Daily Jolt: NFL to suspend Antonio Smith?
Tuesday, August 20
Today's must-see content delivered straight to you.
After video review, the league, apparently, will act swiftly. The NFL is expected to suspend Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith for up to two preseason games for using a helmet as a weapon against Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The suspension is expected to be announced Tuesday, according to the source. The incident occurred during the second quarter of Saturday's preseason game when Incognito was attempting to block Smith. Incognito appeared to grab the face mask of Smith, who retaliated by ripping off Incognito's helmet and swinging it at the veteran lineman. Smith declined to talk about the scuffle. "Next question," he told reporters after the game. "I kind of took a blow to the head. I can't remember." (ESPN.com)Comment
Jeter limping his way into leverage
While Yankess fans await his return in the Bronx, Derek Jeter would like nothing more that to get back in the lineup, too. The last time [Jeter's] contract expired, in the fall of 2010, the Yankees held the negotiating hammer. Jeter had turned 36 just months before and was coming off a middling type of season. ... Jeter wound up making a deal for far less than his side had aimed for, although nobody is suggesting the shortstop will starve based on his recent wages: $14.7 million in 2011, $16 million in 2012 and $17 million this year. Now Jeter holds a player option for 2014 that would be for $9.5 million -- or he can take a $3 million buyout and blow up that option year. It might make sense for him to do this, because this time around, Jeter appears to hold significant leverage. (ESPN.com)Comment
With all the turnover in Boston, where might the over/under on wins be set this season -- and, perhaps more important for Celtics fans, where will it rank against the Charlotte Bobcats? [Thirty] is a good number to debate. Fans seem to be all over the place on where this team finishes, but I'm in the camp that the losses of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, as well as Rajon Rondo's recovery from knee surgery, leave the Celtics in a bad spot. Add in a new coach and a repetitive roster I'll go just over and say the Celtics win 31 games. That leaves them out of the playoffs but maybe ahead of the Bobcats. (The Boston Globe)Comment
Must-See Photo
Fans cheer as quarterback Robert Griffin III leaves the field following the Redskins 24-13 win over the Steelers Monday night. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Things get intense at the Little League World Series.
Game To Watch
Diamondbacks at Reds, 7:10 p.m. ET
SI Vault: Dan Marino
This Day in Sports
- 1991 -- Dolphin Dan Marino surpasses Joe Montana as the highest paid NFL player with a five-year extension for $25 million.
- 1990 -- George Steinbrenner steps down as New York Yankee owner.
- 1982 -- Don Lever becomes the first captain of New Jersey Devils.
