New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have a COVID-19 problem, as shortstop Gleyber Torres became the eighth member of the organization to test positive for the virus this week. Torres is the first player to test positive and he is now on IL. The coaching and support staffs make up the other seven cases, with three coaches, Matt Blake, Phil Nevin and Reggie Willits, testing positive.
All eight cases are in people who are fully vaccinated, and due to an 85% vaccination rate among players, coaches and support staff, the Yankees were able to operate under relaxed MLB protocols. Torres also had COVID-19 during the offseason.
On the plus side, the Yankees saw no new cases on Thursday. The sports world, and everyone really, will be keeping a close eye on this story.
Hello and Goodbye
The Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem knows how to make an entrance…and an exit.
It took about five months for Haslem to get into a game, where he played three minutes Thursday night, and was then ejected early in the second quarter. The 40 year-old power forward has now played in a game for 18 straight seasons.
Haslem checked in at the end of the first quarter to a standing ovation. A few minutes later he got into it with Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, and that was that. The Heat won the game, 106-94.
Going, Going, Back, Back to Foxborough
The NFL schedule was released on Wednesday night, and not to be dramatic, but perhaps the most anticipated match-up of the season is in Week 4, when one Tom Brady and the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Foxborough to take on Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. OK, I’ll be dramatic. I CAN’T WAIT. And I’m not alone.
It’s May, and tickets are already crazy expensive, with the least expensive seats at well over $1K and the most expensive just under $9K. The game will be played on October 3 and is Sunday Night Football. Get your popcorn, or a TB12 approved snack, and let’s get ready for some football.
No Nagy at Bears Rookie Minicamp
After coming in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy will not physically be at the team’s rookie minicamp. He will, however, still lead all meetings virtually and will watch practice remotely. Phase 2 of the Bears’ voluntary offseason program starts on Monday.
A-Rod and the Minnesota Timberwolves
We all handle breakups differently. For instance, JLo has taken to spending time with her ex of 17 years, Ben Affleck. A-Rod has decided to buy an NBA team. Potato, potato.
Per ESPN, Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore will be the new owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx for $1.5 billion. Love may not cost a thing, but professional sports teams cost a lot.
The Timberwolves released a statement saying, “Glen Taylor has reached an agreement with Marc Lore & Alex Rodriguez regarding the sale and future ownership of the Wolves & Lynx. The transaction will close following league approval beginning the transition of ownership and a new chapter.”