Quick Hitters
OAKLAND, Calif. — Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is showing his appreciation for Kevin Durant’s contributions to three successful seasons by promising that no other player will wear jersey No. 35 as long as Lacob is team chairman.
Lacob released a statement Monday thanking Durant, the twotime NBA Finals MVP who helped the Warriors win back-to-back championships in 2017 and ‘18 before his postseason was shortened by injury this year. Durant on Sunday announced he would be signing a contract to join the Brooklyn Nets.
He is expected to miss all of next season while he recovers from surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered in Game 5 of the finals, which Golden State lost in six games to the Toronto Raptors.
“Today, as he starts a new chapter in his incredible career, we thank KD for all of his contributions, for being an integral part to one of the most prolific runs in NBA history and wish him well as he continues his Hall of Fame journey,” Lacob said. “As long as I am Co-Chairman of this team, no player will ever wear (No.) 35 for the Warriors again.”
Rays’ 2-way McKay goes 0 for 4 in MLB hitting debut
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays two-way player Brendan McKay went 0 for 4 in his major league hitting debut against the Baltimore Orioles, two days after winning his first game as a starting pitcher.
McKay was the designated hitter Monday night and batted eighth in the Rays’ 6-3 victory.
The 23-year-old grounded out to first with the bases loaded and two outs against Tom Eshelman to end the first inning. He also hit a fourth-inning grounder to second against Eshelman, who was making his big league debut.
McKay, playing for Louisville in a 2015 NCAA super regional, homered off Eshelman, then the Cal State Fullerton ace.
McKay hit a fielder’s choice grounder in the sixth against Miguel Castro and had a grounder to second off Jimmy Yacabonis during the eighth.
McKay got picked off second base in the sixth after reaching on the fielder’s choice.
The left-hander took a perfect game into the sixth inning in his big league debut Saturday against Texas. He was pulled after allowing one hit over six scoreless innings.
Browns speak with suspended RB Hunt after argument near bar
CLEVELAND — The Browns spoke to suspended running back Kareem Hunt after he was involved in an incident outside a downtown bar.
The 23-year-old Hunt, who will serve an eight-game NFL ban this season for off-field physical altercations, got into an argument with a friend late Saturday night. TMZ.com obtained a video taken near the Barley House, a popular night spot, of Hunt talking to officers. During the brief clip, one of them says to Hunt: “I saw him push you.”
Hunt was not arrested and Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia, a Cleveland police spokeswoman, said no reports were filed.
Browns spokesman Peter Jean-Baptiste said the club was aware of the incident, talked to Hunt and will have no further comment.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to comment.