Morning Jolt: NBA ready to downsize
Monday, August 15
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NBA franchises aren't exactly falling over themselves trying to get out of the game, though David Stern might listen. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subject that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in?" ... One obvious hurdle to contraction, Stern acknowledged, is the selection of which team or teams would be put on the chopping block. (CBSSports.com)Comment
Being scheduled to come off the DL isn't always the same as being ready. In a little more than a week, Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is eligible to leave the disabled list after straining his left hamstring for the second time this year. But manager Terry Collins doubts Reyes will be ready to go once he is eligible to return on Aug. 23. Asked before [Sunday's] 5-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks if Reyes had resumed activity, Collins said no. "Not to my knowledge, he has not," Collins said. "I know that when we left, they said for the next three days, he's going to rest." Until Reyes can return, the Mets will have to make due with Ruben Tejada at short and Angel Pagan in the leadoff spot. But neither can replicate Reyes' production in those roles. (The Star-Ledger)Comment
Texas A&M to SEC still in works
Despite false starts and speculation in both the affirmative and to the contrary, the Aggies heading to the SEC may yet happen. A source locked into Texas A&M's situation said the Aggies will be announced as members of the Southeastern Conference beginning in 2012 within 21 days. "Texas A&M wants the SEC, and the SEC wants Texas A&M," the source said. The SEC presidents met Sunday and decided to take no action on Texas A&M but certainly left the door open. "We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion," said Florida president Bernie Machen. ... The A&M source said the process to complete A&M's move from the Big 12 to the SEC was always expected to take two to three weeks. That process continues uninterrupted, the source said. (Orangebloods.com)Comment
Must-See Photo
The Raiders fans, what few of them there were for their preseason opener, were in mid-season form as the Cardinals came to call. (AP)
Must-See Video
A year after "The Decision," Jim Gray plays hard-hitting reporter again when he grills referee Russell Mora after a series of apparent low blows went uncalled in a bantamweight fight between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko.
Game To Watch
The Angels look to cut into their four-game deficit when the division-leading Rangers visit, 10:05 p.m. ET
SI Vault: More Babe Ruth
This Day in Sports
- 1929 -- Babe Ruth becomes the first player to hit 500 homers when he connects off Cleveland's Willis Hudlin
- 1928 -- Carl Hubbell registers the first win of his career with a 4-0 shutout of Philadelphia
- 1970 -- Jim Bunning becomes the first pitcher since Cy Young to win 100 games in both leagues
