(Corvallis, OR) -- Civil War will no longer be used in the title of the rivalry football game between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. OSU President Ed Ray says while it didn't reference the actual Civil War, it could have been misconstrued to represent the divisive episode in American history. He says it was a mistake to not act sooner to change the name. The football series between Oregon State and Oregon is the fifth-most contested rivalry in the country in the Football Bowl Subdivision with the 124th edition this November at Reser Stadium in Corvallis.

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is laying down a heavy fine and taking away a draft pick from the New England Patriots.  The league is instilling a one-point-one million dollar penalty and taking a 2021 third-round draft pick as a result of the club's television crew filming the field and sideline during the December 8th game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.  In addition, the team's television production crew won't be allowed to film any games during the upcoming season and senior club officials will be required to undergo training on league operation and game policies. 

(Foxborough, MA)  --  A former league MVP is signing with the New England Patriots.  Cam Newton has signed with the six-time Super Bowl champions, multiple outlets are reporting.  He's expected to compete with Jared Stidham for the starting quarterback position to take over for Tom Brady, who left for Tampa Bay in free agency.  The former number-one overall pick had spent his entire career with the Carolina Panthers.  The incentive-laden deal is worth up to seven-point-five million dollars, the NFL Network reports.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Thorns are showing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.  Players for the Thorns as well as the North Carolina Courage knelt during the National Anthem Saturday before playing what was the first professional team sporting event in the U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic.  All the players also wore Black Lives Matter shirts before kickoff and wore armbands during the game.  The NWSL Challenge Cup marked the return of professional team sports in this country since the start of the pandemic in March.

(Undated)  --  NASCAR's Bubba Wallace is not ruling out fans protesting the circuit's ban of the Confederate flag.  Its only full-time black driver said fans have the right to peacefully protest after NASCAR banned the emblem two weeks ago.  He also related the situation to social justice demonstrations over the last month after George Floyd's death and said those fans would not be targeted by police.  Wallace rhetorically asked, "you won't see cops pepper spraying them and shooting them with rubber bullets, will you?"  Both he and NASCAR have dominated headlines recently after what appeared to be a noose was found in his race garage prior to a race earlier this week.

(Undated)  --  A racetrack in North Carolina is advertising a "Bubba Rope" for sale this week, referencing the noose found in the garage of Bubba Wallace at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.  ESPN reports 311 Speedway owner Mike Fulp posted the product on Facebook Marketplace.  The post was taken down Thursday afternoon after backlash from fans.  The incident at the racetrack in Alabama led to an investigation by the FBI and NASCAR.

(Undated)  --  NFLPA executive director says DeMaurice Smith says the chances of a NFL season happening are around a seven or eight out of 10.  He tells USA Today Sports if fans truly want football back, there is no greater exercise in fan loyalty than social distancing, wearing masks and washing your hands.

(Undated)  --  The architect of the Washington Redskins "Hogs" offensive line has died.  Joe Bugel was 80.  He coached 32 seasons in the NFL, including helping lead the Redskins to two Super Bowl victories.  He spent time with the Detroit Lions, Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Arizona Cardinals.  Bugel is originally from Pittsburgh and played at Munhall High School.  He was an all-conference guard and linebacker at Western Kentucky where he earned a degree in physical education and a master's in counseling. 

(New York, NY)  --  As fans and teams get ready for the return of Major League Soccer, the league is confirming about two dozen new coronavirus cases.  Eighteen players and six staff members have tested positive ahead of the MLS Is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida.  Matches are scheduled to begin on July 8th.

(Cromwell, CT) -- Dustin Johnson held on after a weather delay to win the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands Sunday. He shot a fourth-round 67 to finish 19-under, winning by one stroke over Kevin Streelman in Cromwell, Connecticut. Will Gordon and Mackenzie Hughes both finished two strokes back as Kevin Na finished three strokes back. The Tour will be in Detroit next week for the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club.

(Las Vegas, NV)  -  The Dodgers are win total favorites heading into the shortened 60-game season.  Caesars Sportsbooks in Las Vegas are projecting the Dodgers to win 37 games this season.  The Yankees are second at 36-and-a-half. 

(Undated)  -   Lakers star LeBron James believed that the NFL owes Colin Kaepernick an apology.  James told Bloomberg Businessweek that he believed Kaepernick sacrificed everything for his cause.  He also praised NBA commissioner Adam Silver for listening to the concerns of the players. 

(New York, NY)  --  Despite the Hall of Fame Game being canceled, the NFL is telling teams that training camps are expected to begin on time July 28th.  Rookies and other select players will be allowed to report earlier.  Commissioner Roger Goodell says the NFL is also preparing for games at home stadiums.

(Canton, OH)  --  The first NFL preseason game is off due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame is canceling this year's exhibition game between the Cowboys and Steelers in Canton, Ohio on August 6th.  The August 8th Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is also being postponed until 2021.

(Undated)  --  New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins is speaking out about the risk of coronavirus and returning to the gridiron.  The safety said during his new role on CNN, the sport is "non-essential" and that the virus would need to be "eliminated" before he would feel comfortable playing again.  Jenkins pointed out that it's easier for a league like the NBA to quarantine their players in a bubble whereas it's virtually impossible with football.  The NFL is currently still planning on having a full season.

(Lincoln, AL)  --  With the FBI concluding its investigation, NASCAR is releasing a photo of the noose found in the garage stall of driver Bubba Wallace.  The FBI concluded that Wallace was not the victim of a hate crime and the rope could have been at Talladega since last fall.  Wallace has been outspoken toward social justice following the death of George Floyd while receiving the support of other drivers and officials in the Cup Series. NASCAR has since banned confederate flags at its events.

(Undated)  --  Phase One of the NHL Draft lottery is today.  Despite the league being on hiatus, the NHL has put together a two-phase plan for the lottery that starts today.  The seven teams that missed the playoffs will be joined by eight placeholder teams that will make up the first phase.  If all three top picks are awarded to a bottom-seven team, there will not be a second phase.  The Red Wings have the best odds of landing the number one overall pick while the Ottawa Senators have two chances at the top spot.

(Santa Clara, CA)  --  The 49ers appear to be trying to secure the services of Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams.  Sports Illustrated reports San Francisco is readying a large trade offer for Adams from the Jets.  Adams recently requested a trade, and San Francisco was one of seven preferred teams on his list. 

(Undated)  --  Major League Baseball plans to test players for COVID-19 every other day when the season begins.  Other rules the league is implementing includes no fighting, sunflower seeds, or smokeless tobacco.  Pitchers will also not be permitted to lick their fingers.  The league will also implement a COVID-19 injury list for players who test positive.

(Sacramento, CA)  --  Three Sacramento Kings players are now positive for COVID-19.  Alex Len, Jabari Parker and Buddy Hield have each contracted the virus according to multiple reports.  It is unclear if any of them will sit out when the season resumes in Orlando next month.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Major League Soccer will be back on the pitch beginning July 8th with the Return-To-Play Tournament in Orlando.  The official schedule was released yesterday.  All 26 teams will compete and the winner will receive a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League next season.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Players from 22 NBA teams will start arriving at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World on July 7th.  Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins says players will remain in isolation at three different Disney resorts and won't be able to leave.  All players, coaches, other staff and player guests will be required to partake in frequent testing and daily monitoring.

(New York, NY)  --  Hello baseball.  Major League Baseball and its players have agreed to start the 2020 regular season. In a tweet, the players union said all issues have been resolved.  Training camps will begin on July 1st and Opening Day is set for July 23rd or 24th.  Changes include the National League instituting a designated hitter and extra innings starting with a runner on second base.

(Undated)  --  Free-agent center DeMarcus Cousins will not return to action this season.  Multiple reports state he will finish rehabbing his torn ACL and will get ready for next season.  He was waived by the Lakers earlier this year after not appearing in a game due to injury.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  The Lakers will not have guard Avery Bradley with them in Orlando when the season restarts.  Bradley has opted to sit out due to family concerns.  Multiple reports state the Lakers are considering J.R. Smith as his replacement.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Former UCLA Star Kevin Love is giving back his old school.  Love is commuting 500-hundred thousand dollars towards mental health efforts.  He has been open about his struggles with mental health in the past.

(Undated)  --  Clippers forward Paul George is opening up about his departure from Indiana.  George told the Knuckleheads podcast that he decided to ask for a trade after the team refused to add who he called the best power forward in the game.  Multiple reports suggest he was discussing Anthony Davis.

(Undated)  --  Attendance in the NFL this fall will be determined on a state-by-state basis.  The Athletic reports that even certain counties within the same state may have different restrictions.  The NFL is optimistic that the season will be completed in full.

(Lincoln, AL)  --  The FBI has concluded that NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace was not the target of a hate crime.  After a noose was found in Wallace's stall at Talladega this past weekend, the FBI determined it had been a garage pull that had been there possibly as far back as last fall.  Wallace defended NASCAR's investigation into the matter and said he won't be deterred by any allegations of a hoax.

(New York, NY)  --  Add former All-Star Jason Kidd to the growing list of candidates to fill the Knicks' head coaching vacancy.  Multiple reports say the former coach and current Lakers assistant will interview with team president Leon Rose.  Rose is also expected to meet again with Golden State's Mike Brown.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza won't be taking part in the NBA's return to play in Orlando.  ESPN reports Ariza is opting out of playing so he can spend time with his son during a one-month visitation window.  The forward is involved in a custody case and the mother of the child allowed for a one-month visitation during the NBA's quarantine period in Orlando.  Ariza could lose an estimated one-million to 1.8 million dollars in salary.  Players have until Wednesday to inform their teams if they're opting out of playing in the league's return.

(Undated)  --  If the NBA season resumes in Orlando, don't look for Portland's Trevor Ariza to take part.  ESPN reports the he will instead commit to a one-month visitation window with his 12-year-old son.  Ariza is in the midst of a custody case and the visitation window overlaps with the NBA's return.

(Undated)  --  The NHL is thinning its list of potential hub cities to host games under the league's restart plan.  Los Angeles is one of 10 finalists, but Las Vegas is now considered a front-runner among six other U.S. options.  Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver remain Canadian possibilities.

(Undated)  --  The Players' Association is rejecting the MLB's 60-game proposal for a 2020 season.  The board voted against the plan, leaving the league to go ahead and implement a season under terms of the previous agreement in March.  The league wants to know today if players can report to camp by July 1st.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  This year's PGA Championship will remain at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.  The major championship was previously moved from mid-May to early August due to the coronavirus.  The PGA of America had been considering other locations, but decided to stay put but without spectators.

(Lincoln, AL)  --  Ryan Blaney is the winner of the Geico 500 at Talladega.  He beat Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in a photo finish after rain forced postponement on Sunday.  Five-thousand fans attended.  Fellow drivers showed support for African-American Bubba Wallace after a noose was found in his garage on Sunday.

(Nashville, TN)  -- A 49ers player has tested positive for COVID-19 after working out with teammates in Nashville, Mike Garofolo of NFL Network reports. The 49ers did not release the name of the player because of HIPAA regulations.  According to multiple reports, the players in attendance included Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Kendrick Bourne and at least five others. 

(Anaheim, CA)  --  Angels General Manager Billy Eppler says two players in the team's organization tested positive for COVID-19.  Eppler did not specify whether the infected players are major leaguers or minor leaguers.  He did say they did not work out at Angel Stadium in Anaheim or at the team's spring training complex in Arizona.  MLB has ordered all teams to close their spring training facilities before allowing players to resume pre-season workouts. 

(Undated)  --  The NBA is monitoring the rising coronavirus numbers in Florida as it aims to restart its season late next month.  A league spokesman tells ESPN they will continue to consult the players, public health officials and medical experts in Orlando.  Most teams are set to arrive in early July and start playing July 30th.

(Talladega, AL) - A noose was found in the garage stall of Bubba Wallace, the only black driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, before rain postponed the Talladega Superspeedway race. Wallace speaking out led NASCAR to ban Confederate flags at their races. The sanctioning body confirmed the noose, calling it a "heinous act." Meanwhile, vehicles waving and flying Confederate flags were on display outside the track, while a plane flew over the track with a Confederate flag saying, "defund NASCAR."

(Undated)  --  Former USC standout offensive lineman Max Tuerk is dead at the age of 26.  Multiple reports state he died while hiking with his parents at Cleveland National Forest.  Tuerk was the first true freshman to start at left tackle in Trojan history.  He was drafted by the Chargers in 2016 and appeared in one career game with Arizona.

(Undated)  --  A vote by the players on Major League Baseball's latest season proposal is still waiting to happen.  ESPN reports the union decided to delay the vote on MLB's 60-game plan after commissioner Rob Manfred made some late tweaks.  They are also collecting coronavirus testing data after more outbreaks.

(New York, NY)  --  The NBA is setting a date for this year's draft.  It will reportedly take place on October 16th, with clubs allowed to begin free-agent talks October 18th.  Underclass college players have until August 3rd to withdraw their names from the draft.  The NBA Draft Lottery has been scheduled for August 25th.

(New York, NY)  --  Nearly a dozen NHL players are self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.  The league announced late Friday that 11 of 200 players tested since team facilities reopened June 8th are positive.  The NHL is still targeting July 10th to start training camps, with games in late July or early August.

(Undated)  -  Angels slugger Albert Pujols is paying it forward.  The L.A. Times reports that Pujols is paying for the lost salaries of the teams Dominican staffers.  Pujols signed a 240-million-dollar deal with the Halos in 2011.

(Undated)  -  The MLB and the players union are still at an impasse.  Baseball commissioner Rob Manfeed rejected a 70-game proposal from union leader Tony Roberts yesterday.  Negotiations are expected to continue today. 

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  The Los Angeles Lakers will not be at work today as the team observes Juneteenth.  The Lakers have also hired Dr. Karida Brown as the new Director of Racial Equity and Action.  The team also plans to donate items to four local youth organizations. 

(Undated)  --  The NFL is celebrating Juneteenth today.  June 19th is now a company holiday for the league.  That date is observed as the effective end of slavery in the USA.

(Santa Clara, CA)  -  49ers receiver Deebo Samuel is recovering from surgery after fracturing his foot earlier this week.  Samuel suffered a Jones fracture while working out with teammates.  He's expected to be ready for Week One. 

(Undated)  -  New York Jets star safety Jamal Adams is demanding a trade.  ESPN reports that Adams is frustrated with his contract demands.  He reportedly wants to join either the Ravens, Cowboys, Texans, Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers or Seahawks.

(Dallas, TX) - Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he supports players kneeling during the pre-game National Anthem on ESPN's Outside the Lines if that's is how they opt to protest police brutality and racial injustices.  NBA's rule requires players and coaches to stand for the national anthem, but Cuban hopes the league will be more adaptable.

(Undated)  --  The MLB isn't done negotiating with the players just yet.  According to multiple reports, the league has made an offer to the players for 60 games and expanded playoffs at full prorated pay.  Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that he met with Union president Tony Clark as the two sides attempted to come closer together after things seemingly fell apart.  The season would begin July 19th, according to ESPN.

(Undated)  --  If the NBA returns to Orlando, there are worries about the future of staffing jobs in the league.  According to ESPN, the NBA Coaches Association is worried that any high-risk staffers that can't go to Orlando, could leave future job opportunities in jeopardy.  Executive director Dave Fogel and Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle are worried that some of the older coaches around the league, including Gregg Popovich and Mike D'Antoni along with several assistants could have a difficult time moving forward with their careers after.

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  The NCAA is giving a thumbs up to a six-week practice plan for college football.  The Division One council approved a six-week practice plan that will begin in July and take teams from the voluntary workouts to the standard meetings and preseason camps to get ready for the 2020 season.  The preseason limit of 110 athletes at camp has also been waived.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn thinks teams "would be crazy" to not have Colin Kaepernick in for a work out.  Lynn said yesterday that he fits their system and that while he likes the three quarterbacks they have, you can never have too many.  Kaepernick hasn't played since 2016 when he started kneeling during the national anthem.

(Undated)  --  The Raiders and Chargers are among NFL teams who are honoring Juneteenth tomorrow.  June 19th is observed as the effective end of slavery in the United States.  The NFL announced last week that Juneteenth is now an official company holiday.

(Undated)  -- Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports "eight or more owners" are against playing a 2020 season as the negotiations with the Players Association have stalemated.  It takes 75 percent of the 30 owners in a vote to approve play this year.  Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci told the Los Angeles Times it would be best if MLB avoids playing games in October.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Further details about the NBA's return to Orlando are being revealed.  The Player's Association sent a memo to players detailing the return and gave them a deadline of June 24th whether or not to decide if they're going to play.  According to ESPN, the memo includes amenities and which properties the players will be staying while in Orlando.  Included also were quarantine details for any player that leaves the Disney campus once they arrive in Orlando.

(Undated)  --  Lakers guard Avery Bradley and Nets guard Kyrie Irving are co-leading a new players coalition urging the NBA to work with the Black community.  The coalition wants the league to detail a plan on issues of importance to African-Americans before play restarts.  Priorities for the group include the hiring of more Black coaches and executives among other things.

(Las Vegas, NY) -- The NFL's biggest stars are coming to Vegas. The league announced Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will host the 2021 Pro Bowl on January 31st. This season will be the first of both the Las Vegas Raiders and their new state-of-the-art stadium.

(Undated)  --  A new NBA coalition is taking shape with the goal of uniting players across the league.  Nets star Kyrie Irving and Lakers guard Avery Bradley are leading voices in a new coalition aiming to address concerns with the league over social justice reform and the league's involvement in doing so.  The coalition told ESPN they are aiming to unite the league and those beyond the league's structure to give voices to men and women from all industries. The coalition will also look to address concerns with the league's return to Orlando, with surging coronavirus cases in Florida.

(Portland, OR)  --  Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is sharing his thoughts on the NBA's eventual return this season.  Lillard discussed returning to an Orlando bubble while also not taking away from protests across the country on ESPN's "Return To Sports" special.  Lillard admitted he wasn't 100-percent comfortable with returning and that as a league with plenty of black players, he feels they should be part of the fight going on in the country and that is where many players are coming from.

(Sacramento, CA) -- An NBA team is looking into an alternative way to test for COVID-19. In a conversation with CNBC, Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive says they're looking into using a breathalyzer test. He added the organization is exploring their options on preventing the spread of the illness at games. One breathalyzer concept being researched reportedly can give results in 15 seconds.

(Undated) -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is in favor of a team signing Colin Kaepernick. He told ESPN he welcomes, supports and encourages clubs to bring aboard the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, who has not played since 2016 after kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Goodell added he hopes the league is unified in committing to "making long-term, sustainable change.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The WNBA is officially coming to Orlando.  The league announced yesterday it plans on having a 22-game regular-season starting in late July.  A deal with IMG Academy in Bradenton is being worked out to be the host site for all games, including the postseason in October.

(Undated) -- The MLB Players Association says players are disgusted after league Commissioner Rob Manfred reversed course on comments made about the league's chances in 2020. In a statement, Executive Director Tony Clark said it's another threat in a series of "bad faith" negotiations by MLB. Manfred said he is "not confident" there will be baseball this season. 

(Nashville, TN)  --  While the internet speculated on the future of Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, he spent yesterday handing out face masks and hand sanitizerin his hometown of Nashville.  Betts was trending on Twitter yesterday as fans speculated whether he would ever suit up for the Dodgers as the season continues to be delayed by COVID-19.  Betts will become an unrestricted free agent this winter. 

(Frisco, TX) - The NFL Network reported several Cowboys players, including Ezekiel Elliott, tested positive for COVID-19.  Agent Rocky Arceneaux confirmed his Pro Bowl running back client was among multiple-Cowboys testing positive, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.  The Cowboys released a statement due to privacy health laws they are unable to provide information on any employee.  NFL Network also reported several Houston Texans players tested positive for COVID-19.

(Undated)  --  There is no divide among the Lakers as the teams prepares for the league's restart.  An anonymous player told ESPN that over the weekend after comments from Dwight Howard surfaced.  Howard stated over the weekend that the social justice movement held higher importance to him than basketball.  LeBron James has been vocal about continuing to play.

(Undated)  --  The NBA will begin testing players and staff for COVID-19 beginning next Tuesday.  Tests will be conducted every other day for all personnel involved with the league's restart in Orlando.  Teams are expected to arrive in Orlando beginning on July 7th.

(Undated) --  The commissioners for five major sports leagues will discuss the state of sports in a SportsCenter Special tonight on ESPN.  The heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL will be involved in the discussion which will be hosted by Mike Greenberg.  Angels manager Joe Maddon will take part along with several athletes.

(Washington, DC)  --  President Trump does not plan to watch the NFL this fall is players plan to kneel during the national anthem.  Trump tweeted over the weekend that he will not be watching if players are kneeling like the U.S. Soccer team.  U.S. Soccer reversed a rule last week that did not allow players to kneel during the anthem.

(Undated)  --  Major League Baseball is finalizing a billion-dollar deal with Turner Sports to air playoff baseball.  Turner's TBS Sports aired all of the National League's playoff games last season, and the new deal will now include more postseason games and some regular season contests.

(Undated)  --  The Major League Baseball Players Association is rejecting the league's latest offer to resume the season.  MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told the league over the weekend that they no longer wished to negotiate and wanted the MLB to set a schedule.  When the two sides first started negotiating in March, the league was granted the right to set a shorter scheduled with players receiving prorated pay.

(Undated) --  The NHL plans to open formal training camps on July 10th across the league.  A total of 24 teams will compete in a postseason tournament beginning in August.  The NHL and the players union are still negotiating the details of the tournament.

(Renton, WA)  -- There could be some interest around the NFL in Colin Kaepernick.  The process apparently includes calling Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.  The head coach told reporters on a virtual call that a team had called Thursday inquiring about Kaepernick, which gave the coach the impression someone is interested.  The quarterback visited the Seahawks back in 2017 after opting out of his deal with the 49ers.  Seattle ultimately chose not to sign him at the time.

(Undated)  --  The NBA's Orlando bubble may not be crowded for too long.  Under the restart schedule, ESPN reports 14 of the 22 teams will be ousted within 53 days of arriving.  Just four teams will be left after 67 days.

(Undated)  --  The NFL has cancelled in-person minicamps this month and extended their virtual work program through June 26th.  Teams have the option to continue holding virtual meetings for the next two weeks or ending them after this week.  The NFL and NFLPA are continuing to work on the remaining protocols to ensure a safe reopening of training camp, which is expected to begin next month. 

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL is flexing its financial muscle to help stamp out racism.  After publicly affirming the Black Lives Matter movement this week, the league is now pledging 250-million-dollars to help the fight against systemic racism.  This expands on the previous agreement with the Players Coalition.

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL is targeting July 10th for the 24 teams resuming play to formally begin training camp.  It still must be under the approval of local health authorities.  The league reopened training facilities this week for small group workouts.  The NHL postseason tournament would start in August.

(Memphis, TN)  -- The Memphis Grizzlies will be able to add two more to the roster if the NBA resumes action this year.  NBA teams will be able to expand rosters from 15 to 17 when play resumes, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports. He writes players who have a G-League deal will be available to sign as well.  The league is hopeful of starting regular-season games on July 30th in the Orlando area without fans attending.

(Undated)  --  Former Boston Red Sox manager and Astros bench coach Alex Cora says Houston's sign-stealing scandal was more than him and DH Carlos Beltran.  Cora tells ESPN he accepts responsibility for his role, but it wasn't a two-man show.  The scandal cost Beltran his first managerial job with the Mets.

(Undated)  --  The 2020 MLB Draft is now over.  The draft was shortened from 40 rounds to five rounds, and teams can sign an unlimited amount of undrafted players for 20-thousand-dollars.  The MLB and the players union are still negotiating the return to play. 

(Tulsa, OK)  --  Rockets guard Russell Westbrook is producing a documentary on the 1921 Tulsa race massacre.  Variety reports the doc will be called "Terror In Tulsa; The Rise and Fall of Black Wall Street."  Filmmaker Stanley Nelson will be involved.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  USC plans to end its disassociation with former star Reggie Bush.  He had been barred by the NCAA from any interaction with the program.  Bush was punished for accepting illegal benefits during his time as a player.

(Undated)  --  The two-day, five-round MLB Draft gets underway today.  The draft has been shortened this year as a result of the fallout of the ongoing coronavirus and the league not having yet agreed to a return-to-play format.  The first 37 picks are tonight spanning the first round and compensatory picks.  Rounds two through five are tomorrow.

(Undated)  --  The MLB Players' Association has a counter proposal for the league.  According to ESPN, the union is proposing an 89-game season and expanded playoffs with a fully prorated salary.  The proposal reportedly aims to bring the sides closer after the MLBPA initially proposed 114 games.  However, sources familiar with the matter consider the latest proposal a "non-starter" as the league doesn't want the regular season extending past September 27th.

(Undated)  --  Malcolm Jenkins is calling on the NFL to apologize to Colin Kaepernick.  Jenkins said on 'CBS This Morning' that until the NFL officially apologizes to Kaepernick or helps him land a spot in the league, their attempts at supporting the fight for social justice fall short.  Jenkins mentioned all the things the league has done to help, but specifically mentioned that they have to address Kaepernick.

(Secaucus, NJ)  --  The scaled down, two-day Major League Baseball Draft begins tomorrow.  The first 37 picks will be tomorrow night spanning the first round and compensatory picks.  The draft will finish up Thursday with rounds two through five. 

(Undated)  --  MLB and the Players' Association remain at an impasse.  ESPN reports the union is scoffing at a 76-game proposal that would pay up to 75-percent of players' prorated salaries if there is a postseason.  MLB favors a shorter season than the players to avoid a potential second wave of COVID-19 in the fall.

(Undated)  --  Minority professional hockey players are starting the Hockey Diversity Alliance.  Sharks forward Evander Kane and one time Flames center Akim Aliu head the group.  Calgary head coach Bill Peters resigned last November after accusations of racism by Aliu.  The organization is independent from the NHL.

(Undated)  --  The latest proposed dates for the restart of the NBA season are tentatively set.  According to Yahoo Sports, the NBA Play-in round will be August 16th and 17th.  The round will take place after the modified regular season resumes on July 31st.  The first round of the playoffs is set to begin August 18th.  Conference semifinals will begin September 1st while conference finals take place beginning September 15th.  Game One of the NBA Finals is tentatively set for September 30th.

(Undated)  --  The College Football Hall of Fame ballot for 2021 is being delayed again.  It was set to come out today, but is now being pushed back until next Tuesday.  The ballot was originally scheduled to be unveiled last week, but was delayed after the College Hall of Fame in Atlanta was damaged during the riots.

(Philadelphia, PA)  --  One member of the Eagles isn't accepting Drew Brees' apology over comments he made in regards to kneeling.  Eagles defensive lineman Malik Jackson told ABC 6 in Philadelphia that he lost his respect for Drew Brees and that Brees doesn't understand where Jackson and other black athletes are coming from.  Brees was originally critical of players who kneeled during the anthem but has since apologized multiple times.  The Eagles' defensive lineman isn't buying it and says he's "excited" to play Brees this season.

(Undated)  -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a four-segment memo, which was approved by the players' union, to the 32 teams on protocol to fully reopen their practice facilities.  It includes daily screening, coronavirus testing, physical distancing in locker, dining and weight rooms, separate entrances and disinfection cleaning. Buffet meals and sharing drink bottles and towels are forbidden. Training camps are slated to start in late July with the Titans' first preseason game on August 15th.

(Undated)  -- It appears impractical for MLB to start the season by July 4th as it hoped unless a settlement between the owners and players union can be reached very soon, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.  The two sides are bogged down in a negotiating gridlock over financial issues to play in 2020.  Teams are requesting at least a three-week spring training before playing regular-season games.

(New York, NY)  --  After agreeing on a restart plan last week, the NBA and the union still have some details to iron out.  ESPN reports the two sides are still working on how to handle replacing players who get seriously injured or test positive for the coronavirus.  Players testing positive will be put in quarantine.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Oakland A's will be paying their minor-leaguers after all.  Team owner John Fisher said he made a mistake and will continue to pay all of their minor-leaguers 400-dollars-per week as a stipend for the rest of the season.  The team previously decided last month that they wouldn't be paying the minor-leaguers after the month of May.

(Undated)  --  The Dodgers, Angels, A's and Giants are finalizing their draft boards.  MLB's abbreviated 2020 draft begins with the first 37 picks on Wednesday, covering the first round and compensatory picks.  Rounds two through five are on Thursday.  The draft is normally 40 rounds, but has been shortened due to COVID-19.

(Houston, TX)  --  Expect to see more kneeling during the national anthem this NFL season.  Redskins running back Adrian Peterson tells the Houston Chronicle he will "without a doubt" be taking a knee to protest racial injustice.  "AP" says he expects to be joined by many other players after George Floyd's death.

(Tampa, FL)  --  The NFL is remembering former wide receiver Reche Caldwell.  He died on Saturday at age 41.  Caldwell's mother tells TMZ that he was shot and killed in his hometown of Tampa, Florida.  Caldwell played his first four seasons with the Chargers and one each with the Patriots and Redskins.

(New York, NY)  --  NHL teams have permission from the league to reopen their training facilities today in accordance with  local health guidelines.  Players can participate in voluntary group training, with a limit of six.  Players must wear face masks inside the facility except when exercising or on the ice.

(Undated)  --  The NBA is moving ahead with its plan to restart the season.  The league's board of governors approved the proposed 22-team format by a 29-to-1 vote.  22 teams will play in Orlando without fans.  The Lakers, Clippers and Kings will be in Florida, while the Warriors' season is over.  Games are expected to resume July 31st, with the NBA Finals in October.

(Undated)  --  Major League Baseball's Players' Association is resoundingly rejecting the league's 50-game plan to begin the season.  That's according to a statement from union head Tony Clark, who says the players will not take another pay cut.  The owners previously rejected the players' 114-game proposal.

(Undated)  --  Saints quarterback Drew Brees is apologizing for saying kneeling during the national anthem is disrespecting the flag.  After much backlash, he says he completely missed the mark on the issues we are facing as a country.  Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe says Brees should probably retire.

(New York, NY)  --  Dates have been tentatively set for the NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft.  According to ESPN, the draft lottery is set for August 25th.  The actual draft itself would take place October 15th following the conclusion of the season.  NBA Free Agency would start a few days later on October 18th.

(New York, NY)  --  There will be labor peace in Major League Soccer.  The league and players' union have agreed to a six-year collective bargaining agreement through 2025.  The deal clears the way for a tournament in Florida after the regular season was suspended back in March due to the coronavirus.

(New York, NY)  --  The NHL is finalizing its postseason format under its return to play plan.  The league and union announced they have agreed that the first round, second round, conference finals and Stanley Cup Final will all remain best-of-seven series.  The play-in, qualifying round will be a best-of-five.

(Minneapolis, PD)  --  Members of the Minnesota Vikings are among those mourning the loss of George Floyd.  In the first of three services across the country, Floyd's family members spoke along with others.  Floyd's nephew Brandon Williams spoke about George being a big LeBron James fan and that he was ecstatic after the Cleveland Cavaliers erased a three-one deficit against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

(Sacramento, CA)  --  Kings announcer Grant Napear is resigning after tweeting "All Lives Matter" on Sunday at former Kings star DeMarcus Cousins.  Cousins asked Napear his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement, and Napear responded by saying that all lives matter.   He later apologized to the Sacramento Bee.  Napear had been with the Kings since 1988. 

(Undated)  --  The NFL is requiring all of its teams to hold training camp at their own practice facilities due to COVID-19.  Teams also won't be allowed to hold joint training camp practices.  The Raiders announced yesterday they will hold camp in Nevada instead of Napa as originally planned. 

(Undated)  --  The NBA continues to finalize a plan to restart game action.  ESPN reports the proposed date for Game Seven of the NBA Finals is October 12th.  The league is leaning towards a 22-team format that will tip off on July 31st in Orlando.  Voting is set for tomorrow. 

(Undated)  --  Cal radio football broadcaster Lee Grosscup died Monday while recuperating from hip surgery.  He was 83.  His association with Cal began in 1986 as an analyst.  He is a former Utah quarterback and is best known for originating the shovel pass. 

(Undated)  --  Former Laker Brian Shaw will coach the new G-League Select Team, which will consist of some of the young prospects in the country.  The select team will be mostly comprised of elite players just leaving high school who aren't eligible to enter the NBA yet.  Shaw won three championships as a player with the Lakers and was an assistant under Phil Jackson. 

(Undated)  --  The Dodgers, Angels, Giants and Athletics may be on the field even less than originally thought once MLB gets its season going.  ESPN reports the league intends to propose a shorter season of around 50 games, but with full prorated pay for the players.  The Players' Association has proposed a 114-game season.

(Undated)  --  Former NBA  star JR Smith says he regrets beating up a man he claims broke his truck window during a protest in Los Angeles.  TMZ released video of Smith kicking and then punching the man.  Smith tells the Pat McAfee Show he regrets not setting a better example for his young daughters.

(Undated)  --  The NBA is finalizing details of its restart plan before Thursday's vote by the board of governors.  A 75-percent vote from all 30 clubs is needed to pass the plan, which features 22 teams and play-in scenarios to get to a final 16-team playoff bracket.  Some small markets say every team needs to play.

(Undated) --  Retired boxing champion Floyd Mayweather is paying for George Floyd's funeral services.  A representative for the boxer told TMZ Floyd's family has accepted his offer. Mayweather will cover the finances of services in Minneapolis, Houston, Charlotte and another place to be announced.

(Undated)  --  American pro soccer is not back just yet.  The MLS and the Players' Association are still at odds over changes to the collective bargaining agreement.  ESPN reports the league is giving the union until tomorrow afternoon to accept the offer or suffer a possible lock out.

(Undated)  --  The NHL plans to test its players for the coronavirus on a daily basis if the season resumes.  Deputy commissioner Bill Daly says it will be expensive, but will be a key element to a safe return.  Players would get tested every night and learn their results before leaving the hotel room the next morning.

(Undated)  --  Today is the day NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is giving teams permission to open their ticket offices and retail shops.  He said last week that June 1st would be the day as allowed by state and local officials.  Goodell also said he hoped to have coaches back at team facilities by the end of the week.

(New York, NY) -- The Major League Baseball Players Association is submitting a proposal to the league in an effort to start the season. ESPN reports it includes an expanded playoff format and a 114-game season starting on June 30th and ending October 31st. In addition, the association is pushing for 100-million dollars in prorated salary deferrals if a postseason is not played this year and giving players the right to opt out of the season. This comes as some owners are "perfectly willing" to cancel the 2020 season to save money. Originally scheduled for a late-March Opening Day, the season was suspended shortly before due to coronavirus.

(Undated)  -- The MLS is working on a return.  The Major League Soccer Players Association announced last night it voted to approve economic concessions for this season. That includes across-the-board salary cuts and assenting to play in a proposed summer tournament in the Orlando area with no fans.  The union said in a statement the players want to play soon as they are safely able to do so.  The proposal will be delivered to the owners to vote on.  The coronavirus outbreak halted the season March 12th after teams had played two games.
 

(Secaucus, NJ)  --  Secaucus will remain the site for this year's abbreviated Major League Baseball Draft.  The two-day draft starts June 10th at the MLB Network studios, but has been shortened to five rounds due to the coronavirus pandemic.  The draft was originally to be in Omaha ahead of the College World Series.

(Undated) -- Tomorrow's scheduled announcement surrounding the Madden video game is being delayed. EA Sports announced the move today following the protests seen in many cities across America. A statement says in part, "this is bigger than a game." Numerous cities are seeing protests following the in-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.