Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Second thoughts

- Compiled by Frankie Frisco

Shell lame

Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin missed the first six games of the regular season after suffering a mysterious ankle injury this past summer.

It seems a conch shell sidelined the punter.

Per Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Martin injured himself while on vacation in the Bahamas ahead of training camp. According to Rogers, it remains unclear whether the fifth-year pro rolled his ankle stepping on the shell or if he merely dropped it on his foot.

Earlier this week, Martin referred to the cause of the injury as a “freak accident” without offering additional details.

No forgivenes­s

It continues to be a wait-andsee situation with Nikola Mirotic.

After Friday morning’s shootaroun­d, Chicago Bulls Coach Fred Hoiberg said while he continued to text with Mirotic, there is still no set date for the forward to meet with the team, or specifical­ly, meet with Bobby Portis, after Portis (Little Rock Hall, Arkansas Razorbacks) punched him in the face almost three weeks ago.

“I’ve texted with Niko and I know he’s happy to be working out again and feels good to get back in the gym and get a sweat,’’ Hoiberg said. “He still can’t do anything with impact, still sore when he does that. He did increase his workload on the bike and he’ll continue to do that.’’

Hoiberg made it seem like it’s all but on Mirotic’s terms now, and the organizati­on is willing to back off and let him have that leeway to decide when, and even if, he would be willing to sit down with Portis.

Portis’ punch concussed Mirotic, as well as breaking two bones in his face. The Sun-Times reported last weekend that Mirotic and his camp informed the Bulls that either Portis had to go or Mirotic would be willing to waive his no-trade clause, looking to be dealt as soon as he is eligible in mid-January.

Wie’s broken clubs

Michelle Wie is no longer in panic mode, but that’s only because of some quick action after a bizarre developmen­t.

The American is competing in this week’s Japan Classic, and it appeared she might have to do so without some crucial clubs.

Apparently, Wie’s driver, 3-wood and 5-wood broke last week, and, as she posted on Instagram, she’s not sure why. Wie pointed to the possible reason of travel, as she’s jetted from South Korea to Taiwan to Malaysia and now to Japan over the past four weeks.

Whatever the case, those clubs being broken is a huge problem. It’s not exactly easy to compete in an event minus those three or with shoddy replacemen­ts, and Wie was understand­ably concerned.

Thankfully, she got some help. The Callaway team in Japan was able to supply her with the clubs she needed, good as new.

 ?? AP/MATT SLOCUM ?? Things went from bad to worse for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig on Wednesday. After losing to the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series, Puig discovered his home had been burglarize­d.
AP/MATT SLOCUM Things went from bad to worse for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig on Wednesday. After losing to the Houston Astros in Game 7 of the World Series, Puig discovered his home had been burglarize­d.

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