Thursday Morning Headlines: Sandy Postpones Knicks-Nets Opener and Harden Comes Up Big In Rockets Debut
By Mel Payne
October 31, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
The highly anticipated regular-season opener that was to take place Thursday night between the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks as been postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement, “Mayor Bloomberg informed us this afternoon that after further analysis of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy that he felt it was in the best interests of the city of New York, the teams and our fans that we postpone the Knicks-Nets game scheduled for Thursday night. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating storm.” A makeup date will be announced at a later time.
On the same day that James Harden agreed to a five year, $80 million dollar contract extension with the Rockets, he led the team to a 105 to 96 point victory. Harden kicked off his Rocket career with 37 points and 12 assists against the Pistons.
The Dallas County DA announced that it will not drop the domestic violence charges against Dez Bryant. Bryant’s charges stem from a July 14 disturbance in which the Cowboys receiver allegedly slapped his mother in the face with his hat. Bryant will face possible suspension or fines if the league deems he violated the NFL discipline policy.
Edenbridge England is set to burn Lance Armstrong in effigy on Saturday. The town has a constructed a 30 foot model of the disgraced cyclist who was recently stripped of his seven Tour de France titles for doping violations.
Sandusky was moved to his permanent home prison in Pennsylvania for his offenses in the now famous Penn State sexual abuse scandal. He will call Greene State Prison home in southwestern PA. The prison includes the most death row inmates. Sandusky is said to be under heightened supervision and will only leave his cell for three showers and five hours of recreation time a week.
Yankees closer Soriano is opting out of the last year of his deal the Yankees to seek a long term deal in free agency.
Giants’ fans celebrated in the streets today as the World Series Champs came home share their victory with all of San Francisco.
Angels trade Ervin Santana to the Royals for minor league left-handed pitcher Brandon Sisk. The Angels did not want to exercise the soon to be 30 year old Santana’s $13 million option for 2013.
Tebow was spotted with his new girlfriend in Jacksonville on Wednesday. Don’t worry Jet’s fans, he wasn’t there talking trade. Jacksonville is where Tebow calls home and where he showed off his new girl, actress Camilla Belle.
Whisenhunt calls out Cardinal players by name in front of entire team after their disappointing loss on Monday night. The Arizona head coach also said that he will not be making a quarterback change anytime soon.
Roger Goodell publicly criticized DeAngelo Hall’s referee tirade from this past Sunday. The Commissioner indicated a decision on potential punishment for Hall would come on Wednesday or Thursday.
Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent blames former head coach Mike Ditka for the team’s inability to follow up its Super Bowl win in 1985 with more championships. Dent griped, “We should have been the first team ever to win three Super Bowls in a row. It was there for the taking, but we didn’t’ manage that one position right.” Dent was speaking of the quarterback position under Flutie and McMahon.