WWE
– Chris Jericho stated during an interview with iconvsicon.com that “he will be done with the WWE” on August 14 when “Sin and Bones” by Fozzy—his band—is released.
“I came back to the WWE and as of August 14, 2012, when “Sin and Bones” comes out, we go on the road with the Uproar Tour. At that time, I am done with the WWE and it is full-time with Fozzy until the album cycle and touring is done.”
A SmackDown taping is scheduled for August 14 in Austin, Texas. Contrary to his statement, WWE.com is advertising Jericho to appear at SummerSlam, which takes place 5 days later in Los Angeles, California. The official website of the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California is advertising Jericho for the following night’s Raw show. Jericho’s top priority concerns his band, which he hopes is as successful as his wrestling career.
“Like I said, this is something I have been doing since I was 12 years old. It is part of who I am. I think I am very fortunate to have had two dreams that have come true, both of them in these very big ways. Fozzy is slowly catching up to where I am wrestling-wise. If I were to retire tomorrow, I would be very happy with all the things we have done as a band. We have worked really hard to get here and have all the pieces of the puzzle there and ready – it has been a whirlwind! I want to continue to build on those achievements!”
Jericho also revealed that he plans to begin working on his third autobiography while touring:
“Rumor has it that I have signed a deal for a third but I haven’t really started working on it yet because I have been pretty busy. However, that is one of the things I start doing when we hit the road with Uproar. You have a lot of time to kill on tour! When you have 30 minutes on stage each night, it leaves you with 23 1/2 hours in between to kill! I am sure there will be a lot of working on the foundation on the book then. It is a long project, writing a book, and like you said, I have been fortunate enough to write two very good ones in the past. I have big shoes to fill or books to write when it comes to this third one! When the time is right, I will get the muse and get the inspiration. I already have more than enough material for the third book, so I think people will dig it when it is ready to go!”
– During Thursday’s conference call for 2012 second quarter results, WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon, said he hopes to make an announcement concerning the WWE Network in three months. “I hope next quarter I will be making an announcement on our Network,” McMahon said. McMahon acknowledged a delay in announcing details on the WWE Network. He stated at the last conference call in May that he expected an announcement to be made “within the next three months.”
– Jim Powers, who appeared for the World Wrestling Federation from 1984 to 1994, will undergo hip replacement surgery Thursday due to the years of abuse he put his body through while working in the professional wrestling industry.
NFL
– According to the Times Union, the Jaguars and holdout RB Maurice Jones-Drew are not talking right now. Per the report, the holdout is “likely to last a long time.” MJD already missed a full week of camp, and hasn’t even met new head coach Mike Mularkey yet. Stay tuned.
– The Panthers have released OT Jeff Otah. Due just over $1M in the final year of his contract, Otah will likely receive an injury settlement since ongoing knee and back ailments prevented him from passing a physical. The 26-year-old will need to pass a physical if he hopes to sign somewhere during the season.
– Lions’ head coach Jim Scwhartz said Thursday that RB Jahvid Best (concussions) won’t be gaining clearance to practice any time in the near future. ”The only thing I will say is we’re measuring Jahvid in weeks, not days. He’s not day-to-day.”
– Saints’ LCB Jabari Greer (sports hernia) underwent surgery Thursday. Interim coach Joe Vitt says Greer will “definitely” be ready for the regular season. Greer, however, isn’t expected to resume football activities until the week of the fourth preseason game. This is his second sports hernia procedure since December of 2009.
– Randy Lerner has sold the Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam for more than $1B. Since the Lerner family acquired the Browns in 1999, they’ve gone 59-117 (.335) and posted a winning record twice. Haslam was previously a minority Steelers investor. At that time, he described himself as “1,000%” a Steelers fan.
NBA
– ESPN’s Marc Stein is “hearing out of (the) Brazil camp” that the Lakers “have interest” in UFA G Leandro Barbosa. The Brazilian Blur would serve as a backup shooting guard. He averaged 8.9 points and 1.1 treys on 39.9% shooting after joining the Pacers last season.