Its All About Viral News Around The World !: May 2020

Sunday, 31 May 2020

How We Broke the World

By Thomas L. Friedman from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/3cp1Kw9

What Is Antifa, the Movement Trump Wants to Declare a Terror Group?

By Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Sandra E. Garcia from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2XhUCNz

New on Sports Illustrated: Nationals Players Pledge to Compensate for Minor Leaguers Facing Pay Cuts

Washington Nationals closer Sean Doolittle announced he and his teammates will commit funds to "make whole" the minor leaguers whose stipends were cut by the team.

After the Washington Nationals cut more than two dozen minor league players—while cutting down weekly stipends from $400 to $300—Nationals closer Sean Doolittle announced that he and the current Major League members of the team will commit funds to make up for the difference.

“All of us were minor leaguers at one point in our careers and we know how important the weekly stipends are for them and their families during these uncertain times,” Doolittle

said on Twitter. “Minor leaguers are an essential part of our organization and they are bearing the heaviest burden of this situation as their season is likely to be cancelled. We recognize that and want to stand with them and show our support.”

On Thursday, Dodgers pitcher David Price committed to paying each minor league player in the Dodgers' system $1,000 for the month of June.

Many teams made cuts to minor league players during the week, but the Nationals were the only club to lower the stipend amount from $400 to $300, according to Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic.

“I really feel for the guys that were let go. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck at best, and in this situation, I’m not sure there is much they can do,” one Nationals minor leaguer said to Ghiroli. “For us lucky ones still getting help, it’s bittersweet. I wish the owners really weighed how much that $100 they cut us back is saving them versus how much it helps put food on the table for us and our families.”

Nationals owner Ted Lerner is the wealthiest person in Maryland, with a net worth of $5.3 billion, according to SI's Ben Reiter. The Nationals will not be laying off any full-time employees due to the economic crisis created by the coronavirus, according to Todd Dybas of NBC Sports.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Breonna Taylor’s Death

By Richard A. Oppel Jr. from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3eAuQdj

Trump, Lacking Clear Authority, Says U.S. Will Declare Antifa a Terrorist Group

By Maggie Haberman and Charlie Savage from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3gFpEGP

Black Americans Have a Message for Democrats: Not Being Trump Is Not Enough

By Astead W. Herndon from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3esHCKS

Past Presidents Faced Police Brutality and Protests. They Handled It Differently.

By Maggie Astor and Zach Montague from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3eBi12y

Russia Trying to Stoke U.S. Racial Tensions Before Election, Officials Say

By Julian E. Barnes and Adam Goldman from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2Q08fNe

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: MLBPA Makes Proposal to MLB, Asks for 114-Game Season

In its proposal to the league, the MLB Players Association requests for a 114-game season and the opportunity for players to opt-out if they don't want to play.

The MLB Players Association submitted its proposal to the league on Sunday,

according to Jeff Passan.

In its plan, the union proposes a 114-game season that would commence June 30 and end on Oct. 31. Per Passan, players want three weeks to train, allow time for travel -- domestically and internationally -- and for coronavirus testing. It also requests that all players have the option to opt-out if they don't want to play. Players considered "high risk" that opt out of playing would receive their salaries, while others opting out would just receive service time.

As Passan notes, the deal would need to be completed this week.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the players were seeking access to the league's financial documents that would paint a clearer picture of MLB's economic distress. The league had sent its proposal to the players on Tuesday, in which it proposed a plan to have higher-paid players take steeper pay cuts.

Also included in the MLBPA's proposal is a potential $100 million in deferred salaries during the new spring training, per Passan. The union also proposed two years of playoff expansion.

As Protests and Violence Spill Over, Trump Shrinks Back

By Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2Xktg9N

George Floyd death: Violence erupts on sixth day or protests

Protests continue in cities across the US sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2BlUB2H

UK ex-foreign secretaries Hong Kong alliance

The UK should be leading the response to China's treatment of Hong Kong, seven former foreign secretaries say.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dkZuXL

New on Sports Illustrated: Brad Keselowski Avoids Collision at Bristol in Second Win of Season

Brad Keselowski inherited his second win of the season when Chase Elliott and Joey Logano collided as they raced for the victory Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Brad Keselowski inherited his second win of the season when Chase Elliott and Joey Logano collided as they raced for the victory Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Keselowski was in third with a lap and a turn remaining when he lucked into his second victory in three Cup races. Logano had cleared Elliott for the lead with three laps remaining, but Elliott was stalking him while seeking his second win in three days.

They made contact in the fourth turn and drifted into the wall as Keselowski slid past with a lap remaining. He had just one trip around the .533-mile concrete bullring to close the victory.

Keselowski, in a contract year with Team Penske, got his first victory of the season last Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600. Elliott was roughly two laps away from the win when a caution flew and Keselowski inherited the lead when Elliott pitted.

Keselowski held on for that victory at Elliott’s expense and now is the first driver to win multiple races in the five Cup events since NASCAR resumed May 17.

“There’s so much going on in the world, I am just thankful I get to be a race car driver and do this,” Keselowski said after giving Ford its third win in five races.

Logano finished 21st and Elliott was 22nd. Logano stared Elliott down as the two climbed from their cars but Elliott never looked in his direction. After Logano had retrieved his mandatory face mask, he approached Elliott for a brief conversation.

“He wrecked me,” Logano said. “A simple apology ... be a man and say ‘My bad.’ I had to force an apology, which to me is just childish.”

Elliott did take the blame after the talk.

“Awww, just going for the win,” Elliott said. “I’ll certainly take the blame. I just got loose and got into him.”

Clint Bowyer was second for his best finish in a year and a 1-2 finish for Ford, while Jimmie Johnson was third in a Chevrolet. Kyle Busch and Erik Jones rounded out the top-five in a pair of Toyota’s for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Ryan Blaney had a strong car early and led 60 laps but crashed while chasing teammate Keselowski for the lead in the second stage. Blaney seemed to get too high on the track, wiggled into the wall and then was hit by Ty Dillon.

Blaney went to Bristol coming off back-to-back third-place finishes but wound up last.

“I didn’t think I was that high and all of a sudden I hit a slick spot,” Blaney said. “I thought we were going to be OK and then we got destroyed about six seconds later. That’s just Bristol.”

It was another rough race for Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who rebounded from three poor finishes with a fourth-place Thursday night at Charlotte. He was running decently near the end of the stage until contact from Johnson triggered a multi-car accident and knocked four drivers, Stenhouse included, out of the race.

“We just got crashed,” said Stenhouse, who wrecked on the first lap of NASCAR’s first race back. “It was a bummer. I felt like we had a really good shot at racing them for the win.”

New on Sports Illustrated: Alabama Coach Nick Saban On 'Injustices' in Country: 'It's Time to Love Each Other'

Alabama football coach Nick Saban released a statement addressing the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

Alabama football coach Nick Saban released a statement on Sunday addressing the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

Countless athletes and coaches across sports have spoken out after Floyd was killed under police custody in Minneapolis, Minn. on Monday. In his statement, Saban said he is "shocked and angered" and called out the injustices faced by many in the country.

"We're at an important moment for our country, and now is the time for us to choose kindness, tolerance, understanding, empathy, and most importantly...it's time to love each other," Saban wrote. "Every life is precious, and we must understand we have so many more things that unite us than divide us."

Saban went on to reference Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks as figures he is "inspired and encouraged" by. Following a quote by Dr. King, Saban concluded by stating the importance of action and respect.

"We are all part of this and we must banish these types of injustices in not just our country, but our world," Saban wrote. "The ultimate future of our nation is in our hands, and like the teams I've been privileged to coach, we must depend on and respect each other no matter our differences. We must come together as a society and treat one another with respect and dignity."

Sports organizations and leagues have released statements on the tragic deaths of Floyd, Taylor and Arbery as protests continue to take place throughout the country. Some athletes, such as the Celtics' Jaylen Brown, have taken part in peaceful protests.

Nasa SpaceX launch: What is the Crew Dragon?

A guide to SpaceX's Crew Dragon vehicle, which carried astronauts to the space station.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3gOOGn8

How Venezuela's fuel crisis is hitting coronavirus victims

Venezuela's fuel crisis has been so acute that even funeral homes are struggling to transport bodies to the cemetery.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3gHQU7t

New on Sports Illustrated: Video Shows Former Cavs Guard J.R. Smith Beating Man For Allegedly Vandalizing His Car

TMZ Sports posted a video on Sunday in which J.R. Smith beats a man that he alleges vandalized his car in Los Angeles during George Floyd protests.

In a

video published by TMZ Sports, former Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is shown beating up a man he alleges damaged his car while in a residential area.

The incident reportedly occurred in Los Angeles during the protests over the death of George Floyd.

In the video, the man Smith alleges broke his car window is seen lying on the ground while Smith kicks and hits him. After people who appear to be Smith's friends intervene, the man gets up and flees.

Smith later posted a video in which he explained the incident.

"One of these little, motherf***ing white boys didn't know where he was going, and broke my f***ing window in my truck...I chased him down, and whooped his ass," Smith said.

"This ain't no hate crime, I ain't got no problem with nobody that ain't got no problem with me. It's a problem with the motherf***ing system, that's it."

Smith last appeared in the NBA during the 2018-19 season, when he played 11 games for the Cavaliers.

Saturday, 30 May 2020

New on Sports Illustrated: Gilbert Burns Caps Off UFC Fight Night With One-Sided Victory Against Tyrone Woodley

If you were waiting for a changing of the guard in the welterweight division, look no further than Gilbert Burns.

In his first UFC main event, Burns (19-3) was spectacular. He defeated Tyron Woodley (19-5-1) in a unanimous decision victory, dictating the pace of the entire five-round fight.

Burns’ striking was crisp from the start. He dropped Woodley with a right hand and right upper cut in the opening round, busting open a cut above Woodley’s left eye. Burns followed that up with heavy ground pressure, and Woodley looked overmatched after not fighting for the past 15 months.

The victory extends Burns’ win streak to six. Following the one-sided affair against Woodley, who was the top-ranked contender in the division entering the fight, Burns wants a shot at Kamaru Usman’s Welterweight Championship.

“I love the champ, my training partner Kamaru Usman, but I want to fight for the title,” said the 33-year-old Burns. “And I think I’m next.”

Taking place from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, the UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns card predominantly stands out for its shakeup in the welterweight division. It also signals the end of Woodley’s dominant run in UFC, as the 38-year-old is now out of title contention.

Woodley was fighting for his future in the UFC, but he simply could not sustain any offense. Following Burns’ explosive opening minute, the fight was never in doubt. The Brazilian-born Burns fits perfectly into the company’s future plans, as Brazil is a massive market for the UFC.

The opening bout pitted Mackenzie Dern against Hannah Cifers in a women’s strawweight fight. Dern (8-1) emerged victorious after locking on a tight knee bar in the first round, and Cifers (10-5) could not compete on the ground against such an elite jiu jitsu artist. Cifers is an incredible talented fighter, particularly in the standup, but as soon as the fight went to the ground, that marked a quick end to the contest.

“I saw her weakness was the ground, so that was a perfect opportunity for my jiu jitsu,” said Dern. “That’s always my goal.”

Though Dern is still inexperienced in striking and overall MMA, the victory positions her right back where she was when left the Octagon to have a child. The UFC stands to gain a lot with Dern winning, and she has the potential to be the face of the division. Her victory was the first leg lock submission in UFC women’s history.

“That was always my specialty in the jiu jitsu world,” said Dern. “I’m happy I’m able to bring my jiu jitsu talent to the Octagon.”

The middle of the card featured two catchweight fights. The first was Roosevelt Roberts defeating Brok Weaver, who weighed in a pound-and-a-half over the lightweight limit. Roberts (10-1) dominated and earned a second-round submission with the rear naked choke, thoroughly outclassing Weaver (14-5).

“I just want a knockout,” said a smiling Roberts. “I knew a finish was going to happen, but everybody’s got at least one knockout, and I just want one. But don’t get me wrong, I’m very satisfied with this finish.”

At only 26 years old, Roberts should emerge as a significant player in the lightweight division.

“I was supposed to be a statistic,” said Roberts, who called out Matt Frevola following the victory. “People were telling me I was going to be dead or in jail by now. I feel very blessed to be on the biggest stage in MMA, doing this in front of thousands of people, making this happen.”

The second catchweight fight saw Billy Quarantillo defeat Spike Carlyle via unanimous decision. Quarantillo (14-2) struggled early, then narrowly edged out Carlyle (9-2) in an extremely close second round before dominating the third. Carlyle showed off his wrestling, but Quarantillo’s cardio played a deciding factor in the final round.

“We knew he was going to be super explosive, especially in the first round,” said Quarantillo, who now has a seven-fight win streak. “I could have done a better job weathering the storm, but I think it made it more exciting. He’s very dangerous, he’s got a lot of knockouts, and when he was on top, I was just making sure he didn’t land anything clean. I’ve weathered the storm before, and I was able to come back.

“Spike’s a tough guy and he was talking a lot of smack going into this fight. He told people it was going to be a massacre. Maybe he’ll learn from that.”

The lone heavyweight fight on the card pitted former World Series of Fighting champion Blagoy Ivanov against Augusto Sakai, a bout Sakai claimed by split decision.

The first two rounds belonged to Sakai (15-1-1) and his impressive array of leg kicks, but he committed an egregious fence grab in the third round while Ivanov (18-4, 1 NC) appeared to gaining control. That should have cost him a penalty, but incredibly, Sakai only received a warning for the infraction.

Even with the victory, Sakai still needs more quality wins to be propped up in the heavyweight division.

The fight world now turns its attention to next weekend’s UFC 250, which features a main event with Amanda Nunes putting her Women’s Featherweight title on the line against Felicia Spencer. But Saturday’s fights will have serious implications moving forward. Dern reintroduced herself to the women’s strawweight division, and Burns backed up all of his trash talk with a convincing victory against the former standard-setter of the entire welterweight division.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

What Top Conservatives Are Saying About George Floyd and Police Brutality

By Michael M. Grynbaum, Annie Karni and Jeremy W. Peters from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/36KjnoC

George Floyd death: Violence breaks out amid US protests

Images from street protests across the US on Saturday following the death of black man George Floyd.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3eusX1y

El virus de la derecha

By Diego Fonseca from NYT en Español https://ift.tt/2ZRBB6r

Trump Postpones June G7 Summit

By Unknown Author from NYT World https://ift.tt/3dgelD5

Twitter Had Been Drawing a Line for Months When Trump Crossed It

By Kate Conger from NYT Technology https://ift.tt/3dgvigp

Thousands Protest in N.Y.C., Reaching All 5 Boroughs and Trump Tower

By Alan Feuer and Azi Paybarah from NYT New York https://ift.tt/3clnXuK

Why Derek Chauvin Was Charged With Third-Degree Murder

By Sarah Mervosh and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2zBC0iK

Living Abroad Is My Way of Prolonging My Black Son’s Life

By Imani Bashir from NYT Parenting https://ift.tt/3exoJGF

George Floyd death: US cities order curfews amid widespread clashes

Police struggle to stem the violence as protesters take to the streets over the death of George Floyd.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3gCNwuB

In the middle of the Pacific with nowhere to land

A group of performers were halfway across the ocean in a 75ft boat when the pandemic erupted - leaving them with nowhere to go.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2Bc7tIw

My Money: 'Our alternative quarantine holiday'

Alyssa Hulme from Utah in the US takes us through her weekly spending during the coronavirus pandemic.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2XgH9FE

Brothers' Home: South Korea's 1980's 'concentration camp'

In the 1980s, innocent children and adults were taken off South Korea's streets - and locked away.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2Mfs3KA

Coronavirus in South Africa: Eight lessons for the rest of the continent

What South Africa can teach other African countries gearing up for a spike in infections.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3coS0SA

Peru's most catastrophic natural disaster

On 31 May 1970 an earthquake struck in Peru, triggering a landslide and leading to the deaths of 70,000.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3djAv7m

Coronavirus: Biden and Trump face off over China

The US president and his likely election rival have been sparring over China and the coronavirus.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2ArLI7q

Their Minneapolis Restaurant Burned, but They Back the Protest

By Amelia Nierenberg from NYT Food https://ift.tt/2XH4jEm

Trump delays 'outdated' G7 leaders' summit

The US president says he is postponing this year's meeting and wants to invite other leaders as well.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dmac08

New on Sports Illustrated: Ohio State Basketball Player Seth Towns Detained During George Floyd Rally

Towns, a graduate transfer from Harvard, was briefly detained but not arrested during a rally in Columbus.

Just one day after graduating from Harvard, Ohio State grad transfer Seth Towns was detained by local police while participating in a protest following the death of George Floyd.

"In a span of just 24 hours, I walked across a Harvard virtual graduation stage into the back of police van alongside other peaceful protestors-both of which I am equally proud of," Towns

said in a tweet Saturday afternoon.

A video of Towns being detained was tweeted by Eleven Warriors, where Towns can be seen shouting "Say his name!" as others respond by shouting "George Floyd!"

Ohio State spokesman Dan Wallenberg said Towns was detained briefly but not arrested, according to ESPN's Myron Medcalf.

George Floyd's death at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis has sparked reaction across the sports world, while many cities have broken out in protest.

In a statement released Saturday, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann offered his support to Towns and his commitment to social justice.

"We fully support our players’ right to peacefully protest. In the time I’ve gotten to know Seth, it’s clear that he has a heart for social justice," Holtmann said. "As I said in my statement yesterday morning, we will continue to openly discuss this within our program. We pray for safety in our city, state, and around the country.”

Harvard coach Tommy Amaker commended Towns' actions in a statement released on Saturday, saying, "I fully support, and am proud of, Seth in his continued fight for social justice, a cause that has been near and dear to his heart since he arrived on campus four years ago. We, as a program, always encourage our players in their efforts to stand up for their beliefs and for what is right.”

Towns missed the entire 2019-20 season due to a knee injury. In 58 career games at Harvard, he averaged 14.2 points, 5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 41.9% on 3-pointers.

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

Friday, 29 May 2020

News Quiz: George Floyd, Twitter, Coronavirus

By Compiled by Chris Stanford, Will Dudding and Anna Schaverien from NYT Briefing https://ift.tt/3gyPJr1

Trump’s Looting and ‘Shooting’ Remarks Escalate Crisis in Minneapolis

By Maggie Haberman and Alexander Burns from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3euOgjF

Over Veterans’ Protests, Trump Vetoes Measure to Block Student Loan Rules

By Erica L. Green from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/3eAIv4b

Sparring and Schedules Offer Glimpse of Pandemic’s Partisan Lens

By Unknown Author from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2yI9hYW

Of Course There Are Protests. The State Is Failing Black People.

By Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/2M8ouFP

It’s Not Whether You Were Exposed to the Virus. It’s How Much.

By Apoorva Mandavilli from NYT Health https://ift.tt/2XJXD8m

CNN Arrest Is What Actual Censorship Looks Like

By James Poniewozik from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2Xcc6Lo

Playing by the Rules: Dutch Leader Offers a Sober Contrast in a Brash Era

By Thomas Erdbrink from NYT World https://ift.tt/3dbdgfN

George Floyd death: Clashes across US as protesters demand justice

Crowds rally at the White House among other places over the death in police custody of George Floyd.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2McTG6N

George Floyd Updates: Minneapolis Is Under Curfew as Protests Continue Nationwide

By Unknown Author from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2ZOoin5

Rebuking China, Trump Curtails Ties to Hong Kong and Severs Them With W.H.O.

By Michael Crowley, Edward Wong and Ana Swanson from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2TQEQHf

New on Sports Illustrated: Twins, Royals, Astros and Reds to Pay Minor Leaguers for Entire Year, With No Releases

After hundreds of minor league players were released Thursday, the Twins, Royals, Astros and Reds committed to paying their minor league players through the end of the year.

With teams across the league releasing minor league players in droves, the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals are bucking the trend by committing to paying all of their minor league players through the entire 2020 season, as reported by

MLB Network's Jon Heyman and ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Passan later reported that the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros are also committing to pay their minor league players through the end of the season.

The Twins, Royals and Astros organizations will pay their minor leaguers their typical $400 weekly stipends through Aug. 31, which is when the minor league season would end, along with full benefits. The Reds will pay their players through Sept. 7.

Passan reported hundreds of minor league cuts on Thursday, with more expected in the coming days and weeks. That a handful of teams are pledging to stand by their minor league systems is a welcomed surprise around the league.

The Twins have around 150 minor league players, according to La Velle E. Neal III of The Star Tribune.

"Understand this: The minor league players, the players you'll never know about, the players that never get out of rookie ball or High-A, those players have as much impact on the growth of our game than 10-year or 15-year veteran players," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in a Friday conference call, per The Athletic's Alec Lewis. "They have as much opportunity to influence the growth of our game as those individuals who played for a long time because those individuals go back into their communities and teach the game, work in academies, are JUCO coaches, college coaches, scouts, coaches in pro baseball.

"They're growing the game constantly because they're so passionate about it. So we felt it was really, really important not to release one minor league player during this time, a time we needed to stand behind them."

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: A-Rod, Jennifer Lopez Working on New Bid for Mets

Just weeks removed from reports that Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez were no longer interested in buying the Mets, the New York Post reported the two are working on a new bid for the team.

Just weeks

removed from reports that Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez were no longer interested in buying the New York Mets, the New York Post's Thomas McEnery reported Friday evening that the two are working on a new bid to try and buy the franchise.

Per the Post, Rodriguez and Lopez are now involved closely with very senior bankers at JPMorgan Chase on a new offer and are putting in "hundreds of millions" of their own money into a potential bid.

The Post adds that the inclusion of SNY, the Mets' television network, in a potential sale is indicative of current owners, Fred and Jeff Wilpon, interest in selling the team.

The Post first reported on Rodriguez's interest in the Mets in February. He emerged as a potential buyer shortly after current New York minority owner Steve Cohen's bid to purchase a majority stake in the team fell through.

In January, it was announced that the Wilpons were looking to sell a majority of the team, which they have controlled since 2002.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic halting almost all of the sports world, The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan reported in late March that "sports investment bankers say that the team’s adviser, Allen & Co., was still calling around trying to drum up business."

According to Forbes' most recent MLB valuations, the Mets are the sixth highest-valued franchise in MLB at $2.4 billion, up 4% from 2019.

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: MLBPA Wants to See League's Financial Documents Before Submitting Counter Offer

In a memo sent to players, the MLBPA reportedly wants to see financial documents from the league before it submits a counter offer.

In a memo sent to its players today, the MLB Players Association said it's still waiting to view financial records from MLB that "would support the dubious financial distress claims the league has made,"

according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal also reports that the MLBPA is still weighing its options before submitting an official response to MLB's proposal, which has higher-paid players taking steeper pay cuts. The MLBPA claims that the additional pay cuts would add up to more than $800 million.

The league's proposal has drawn the ire from players, particularly Max Scherzer, who is a member of the players union's executive committee. On Thursday, Scherzer spoke out against the league's proposal on Twitter, saying the players would not make any additional financial concessions.

"We have previously negotiated a pay cut in the version of prorated salaries," Scherzer said. "And there's no justification to accept a second pay cut based upon the current information the union has received."

Despite the public strife, there is still a belief that a deal will ultimately get done. There will be a 2020 baseball season at some point, reports SI's Tom Verducci, who spoke to a longtime club executive who has seen many labor disputes in the past.

"Are you kidding? Of course (the two sides will reach an agreement)," he said. "Of course they will. There will be a deal because the prospect of not getting a deal is unthinkable to both sides. It will happen because it has to happen."

New on Sports Illustrated: No title

Twitter Places Warning on a Trump Tweet, Saying It Glorified Violence

By Raymond Zhong and Russell Goldman from NYT Technology https://ift.tt/3ddA0LT

Coronavirus: South Korea closes schools again after biggest spike in weeks

Schools that had just re-opened days ago have now been forced shut again after a spike in cases.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2XdfRA8

What is it like being at school in South Korea?

Strict safety measures are in place, but more than 200 schools have been forced to close just days after they re-opened.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/36QW8cV

Twitter Places Warning on a Trump Tweet, Saying It Glorified Violence

By Raymond Zhong and Russell Goldman from NYT Technology https://ift.tt/3ddo7G3

Hong Kong: What is the BNO and what does the UK move mean?

The UK waded into the Hong Kong security row by proposing more rights for holders of a special passport.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3deHQFg

‘It’s Too Late’: In Sprawling Indonesia, Coronavirus Surges

By Hannah Beech and Muktita Suhartono from NYT World https://ift.tt/2M7Z0IO

Twitter hides Trump tweet for 'glorifying violence'

For the first time, Twitter has hidden a tweet on the president's profile behind a warning.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3esnb0y

UK could offer 'path to citizenship' for Hong Kong's British passport holders

Hong Kong residents holding a UK overseas passport could gain a route to UK citizenship.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3ddsFMy

Thursday, 28 May 2020

Minneapolis protests continue: 'Nobody's listening'

Protests rock the Twin Cities area after the shocking death of an unarmed black man during an arrest.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2zxHkDP

Coronavirus: 'I built a memorial to my grandfather on Animal Crossing'

One young woman used popular game Animal Crossing for her family tradition of Bai San.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3etq6Gb

When Covid-19 hit, zookeeper Caitlin Henderson ended up in lockdown with 70 spiders

When Covid-19 hit, zookeeper Caitlin Henderson ended up in lockdown with 70 spiders.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/36IM8Cq

Disney World Is Reopening, but You Won’t Be Able to Hug Mickey

By Brooks Barnes from NYT Business https://ift.tt/2M9PVPn

Trump’s ‘Horrifying Lies’ About Lori Klausutis May Cross a Legal Line

By Peter H. Schuck from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/3c9kmQo

How White Women Use Themselves as Instruments of Terror

By Charles M. Blow from NYT Opinion https://ift.tt/2XCKwFT

Trump’s Order on Social Media Could Harm One Person in Particular: Donald Trump

By Peter Baker and Daisuke Wakabayashi from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2XaX0FH

U.S. to Expel Chinese Graduate Students With Ties to China’s Military Schools

By Edward Wong and Julian E. Barnes from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2M7MVDb

Defying Trump, Twitter Doubles Down on Labeling Tweets

By Kate Conger and Mike Isaac from NYT Technology https://ift.tt/36DyX5o

Lion attack in Australia leaves zookeeper badly injured

The woman is being treated for critical injuries after the incident in New South Wales, authorities say.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3cf4QCF

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: 75 Percent of NBA GMs Vote for Play-In Tournament to Decide Final Playoff Seeds

In a league-wide survey of NBA general managers, 75% of GMs voted in favor of a play-in style tournament to decide the final playoff seeds over a World Cup-style group play.

Though nothing has been officially announced yet, it appears the NBA is

inching toward re-starting the 2019-20 season. While myriad issues remain to be sorted out, a hot topic of conversation in basketball circles is what format the league should use to complete the season.

According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, commissioner Adam Silver revealed in a conference call Thursday the results of a league-wide general manager survey, in which 75% of general managers voted in favor of using a play-in tournament to determine the final playoff seeds. One-fourth of general managers voted for a World Cup style group stage.

“There was zero commitment to any one plan,” said one general manager, according to O'Connor. “But it was a call to gather more information.”

The survey also revealed that half of general managers voted to immediately start the playoffs once the league resumes play. Just over half of respondents voted to re-seed the playoffs from 1 to 16, doing away with conference affiliation.

O'Connor cites league sources who say the NBA's top-tier teams—like the Lakers and Bucks— generally favor a play-in tournament over a group stage. In the group stage format, the teams with the 20 best records in the league could be placed into four groups of five, with each group playing pool-play style.

As for when the season could resume, O'Connor says league sources speculate that the NBA will require teams to arrive in Orlando around July 16, at which point they will have to be quarantined at Disney World. Games could potentially begin on July 31, though any timeframe remains speculation.

New on Sports Illustrated: SEC Eases Admissions Rules for Grad Transfers, Matching New NCAA Legislation

Under a new rule that brings the SEC in line with the NCAA, student-athlete graduate transfers will be able to obtain a second undergraduate degree.

The Southeastern Conference has relaxed admission rules governing graduate transfers.

During the final day of their virtual spring meetings Thursday, SEC presidents and chancellors approved a proposal to ease a restriction that required graduate transfers to enroll in graduate school at his or her new school. The new legislation, an amendment to a bylaw, allows grad transfers to pursue a second undergraduate degree, according to the proposal obtained by Sports Illustrated. The SEC’s decision aligns its policy with that of the NCAA, which made the change to its graduate transfer legislation in April.

The previous policy steered an athlete’s education down a path that they may not have preferred. With greater enrollment options now, athletes are free to pursue a second major in the same way he or she could have done at the previous school. Admission standards at graduate programs can be stringent and often complicated. The new legislation will “reduce tensions created between athletics and academic departments” in locating graduate programs for athletes who may not “lack necessary practical experience to be admitted,” the proposal reads.

Administrators at Arkansas, South Carolina and Missouri made the proposal. It is effective for those graduate transfers enrolling Aug. 1 or later.

For coaches, this offers another avenue to land graduate transfers, a sweeping trend in college football over the last several years. Graduate transfers can play immediately and some even enter their new schools with two years of eligibility. Joe Burrow, the former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at LSU, is one of the most recent high-profile examples of a transfer who graduated from his previous school, Ohio State, with two years of eligibility. He was a redshirt junior when he enrolled at LSU in May 2018.

The graduate transfer rule was intended to assist academically high-achieving students in pursuing a degree that may not be offered at their undergraduate college. But it has become a tool for players to find more playing time and for coaches to plug holes on their rosters. From 2013 to 2018, the NCAA says the number of grad transfers had more than doubled. Graduate transfers are most prevalent in men’s basketball (2.6% of current players are graduate transfers), women’s basketball, football, and men’s and women’s track and field, according to data published by the NCAA in 2019. Less than 1% of football players were graduate transfers in 2018, but that number had nearly tripled since 2013.

The legislation adjusted a rule not often used as it was intended. Graduate programs can be two and three-year endeavors that few athletes complete. The two-year degree completion rate for graduate transfers in football was 31%, according to figures from the NCAA.

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: NCAA Football Oversight Committee to Recommend Six-Week Preseason Camp

The NCAA's football oversight committee is reportedly going to recommend to the Division I Council that teams have a six-week preseason camp for the 2020 season.

With the NCAA's ban of on-campus training activities

due to be lifted on June 1, the college sports governing body appears to be inching closer to making preparations for the fall sports season.

On Thursday, Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports reported the NCAA's football oversight committee is expected to recommend a six-week preseason camp for the 2020 season. The committee is expected to sort out the particular details within the next week before submitting an official proposal. A submission for final approval to the NCAA Division I Council is expected for mid-June.

On Wednesday, the NCAA extended its recruiting dead period through the end of July. Football already had a dead period on its calendar from June 22 to July 24, though the decision impacts all Division I sports.

“The extension maintains consistent recruiting rules for all sports and allows coaches to focus on the student-athletes who may be returning to campus,” said Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Pennsylvania. “The committee is committed to reviewing the dead period again in late June or early July.”

On Tuesday, college football conference and television networks agreed to postpone the announcement of start times for early-season games. CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and their affiliated networks typically announce early game times for the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences on June 1.

The college football season is scheduled to begin with a handful of games on Aug. 29, followed by a full slate of games the following week beginning on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Gough Whitlam dismissal: Australian court grants access to Queen's letters

A historian argues they should be public record over the sacking of Australia's prime minister in 1975.

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New on Sports Illustrated: DeAndre Hopkins: 'I Know I'm the Best'

Months after his trade to the Arizona Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins says he's the best receiver in the NFL.

More than two months since being traded from the Houston Texans, receiver DeAndre Hopkins let his new fans know what to expect when he takes the field for the first time as an Arizona Cardinal: He's the best receiver in the NFL.

"I definitely think I'm the best," Hopkins said Thursday on the Jalen & Jacoby Show,

per ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "I know I'm the best. Mike's my boy. I love [Saints wide receiver] Michael [Thomas] ... but he knows if I had Drew Brees my whole career what these numbers would be. [Falcons wide receiver] Julio Jones knows if I had Matt Ryan my whole career. That's my boy. I trained with Julio, too. He knows what these numbers would be."

From 2013 to 2016, Hopkins never missed a game, but his production was inconsistent. He made the Pro Bowl in his third season in 2015, notching 1,521 receiving yards an 11 touchdowns, but followed that up with a relatively disappointing 2016 season in which he had 954 yards and four scores.

Deshaun Watson arrived in 2017 and has easily been the best quarterback Hopkins has played with, but he started only six games as a rookie after injuring his knee. In all, the Texans featured 10 different starting quarterbacks from 2013 to 2017: Brock Osweiler (14 starts), Ryan Fitzpatrick (12), Case Keenum (10), Tom Savage (nine), Brian Hoyer (nine), Matt Schaub (eight), Ryan Mallett (six), Watson (six), T.J. Yates (five) and Brandon Weeden (one).

That level of turmoil at quarterback is vastly different compared to the quarterback stability that the receivers Hopkins mentioned—Michael Thomas and Julio Jones—have enjoyed.

"Those guys are definitely blessed to be in a position where, their whole career, they had a Pro Bowl quarterback—quarterback that they spent multiple seasons with. But I don't complain. I don't make excuses. I go out there and work."

Over the past two seasons, when Watson made 31 starts, Hopkins caught a combined 219 passes for 2,737 yards and 18 touchdowns. He's looking forward to developing a rapport with second-year quarterback Kyler Murray, last year's AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.

"Going into this situation with a guy, a young quarterback, that I know is gonna be my quarterback for the future, is great," Hopkins said. "We're able to build a chemistry, and hopefully, I'm able to play more than three seasons with a quarterback. I don't think I've done that yet. So, I'm excited just to see how I'll be able to play with a consistent quarterback."

Last season, Larry Fitzgerald led the Cardinals in receptions (75) and yards (804), and tied for the lead with four touchdown catches. Second-year wideout Christian Kirk had 68 catches for 709 yards and three touchdowns.

"We have other great receivers out there—Christian Kirk, Larry Fitzgerald and a lot of other guys out there," Hopkins said. "But I definitely see myself having one of my more productive seasons."

India policeman's TikTok video helps family find missing father

A TikTok video filmed in north India helped a family on the other end of the country find their father.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/3dgA91q

China's parliament approves Hong Kong security bill

China says the bill will rein in "terrorism" but many feel it will end Hong Kong's unique status.

from BBC News - World https://ift.tt/2TNSuee

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: MLBPA Won't Make Any Salary Concessions in Upcoming Proposal to MLB

The MLB Players Association is expected to send its proposal to the league by the end of this week, but reportedly won't concede any additional salary cuts.

The MLB Players Association is planning on sending its proposal to start the 2020 season to the league by the end of this week,

according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. While health and safety plans continue to be worked up, the union appears to be drawing a firm line in the sand on the issue of players taking additional salary cuts.

Passan reports that the MLBPA intends to include its financial terms in its proposal, and that the players "do not plan to make any salary concessions." His report comes on the heels of a statement from Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer, who tweeted that there was "no reason to engage with MLB" further on salary reductions, and that other players have voiced similar opinions.

On Tuesday, MLB reportedly proposed pay cuts that would impact the league's highest-paid players more steeply. The league's framework would group players based on what their full-season salaries would be under a normal year, then cut a percentage of their prorated salaries based on 82 games. A player who would make the league minimum in a normal year ($563,500), for example, would make $285,228 in prorated salary, then would get 10% deducted under the league's proposal, leaving him with a $256,706 salary for 2020 (excluding any bonuses for the postseason).

The pay cuts increase as base salaries go up, as follows:

$563,501 to $1 million paid at 72.5%
$1,000,001 to $5 million paid at 50%
$5,000,001 to $10 million paid at 40%
$10,000,001 to $20 million paid at 30%
$20,000,001 and up paid at 20%

The league also offered to share more playoff revenue with the players, but the MLBPA was reportedly "very disappointed" with the proposal, according to The Athletic's Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal.

New on Sports Illustrated: Inside the Two-Year Process That Could Finally Lead to a SkyJudge for the 2020 NFL Season

Owners will vote Thursday to implement the SkyJudge for the preseason, with the option to extend it to the regular season. Here's how it all came together.

The seminal moment in the development of a coach-driven SkyJudge proposal happened in a conference room at the Indiana Convention Center on a cold February day. The group, made up of the coaches subcommittee and the NFL’s competition committee, had retiring referee Walt Anderson, who’d spent 24 seasons officiating pro football and was moving into a senior role at the league, in the room.

He was asked a simple question: What do you want?

“Well, I don’t want to be on SportsCenter on Monday,” he responded.

Right there, the coaches’ fight was boiled down to one sentence. Too often, the officials have become the story after games, and not for good reasons. Too often, the reasons were avoidable.

“When Walt said that, the meeting got real,” said Chargers coach Anthony Lynn on Wednesday. “Because Walt was being honest.”

Minutes after Lynn said that to me Wednesday, proposals for the booth umpire (a modified name for the SkyJudge) and the STAR (senior technology assistant to the referee), put forth by his team and the Ravens, were pulled from the agenda for Thursday afternoon’s owners call, during which teams will vote on rule changes. In its place, the league is likely to expand the authority of the replay official for preseason games, to experiment with the idea.

At first (and you can see this on my

Twitter timeline), I thought that was crazy, pulling back from all the work the coaches have done. But it turns out that this was just one more step being taken in the direction of giving officials something that they probably should’ve gotten a long time ago.

The SkyJudge is coming.

We’ll explain.

***

It’s the end of May, and we’ve got plenty to dive into. In this week’s GamePlan, you’ll get …

• The five biggest contract-extension situations to watch.

• A deeper look at the onside kick rules adjustment.

• An examination of whether minicamp is coming.

But we’re starting with the rule-change decision that will likely resonate most, when we get to the fall, provided there’s real, live football.

***

In the simplest terms, here it is: Tens of millions of NFL fans are afforded, on every game broadcast, crystal-clear HD footage of every play from a dozen (or more) different angles. And somehow, that benefit, one that takes a $300 TV and a cable subscription to get, that we all have from our couches, hasn’t been passed along to the guys officiating those game.

Seem crazy? If it has to you, I’d say pretty much every head coach in the NFL agreed with you, and believed that, by now, someone should’ve figured out a way to fix that problem.

And so, over the last couple years, the coaches subcommittee took it upon itself to do the work, with Ravens coach John Harbaugh running point, ex-Cowboys coach Jason Garrett helping last year, Lynn helping this year, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid playing a significant role throughout. The thought, for a lot of coaches, was that last year’s pass interference review rules were another step toward the implementation of the SkyJudge, as was the AAF incorporating a version of that sort of official in its lone season of 2019.

At the NFL’s 2019 Annual Meeting, the 32 coaches banded together, drafted a SkyJudge plan and voted 32-0 in favor of it. Eventually, with owners not ready to embrace it, the PI review was reached as a compromise. But as the NFL got there, in the room, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie championed the coaches’ drive to bridge the technological gap, by supporting their desire to push toward better solutions, and Garrett spoke eloquently about prioritizing “getting it right,” drawing a round of applause from all of those in attendance.

And while we all know how things played out with that PI compromise, the coaches continued to work with NFL EVP of football operations Troy Vincent and SVP of football operations Dave Gardi through the fall to try and craft a plan that would, above all else, give the officials the resource of the technology that we all have at home.

“Everybody recognizes what a great job they do and how hard the job is,” Harbaugh said of the officials on Wednesday morning. “These calls are made under a microscope. And it’s a microscope with the fans seeing it in high def and knowing what really happened. And then the credibility of the outcome of the game comes into question for the fans. And that’s really the crux of the whole thing.”

What Harbaugh, Reid and Lynn, and the other coaches involved (the legendary John Madden was a vital resource for the group, as well), found was that the officials didn’t want to let these things go any more than the coaches did—so Anderson, who’s helped to set up booth official protocols in college football, worked with the group to try and figure out the best way to go about solving the problem.

And while the officials’ miss in the Saints-Rams NFC title game in January 2019 may have been what ignited a lot of this discussion, it was hardly the only example of what everyone saw as needing to be fixed. In fact, Reid, at one point, actually raised a call that went his way—in which Patriots rookie WR N’Keal Harry was called out of bounds on a play that should’ve been a touchdown in a December K.C. win. There were others too, and all were motivation to stay on task, with a plan coalescing ahead of that meeting at the 2020 combine.

The first key would be keeping power in the hands of the head referee, and the plan that Harbaugh and Co. wound up putting together reflected that. The booth umpire would report to the head referee, have no power to stop the game or overrule the field officials and could only give his input until the play clock hit :25 (giving him roughly 15 seconds to chime in) or per the request of the referee.

The limits on time also would ensure only egregious misses would prompt intervention from the booth. “There’s always gray, any fan can go back and complain about calls, but you understand it’s part of the game,” Harbaugh said. “It’s the ones that aren’t gray, that are black-and-white, that are clear-cut, either wrong or clear-cut misses, those are the ones that fans don’t accept.”

The second key would be a tougher one to crack—who these officials would wind up being.

***

Along the way, coaches found more benefits to the plan than even they initially intended, and some of their own experiences played right into those.

Lynn recalled being relegated to the booth as a young Cowboys assistant, after a near-death experience in 2005—during training camp, he’d been struck by drunk driver, crossing a street in California—and how illuminating the view up there was. He promised himself that if he ever became a play-caller, he’d coach from there, because of the vantage point it gave him, and he followed through on that when he was promoted to Bills OC in 2016.

Along those lines, he thinks, aside from just having the broadcast, the official in the booth should be able to help the crew in seeing the game from a different spot.

“When I coached upstairs, I saw the field so much better,” Lynn said. “So to put that guy in that position can’t do anything but help.”

Also, there’s the fact that where some worried a SkyJudge could slow the game down, the coaches feel like it actually may speed the game up. The presence of the booth umpire, as they see it, should eliminate the sorts of challenges where the result is obvious—which will save everyone from having to watch the officials walk over, get under the hood, go through that process, and emerge to tell people what they already know.

So you get calls right and cut the fat from the broadcast.

“The last thing I wanted was to slow the game down,” Lynn said. “Football’s not perfect, people are not perfect, there will always be missed calls. But we felt like we could get this done in an effective way, and in a way that speeds the game up, and helps the officials with obvious calls, because it is such a fast game. At that speed, anyone is going to miss some obvious things. This should be a great tool for them to take care of that.”

That left that one question, that second key, going into the last few weeks—who exactly would be the booth umpire? The coaches wanted it to be an actual official. The idea of having former “white hats” (head officials) come in was discussed, as was the idea of bringing college “white hats” into the fold in the role, or just shuffling roles within crews to put someone experienced upstairs.

Part of the emphasis there, for the coaches, was that the person would need to be part of the crew, giving them time to earn the trust of the others, and the head referee especially, so the communication would be seamless and any complications could be easily worked out. (That dynamic was so important to the coaches involved, that Garrett at one point proposed mandating that crews meet twice weekly—once to wrap up the previous week’s game, and then again to prep for the game ahead.)

Therein lied the difference between proposals put forth by the Ravens and Chargers, and one concocted by the competition committee. The former called for an eighth official to be hired, with each crew getting a booth umpire, and a STAR as his right-hand man. The latter called for the replay official and replay assistant to, in essence, take on the job descriptions of the booth umpire and STAR, as the coaches proposed them, as a preseason experiment.

Anderson wound up vouching for using the current crew of replay officials, with a few exceptions, to the coaches. And the league assured the coaches that those officials would travel and be assigned to crews (the replay officials were actually not traveling for a while, meaning they’d just work with whatever crew was in town) for the season, allowing for relationships to develop. On top of that, the NFL made changes to the lineup of replay officials where they were needed.

The best part? If it works, the league has the leeway to implement it this year. Meaning the SkyJudge, finally, could be in the NFL in 2020.

***

So while this may not be just like the coaches drew it up—some are still hoping they get there eventually—this work has been as rewarding for those involved as a big comeback win.

Because, really, that’s what it was. After the PI rule went south, and ahead of the Indy meeting, ex-Ravens GM/long-time competition committee member Ozzie Newsome confided in some coaches that the SkyJudge was DOA.

That put the impetus on them to bring it back to life. Which, clearly, they’ve done.

“It’s absolutely been a cool process,” Lynn said. “Even when we all talked a couple years ago, this didn’t stand a chance. I gotta give John credit, he took the lead, we regrouped and he put together a tight proposal with a lot of people’s input. Knowing the questions when it went it out—What about this? What about that?—the way he presented it, I don’t see how you’d not take it seriously. He put in a lot of work. He was definitely the head coach of this process.”

In the end, the plays he called were enough to entice the competition committee to come around, and then the league office to come around, and for guys like Vincent and Gardi to become big backers of the coaches’ efforts—and that, as he looks at it, is because so much of this was common sense from the start.

And if it takes a couple extra steps to get all the way to where the coaches want it—with the scope of the booth official’s responsibility widening with time, and the league comfortable paying the guy as a regular part of the crew—then that’s OK, too. Because the idea here is so simple, that neither Harbaugh, nor any of the other guys I spoke with, have much doubt that common sense will carry it through.

“The fact that everyone can see the play, that the fans get to see it from a viewpoint that the officials don’t have access to? The heart of the matter is, that’s crazy,” Harbaugh said. “That shouldn’t be the case. So let’s fix that.”

And now, after two years of work, it’s out of the coaches’ hands and into the mitts of the owners to do just that. Here’s hoping, for the good of the game, they take advantage of it.

***

POWER RANKINGS

A reader question from my Wednesday mailbag made me think of this one: Which veteran players, and let’s keep it to non-quarterbacks, have a case to fight for their money this summer? Obviously, the franchised guys are already in line at the bank. Who else could be planning a trip there? Let’s rank them …

1) Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers: He’s No. 1 because he plays a premium position, and has been eligible for a new deal for over a year. Guys like DeMarcus Lawrence and Frank Clark are at $21 million per, and Bosa’s better than either of them. It wouldn’t be a shocker if he winds up topping Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald, eventually.

2) Ronnie Stanley, OT, Ravens: Stanley’s draft classmante, Laremy Tunsil, got $22 million per year. Fair bet that Stanley will be looking for at least that much, and may just get it. He is that good, and investing in Stanley really is investing in Lamar Jackson, if you’re Baltimore.

3) Myles Garrett, DE, Browns: An absolutely outrageous talent. If he can keep his nose clean and start fast after missing the end of last year, the sky’s the limit in what he’ll be able to do. And the sky’s probably the limit for his contractual future as well.

4) A group of CBs: Marlon Humphrey (Ravens), Marshon Lattimore (Saints), Jalen Ramsey (Rams), Tre’Davious White (Bills). Fun fact: the NFL’s two highest-paid corners are new teammates (Miami’s Xavien Howard and Byron Jones). And those guys are good players, but it’s clear that a market correction is coming. Each of these four have potential to lead it.

5) Jamal Adams, S, Jets: The situation here’s well-documented. Talks have gone nowhere. Adams isn’t pleased with that. Some think this could become another situation like Ramsey’s end in Jacksonville. Stay tuned.

***

WHAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT

The actual numbers on onside kicks. And I’m lucky in that I have some coaches who’ve done the research to get me the numbers, and I thought some of them were interesting.

The research I was given by one team showed that the percentage of successful fourth-quarter (non-surprise) onside kicks in 2019 (10.7%) essentially matched the league-wide number (10.6) over the first nine years of the decade, after it dipped a little in 2018 as new kickoff rules were put in. In fact, if you rank those last 10 seasons, the 2019 number is smack in the middle—ranking fifth—and, again, that’s with the safety measures in.

Similarly, the league-wide success rate on third- and fourth-and-15 over the last 15 years (I had Warren Sharp look this up for me) is 16.5%. Which means what the owners will be voting to push through today, as an alternative to the onside kick, is the same sort of crapshoot that onside kick is.

Then, there’s this: The NFL has already had to make changes to a rule it hasn’t even put in yet, supplementing the original language with addendums to make it an untimed down (which prevents teams with leads from using the option to run the clock out), and prohibit its use in overtime (to prevent teams from using it to keep the other team from getting an OT possession).

And there are other potential issues here, including the prospect of it becoming a “pass interference” play (as in, throw it up and hope to get a call), and how it could bastardize the game.

All in all, I thought the idea was sort of fun at first. But the more I think about it, the more this idea seems a little rushed, and unnecessary. That said, if this is positioned as a health-and-safety measure on the call, as it’s expected to be, owners will probably be hesitant to vote against it, which may just push it right though.

***

THE BIG QUESTION

Will minicamps happen?

In their normal form, I think it’s doubtful, and all it takes is a simple look at the calendar, and through states’ rules to figure that out. Michigan, for one, is under a stay-at-home order through June 12. Assuming that holds, let’s say, hypothetically of course, that the NFL starts the process of welcoming players back on June 15, the following Monday.

As I understand it, a rough sketch of the NFL/NFLPA joint committee for health-and-safety’s working plan looks like this …

• Limited players allowed into buildings at first, as teams conduct testing and physicals.

• 2-3 weeks of strength and conditioning.

• The helmets go on and practice starts.

If the process starts June 15, under this set of guidelines, teams would be running and lifting when spring work—per a negotiated agreement with the union—comes to an end on June 26. And yes, there’s a good chance these guidelines aren’t followed. But even still, is a coach going to rush to put players on a practice field after all that time away? The ones I’ve spoken have said, pretty much uniformly, they will not.

Which is why I still think waiting until training camp is the smart play. You don’t have the capacity now for daily testing, and the only way you wouldn’t need that is if you’re quarantining your team—which is essentially what camp is. So why not take advantage of that, even if it is after a “soft” opening that allows for a limited number of guys to come in, get tested, and test their team’s protocols? I, for one, think they should.

***

THE FINAL WORD

Your reminder: Two months until camp.

What it means: The NFL and its teams still have plenty of time and flexibility with which to manage this unprecedented circumstance. They’d be wise to use it.

• Question or comment? Email us.

New on Sports Illustrated: University of Minnesota Curbs Relationship With Minneapolis Police Following George Floyd's Death

The school announced it would be limiting ties with the Minneapolis Police Department following the death of George Floyd.

Two days after former NFL safety George Floyd was killed after being pinned to the ground by police, University of Minnesota president Joan Gabel announced the school will no longer use the Minneapolis Police Department for large events such as football games, concerts and ceremonies.

Gabel also said the MPD would no longer be used for specialized services, like those provided by K-9 explosive detection units, at other university events.

"Our hearts are broken after watching the appalling video capturing the actions of Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers against George Floyd leading to his tragic death," Gabel said

in a letter to students, faculty and staff. "As a community, we are outraged and grief-stricken. I do not have the words to fully express my pain and anger and I know that many in our community share those feelings, but also fear for their own safety. This will not stand.”

The university's undergraduate student body president, Jael Kerandi, had issued a letter on Tuesday demanding that the school cut ties with the Minneapolis police department.

"We no longer wish to have a meeting or come to an agreement, there is no middle ground," Kerandi's letter said. "The police are murdering black men with no meaningful repercussions. This is not a problem of some other place or some other time. This is happening right here in Minneapolis."

Floyd, 46, was stopped by Minneapolis police outside of a local grocery store. Video of the scene captured Floyd pinned on the ground as an officer placed his knee on Floyd's neck for approximately eight minutes. Floyd died soon after the incident.

Four Minneapolis police officers were fired Tuesday night for their involvement. Floyd's death has sparked reaction from the sports world. Houston Texans J.J. Watt called the incident "disgusting," while former NBA player Stephen Jackson took to social media to mourn Floyd, whom Jackson referred to as his "twin."

"I’ve seen the video and I think it’s disgusting," Watt said on Wednesday. "I just don’t see how a man in handcuffs on the ground who is clearly detained and is clearly in distress, I don't understand how that situation can't be remedied in a way that doesn't end in his death."

The Minnesota Vikings also voiced their support on Twitter, as the incident occurred near U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I write to you to express our overwhelming sadness, and our demands for accountability and justice," Gabel continued. "Our campuses and facilities area a part of the communities in which they reside. University students, staff and faculty are day-to-day participants in the life of every community in this state, and we must act when our neighbors are harmed and in pain. My heart is heavy and my thoughts are with the loved ones and friends of George Floyd.”

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Hong Kong Has Lost Autonomy, Pompeo Says, Opening Door to U.S. Action

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Trump Said, ‘I Have the Best Words.’ Now They’re Hers.

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New on Sports Illustrated: The Coyotes Are Getting a Second Chance This Season—And They Don't Plan on Wasting It

The Coyotes were outside of a wild-card spot when the regular season was halted, but now have new life thanks to the NHL's new 24-team tournament.

The Arizona Coyotes haven’t made the playoffs since 2012, when they made the conference final for the franchise’s most successful run ever. Now, after years of rebuilding, they’re back…or are they?

Thanks to the NHL’s 24-team Return to Play format, the Coyotes will indeed play hockey once it is deemed safe for the league to restart. But as the 11th-ranked team in the Western Conference, Arizona will have to beat Nashville in the qualifying round before they get to the literal first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Nonetheless, for a franchise that has come up short for such a long time, the Coyotes aren’t going to dwell on format.

“You play the regular season to play for the Stanley Cup,” said center Derek Stepan. “And we get a chance to play for the Cup.”

Both GM John Chayka and coach Rick Tocchet called it all a matter of semantics, with Chayka pointing out that seven NHL teams were left out of the tournament and Tocchet pointing out the great unknown of those final regular season games that were never played due to the pandemic.

“We could have gone 12–0 and gotten a bye,” Tocchet said. “That’s how I look at it.”

If the 2019–20 season had never been interrupted, there was certainly a chance the Coyotes would have been on the outside looking in once again. Arizona had three teams to leapfrog just to get into the second wild-card spot and the Coyotes did not have games in hand on any of those teams. For a team that made a massive acquisition in recent Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall during the campaign, it would have been pretty disappointing to see the Coyotes miss the playoffs again (the same of which could be said for the Florida Panthers in the East, another franchise that has teased on-ice growth for years but hasn’t quite delivered).

Arizona does have players with plenty of post-season experience however and getting the rest of the crew in that pool could be crucial for real development.

“There’s nothing like playing in a series, where you line up against the same guy every night,” Stepan said. “You find a deeper compete level that is hard to explain.”

Having said that, Stepan – who made six straight postseason forays with the New York Rangers, including some deep runs before coming to Arizona – doesn’t want the team’s youngsters to treat this year’s tourney as a learning experience.

“This isn’t a learning process, this is about winning the Cup,” he said. “We’ve gotta have that mentality.”

Now the challenge is getting everyone back on track after the long layoff – though we still don’t quite know when that will be. Chayka said players won’t be asked to rush back to Arizona right away, while Tocchet mused about the challenges of the initial limited on-ice workouts for his charges.

“The bottom line is that I won’t be around the rink,” he said. “They’re probably happy about that.”

Once games do begin in earnest, however, there likely won’t be much time to think.

“There’s no dipping your toe in this,” Tocchet said. “We’re diving in right away. It’s a short runway and you have to be ready.”

If there was one benefit to the layoff, it’s that many teams got healthier and Arizona is no exception. Star goalie Darcy Kuemper got a chance to rehab a lower-body injury, while veteran sniper Phil Kessel had the opportunity to heal up from some nagging ailments. Conor Garland and Jakob Chychrun will also likely be healthy once the games start.

Now the focus is on returning to the ice under safe conditions – and preparing for a date with the Predators. It may not be the way the Coyotes pictured their next step in development, but it’s an opportunity they are happy to have.

“We’re in a playoff tournament format to win the Stanley Cup,” Chayka said. “That’s a positive.”

Read more from The Hockey News
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Walking Through the 2020 NHL Draft Lottery Format
*Long Way to Go, but NHL Playoff Picture Becomes Clearer
*Requiem for a Fallen College Hockey Program

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As the MLB and the players' union continue to negotiate over how to handle the

financial hurdles en route to beginning the 2020 season, Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer took to Twitter on Wednesday to voice his displeasure with one of the baseball industry's biggest power players: agent Scott Boras.

Bauer, citing rumors he'd been made aware of, is upset at Boras for apparently "meddling in MLBPA affairs."

The league's most recent proposal to the MLBPA reportedly included steeper pay cuts for higher-paid players. It's unclear whether that's the issue at the heart of Bauer's ire, as so far he's not included any specifics.

Earlier this month, Boras spoke out about MLB's 50–50 revenue split proposal, urging players to reject the deal.

“The players I represent are unified in that they reached an agreement and they sacrificed anywhere from 30 to 40% of their salaries so that the games could amicably continue,” said Boras. “The owners represented during that negotiation that they could operate without fans in the ballpark. Based on that, we reached an agreement and there will not be a renegotiation of that agreement.”

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New on Sports Illustrated: NCAA Extends Recruiting Dead Period Through July 31

The NCAA announced Wednesday that its recruiting dead period will run through July 31 for all Division I sports.

On Wednesday, the NCAA's Division I Council Coordination Committee

announced it has extended the recruiting dead period through July 31 for all sports.

The committee had previously extended the recruiting dead period through June 31 in an announcement two weeks ago.

College football already had a dead period from June 22 to July 24, but now there will be no official visits allowed through the end of July. For men's basketball, the dead period extension removes evaluation periods that programs had scheduled throughout June and July, a time when campus visits would normally have been permitted. Women's basketball programs normally would have been allowed to host prospects for on-campus visits for the whole month of June.

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The initial dates for the class' enshrinement were set for August 28-30.

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The museum has been closed since early February as it looks to complete its $23 million renovations. It was initially set to reopen on March 25, but delayed its opening amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Hall says on its website it is set to open July 1.

Even though both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 will be inducted in the same calendar year, Colangelo told ESPN that the two groups will be enshrine separately.

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Alongside Duncan, Bryant and Garnett, WNBA star Tamika Catchings, FIBA executive Patrick Baumann and coaches Rudy Tomjanovich, Kim Mulkey, Barbara Stevens and Eddie Sutton, who died on Saturday at age 84, round out the Class of 2020. Bryant, Duncan, Garnett and Catchings were first-time nominees. Finalists needed 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee to be elected into the Hall of Fame.

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