Morning Jolt: Cuban critical of NFL draft timing
Thursday, April 22
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Cuban critical of NFL draft timing
Though his perspective is different than, well, just about everyone, count Mark Cuban among those who don't like the NFL's new Thursday-Friday-Saturday format that competes more directly with the NBA playoffs. Cuban pointed out the NBA does not play games on the NCAA basketball championship. "I just don't think the NFL is playing themselves out to be a good partner," Cuban said, mentioning issues the NFL has sought the NBA's advice on copyright, collective bargaining and television issues. "You can't operate professional sports in a vacuum." (Dallas Morning News)Comment
Though Gerald Wallace insists not much has changed since Michael Jordan upped his stake in the future of the Bobcats, some wonder how long he can endure mediocrity -- which may be on tap for at least the coming season. If coach Larry Brown wants to leave for another job elsewhere, Jordan isn't expected to stop him. Charlotte also doesn't have a first round pick this year. Considering all the challenges, it's hard to envision the Bobcats taking a major step forward next season. ... It will be interesting to see how long Jordan can endure mediocrity. For all of his legendary accomplishments, turning the Bobcats into a contender would rank high on the list. (Yahoo! Sports)Comment
Thanks to an impressive Wednesday morning performance, it's time to start thinking about the next chapter for Stephen Strasburg: Class AAA Syracuse. In the best of the three starts he has made so far for the Washington Nationals' Class AA [Harrisburg] affiliate, Strasburg took the mound for a rare 10:30 a.m. game and overpowered the [Reading] Phillies with his 98-mph fastball, knee-buckling curve and drop-off-the-table change-up. He allowed only one hit and one walk in his five innings of work, striking out six. For the season, he is 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA and 17 strikeouts against only three walks in 12 1/3 innings. "All of his pitches were on," said catcher Sean Rooney. "It was pretty impossible to hit." (Washington Post)Comment
Must-See Photo
Bayern Munich's striker Thomas Mueller faces a few obstacles in a scoring attempt against Olympique Lyonnais. (TORSTEN SILZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Niners placekicker Joe Nedney takes on Ziggy.
Game To Watch
If you're not watching the NFL draft ... Lakers vs. Thunder, 9:30 p.m. ET
SI Vault: Boston Red Sox
This Day in Sports
- 1876 -- The first official National League baseball game is played with Boston beating Philadelphia 6-5.
- 1994 -- Shannon Miller wins the women's all-around title for the second straight year at the World Gymnastics Championships in Brisbane, Australia.
- 1994 -- Michael Moorer outpoints Evander Holyfield to win the IBF and WBA titles and become the first left-handed heavyweight champion.
- 2007 -- The Boston Red Sox tie a major league record by hitting four straight home runs in a 7-6 win over the New York Yankees.
