NBA new rules include 14-second clock
The shot clock will be reset to 14 seconds after offensive rebounds next season, down from 24, and the NBA has made alterations to two other rules.
The clear-path foul was simplified and the definition of a hostile act expanded for purposes of triggering an instant replay review.
The changes were approved unanimously by NBA owners yesterday in New York.
A team grabbing the rebound of its own missed shot has been given the full shot clock. Under the new rule, the clock will go to 14 after an offensive rebound of a missed shot or free throw; when a loose ball foul is called on the defensive team following a missed field goal or free throw that hit the rim; or when the offensive team gets the ball after it goes out of bounds after a missed field goal or free throw.
Referees will no longer need to make judgment calls whether a defender was between the offensive player with the transition scoring opportunity and the basket in order for a clear-path foul.
Also, NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants all teams to hire more women, especially in leadership and supervisory positions, and is urging them to take some of the mandates the Dallas Mavericks must now adhere to to improve working conditions within their own organizations.
Silver, in a memo sent to all teams yesterday, also asked teams to thoroughly review the report that was released this week about the Mavericks and the team’s incidents of sexual harassment and improper workplace conduct within the organization.
NASCAR: Harvick on pole
Kevin Harvick has won the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.
Harvick turned a lap at 121.880 mph to edge hometown favorite Denny Hamlin, whose best lap came at 121.847 mph in qualifying for the second race of NASCAR’s 10-race playoffs. The pole is the third for Harvick this season and his 24th in 638 career starts.
Points leader and defending champion Martin Truex Jr., will start third tonight, followed by Ryan Blaney, Daniel Suarez, Kurt Busch, Aric Almirola and Brad Keselowski, the winner of the last three races in the series. Erik Jones and Kyle Larson will round out the top 10 on the starting grid.
Misc.: Maryland culpable
An independent investigation into the death of University of Maryland football player Jordan McNair determined that trainers on the scene did not follow proper procedures after he collapsed on the field. The report provided details of what happened and confirmed what university officials previously acknowledged.
McNair was hospitalized on May 29 after a team workout and died June 13. The family attorney said the cause of death was heatstroke. The report released yesterday stated that there appeared to be a failure to recognize the severity of the incident . ...
A leading anti-doping group hinted at changing the structure of the World Anti-Doping Agency, saying the decision to reinstate Russia’s drug-fighting operation is a sign WADA leaders are saddled with “conflicting priorities.” The WADA executive committee voted 9-2 on Thursday to end Russia’s suspension after weakening the standards originally agreed upon for reinstatement.