NBA
– According to the AP, Cavaliers’ G Kyrie Irving will be named the 2012 Rookie of the Year on Tuesday. The Cavs sent out a release Monday saying they will make a “major announcement” along with the league on Tuesday morning at Cleveland Clinic Courts, the team’s training facility in Independence. The team did not specify what will be announced, but The Associated Press was one of several media outlets to report on Sunday that Irving will win the award.
The 20-year-old averaged 18.5 points to lead all rookies, and the Cavs, in scoring. He also averaged 5.4 assists, finished first among rookies in field-goal percentage and dominated several games in the fourth quarter, rallying Cleveland to wins. The former 1st-overall pick Irving has a chance to become the fourth unanimous winner in voting by a nationwide media panel. Clippers’ F Blake Griffin (2011), Spurs’ F David Robinson (1990) and Rockets’ F Ralph Sampson (1984) are the only players to receive every first-place vote.
USHL
– Waterloo Black Hawks’ G Stephon Williams made a barehand save in an USHL playoff game after his catching glove fell off. The 19-year-old stoned YouTube phenomenon Kevin Roy, who had a league-leading 54 goals and 104 points in 59 games. Waterloo went on to win that game 6-2 and advance to the final against the Green Bay Gamblers
After the game, Williams told the Waterloo-Cedar Falls (Io.) Courier:
“That’s never happened before, and I hope it never happens again.”
For those unfamiliar with Roy’s dangles, check out this video:
NHL
– Capitals’ F Alexander Semin’s agent, Mark Gandler, took some shots at the team. It was reported today that Semin will likely test free agency on July 1. Gandler wants the 28-year-old to sign in the NHL rather than the KHL, but prefers to play somewhere his role is being expanded, including time on the penalty kill, rather than diminished. Semin averaged 16:47 of icetime this season, the lowest since his rookie year.
“It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That’s within their rights. Alex doesn’t fit into that system obviously. It just doesn’t make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he could under the circumstances and he earned his right to be a free agent.”
“I think the issue is with the organization, not necessarily with the coach. They told us Alex is not going to play short-handed, he’s not going to play in the last minute. He’s going to get the same icetime as everybody else … Alex is not ready to be a role player. He wants to be a full-time player. It’s important to him.”
“I don’t know what the market (for him) is going to be. I know there aren’t many players like Alex around.”
Semin, who earned $6.7M this season, had 21 goals in 77 games in 2011-12, including three in the playoffs. He’s two seasons removed from scoring 40 goals under former Capitals’ coach Bruce Boudreau. The market is thin for goal scorers, so despite his questionable work ethic, he’ll surely generate lots of interest on the market.
– According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, if Maple Leafs’ director of player personnel Rick Dudley does have join the Canadiens in some capacity, it would be conditional on him not being able to work on the NHL Draft for the Habs. Dudley has an “out” clause in his contract that allows him to leave his post in Toronto. Darren Dreger also reported last week that Dudley is expected to take a position as assistant GM with Montreal. With Montreal at No. 3, and the Leafs at No. 5, Toronto obviously doesn’t want him going to their division rival and spoiling their potential draft selection.
– According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Capitals’ GM George McPhee may wait as late as July or August to find his replacement for departed head coach Dale Hunter.
– According to Kings’ head coach Darryl Sutter, F Simon Gagne (concussion) has little chance of playing during this year’s playoffs.
MLB
– Royals’ head physician Dr. Key diagnosed LHP Danny Duffy (left elbow) with a torn left ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Duffy will get a second opinion from Dr. Lewis Yocum, but Tommy John surgery appears to be inevitable. If he undergoes the procedure, he will be sidelined for the rest of the 2012 season and likely the early part of 2013.
– Rays’ RHP Jeff Niemann (fractured fibula) will likely miss a 2-3 months. Niemann was diagnosed with a “small fracture” in his right fibula when he was hit in the lower leg by a comebacker during Monday’s game against the Blue Jays.
– The Rays have placed OF Desmond Jennings (left knee sprain) on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 12. Jennings was used as a pinch-hitter on Friday, so he will not be eligible to return until May 27. Right now, it appears he’ll need to stay on longer than the minimum time.
– The Angels have placed OF Torii Hunter on the restricted list. According to reports, Hunter’s son, Darius McClinton, was one of five from his high school in Texas arrested on charges related to sexual assault. It’s not clear at this point how long he might be away from the team.
– D’Backs’ SS Stephen Drew (ankle surgery) could begin a minor league rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Reno, according to manager Kirk Gibson. Drew has been playing in extended spring training games for over a week, and was able to slide during a simulated drill Saturday for the first time since undergoing surgery. While it’s unknown how his ankle will respond to actual game activity, it’s a great sign for his ongoing recovery.
– Mets’ OF Jason Bay (rib) has been cleared to resume baseball activities. Bay will resume baseball activities Tuesday and is expected to travel to the team’s complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida this weekend. He’ll start out with a running program before progressing to other activities. He’s currently hoping to return by the end of the month.
– Giants’ INF Freddy Sanchez (shoulder) will undergo an MRI on his lower back. Sanchez experienced back problems during spring training. Manager Bruce Bochy said, “It’s another setback…at the point where he can’t do anything.” Bochy recently said it was ”50-50” whether Sanchez would return in May, which no longer appears realistic.
– The Dodgers have placed 3B Juan Uribe (left wrist soreness) on the 15-day DL. Uribe began experiencing soreness in mid-April, and missed a week in late April and early May when it resurfaced.
NFL
– Eagles’ LT Jason Peters (ruptured Achilles) ruptured his Achilles for a second time, setting back his recovery 3 weeks. A malfunctioning Roll-A-Bout broke, leading to Peters falling on his face and re-injuring the Achilles. His 2012 season was already in jeopardy prior to this setback, so there’s a chance he won’t play at all this coming season.
TNA
– According to the PWInsider, it was noted by some TNA Wrestling employees Sunday night how good Sacrifice was without Eric Bischoff, Dixie Carter and Hulk Hogan’s last-minute involvement. All three individuals were not on hand for the annual pay-per-view event.
– Former WWE Superstar Mike Knox received a tryout with TNA Wrestling at Monday’s Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida. Brandishing a new look, he faced TNA Television Champion Devon in a pre-show dark match.
WHC
– Team Finland’ D Anssi Salmela has been suspended 3 games for his hit from behind on Team USA’ D Alex Goligoski Sunday afternoon. Salmela was kicked out of the game after the vicious hit, receiving a five-minute major and game misconduct. Finland finishes the preliminary round today against Kazakhstan.