Wade joins Jazz ownership group
Dwyane Wade, a Chicago native who grew up in Robbins and was a star at Marquette, is an NBA owner. The Jazz announced Friday that the 13time NBA All-Star who played one season with the Bulls (2016-17) will join the youngest ownership group in the league.
The group is headed by technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith, who along with his wife, Ashley, acquired majority interest in the Jazz in late 2020.
Wade and Smith have known each other for several years and had discussed working with each other in various capacities.
Wade is the latest of several Hall of Fame-level players with NBA ownership stakes, including Grant Hill (Hawks), Shaquille O’Neal (Kings) and Hornets majority owner Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson previously had a 4% stake in the Lakers. Wade won three NBA titles with the Heat.
♦ Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points before leaving the game with a sprained ankle in the third quarter, and the NBA-leading Jazz beat the Pacers 119-111. X-rays were negative on Mitchell’s ankle, and there is optimism it is not a major injury.
♦ The Celtics signed Chicago native and former Simeon and Duke star Jabari Parker. Parker, who was waived by the Kings last month, has played for four teams — the Kings, Hawks, Wizards and Bulls — over the last three seasons.
NHL Avalanche have 3 games postponed
Three Avalanche games were postponed after a third player entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols. Pending test results, the team could return to practice Wednesday and resume play Thursday in St. Louis. The Avalanche were scheduled to host the Kings on Friday and Sunday and play at St. Louis on Tuesday.
♦ The Canucks will resume their season Sunday and will play their remaining 19 games in 32 days. Vancouver has had 11 games postponed since its COVID-19 outbreak.
♦ The Coyotes will induct 9-year-old Leighton Accardo, who died of cancer, into their ring of honor Saturday.
NFL lawyer says donald aided accuser
A lawyer representing Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald says there is video evidence refuting a claim by De’Vincent Spriggs that Donald physically assaulted him outside of a Pittsburgh-area nightclub Sunday. Casey White, an attorney hired by Donald, told ESPN that Spriggs swung a bottle at Donald that grazed his head as he ducked before other people surrounding Donald stepped in.
White said that they have obtained five witness accounts that Donald eventually helped pull people away from Spriggs.
♦ Texans general manager Nick Caserio said that the team is “respectful of the legal process” surrounding Deshaun Watson and that he doesn’t have “any comment” on the situation. Watson has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct in more than 20 lawsuits.
♦ The police report on last week’s mass shooting involving former NFL cornerback Phillip Adams revealed no clear motive for him killing six people and then himself.
♦ The Browns released starting defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, saving $11 million in salary-cap space.
GOLF Cink sets midway record at Heritage
Two-time champion Stewart Cink shot a second consecutive 63 to set the 36-hole scoring mark at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and took a five-shot lead over Corey Conners. Cink sits at 16-under 126. ✶