Daily Jolt: Vikings' stadium deal on hold
Thursday, August 15
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Consider the pause in momentum a self-inflicted wound, of sorts. With groundbreaking on a new Minnesota Vikings stadium only weeks away, final approval of key development agreements has been put on hold to allow the state to conduct a more extensive background investigation into the team's owners. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, the public body overseeing the nearly $1 billion project, said Tuesday that it has retained Peter Carter of the Dorsey & Whitney law firm to lead a "due diligence" review of Vikings owner Zygi Wilf and his family's real estate business. Carter has tried cases involving racketeering and performed similar investigations for some of the nation's largest firms. (Star Tribune)Comment
Jay-Z complicating Robinson Cano matters
When it comes to Robinson Cano, the "Yankee for life" narrative has shown at least some signs of leaking. The Yankees still must be considered the favorites to sign Cano, but the dynamics have shifted considerably since February. ... [Jay-Z] could be another complicating factor. Jay-Z once rapped, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man." Roc Nation Sports is one of his newer ventures; Cano is his first client, and a rather high-profile one at that. Some rival agents believe Jay-Z wants to make a statement with Cano's next contract. Said one agent: "My opinion is that (Jay-Z) is very concerned with making a public display of self-promotion. So one would think that a show is coming at the player's expense designed to play the Dodgers and Yankees against each other." (FOX Sports)Comment
Aggies working to find a new QB?
Aggies Nation waits, but the program doesn't have that luxury. As the daily vigil surrounding the eligibility of Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel continues, the Aggies are also working to identify his backup. If Manziel has to sit out some games or is declared ineligible for part or all of the 2013 season, the competition between junior Matt Joeckel, redshirt freshman Matt Davis and freshman Kenny Hill takes on enhanced meaning. A&M and reportedly the NCAA are looking into allegations that Manziel sold thousands of his autographs, which would violate NCAA rules. NCAA experts have said A&M may have to withhold Manziel if questions linger when the season opens Aug. 31 against Rice. Jim Darnell, Manziel's lawyer, expects him to play. (The Dallas Morning News)Comment
Must-See Photo
Reese Hoffa of the United States competes in the men's shot put event at the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Bengals DL Terrence Stephens' vocal stylings impressed on this week's episode of Hard Knocks.
Game To Watch
Falcons at Ravens, 7:30 p.m. ET
SI Vault: Tommy Lasorda
This Day in Sports
- 1997 -- Los Angeles Dodgers retire Tommy Lasorda's No. 2.
- 1993 -- Nolan Ryan notches 324th and final victory as the Rangers top the Indians 4-1.
- 1987 -- U.S. beats Cuba in Pan-Am baseball face-off.
