Clark to sign 8-year, $28M deal with Nike, say sources
Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record. The most prolific scorer in NCAA Division I history and No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft is preparing to sign a second contract with Nike, this one paying $28 million over eight years and coming with a signature shoe.
The Wall Street Journal and The Athletic reported the pending deal, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations between the sportswear giant and Clark’s agents.
NBA
Sixers’ Maxey edges named Most Improved Player
Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey was named on Tuesday night as the league’s most improved this season. Maxey’s scoring rose for the third consecutive year, and he finished the regular season averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game — all career bests.
League says Maxey was fouled before turnover that led to N.Y.’S go-ahead shot
NEW YORK» Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey was fouled twice before his turnover that led to the goahead 3-pointer by Donte Divincenzo in the New York Knicks’ victory over the 76ers in Game 2. That’s according to the NBA’S report on the officiating that the league released Tuesday.
The league also says 76ers coach Nick Nurse was attempting to call a timeout that was “neither recognized nor granted by the officials” at the start of the possession. The league says Jalen Brunson grabbed Maxey’s jersey to prevent him from cleanly catching a pass before Josh Hart made lower body contact that caused the All-star guard to fall.
MOTORSPORTS
NASCAR driver Erik Jones to miss Dover race because of broken lower vertebra
STATESVILLE, N.C.» Erik Jones suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebra in a wreck at Talladega and will not drive this weekend in the NASCAR race at Dover Motor Speedway. Corey Heim will substitute for Jones in the No. 43 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club.
There is no timeline for Jones’ return. He will attend Sunday’s Cup race at the Monster Mile. Legacy will request a medical waiver for Jones to remain eligible for NASCAR’S playoffs.
NFL
Eagles’ Rodgers reinstated after gambling suspension
NEW YORK» The NFL has reinstated Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers after a yearlong suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. The league said Tuesday that Rodgers has been cleared to participate in team activities effective immediately.
The Eagles signed Rodgers in August 2023, two months after the Indianapolis Colts waived him. The Colts let him go shortly after the NFL suspended Rodgers and two other Colts players indefinitely for gambling on NFL games during the previous season.
MLB
Lemahieu leaves 1st rehab game with sore right foot
NEW YORK» Infielder DJ Lemahieu left his first rehab game with Double-a Somerset in the second inning due to soreness in his right foot, which he fractured on a foul ball during a spring training game on March 16.
The Yankees said Lemahieu will be re-evaluated in New York on Wednesday. Lemahieu started at third base and struck out leading off the game at the Reading Phillies. He played one inning in the field, then was replaced by Alexander Vargas at the start of the bottom of the second.