>>Gold Medalist Maroney Sues USA Gymnastics, USOC
(Los Angeles, CA) — Former Olympian McKayla Maroney is suing USA Gymnastics, alleging officials tried to mute her before she revealed last fall she was molested by the team’s doctor. It was part of a financial settlement necessary to pay for her psychological treatment. The agreement was signed a few months after team doctor Larry Nassar was publicly accused of sexual molestation.
>>Giants Acquire Third Baseman Longoria From Tampa
(San Francisco, CA) — The Giants are finally making their big splash. San Francisco has acquired third baseman Evan Longoria from the Rays for outfielder Denard Span, infield prospect Christian Arroyo and two minor-league pitchers. Giants Vice President of Baseball Operations Brian Sabean [[ SAY-bee-an ]] says the move fills an important need and completes one of the team’s offseason goals.
>>MLB’s Manfred Defends Marlins New Ownership Group
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred is defending the new ownership group of the Miami Marlins after trading away their stars. Speaking on ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard show, Manfred said they approved a well-funded group, led by former Yankees star Derek Jeter, that made numerous presentations about their commitment to winning baseball in South Florida long term.
>>O’s Britton Out At Least Four Months With Ruptured Achilles
(Baltimore, MD) — The Baltimore Orioles will likely begin next season without closer Zach Britton. He ruptured his Achilles tendon during a workout and is expected to be sidelined at least four months. Britton will have surgery today in California. He says he was just doing his regular running when it felt like something punched him in the leg.
>>Blues Foiled By Flames
(Calgary, Alberta) — The Blues could only muster one power play goal in a 2-1 loss to the Flames in Calgary. Brayden Schenn scored with the man-advantage to tie the game at one for St. Louis early in the second period. The Blues and Predators each have 46 points atop the Central Division. St. Louis skates in Edmonton tonight.
>>Blackhawks At Stars
(Dallas, TX) — The Blackhawks go for a sixth straight win tonight versus the Stars in Dallas. It’s the beginning of a six-game road trip. Chicago beat the Wild 4-1 on Sunday to give them 39 points, which is good for fourth in the Central Division. The Stars are one of the three teams they’re locked up with.
>>Colts Visit Ravens Saturday
(Baltimore, MD) — The Colts look to snap a five-game slide as they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Indy’s last win came on November 5th at Houston. The Colts are 3-and-11 on the season and are in line for a top-five pick in next year’s NFL Draft. The 8-and-6 Ravens are still fighting for a playoff spot.
>>Bulls Dominate Magic
(Chicago, IL) — The Bulls rolled to their seventh straight victory by crushing the Magic 112-94 at the United Center. Chicago was an NBA-worst 3-and-20 before the unlikely winning streak. Denzel Valentine led six players in double figures with 16 points, while Kris Dunn and Nikola Mirotic each added 15. The Bulls are at the Cavaliers tonight to start a three-game road trip.
>>Lakers End Rockets’ 14 Game Winning Streak
(Houston, TX) — The Rockets’ 14-game winning streak is over after a 122-116 loss to the Lakers in Houston. LA rookie Kyle Kuzma [[ KOOZ-mah ]] exploded for a career-high 38 points, including seven threes. James Harden dropped 51 points with nine dimes in the loss. It’s the first game the Rockets have lost when Harden scored 50 points or more. Houston still has the NBA’s best record at 25-and-5.
>>Illinois Off Until Saturday
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois is off until Saturday when the Fighting Illini face Missouri in the annual Braggin Rights Game at Scottrade Center. Illinois is coming off a 74-69 loss to New Mexico State Saturday at the United Center. The Illini have lost five of their last seven games since a 6-and-0 start. The Tigers are 9-and-2 thus far.