Report: MLB players ask for more games
Baseball players appeared likely to propose increasing the number of regular-season games this year while holding to their demand for full prorated salaries, people familiar with their deliberations told the Associated Press.
A day after MLB proposed a sliding scale of salary slashing for a pandemic-delayed season in ballparks without fans, the union reportedly held a conference call that included its executive board, player representatives and alternate player representatives.
One of the people said many players were angered by the proposal teams made Tuesday. It was unclear when the union will respond to MLB’s plan.
Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most under MLB’s plan, about 77 percent of the $36 million each they were set to be paid this season. In all, there are 133 players whose contracts call for salaries of $10 million or more, not including shares of signing bonuses.
MLB would like to start the season around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and proposed an 82-game regular-season schedule.
Knicks reportedly interested in Thibodeau
The Knicks reportedly have former Bulls and Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau on top of their coaching list, according to The Athletic. Mike Miller is the interim coach.
♦ The NBA is unlikely to make a decision on how it will resume its season after the Board of Governors meeting Friday, according to USA Today.
♦ Basketball Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo told ESPN that the enshrinement ceremony for Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and five others will be delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
♦ The NBA reminded its teams that players who are currently outside the U.S. have been cleared to return, though quarantine rules may apply in some areas.
MLS plans to shorten time frame for tourney
Major League Soccer is planning to have a shorter time frame for their return-to-play tournament in Orlando, multiple sources told ESPN.
MLS is looking to have teams remain in their home markets until around June 21, at then depart for Walt Disney’s resort and stay there for a little more than a month. The teams would then take part in a group stage comprised of five matches, followed by a knockout stage. The group-stage games would count in the regular-season standings.
♦ The University of Minnesota has cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department after George Floyd’s death.
♦ The NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was rescheduled for Thursday night at 6 p.m. because of rain.