Sports shorts NBA G League player dies after collapsing during game

Zeke Upshaw, a swingman for the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate who collapsed on the court during a game over the weekend, died Monday.

Upshaw, 26, died at a hospital, the Grand Rapids Drive said. No cause was disclosed. He collapsed Saturday night near the end of a game against the Long Island Nets.

Upshaw’s mother, Jewel Upshaw, released a statement thanking the team and fans. Team owner Steve Jbara says the Grand Rapids area was fortunate to enjoy Upshaw’s commitment to the community, especially children.

Malcolm Turner, the G League’s president, said the league is devastated by Upshaw’s death and extended the league’s condolences to Upshaw’s family and friends.

“Zeke was an outstanding young man whose powerful belief in himself and uncommon perseverance led to a successful professional basketball career. A beloved member of the Grand Rapids Drive, Zeke’s continuous improvement and tireless work ethic were hallmarks of his career,” he said in a news release.

Upshaw had scored 11 points to help the Drive earn a playoff spot with the 101-99 victory Saturday.

He was in his second season with the Drive. The 6-foot-6 guard/ forward from Chicago played three seasons at Illinois State University and finished his college career at Hofstra. Community bordering Scottsdale, Arizona.

According to Salt River police, officers stopped Belle because his vehicle matched the description of the two men in the indecent exposure call. He and another adult, who has not been named, were arrested.

Belle was booked on charges of indecent exposure, driving under the influence and extreme driving under the influence.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez says Belle was released Sunday.

Philadelphia All-Pro defensive end Michael Bennett has surrendered to authorities in Houston on a charge that he injured a paraplegic woman as he tried to get onto the field after last year’s Super Bowl to celebrate with his brother.

Bennett made a brief court appearance Monday where the judge set his bond at $10,000 on a felony count of injury to the elderly. He was expected to post bail and be released.

Bennett was a spectator at the game at NRG Stadium in Houston in February 2017 when he tried to get onto the field immediately afterward to see his brother, Martellus Bennett, a tight end for the Patriots at the time.

Prosecutors allege he pushed through security personnel, including a 66-year-old woman in a wheelchair who was a stadium employee.