a bedroom in the home. There were at least three other men in the room, including Leonard and Ewaliko, according to the complaint. The lawsuit states that Araiza threw the teen onto the bed face first as she went in and out of consciousness while she was being raped. It added, "but she does remember some moments from the horrific gang rape."

After an hour-and-a-half, the teen "stumbled out of the room bloody and crying," according to the complaint. Her nose, belly button, and ear piercings had been pulled out.

She immediately told her friends about the rape and the next day reported it to police and underwent a rape exam, according to the lawsuit. Officers coached her on calling Araiza, which she did 10 days later as detectives recorded it, according to the complaint.

During the call, Araiza confirmed having sex with her, the lawsuit states, but when she asked him "And did we have actual sex?" he responded "This is Matt Araiza. I don't remember anything that happened that night" and hung up.

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Bryce Harper activated from injured list


The Philadelphia Phillies are set to receive a huge boost as reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper will be activated from the injured list Friday, interim manager Rob Thomson said Thursday, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Harper has been sidelined since the end of June with a broken left thumb. The 29-year-old has been dominating on his rehab assignment, recording a pair of homers and a 2.325 OPS in two games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Nestor Cortes out with groin injury


The New York Yankees are expected to place All-Star left-hander Nestor Cortes on the injured list with a groin injury, sources told The Athletic's Lindsey Adler.

Reliever Greg Weissert will be recalled from Triple-A to take Cortes' place on the roster.

Chet Holmgren out with foot injury


Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren will miss the entire 2022-23 campaign due to a Lisfranc injury to his right foot, the team announced Thursday.

The No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft sustained the injury at the Crawsover Pro-Am event in Seattle this past weekend.

Novak Djokovic cannot compete in USA


Novak Djokovic will not play in the U.S. Open, as expected, because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and thus is not allowed to travel to the United States.

Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the year's last Grand Slam tournament on Twitter on Thursday, hours before the draw for the event was revealed.

Mookie Betts joins Team USA in the WBC


An already loaded Team USA received another boost Thursday as Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts committed to representing the U.S. in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.