(Lake Buena Vista, FL)  --  Both the Lakers and Clippers are back in action tomorrow at the NBA bubble near Orlando.  The Lakers face off with the Toronto Raptors, while the Clippers meet the New Orleans Pelicans.  The Sacramento Kings take the floor tonight against San Antonio. 

(Lake Buena Vista, FL)  -  LeBron James put back his own miss for the go-ahead basket as the Lakers nipped the Clippers 103-101 at the NBA bubble near Orlando.  The Lakers erased a double-digit second half lead to pull away.  Anthony Davis led the Purple and Gold with 34 points.  James scored 16 points and added 11 rebounds.  Paul George racked up 30 points for the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard poured in 28.  The Clips are six-and-a-half games behind the Lakers for first in the Western Conference. 

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Trail Blazers will play their first NBA game in over four months tonight against the Grizzlies in Orlando.  Portland currently sits at 29-and-37 in the West.  The Blazers' next game is Sunday against the Celtics.

(Anaheim, CA)  -  The Angels' bullpen struggled late as they fell to the Mariners 8-5 in Anaheim.  Hansel Robles and Kyle Keller combined to give up five runs in the ninth.  Max Stassi and Shohei Ohtani homered for the Halos.  They'll host the Astros tonight. 

(Phoenix, AZ)  -  The Dodgers clubbed three home runs as they beat the Diamondbacks 6-3 in Phoenix.  Corey Seager, AJ Pollock and Max Muncy went deep for L.A.  Ross Stripling got the win as the series continues tonight in Phoenix. 

(Seattle, WA)  --  The A's open a four-game series with the Mariners tonight in Seattle.  Sean Manaea takes the mound for Oakland, while the M's counter with Taijuan Walker.  Oakland is 3-and-3 and hopes to end a two-game slide.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Padres blew a 6-1 lead only to score six in the 10th inning and beat the Giants 12-7 in San Francisco.  Tyler Rogers was tagged for all six runs in the 10th, including five earned.  Donovan Solano went 4-for-5 with two RBI for San Francisco.  The Giants host Texas tonight.

(Undated)  --  The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin tomorrow with five qualifying games.  The Western Conference will compete in the hub city of Edmonton, while the Eastern Conference is playing in Toronto.  No California team is competing. 

(Santa Clara, CA)  --  The 49ers are placing running back Jeff Wilson on the COVID-19 list.  He joins Niners receiver Richie James on the list.  The team is not allowed to disclose if players test positive, and the list is also for players who have been in close contact with an infected person.

(Inglewood, CA)  --  The new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is drawing criticism from local residents.  The City of Inglewood was trending on Twitter yesterday as users complained about gentrification.  Much dismay was about the man-made lake built around the stadium.  The 70-thousand seat facility is nearing completion and is expected to be ready for the 2020 NFL season. 

(Bradenton, FL)  -  Chelsea Gray posted 15 points as the Sparks edged the Connecticut Sun 81-76 in Florida.  They improved to 2-and-1 on the year.  The Sparks face the Storm tomorrow. 

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up for their first real game in over four months.  The Trail Blazers will take on the Grizzlies tomorrow in Orlando.  The Blazers will then face the Celtics on Sunday.  Portland went into the break at 29-and-37.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Lakers and Clippers clash tonight as the NBA season officially restarts in Orlando.  The Lakers are first in the Western Conference at 49-and-14.  THe Clippers are second at 44-and-20.  The Clips lead the season series 2-1.

(Houston, TX)  -  Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly is appealing an 8-game suspension for his role in Tuesday's scrum with the Astros.  He is available to pitch during appeal.  Dodgers manager Dave Roberts served a one-game ban yesterday. 

(Houston, TX)  --  Edwin Rios hit a two-run homer in the top of the 13th inning to propel the Dodgers to a 4-2 win over the Astros in Houston.  Mookie Betts doubled in a run for LA in the 11th but the 'Stros tied it in the bottom half on Carlos Correa's RBI single.  Corey Seager also homered for LA, which visits Arizona tonight.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Lakers forward Anthony Davis said he plans to suit up and play tonight against the Clippers as he deals with an eye injury. He was poked in the eye during a scrimmage last week.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Mike Yastrzemski's second solo homer of the game in the bottom of the ninth gave the Giants a 7-6 win over the Padres in San Francisco.  Donovan Solano's three-run shot tied it in the eighth as the Giants overcame a 6-2 deficit.  The teams finish their series tonight.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The A's are on a two-game slide after a 5-1 loss to the Rockies in Oakland.  Matt Chapman homered for the A's, who slipped to 3-and-3.  Frankie Montas permitted two runs in five frames to suffer the loss.  Oakland is off tonight before visiting Seattle tomorrow.

(Anaheim, CA)  -  Dylan Moore and Kyle Seager drove in three runs each as the Mariners outlasted the Angels 10-7 in Anaheim.  Brian Goodwin homered and doubled for the Halos and finished with three RBI.  Shohei Ohtani and Justin Upton also went deep for Los Angeles.  Mike Trout had three of the eight LA hits.  Jacob Barnes failed to record and out to get tagged with the loss.  The rubber match is tonight.

(Santa Clara, CA)  --  49ers general manager John Lynch plans to stick around.  Multiple reports state the two sides have agreed to a five-year contract extension through 2024.  Lynch joined the Niners in 2017 and helped guide them to a Super Bowl appearance last season.

(Costa Mesa, CA)  -  Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said he expects Tyrod Taylor will be his starting quarterback in Week One.  Rookie first-round pick Justin Herbert is expected to compete for the job.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Timbers sank all four of their PKs to beat FC Cincinnati on Tuesday night in Orlando.  Jaroslaw Niezgoda scored in the 67th minute to put Portland up 1-nil.  Jürgen Locadia put away an 81st minute penalty kick for Cinci to force penalties.  The Tims will move on to face NYCFC on Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the MLS is Back tournament.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Lakers forward Anthony Davis is dealing with an eye injury that may keep him out of tomorrow's game against the Clippers.  Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters that Davis is considered day-to-day.  The All-Star was accidentally poked in the eye during a scrimmage last week.  The NBA season officially tips off tomorrow in Orlando when the Lakers clash with the rival Clippers.

(Portland, OR)  --  Beer lovers and Blazers fans can now enjoy Rip City Lager from Deschutes Brewing.  The cans are plaid colored in a salute to Dr. Jack Ramsey, the Trail Blazers' longtime coach who led the team to the NBA title in 1977.  There are home and away designs and they're available in 6 packs, 12 packs and 24 packs.

(Houston, TX)  --  The benches cleared in the sixth inning as the Dodgers edged the Astros 5-2 in Houston.  L.A. reliever Joe Kelly had words with Astros shortstop Carlos Correa before both benches joined the fray.  The Dodgers took over with a five-run fifth inning despite a homer from Correa.  The series resumes tonight in Houston.

(Costa Mesa, CA)  --  The Los Angeles Chargers are locking defensive end Joey Bosa to a contract extension.  ESPN reports Bosa's new deal is for five years and is worth 135-million-dollars.  The contract is the most expensive in franchise history.  He recorded 11-and-a-half sacks for the Bolts last season.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The A's look to bounce back today following an 8-3 loss to the Rockies in Oakland.   Mark Canha plated two runs to bring his RBI total to five through five games.  Daniel Mengden gave up three runs and took the loss for the A's.  The series wraps up today with Frankie Montas on the mound for Oakland.

(Anaheim, CA)  --  Anthony Rendon homered in his Angels' debut as they bashed the Mariners 10-2 in Anaheim.  He delivered a two-run shot in the eighth inning for the Halos.  Albert Pujols also left the yard and Ryan Butcher earned the relief win.  The series continues tonight as Andrew Heaney gets the start.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Giants got done in by home runs as they fell to the Padres 5-2 in their home opener yesterday in San Francisco.  Jeff Samardzija allowed all five runs on a pair of homers to take the loss.  Johnny Cueto takes the mound as the series continues tonight.  San Diego will counter with Chris Paddack.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The NBA may not be one-and-done with its bubble city approach.  Players' Association executive director Michele Roberts tells ESPN that it's possible the same strategy might have to be used in order to complete next season.  The league has gone three weeks without a positive test inside the bubble.

(Undated)  --  The NFL Players Association is reporting 21 positive COVID-19 tests.  Players are being tested as they report to training camp.  More than 100 players tested positive during the offseason.  The league plans to move forward with training camps.

(Flushing, NY)  --  The Mets are adding former Oakland A's catcher Bruce Maxwell.  Newsday reports the two sides have agreed to a deal pending a physical and coronavirus testing.  Maxwell hasn't played in the majors since 2018.  He's remembered as the first MLB player to take a knee during the anthem in 2017.

(New York, NY)  --  Major League Baseball believes the current coronavirus outbreak is limited to just the Miami Marlins.  The league says it has conducted more than 64-hundred COVID-19 tests since Friday, July 24th.  Results have shown no new positive cases of on-field personnel for any of the other 29 big league clubs.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Trail Blazers came up short in a scrimmage against the defending champs in Orlando.  Without Damian Lillard, Portland fell 110-104 to the Toronto Raptors.  C.J. McCollum led Portland with 21 points.

(Oakland, CA)  --  Shohei Ohtani failed to retire any of the six batters he faced as the Athletics held on to beat the Angels 6-4 in Oakland.  Mark Canha delivered a two-run single in the first, while Sean Murphy homered in the sixth for an insurance run.  Ohtani gave up five runs in the first to take the loss.  Mike Trout plated all four runs for the Halos in defeat. 

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Mauricio Dubon singled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning as the Giants fought off the Dodgers 3-1 in Los Angeles.  Darin Ruf and Donovan Solano also drove in runs for San Francisco, which won the final two of the four-game series.  The Giant bullpen kept the Dodgers in check and Wandy Peralta earned the win.  Cody Bellinger drove in the lone run for L.A. in the third inning.  Reliever Brusdar Graterol was charged with the loss for the Dodgers. 

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Timbers are back on the pitch tomorrow.  Portland will take on Cincinnati in the round of 16 in the MLS is Back Tournament.  The winner will advance to the quarterfinals.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Clippers guard Lou Williams is going to miss the team's first two games of the shortened NBA season.  Williams is completing a league-mandated ten-day quarantine after visiting an Atlanta strip club.  The Clips' guard went to the club while on approved leave to attend a viewing for the death of a close family friend on Thursday.  The Clippers face the Lakers in Thursday's opener.  

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Oakland A's will look to clinch a series win as they host the L.A. Angels this afternoon at the Coliseum.  The A's lead the four-game set 2-1 after yesterday's win.  The Dodgers and Giants are off today.  The Dodgers travel to face the Astros tomorrow, while San Francisco faces San Diego in its home opener.

That's because two key pieces of the team, big men Jusuf Nurkic and
Zach Collins, are healthy and ready to play. Nurkic broke his leg
last season and hadn't played since. Collins injured his shoulder
earlier this season.

''I think this is the best possible way it could happen to me,''
Nurkic said of his return. ''To go through a camp, to go through
the whole camp, these last two or three weeks. I think it was
perfect.''

Nurkic was averaging 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds for the Blazers
last season when he was injured.

''You want to be better every day, if you're good at something you
try to get better. For me it was the same approach. I'm not going
to waste my time in losing 14 months to not get better,'' Nurkic
said. ''For me it was a challenge every day, what I can do better
today than I did yesterday maybe OK. So that was my approach and I
definitely, after however long we've been here, I can tell that I'm
a better player than I was.''

Nurkic and Collins will likely be in the starting lineup along with
Carmelo Anthony and the solid backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and
CJ McCollum when the NBA season restarts in Florida.

The Trail Blazers were just out of the playoff picture, sitting
ninth in the Western Conference standings on March 11 when the
league was shuttered. They'll have eight games to secure a playoff
berth, starting on July 31 with Memphis.

''We've got to come to play. I mean, we come out with Memphis off
the bat. That's a must win. Obviously, we're playing a lot of good
teams on our schedule, and we're in ninth place now so we've got to
hold serve,'' Portland coach Terry Stotts said.

The Blazers finished 53-29 last season and clinched the third seed
in the Western Conference, going on to make the conference finals
for the first time in 19 years. So expectations were high for
Portland heading into the season.

''Everything that we did in the past doesn't matter. We have eight
games to get ready for the playoff, to either get in or not get in.
So we're not really worried about what happened up to this point,''
McCollum said. ''It's a completely new season, completely new
circumstances, new players. So we've just be better overall and
really take advantage.''

DEPTH UPDATE

With the return of Nurkic and Collins, the Blazers are almost at
full strength. But there are two notable absences: Trevor Ariza and
Caleb Swanigan have opted out of the tournament.

Ariza's absence will no doubt be a blow. Acquired by the Blazers in
a January trade with Sacramento, he was averaging 8 points and 4.6
rebounds with Portland and he had developed a good chemistry with
his new teammates.

WHERE WE WERE

Just outside the playoff picture before the season was shut down,
Portland was feeling a sense of urgency. Now it's even greater.
Portland has made the playoffs in each of the last six seasons.

''We don't have time to ease our way in, we don't have time to try
and figure stuff out, we've got to come in assertive and aggressive
and just go after it,'' Lillard said.

SKINNY MELO

Because Anthony will be pressed into service at the 3 because of
Ariza's absence, he took it upon himself to physically prepare a
bit for his new role. The result is a decidedly slimmer physique.

''I haven't seen 230-235 since early, early in my career,'' Anthony
said. ''So now it puts me back in a mindset, from a confidence
standpoint, knowing I was able to get back to that. On the court I
feel good, I feel healthy, and I have a lot of clarity now, too.''

The key to his quarantine diet? ''I can't tell you that secret,''
he said, laughing.

PORTLAND UNREST

The national spotlight has been on Portland in recent days after
federal authorities were sent to the city to quell protests that
have been ongoing since the death of George Floyd. The appearance
of the federal officers prompted larger protests.

Lillard had participated in a Black Lives Matter march in Portland
in early June. He said he has been watching the developments back
home.

''I had a personal experience with the protests on a particular day
and it was all peaceful,'' Lillard said. ''And every one that I've
seen video of has been peaceful, so I don't understand why federal
troops need to be on the ground and physically removing people from
the streets. I feel like it's unnecessary and it's definitely a
scary situation.''
 

(Undated)  --  The 60-game shortened MLB season will officially get underway tonight.  The defending World Series Champion Washington Nationals will host the New York Yankees in interleague action.  In the night cap, the Los Angeles Dodgers will take on their NL West rivals, the San Francisco Giants.

(Anaheim, CA)  --  After some hesitance about resuming baseball during a pandemic, Mike Trout says he's going to play after all.  He announced his decision in a video conference yesterday, just two days away from the Angels' season opener.  Trout says he's pleased with the way the league is handling things thus far.

(Orlando, FL)  --  NBA action is underway in the bubble in Orlando.  The Clippers and Magic kicked things off with a scrimmage on the NBA's newly unveiled 'Black Lives Matter' court.  Three other games highlighted the opening scrimmage day in Orlando.  More scrimmage games are on tap for today, including the Lakers taking on the Mavericks.

(New York, NY)  --  Fans must wear face coverings at NFL games this season.  League spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the news in a tweet.  Of course, that's if fans are even allowed to attend football games this fall and winter.  There won't be any fans in the stands for New York Giants or New York Jets games this season at MetLife Stadium.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Pacers' Malcolm Brogdon has launched the Brogdon Family Foundation for social justice reform from the NBA bubble in Orlando.  His foundation also focuses on criminal justice reform, a focus on clean water for Africa and education.  Brogdon recently joined the Pacers after recovering from the coronavirus.  "I don't think it has to be an 'either or...' I've decided to do both," Brogdon said of returning to play.

(Indianapolis, IN)  --  The Indy 500 is set for August 23rd, where fans are permitted at 25 percent capacity.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also lifting the local broadcast blackout for just the second time in almost seven decades.  IMS says it's implementing strict testing and mask requirements for fans.  Under the current guidelines, IMS can let in around 87-thousand people.

(Blaine, MN)  --  The 3M Open tees off today at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine.  Some of the top golfers in the world are in the field including Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson.  The first groups are scheduled to get going at 6:50 a.m. local time.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Zach McKinstry went yard in the eighth to add to the lead as the Dodgers nipped the Angels 6-4 in LA.  Chris Taylor added a three-run homer for the Dodgers, who open the season tomorrow night against the Giants.  Tommy La Stella, Albert Pujols and Brian Goodwin all homered for the Angels.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Mike Yastrzemski led off the game with a homer as the Giants doubled up the A's 4-2 at Oracle Park.  Alex Dickerson added a homer in the second and Wandy Peralta pitched a perfect inning to get the win.  The Giants' Opening Day to the 60-game regular season is tomorrow night at Dodger Stadium while the A's open against the Angels on Friday in Oakland.

(New York, NY)  --  Nearly 60 NFL players are testing positive for coronavirus as training camps are just a week away.  After previously reporting 95 cases, the Players' Association updated its count and confirmed 59 infections.  The league also approved the Infectious Disease Emergency Response plans for eight teams with 24 in review.  This comes after the NFL announced plans to test players every day for the first two weeks of camp and switch to every other week if the positivity rate is below five-percent.  Players have been vocal about the NFL's need to prioritize proper health and safety protocols before starting the season this fall.

(New York, NY)  --  The NFL preseason is off.  The Players' Association said yesterday all exhibition games will be canceled after the typical four-game slate was trimmed to two earlier this year.  All teams are set to report to training camp next Tuesday.

(Undated)  --  NFL training camps could have less participation this year.  Multiple reports say the NFL is proposing a roster size of 80 players to the NFLPA.  The rosters would be smaller than the regular 90-man limit as a result of the ongoing coronavirus.  The proposal is aimed to help social distancing in team facilities.

(New York, NY)  --  The NBA is making an adjustment to its schedule.  The league announced in a memo that it's moving up its draft lottery five days.  The draft lottery will now take place on August 20th.  The NBA Draft itself will still occur on October 16th.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The NBA is unveiling its "Black Lives Matter" court for the upcoming restart.  The statement is written on the floor in large print.  Other features include the broadcasters table being enclosed by plexiglass away from the players.

(Undated)  --  The NFL and its players union have agreed to daily coronavirus testing.  According to ESPN, a league memo states daily testing would be required for the first two weeks.  If the positive percentage is below five percent, testing would scale back to every other day.  Players and staff will be required to test negative twice before they arrive at the team's facility.   

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Giants cruised to a 6-2 win over the A's in Oakland last night.  Austin Slater launched a base-clearing double in the second and drove in two more in the seventh.  Drew Smyly logged the win.  The Giants will host the A's tonight.

(Undated)  --  According to reports, the NFL has made an offer to the NFL Players Association to play no preseason games.  Previously the league had been pushing two games instead of four, while players were pushing for none.  The proposal includes a longer period of training camp.  The NFLPA has not yet responded.

(San Diego, CA)  --  David Fletcher scored on a fielder's choice and that was it for the night as the Angels silenced the Padres 1-0 in San Diego.  Griffin Canning gave up three hits over six innings to get the win.  The Angels will be across town tonight.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Chris Taylor drove in four runs as the Dodgers routed the Diamondbacks 12-1 at Dodger Stadium.  Joc Pederson, Mookie Betts and Taylor all went yard.  The Dodgers will host the Angels tonight.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The NBA is reporting that out of 346 players tested for coronavirus since July 13th, zero are positive.  The league's first round of testing in Orlando yielded two positive tests out of 322.  NBA games are set to resume on July 30th.

(Oakland, CA)  --  Giants manager Gabe Kapler joined several of his players in kneeling during the national anthem prior to last night's exhibition game in Oakland.  Right fielder Jaylin Davis and first base coach Antoan Richardson also knelt, while Brandon Crawford stood between them with a hand on each of their shoulders.

(Undated)  --  Several NFL players took to Twitter yesterday to express their concern about starting training camp.  Players are urging the league to listen to experts' guidelines on opening camp.  They used the hashtag #WeWantToPlay in a coordinated effort.  Among them was the Seahawks' Russell Wilson, who pointed to the fact that he has a pregnant wife at home.

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Giants will face the A's tonight in an exhibition game in Oakland.  They'll meet again tomorrow night in San Francisco.  The 60-game regular season begins July 24th.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Cody Bellinger hit a grand slam as the Dodgers crushed the Diamondbacks 9-2 in Los Angeles.  Corey Seager doubled in a run in the fifth to put the game out of reach.  The Dodgers host the D-backs again tonight.

(Undated)  --  Jack Nicklaus is the latest to reveal he tested positive for COVID-19.  The 80-year-old Hall of Famer revealed Sunday that he and his wife had the virus back in March.  He said it didn't last very long and they were very lucky.

(Dublin, OH)  --  Jon Rahm is the new number-one ranked golfer in the world after winning The Memorial tournament on Sunday.  Rahm stumbled to a three-over 75 in his final round but escaped with a three-shot victory over Ryan Palmer.  Matthew Fitzpatrick was third at five-under.  Tiger Woods finished in a tie for 40th at six-over.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Timbers will take on the Houston Dynamo tomorrow in Orlando, Florida.  The Timbers are looking to advance out of the tournament group with a win.  Portland is coming off a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy.

(Undated)  --  Former Major League slugger Alex Rodriguez is suggesting a salary cap in baseball.  Rodriguez, who is bidding on the ownership of the Mets, said on a conference call the players should accept a revenue-sharing system that is the equivalent of a cap.  Union president Tony Clark shot down the idea and noted that Rodriguez benefitted during his career from not having a salary cap.

(Undated)  --  NFL owners have a conference call today as the league and union try to work out a plan to return to team facilities.  The Players' Association says 72 rostered players tested positive for COVID-19 through July 10th.

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  Multiple Dodgers are speaking out about racial injustice.  Clayton Kershaw, Cody Bellinger and other players participated in a video message.  T-shirts are also being sold and the proceeds will go to foundations supporting minority children. 

(Edmonton, Alberta)  --  A storm has caused damage to one of the NHL's hub arenas.  Rogers Place in Edmonton has suffered significant water damage after a storm blew through the city.  The Oilers Entertainment Group said in a statement that they don't expect it to keep the league from playing at the arena.  Western Conference teams will arrive in Edmonton on July 26th.

(Orlando, FL)  -  Rising NBA star Zion Williamson is leaving the Pelicans due to a family emergency.  Williamson left the Pelicans in Orlando and is expected to join the team at a later date.  No further details have been released on his departure.  

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love highlight the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2020.  The nine-member class was announced on Wednesday, and also includes current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.  Roberts still holds the school record for stolen bases.

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  Lakers forward Markeiff Morris is still not in Orlando due to an excused absence.  The veteran forward is expected to report soon.  The team has refused to comment on his absence other than it is excused.

(Pasadena, CA)  --  The Rose Parade may be off, but the Rose Bowl game is still on for New Year's Day.  Bowl officials tweeted that they're working with the College Football Playoff committee to explore what the season will look like amid COVID-19.  The Tournament of Roses Parade was called off earlier Wednesday.

(Tampa, FL)  -  Former USC linebacker David Lewis is dead at the age of 65.  Lewis played for the Trojans from 1974-to-1976 before an NFL career with the Buccaneers, Chargers and Rams.  His cause of death was not revealed.

(Undated)  --  With training camp approaching, the NFL and Players Association remain at odds over a return to work.  NFL Network reports owners will be on a call this Friday for an update.  The NFL wants two preseason games, no daily testing, and positive COVID-19 results not to be covered by injury protections.

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  More Dodgers are trickling into camp as the season creeps ahead.  A.J. Pollock, Scott Alexander and Pedro Baez are the most recent players to report.  The season opener is next Thursday against the Giants in L.A.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  Giants starter Johnny Cueto will get the ball on Opening Day against the Dodgers.  He was limited to just four starts last season due to injury.  Cueto will face off with Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in L.A. on July 23rd.

(Cumberland, GA)  --  Ex-Dodger Yasiel Puig is joining the Atlanta Braves.  The 29-year-old spent last season split with the Indians and Reds.  Puig was an All-Star in 2014 with the Dodgers.

(Costa Mesa, CA)  --  The L.A. Chargers are allowing season ticket holders to opt out of the 2020 season.  Customers can request a refund or get a credit for 2021.  They will also have priority for 2020 tickets if fans can attend.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is entering the starting lineup.  "KCP" will step in for Avery Bradley according to head coach Frank Vogel.  He'll join Danny Green, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee in the starting five.

(Undated)  --  The NFLPA continues to negotiate with the NFL over contract terms in the event a player sits out due to the ongoing coronavirus.  According to ESPN, the NFLPA is seeking opt-out clauses and conditional stipends in the event a player opts not to play.  The Players Association is also seeking a stipend should players arrive to camp and things be shut down.  Both sides are reportedly working on the definition of "at-risk."

(Orlando, FL)  --  NBA players are reportedly snitching on others in the bubble.  According to The Athletic, the league's snitch hotline in the bubble has received multiple tips about players violating protocols.  Players have been reportedly warned about the consequences of actions in regards to violating protocol.

(Bristol, TN)  --  NASCAR's best will race for one-million-dollars tonight.  The NASCAR All-Star Race takes place at Bristol.  It will be preceded by the All-Star Open.  Martin Truex Junior will be on the pole for the million-dollar race after a random drawing.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Chargers safety Roderic Teamer is being suspended for the first four games of the 2020 season.  The NFL announced thaty he violated the NFL substance abuse policy.  Teamer appeared in seven games and recorded 40 tackles and an interception as a rookie last season. 

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Giants are searching for a new starting catcher after All-Star Buster Posey opted out of the season.  Chadwick Tromp has raised eyebrows for the Giants after homering twice in Sunday's Black-Orange scrimmage.  Rob Brantly and Tyler Heineman are also in the running for the job.

(Orlando, FL)  --  Lakers head coach Frank Vogel expects Rajon Rondo to be healthy for the team's playoff run in Orlando.  Rajon suffered a fractured right thumb over the weekend and will need surgery.  He's expected to return in six-to-eight weeks. 

(Ashburn, VA)  --  The Redskins are retiring their nickname and logo after years of backlash.  The franchise is still working on a new name and logo design.  After renewed pressure from sponsors, the team decided to change the nickname some have long considered offensive to Native Americans.

(Orlando, FL)  --  It's back into quarantine for Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes.  The center announced that he is back in quarantine after accidentally leaving the Disney World boundary to pick up food delivery.  As per protocol, the center will have to spend 10 days in quarantine before he can rejoin activities.

(Undated)  --  Former UCLA star Russell Westbrook says he has the coronavirus.  The Rockets guard posted on social media that he tested positive prior to the team leaving for Orlando last week.  Westbrook says he's feeling well and expects to join the team once he's been cleared.  He's pleading for all to take the virus seriously.

(Undated)  --  The National Junior College Athletic Association will not be conducting "close contact" sports in the fall.  The NJCAA announced that football and basketball will not be played in their original seasons.  The new plan is to attempt to play basketball in January and football in March.

(Undated)  --  The Giants and Jets may be wearing helmets with a new face shield this season.  The NFL and Players' Association have been working with Oakley on the Oakley Mouth Shield, which all 32 teams expect to have by next week.  It features plastic guards that cover the openings in the facemask.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers are getting used to life in the Orlando Bubble as they prepare for the NBA's return to play.  There is some good news on the health side for Portland.  Both Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins returned to action for Portland at the team's first practice on Saturday.  Damian Lillard tells ESPN both players "looked great" and "played well" during the practice. 
 

(Orlando, FL)  --  Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is in Orlando for the NBA restart.  He's expected to begin practicing with the team today after undergoing a quarantine period.  Head coach Doc Rivers told ESPN that all players in Orlando are fully healthy and ready to play. 

(Orlando, FL)  --  The Lakers will not have point guard Rajon Rondo for the next six-to-eight weeks.  Rondo suffered a fractured thumb during practice on Sunday night in Orlando.  He's expected to have surgery later this week.  The Lakers will already be without guard Avery Bradley, who has declined to play. 
 

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Pac-12 is announcing it will not be playing sports, including football, out of conference this fall.  The league said it's being done for the health and safety of the student athletes.  Among the marquee matchups being canceled include the USC game against Alabama in Arlington, Texas on September 5th.

(Ashburn, VA)  --  The Washington Redskins will be changing their nickname.  Sports Business Daily reports the team will make an official announcement about the move today, but the new name won't yet be revealed due to pending trademark issues.  ESPN reports the team intends to keep its color scheme.

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Giants will not have the services of star catcher Buster Posey this season.  The 33-year-old announced on Friday that he will sit out this season due to the threat of the coronavirus.  Posey adopted identical twin girls who were born prematurely and need time in neonatal intensive care.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Closer Kenley Jansen is finally with the Dodgers after a bout with the coronavirus.  The hard-throwing right-hander arrived in camp yesterday after a nearly three-week battle with COVID-19.  Jansen says he now feels great, but pretty much couldn't do anything for about a two-week period.

(Undated)  --  The NHL takes its next step toward restarting the season today.  Training camps open up at home venues for all 24 teams taking part in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers.  Clubs will head to their respective hub cities in either Toronto or Edmonton on July 26th.  The NHL season is scheduled to resume August 1st.

(Undated)  --  The Patriots may learn more today about whether they'll be reporting for camp in a few weeks.  Multiple reports say the NFL and union will meet about return to work terms.  The players want daily testing and no preseason.  The league favors testing on alternate days and two preseason games.

(Undated)  -  The MLB plans to start the 2021 season on time.  Next season's schedule was released by the MLB on Thursday.  All 30 teams are scheduled to open the season on April 1st. 

(Orlando, FL)  -  The Lakers and Clippers are in Orlando for the NBA restart.  Both teams are expected to take the practice floor today.  Kawhi Leonard did not travel with the Clippers and his arrival will be delayed.  Exhibition games begin on July 22nd, and real games start on July 30th. 

(Orlando, FL)  -  A second MLS team is pulling out of the tournament in Orlando.  Nashville SC dropped out on Thursday due to a number of positive COVID-19 tests.  FC Dallas also bowed out earlier this week.  Play will continue with only 24 of 26 teams.

(San Francisco, CA)  -  Giants catcher Buster Posey is still not at practice with the team.  Posey has missed the past three workouts due to a personal issue.  The 33-year-old has not publicly committed to playing this season.

(Undated)  -  The Big Ten will be feature conference-only opponents in all sports this upcoming school year.  The decision was announced Thursday in a statement.  The conference believes it will be able to better control their own environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The PAC-12 has yet to comment on the decision. 

(Orlando, FL)  -  The Washington Wizards are down two more players in as they get ready for the NBA restart.  Multiple reports state that Thomas Bryant and Gary Payton the Second each tested positive for COVID-19. Both players have suited up for the Lakers in their short careers. 

(Orlando, FL)  -  Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is not with the team in Orlando.  ESPN reports Leonard plans to join the team after handling a family matter.  The Clips are currently second in the Western Conference behind the Lakers. 

(Undated)  -  The NHL is hoping to start its 2020-2021 season by December 1st.  The league's governors and the players must vote on the deal.  The current season is expect to end no later than October 6th.

(Stanford, CA)  -  Stanford University plans to cut 11 varsity sports due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Wrestling, fencing, sailing, and men's volleyball are just some of the sports being cut.  The effects will take place after the 2020-2021 school year.

(Santa Clara, CA)  -  49ers running back Raheem Mostert wants a trade.  His agent said via Twitter that negotiations with the 49ers are going nowhere.  Mostert piled up 220 yards and four touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game to help the Niners advance to the Super Bowl. 

(Anaheim, CA)  -  The Angels are adding reliever Jacob Rhame off waivers from the Mets.  The 27-year-old was limited to less than 30 innings of work last season due to an elbow injury.  Rhame has a career 6.23 ERA. 

(San Diego, CA)  -  Newly acquired Padres shortstop Jorge Mateo is positive for COVID-19.  San Diego got Mateo in a trade with Oakland last week.  Padres outfielder Tommy Pham is also battling coronavirus. 

(San Francisco, CA)  --  The Giants did not practice yesterday as they await COVID-19 test results.  They are among a handful of MLB teams who have experienced delays getting test results.  The Athletic reports that  MLB is looking to add a second testing lab.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  For the ninth season in his career, Clayton Kershaw will start on Opening Day for the Dodgers.  Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news yesterday.  The Dodgers face off with the Giants on July 23rd at home.

(Undated)  --  NFL Players Association president J.C. Tretter is unhappy with the league's coronavirus plan.  Tretter said in a blog post that the NFL is unwilling to prioritize player safety.  He and most of the players support a plan that features no preseason games, while the league wants each team to play two exhibitions.

(Undated)  --  NBA commissioner Adam Silver is worried that rising positive COVID-19 tests may ruin the season.  Silver told ESPN that positive tests could leave a hole in their bubble in Orlando.  NBA teams began arriving there yesterday.  The state of Florida reported more than seven-thousand new cases on Tuesday.

(Anaheim, CA)  --  Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is working through the rust.  Ohtani threw live pitches for the first time in two years on Tuesday and allowed eight walks in a simulated game.  Ohtani didn't pitch last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery but did hit 18 home runs as a batter.

(Sheboygan, WI)  --  The Ryder Cup is being postponed until 2021.  ESPN reports the biennial golf tournament between the United States and Europe will take place next year instead of in September as previously announced.  The President's Cup scheduled for 2021 in Charlotte will also be pushed back a year.

(Undated)  --  Some WNBA players are unhappy with the living conditions at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida where the season will be held.  Rat traps, insects, and broken beds are just some of the complaints coming from players so far.  The WNBA released a statement Tuesday saying they are working with IMG Academy and players to remedy the situation.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Lakers center Dwight Howard will play with the team in Orlando after all.  Howard told CNN on Monday that he will play and will donate the rest of this season's salary to charity.  He is averaging 7.5 points and 7.4 rebounds this season wtih the Lakers. 

(Undated)  --  Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is agreeing to a partnership deal with ESPN.  Kaepernick is set to be featured in a docuseries produced by ESPN Films detailing the past five years of his life.  The 32-year-old still wishes to play in the NFL, but has yet to sign with a team. 

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts says he's concerned about MLB's coronavirus testing policy.  Betts says he still plans to play, but can't say he's confident in the plan because it hasn't been shown yet.  Several clubs called off Monday workouts due to delayed results.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  The Dodgers will host the rival Giants on July 23rd to open the MLB regular season.  The full scheduled for the 60-game season was released yesterday.  The Angels will visit Oakland to face the A's on July 24th.

(Kansas City, MO)  --  Angels slugger Mike Trout no longer has the richest deal in pro sports.  The Chiefs are locking up quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a record 10-year, 503-million-dollar extension, with 477-million in guarantee mechanisms.  Trout's deal with the Halos is worth just under 427-million-dollars over 12 seasons.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  LAFC forward Carlos Vela will not participate in the MLS Is Back Tournament.  Vela will instead stay by the side of his pregnant wife. The team issued a statement offering their support.  In other MLS news, FC Dallas backed out of the tournament due to 11 positive cases within the organization. 

(Undated)  --  President Donald Trump is taking a jab at the Redskins and Indians for considering changing their nickname.  He tweeted they are fabled sports franchises just trying to be politically correct.  Trump also tweeted that NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace perpetuated a hoax regarding the noose in his stall.

(Undated)  --  The NHL and Players' Association have a tentative deal for a return to play.  They've reached a memorandum of understanding that extends the current collective bargaining agreement four years.  The NHL board of governors and NHLPA executive committee must still sign off before the players vote.

(Anaheim, CA)  --  The Angels' superstar outfielder isn't sure he wants to play baseball this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.  Mike Trout says his love for the game is keeping him from electing to not play a 60-game season.  However -- his wife Jessica is expecting their first child and is due in August.  The three-time American League Most Valuable Player and eight-time MLB All-Star says he doesn't "feel comfortable with the baby coming" since "there's a lot of stuff going through my mind right now."  Trout adds his goal is "to get the safest and most cautious way to get through a season."

(Undated)  --  The Dodgers , Angels and Giants are beginning their first full week of summer camp workouts.  They each formally kicked things off last week at their home ballparks.  Closer Kenley Jansen and outfielder A.J. Pollock are among those who have not reported for LA.  The Giants' Buster Posey says he still may opt out.  Angels starter Julio Teheran has yet to report. 

(Oakland, CA)  --  The Oakland A's will not practice today as they await COVID-19 test results from a lab in Salt Lake City.  Multiple reports state the team was supposed to take the field yesterday.  The MLB is using a lab in Utah to handle all of the testing.  A's general manager David Forst has expressed his displeasure with the delay. 

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Don't look for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price on the mound this season.  The 34-year-old left-hander announced over the weekend that he is opting out of the 2020 season due to concerns over the coronavirus.  Price forfeits nearly 12-million-dollars of salary over the 60-game season.

(El Segundo, CA)  --  Lakers assistant coach Lionel Hollins is not traveling with the Purple and Gold as they get ready to re-start the NBA season in Orlando, Florida.  According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports -- the 66-year-old was determined a "higher-risk individual due to underlying medical conditions."  The "Los Angeles Times" also reported Hollins was informed by doctors this week that he will not be able to travel with the team due to the risk of contracting the coronavirus.  He will instead continue his duties by participating remotely.

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  University of Southern California officials say another USC athlete tested positive for the coronavirus.  This is the second Trojan athlete to experience symptoms of the virus since the Los Angeles school began testing two weeks ago.  The unidentified athlete has been put in isolation.  SC plans to closely monitor and conduct regular testing of any student-athlete returning to voluntary workouts.  The university so far has conducted 126 tests on returning athletes who live in the L.A. area -- including members of its football and men's and women's basketball teams.  

(Ashburn, VA)  --  One of the NFL's most historic franchises could be changing its team name.  Redskins head coach Ron Rivera tells The Washington Post he's working with owner Dan Snyder on a new nickname in the face of renewed pressure.  Rivera says it would be awesome to get it done before the season.

(Undated)  --  The NHL restart is gaining more traction.  ESPN reports the league and union have agreed to protocols to return to play in Toronto and Edmonton, but are still finalizing an extension to the CBA.  Both would need approval from the NHL Board of Governors, the NHLPA executive board and the players.

(Cleveland, OH)  --  Indians manager Terry Francona says he's in favor of changing the team's nickname.  Although he says they're never trying to be disrespectful to Native Americans, it's time to move forward.  The club got rid of the Chief Wahoo logo last year and says it will now also consider a name change.

(Orlando, FL)  --  The MLS is expected to get underway this week with the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando,  However according to the Orlando Sentinel, the MLS is expecting to delay some matches and make some alterations to the schedule due to Covid-19 cases.  Positive cases delaying team travel and more positive tests since teams arrived have pushed back the beginning of team training.  According to the report, the MLS medical director and experts don't believe there is spread at the MLS hotel, but rather it originated in the home markets. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Trail Blazers are gearing up for the NBA's return to play bubble in Orlando, and it will reportedly be a costly venture for the league.  According to ESPN, the three-month stay by the league at the Walt Disney World Resort will cost more than 150-million dollars.  The league is putting up 22 teams along with support staff across three resorts inside the bubble.  Meals, security, medical and coronavirus testing is also being provided for more than 15-hundred people.

(Undated)  --  Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is questioning whether NBA players will strictly follow the league's bubble rules for the season restart in Orlando.  He says the bubble environment reduces their risk, but he's not confident everyone on all 22 teams will comply.  Players start arriving in Florida Tuesday.

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  Clippers head coach Doc Rivers expects guard Lou Williams to be available to play in Orlando.  Williams previously stated he was 50-50 about returning and did not want to take away from the Black Lives Matter movement.  Rivers told reporters he expects Williams to be with the team when they travel to Orlando on July 8th.

(Los Angeles, CA)  -  The Lakers are hopeful center Dwight Howard joins the team in Orlando.  Head coach Frank Vogel told reporters yesterday that he's unsure how much Howard will play when the season resumes.  The team is scheduled to begin workouts in Florida next week.  Guard Avery Bradley has already opted out and the Lakers signed J.R. Smith to replace him.

(Undated)  -   The NHL season will not restart in the United States.  According to TSN, the two hub cities will be Edmonton and Toronto.  Players are expected to vote on the decision later this week.

(Undated)  --  Most of Major League Baseball's teams will be holding their first official workout tomorrow.  Players from around the league reported to their respective clubs this week to get tested for the coronavirus as MLB's preseason summer camps get underway.  The regular season will start July 23rd or 24th.

(Undated)  -  The NFL preseason will be just two weeks long this year.  Multiple reports state the league won't hold its first exhibition games until August 20th.  Most players will report to training camp on July 28th.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard is set to grace the cover of 'NBA 2K21'.  The star guard will appear on the current generation systems for 2K, meaning Xbox One and Playstation 4.  Los Angeles Lakers forward and NBA 2K20 cover athlete Anthony Davis made the announcement last week there would be three cover athletes this season. 

(Undated)  --  NBA commissioner Adam Silver understands the threat of the coronavirus when the league resumes play in Orlando later this month.  Silver was a guest on Time 100 Talks and was asked if there's a chance the league doesn't end up in Orlando.  The commissioner said the NBA is "full steam ahead" and they could re-evaluate plans if things were to change.  Silver mentioned the league's daily testing and said play could stop if there's spread within the NBA community.  The commissioner noted the league continues to work with experts on the matter.

(Undated)  --  As MLB players test positive for the coronavirus, teams will not be allowed to identify who exactly tested positive.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said in a conference call that they won't be able to say who tested positive under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  Teams will also not specifically announce a COVID-19 designation if they replace a player who has tested positive.  Only players will be able to reveal their positive test status.

(New Orleans, LA)  --  Positive COVID-19 tests continue to rise in the NBA.  Multiple reports state three players on the New Orleans Pelicans have tested positive.  The organization declined to disclose their names.

(San Diego, CA)  --  The Padres are bolstering their roster ahead of the shortened season.  San Diego has acquired shortstop Jorge Mateo from the Oakland A's for a player to be named later.  The 25-year-old hit .289 with 19 home runs and 24 stolen bases in Triple-A last season.