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Français (Afrique)NBA finds certain facts are 'dispute' in spat between Bucks, Giannis
The saga between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks took another turn on April 4 when an NBA spokesperson told the Journal Sentinel, “certain facts remain in dispute.”
According to the league, its investigation determined that the Bucks scheduled Antetokounmpo to go through a three-on-three scrimmage the week of March 23 but Antetokounmpo declined to participate.
There is an ongoing disagreement between the parties over whether the team asked Antetokounmpo to participate in a group workout the week of March 30.
When he spoke publicly for the first time about his situation on April 3, Antetokounmpo said he welcomed an investigation into his availability and said, in part, “You guys have seen me warming up. You guys see me working out. I've played. I've played with the team. I've played one-on-one. I've practiced. I've done pretty much everything.”
Antetokounmpo, along with several members of the organization, were interviewed by the league the week of March 30. This followed a statement from the National Basketball Players Association on March 24 that the league enforce its player participation policy and a statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver that the league would look into the matter.
Antetokounmpo has said the team wanted to shut him down for the season following his knee injury on March 15, but he has steadfastly refused to do so and maintains he’s been healthy enough to play.
“I've had the conversation with coach Doc [Rivers] the possibility of shutting me down; I had the conversation with [general manager] Jon [Horst] also,” he told the Journal Sentinel.
Following the game against the Celtics on April 3, Rivers said he was unaware of a league investigation and bemoaned the public nature of this dispute between the team and the player.
“Again, I wouldn’t know any of that,” Rivers said. “That’s the point I’m trying to make. The league, they’re not gonna call me about this. They know I have no decision-making in this. And if they have decided to start talking to us, this is the first I’ve heard it. So, I don’t even know that. Nor should I, nor should I, but I just don’t like that this is so public. And it shouldn’t be. This is where grown men get in a room and they talk it out. Whether they agree or disagree, that doesn’t matter. But this should not be in public. And I don’t like that.”
The NBA spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and “the league is continuing to monitor the situation.”
Including the Bucks’ game against Memphis on April 5, the team had five games remaining in the regular season. The season concludes on April 12 in Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: NBA finds certain facts are 'dispute' in spat between Bucks, Giannis
NFL exec didn't mind Seahawks letting Kenneth Walker leave for Chiefs for two reasons
NFL exec didn't mind Seahawks letting Kenneth Walker leave for Chiefs for two reasons originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Seahawks were faced with a litany of very difficult decisions this offseason when it came to free agency. Though they had a plan, they still lost a lot of key players.
Coby Bryant went to the Chicago Bears, Tariq Woolen to the Philadelphia Eagles, Boye Mafe to the Cincinnati Bengals, and most notably, Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While losing Walker, their Super Bowl 60 MVP, stings, one NFL executive, according to Mike Sando of The Athletic, actually didn't mind the decision for two main reasons.
NFL exec didn't mind Seahawks letting Kenneth Walker leave
"I don't mind them letting the back go for that price," one NFL executive said. "They will draft one."
The two reasons why this NFL executive didn't mind this decision from Seattle are clear: Walker's price tag and how the Seahawks can address the position now that he's gone.
Walker cost the Chiefs over $40 million over just three seasons, with the deal reaching upwards of $45 million, or $15 million per-year.
That's a lot of money for a running back, especially for the Seahawks, who have massive deals with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and soon Devon Witherspoon on the horizon.
More: Mike Washington Jr. is Seahawks ideal R2 draft pick
The other reason why Walker's leaving isn't a move that this NFL executive minded is that the Seahawks can land a running back in the NFL Draft.
While they can't get Jermiyah Love, one of Jadarian Price, Mike Washington Jr., or a few other running backs would be a decent Day 2 or 3 option for Seattle.
There isn't a clear replacement for Walker, but between the price tag for the Super Bowl MVP and the possibility for a rookie in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seahawks decision to let Walker leave in free agency is one that this NFL executive didn't mind.
More Seahawks news:
- Rashid Shaheed for $51 million might be an overpay for the Seahawks
- Seahawks host Najee Harris on free agent visit
- Cooper Kupp is Seahawks' most overpaid player
- Seahawks match Jaguars offer sheet to bring Jake Bobo back to Seattle
- Seahawks extend Jaxon Smith-Njigba to record-setting $168.6 million deal
- Seahawks trade idea would net Myles Garrett in Super Bowl favorites move
Game 9: Rays at Twins
First Chuck: 1:10 PM CDT (click here each week for a new anthem!)
The Tube: Twins.TV
The Dial: Treasure Island Baseball Network
Spies ‘R Us: DRAYSBAY
In seeing the 21 MLB ballparks I’ve been to thus far, I’ve traversed a lot of territory. Besides ranking the yards, it has given me an opportunity to think about whether I could live in different parts of these United States.
There are some locales I could never tolerate. Houston’s humidity would melt me, as would the dryer heat of Arlington. Even St. Louis would be too soggy.
I wouldn’t last a week in NYC—too many people too close together. I’d give a little more rope to LA because I love movies—but the constant crush of citizens would be too much.
Of course, some spots I’ve really enjoyed. Colorado is a veritable paradise for someone who hates humidity, likes outdoor activities, and doesn’t mind prolonged stretches of bad baseball. Seattle’s intriguing mix of extremely fun stadium experience, coastal locale, and every eatery serving biscuits and gravy (my favorite breakfast fare) would perhaps satiate me.
But of all the places I’ve baseball-tripped to, the one (at least so far) that I’d choose to live in if wanting a change from the Land of 10,000 Lakes: St. Petersburg, home of today’s MN Twins opponent Tampa Bay Rays.
Three reasons for this seemingly odd choice (considering I might choose literal purgatory over the Orlando area):
- St. Pete isn’t nearly as hot or humid as central Florida. It gets a constant cool breeze from the ocean. In the dead of summer a few years ago, my Mom and I walked for hours along the bay and it was wonderful!
- I love Clearwater Beach. A more chill vibe than other FL beaches, plus it contains Hulk Hogan’s restaurant (pictured in header). I’d have a lot of burgers at the late WWF champion’s Hangout.
- Tropicana Fieldisn’t that bad! Yes, it is a dome and yes it is utilitarian. But the people are friendly, the team somehow finds a way to be competitive despite spending no money, and it has a “mid-2000s Metrodome” feel where everyone is there to watch the ballgame instead of schmooze on a roof deck.
Granted, the problem with Rays Baseball is that while the location would be perfect for me, it is terrible for everyone else. St. Pete got the ballpark, but all the people are in Tampa Bay Proper across the bay and don’t want to drive across the long bridge to go to games. To be honest, I was somewhat surprised that the Trop got fixed up and will host further ballgames at all.
If my growing weariness of MN winters continues, perhaps someday I’ll turn into a beach bum and retire to Clearwater/St. Pete. But not today. For now, my home remains the site of today’s Twins/Rays clash.
Lineups
(I’m often out walking or busy right up ‘til first pitch and last-minute lineup inputs stress me out—so, a clickety-click above will give you the pecking orders provided to the robotscyborgs Men in Blue)
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Smith hits maiden PSL fifty as Multan beat Quetta
Steve Smith's maiden Pakistan Super League half-century helped Multan Sultans claim a six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators.
The 36-year-old Australian opened the batting and hit 53 off 35 balls to top score for the Sultans as they chased down 167 in Lahore to wrap up victory.
Smith set the tone for Multan with an attacking start to his innings and walloped Tom Curran for four consecutive fours in the third over.
He was dismissed by Hasan Nawaz, who took 2-17, but Shan Masood (46*) got the Sultans home with 15 balls remaining.
The Gladiators had earlier posted 166-7 from their 20 overs thanks largely to captain Saud Shakeel's 41-ball 56.
Bevon Jacobs also chipped in with an unbeaten 49 off 31 balls as Mohammad Nawaz claimed an impressive 3-30 for the Sultans.
Multan are top of the PSL table with three wins from their four matches but are level on points with unbeaten Karachi Kings who have played a game fewer.
Liverpool transfers: £100m double Premier League raid could be on the cards
Liverpool Transfer News: Premier League Duo on Reds’ Radar Ahead of Summer Window
After spending over £400m in a record-breaking spending spree last summer, another busy transfer window is on the cards for Liverpool this year.
Mohamed Salah has already confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season, whilst both Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate could follow him out the door when their contracts expire in June.
Therefore, big arrivals are needed if Liverpool are to bounce back from their disastrous title defence under Arne Slot this season.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, two Premier League stars could be on their radar heading into the transfer window…
Liverpool Eyeing Premier League Duo
According to Konur, posting on X, Liverpool are ‘considering’ moves for two Premier League stars.
“Liverpool are considering two names for summer rebuild: Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.”
“Goal -> squad restructuring.”
Carlos Baleba
The 22-year-old midfielder was on the verge of signing for Manchester United last summer in a deal worth in the region of £60m.
However, since that move fell through, the Cameroon international has really struggled for form on the South Coast.
He is still expected to secure a move away from the Amex this summer and according to Konur, Liverpool could be leading the race for his signature.
According to transfermarkt, Baleba is valued at around £48m and has just two years remaining on his contract at Brighton.
Anthony Gordon
Back in 2024, Liverpool came incredibly close to signing Gordon from Newcastle United. Since his arrival for £45m back in 2023, the former Everton forward has been a standout performer for Eddie Howe’s side.
Despite a dip in form this season, the 25-year-old has still managed 17 goals and five assists across all competitions this season.
His performances in the UEFA Champions League have really caught the eye, with ten goals and two assists in 12 appearances.
According to transfermarkt, the boyhood Liverpool fan is valued at £52m, but it would undoubtedly take a much higher offer to pull him away from St. James’ Park.
A move would see him reuinted with his former strike partner Alexander Isak, who made the switch to Anfield for a record-breaking £125m fee last summer.