Unvaxxed Irving finally set to make home debut
Kyrie Irving finally is scheduled to play his first home game for the Nets this season, now that New York City mayor Eric Adams exempted athletes and performers from the city’s coronavirus vaccine mandate.
After their 110-95 victory Saturday at Miami, the Nets host the Hornets on Sunday.
Irving has said he’s unvaccinated, which has limited him to playing in only road games since rejoining the Nets in January. He scored 11 points against the Heat, while Kevin Durant led the way with 23.
† Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and the Raptors routed the Pacers 131-91 in a game delayed 70 minutes in the first half because of a speaker fire that forced fans to evacuate.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Report: Memphis faces sanctions
Memphis is facing four Level I and two Level II NCAA infractions, according to reports in the Daily Memphian and the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
The NCAA investigation reportedly centers on a payment to former Memphis player James Wiseman. The notice of allegations says Memphis coach Penny Hardaway is involved in one of the Level I violations and both Level II violations, ESPN reported.
† Joe Williams, who coached Artis Gilmore and Jacksonville University to the 1970 NCAA Tournament championship game against UCLA, died Saturday. He was 88.
NFL
Packers sign ex-Raiders CB Nixon
The Packers signed former Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon. Nixon appeared in 40 games and made two starts during his three seasons with the Raiders. He made 20 tackles on defense and 18 on special teams.
† The Chiefs signed former Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones to a one-year contract, the Associated Press reported, citing a source.
MISCELLANEOUS Umpires will check pitchers more
Major League Baseball is asking umpires to make more random checks of pitchers for sticky substances after watching its crackdown become less effective late last season.
† Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker apologized after being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence a day earlier.
† Olympic bronze medalist Shoma Uno of Japan concluded a dominant figure skating world championships by winning the gold medal, while Vincent Zhou of the U.S. earned the bronze.