Morning Jolt: Thursday, January 27
Thursday, January 27
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
Teammate: Pouncey out for Super Bowl
More than a week out, it appears unlikely that Maurkice Pouncey's outstanding rookie season will include a Super Bowl appearance. According to teammate Chris Kemoeatu, the Steelers will be without Pouncey for Super Bowl XLV against Green Bay after suffering what was initially being diagnosed as a left high ankle sprain. "We are definitely sad that he won't be able to be with us in the Super Bowl," said Kemoeatu following today's practice on the South Side. "Definitely I feel bad for him. We just have to win it for him." Pouncey suffered the injury early in last week's AFC Championship Game against the N.Y. Jets. He did not return to the game and was relegated to crutches on the sidelines for the duration of the 24-19 victory. Pouncey got an X-ray on the ankle Monday and was fitted for a cast. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)Comment
Roy admits game will be diminished
Brandon Roy, in a recent radio appearance, admitted that he will likely not return as the player he once was. Last Monday, Roy had arthroscopic surgery on both his knees so it is very doubtful that he will even return this year. ... [When asked the prognosis doctors gave him:] "Well I don't think medically I will ever be able to get back to 100%. The doctors do feel confident that I can get back to a high level of basketball. I don't want to say to an all-star level because coaches boast those things every year and different guys deserve them but they do feel like I can get to that level where I can continue to help this team and produce at a high level." (Sportsradiointerviews.com)Comment
Rangers helped Phillies get Lee
To hear Chuck Greenberg tell it, Cliff Lee might be with the Yankees by now if it weren't for the Rangers. "We had three different meetings with Cliff and his wife and his agent in Little Rock," he told fans assembled at the Arlington Convention Center, adding that by stretching out the process Texas gave the Phillies a chance to enter the auction. "Even though Philadelphia was probably not in, they were always in the back of our mind," Greenberg said. "I think if we wouldn't have gone to Arkansas that last time, I think he was going to sign with the Yankees. We pried the door open a little bit to give ourselves another opportunity. And ultimately the Phillies were able to take advantage of that opportunity that we created." (Philadelphia Daily News)Comment
Must-See Photo
Novak Djokovic had no trouble getting up for his semifinal match with Roger Federer at the Australian Open. (AP)
Must-See Video
SI's Ian Thomsen breaks down the Cavaliers' losing streak, which is approaching record proportions.
Game To Watch
Miami Heat at New York Knicks, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
- Miami Heat
- New York Knicks
SI Vault: More Giants
This Day in Sports
- 1973 -- UCLA sets the NCAA record for consecutive wins, beating Notre Dame for the Bruins' 61st straight victory.
- 1991 -- The Giants beat the Bills 20-19 in the closest Super Bowl ever when Buffalo's Scott Norwood misses a field goal in the final seconds.
- 2008 -- Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open for his first Grand Slam title.
