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Ask former Republican congressman Tom Davis about the prospect of President Donald Trump throwing out the first pitch at Nationals Park on Tuesday night, and the pageantry of the office isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
”It’s very disruptive when a president comes to a game because they stop all the traffic. People can’t get in the gates,” said Davis, a Nationals season-ticket holder.
He’s also familiar with Trump’s preference for friendly crowds, noting the president got just 4 percent of the vote inside the Washington city limits in 2016.
Trump’s anticipated absence Tuesday night would allow Nationals Park to perform its usual role for elected officials and other political figures: as a bipartisan oasis where differences are set aside while everyone frets about bullpen moves and Bryce Harper’s approach at the plate.
Trump would have a good enough excuse for skipping the game: He’ll have just returned from a trip to Europe, including his much-anticipated summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin the day before the Midsummer Classic.
”From Taft to Nixon, before Washington left for good the second time, every president threw out a first pitch at least one time” in the nation’s capital, said Frederic Frommer, author of ”You Gotta Have Heart,” a history of Washington baseball.
Richard Nixon was the last president to perform the duty for the Washington Senators Jakob Silfverberg Jersey , the second version of which moved to Texas in 1972. George W. Bush and Barack Obama revived the tradition after the Montreal Expos moved to town in 2005 and became the Nationals.
So far, Trump hasn’t – and, in fact, baseball hasn’t drawn a lot of his attention. He’s feuded with the NFL over players who knelt in protest during the national anthem, and he disinvited the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers from the White House before they met in the NBA Finals after star players on both teams spoke out against him.
By contrast, last year’s World Series winners, the Houston Astros, visited the White House without much fuss.
Washington got its first All-Star game in 1937, when Franklin D. Roosevelt threw the first pitch from his presidential box at Griffith Stadium. Dwight D. Eisenhower skipped the duty in 1956 while he was recovering from surgery. John F. Kennedy tossed the first ball in 1962 at D.C. Stadium, which was later renamed for his slain brother, Robert.
And Nixon delegated first-pitch duties to Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1969 after the game was postponed by a day because of rain – Nixon had a preplanned trip to the Pacific Ocean David Krejci Jersey , to greet the Apollo 11 astronauts after the first moonwalk.
The last president to toss a ceremonial pitch at an All-Star Game was Obama in 2009 in St. Louis.
Unlike presidents, members of Congress can sit in the stands and enjoy relative anonymity. Democrat John Delaney of Maryland tries to make it to about a dozen games a year, although he hasn’t been this season, in part because he’s running for president.
”There’s something about the location of the stadium being adjacent to Capitol Hill and the fact that several colleagues actually live over there,” Delaney said. ”We think of the stadium as almost a part of Capitol Hill because it’s so close.”
Pick any night at the ballpark, which sits just over a mile south of the Capitol on the Anacostia River, and devoted politics-watchers are likely to find current and former lawmakers, pundits and other establishment figures.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is a Nats fan, and so is his Democratic predecessor, Harry Reid. Both men told Frommer the team was one topic they could discuss without things getting heated.
Davis said he frequently runs into fellow Virginians from both sides of the aisle, including Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte Filip Forsberg Jersey , who on Thursday presided over a lengthy hearing about possible bias in the FBI during its investigation of Trump’s campaign, and Congressman Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who blasted the hearing as a politically motivated smear campaign.
In a city where politicians are the chief celebrities, the ballpark offers a safe space: The Nationals very rarely feature political VIPs on the in-stadium video screens, protecting them from the inevitable jeers.
”It’s kind of a unifying force in the city when everything else around has crumbled,” said Davis, who worked with city officials to help get the ballpark built while he was in Congress.
One Republican who can expect a warm embrace whenever he sets foot in the stadium is House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who is still receiving physical therapy after he was critically wounded last year in a mass shooting. The gunman targeted GOP members who were practicing for the annual Congressional charity baseball game.
”Nationals Park really does hold a special place in my heart,” Scalise said.
The ballpark provided two milestones in Scalise’s recovery. He threw out the first pitch at a playoff game last fall, and this spring he returned to the field to play in the Congressional game, recording an early putout at first base.
”Baseball’s been a big motivator to help me keep in shape Womens Victor Rask Jersey , first of all, and it’s really helped me to build strong relationships with people I otherwise wouldn’t have gotten to know,” Scalise said.
”It really gave me an opportunity coming in as a new member of Congress to get to know a lot of colleagues, and ultimately to build a lot of real strong bridges on the De Veteran linebacker Junior Galette will visit the Los Angeles Rams this week.
Galette will arrive Sunday night for a workout Monday with the Rams, coach Sean McVay confirmed.
McVay says "there's a good possibility" the Rams will sign Galette if the workout goes well.
Los Angeles could use another edge rusher and outside linebacker, with Samson Ebukam and Matt Longacre currently expected to start at the position in coordinator Wade Phillips' scheme.
The 30-year-old Galette spent the past three years with Washington, but missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to torn Achilles tendons. He had three sacks last year while playing in all 16 games as a pass-rush specialist.
McVay was an assistant in Washington in 2015 and 2016, as was Rams linebackers coach Joe Barry.
Galette has 34 1/2 career sacks with New Orleans and Washington, but he also has been in trouble off the field. He was suspended for two games in 2015 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy in an alleged domestic dispute, and he was arrested last year in Mississippi after a conflict outside a spring break event at a baseball park.
Womens Oakland Raiders JerseysThe Giants even hit a couple of home runs Friday night – a rarity these days for manager Bruce Bochy’s ballclub.
Rodriguez pitched three-hit ball into the seventh inning for his fourth consecutive win Youth Mark Letestu Jersey , sending the Giants to a 5-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
”It was just getting back in the mix, throwing off the mound again,” Rodriguez said after his first start since July 6. ”I felt fine. In three weeks I’ve had like two outings. It was good.”
Pablo Sandoval and Ryder Jones homered for the Giants. Andrew McCutchen doubled, drove in a run and made a pair of sliding catches in right field.
Rodriguez (5-1) was masterful during his first career interleague start. Used as a reliever against the Chicago Cubs on July 11 in between starts, the right-hander allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five, hit two batters with pitches and retired 13 of 14 during one stretch.
Two weeks ago, Rodriguez was fighting for a spot in the Giants’ rotation amid a flurry of injuries to the team’s top three starters and poor outings by others. The son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan ”Pudge” Rodriguez is likely to stay put now after lowering his ERA to 2.72 – second-lowest among San Francisco’s starters.
”The kid’s just did a great job since he’s been up here,” Bochy said. ”It’s been a pleasure watching how this guy’s handled everything that’s thrown at him.”
Khris Davis doubled and scored for Oakland.
The A’s had won 21 of 27, including six of seven at the Coliseum, before losing in front of their first sellout crowd this season.
The Bay Area rivals are in the midst of playing six consecutive games against each other. Oakland won two of three at San Francisco during the final series before the All-Star break.
”There were times where we had chances to put a little more pressure on them, just didn’t do it tonight,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
Reyes Moronta retired two batters for the Giants. Mark Melancon and Tony Watson pitched one inning apiece to complete the four-hitter.
Jones Womens Saquon Barkley Jersey , called up from Triple-A Sacramento before the game, hit a go-ahead homer in the fourth. Sandoval went deep in the seventh. Both home runs came off A’s starter Edwin Jackson (1-2).
San Francisco had hit only six home runs since July 1, fewest in the majors.
”I had a feeling (on) a 2-0 count he was going to give up a cutter in, so I was sitting cutter in and he threw a slider,” Jones said. ”Last year it took me five or six games to do something. It’s good to get in here and help the team win in some capacity.”
McCutchen doubled and scored on Buster Posey’s single in the fourth and had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. He did his best work in the field, though.
A Gold Glove winner as a center fielder in 2012, McCutchen has been uneven in right field this season but made a pair of sparkling defensive plays to take hits away from Matt Chapman in the fourth and Jonathan Lucroy in the fifth. McCutchen finished with eight putouts.
Jackson allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked one.
RELIEF COMING?
Multiple reports indicated the A’s could be close to acquiring Mets closer Jeurys Familia. New York manager Mickey Callaway said he was instructed not to use Familia on Friday night at Yankee Stadium because ”there could be a potential trade happening.” An All-Star in 2016, Familia has 123 saves for the Mets.
THIS AND THAT
Stephen Piscotty has a 10-game hitting streak. . The sellout was the largest paid crowd at the Coliseum since Aug. 13, 2005. . McCutchen’s eight putouts were the most by a Giants right fielder since Randy Winn had eight on April 7, 2006.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Giants: 1B Brandon Belt was placed on the paternity list. Jones started at third base while Sandoval replaced Belt at first. … 3B Evan Longoria (broken hand) went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI in a rehab game with Sacramento.
UP NEXT
Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner (3-3, 2.90 ERA) goes for his fifth win in seven career starts against the A’s on Saturday night. RHP Trevor Cahill (1-2, 3.10) pitches for Oakland.
—
DENVER — When Andrew Suarez starts Wednesday for the San Francisco Giants Elias Lindholm Jersey , he will try to help them avoid being swept by the Colorado Rockies and solidify his spot in the Giants’ changing rotation.
Colorado left-hander Tyler Anderson (5-3, 4.23 ERA) will oppose Suarez (3-4, 4.18).
Before his team lost 8-1 on Tuesday to the Rockies, Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced that Johnny Cueto will be reinstated from the 60-day disabled list to start Thursday against St. Louis and Jeff Samardzija will come off the 10-day disabled list and start Saturday against the Cardinals.
Cueto (elbow strain) went 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in five starts for the Giants this season. His last start for the Giants came April 28, and he pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings in two rehab starts for Triple-A Sacramento.
“Johnny’s set to go,” Bochy said. “He passed all the tests, checked every box off. Been throwing the ball well. Hasn’t given up a run there. Bullpen (session Monday) went fine. Been hitting, bunting. I talked to Johnny. He said, ‘I’m ready to go. I feel better now than before (the injury).’ When you get one of your big guys ready to go, you pitch him.”
Bochy said Cueto would be limited to 85 pitches Thursday, and Derek Holland, if he doesn’t come out of the bullpen in the Rockies series Leonard Fournette Jersey Black , would back up Cueto.
Samardzija will pitch for the Giants for the first time since May 29. Bochy said that Dereck Rodriguez, who was scheduled to pitch Thursday, will instead start Friday. Madison Bumgarner, of course, will take his regular turn Sunday. That leaves Suarez or Chris Stratton for the final spot in the rotation. Both pitchers have minor league options.
Suarez might have the advantage because he has pitched well lately. He went 2-0 in six June starts, and in his last outing Friday at Arizona, he allowed one run in six innings. Suarez made his Coors Field debut and first start against the Rockies on May 28 and allowed four runs (three earned) in five innings in a no-decision after heeding advice from catcher Buster Posey.
Suarez said, “I remember the last time we were, before my bullpen, Buster came up to me and he was like ‘As long as you keep throwing it right, it’ll be fine. But if you try too much, that’s the problem you’ll have. Your stuff isn’t as good.’ I just made sure to just throw it normal.”
Meanwhile Oscar Dansk Jersey , Stratton gave up a career-high 11 hits and a career-high eight runs in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday. In his past six starts, Stratton is 1-3 with a 5.79 ERA.
Anderson threw a career-high eight scoreless innings with one walk and eight strikeouts Wednesday at Los Angeles in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Anderson is 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA in his past five starts with six walks and 32 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings. He’s 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against the Giants, including a no-decision May 20 at AT&T Park where he gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings as the Rockies lost 9-5.
The Rockies have won 14 of their past 16 games from the Giants (45-42) at Coors Field. The Rockies (43-43) have climbed back to .500 by winning five of their past six games. They have been getting outstanding starting pitching, the latest effort being seven scoreless innings Tuesday from Antonio Senzatela in his first start this season for the Rockies.
The Colorado starters have pitched well in six of the past eight games, going 4-0 with a 2.15 ERA in that stretch and allowing 12 earned runs and 31 hits in 50 1/3 innings with 11 walks and 41 strikeouts.
“We’re only going to go as far as they do,” Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “They’re pitching great. They’re giving the offense a chance. Quick innings, which is huge.”
Los Angeles Rams JerseysThe Giants even hit a couple of home runs Friday night – a rarity these days for manager Bruce Bochy’s ballclub.
Rodriguez pitched three-hit ball into the seventh inning for his fourth consecutive win Youth Mark Letestu Jersey , sending the Giants to a 5-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
”It was just getting back in the mix, throwing off the mound again,” Rodriguez said after his first start since July 6. ”I felt fine. In three weeks I’ve had like two outings. It was good.”
Pablo Sandoval and Ryder Jones homered for the Giants. Andrew McCutchen doubled, drove in a run and made a pair of sliding catches in right field.
Rodriguez (5-1) was masterful during his first career interleague start. Used as a reliever against the Chicago Cubs on July 11 in between starts, the right-hander allowed one run in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five, hit two batters with pitches and retired 13 of 14 during one stretch.
Two weeks ago, Rodriguez was fighting for a spot in the Giants’ rotation amid a flurry of injuries to the team’s top three starters and poor outings by others. The son of Hall of Fame catcher Ivan ”Pudge” Rodriguez is likely to stay put now after lowering his ERA to 2.72 – second-lowest among San Francisco’s starters.
”The kid’s just did a great job since he’s been up here,” Bochy said. ”It’s been a pleasure watching how this guy’s handled everything that’s thrown at him.”
Khris Davis doubled and scored for Oakland.
The A’s had won 21 of 27, including six of seven at the Coliseum, before losing in front of their first sellout crowd this season.
The Bay Area rivals are in the midst of playing six consecutive games against each other. Oakland won two of three at San Francisco during the final series before the All-Star break.
”There were times where we had chances to put a little more pressure on them, just didn’t do it tonight,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said.
Reyes Moronta retired two batters for the Giants. Mark Melancon and Tony Watson pitched one inning apiece to complete the four-hitter.
Jones Womens Saquon Barkley Jersey , called up from Triple-A Sacramento before the game, hit a go-ahead homer in the fourth. Sandoval went deep in the seventh. Both home runs came off A’s starter Edwin Jackson (1-2).
San Francisco had hit only six home runs since July 1, fewest in the majors.
”I had a feeling (on) a 2-0 count he was going to give up a cutter in, so I was sitting cutter in and he threw a slider,” Jones said. ”Last year it took me five or six games to do something. It’s good to get in here and help the team win in some capacity.”
McCutchen doubled and scored on Buster Posey’s single in the fourth and had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. He did his best work in the field, though.
A Gold Glove winner as a center fielder in 2012, McCutchen has been uneven in right field this season but made a pair of sparkling defensive plays to take hits away from Matt Chapman in the fourth and Jonathan Lucroy in the fifth. McCutchen finished with eight putouts.
Jackson allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked one.
RELIEF COMING?
Multiple reports indicated the A’s could be close to acquiring Mets closer Jeurys Familia. New York manager Mickey Callaway said he was instructed not to use Familia on Friday night at Yankee Stadium because ”there could be a potential trade happening.” An All-Star in 2016, Familia has 123 saves for the Mets.
THIS AND THAT
Stephen Piscotty has a 10-game hitting streak. . The sellout was the largest paid crowd at the Coliseum since Aug. 13, 2005. . McCutchen’s eight putouts were the most by a Giants right fielder since Randy Winn had eight on April 7, 2006.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Giants: 1B Brandon Belt was placed on the paternity list. Jones started at third base while Sandoval replaced Belt at first. … 3B Evan Longoria (broken hand) went 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI in a rehab game with Sacramento.
UP NEXT
Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner (3-3, 2.90 ERA) goes for his fifth win in seven career starts against the A’s on Saturday night. RHP Trevor Cahill (1-2, 3.10) pitches for Oakland.
—
DENVER — When Andrew Suarez starts Wednesday for the San Francisco Giants Elias Lindholm Jersey , he will try to help them avoid being swept by the Colorado Rockies and solidify his spot in the Giants’ changing rotation.
Colorado left-hander Tyler Anderson (5-3, 4.23 ERA) will oppose Suarez (3-4, 4.18).
Before his team lost 8-1 on Tuesday to the Rockies, Giants manager Bruce Bochy announced that Johnny Cueto will be reinstated from the 60-day disabled list to start Thursday against St. Louis and Jeff Samardzija will come off the 10-day disabled list and start Saturday against the Cardinals.
Cueto (elbow strain) went 3-0 with an 0.84 ERA in five starts for the Giants this season. His last start for the Giants came April 28, and he pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings in two rehab starts for Triple-A Sacramento.
“Johnny’s set to go,” Bochy said. “He passed all the tests, checked every box off. Been throwing the ball well. Hasn’t given up a run there. Bullpen (session Monday) went fine. Been hitting, bunting. I talked to Johnny. He said, ‘I’m ready to go. I feel better now than before (the injury).’ When you get one of your big guys ready to go, you pitch him.”
Bochy said Cueto would be limited to 85 pitches Thursday, and Derek Holland, if he doesn’t come out of the bullpen in the Rockies series Leonard Fournette Jersey Black , would back up Cueto.
Samardzija will pitch for the Giants for the first time since May 29. Bochy said that Dereck Rodriguez, who was scheduled to pitch Thursday, will instead start Friday. Madison Bumgarner, of course, will take his regular turn Sunday. That leaves Suarez or Chris Stratton for the final spot in the rotation. Both pitchers have minor league options.
Suarez might have the advantage because he has pitched well lately. He went 2-0 in six June starts, and in his last outing Friday at Arizona, he allowed one run in six innings. Suarez made his Coors Field debut and first start against the Rockies on May 28 and allowed four runs (three earned) in five innings in a no-decision after heeding advice from catcher Buster Posey.
Suarez said, “I remember the last time we were, before my bullpen, Buster came up to me and he was like ‘As long as you keep throwing it right, it’ll be fine. But if you try too much, that’s the problem you’ll have. Your stuff isn’t as good.’ I just made sure to just throw it normal.”
Meanwhile Oscar Dansk Jersey , Stratton gave up a career-high 11 hits and a career-high eight runs in 5 2/3 innings Tuesday. In his past six starts, Stratton is 1-3 with a 5.79 ERA.
Anderson threw a career-high eight scoreless innings with one walk and eight strikeouts Wednesday at Los Angeles in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers. Anderson is 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA in his past five starts with six walks and 32 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings. He’s 0-2 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against the Giants, including a no-decision May 20 at AT&T Park where he gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings as the Rockies lost 9-5.
The Rockies have won 14 of their past 16 games from the Giants (45-42) at Coors Field. The Rockies (43-43) have climbed back to .500 by winning five of their past six games. They have been getting outstanding starting pitching, the latest effort being seven scoreless innings Tuesday from Antonio Senzatela in his first start this season for the Rockies.
The Colorado starters have pitched well in six of the past eight games, going 4-0 with a 2.15 ERA in that stretch and allowing 12 earned runs and 31 hits in 50 1/3 innings with 11 walks and 41 strikeouts.
“We’re only going to go as far as they do,” Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado said. “They’re pitching great. They’re giving the offense a chance. Quick innings, which is huge.”
Los Angeles Rams JerseysRENO Anton Stralman Jersey , Nev. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders are considering holding training camp in Reno when the team moves to Las Vegas before the 2020 season.
Team President Marc Badain toured potential training sites Thursday at the University of Nevada and two high schools.
He told reporters following the tour with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and others that he is committed to making sure the training camp is in northern Nevada.
Badain said the decision will be based partly on where the team does its offseason training. He said the Raiders scouted three dozen sites before picking their current training camp site in Napa, California.
Schieve said she’ll do what she can to bring the Raiders to Reno but won’t support the use of local tax money to get it done.
The 2018 NHL trade deadline wasn't quite as epic as many had hoped, but a handful of impact players were moved out. This included sniper Evander Kane Oscar Klefbom Jersey , standout centre Derick Brassard, perennial 30-goal man Rick Nash and former New York Rangers captain, Ryan McDonagh. This just proves that in the NHL Youth Derek Stepan Jersey , no player is off-limits, and teams need to be ready to make big moves in order to challenge the best teams in the league going forward.
But for those out there who were disappointed to see a handful of blockbuster names not move out, don't panic just yet. There is still the NHL off-season Mark Giordano Jersey , which promises to see a handful of major trades. Many names who weren't moved at the deadline may have been priced to high. Other reasons might be that teams on the playoff bubble would rather see what happens in the playoffs before making a major push at a big name to shake up their teams.
Will the Ottawa Senators deal captain Erik Karlsson? Or is he telling the truth when he says he wants to stay in the nation's capital? An even bigger question is whether Eugene Melnyk still wants him around at the price he is asking. Speaking of captains, Max Pacioretty seems poised to leave the Montreal Canadiens, but who will offer up the best package for the power forward?
Expect a great deal of major NHL trades to happen in the off-season. But who's going to where? And what will the returns be? Here are 15 NHL trades to watch out for this summer.
Green Bay Packers JerseysNike has unveiled its first “Just Do It” ad narrated by Colin Kaepernick Nathan MacKinnon Jersey , a spot scheduled to air during the NFL season opener Thursday night as well as during the U.S. Open tennis tournament and other major sporting events.
The two-minute spot released Wednesday highlights superstar athletes LeBron James, Serena Williams and others, and touches on the controversy of NFL players protesting racial inequality, police brutality and other issues by demonstrating during the national anthem.
Kaepernick narrates the full spot but first physically appears midway through. As a camera pans to reveal Kaepernick’s face, a reflection of a United States flag is visible on the facade of a building behind him.
Kaepernick says: “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”
At the start of the ad, Kaepernick says: “If people say your dreams are crazy, if they laugh at what you think you can do, good. Stay that way, because what nonbelievers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult, it’s a compliment.”
The former 49ers quarterback is revealed as the narrator toward the end of the spot.
The commercial’s universal theme is about athletes pushing for bigger dreams. It features young athletes who compete amid various challenges, touching on issues of gender Sam Gagner Jersey , disabilities and weight loss, among others.
Kaepernick says at the end: “Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they are crazy enough.”
The spot is expected to air this week during college football and MLB games, and stream on various music, gaming and other platforms, Nike spokeswoman Sandra Carreon-John said.
Kaepernick hasn’t spoken to the media publicly since opting out of his contract with San Francisco and becoming a free agent in 2017. He scored a legal victory last week in his grievance against the NFL and its 32 teams when an arbitrator allowed his case to continue to trial. The quarterback claims NFL team owners conspired to keep him out of the league because of his protests. His case hinges on whether owners worked together rather than decided individually to not sign Kaepernick.
A similar grievance is still pending by former San Francisco teammate Eric Reid, a Pro Bowl safety who joined in the protests.
Kaepernick already had a deal with Nike that was set to expire, but it was renegotiated into a multiyear agreement to make him one of the faces of Nike’s 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the detail had not been revealed publicly.
The campaign includes video ads and billboards, like one displayed atop a Nike store in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday.
Nike also will create an apparel line for Kaepernick, including a signature shoe, and contribute to his Know Your Rights charity, the person said. The deal puts Kaepernick in the top bracket of NFL players with Nike.
The endorsement deal between Nike and Kaepernick prompted a flood of debate Tuesday. It was a trending topic on Twitter and other social networks Youth Jamie McGinn Jersey , with some fans urging a boycott of the company’s clothes and sneakers — even burning and cutting out the signature swoosh logos on their gear.
“I stand for anybody that believes in change. I stand for anybody that believes in a positive attitude,” LeBron James said Tuesday night at a Nike fashion show and awards ceremony in New York. “I stand with Nike, every day, all day.”
Nike also provides all NFL teams with game day uniforms and sideline apparel, a partnership that was extended in March to run through 2028.
President Donald Trump, a frequent critic of protesting NFL players, tweeted Wednesday that Nike is getting “killed” over the endorsement deal.
“Nike is getting absolutely killed with anger and boycotts,” Trump tweeted. “I wonder if they had any idea that it would be this way? As far as the NFL is concerned, I just find it hard to watch, and always will, until they stand for the FLAG!”
The College of the Ozarks, a private Christian school in Point Lookout Christian Dvorak Jersey , Missouri, that competes in sports at the NAIA level, said it will remove all uniforms purchased from Nike that contain the brand’s logo.
Last year, the college added a stipulation to competition contracts, saying it would walk away from any game where the opposing team takes a knee, sits or turns its back on the flag or anthem.
“If Nike is ashamed of America, we are ashamed of them,” College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis said in a statement. “We also believe that those who know what sacrifice is all about are more likely to be wearing a military uniform than an athletic uniform,”
A person with knowledge of the situation said interim coach Jay Triano is not among ”handful” of remaining candidates for the Phoenix Suns coaching job.The person, who asked to remain anonymous because the search is ongoing, said the Suns are in the midst of second interviews ”with a handful of candidates still in the mix.”
Triano served as interim coach for all but the first three games of last season after Earl Watson was abruptly fired. Triano guided an exceedingly young and injury-plagued team to a 21-61 record, worst in the NBA and second-worst in franchise history.
Phoenix has the most ping pong balls and therefore the best chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in next months’ draft lottery.
The Suns conducted initial interviews with a wide range of candidates Torey Krug Jersey , including Triano.
Among those publicly linked to the job are former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale, ex-Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford, former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt and ex-Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd. Former Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer removed his name from consideration.
Azcentral (The Arizona Republic) reported that Clifford and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego were in Phoenix for interviews last week and that team officials also spoke with Toronto Raptors assistant coach Nick Nurse and New Orleans Pelicans assistant head coach Chris Finch.
General manager Ryan McDonough has said the team is prepared to make a strong move to improve the level of talent, particularly experienced talent, to build around the young talented trio of Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren. Phoenix, once one of the league’s most vibrant franchises, has not made the playoffs in eight seasons.
Triano took over and kept the team’s effort high despite the lack of victories, working to improve the youngsters, a project that was most evident in the development of the rookie Jackson.
Born in Canada, Triano became an assistant coach with the Raptors in 2002 and was named Toronto’s interim coach after Sam Williams was fired in 2008 and eventually signed a three-year deal as coach there. He went 87-142 with the Raptors. Triano was assistant coach of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2016 before joining Watson in Phoenix.
Arizona Sports 98.7 talk radio host John Gambadoro first reported that Triano was no longer under consideration.
Youth Miami Dolphins JerseysWell Jimmy Vesey Jersey , we've sailed past the halfway point of the 2017-18 NHL season, and despite some surprises that have played out both on the ice and in the standings (read: Vegas Golden Knights), it's been pretty quiet as far as any earth-shattering developments coming to pass around the league.
But that doesn't mean the rumor mill hasn't been working overtime churning out some absolute whoppers of late. With the trade deadline looming, contract negotiations heating up Jonathan Ericsson Jersey , arena deals to be considered and both expansion and relocation residing prominently in the back of everybody's mind, the rumor season has cranked into full swing, and there seems to be an entire herd of elephants in the room that needs to be addressed.
Of course, as in every year Anders Lee Jersey , most of the more sensational rumors flying about will eventually be exposed as nothing more than a crock of unsubstantiated hearsay meant only to stir the pot. But to be fair, there are a handful of plausible scenarios cropping up that could have significant implications on the rest of the league.
So whether you buy into the hype or not, here are 15 major NHL rumors you need to know about as we forge ahead into the second half of the season.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed guard Tom Compton.The Vikings announced Thursday they have signed the former South Dakota offensive tackle who grew up in Minnesota.
Compton spent last season with the Chicago Bears, where he played in 11 games with five starts. The Rosemount Kailer Yamamoto Jersey , Minnesota, native was drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins in 2012, appearing in 44 games with 10 starts during the 2013-15 seasons in Washington.
He joined the Atlanta Falcons for their Super Bowl run in 2016, appearing in all regular and postseason games.
Compton has appeared in 71 games with 15 starts throughout his career and played at both guard and center.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Elite JerseysHart, a 19-year-old Philadelphia Flyers prospect, finished his fourth season with the Western Hockey League’s Silvertips by leading the Washington state team to its second Western Conference title and appearance in the WHL championship series.
Hart was the first recipient in Silvertips history of the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year Jake Guentzel Jersey Kids , and the first goaltender in WHL history to earn the Del Wilson Trophy (WHL Goaltender of the Year) in three consecutive seasons.
Hart led the WHL this season in goals-against average (1.60), save percentage (.947), shutouts (7), and was fourth in wins (31) while compiling a record of 31-6-1-3 in 41 games. He helped Canada capture the world junior title in January.
Barre-Boulet led the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 53 goals and 63 assists for 116 points in 65 games. He led the Armada to the QMJHL regular-season title and Game 6 of the President Cup Final.
The Patriots will be down one wide receiver for the first four games of the 2018 season while Julian Edelman serves a suspension Brendan Leipsic Jersey Kids , but that reportedly isn’t keeping them from considering a trade involving another member of their receiver group.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the team is “seeking a potential trade partner” for a deal involving Malcolm Mitchell.
Mitchell, a 2016 fourth-round pick, missed all of last season with a knee injury and was limited to conditioning work this offseason before saying he was unsure if he’d be ready to go for training camp. The injury issues would likely impact the trade market for Mitchell, who caught 32 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season as a rookie and added six catches for 70 yards in a Super Bowl win over Atlanta.
Chris Hogan Womens Connor Hellebuyck Jersey , Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett Authentic Shea Weber Jersey , sixth-round pick Braxton Berrios and Riley McCarron join Edelman as the other wideouts on the roster in New England.
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Brickley Youth Dustin Byfuglien Jersey , 26, had four goals and eight assists in 44 games for the Florida Panthers this past season.
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Tinordi Youth Derek Grant Jersey , 26, had five goals and 16 assists with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2017-18.
The Minnesota Vikings will take seven picks into the third and final day of the NFL draft, with depth still lacking at defensive tackle, tight end and safety.The Vikings traded their third-round selection to Tampa Bay on Friday night Womens Victor Rask Jersey , moving down eight spots to the second pick in the fourth round. That deal netted them a sixth-rounder from the Buccaneers, giving them a total of four picks in the sixth round. The Vikings dealt their original fourth-rounder to Philadelphia in the 2016 swap for Sam Bradford.
The Vikings also have one fifth-round selection and one seventh-round pick left for Saturday. They drafted Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round and Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O'Neill in the second round.
Chicago Bears Elite Jerseys”He can play to 40 Mathew Barzal Jersey ,” Williams said Thursday. ”Can you, Alex? Look at him. I think he can.”
Smith smiled back and has plenty to be happy about. The veteran is now the Redskins’ franchise quarterback after being acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs and signing a $94 million, four-year extension with $71 million guaranteed that keeps him under contract through 2022.
He’d be 38 if he plays out that deal, one that shows the Redskins were willing to commit long term to Smith the way they never did with Kirk Cousins. As Williams implied Cousins didn’t want to be in Washington for the long haul, Smith made it clear he did.
”This is where I wanted to be,” Smith said. ”It looked fun. I wanted to be a part of it.”
Smith gives the Redskins the kind of continuity at the position they lacked with Cousins, who became the first QB in NFL history to play back-to-back seasons under the franchise tag before signing a fully guaranteed $84 million, three-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
”I do believe that Washington had a lot of great pieces,” Cousins said at his introductory news conference. ”They will have a lot of great pieces going forward and the margin of error is small. The difference between winning and losing is so small.”
Cousins’ year-to-year status and propensity for mistakes in big moments outweighed his three consecutive 4,000-yard seasons to Washington’s front office, which decided to target Smith.
”That’s somebody you can build your team around and know he’s going to be here, year in and year out,” coach Jay Gruden said. ”You’re not always looking down the road: `Oh, who’s going to be our quarterback next year?”’
Williams said three or four other teams were also attempting to get Smith Jean-Gabriel Pageau Jersey , which the Redskins did by sending a 2018 third-round pick and promising young cornerback Kendall Fuller to Kansas City.
Smith had some say in his destination because he had to agree to the extension that Williams joked, ”If we have to add a couple more years to it, we’ll do that, too.”
That was never going to happen with Cousins, a 2012 fourth-round pick taken the same draft as Robert Griffin III who thrived under the impression he was not wanted. From the Redskins’ perspective, that went both ways.
”It wasn’t a matter of wanting to commit to the other guy,” Williams said of Cousins. ”We had to look at it what we had to do that’s going to be best for us, somebody who wanted to be here.”
Smith’s introduction six weeks after the trade and extension were agreed to came with a welcome gift as the Redskins signed former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson to a five-year deal that’s reported to be worth $40 million.
Richardson saw what DeSean Jackson did as a fellow speed threat in this offense and talked to former Washington receiver Pierre Garcon about the situation and figured it would be a good fit to catch balls from Smith.
”I want him to know I’m always available,” said Richardson, who has 95 catches for 1,302 yards and eight touchdowns in four seasons. ”Just throw it. It don’t matter where it is. I’m going to go get it. And I’m going to turn him into a believer.”
Smith has already made the Redskins’ brass into believers, and the entire organization from owner Dan Snyder and team president Bruce Allen down showed up for his much-hyped introductory news conference.
Standing in the same building that Cousins roamed the past three seasons as the starter, Smith looked comfortable being the guy and understanding the faith the franchise put in him.
”We’ve got to go win games,” Smith said. ”Excited about the opportunity because that’s what it is at this point. It’s an opportunity Authentic Nick Bjugstad Jersey , and we’ve got to go make the most of it.”
Gruden praised Smith for having ”all the traits” to be successful, and Williams sees the same on-field characteristics.
But the Super Bowl MVP QB-turned-executive also sees another benefit in the locker room of Smith being under contract long term.
”I don’t think the fans really understand when you talk about stability and when you know the guy that’s going to be leading this team is going to be in your locker room for the next three to four to five years, that’s a good feeling,” Williams said.
”I think now they can relax and even during the season don’t have to worry about whether our fearless leader’s going to be here next year.”
NOTES: The Redskins re-signed LB Zach Brown, whom they added in free agency a year ago. … According to tweets from their agents, WR Brian Quick re-signed and former Cowboys P Sam Irwin-Hill signed with Washington.
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AP Pro Football Writers Dave Campbell and Howard Fendrich contributed.
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Adam Silver has encouraged the Philadelphia 76ers to both quickly and thoroughly resolve the investigation into whether team president Bryan Colangelo used Twitter inappropriately, a story that the NBA commissioner acknowledged was not one he wants to be thinking about during the league’s title series.
Silver, speaking Thursday before Game 1 of the Cleveland-Golden State matchup at the NBA Finals news conference, said he has talked with 76ers officials after the story about five Twitter accounts and how they were used was broken by The Ringer earlier this week.
”Here we are, Game 1 of the finals, it’s not necessarily something that we want to be talking about,” Silver said. ”But it’s the reality of this league. And so I have no information beyond that, other than that investigation is underway.”
The 76ers retained an independent law firm to determine whether Colangelo used the Twitter accounts. The situation could overshadow Philadelphia’s efforts this summer to land any of the top players who will be free agents – a list that includes LeBron James, who’s appearing in the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive year.
Among the targets of harsh or critical comments on those Twitter accounts: Philadelphia players Joel Embiid and Markelle Fultz Seth Jones Jersey , former 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie, Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri and former Sixers players Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel. Embiid has said he does not believe that Colangelo wrote the tweets, dismissing the story as ”insane.”
Colangelo has acknowledged using one of the accounts to monitor NBA happenings.
”Let’s find out what’s going on,” Silver said. ”We have to separate the chatter and sort of what either fans or frankly the media are saying from the facts. The first thing we have to do here is determine what the actual facts are in this circumstance.”
Silver touched on many other topics in his annual address, including:
SPORTS BETTING
There will be wagering on Game 3 of the NBA Finals, at least in Delaware casinos.
That state’s officials have announced that full-scale sports betting will begin there at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday , one day before the series between Golden State and Cleveland shifts to the Cavaliers‘ home floor.
Delaware is the first state to take advantage of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that now permits states to allow sports wagering. Delaware has been permitted to offer parlay wagers on NFL games since 2009, and has had sports betting legislation on its books for nearly a decade. Other states are trying to follow suit quickly.
The NBA has told states it is seeking a 1 percent cut of betting, which it is calling an ”integrity fee” to help offset the costs of enforcement incurred by the league office and also to serve as a royalty.
”The real issue as we move to new jurisdictions that are legalizing sports betting is access to information,” Silver said. ”That’s one of the things we have sought in model legislation … and so what we can do is going to depend in large part on the quality of the information we can get from these states.”
Silver said the NBA game is the league’s ”intellectual property, and we think we should be compensated for it.”
STERLING BROWN
Silver has seen the footage of police using a Taser on Milwaukee guard Sterling Brown during an incident outside a Walgreens store in January, one that started over a parking violation.
”I saw the video for the first time when the public saw it,” Silver said. ”It’s horrific. For any of us, regardless of the fact that he’s an NBA player Sonny Milano Jersey , it was difficult to watch. It’s painful.”
An officer approached Brown for illegal parking, called for backup and six squads responded. Silver said has also had conversations with the player’s father, Chris Brown, a Chicago police officer for many years.
”It’s a reality in our country right now that there’s a disconnect often between young people of color especially and police officers – incidentally black and white,” Silver said. ”And one of the things the league has undertaken, led in many ways by our players and by our leading players, has been defined ways to build bridges in communities to create dialogue directly between young people and police officers.”
Silver said some NBA teams have had meetings with police in various communities, trying to improve relations.
EXPANSION
Silver said there are no plans for expansion, though lauded the success of the NHL’s first-year Vegas Golden Knights – who are in the Stanley Cup final against the Washington Capitals.
He also congratulated Ted Leonsis, who owns both the Capitals and the NBA’s Wizards.
”Invariably, it’s only natural for any business to grow and expand at some point,” Silver said.
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While first-round picks receive most of the attention and players chosen the first two days of the draft get more money and better job security, success on Day 3 of the draft often separates the elite teams from the good ones.
That was evident when the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots met in February. Corey Clement had 100 yards receiving and one touchdown and LeGarrette Blount ran for 90 yards and one touchdown in Philadelphia's 41-33 victory. Danny Amendola led the Patriots with 152 yards receiving and Chris Hogan had 128.
All four players were undrafted free agents.
The Eagles enter this week with only six picks in the draft and none on Day 2 so there's a bigger emphasis for them to hit on some of their picks in the later rounds and find quality rookies in free agency.
It won't be easy, however.
"You would think because we're coming off a Super Bowl and we don't have a second- or third-round pick that it would be a lot easier after the draft," said Joe Douglas, the team's executive vice president of player personnel. "But my experience coming off a Super Bowl, it's sometimes harder to get guys to commit to your roster because agents and players have a perceived notion that it's going to be that much tougher to make your team. It's going to be a challenge for us, and we know it, and we're going to attack it, and I think our guys are going to do a great job recruiting some of these guys who slip through the cracks like we did last year. But it is going to be a challenge because there's going to be some guys who think there's a tougher shot of making the team."
One way to combat that is to offer more guaranteed money to undrafted rookies. It helped the Eagles snag Clement last year after he ran for 1,375 yards his senior season at Wisconsin.
Tom Brady's story is known, going from sixth-round pick to five-time Super Bowl champion. Three of the offensive linemen blocking for him last year were under-the-radar guys, too. Center David Andrews was undrafted Mikko Rantanen Jersey , and right guard Shaq Mason and right tackle Cameron Fleming were fourth-round picks. Overall, the Patriots had 18 undrafted players on the Super Bowl roster.
The Jaguars, who lost the AFC championship game, got Pro Bowl linebacker Telvin Smith (fifth round, 2014) on Day 3 of the draft. They also relied on two rookie receivers late in the season: fourth-round pick Dede Westbrook and undrafted Keelan Cole.
"You're looking for those types of nuggets," said Tom Coughlin, Jacksonville's top executive. "You're talking about value. That's what this is all about, so when you get a player in that circumstance and you've done the research on the guy, you know the guy solid and it happens to be that he's there for you, then obviously you feel very good about that."
Titans general manager Jon Robinson said his scouting department has focused the past couple of weeks on finding value in the late rounds and after the draft.
"Anytime you can get return on those guys in those later rounds with play on the field whether it be offensively, defensively, in the kicking game Patrick Kane Jersey , I think that's good," Robinson said. "I think we've done a pretty good job the last couple years of finding some guys to carve out a niche, carve out a role on this football team and contribute. So we're hoping we can kind of sift through those guys over the weekend and come away with a couple that can help us."
Accumulating more picks, especially in the later rounds, certainly helps a team's chances of adding a solid contributor. Minnesota, which lost the NFC title game, has eight draft picks, including five on Day 3.
"Sure, you're going to have your misses. But, the more swings that you get at the plate, the better odds you have of hitting the ball," said Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. "If you only get to bat twice Corey Perry Jersey , you've got maybe a 50-50 chance. If you get to bat 10 times, hopefully your 50-50 chance, your odds have increased pretty good. I think it's taking as many swings as you can down in those later rounds."
San Francisco GM John Lynch had success with third-day picks and rookie free agents last year, adding Trent Taylor, George Kittle, D.J. Jones, Adrian Colbert, Matt Breida and Kendrick Bourne.
"When you can hit at that part of the draft, and/or free agency, it's a really good thing," Lynch said. "Shoot, we picked guys off of tryout camp last year. ... Everyone focuses on the work up top with No. 9 but we really try to take a holistic look at this thing and pride ourselves on being real strong on the back end of the draft."
AP Pro Football Writers Josh Dubow Viktor Arvidsson Jersey , Teresa M. Walker and Dave Campbell, and AP Sports Writer Mark Long contributed to this report. AP NFL website: pro32.ap.org and AP_NFL Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: s://AP_RobMaaddiReuben Foster has rejoined the 49ers, reporting to the team’s training complex Thursday.
The linebacker had stayed away from the 49ers鈥?offseason work since domestic violence charges were filed in April, with the team waiting for the case to play out in court.
California Superior Court Judge Nona Klippen ruled Wednesday that insufficient evidence exists to proceed with domestic violence charges against Foster. The judge also reduced a charge of possession of an assault weapon to a misdemeanor, scheduling a pre-trial hearing for June 6.
Foster’s ex-girlfriend recanted accusations against him in a hearing last week.
Foster, 24, still faces a marijuana possession charge from his January 12 arrest in Alabama, with a court date scheduled for June 20. He is subject to league discipline for that arrest under the NFL鈥檚 substances of abuse policy.
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