Category: NBA

Headline Sports podcast with David Zizmor: Kings Hield, Parker, and Len test positive for Covid-19; Gerould interim TV play by play announcer for Kings

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Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker who tested positive for Coronavirus with teammates Buddy Hield and Alex Len puts the breaks on the Kings practices for now. (yahoo!sports.com file photo)

On Headlines pod with David:

#1 The Sacramento King’s guard Buddy Hield, forward Jabari Parker, and center Alex Len all have tested positive for Coronavirus. After the discovery it was suggested by a number of media outlets that the NBA should shut it down.

#2 The Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that longtime radio play by play announcer Gary Gerould will be the team’s television interim play by play announcer while the team tries to find a replacement for former television play by play announcer Grant Napier who resigned after tweeting “All Lives Matter” which the Kings organization was under pressure to do something about Napier at the time.

David is filling in for London Marq Fridays for Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Headline Sports podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Ranadive says Disney bubble in Florida better than playing in Sacramento

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Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said that playing in Orlando would be safer than in Sacramento because of the safety guidelines set up by the NBA for employees and players (amazon.com/books/business file photo)

On Headlines podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said that playing at the Disney World bubble in Orlando is the best way to go and that Ranadive said he’s confident this is better than playing at home.

#2 There will be 22 teams at the Disney World bubble a 113 page outline describes how safety steps will be in place to guide the players and their families during this first time bubble format which includes mask wearing at all times, hand washing, and social distancing.

#3 The Kings are in a three way tie with Portland and New Orleans going into these last eight regular season games in Florida how much of a long shot would you say the Kings are from getting that last and final coveted eighth spot?

#4 Jeremiah the Kings had some rough goes during the season before the shutdown which included an eight game skid and also two five game losing streaks has there been enough time that has gone by that the Kings can make these last few regular games interesting?

#5 One other possible advantage is the Kings had eight players in double figures with points per game averages led by De’Aaron Fox 20.4 per game and Buddy Hield with 19.8 per game.

Jeremiah is a Sacramento Kings beat reporter and joins Sports Talk every other Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Belmont Stakes one of the very few sports live; MLB negotiations

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Tap with jockey John Valazquez is a favorite to win 6-1 in the Belmont Stakes this Saturday at American Grade Stakes Race (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports pod with London:

#1 London one of the very few sports that are live and with little doubt draw millions of fans who are starved for sports action of any kind the Belmont Stakes this Saturday the first of the Triple Crown races.

#2 The Belmont normally is the third race of the Triple Crown behind the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. The other differences in the Belmont as expected no spectators and the length will be 1 1/8 miles instead of the traditional 1 1/2 miles.

#3 Somewhere between 60-70 games the haggling continues with the MLB and the players union, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred proposed 60 games with full prorated pay to MLB players rep Tony Clark and the union has come back saying 70 games and they would have a deal.

#4 MLB also wants to have expanded playoffs with an extra round also with sponsors on the jerseys. These changes although nothing is officially announced are expected to be permanent to help raise revenue.

#5 Some of the NBA players are questioning if coming back is the right thing to do and not because of Coronavirus issues but is it the right thing to do with such racial strife happening in the US?

London joins Sportstalk each Friday for Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: The facemask will remain in fashion if the NBA bubble opens up

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Camping World Stadium in Orlando is part of the bubble for Major League Soccer for 24 teams and 36 games. Some of the players are questioning the lock down restrictions by the league with players staying in their hotel rooms with the exception of going to work at the stadium (booking.com file photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony the NBA and MLS will be in a bubble called Walt Disney World but as exciting as that may sound they won’t be taking in on the amusement park’s rides or entertainment but buttoned down at the Disney Hotels after workouts, practices and games for six weeks.

#2 There is a fear in returning back to the regular season for the MLS who are two games in before the Covid-19 shelter in and the NBA who are trying to finish the last eight regular season games before starting the playoff. That fear is that local workers at the arena and at the hotel do not have the same mandated requirements like the players. The NBA has maintained that the risks of getting sick by arena security, custodians, camera production crews, and others are low.

#3 Bill Hamid of the MLS’ DC United said that being restricted to going from the hotel and the stadium in Orlando would be like being locked up. Hamid said he talked about this from the beginning. The next question how will this plan work keeping players in their hotel rooms and then back out to the stadium?

#4 The Milwaukee Bucks have a real shot at winning the NBA Championship but for the Bucks Kyle Korver he said if the NBA’s black players feel like not playing is the best idea Korver said he’s in full support behind them. Korver added that he cared more about a change in society than a championship.

#5 In the NFL the tune is changing at least for quarterback Colin Kaepernick as Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said that Kaepernick has the style that fits in with the Chargers offensive system and that the Chargers will be a team that will be running.

Join Tony every Thursday for Headline Sports

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: NBA players having second thoughts about returning

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The Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard (12) and the Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving expressed their concerns about resuming the NBA season while they got opposing views from former Boston Celtic Kendrick Perkins and the Utah Jazz’ Ed Davis (AP photo)

On Headlines podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Los Angeles Lakers Dwight Howard agrees with the Brooklyn Nets Kyrie Irving saying that this is not the right time to return to play basketball when there are so many important issues going in society. Howard didn’t say basketball would be a distraction for the players but it would not be appropriate to return to play with a serious issues at hand.

#2 One former NBA player Kendrick Perkins who played with the Boston Celtics and also was a teammate of Irving’s said he disagrees with Irving naming a number of stars that want to return to play like LeBron, Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis to name a few. Perkins says Irving is lashing out and making a lot of noise and “Everytime I think of the guy I want to throw up”

#3 The other point being made by some of the players is that they will not have contact with anyone fans, friends, agents, business associates, sponsors, or the media no one for at least three months and such seclusion has them thinking twice about playing in the Disney World bubble.

#4 In what would be a huge publicity move on the part of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall and going against the wishes of President Donald Trump, Goodall is now encouraging a team to sign former NFL and San Francisco 49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With the political climate and Goodall saying he was wrong for punishing players who took a knee during the anthem under pressure from the White House Goodall wants to see Kaepernick signed onto an NFL team and soon.

#5 The return of the MLS will be a tournament style World Cup format will have teams playing games divided by East and West conferences, playing 34 games amongst 26 teams. Each team will face each team one game home and one away.

Barbara does Headline Sports each Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Daniel Dullum: Review of the A’s-Giants draft picks; Dr. Fauci supports NBA’s 22 team restart program; plus more

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Oakland A’s top 2020 draft prospect Tyler Soderstrom is part of Daniel’s podcast discussion for the A’s selections this week (KCRA 3 still image)

Daniel on Headlines:

1 A’s, Giants 2020 draft with five selections instead of 40

2 Dr. Fauci backs NBA’s 22-team restart plan, which has Finals ending on Oct. 13

3 The latest on MLB, players negotiations

4 MLB lands billion-dollar deal with Turner Sports includes one LCS

5 TV money gives NFL a leg up if fans can’t attend games

Daniel does Headlines each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Kareem says he’s proud of players from all sports speaking out against racism; Covid-19 spiking NBA players question if it’s safe? plus more

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Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kareem Abdul Jabbar said he’s proud of professional athletes taking a stand against racism and hopes for a big change soon (New York Post file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with London Marq:

#1 London in an interview with Yahoo! News on Thursday former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar said he’s so proud of professional athletes speaking up about racial injustice, Jabbar said that when you have someone like LeBron James speaking up “that this is awesome this is going to make change.”

#2 London with the latest spike in Corona positive cases now reaching over 2 million in the US NBA players have expressed concerns about returning. Some of the players have questioned whether or not it’s safe to play in Orlando’s bubble facility at Disney World basically saying there is no guarantee of not getting the Coronavirus spread.

#3 The NBA said if some of the players who choose not to come back because of safety concerns that will not be a problem however those players not participating will lose a portion of their salary.

#4 At the funeral of George Floyd MSNBC contributor and Rev Al Sharpton said that if the NFL and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall was serious about racial equality and racial injustices he would not only allow the players to take a knee during the national anthem but also hire Colin Kaepernick back in the NFL working in some capacity in the game.

#5 Portland Trailblazers veteran Carmelo Anthony said that he also has reservations about returning saying as far as playing in Orlando there is just not enough answered questions about safety concerns and Melo said he could not commit 100%.

Join London every Friday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: NBA owners waiting now for agreement from players to re-start the season

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“The Bubble” know as the Walt Disney World Arena in Orlando home of the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals starting in July. No fans will be permitted during playoff games. (photo from http://www.tripadvisor.com)

On the podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The NBA owners have approved to continue the 2019-20 season with support of 29-1 NBA teams with the Portland Trailblazers opposing to reopen.

#2 The plan now lies with the NBA players who will most likely approve to return. The pay package and going straight the playoffs after playing eight regular games is part of the plan.

#3 It’ll be a like a March Madness set up as the 22 teams will play under a bubble at Orlando’s Walt Disney World. With teams staying at the hotels and playing in the Disney World Arena with no fans in the stands and huge social distancing policies.

#4 Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants to get the Warriors mini camp going as Kerr said, “We’d like to get together for some kind of mini camp or two. I’m thinking that the league will allow us to do something, especially given that 22 teams are gonna be playing and eight of us are not. I’m fairly certain the league will allow the other eight teams to do some practicing at some point whenever the time is right.”

#5 For the Sacramento Kings they will not have to face the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Golden State Warriors. They also won’t have to face the Clippers, Nuggets, and Lakers (twice). How do you see the Kings chances.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Look for Irving and Durant to rest during Nets post season; Antetokounmpo willing to commit to Milwaukee; plus more

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The Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant (35) and Kyrie Irving (11) are anxious to get to it in the NBA Playoffs once all the preliminaries are settled to start the season (si.com image)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie how do you see the returns of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant coming aboard with the Brooklyn Nets just in time for post season?

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo said recently in an interview that there is no reason not to stay in Milwaukee for 10, 20, 25 years as long as they have a plan to win championships, stay competitive he’s willing to commit to the Bucks does that pour water on the Golden State Warriors hopes in picking up a Antetokounmpo?

#3 De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings just recently tweeted a rebuttal from radio talk show host Laura Ingram comments telling LeBron James and Kevin Durant to “shut up and dribble” and praising Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Fox tweeted that no one should be surprised that Ingraham told basketball players to shut up and dribble and white player is entitled to his view.

#4 In baseball the players are interested in a 82 game season down from the 114 game proposal they previously offered MLB but the owners are offering a 50 game season and are only willing to agree to a longer season if the players are willing to take a pay cut.

#5 MLB said that if local governments allow fans in the stadiums they would be willing to work with the local policies. That said the state of Texas is allowing 50% capacity for the Texas Rangers at the Ball Park in Arlington and at Minute Maid Field in Houston. Is this a safe idea seeing that their is no vaccine, a recent finding of two Japanese players who contracted Corona, and how safe distancing will work at the park?

Charlie joins us every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: How bad is the damage after looting in downtown Sac?; Was Napear tone deaf in his tweet to Cousins; plus more

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A Rite Aid store on K Street in downtown Sacramento was damaged over the weekend (abc10.com photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 We wanted to open with asking you about the recent riots in downtown Sacramento feeling are very fragile over the loss of George Floyd that said peaceful protesters have made it clear that the violent attacks in downtown were disgraceful and it was not what the recent protests were truly about.

#2 Former Sacramento Kings play by play announcer Grant Napear who resigned this past week sent out a tweet to former King DeMarcus Cousin saying “All lives matter” in response to Cousins question “what do you think of Black Lives Matter” former King Matt Barnes tweeted that Napear was a “closet racist” was it a matter of Napear being tone deaf or was he being racist in his tweet to Cousins?

#3 With the NBA inviting 22 teams to Orlando to most likely play some tournament style scheduled basketball with eight regular games to determine the eighth seed. There will be 13 Western Conference teams and nine Eastern Conference teams.

#4 The NBA regular and playoff campaigns get off the ground on July 12th and finish with the NBA Finals October 12th isn’t this schedule an overlap into when the NBA starts it’s pre season schedule traditionally in October?

#5 The New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson will be summoned to the 11th District Circuit Court of Florida by Judge David Miller. The discovery case will require Williamson to answer whether or not his family received benefits from Duke University where he played in college. This is the second of two lawsuits against Williamson who is also being subpoenaed after he signed a deal with Ford. Attorneys for Williamson said that Ford and Prime Sports Marketing and their deal with Williamson wasn’t valid because Ford wasn’t a registered agent in North Carolina and the contract didn’t include protecting amateur athletes from unscrupulous agents.

Tony is down for Headline Sports podcasts every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com