Morning Jolt: Knicks moves paving way for LeBron
Friday, February 19
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McGrady move paves way for LeBron
Donnie Walsh and the Knicks pushed all their chips to the center of the table with the move for Tracy McGrady. Short of building LeBron James a mansion overlooking the Hudson River, the Knicks president has done everything he can to make New York an attractive destination for the world's greatest player at yesterday's trade-deadline frenzy. Walsh opened up another $9.3 million of salary-cap space -- giving the Knicks a projected total of $32 million to play with -- in acquiring former superstar Tracy McGrady and Kings backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez yesterday in a threeteam blockbuster with the Rockets and Kings. (New York Post)Comment
Johan: I'm the best in NL East
With the Phillies adding ace Roy Halladay to their rotation, Mets lefty Johan Santana is not ready to shy from the competition. Santana is willing to admit the Phillies have improved since last season, but says the Mets still have the top starting pitcher in the NL East. "Santana," he said yesterday, when asked to name the best pitcher in the division. Halladay and the Philly Fanatics might disagree with that assessment, but the Mets aren't paying Santana $21 million this season to take a back seat to anyone. The story on Santana: new and improved elbow, same bulldog attitude. (New York Post)Comment
Bush: I've done all I can for USC
While USC officials sat with NCAA investigators Thursday, former Trojan star Reggie bush was taking in the Olympics in Vancouver. "There are attorneys, there are lawsuits, there are all those things that keep you from being able to talk," Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, said during a promotional stop at a sponsor's office in Vancouver, adding, "I've tried to do everything I can, on my part, to help USC out." When asked for details about how he helped USC, Bush said, "I can't really speak on that because of pending things, but I've done everything I can and I will defend 'SC until the day I die. . . . That's just because I felt USC was so good to me. . . . I am USC and I represent USC." USC representatives spent more than eight hours in a hotel ballroom fielding questions from the 10-member infractions committee. The hearing, scheduled to continue through Saturday, is the culmination of a nearly four-year investigation that included allegations that Bush and former Trojans basketball player O.J. Mayo received extra benefits while competing for the Trojans. (Los Angeles Times)Comment
Must-See Photo
Halfpipe gold-medalist Torah Bright displayed her big-air ability during qualifying (Al Tielemans/SI).
Must-See Video
The Milwaukee Bucks didn't generate many headlines during Thursday's trade deadline. If only Kenya Bell, wife of Bucks player Charlie Bell, had released her latest YouTube music video a few hours earlier...
Game To Watch
Dallas Maverick at Orlando Magic, 8 p.m. ET
- Dallas Mavericks
- Orlando Magic
SI Vault: More Olympics Hockey
This Day in Sports
- 1998 -- U.S. hockey causes a stir after members trash room at Olympic Village.
- 1987 -- Vida Blue retires less than a month after re-signing with the A's.
- 1984 -- Phil and Steve Mahre become the first brothers to win Gold and Silver in an Olympic event (slalom).
- 1980 -- American speed skater Eric Heiden sets the Olympic record with a 1:15.18 1000 meter.
- 1970 -- AL Cy Young winner Denny McLain suspended for bookmaking.
