Michael Pineda didn't know he could get suspended for pine tar
Friday, April 25
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Pineda didn't know he could get suspended
In this case, no bliss will stem from ignorance. Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda said he wasn't sure he could get suspended for getting caught with pine tar on the mound. "I'm not really sure," Pineda told reporters Thursday. "I know that something happen, you know. Again, like, sorry I make a big mistake for me and I just feel bad for that." Pineda was ejected for using the sticky substance in Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Red Sox at Fenway Park. On Thursday, Major League Baseball said the 25-year-old righty would be suspended for 10 games as a result. He'll miss one scheduled start and can return May 3. He won't appeal the suspension, he said. "I accept it because I know I make a mistake," he said. "That's it." (NJ.com)Comment
OKC stars don't trust teammates
In Game 3 against Memphis, the Thunder attempted 87 shots. Fifty-three of those came from either Kevin Durant, or Russell Westbrook. Durant had 27 to his name, hitting just 10. Westbrook fired 26, hitting just nine. Next closest in attempts was Serge Ibaka with 10. His last shot came with 6:35 left in the fourth quarter. Reggie Jackson had nine attempts. His last shot came with 9:26 left in the fourth. Of the Thunder's final 18 shots, including overtime, 16 came from either Westbrook or Durant. So here's the point: As the Thunder fell behind 2-1 to the Grizzlies with a back-breaking 98-95 loss, it's become about trust for their two superstars. ... The Thunder have become painfully unbalanced, and it shows as Durant and Westbrook essentially take turns trying to attack that stout Memphis defense. (CBS Sports)Comment
Bylsma calls out Crosby (and Malkin, too)
Given some time to think about things, Dan Bylsma didn't hold back. Normally reserved in public comments, Bylsma offered harsh words for his team following a 4-3 overtime loss at Columbus on Wednesday that tied the first-round Stanley Cup playoff series at two games apiece. He said goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury misplayed a puck, the Penguins needed better effort from all players, and franchise centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin need to score. "The work and compete and the battle level has probably been the most troubling thing from our team," Bylsma said Thursday. ... Bylsma's final salvo began with him saying the Penguins need more from Crosby and Malkin -- who haven't scored in nine and eight consecutive playoff games, respectively -- and ended with another indictment of his team's effort. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)Comment
Must-See Photo
Tim Duncan -- seen here playing some aquatic hoops in his home of St. Croix -- turns 38 today. (Manny Millan/SI)
Must-See Video
The Hawks' Jeff Teague had to drop the 'Jordan shrug' after this ridiculous three-pointer.
Game To Watch
Can the Rockets dig out of an 0-2 hole against the red-hot LaMarcus Alrdridge and the Blazers? 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: More Philadelphia Phillies
This Day in Sports
- 1978 -- The Phillie Phanatic makes his first appearance as official mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies.
- 1974 -- NFL adopts rule changes, including sudden-death OT and goal posts on the endline.
- 1952 -- Minneapolis Lakers beat New York Knicks for their fourth title in five years.
