NBA Loses a Coaching Legend
Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan passed away today at the age of 78, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Sloan coached in the NBA for 26 years, 23 of them with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz went to the playoffs 15 straight times under Sloan, winning the Western Conference in 1997 and 1998.
“Jerry Sloan will always be synonymous with the Utah Jazz. He will forever be a part of the Utah Jazz organization and we join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss,” the Jazz said in a statement today.
Dak-Watch
The Dallas Cowboys made a number of positive changes this offseason. They have a new head coach, new members of the coaching staff as a whole, excellent draft picks and great signings. But, they’ve yet to extend the contract of their QB1.
In March, the Cowboys put the franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott, meaning that he will make at least $31.4 million this season (I am also available to be franchise-tagged, in case anyone was wondering). In theory, all sides would like to get a long-term agreement in place, but there doesn’t seem to be much movement there.
If he has not signed a long-term contract by July 15, Prescott will have to play on the franchise-tag and will not be able to sign a long-term deal with Dallas until after the season.
Stay tuned…
NCAA
Earlier this week, the NCAA voted to allow its football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball student-athletes to return to campus for voluntary workouts on June 1.
Today, the SEC announced that their athletes can bring such workouts on June 8, while under strict supervision from the universities.
College football is slated to being August 29, but that date, along with everything else, is very much TBD.
Flacco and the Jets
Start spreading the news, because it looks like Joe Flacco has a new home in New York.
The former Super Bowl MVP has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets, where he will back up quarterback Sam Darnold.
Per ESPN and SIRIUSXM NFL Radio, Flacco, who was most recently with the Denver Broncos, had neck surgery in April and is expected to be sidelined until September 1.
Good Deeds
And here are a couple of feel-good pieces of news to lead you into the weekend.
New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft auctioned off his Super Bowl LI ring for $1,025,000, with all proceeds going to the All-In Challenge. The All-In Challenge is a digital fundraiser aimed to feed those who are struggling amid COVID-19. Specifically, the proceeds from this auction will go to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry.
Meanwhile, former Cincinnati Bengals’ WR Chad Johnson made someone’s day, and then some.
After dining at Havana’s Cuban Cuisine in Cooper City, FL, Johnson left a $1,000 tip on his $37 bill. Restaurants in Florida have recently reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic.