The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Source: Irving to remain with Nets
Kyrie Irving has decided to exercise his $36.9 million option for the coming season and will remain under contract with the Brooklyn Nets, a person with knowledge of his decision said June 27.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the Nets had not confirmed the decision publicly.
The Athletic first reported Irving’s decision. “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall,” the outlet quoted Irving as saying.
On Twitter, Irving posted a separate statement: “I know who I am,” was the message there.
For now, that still means a member of the Nets.
Tennis
DJOKOVIC MAKES HISTORY » These days, Novak Djokovic makes history just about every time he wins another match. On June 27, the top-ranked Serb did just that at Wimbledon.
Djokovic, a six-time champion at the All England Club, beat Kwon Soon-woo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court, his 80th victory at the grasscourt major. With it, he became the first man or woman to win that many matches at each of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments.
“It’s always very unique match to play as the defending champion, first on the grass,” said Djokovic, who won his 22nd straight match at the tournament. “Other than this year that Wimbledon made a change so you could practice before the tournament starts, it was always coming out on the untouched grass. It’s really a unique and special feeling in our sport.”
NFL QB PIONEER DIES AT 76 »
Marlin Briscoe, who became the first Black starting quarterback in the American Football League more than 50 years ago, died June 27. His daughter, Angela Marriott, told The Associated Press that Briscoe, 76, died of pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California. He had been hospitalized with circulation issues in his legs. Briscoe, an Omaha, Nebraska, native, was a star quarterback for Omaha University before the Denver Broncos drafted him as a cornerback in the 14th round in 1968.
KUECHLY IN BOOTH »
Five-time All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly is returning to the Panthers as a member of its radio broadcast team.
College basketball
ILLINI GREAT BROWN TO COACH IN CHICAGO » Former Illinois star and NBA player Dee Brown is the new coach at Roosevelt University in Chicago, the NAIA school announced. The 37-yearold was a McDonald’s All-American and Illinois Mr. Basketball when he played for Proviso East near Chicago in Maywood.
NHL NEW BLACKHAWKS COACH »
Luke Richardson is the new coach of the Blackhawks, stepping into a tricky rebuilding process for one of the NHL’s marquee franchises. General manager Kyle Davidson announced the move on June 27. Richardson replaces Derek King, who finished the season as the interim coach after Jeremy Colliton was fired on Nov. 6.