Tag: NBA

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Stanley Cup Playoffs on the NHL drawing board; Lillard won’t play last four regular games

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The Portland Trailblazers Damion Lillard says he wants to sit out the last four NBA regular season games because it would be like an exhibition game since the Blazers are already in the playoffs (USA Today file photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 The NHL is back and their aiming to get the Stanley Cup Playoffs started either in June or July with 24 teams participating. There’s always nuances to every new format there will be 12 teams in the East and 12 in the West. Seven NHL teams didn’t make the cut.

#2 NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that health and safety issues is up next after getting an agreement from the players on the playoff format and how the draft will work.

#3 In principal Bettman and the players have agreed that the regular season is done and they will go for the playoffs as soon as everyone is tuned up after some practice sessions. The games will be played in front of empty arenas.

#4 Jessica, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers said that the NBA wants to play four regular season games to make up the difference before starting with the playoffs. The reasoning for that is to fulfill the NBA contract obligation to television. Lillard says he wants no part of that because what is the purpose of playing in a game that’s really an exhibition game and taking the chance of getting hurt before the playoffs.

#5 There have been some voices out there saying the NBA should just scrap the season and playoffs and start all over again in October when pre season basketball followed by the regular season gets going. The owners are anxious to get the television revenue question is will they get the kind of ratings they want with empty arenas and playing at this stage in the season?

Jessica does Headline Sports podcasts every other Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Former Sac Bee Kings beat writer Marty McNeal dead at 64; MLB 67 page proposal to players

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Marty McNeal, sports reporter for the Sacramento Bee, squeezes between two other journalists to interview Shaquille O’Neal at the 2003 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee photo file 

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred and MLB presented MLB Players Association representative with a 67 page operations manual to Player Representative Tony Clark which included health and safety issues there was nothing about the 50-50 sharing revenue issues.

#2 We’ll go over some of the proposed safety rules, no spitting, no sitting next to each other in the dugout or in the bull pens it may sound simple but in the Show that’s some old habits that’s tough to break.

#3 One of the key things to get the players interest is the 50-50 gate revenue split as Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell said “I want my money” the other thing he said “I risk my life” can MLB get a deal done with such stringent policies from the Commissioners office?

#4 Our former colleague former Sacramento Bee beat writer for the Sacramento Kings Marty McNeal passed away from Leukemia at age 64 on Thursday. He was surrounded at a Dallas Hospital by family. Marty as we knew very well in covering Kings games for 13 years was a friendly and knowledgeable writer he was very funny and he was just great with the TV-radio reporters. He will really be missed.

#5 There were so many stories about Marty a favorite as told by the Sacramento Bee in Thursday’s edition that Marty was involved with not only covering the team but almost was like an assistant coach former King Mike Bibby was having a bad night as the reporters were seated at courtside. As Bibby was walking off the court Marty would say to him “What the hell is wrong with you” Bibby and Marty would end up talking.

Charlie O is a Sacramento Kings beat writer and podcasts every other Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

 

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Kings will return to practice facility on Monday with strict guidelines

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The Sacramento Kings D’Aaron Fox will he be one of the four players who will attend the practice session for the Kings on Monday at the practice facility? (forbes.com file photo)

On Headlines pod with Charlie O:

#1 Sacramento’s ABC 10 reports that the Sacramento Kings are opening up their practice facility on Monday but under stringent orders from the Sacramento Public Health Order. Lots of temperature taking, social distancing and no fans in the building.

#2 With the Kings opening up their practice facility to players on a voluntary basis does this open a light at the end of the tunnel and that the Kings and NBA Basketball could very well be back very soon?

#3 This will be the first time since March 11th when the Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert tested positive for Covid-19 triggering a shutdown for the Kings and the NBA to get the green light to start practicing again.

#4 The NBA set very strict guidelines for the practice, no coaches whatsoever watching or participating in the practice, only four players can be at the facility at the same time, players can not shoot at the same basket, and everyone must wear a mask.

#5 There are a awful lot of precautions for this practice drill but looking past all of that what are some of the things the Kings hope to gain from the players showing up for drills and what benefits will there be?

Charlie O is a Sacramento Kings beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Jordan has no love loss for Isiah Thomas; Vegas Raiders busy in draft; plus more

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The Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan on defense against the Detroit Pistons Isiah Thomas. Jordan said he has a 30 year old grudge against Thomas and the Pistons for things that happened in the 1991 NBA Finals in the Jordan documentary “Last Dance” (photo from bleacherreport.com)

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 The 1991 Detroit Pistons are a sore subject and it was brought up to Michael Jordan in the documentary “Last Dance” Jordan says he still hates I the Pistons, they swept the Pistons in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in four games and they didn’t shake hands after that series, Jordan says he hates Isiah Thomas and the Pistons to this day.

#2 Barbara talk about the Las Vegas Raiders number 19 draft pick  Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette. Arnette had 27 passes defensed (five interceptions; 22 pass break-ups) and 140 career tackles with Ohio State.

#3 Barbara talk about the New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill, he thrown no passes but yet he signed a deal with the Saints for $21 million a two year deal with $16 million in guaranteed money. Hill was the Saints third string quarterback behind Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater last season.

#4 Lots of down time for MLB and for Oakland A’s broadcaster Ray Fosse it’s no different. Fosse said on Monday the A’s should be having day off in Cleveland as he was interviewed on NBC Sports. For many broadcasters and MLB personnel it’s been a long lay off and it’s a question as to whether baseball will return this year or not?

#5 San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler made it clear to quell all the talk about Yasiel Puig coming to San Francisco that Puig will not be joining the team. Kapler said that the very fact that the story was not covered about Puig coming to San Francisco says it all. There just a few reports talking about Puig coming to the Giants.

Barbara Mason does Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com Tuesday nights

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Larson drives his career off the road with racial slur; High school graduates might play overseas; plus more

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cnn.com file photo: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson who was fired from his sponsors and supporters admitted as much that his career in NASCAR is pretty much over after using the N word in a irace car conference call on Tuesday morning

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 How could race car driver Kyle Larson of Japanese decent say the N word during a iracecar conference call on Tuesday with a good number of the race car driver community listening in to the live call? Needless to say Larson admitted himself that his career is toast after being suspended from race car driving.

#2 Many high school graduates lost their dream going to a big college division one school as the school season is shut down. They lost the senior year celebration, the prom, and the chance at their first year in college basketball. Some may choose now to play over seas instead of college.

#3 Barbara as you know this time of the year the NHL and the NBA are in the playoffs and post season but it looks like it won’t happen and if it does there is talk it could take place as late as July or August.

#4 MLB whose thinking about a two league, three division system played in two different states Florida and Arizona. Will a format like this work in an abbreviated schedule and will there be much fan interest?

#5 Easter celebration took a toll on the players and fans and their kids with all the shut downs and non traditional ways to celebrate the holiday. But none the less the purpose of it all is to stay safe.

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

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq part 1: March Madness many students will never get another chance; Pro Sports suspends all games going forward

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photo from lafc.com: Covid 19 breifing from LAFC and advice to fans and media

On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 London there will be no games going forward as the NCAA cancelled all it’s games for March Madness.

#2 MLB, MLS, NBA, and the NHL all have suspended all games in an unprecedented situation unheard of. The NBA has said they will allow players to work out.

#3 Two Utah Jazz players Rudy Cobert and Donavon Mitchell who contracted Coronavirus was the starting point to end the NBA season. Cobert today apologized for touching everything and possibly passing the virus to his teammate.

#4 Economically this has effected thousands employed in professional and college sports who work the games including much of our own staff

#5 London you covered the MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes this is a weekly game for the most part this has to be disheartening and scary for people who work at the MLS and have to make house payments and now there is no work there.

Join London each Friday for an of Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq part 2: March Madness many students will never get another chance; Pro Sports suspends all games going forward

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Empty Camden Yards in Baltimore was the site of the first MLB game played without fans in April 2015 when the Chicago White Sox played the Baltimore Orioles. This time MLB has suspended play for the next two weeks due to Coronavirus.

On Headline Sports podcast with London:

#1 London there will be no games going forward as the NCAA cancelled all it’s games for March Madness.

#2 MLB, MLS, NBA, and the NHL all have suspended all games in an unprecedented situation unheard of. The NBA has said they will allow players to work out.

#3 Two Utah Jazz players Rudy Cobert and Donavon Mitchell who contracted Coronavirus was the starting point to end the NBA season. Cobert today apologized for touching everything and possibly passing the virus to his teammate.

#4 Economically this has effected thousands employed in professional and college sports who work the games including much of our own staff

#5 London you covered the MLS and the San Jose Earthquakes this is a weekly game for the most part this has to be disheartening and scary for people who work at the MLS and have to make house payments and now there is no work there.

Join London each Friday for an of Headline Sports at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL, Sharks, Suspend All Games Due to COVID-19 Concerns

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The Capital One Arena, home of the Washington Capitals NHL hockey club, sits empty Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Washington. The NHL is following the NBA’s lead and suspending its season amid the coronavirus outbreak, the league announced Thursday (photo from usnews.com)

By Mary Walsh

On Thursday the NHL announced a pause in the season. They released a statement that read, in part:

In light of ongoing developments resulting from the coronavirus, and after consulting with medical experts and convening a conference call of the Board of Governors, the National Hockey League is announcing today that it will pause the 2019-20 season beginning with tonight’s games.

The move came on the heels of the NBA’s decision to suspend their season after one of their players tested positive for the new virus. Other leagues and events in the US are being suspended or cancelled daily due to concerns over the virus.

The San Jose Sharks had previously announced that March games would be played without fans and only limited media access, consistent with Santa Clara County’s March 9 ban large gatherings of people. After today’s NHL announcement, the Sharks released the following press release about the status of games and tickets:

The National Hockey League has announced today that the 2019-20 NHL regular season will be paused for the safety of its players, employees, and fans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharks Sports & Entertainment is fully supportive of the NHL’s decision.

With NHL games now being placed on hold as opposed to played without fans, ticket holders are asked to hang on to their tickets until additional information from the NHL becomes available.

As new developments arise, we will communicate with our fans and partners. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

The AHL has also suspended play, which puts the San Jose Barracuda and Stockton Heat and their fans in the same state of limbo as the Sharks.

The NHL expressed the hope that the season could resume at an appropriate time. There are 189 regular season games remaining, as well as the Stanley Cup playoffs. For the complete statement, go to the NHL website.

Headline Sports with Tony Renteria: WHO declares pandemic; Games cancelled until further notice

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photo from sfgate.com: What maybe the last game that the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors may play for the season or until later this season. The view of Chase Center in San Francisco on Tue Mar 10, 2020

On Headline with Tony:

#1 The Golden State Warriors have played their last game on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers as the NBA who announced suspending operations on Wednesday night after the Utah Jazz’ Rudy Cobert caught Coronavirus. The World Health Organization announced that the world is officially under a pandemic.

#2 The San Francisco Giants have announced they have canceled their pre season game against the Oakland A’s on Mon Mar 24th at Oracle Park in San Francisco. Moreover MLB, MLS and the NHL now will shut it down as they all have suspended their seasons. The NCAA and March Madness will continue but without fans in the building. 13 NCAA Tournaments are canceled and will resume next week.

#3 The Warriors originally were asked by city officials to cancel their games but at first refused after the World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that the Conoranvirus epidemic was a pandemic the Warriors decided to play their home games in front of empty seats going forward. Later the NBA suspended the season.

#4 The NHL have announced that they will suspend the remaining games of the season and this after Utah Jazz players Rudy Gobert and Donavon Mitchell of the NBA have contracted Coronavirus.

#5 Tony now with Sacramento Kings basketball suspended economically how will this impact downtown Sacramento.

Tony does Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pelicans-Kings match postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic

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photo from lonzowire.com: Golden One Center was the site of the New Orleans Pelicans rushing to get out of the building like it was on fire after finding out that NBA official Courtney Kirkland had contact with Coronavirus positive player from the Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert which forced the cancellation of the game

By Jeremiah Salmonson (SRS Staff writer)

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were slated to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night on ESPN. However, the game was scrapped due to Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz testing positive for the virus formally know as COVID-19.

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland was the main reason for the cancellation in Sacramento because she also worked a game with the Jazz earlier this week. Due to her possible exposure the NBA called off the match up out of an abundance of caution.

No one knows when the NBA may resume the season if at all this year. It will greatly depends on how the virus continues to spread throughout the NBA and the communities of its teams.

For the foreseeable future, we will not have NBA action.

Sports Radio Service will keep you up to date on all the developments.