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Seattle names Leiweke CEO
The NHL expansion effort in Seattle took another step forward Wednesday, naming Tod Leiweke as the president and CEO for the prospective club.
The move is not a surprise considering his background in the market and his experience with the NHL. Leiweke served as president of the Seattle Seahawks from 2003-10 before taking over running the Tampa Bay Lightning. He left the Lightning in 2015 to become the COO of the NFL, a position he left earlier this year.
Leiweke is the brother of Tim Leiweke, the CEO of Oak View Group. Oak View is heading the redevelopment of KeyArena, which would serve as a home for a new team. The group is seeking to have a team awarded in time to begin play in 2020.
Villanova’s Brunson declares for NBA draft
Jalen Brunson, The Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the year, has declared for the NBA draft after winning two national titles at Villanova.
The star guard will forego his final season after helping lead the Wildcats to their second national championship in three years. Brunson averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game in 40 games for the Wildcats this season.
“Jalen has left an indelible mark on our university and our basketball program,” Villanova coach Jay Wright said in a statement. “He is both the consummate Villanova basketball player and Villanova student-athlete, a leader on and off the court. We’re proud of the man he has become. This is an intelligent decision and I have every confidence in his ability to succeed at the professional level.”
Nationals make series of roster moves
Catcher Miguel Montero has been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals after going 0 for 11 in four games this season.
In other moves before facing Atlanta on Wednesday, the Nationals reinstated catcher Matt Wieters from the 10-day disabled list, put left fielder Adam Eaton on the DL and selected the contract of outfielder Moises Sierra.
The 34-year-old Montero agreed to a deal with the Nationals shortly before spring training and began the season as Wieters’ backup. But Wieters appeared in only two games before straining his left oblique muscle, making Montero the starter on a temporary basis.
Pedro Severino was called up to be the second catcher and played well, batting .368 and earning the job as the primary backup now that Wieters is returning.