Daily Jolt, June 5: Kaepernick's contract not as guaranteed as it seems
Thursday, June 5
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Lots of fluff in Kaepernick's deal
Even the announcement of a long-term deal with a boatload of guaranteed money paid out to a rising star can't change Jerry Glanville's famous quip that the NFL stands for "not for long." A league source with knowledge of the record-setting six-year contract agreed to by the San Francisco 49ers and quarterback Colin Kaepernick sent the details to Pro Football Talk, and as expected, there's plenty of fluff. Technically, the deal has $61 million guaranteed, but only $13.073 million is guaranteed at signing. It comes in the form of a $12.328 million signing bonus, a base salary of $645,000, and a workout bonus of $100,000. On April 1 of each year from now until 2018, the base salary guarantees convert from injury only to fully guaranteed, giving the 49ers the freedom to decide to move on from Kaepernick in any given year. (Pro Football Talk)Comment
Could a return to California be in the cards for UCLA alum and Minnesota forward Kevin Love? If the Timberwolves do decide to entertain offers for the three-time All-Star, expect the building Kings to factor heavily into the sweepstakes. The Kings are interested in acquiring Love, who would be an ideal complement to DeMarcus Cousins in the Sacamento frontcourt. The Kings have spoken with Minnesota about a deal, but nothing is imminent. Love can become a free agent after the 2014-15 season, but that would not stop the Kings from acquiring him. The Kings traded for Rudy Gay knowing he could leave after this season. That makes them a contender to land Love. (Sacramento Bee)Comment
Zimmer's passing hits Jeter hard
Look no further than future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter to get an understanding of longtime coach Don Zimmer's impact on Major League Baseball. Jeter, who never wears his emotions on his sleeve, cut off his post-game interview after a couple minutes when he began to get choked up over the loss of his longtime friend Zimmer, who passed away on Wednesday night. "That's a tough one to swallow," Jeter said after the Yankees' 7-4 loss to the A's Wednesday night. "Everyone knows how much Zim has meant, not only to our organization, but to baseball as a whole. Your thoughts and prayers go out to his family. That's tough news. I found out halfway through the game. That's a rough one." Zimmer spent eight seasons as the bench coach in New York during the golden years of the Yankees dynasty from 1996-2003 and coached Yankees manager Joe Girardi during the latter's playing days with the Chicago Cubs. (New York Daily News)Comment
Must-See Photo
Tampa Bay Rays third base coach Tom Foley wears a jersey bearing Don Zimmer's name during Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins. Zimmer passed away on Wednesday night after a 66-year career in baseball as a player and coach that included six World Series rings and had spent his last 11 seasons as a senior adviser for the Rays. (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Justin Williams' overtime goal lifts the Los Angeles Kings to a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Game To Watch
Heat at Spurs, Game 1, 9:00 p.m. ET, ABC
SI Vault: More Patrick Ewing
This Day in Sports
- 1937 -- War Admiral wins the Belmont Stakes, becoming the fourth horse to win the Triple Crown.
- 1982 -- Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. begins a major league record streak of 8,264 consecutive innings played during a game against Minnesota. The streak ended over five years later, on September 14, 1987.
- 1994 -- Patrick Ewing posts 24 points and 22 rebounds as the Knicks beat the Pacers 94-90 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, clinching the franchise's first trip to the NBA Finals since 1973.
- 2004 -- Martin St. Louis scores 33 seconds into the second overtime to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.
