Morning Jolt: NCAA investigating UNC again?
Friday, May 20
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Quinton Coples, considered a top draft prospect in 2012, may be courting more of the spotlight than he'd like these days. The NCAA returned to the University of North Carolina campus this week to interview at least one current football player. UNC spokesman Kevin Best confirmed Thursday that the NCAA had returned to campus this week but declined to offer any specifics, saying the visit was part of the "on-going investigation." According to an ESPN.com report citing unnamed sources Thursday, an NCAA investigator was in Chapel Hill to interview Tar Heels defensive lineman Quinton Coples about a post-NFL draft party he attended in Washington, D.C., this month. (News & Observer)Comment
Lacob lands Jerry West for front office
Two-time NBA exec of the year, Jerry West, has reportedly agreed to join the Warriors' front office. West's exact title has not yet been formalized, but he is expected to be reporting to co-owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber and possibly act as a sounding board in many areas. The addition of an icon like West is another aggressive and surprising move by Lacob, who brought in agent Bob Myers last month as his GM-apparent. West and Myers have a long relationship via West's close friend Arn Tellem, Myers' mentor in the agenting industry. ... Late-night summary: If Lacob wanted to show he's seriously in this to shake up the Warriors' culture, he has done it. You don't get any more big-time than adding Jerry West to your front office. (San Jose Mercury News)Comment
Bettman keeping Coyotes out of spite?
With so much talk about the Thrashers moving in the blink of an eye, why is it that the NHL has fought so valiantly for the Coyotes? As for the Coyotes, one person close to the situation has an interesting theory -- the overriding reason Bettman fights so hard for them is ego. Letting them move could be seen as victory for Jim Balsillie. When Balsillie made his play to buy the Coyotes and move them to Hamilton, Ont., his message was that hockey would never work in the desert, only in a tried-and-true hockey market. ... By giving up his fight to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix, Bettman could be seen as admitting Balsillie was right. So as long as the local politicians are willing to be relieved of $25-million (U.S.) per year, and the NHL owners are willing to let the Coyotes play on their tab, then Bettman will work hard to prevent any perception Balsillie was right. (The Globe and Mail)Comment
Must-See Photo
Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas (bottom) blocked out a flurry of distractions to blank the Tampa Bay Lightning and give the Bruins a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Kevin Durant challenged Taj Gibson for the dunk of the 2011 NBA playoffs with this dunk on Brendan Haywood during Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
Game To Watch
The desperate Sharks look to avoid a 3-0 hole as they host the Canucks in Game 3 of Western Conference finals. 9 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS
- San Jose Sharks
- Vancouver Canucks
SI Vault: More Barry Bonds
This Day in Sports
- 2006 -- Barry Bonds hits his 714th home run, which brings him into a tie with Babe Ruth for second on the all-time homers list.
- 2000 -- Minnesota Timberwolves forward Malik Sealy dies in an auto accident at the age of 30.
- 1984 -- In his first major league start, Roger Clemens earns the victory in the Red Sox?s 5-4 win over the Twins.
