Morning Jolt: November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 18
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Having served his time in baseball purgatory, Wally Backman was at KeySpan Park in Coney Island yesterday to be introduced by the Mets as manager of their Single-A Brooklyn affiliate. Next stop: Citi Field? With Jerry Manuel on a very short leash, the notion that Backman could replace him if the Mets get off to a slow start in 2010 seemed to be the unspoken theme of the team's elaborate welcome-back ceremony for its fiery former second baseman. (New York Post)Comment
Did ex-Pats rough up high school kids?
Charity organizer and former Patriots player Fred Smerlas is extending an olive branch to the high school students who felt they were roughed up at a basketball game last weekend, calling for a meeting with the students and players to reconcile their differences and possibly a second game to settle old scores. Smerlas, whose company, All Pro, participated in a charity game between former Patriots players and students at Nashoba Valley Regional High School on Saturday, said that he was surprised by the reaction to the game. Parents and students who participated in the game complained they were roughed up by the former pro football players, and that the players used vulgar language. The game was organized by the Stow Police Benevolent Association. The students signed up thinking they would be playing with the officers, but no officers showed up. (Boston Globe)Comment
Knicks unlikely to sign Iverson
Allen Iverson won't suit up in a Knicks uniform tonight at Conseco Field House, or probably ever. But Knicks president Donnie Walsh won't have the final "Answer" on his Iverson investigation for a few days. The Knicks president told The Post yesterday morning before practice that signing Iverson was still "a long shot" despite a media frenzy. After practice, Mike D'Antoni's remarks were noteworthy for what he did not say. The Knicks coach never once indicated Iverson would be a good fit for this franchise. (New York Post)Comment
Must-See Photo
The Philadelphia Flyers' players, personnel and fans watch a highlight video on former player Dave Schultz during his induction to the team's Hall of Fame. (AP)
Must-See Video
Punishments have been levied following a fight at a girls' high school soccer game in Rhode Island. Some of the girls involved will be sidelined for as few as two games, others will be out for a full calendar year.
Game To Watch
Spurs at Mavericks, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: More Sandy Koufax
This Day in Sports
- 1966 -- Left-handed pitcher Sandy Koufax of the L.A. Dodgers retires from baseball at the peak of his career.
- 1985 -- Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann suffers a career-ending compound fracture of his lower right leg on Monday Night Football on a vicious hit from Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
- 1996 -- Chris Boniol of the Cowboys ties an NFL record with seven field goals in a game against the Packers.
