— Bankruptcy judge, Redfield T. Baum has ruled that the Phoenix Coyotes will not be sold to Jim Balsillie and move to Hamilton. Baum ruled that there just isn’t enough time for all the issues to be dealt with, as Balsillie had a June 29 closing date deadline. So the NHL gets its wish and the team will remain in Phoenix, at least for now. This is bad news for creditors of the Coyotes who will not get even close to the money that Balsillie was offering. It remains to be seen who will buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, but the team will remain in the desert this coming season.
— F Marian Hossa made it clear that he wants a long-term deal and that his top choice is to stay with the Red Wings. Hossa said, “Detroit is on the top of my list, for sure. I don’t feel like moving all the time.” Hossa is not interested in signing another one-year contract though, as he wants more stability. It will be interesting to see if he takes less money to stay in Detroit (he had already said he would, but whether he does or not is unknown), or if he chooses to test the open market where a bidding war could be fierce for his services. Hossa’s potential signing will also have an impact on several other players on the Wings, including free agents F Jiri Hudler (restricted), F Mikael Samuelsson, G Ty Conklin and F Tomas Kopecky. Detroit is expected to match whatever offer Hudler signs, while Conklin is expected to be let go as G Jimmy Howard was promised the backup spot at the beginning of the season. Stay tuned.
— Red Wings’ F Ville Leino does not want to play in the AHL next season. Leino told the Detroit News, “I don’t want to play in the American League anymore. I won’t do that.” His statement makes it sound as though he would bolt back to Europe if he cannot make the team out of training camp next year, but only time will tell regarding that issue. For now it sounds as though Leino, F Darren Helm, and defenseman D Jonathan Ericsson will begin the 2009-10 campaign with the Red Wings, according to comments made by coach Mike Babcock.
— G Jonas Gustavsson met with the Avalanche yesterday. The Avs, Leafs, Stars and Sharks remain the four teams he has narrowed it down to, but the belief is that the Leafs are the frontrunners with the Stars being his backup. Gustavsson will earn $900K in his first deal.
— New Wild’ GM Chuck Fletcher wants more offense from his defense next season, especially from D Nick Schultz. Schultz has been primarily known as a defensive defender during his tenure in the NHL, but Fletcher wants him to get up into the play more next year. Newly named Wild head coach Todd Richards is expected to make Minnesota play a much more offense-oriented and up-tempo system, which would be a massive far cry from the tight checking and defensively suffocating Wild we are accustomed to seeing.
NFL
— Asked if he’s going to play in the NFL this season on Joe Buck Live Monday night, QB Brett Favre said, “Maybe. … I am considering it.” Favre confirmed he had surgery more than two weeks ago said he should be fully recovered in roughly two more weeks. He also confirmed that he’s been talking to the Vikings coaching staff, turned down a request to go to OTAs, and met with their trainer this weekend. He essentially said that his health is the last main remaining question mark and says his familiarity with the offense is a big attraction to joining the Vikings, “I could teach the offense.” He should sign no later than July.
— ESPN‘s Michael Smith has confirmed a profootballtalk.com report that WR Donte’ Stallworth has reached a plea agreement in his DUI manslaughter case. No other information is available, although this does come as a surprise. It’s hard to comment further on the implications without knowing the terms of the agreement. Stallworth will be in a Miami courtroom Tuesday.
NBA
— According to the LA Times, only one of Lakers’ F Lamar Odom and F Trevor Ariza will re-sign with the Lakers this offseason. Heading into the playoffs, the belief was that only one of them would be re-signed, but since the Lakers have won the 2009 NBA Championships, the sentiment now is that they could potentially re-sign both. It will come down to whether owner Jerry Buss, who has stepped up financially numerous times over the years, most recently by signing F Andrew Bynum to a 4-year/$57.4M extension last October, and before that, acquiring F Pau Gasol for an extra $49M in February of 2009. Keep in mind, G Kobe Bryant in the midst of a 5-year, $135M contract. Wow.
— According to sources, the Suns are unlikely to trade F Shaquille O’Neal simply to save money, as their budget has never really been an obstacle for them. In order for the Cavs to acquire Shaq, their current offer of F Ben Wallace (retirement?) and F Sasha Pavlovic (buyout?) would need to be upped considerably.
WWE
— According to TMZ.com,H ulk Hogan’s legal team had a slew of witnesses attack Linda Hogan’s character today, because Hulk claims she’s been wasting a lot of her $40K a month in temporary alimony on drugs.
A hairdresser named Tracy Morgan testified in Florida court this morning that Linda came into her salon and asked to have some checks cashed — all because Linda needed some greenbacks in order to buy drugs. The hairdresser claimed Linda’s favorite drug combo was pot and a painkiller called roxycodon.
Also, a truck driver testified he saw Linda snort blow on a boat, and a postal worker claimed Linda wanted to buy a car from him without Hulk’s attorneys finding out.
Hulk’s legal team wants these witnesses to show Linda doesn’t deserve the $40K a month.
MLB
— The Angels have placed RHP Kelvim Escobar (back) on the 15-day DL. Escobar missed last season with a torn labrum and already spent a stint on the 60-day DL this year because of his troublesome shoulder. The righty will be used as a reliever once he returns.
— The Phillies are shopping for a starting pitcher. Along with Padres’ RHP Jake Peavy, they have also looked into Mariners’ LHP Erik Bedard.
— The Giants have signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor-league deal.
— The Nationals have signed LHP Horacio Ramirez.
— According to his agent, Rays’ RHP Jason Isringhausen, who is out for the season, is not going to retire this offseason.
— The Nationals have shot down interest in RHP Pedro Martinez and LHP Tom Glavine.
— Bankruptcy judge, Redfield T. Baum has ruled that the Phoenix Coyotes will not be sold to Jim Balsillie and move to Hamilton. Baum ruled that there just isn’t enough time for all the issues to be dealt with, as Balsillie had a June 29 closing date deadline. So the NHL gets its wish and the team will remain in Phoenix, at least for now. This is bad news for creditors of the Coyotes who will not get even close to the money that Balsillie was offering. It remains to be seen who will buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, but the team will remain in the desert this coming season.
— F Marian Hossa made it clear that he wants a long-term deal and that his top choice is to stay with the Red Wings. Hossa said, “Detroit is on the top of my list, for sure. I don’t feel like moving all the time.” Hossa is not interested in signing another one-year contract though, as he wants more stability. It will be interesting to see if he takes less money to stay in Detroit (he had already said he would, but whether he does or not is unknown), or if he chooses to test the open market where a bidding war could be fierce for his services. Hossa’s potential signing will also have an impact on several other players on the Wings, including free agents F Jiri Hudler (restricted), F Mikael Samuelsson, G Ty Conklin and F Tomas Kopecky. Detroit is expected to match whatever offer Hudler signs, while Conklin is expected to be let go as G Jimmy Howard was promised the backup spot at the beginning of the season. Stay tuned.
— Red Wings’ F Ville Leino does not want to play in the AHL next season. Leino told the Detroit News, “I don’t want to play in the American League anymore. I won’t do that.” His statement makes it sound as though he would bolt back to Europe if he cannot make the team out of training camp next year, but only time will tell regarding that issue. For now it sounds as though Leino, F Darren Helm, and defenseman D Jonathan Ericsson will begin the 2009-10 campaign with the Red Wings, according to comments made by coach Mike Babcock.
— G Jonas Gustavsson met with the Avalanche yesterday. The Avs, Leafs, Stars and Sharks remain the four teams he has narrowed it down to, but the belief is that the Leafs are the frontrunners with the Stars being his backup. Gustavsson will earn $900K in his first deal.
— New Wild’ GM Chuck Fletcher wants more offense from his defense next season, especially from D Nick Schultz. Schultz has been primarily known as a defensive defender during his tenure in the NHL, but Fletcher wants him to get up into the play more next year. Newly named Wild head coach Todd Richards is expected to make Minnesota play a much more offense-oriented and up-tempo system, which would be a massive far cry from the tight checking and defensively suffocating Wild we are accustomed to seeing.
NFL
— Asked if he’s going to play in the NFL this season on Joe Buck Live Monday night, QB Brett Favre said, “Maybe. … I am considering it.” Favre confirmed he had surgery more than two weeks ago said he should be fully recovered in roughly two more weeks. He also confirmed that he’s been talking to the Vikings coaching staff, turned down a request to go to OTAs, and met with their trainer this weekend. He essentially said that his health is the last main remaining question mark and says his familiarity with the offense is a big attraction to joining the Vikings, “I could teach the offense.” He should sign no later than July.
— ESPN‘s Michael Smith has confirmed a profootballtalk.com report that WR Donte’ Stallworth has reached a plea agreement in his DUI manslaughter case. No other information is available, although this does come as a surprise. It’s hard to comment further on the implications without knowing the terms of the agreement. Stallworth will be in a Miami courtroom Tuesday.
NBA
— According to the LA Times, only one of Lakers’ F Lamar Odom and F Trevor Ariza will re-sign with the Lakers this offseason. Heading into the playoffs, the belief was that only one of them would be re-signed, but since the Lakers have won the 2009 NBA Championships, the sentiment now is that they could potentially re-sign both. It will come down to whether owner Jerry Buss, who has stepped up financially numerous times over the years, most recently by signing F Andrew Bynum to a 4-year/$57.4M extension last October, and before that, acquiring F Pau Gasol for an extra $49M in February of 2009. Keep in mind, G Kobe Bryant in the midst of a 5-year, $135M contract. Wow.
— According to sources, the Suns are unlikely to trade F Shaquille O’Neal simply to save money, as their budget has never really been an obstacle for them. In order for the Cavs to acquire Shaq, their current offer of F Ben Wallace (retirement?) and F Sasha Pavlovic (buyout?) would need to be upped considerably.
WWE
— According to TMZ.com,H ulk Hogan’s legal team had a slew of witnesses attack Linda Hogan’s character today, because Hulk claims she’s been wasting a lot of her $40K a month in temporary alimony on drugs.
A hairdresser named Tracy Morgan testified in Florida court this morning that Linda came into her salon and asked to have some checks cashed — all because Linda needed some greenbacks in order to buy drugs. The hairdresser claimed Linda’s favorite drug combo was pot and a painkiller called roxycodon.
Also, a truck driver testified he saw Linda snort blow on a boat, and a postal worker claimed Linda wanted to buy a car from him without Hulk’s attorneys finding out.
Hulk’s legal team wants these witnesses to show Linda doesn’t deserve the $40K a month.
MLB
— The Angels have placed RHP Kelvim Escobar (back) on the 15-day DL. Escobar missed last season with a torn labrum and already spent a stint on the 60-day DL this year because of his troublesome shoulder. The righty will be used as a reliever once he returns.
— The Phillies are shopping for a starting pitcher. Along with Padres’ RHP Jake Peavy, they have also looked into Mariners’ LHP Erik Bedard.
— The Giants have signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor-league deal.
— The Nationals have signed LHP Horacio Ramirez.
— According to his agent, Rays’ RHP Jason Isringhausen, who is out for the season, is not going to retire this offseason.
— The Nationals have shot down interest in RHP Pedro Martinez and LHP Tom Glavine.
— Bankruptcy judge, Redfield T. Baum has ruled that the Phoenix Coyotes will not be sold to Jim Balsillie and move to Hamilton. Baum ruled that there just isn’t enough time for all the issues to be dealt with, as Balsillie had a June 29 closing date deadline. So the NHL gets its wish and the team will remain in Phoenix, at least for now. This is bad news for creditors of the Coyotes who will not get even close to the money that Balsillie was offering. It remains to be seen who will buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, but the team will remain in the desert this coming season.
— F Marian Hossa made it clear that he wants a long-term deal and that his top choice is to stay with the Red Wings. Hossa said, “Detroit is on the top of my list, for sure. I don’t feel like moving all the time.” Hossa is not interested in signing another one-year contract though, as he wants more stability. It will be interesting to see if he takes less money to stay in Detroit (he had already said he would, but whether he does or not is unknown), or if he chooses to test the open market where a bidding war could be fierce for his services. Hossa’s potential signing will also have an impact on several other players on the Wings, including free agents F Jiri Hudler (restricted), F Mikael Samuelsson, G Ty Conklin and F Tomas Kopecky. Detroit is expected to match whatever offer Hudler signs, while Conklin is expected to be let go as G Jimmy Howard was promised the backup spot at the beginning of the season. Stay tuned.
— Red Wings’ F Ville Leino does not want to play in the AHL next season. Leino told the Detroit News, “I don’t want to play in the American League anymore. I won’t do that.” His statement makes it sound as though he would bolt back to Europe if he cannot make the team out of training camp next year, but only time will tell regarding that issue. For now it sounds as though Leino, F Darren Helm, and defenseman D Jonathan Ericsson will begin the 2009-10 campaign with the Red Wings, according to comments made by coach Mike Babcock.
— G Jonas Gustavsson met with the Avalanche yesterday. The Avs, Leafs, Stars and Sharks remain the four teams he has narrowed it down to, but the belief is that the Leafs are the frontrunners with the Stars being his backup. Gustavsson will earn $900K in his first deal.
— New Wild’ GM Chuck Fletcher wants more offense from his defense next season, especially from D Nick Schultz. Schultz has been primarily known as a defensive defender during his tenure in the NHL, but Fletcher wants him to get up into the play more next year. Newly named Wild head coach Todd Richards is expected to make Minnesota play a much more offense-oriented and up-tempo system, which would be a massive far cry from the tight checking and defensively suffocating Wild we are accustomed to seeing.
NFL
— Asked if he’s going to play in the NFL this season on Joe Buck Live Monday night, QB Brett Favre said, “Maybe. … I am considering it.” Favre confirmed he had surgery more than two weeks ago said he should be fully recovered in roughly two more weeks. He also confirmed that he’s been talking to the Vikings coaching staff, turned down a request to go to OTAs, and met with their trainer this weekend. He essentially said that his health is the last main remaining question mark and says his familiarity with the offense is a big attraction to joining the Vikings, “I could teach the offense.” He should sign no later than July.
— ESPN‘s Michael Smith has confirmed a profootballtalk.com report that WR Donte’ Stallworth has reached a plea agreement in his DUI manslaughter case. No other information is available, although this does come as a surprise. It’s hard to comment further on the implications without knowing the terms of the agreement. Stallworth will be in a Miami courtroom Tuesday.
NBA
— According to the LA Times, only one of Lakers’ F Lamar Odom and F Trevor Ariza will re-sign with the Lakers this offseason. Heading into the playoffs, the belief was that only one of them would be re-signed, but since the Lakers have won the 2009 NBA Championships, the sentiment now is that they could potentially re-sign both. It will come down to whether owner Jerry Buss, who has stepped up financially numerous times over the years, most recently by signing F Andrew Bynum to a 4-year/$57.4M extension last October, and before that, acquiring F Pau Gasol for an extra $49M in February of 2009. Keep in mind, G Kobe Bryant in the midst of a 5-year, $135M contract. Wow.
— According to sources, the Suns are unlikely to trade F Shaquille O’Neal simply to save money, as their budget has never really been an obstacle for them. In order for the Cavs to acquire Shaq, their current offer of F Ben Wallace (retirement?) and F Sasha Pavlovic (buyout?) would need to be upped considerably.
WWE
— According to TMZ.com,H ulk Hogan’s legal team had a slew of witnesses attack Linda Hogan’s character today, because Hulk claims she’s been wasting a lot of her $40K a month in temporary alimony on drugs.
A hairdresser named Tracy Morgan testified in Florida court this morning that Linda came into her salon and asked to have some checks cashed — all because Linda needed some greenbacks in order to buy drugs. The hairdresser claimed Linda’s favorite drug combo was pot and a painkiller called roxycodon.
Also, a truck driver testified he saw Linda snort blow on a boat, and a postal worker claimed Linda wanted to buy a car from him without Hulk’s attorneys finding out.
Hulk’s legal team wants these witnesses to show Linda doesn’t deserve the $40K a month.
MLB
— The Angels have placed RHP Kelvim Escobar (back) on the 15-day DL. Escobar missed last season with a torn labrum and already spent a stint on the 60-day DL this year because of his troublesome shoulder. The righty will be used as a reliever once he returns.
— The Phillies are shopping for a starting pitcher. Along with Padres’ RHP Jake Peavy, they have also looked into Mariners’ LHP Erik Bedard.
— The Giants have signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor-league deal.
— The Nationals have signed LHP Horacio Ramirez.
— According to his agent, Rays’ RHP Jason Isringhausen, who is out for the season, is not going to retire this offseason.
— The Nationals have shot down interest in RHP Pedro Martinez and LHP Tom Glavine.
— Bankruptcy judge, Redfield T. Baum has ruled that the Phoenix Coyotes will not be sold to Jim Balsillie and move to Hamilton. Baum ruled that there just isn’t enough time for all the issues to be dealt with, as Balsillie had a June 29 closing date deadline. So the NHL gets its wish and the team will remain in Phoenix, at least for now. This is bad news for creditors of the Coyotes who will not get even close to the money that Balsillie was offering. It remains to be seen who will buy the bankrupt Phoenix Coyotes, but the team will remain in the desert this coming season.
— F Marian Hossa made it clear that he wants a long-term deal and that his top choice is to stay with the Red Wings. Hossa said, “Detroit is on the top of my list, for sure. I don’t feel like moving all the time.” Hossa is not interested in signing another one-year contract though, as he wants more stability. It will be interesting to see if he takes less money to stay in Detroit (he had already said he would, but whether he does or not is unknown), or if he chooses to test the open market where a bidding war could be fierce for his services. Hossa’s potential signing will also have an impact on several other players on the Wings, including free agents F Jiri Hudler (restricted), F Mikael Samuelsson, G Ty Conklin and F Tomas Kopecky. Detroit is expected to match whatever offer Hudler signs, while Conklin is expected to be let go as G Jimmy Howard was promised the backup spot at the beginning of the season. Stay tuned.
— Red Wings’ F Ville Leino does not want to play in the AHL next season. Leino told the Detroit News, “I don’t want to play in the American League anymore. I won’t do that.” His statement makes it sound as though he would bolt back to Europe if he cannot make the team out of training camp next year, but only time will tell regarding that issue. For now it sounds as though Leino, F Darren Helm, and defenseman D Jonathan Ericsson will begin the 2009-10 campaign with the Red Wings, according to comments made by coach Mike Babcock.
— G Jonas Gustavsson met with the Avalanche yesterday. The Avs, Leafs, Stars and Sharks remain the four teams he has narrowed it down to, but the belief is that the Leafs are the frontrunners with the Stars being his backup. Gustavsson will earn $900K in his first deal.
— New Wild’ GM Chuck Fletcher wants more offense from his defense next season, especially from D Nick Schultz. Schultz has been primarily known as a defensive defender during his tenure in the NHL, but Fletcher wants him to get up into the play more next year. Newly named Wild head coach Todd Richards is expected to make Minnesota play a much more offense-oriented and up-tempo system, which would be a massive far cry from the tight checking and defensively suffocating Wild we are accustomed to seeing.
NFL
— Asked if he’s going to play in the NFL this season on Joe Buck Live Monday night, QB Brett Favre said, “Maybe. … I am considering it.” Favre confirmed he had surgery more than two weeks ago said he should be fully recovered in roughly two more weeks. He also confirmed that he’s been talking to the Vikings coaching staff, turned down a request to go to OTAs, and met with their trainer this weekend. He essentially said that his health is the last main remaining question mark and says his familiarity with the offense is a big attraction to joining the Vikings, “I could teach the offense.” He should sign no later than July.
— ESPN‘s Michael Smith has confirmed a profootballtalk.com report that WR Donte’ Stallworth has reached a plea agreement in his DUI manslaughter case. No other information is available, although this does come as a surprise. It’s hard to comment further on the implications without knowing the terms of the agreement. Stallworth will be in a Miami courtroom Tuesday.
NBA
— According to the LA Times, only one of Lakers’ F Lamar Odom and F Trevor Ariza will re-sign with the Lakers this offseason. Heading into the playoffs, the belief was that only one of them would be re-signed, but since the Lakers have won the 2009 NBA Championships, the sentiment now is that they could potentially re-sign both. It will come down to whether owner Jerry Buss, who has stepped up financially numerous times over the years, most recently by signing F Andrew Bynum to a 4-year/$57.4M extension last October, and before that, acquiring F Pau Gasol for an extra $49M in February of 2009. Keep in mind, G Kobe Bryant in the midst of a 5-year, $135M contract. Wow.
— According to sources, the Suns are unlikely to trade F Shaquille O’Neal simply to save money, as their budget has never really been an obstacle for them. In order for the Cavs to acquire Shaq, their current offer of F Ben Wallace (retirement?) and F Sasha Pavlovic (buyout?) would need to be upped considerably.
WWE
— According to TMZ.com,H ulk Hogan’s legal team had a slew of witnesses attack Linda Hogan’s character today, because Hulk claims she’s been wasting a lot of her $40K a month in temporary alimony on drugs.
A hairdresser named Tracy Morgan testified in Florida court this morning that Linda came into her salon and asked to have some checks cashed — all because Linda needed some greenbacks in order to buy drugs. The hairdresser claimed Linda’s favorite drug combo was pot and a painkiller called roxycodon.
Also, a truck driver testified he saw Linda snort blow on a boat, and a postal worker claimed Linda wanted to buy a car from him without Hulk’s attorneys finding out.
Hulk’s legal team wants these witnesses to show Linda doesn’t deserve the $40K a month.
MLB
— The Angels have placed RHP Kelvim Escobar (back) on the 15-day DL. Escobar missed last season with a torn labrum and already spent a stint on the 60-day DL this year because of his troublesome shoulder. The righty will be used as a reliever once he returns.
— The Phillies are shopping for a starting pitcher. Along with Padres’ RHP Jake Peavy, they have also looked into Mariners’ LHP Erik Bedard.
— The Giants have signed RHP Shingo Takatsu to a minor-league deal.
— The Nationals have signed LHP Horacio Ramirez.
— According to his agent, Rays’ RHP Jason Isringhausen, who is out for the season, is not going to retire this offseason.
— The Nationals have shot down interest in RHP Pedro Martinez and LHP Tom Glavine.
