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Morning Jolt: July 6, 2011

Wednesday, July 6

Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.

NBA blasts NY Times blog post

In response to a blog posted by the New York Times, the NBA's league office released a statement taking issue with what it considers inaccuracies. "The information from Forbes that serves as the basis for this article is inaccurate and we do not know how they do their calculations. Forbes does not have the financial data for our teams and the magazine's estimates do not reflect reality. Precisely to avoid this issue, the NBA and its teams shared their complete league and team audited financials as well as our state and Federal tax returns with the Players Union. Those financials demonstrate the substantial and indisputable losses the league has incurred over the past several years. The analysis that was posted this afternoon has several significant factual inaccuracies." (NBA.com)Comment

Rangers sign 16-year-old for $5M

Coming out of the holiday weekend, we have a new sweepstakes winner. The Texas Rangers signed Dominican prospect Nomar Mazara on Saturday for a record bonus of more than $5 million, a source told ESPNdeportes.com. Mazara, 16, is a 6-foot-5 outfielder who hits for power from the left side of the plate. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels wouldn't address the signing of Mazara specifically Saturday, saying it was policy to refrain from commenting until deals are finalized and players have passed medical exams. "However, it's fair to say we planned to be active in the international amateur market this year, consistent with our goal of adding the best talent possible in all arenas," Daniels said. (ESPN.com)Comment

Tiki likes Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay

Tiki Barber, at this point, is motivated by more than money and gaining yards. His greater aim is to restore purpose to a life gone horribly astray since he retired from the New York Giants while still in his prime at the end of the 2006 season, one year before they won the Super Bowl. "I have my health. I have a desire," says Barber, 36, after a recent grueling workout. "I have a need to do something and know I can be successful." ... Barber notes that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Bucs are on that short list. He also received an overture from former Giants coach Jim Fassel to join the Las Vegas Locos of the United Football League for a season that begins in mid-August. (USA Today)Comment

Must-See Photo

Ukrainian boxers Vladimir Klitschko and his brother Vitali (R) pose at the end of a news conference in Germany. The two brothers now hold the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and IBO belts between them and have achieved their lifelong dream of uniting the division in the family.

Must-See Video

As the Roger Clemens trial gets underway, here's a look back at his 2008 testimony in front of Congress.

Game To Watch

Yankees at Indians, 7:05 p.m., ET

  1. New York Yankees
  2. Cleveland Indians

SI Vault: More Wimbledon

This Day in Sports

  • 1957 -- Althea Gibson wins the Wimbledon women's singles tennis title, becoming the first black athlete to win the event.
  • 1983 -- On the 50th anniversary of the Midsummer Classic, Fred Lynn hits the first grand slam in All-Star competition in a record seven-run third inning as the American League beats the National League, 13-3.
  • 1996 -- Steffi Graf wins Wimbledon by beating Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in straight sets (6-3, 7-5).
  • 1997 -- The Montreal Expos retire Andre Dawson's No. 10 jersey.