Morning Jolt: Haynesworth back in Redskins' plans?
Friday, January 14
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Haynesworth back in Redskins' plans?
If Albert Haynesworth is going to burn a bridge, he may have to try even harder next year, as Bruce Allen said Thursday he wasn't opposed to a return. Even though Haynesworth told Allen last month he was done speaking to coach Mike Shanahan, triggering a four-game suspension. ... "We were hopeful that he was going to help the team win and remain hopeful that he can help the team win," Allen said during a 30-minute interview with beat writers at Redskin Park. "Hopefully, if we can give it some time to breathe, maybe we can come back with a fresh outlook on it." (CSNwashington.com)Comment
Did Kobe admit he's past his prime?
It was, merely, a semantic setting of a tense, but Kobe Bryant's recent comments about passing Dominique Wilkins spoke loudly. In truth, Bryant's full "in my prime" allowance the other day was not some grand admission of vulnerability. He had just passed Dominique Wilkins on the NBA's all-time scoring chart -- and would pass Oscar Robertson to move into the top 10 two games later -- and was reflecting on Wilkins' physical pyrotechnics. "In my prime, I couldn't do the things Dominique could do," Bryant said. Harmless enough. But still ... A confession of concession that Bryant is no longer in his prime is not what one expects to hear from the dude who snapped last year when asked about the prospect of opponents trying to hack at his damaged right index finger: "Good. I need another 80." (The Orange County Register)Comment
Quade doesn't know who will lead off
The Cubs aren't worrying about the very top of their order? New manager Mike Quade says he doesn't know who his leadoff hitter will be or if he'll even have a single hitter assigned to the spot. And that may be a subplot that plays out all season. But it's not nearly as significant as some might have you believe, especially when you consider the lack of impact leadoff hitters in the game today. There might not be five legitimate, prototypical, every-day leadoff hitters in the majors (combining high on-base percentage and base-running ability), and you'd be hard-pressed to identify even one impact guy in that mold who was available this winter. (Chicago Sun-Times)Comment
Must-See Photo
Denver's J.R. Smith goes up for a layup between Chris Bosh and Erick Dampier. With a game-high 28 points, Smith guided the Nuggets to a 130-102 shellacking of the LeBron-less Heat. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
For no apparent reason (wink, wink), Patriots receiver Wes Welker makes 11 references to feet during Thursday's press conference leading up to a showdown with Rex Ryan's Jets.
Game To Watch
Mavericks at Spurs, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: Joe DiMaggio
This Day in Sports
- 1932 -- Horse racing legend Eddie Arcaro wins his first race.
- 1954 -- Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio marries actress Marilyn Monroe.
- 1976 -- Ted Turner becomes CEO of Atlanta Braves.
- 1987 -- Catfish Hunter and Billy Williams are elected to the baseball Hall of Fame.
