The “Terre Haute Tribune Star” reported Tuesday that the Colts were in talks with Saints head coach Sean Payton while at the same time in negotiations with Chuck Pagano. Pagano was given a four-year extension Monday, which ended a year of speculation on his future with the organization. Teams are technically not permitted to negotiate with Payton, who still has two years remaining on his contract with New Orleans.
The Giants reportedly want to speak to a Bears assistant. NFL Network reports the Giants have asked for permission to speak with offensive coordinator Adam Gase about their head-coaching vacancy. Gase interviewed with the Eagles yesterday and is also set to meet with Dolphins and Browns this week.
The fate of the Rams is now in the hands of NFL owners. The Rams, Raiders and Chargers all formally applied for relocation this week as they look to potentially move into a new stadium in the Los Angeles area. Owners are expected to vote on the issue next week in Houston.
Artemi Panarin’s goal 3:47 into overtime gave the Blackhawks a 3-2 win over the Penguins in the opener of a home-and-home series in Pittsburgh. Panarin and Jonathan Toews [[ taves ]] also scored in the second to help Chicago capture its fourth straight win. Corey Crawford made 34 saves. The teams meet again tonight at the United Center.
Jimmy Butler had 32 points and 10 assists as the Bulls outlasted the Bucks, 117-106. Pau Gasol added 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who shot 55 percent from the floor en route to their fifth straight win. The Bulls host the Celtics tomorrow.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame will announce its 2016 Class for induction tonight. Among the former Cardinals on the ballot are Jim Edmonds, Mark McGwire, David Eckstein, Troy Glaus [[ Gloss ]], Mark Grudzielanek [[ grud-zeh-LAH-neck ]], Lee Smith and Larry Walker.
Illinois has a tough road test tomorrow night at fifth-ranked Michigan State. The Fighting Illini are 0-and-2 in Big Ten play thus far, with losses to Michigan and Ohio State. Illinois is 8-and-7 overall. The 14-and-1 Spartans were number-one before a loss at Iowa last week.
Coming up tonight on Talk 101FM, it’s Millikin University Women’s Basketball as the Big Blue play host to North Central. The Big Blue Pregame Show presented by Pepsi gets underway at 6:30p.m., and the tipoff follows at 7:00p.m. Join Scott Busboom and Kevin Hale with all the action tonight on Talk 101FM, online listening available at decatur radio dot com.