NBA, union discuss All-Star Game
The NBA, the National Basketball Players Association and representatives from historically Black institutions met Monday to discuss how a possible All-Star Game this year could benefit HBCUs as well as COVID-19 relief efforts, according to reports.
There are multiple cities being discussed as potential hosts, Atlanta among them. The current focus of the conversation is for an All-Star Game only, not the Rising Stars game or the typical All-Star Saturday events such as the skills competition, 3-point contest and dunk contest.
The entire notion remains fluid, based on what happens with the virus in the coming weeks. The current discussions also don’t call for an arena filled with fans, but reportedly there have been discussions about inviting vaccinated frontline and essential workers to the game as well as the possibility of player family members.
The NBA always planned to have All-Star voting this season, whether there was a game played or not.
This year’s All-Star weekend was scheduled to be held in Indianapolis before the pandemic forced changes. Indianapolis will host All-Star weekend in 2024.
■ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were ruled out for the Clippers’ game against the Hawks on Tuesday due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Leonard or George could potentially join the team on the road trip . ... Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder make up two-thirds of the officiating crew assigned to the Hornets-Magic game in Orlando, Fla., the first time in league history that two women were assigned to work a regular-season contest together.
College basketball: Virginia Tech indefinitely suspended G Tyrece Radford from all team activities. The school didn’t give a reason for the suspension, only saying in a statement that Radford failed to uphold “the high standards Virginia Tech has for its students and athletes.” Radford is second on the 20th-ranked Hokies in scoring (11.1 ppg) and rebounding (6.3) . ... Texas coach Shaka Smart announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is in isolation. The No. 5 Longhorns had games postponed last week because of COVID-19 issues in the opponents’ programs.
Golf: Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., will host the PGA Championship next year. It will be the eighth major championship for the course, which replaces Trump National in Bedminster, N.J. The PGA of America recently took the tournament from Bedminster and cut ties with former President Donald Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
NFL: The Steelers promoted QBs coach Matt Canada to offensive coordinator.
NHL: Predators goaltender Connor Ingram is voluntarily taking part in the league’s player assistance program, keeping him away from the team during that time. The program assists players and their families with mental health, substance abuse and other matters. Ingram, 23, is the Predators’ third goalie behind Juuse Saros and Pekka Rinne. He hasn’t yet played this season.
Soccer: MLS will open next season on April 3 and conclude with the MLS Cup title game on Dec. 11. Teams will be allowed to start preseason camps on Feb. 22.