Morning Jolt: Thursday, December 9
Thursday, December 9
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Epstein still on the hunt for arms
Boston made the biggest splash as the winter meetings draw to a close, but Theo Epstein still has an arms race to consider. The Red Sox need at least two relief pitchers to add depth to a bullpen headlined by Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard. The Red Sox have been linked to numerous relievers, including lefthanders Scott Downs, Pedro Feliciano, Brian Fuentes, and Ron Mahay. Righthanders under consideration include Kevin Gregg and Matt Guerrier. Epstein said he has offers out to a number of relievers but has not heard back. He expects that once one of the setup men makes a decision, others will quickly follow. (The Boston Globe)Comment
Artet considers donating salary
It's rare to think of reasons to pay athletes twice what they already receive, but Ron Artest may be in the running after announcing a gesture Wednesday. Before he even gives away his 2010 championship ring in an online raffle to raise funds and increase awareness of mental-health issues in schools, the Lakers small forward is already focusing on another unprecedented donation that would mean millions of dollars and immeasurable attention to the same important cause. He told NBA.com he is seriously thinking about handing over at least half, and maybe all, of next season's $6.79 million salary. "I'm definitely considering the whole thing," Artest said. "Or maybe 60 percent." (NBA.com)Comment
Stability at the top has been a way of life in Tennessee, but that loyalty may be testing its limits. In good seasons and bad seasons and all those 8-8 seasons, Jeff Fisher seldom has faced questions about his job security. He was the head coach, no questions asked, with the long-term contract to prove it. The game has changed. Five-game losing streaks do that. ... Even in seasons when their record slumped, Fisher's teams had an identity. They ran the ball with gusto. They stopped the run. It wasn't always pretty but they played tough, physical, inspired football. The 2010 season is a case of mistaken identity -- or no identity whatsoever. (The Tennessean)Comment
Must-See Photo
The Bucks were the picture of joy and Danny Granger the picture of dejection after Milwaukee beat Indiana in the final second on a basket by Andrew Bogut. (AP)
Must-See Video
Peter King on which Manning brother is more likely to make the playoffs.
Game To Watch
Colts at Titans, 8:20 p.m. ET, NFL Network
SI Vault: More Eric Dickerson
This Day in Sports
- 1934 -- The Giants win the NFL Championship in the Sneaker Game, wearing basketball shoes in the second half on an icy field to help aid a comeback victory over the Bears.
- 1984 -- Eric Dickerson breaks O.J. Simpson's single-season NFL rushing record.
- 2006 -- Ohio State's Troy Smith wins the Heisman Trophy by the second-biggest margin ever.
