>>NCAA Punishes Missouri For Academic Fraud
(Columbus, OH) — The NCAA is punishing the University of Missouri after a former tutor admitted to academic fraud. MU’s football, baseball and softball programs have received one-year postseason bans and other penalties. The university’s athletic department was also placed on three years of probation. The punishment follows a probe that revealed a former tutor completed academic work for a dozen Mizzou athletes in 2015 and 2016.
>>Knicks’ Porzingis Headed To Mavs
(New York, NY) — Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis is on his way toDallas. The Mavericks have agreed to acquire the 23-year-old All-Star. Porzingis met with Knicks management yesterday to express concerns about the direction of the team. He’s been out since last February with a knee injury.
>>LeBron Returns, Lakers Edge Clippers In OT
(Los Angeles, CA) — The Lakers were victorious in LeBron James’ return as they edged the Clippers 123-120 in overtime at the Staples Center. James finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in his first game back since injuring his groin on Christmas Day. James made the go-ahead shot with 1:15 left in OT that put the Lakers up for good. The Lakers visit Golden State tomorrow.
>>Super Bowl 53 Almost Here
(Atlanta, GA) — Super Bowl 53 is almost here. The Patriots and Rams meet with the media one last time yesterday ahead of Sunday’s big game in Atlanta. The Pats are in the Super Bowl for the third straight year and fourth time in the last five seasons. It’s the fourth-ever appearance for the Rams.
>>Illinois Hosts Nebraska
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois men’s basketball welcomes Nebraska to the StateFarm Center tomorrow. The Illini is coming off a 86-75 loss to MinnesotaWednesday night. Illinois slipped to 6-and-15 overall and 2-and-8 in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers enter at 13-and-8 and 3-and-7 in league play.
>>Blackhawks At Buffalo Tonight
(Buffalo, NY) — The Blackhawks are set to begin the second half of season tonight in Buffalo against the Sabres. This is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Chicago is last in the Central Division with 45 points. The Sabres are coming off a 1-0 loss to Stars Wednesday night.
>>Blackhawks Assign Henri Jokiharju To Rockford
(Rockford, IL) — The Blackhawks are sending down rookie Henri Jokiharju. The team has assigned the defenseman to the Rockford IceHogs. Jokiharju has 12 assists in 37 games with Chicago during his rookie campaign this season.
>>Bulls At Hornets Tomorrow
(Charlotte, NC) — The Bulls travel to Charlotte tomorrow to play the Hornets. Chicago is coming off a 105-89 victory over the Heat Wednesday night. The Bulls are 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-and-40 record. The Hornets are eighth in the East at 24-and-26.
>>Bears Superfan Finds Out Today If He Is Going Into Hall Of Fame
(Undated) — A Bears superfan will find out today if he is going into the Hall of Fame. Don Wachter is one of three finalists competing to be the first fan inducted into the Ford Hall of Fans, a special section of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Wachter has been attending games as Bearman for more than 20 years.
>>Report: Padres Meet With OF Harper
(Las Vegas, NV) — A new team is in the running for free agent outfielder Bryce Harper. Multiple sources state Harper met with the San Diego Padres on Thursday in Las Vegas. Harper still remains a free agent with less than a month before spring training begins. The Nationals, Phillies and White Sox were previously believed to be the top contenders for Harper’s services.
>>Pro Football Hall Of Fame Inductions Tomorrow
(Atlanta, GA) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame will reveal its Class of 2019 tomorrow in Atlanta. Among the 15 modern-era finalists are first-year eligibles in tight end Tony Gonzalez, safety Ed Reed and cornerback Champ Bailey. Returning finalists include wide receiver Isaac Bruce and safety Ty Law.
