– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has put his Hidden Hills, California mansion on the market for just under $5M. The Trulia luxury blog speculates that the 7-bedroom 9,120 square-foot estate is being lived in by The Rock’s ex-wife and manager, Dany Garcia. Here are pictures of the estate, followed by the official property description from Trulia.com:

“Guard Gated, Secure & Private, Hidden Hills Estates. Tour De Force! Exciting Ultra-Private Custom Contemporary Mediterranean View Estate At The End of Cul-De-Sac & Nestled Behind 2 Sets of Private Gates. Stainless Steel Privacy Gate Opens To Reveal An Open Motor Court W/ Stacked Stone Waterfall Entry & Abundant Parking, Including 4 Car Garage. Two-Story Gallery Entry Through Walls of Glass Leads To Radius Walled Living Room W/Mesmerizing Views of Resort-Like Lushly Landscaped Yard. Verdant Lawns, Infinity Edge Pool/Spa, Outdoor Patios, Bbq Center, Stacked Stone Waterfall & Endless Vistas of Mountains & Valley Lights Are Seen From Most Rooms.”

MLB

– Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that free agent RHP Roy Oswalt could sign somewhere within the next week and pitch for that team by mid-to-late June. Rosenthal reported earlier Friday that Oswalt has already auditioned for the Phillies and Red Sox recently and has scheduled sessions with two other teams. Oswalt will only sign for a team he thinks has a chance to win the World Series. Rosenthal says the Tigers and Yankees are not among the teams pursuing Oswalt.

– Red Sox’ 3B Kevin Youkilis (back) will play third base for Triple-A Pawtucket through Monday before being re-evaluated by the Red Sox Tuesday. Assuming everything checks out OK, he should be activated from the DL. Current 3B Will Middlebrooks is mired in a 6-for-36 slide that’s dropped his average to .259. The Red Sox’ top prospect is expected to return to Triple-A Pawtucket when Youkilis is ready.

– Miami-based Spanish language newspaper Cafe Fuerte reports that Reds’ LHP Aroldis Chapman is being sued for $18M due to his alleged involvement of illegal activity while working with the Cuban State Security apparatus. According to the report, which was translated for HardballTalk at NBCSports.com by Nick Collias of MLB Trade Rumors, Chapman “helped organize the arrest, imprisonment, and torture of a Cuban-American by the name of Danilo Curbelo García.” Stay tuned.

– Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com expects the Giants taking a “hard look” at signing recently released 2B Orlando Hudson. Baggarly was also told by Giants’ VP Bobby Evans that the club has “put out feelers” for potential infielders available via trade. Hudson batted just .211/.260/.317 with one homer for the Padres this season before being released Thursday.

NHL

– The Avalanche have signed F Milan Hejduk to a 1-year/$2M extension. The 36-year-old had a career-low 37 points in 81 games last season, and was rumoured to be looking into retirement. The 13-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Avs.

– Rangers’ F Brandon Dubinsky (foot) skated for the first time since his injury on April 26. Dubinsky took some shots, but was wearing a non-contact jersey and didn’t stay for the team’s practice on Friday. He remains out indefinitely.

NBA

– The Hawks have exercised their third-year option on head coach Larry Drew. Drew led the Hawks to a 40-26 regular-season record before the team lost to the Boston Celtics in six games in the first round of the playoffs. It was a step back for the franchise after three straight second-round appearances. Drew is 84-64 in two regular seasons and 8-10 in the playoffs. The Hawks were 17-16 on the road this season, the team’s first winning record away from Atlanta in 13 years.

NFL

– The Jets have signed free agent S Yeremiah Bell to a 1-year/$1.4M contract. The 34-year-old was also believed to be in negotiations with the Eagles.

WWE

– Earlier this week, the WWE website posted an article talking about the fact that Chris Jericho has yet to win WWE gold since returning in January and speculating whether Jericho will leave WWE again if he does not win the World Heavyweight title at Over The Limit this weekend. Jericho responded to the writer of the article Twitter:

“Hey Alex Giannini, heres an idea-shut your effen mouth and stop spreading BS rumours.”

– After John Cena filed for divorce from his wife Elizabeth earlier this month, TMZ is reporting that she has asked a Florida judge to throw out Cena’s request because it was filled with errors. According to documents, John referred to Elizabeth by her maiden name instead of her legal name. Elizabeth also claims John did not attach the prenuptial agreement that he referenced in his divorce filing.  Elizabeth also disputes John’s claims there was no marital property. She insists there is and for these reasons, she wants the judge to dismiss the papers and force John to re-file.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross tweeted the following about Thursday night’s WWE NXT tapings from Full Sail University:

“FCW taped nx Thursday in Tampa as usual. NXT rebranded here in Orlando. Air dates/networks TBD. Great, 12 hour day! Hard work by all.”

When asked by a fan on Twitter about why he was being “demoted” to NXT, he responded:

“Not a demotion at all. Im a team player. You should try it.”

– Stephanie and Shane McMahon have been added to the Alumni section of the WWE website.

– Ric Flair’s daughter Ashley has indeed signed a developmental deal with WWE and will be reporting to Florida Championship Wrestling in July. She has been training in North Carolina with former WCW wrestler Lodi and already broke her nose during training, according to Pro Wrestling Insider. It’s been widely speculated that Ric Flair will be returning to WWE when his TNA contract expires. Between his appearance at the Hall of Fame ceremony and WWE now signing his daughter, it does seem like a possibility.

– A wrote to David Otunga on Twitter this week and brought to his attention that TNA World Champion Bobby Roode recently demanded a bowl of green M&M’s on Impact – which David Otunga also did back when he hosted RAW. Otunga replied and said the following about TNA’s champion:

“He’s my fan… Or a Mark.”

– Following the announcement of RAW moving to 3-hours every week starting July 23rd, various WWE superstars and divas wrote tweeted about the news:

John Laurinaitis: “After I defeat @JohnCena at #OverTheLimit, I can look forward to another hour of #PeoplePower beginning on July 23. #3HourRaw”

“As many of you have noted, the odds of me actually making it to #3HourRaw are slimmer than ever after the Board’s decision Monday.”

“Although I’m a fighter, I’ll need the support of the entire WWE Universe to overcome such unfair circumstances at #OverTheLimit.”

“As always, I’m trying to stand tall in the face of adversity. The prospect of #3HourRaw is helping me persevere in these dark times.”

David Otunga: “RAW is 3 hours! An additional 3,600 secs @WWEUniverse gets to enjoy looking at the greatest physique in @WWE #3HourRAW”

Dolph Ziggler: “i challenge ANY @WWE #wwe SUPERSTAR to an #IronManMatch July 23rd! #3hourRaw #ShowStolen #AnyTAKERs?”

Justin Gabriel: “#3HourRaw yes! Stoked. I hope that my people in Africa will get more than the Hour of RAW and SD now!”

BG James: “Well the cats out of the bag! Soon we go 3 hours on Mondays! More entertainment for your viewing pleasure! #3hourRaw #OUDK”

Titus O’Neil: “Well @WWE #RAW goes to 3hrs in July!! Looks like Me& @DarrenYoungWWE will have 2take Over Raw too!! #TagChampsSoon #MillionsofDollars”

Tyson Kidd: “Raw moving to 3 hours? I see nothing but great stuff coming from this”

NFL

– According to the Boston Globe, Patriots’ WR Wes Welker’s decision to go public about contract negotiations over the past couple of weeks “has not gone over well with the Patriots.” Welker hinted that he would hold out at least through next month’s minicamp. The Pats have since reduced their long-term offer. The Globe believes Welker’s actions have “only increased the chances that 2012 will be his final season with the team.” Stay tuned.

NHL

– Canucks’ F Ryan Kesler (shoulder) said that he will not rush back to action after undergoing surgery. Kesler is expected to miss 6 months, which will force him to miss the start of the 2012-13 season. ”I’m not going to come back early. With the program I have, the fourth-month period is when you can really start pushing the envelope and even if it goes until December, I’m not coming back until I’m 110 per cent when I know I’m ready and able to play my game. It’s going to take six months and the surgeon [Dr. Anthony Miniaci of the Cleveland Clinic] is not going to release me until I’m at full strength and mobility. I’m doing rehab two or three times a week with my therapist and rehab on my own every day to get my range of motion back slowly. I’ve started working out this week so my legs are more sore than my shoulder right now, but I’m not going to rush anything.”

MLB

– Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago reports that Cubs’ RHP Kerry Wood will announce his retirement Friday. Wood said at the end of last season that he was either going to pitch for the Cubs in 2012 or retire. He’s been woeful so far this season, posting an 8.64 ERA, 2.28 WHIP and 5/11 K/BB ratio over 8 1/3 innings, but Wood will turn just 35 next month. It’s not clear if he is dealing with something physically or if he’s just decided to retire. He’ll end his career with an 86-75 record, 63 saves, a 3.67 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 1,581 strikeouts over 1,379 2/3 innings across 14 seasons.

– Cardinals’ OF Allen Craig (hamstring) is expected to be placed on the DL before Friday’s game against the Dodgers.

– Cubs’ C Geovany Soto (torn left meniscus) will be placed on the DL after Friday’s game after an MRI revealed a slight tear in his left meniscus. Soto will require arthroscopic surgery and will miss a few weeks.

– Rockies’ LHP Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) allowed a run on three hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings in a rehab start for Double-A Tulsa Thursday. JDLR left his last rehab outing with forearm tightness, but he evidently didn’t have any physical issues Thursday. He’ll pitch for Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday before rejoining the Rockies rotation on June 2 if all goes well. The 31-year-old is on his way back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery.

– Actor Gary Sinese threw out the opening pitch at a recent Rangers’ game. Unfortunately, the throw left a lot to be desired. Check it out:

NBA

– Clippers’ F Blake Griffin (knee/ankle) is also now dealing with a hip pointer. Griffin is known to be battling knee and ankle issues, but he was diagnosed with a hip pointer after Game 2 against the Spurs.

– Spurs’ fan Patrick Gonzalez got a picture of F Matt Bonner shaved into the back of his head, and after showing up at school Thursday, learned he could get a suspension for it. The haircut was deemed to be “distracting.” Check out the sweet ‘do:

NFL

– The Eagles have signed LeSean McCoy to a 5-year/$45M extension with $20.765M guaranteed. McCoy fell just shy of Texans’ RB Arian Foster, who got $22.5M guaranteed in his 5-year contract. With one year left on his rookie contract, McCoy is now locked up through the 2017 season as the feature back. McCoy has averaged 1,648 scrimmage yards and 14.5 touchdowns per in two seasons as a starter. It’s a great signing by the Eagles that was made possible because of the Asante Samuel trade.

– Cardinals’ head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that the competition between QB Kevin Kolb and QB John Skelton will “start out as even as it possibly can.” ”I think the knee-jerk reaction would be to say that it is Kevin’s job to lose. But then you have to look at what John Skelton did last year in winning those games when he was in there.”  Whiz insists the Cardinals will go with the “best player” after training camp and preseason action–GM Rod Graves, however, has suggested Kolb would remain the favourite entering camp.

– New York City police will not bring charges against Bears’ WR Brandon Marshall for his role in an early March nightclub brawl, according to attorney Harvey Steinberg. Marshall allegedly “cold-cocked” Christin Myles, a former basketball player at San Diego State University, after his wife was hit in the face by a thrown bottle. Marshall is unlikely to face NFL discipline for the incident.

MLB

– D’Backs’ GM Kevin Towers said after Thursday’s game that OF Chris Young (shoulder) has a “pretty good chance” of returning from the DL Friday. Young went 4-for-13 (.308) with a homer and seven RBI in three games with High-A Visalia and joined Triple-A Reno on Thursday. The 28-year-old was hitting .410/.500/.897 with five homers and 13 RBI through 46 plate appearances before going on the DL in mid-April with a slight ligament tear in his right shoulder.

TNA

– After teasing that a major announcement was about to be made on Twitter, TNA President Dixie Carter has announced that Impact Wrsetling will be going live starting on May 31 and continue “through the summer.”

– TNA Wrestling announced Thursday that Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has signed with the company and will serve as the Executive in Charge of the Knockouts Division. Brooke will debut on the May 31 episode of Impact Wrestling–the first night that Impact goes live every week.

WWE

– John Cena just tweeted the following message regarding a major change to WWE’s flagship Monday night show:

“STARTING Monday Night July 23 @USA_NETWORK WILL BE ADDING A 3RD HOUR TO @WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW – PERMANENTLY. #3hourRaw”

The July 23 show will be RAW’s 1,000th episode. The announcement of RAW moving to 3-hours every week is now on WWE.com and has also been re-tweeted by John Laurinaitis, Dolph Ziggler, David Otunga and “Road Dogg” BG James. It was recently reported that WWE’s weekly RAW tapings would be starting close to an hour earlier, and this news explains why. No word yet on whether the extra hour will be the rumoured RAW pre-show.

– Linda McMahon political opponent Christopher Shays bluntly argued this week that the former professional wrestling executive should not be running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate position for Connecticut because she is an unsuitable candidate. McMahon, whose background with WWE became an unflattering focus of her last campaign, was once again railed for her past ties to the professional wrestling organization. In an interview with The New York Times, Shays listed “some of the more distasteful episodes” in the history of WWE, including husband Vince McMahon’s penchant for dropping his trousers and underwear in the middle of the ring and having wrestlers kiss his bare buttocks. It is known as the “Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club.”  Shays says,

“You’re clearly not a social conservative when you do those things, and you’re clearly not a fiscal conservative when you spend $50 million so wastefully.”

McMahon created the “Mr. McMahon Kiss My Ass Club” following the collapse of The Alliance in November 2001, which consisted of various WWE personalities being ordered to kiss his posterior under the threat of suspension or termination. Members of this exclusive club include William Regal, Jim Ross, Shawn Michaels, Shane McMahon, Mick Foley and Hornswoggle. Hornswoggle, however, did not actually kiss McMahon’s derriere, instead biting him. The WWE Chairman ruled Hornswoggle as an official club member since his lips came in contact with his backside.

The club even spawned its own online cartoon, “Mr. McMahon’s Kiss My Ass Club – The WWE’s Most Valuable Asset.” The cartoon series, produced by Animax Entertainment, debuted on WWE.com in November 2006. The cartoon was later canceled as part of a settlement between WWE and Cartoon Network due to the show’s similarities with Cartoon Network program Assy McGee. If you haven’t seen the short-lived cartoon – here it is:

– Daniel Bryan was interviewed by Brian Fritz of the Between The Ropes podcast and spoke about a number of topics, including the “Yes!” chants changing his life, his match against CM Punk this Sunday at Over The Limit, Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE and much more. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

Whether or not he ever thought a word as simple as ‘yes’ could change his life the way it has: “(laughs) Yeah, you’d never think it. All the years I spent toiling on the independent scene, really learning my craft, being as good of a wrestler as I could possible be and the thing that makes me the most popular is probably the first word I learned as a kid.”

If he was disappointed for his match at WrestleMania which only lasted 18 seconds or if that is just part of the job:  “You have to look at it as part of your job but you can also be disappointed. I’ve always wanted to go out there and steal the show, every show that I’m on. That’s how I got to where I’m at. I didn’t get here by being a nice guy or going out there and being a character or anything like that. The WWE noticed me because I put on great matches. That was my thing. Now, I’ve developed into somebody who has some personality on TV and that sort of thing but that isn’t what brought me to the dance. What I love and what I enjoy doing is going out there and wrestling and going out there and entertaining people with what I do in the ring. So to not be able to do that to the best of abilities what disappointing but everything that has come from it has actually been very good so I guess I can’t complain.”

On if it will be special to face CM Punk on a big stage at the Over the Limit considering where they came from and knowing each other for such a long time: “It is, especially because nobody expected either of us to get to this point. When we were both on the independent scene and stuff like that, there were knocks against Punk’s looks against my looks and how we don’t look like prototypical WWE superstars. And ever when we both signed here, Punk, he has that character, he has that quality that you think if they would just give him an opportunity he could really connect with the WWE Universe. For me, even the people who really liked me, kind of doubted whether I would be able to succeed here in the WWE. And it’s cool that two guys who really paid their dues and worked hard on the independents just to get opportunities like this or having this chance. This isn’t a small opportunity. This is a WWE Championship match at an Over the Limit pay-per-view. It’s unreal. This is more that I even dreamed of.”

Brock Lesnar’s return to WWE: “I think it’s great. I think he brings a lot of added interest to the company and I’m hoping some of those UFC fans will come and watch some of out pay-per-views, especially that last pay-per-view Extreme Rules was awesome. It was an awesome show. I hope they stick around and watch Over the Limit and they’re going to see another awesome show. This is going to be a great night of wrestling for everybody involved. I think it’s great and I would love to have a match with Brock Lesnar. I know that’s probably not in the cards but I’m petitioning for it right now because I feel like me and him could have a match unlike any other pro wrestling match in North America probably ever.”

On whether he will shy away from the physicality of that match: “No, not at all. And actually I like that sort of thing. My skills, especially as a grappler, lend itself to that kind of thing. When he’s ground and pounding, like doing the kind of stuff he was doing with (John) Cena, there’s not a lot of guys who have any counters for that. Well, I have a million. There would be a lot of things that would be really fun about a match like that. I think people would be excited to see it too.

– Sean “X-Pac” Waltman took to Twitter on Wednesday to vent on former employer TNA Wrestling. He directed his frustration toward organization president Dixie Carter’s account with a series of messages.

“Highly disappointed with you as a person who claims to care. More disappointed in your handling of the only alternative to WWE. Been meaning to tell you that since your Co. tried to make it look like I no showed your PPV.”

Waltman was scheduled for a tag team match at the 2010 Lockdown PPV event, but was absent. On the night of the show, announcers were instructed to say that Waltman had no shown. He reportedly let organization officials know days in advance that he was not cleared to wrestle by the Missouri State Commission due to his hepatitis C diagnosis and was not going to be able to attend the event. He is now denying the story. Waltman explains,

“They knew I wouldn’t be there for over a week. They alluded that I no showed was bcuz I was on a drug binge. They lied to the PPL. The thing is that it’s easy to believe a story like that about me, which makes it even more of a low life move.”

When a Twitter user wrote to Waltman that if he wasn’t a “boozer and a fool,” he might still be employed by TNA, he responded,

“@TNADixie Had nothing to do with it. Plus are u serious w/ the crew they have there. Plus, I am sober & never cared 4 booze.”

Waltman then continued railing the organization’s upper hierarchy and made a stark prediction.

“Im just sick of @TNADixie running around playing this benevolent role, when it’s a facade. BTW Congrats on hiring Bruce Pritchard. Perfect fit . Oine of the biggest lowlifes in the business. Treats ppl like shit if he can. Mark my words TNA will be a part of WWE’s video catalog before the decade is up. I dont hope. I just think it’s a matter of time. Unfortunately. I love the crew over there. Great guys, almost all of them.”

– According to the PWInsider, WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch no-showed a scheduled in-studio radio appearance for VOC Nation Wednesday afternoon in Philadephia, Pennsylvania. The program hosts issued an apology during the broadcast (listen here) and noted that Sytch had promised to appear hours earlier. A car was sent to her New Jersey residence to pick her up for the appearance, but no one answered the door. VOC Nation criticized Sytch for the no-show on Twitter, writing,

“She was an unprofessional no show. Now I see why people are reluctant to work with her.”

Sytch has no-showed multiple advertised appearances in the past year including at least seven scheduled bookings since March. She was scheduled to appear for American Icon Autographs at WrestleReunion in Toronto, Ontario last month but “personal issues” prevented her from appearing at the event. American Icon Autographs stated they have no intention on working with her again after having bailed on the organization a third time. Three weeks ago, she missed three consecutive dates in Maine due to “personal demons,” according to the event promoter. Despite her recent string of no-shows, the former WWE star has multiple independent wrestling event appearances lined up. Her next scheduled appearance is set for this Saturday at Patriot Auction Gallery in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

– WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Paul Heyman’s Return To WWE Television: “Paul Heyman’s return is one of the more positive things to occur in WWE in a good while. As I have said over the years, Heyman’s TV persona is an easy one to dislike.”

“What makes Heyman so effective is that he doesn’t play the ‘role’ of a villain who has litigious tendencies. Plus, Heyman is a life long fan who now has the chance to essentially reinvent himself with this unexpected return to the genre. It will likely be his last return to the business if I had to make a wager.”

Visiting WWE Developmental This Week: “I’m very excited about today’s trip and tomorrow’s work in Orlando. I’m like a kid on his first day at a new school. I don’t know what to expect but am excited to be ‘enrolled.’ The future of the WWE lies within the Talent Development program and I am blessed to be able to help in that area in any way that the company sees fit. My role has yet to be outlined but I think I can assist in many areas and I’m excited to devote my time and energies to helping develop the young stars of tomorrow.”

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan This Sunday At Over The Limit: “Can’t wait to see CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Title this Sunday night in Raleigh on PPV. Hope the Raleigh live audience is more emotionally invested that was the Greensboro audience a week or so ago. Punk vs Bryan should be off the page. I love their individual, in ring styles and, Lord knows, both men have paid ample dues.

“Some day, Punk vs. Bryan has a potential ‘Ironman Match’ written all over it or perhaps even a ‘best of three’ series of bouts.”

NHL

– After two seasons with the tam, the Oilers will not renew the contract of head coach Tom Renney for the 2012-13 season. After finishing the season with the NHL’s second- worst record, the Oilers decided to part ways with the 10th coach in their franchise’s history. Hired in 2010, Renney led the Oilers to a 25-45-12 record in his first season with the club. Last season, the team finished 32-40-10 and once again found themselves in last place in the league.

– Panthers’ impending UFA D Jason Garrison said Wednesday that his top priority is re-signing with the Cats, but will consider offers in free agency. ”I have such a good thing here in Florida. I love the organization and my teammates. I have so many good friends and I’d hate to see myself playing somewhere else. But, I mean, ultimately it’s not all up to me. So it’s just kind of a waiting game now to see whether I’m going to re-sign with the Panthers. As it gets closer to that end of June-July 1 date, I’ll obviously start weighing my options and seeing what’s out there.” The British Columbia native said he would listen if the Canucks contacted him, but interest on their end for the 27-year-old is unknown. Garrison enjoyed a career-year with 16 goals and 33 points in 77 games.

– Predators’ F Sergei Kostitsyn has spoken publicly about the incident involving teammate Alexander Radulov and brother Andrei Kostitsyn. From Puck Daddy’s Dmitry Chesnokov, here’s Kostitsyn discussing the situation to Belorussian news outlet Pressball:

“I think the management was too tough on Alexander and Andrei. The punishment for the incident could have been a monetary fine, [they] went too far with the disqualification in the midst of an important stage of the playoffs. We missed the guys in games three and four of the series.”

– Some Kings’ players expressed their frustration with the 1-game suspension handed to Coyotes’ F Martin Hanzal:

“I mean, I know these games are probably worth more. I thought he was going to get two, but it’s not an easy decision to make. Especially considering we’re in the Western finals. As a player, you don’t really worry about the length. That’s something for the media which really likes to talk about considering the state of the game right now,” said Dustin Brown.

“I’m not particularly happy about it. You know, who am I, I’m just a player, but … this stuff evolves over time, it gets better over time. I’d like to see [the suspension be] a little bit more, not just because we’re playing the Phoenix Coyotes right now, I just think messages need to be sent and it needs to be a little bit stiffer because what if Dustin Brown breaks his neck on that incident, as he very easily could have? A guy walks away with one game while the other guy is pushed away in a wheelchair? Is that what it’s going to take? I hope not,” Mitchell added. “Brown’s in a very, very dangerous position, 4-5 feet from the boards, his back to the player, lots of time to ease up or just go in with the guy … So no, I’m not a fan of it. I thought things had been going really well during the regular season, but in the playoffs it’s been a little different set of rules, and that’s kind of unfortunate because it’s not deterring the players enough, in my opinion. But it’s something to be talked about this summer, I’m sure it’s going to come up in collective bargaining — it’s something that will need to be addressed. I think if you look around the league, the majority of players want to see stiffer suspensions, and bigger fines because it deters players that way,” said Willie Mitchell.

“Unfortunately. But I’ve said it from the start, if you rob a bank and it’s got $100 million in it, or it’s got five bucks in it, you’re still doing the time. That’s how it should be mandated. I don’t know all their criteria, Brendan [Shanahan] and the rest of the gang, it’s not an easy job, I know that too, but I think it almost needs to come to a system where it’s 5-10-20 format, where it takes emotion, takes everything out of the equation — it’s just what it is, and you live and die by the sword. That way there can be no complaining on either end.”

NFL

– Patriots’ WR Wes Welker told the Boston Herald that long-term contract talks with the team have “gotten worse” since he signed his franchise tender. ”There have been talks, but nothing that’s brightened anything at all. It’s actually gotten worse.” Welker was offered a 2-year/$16M fully-guaranteed deal during the 2011 season, but says the Pats’ current offer is even lower. He’ll likely end up playing out his $9.515M tender.

– According to Adam Schein of SiriusXM NFL Radio, Ravens’ FS Ed Reed is not “100% committed” to playing the 2012 season. Reed has already said that he wants a new contract–he’s entering the final season of a contract that will pay him $7.2M. In all likelihood, he’ll be ready for Week 1.

– Chargers’ head coach Norv Turner indicated that TE Antonio Gates (foot) is finally back to pre-injury form. ”Gates looks great -— he’s back. Physically, he’s back to where we want him to be.” Gates is joining teammates for OTAs after spending last offseason recovering from a plantar fascia injury.

– The Buccaneers have re-signed franchise K Connor Barth to a 4-year/$13.2M contract with $4M in guarantees. He was due $2.6M under the franchise tag. Barth hit 26-of-28 field goals, including 13-of-14 from 40-49 yards out last season.

– Suspended Saints’ MLB Jonathan Vilma is suing commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation of character. Vilma’s complaint charges Goodell with making public statements concerning the linebacker which were “false, defamatory and injurious to Vilma’s professional and personal reputation.” The suit also claims Goodell failed to turn over evidence. The NFL’s investigation announced that Vilma, as captain of the defense, helped defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in establishing and funding the team’s infamous bounty program.

– Raiders’ MLB Rolando McClain has been sentenced to 180 days in jail after being found guilty on charges of assault, reckless endangerment, menacing, and wrongful discharge of a firearm. McClain allegedly made threats against Rishard Tapscott before placing a pistol to his head and firing just past his ear during a November 30 altercation. Tapscott further alleges that McClain made threats during a March basketball game, warning that the linebacker would be coming for him “after May 17.” McClain will appeal the ruling, so it’s unclear when his jail term will begin. McClain will likely receive an NFL suspension as well.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer has issued a “breakout” alert for WR Jeremy Maclin this season. One Eagles coach “didn’t hesitate” to nominate Maclin when the Inquirer asked for a player who will make his first Pro Bowl this season.  Maclin was on pace for 88 receptions and 1,212 yards at mid-season last year before shoulder and hamstring injuries plagued his second half.

MLB

– Dodgers’ trainer Sue Falsone said Thursday that OF Matt Kemp (hamstring) is targeting a May 29 return, which is the first day he’s eligible for activation. Kemp was given a platelet rich plasma injection on Wednesday to help speed up the healing process, and has reported steady progress to this point. The 27-year-old is scheduled to begin hitting off a tee Thursday.

– Blue Jays’ 3B Brett Lawrie has dropped his 4-game suspension appeal, and will begin serving his punishment Thursday. Lawrie spiked his batting helmet at home plate umpire Bill Miller Wednesday after back-to-back questionable strike calls Tuesdy night. The 22-year-old is hitting .281/.325/.384 with three homers and 17 RBI in 157 plate appearances this year.

– The Padres have released 2B Orlando Hudson. ESPN’s Keith Law first reported that Hudson was designated for assignment, but the Padres have actually requested release waivers, which is a mere formality before he can sign with any team. The 34-year-old batted just .238/.313/.344 with a .657 OPS over 585 plate appearances with the Friars. INF Alexi Amarista has been called up from Triple-A and will fill the void.

– Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson said Thursday that OF Michael Morse (lat) could be activated from the DL on June 1. The Nationals are still targeting June 8 for his return, but Morse has told Johnson that he will be ready soon. The 30-year-old has begun swinging and light throwing and plans to get some at-bats in Viera, Florida next week while the team is on the road.

NBA

– Heat’ F Chris Bosh (abdominal strain) is not traveling with the team, and has officially been ruled out for Game 3 and Game 4 against the Pacers. Bosh is not expected to return for the duration of the series. Miami has not provided a timetable for his return.

– Bulls’ G C.J. Watson (plantar fasciitis) underwent surgery on both feet. ”It was hard. I couldn’t do all the things that I’m usually capable of doing. But I knew with Derrick (Rose) out, I had to give the team what I could.” It’s the second straight season Watson has undergone a procedure to address the condition.

TNA

– TNA star Kurt Angle recently spoke to Mississippi’s Clarion Ledger to promote this weekend’s TNA’s live events tour. Kurt’s interviews are good for a few laugh out loud quotes – and this one’s no exception. Here are some highlights of what our Olympic Gold Medalist said about:

Pulling Out Of The 2012 Summer Olympic Trials: “I was actually 12 days out from the trials. I tore my MCL ligament in my knee. I can still pro wrestle but it does limit me.In 1996, I broke my neck before the Olympics. I still competed, but I had nothing to lose. I didn’t have a family. I didn’t have a lot of money. And it might be my only opportunity to make the team. And thank God I did it. I was getting Novocaine shots in my neck. I couldn’t have Cortisone because it was illegal. So I went through the Olympic trials and the Olympics with my neck broken, so a lot of people said, “Why don’t you try out this year with your knee injury?” And I said, “Because I don’t want to make it worse, because I do have a family. I have a job. And if I’m not working, I don’t get paid.” So I have a lot to lose now and I had to back out for personal reasons.”

Why He Can No Longer Play A Heel: “I’ve done everything, from comedy to being the badass. … I think my character now is more true to life than I’ve ever been. It’s just the real Kurt Angle. I think it’s because, thank God, I got to the point where fans now look at me as one of the best of all time. So it’s kind of hard to be the bad guy now, when the fans have the respect for you.

The Reason He Hasn’t Retired Yet: “I probably would have retired a a couple of years ago if I wasn’t so good. It sounds very arrogant. I know it sounds very pompous, but yeah, when I started, I didn’t realize I was going to pick it up so quickly.”

– X Division wrestler Anthony Nese was granted his release from TNA Wrestling on Thursday. Nese asked organization officials for permission to compete at Pro Wrestling Syndicate’s June 1 online pay-per-view event after being approached with an opportunity to step in the ring with The Great Muta. He was informed that he would not be able to. He then requested his release from the organization, which was granted. Nese stated on Twitter,

“I wanted to be the first to inform everyone that I have requested my release from TNA Wrestling. As a professional wrestler I have many goals and dreams that I work hard to achieve, one of them was to have the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience on national television and I thank TNA Wrestling for providing me with that opportunity. Another goal of mine is to wrestle against some of the top international superstars with the chances to travel the world and work for some of the best international companies that have the best talent in wrestling today.

“I have recently been approached with an opportunity to step in the ring with The Great Muta, a wrestling legend, and one of All Japan Pro Wrestling’s top wrestlers Kai. This is an opportunity that I feel with help me further my goals and career. This event will be provided via IPPV and unfortunately my TNA contract did not allow me to perform on such events. I requested that an exception would be granted given my lack of appearances but was denied. My next action was to request a release as I think it will be in my best interest.

“I would like to thank TNA Wrestling for helping me achieve one of my goals as it is very few in this business that are able to say they have. I would also like to thank all the people that support me as this is just a small chapter coming to an end in my career and I have many more exciting opportunities in my future to come.”

His profile was subsequently removed from ImpactWrestling.com.

EPL

– Manchester United will not offer striker Michael Owen a new contract. The 32-year-old will not retire, but rather will begin searching for a new home. Owen made just four appearances last season for United, and has not played competitively since November due to a thigh injury. He leaves United after scoring 17 goals in 52 appearances.

“At 32, I definitely owe it to myself to have two or three years and play a bit more — but for somebody else. ”I don’t think the Championship would be an option if I am totally honest,” he added. “I don’t feel I have lost the ability to score goals or play at a high level. I have been playing and training with top players all my life and that was one of the attractions in going to Man United. We will wait to see where that is. If it is not the Premier League then I may look farther afield.”

Owen is inspired to continue in the game by United duo Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who are 37 and 38 respectively, and still playing.

“I might look a bit older than that but looking at the likes of Scholesy and Giggsy, it doesn’t half fill you with a lot of motivation and confidence. They are playing into their mid-to-late thirties and I still feel as if I am reasonably young. When I wake up my body feels good even though I have had a few injuries.”

WWE

– WWE.com has a new storyline article up looking at how Chris Jericho has failed to win gold since returning in January and how this effects World Heavyweight Title match at Over the Limit as he goes against champion Sheamus, Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio. It’s been widely reported that Chris Jericho will be taking time off from WWE this summer to tour with his metal band Fozzy, and the article is already planting the seeds for Jericho’s departure. The following is an excerpt from the article:

“Further, if Jericho fails to come away with the gold, will Over the Limit be the last time the WWE Universe ever sees the “Ayatollah of Rock n’ Rollla” in the ring? Or can Jericho save his career with a huge win against three formidable opponents?

If this is to be his final stand, the smart money would be to bet on Jericho walking out of PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., with the title in hand. Jericho is a survivor, and like a cornered lion, he’ll be at his most dangerous with his back to the wall. Jericho will do anything — anything — to emerge from Over the Limit with the World Heavyweight Championship secured around his waist.

But even if he does overcome the other three competitors in the Fatal 4-Way, there’s already plenty of speculation that the WWE Universe won’t see much of Jericho in the coming months. His heavy metal band Fozzy is set to release a new studio album this summer, and tour dates have been planned.

That said, will his match at WWE Over the Limit be his lingering legacy? And if Y2J does decide to walk off into the sunset, will he do so with the World Heavyweight Championship around his waist?”

– WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels recently spoke with the Miami Herald about his new endorsement deal with Eye Black. Here are some highlights of what Michaels said about his decision to end his legendary in-ring career, whether he’d wrestle again and why he’ll always be a part of the WWE family:

Why It Was The Right Time To Retire From WWE: “I walked away from an extremely well paying job, which is probably not the smartest thing to do, but I did it solely to come home and to help my wife raise our children, to be a part of their lives. WWE would have allowed me to work any kind of way that I wanted. I could have very easily have said, ‘Hey, I’d like to slow down over the next couple of years, do a few things here and there,’ and I think everybody would have been fine with that, but for me, I think that would have probably been harder on me. Personally, I think the job would be harder for me to do, personally, on a semi, here and there, in and out type basis. It’s easier, and I think I’m better at it when I’m doing it or I’m not. So for me I felt it was better to walk away completely.”

Has He Wrestled His Last Match? “You have to be careful because if you leave it as an open option, you’re going to be getting calls on a regular basis. Every time somebody gets injured or every time somebody comes up with an idea, the phone is going to be ringing, and you’re going to have to deal with ‘should I or shouldn’t I?’ I didn’t want to run into that. I didn’t want to put myself through that, and I didn’t want to put the company through that.”

“I’m certainly not going to wrestle, but if you need me for something, if you’re in a bind, you can give me a buzz, and I’ll be more than happy to be there and help out any way I can.”

MLB

– The Twins have placed RHP Nick Blackburn (strained left quad) on the 15-day DL and is expected to miss about 3 weeks. Blackburn battled the injury throughout Wednesday’s start against the Tigers and was torched for six earned runs in just two innings. Blackburn has an 8.37 ERA and 1.77 WHIP through seven starts this season.

– Mariners’ C Miguel Olivo (right groin strain) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. Olivo will meet with the team this weekend for workouts before being sent to a minor league affiliate. The 33-year-old has been on the DL since May 1, and was batting just .210/.229/.346 in 23 games before the injury.

NFL

– Chiefs’ GM Scott Pioli promoted QB Matt Cassel during a recent radio interview with WHB in Kansas City. Pioli compared Cassel to Len Dawson, who is “without a doubt the greatest quarterback in the history of this franchise.” Said Pioli, “I think that we have a really good quarterback. … I think as he gets more opportunities, Matt is gonna continue to show people that he’s a good NFL quarterback.” Despite this, the Chiefs figure to be one of the biggest rush-heavy offences next season.

– The Wrestling Observer reports WWE has signed Ashley Fliehr Johnson, the daughter of WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, to a developmental contract. Reports surfaced earlier this month that Ashley intended to follow in the footsteps of her legendary father as she was training to become a professional wrestler. She is expected to join WWE’s Tampa, Florida based developmental training facility in the summer. Ashley is the third Flair child to enter the professional wrestling industry. David notably competed for World Championship Wrestling from 1999 to 2001 while Reid currently wrestles on the independent circuit. Ashley was a star volleyball player in high school, leading her team to two state titles in North Carolina. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts and is an ACE® Certified Personal Trainer. She also attended Appalachian State University where she was a Division-1 Full Scholarship Athlete in volleyball.

– Rey Mysterio’s merchanise is discounted upto 75% at WWEShop.com. His action figures, t-shirts and DVDs are on clearance sale as the former World champion sits out the remainder of his 60-day suspension for his 2nd violation of the wellness policy.

– According to the Wrestling Observer, Kharma has been ready to return to action for a while but creative has been unable to develop a storyline for her. An angle was nixed for the April 30 Raw SuperShow where Kharma would have brutalized Nikki Bella.

– WWEDVDNews.com reports WWE has plans to release single disc DVD titles on Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio and Shawn Michaels later this year as part of their WWE Superstar Collection line. Titles on Daniel Bryan, John Cena, Sheamus and Zack Ryder are also scheduled.

– An official Facebook page has been launched for WrestleMania 29, which takes place on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

BOXING

– Boxer Nick Casal Nick Casal was attacked by his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend with a golf club, needing more than 300 stitches to close the gashes. Casal received a call from his girlfriend to be picked up from at 5 a.m.. When he arrived, the ex-boyfriend was there with a golf club. Casal was hit in the head more than 15 times, and luckily did not suffer any damage. These pictures are not for the faint of heart:

NHL

– Paulina Gretzky has once again posted some racy pictures from her Complex Mag photo shoot on Instagram. Check it out:

MLB

– Nationals’ RHP Drew Storen (elbow) is aiming to return around the All-Star break. Manager Davey Johnson said that Storen could begin a minor league rehab assignment later this month, which no longer appears to be accurate. Storen made 100 light throws playing catch on Wednesday, and there’s currently no timetable for his return.

– The Twins have placed C Ryan Doumit (right calf strain) on the 15-day DL and is expected to miss about 3 weeks. Doumit suffered the injury during Wednesday’s victory over the Tigers. He is batting .264/.328/.445 with five home runs and 24 RBI in 33 games this year.

TNA

– Tara stated Tuesday via Twitter that she is featured in the latest issue of Penthouse. To add further details, she and Brooke Tessmacher were interviewed for a piece on the Knockouts Division. The adult magazine contains no photographs of the duo disrobed. Rather, the featured images are from TNA Wrestling events.

– Alex Silva, who earned a contract with TNA Wrestling as a result of the Gut Check Challenge, has been added to the company website’s roster page.

IIHF

– Team Canada’ D Marc Methot has been suspended 1 game for his hit on Belarus’ F Yevgeni Kovyrshin into the boards during Tuesday’s game. Methot will miss Thursday’s game against Slovakia at Hartwall Arena and is eligbile to return if Canada moves on to the semifinals.

MLB

– Blue Jays’ 3B Brett Lawrie has been suspended 4 games and fined an undisclosed amount for spiking his helmet at home plate umpire Bill Miller. The incident happened Tuesday night after Miller made consecutive questionable called strike calls in the ninth inning of a one-run game. Lawrie is appealing the suspension and will continue playing until a decision is made. It’s unlikely his punishment will be reduced.

“In a nutshell, it’s just I didn’t mean to hit him. I feel I have the right to explain my side of the story about what happened.”

“I’m just playing the game the way I’ve always played it. That’s the passion that I have for the game and I don’t feel like I need to change anything. The only thing I would change is maybe not throw the helmet or throw any equipment towards an umpire because you know you can get an unlucky hop and have kind of the mess that’s going on right now.”

– Red Sox’ RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (elbow) likely won’t be ready to rejoin the team after his next two rehab starts, according to manager Bobby Valentine. It will be the end of his 30-day rehab assignment, but if the Red Sox don’t think he’s ready, they can place him back on the DL and begin a new rehab assignment. “I don’t think he’s all that close to pitching in the major league. Not until he’s ready. It’s not the calendar that’s going to dictate whether or not a guy pitches in the major leagues.” Dice-K is still also working on his mechanics. He’s likely out through May.

– Phillies’ 2B Chase Utley (knee) fielded grounders Wednesday for the first time since rejoining the team on May 5. How his knee responds has yet to be determined, but he’ll need to field and run at 100% before a timetable is released. At best, he could return by mid-June.

– Red Sox’ RHP Andrew Bailey (thumb) is expected to begin a throwing program next week. Bailey had a checkup Wednesday with Dr. Thomas Graham. Bailey is hoping to join the Red Sox near the All-Star break, and should become the closer immediately upon his return.

– Nationals’ C Wilson Ramos (torn right ACL) said Wednesday that he expects to undergo surgery in 2-3 weeks. Ramos also confirmed that he will not return this season. Ramos batted .265/.354/.398 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 25 games this season. C Jesus Flores will assume the starting job.

– Nationals’ OF Michael Morse (lat) made 60 throws Wednesday. It was the first time Morse had touched a baseball in several weeks. “I haven’t been throwing, so it was kind of like a monkey riding a bike.” Morse is targeting a June 8 return.

– Reds’ manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday that the plan is for LHP Aroldis Chapman to start “someday,” but not likely anytime soon. Chapman has a sparkling 0.00 ERA and 32/5 K/BB ratio in 18 1/3 innings of relief this season.

– The Rays have transferred RHP Jeff Niemann (fractured right fibula) to the 60-day DL. The Rays initially provided a 4-6 week timetable for Niemann, who suffered the injury on Monday, but he’ll have to sit out at least two months now.

– Mets’ manager Terry Collins indicated Tuesday that Jason Bay (rib) will get his starting left field job back when he returns from the DL. ”Absolutely. He didn’t come here to be an extra player.” Bay was recently cleared for baseball activities, but is likely about 2 weeks away from being activated. The 33-year-old was hitting .240 with three homers and a .776 OPS over his first 50 at-bats prior to suffering a non-displaced fractured rib on April 23.

– The Phillies have placed RHP Vance Worley (right elbow) on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 12. A Wednesday MRI revealed no structural damage, so he should be activated after the minimum stay. The 24-year-old has registered a strong 3.07 ERA and 45/15 K/BB ratio through 44 innings this season.

– Major League Baseball announced Wednesday that the 2013 All-Star game will be hosted by the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 16, the latest date for the game since 1985. The Mets last hosted the All-Stars in 1964, the year Shea Stadium opened, when Johnny Callison’s three-run homer capped a four-run ninth inning and gave the NL a 7-4 win. The game was last in New York in 2008, the final season of the old Yankee Stadium, when the AL won 4-3 in 15 innings.

– Padres’ OF Carlos Quentin (right knee) received a cortisone shot Tuesday. Quentin has been shut down from his rehab assignment after experiencing soreness in his surgically-repaired knee last week. He should be able to resume it in a few days, and a return before the end of the month remains possible.

– Brian McNamee has conceded that the first time Roger Clemens asked for help with a “booty shot,” the pitcher did not specifically use the word “steroids.” Under cross-examination from Clemens’ lawyer, McNamee said that he assumed Clemens was referring to steroids when asking for the shot while pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1998. McNamee said he was under the impression Clemens was already doing steroids. Clemens lawyer Rusty Hardin challenged why McNamee thought that. McNamee responded that he had no physical evidence, but he referenced a conversation he overheard Clemens have with another player, Jose Canseco, but could not provide specifics. Clemens’ request for help came less than a month before the date on which McNamee says he gave Clemens his first injection.

– The Rays have acquired OF Rich Thompson from the Phillies for OF Kyle Hudson. The 33-year-old Thompson has spent 13 seasons in the minor leagues. He has not appeared in the majors since 2004, when he was with the Royals for six games. He was batting .307 with no homers and 11 RBIs in 29 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

WWE

– Updating a previous item, there is currently a lot of scrambling behind the scenes regarding Brock Lesnar’s storyline with Triple H and how the angle will play out. After original plans called for a Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H grudge match at SummerSlam in August, WWE officials are now talking about holding the match at July’s Money In The Bank PPV or even as early as No Way Out next month. The main issue that’s causing all the problems is the fact that Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract only requires him to make a limited number of appearances. WWE has already burned through 5 of them (4 RAWs and his match at Extreme Rules) and has a certain number set aside for the build to WrestleMania 29 next year. It’s believed that WWE only has around 24 dates to use Lesnar this year, so they have been changing their plans a lot trying to figure out how to best use him.

– With the news of John Cena’s divorce becoming public last week, there are those who believe it’s going to get ugly very soon. Cena’s wife signed a very restrictive prenuptial agreement in 2009 and recently turned down a financial settlement offer. Many expect Cena’s ex to “make some noise” (talking to TMZ, writing a tell-all book) in hopes of getting paid off to go away. Stay tuned.

– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has made Forbes Magazine’s list of the 100 most powerful celebrities in the world. Forbes.com has an article up looking at The Rock being one of Hollywood’s most bankable action movie stars (having grossed over $2.3B) and his reputation for saving movie franchises (Fast and Furious, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and now GI Joe). Forbes estimates that The Rock made over $36M over the last 12 months, and it doesn’t specify if that includes the millions (and millions) he’s made from working with WWE and main eventing their most-watched pay-per-view of all time, WrestleMania 28. The article states that movie producers love The Rock’s willingness to travel in order to promote his movie, which Rock credits to his wrestling background.

“That’s the wonderful part about being in this business. I love knowing the audience and listening to the audience. Oh, and kicking a little ass, too.”

Rock also noted he and his manager, ex-wife Dany Garcia, changed their approach to Rock’s wrestling background. “It reached a point where I felt that ­instead of me trying to conform to Hollywood, I needed to have ­Hollywood conform to me and ­embrace my past.” The article states that The Rock’s former management team forced him to stop talking about wrestling, and his decision to return to WWE included firing those same agents.

– Mark Henry announced on Twitter this week that he was undergoing Surgery on Tuesday and would retire if he could no longer compete at his best. No word yet on how the procedure went, but it’s worth noting that Henry is not advertised for any WWE live events until RAW on June 25.

– WWE.com has begun hyping the 1,000th episode of Monday Night RAW, which will take place on July 23. Leading up to the milestone show, WWE.com will be looking back at RAW’s most memorable moments and interviewing past and present WWE superstars about the big show. It’s worth noting that based on WWE promoting August 23, 2010 episode of RAW as the 900th episode; the July 23 show will actually be episode #999, not 1,000. It’s unknown how WWE arrived at July 23 as the 1,000th episode, but keep in mind, this is the same company that hyped WrestleMania 25 as the “25th Anniversary of WrestleMania” (WrestleMania 25 was actually the 24th anniversary).

– The following matches booked for upcoming live events give an idea of the feuds WWE will be going with after Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view:

CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan is advertised for the June 4th RAW Supershow from Greenville, South Carolina.

John Cena is scheduled to face Lord Tensai and John Laurinaitis in handicap matches at RAW live events.

Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio in Last Man Standing matches are advertised for SmackDown live events.

– Despite his “firing” on Monday’s RAW, Big Show is currently advertised for WWE’s upcoming tour of Mexico and all SmackDown tapings and live events in June.

– WWE video game publisher THQ has released its quarterly earnings report for for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, including sales data for the WWE ’12 video game. From THQ’s press release:

WWE ’12 has shipped more than 2.2 million units since its launch in November 2011. The successful rebranding of this annual franchise has led to higher sell-through to date, which is up approximately 20 percent on like-for-like platforms in North America versus the year-ago title.

The stock market is not reacting well to THQ’s year-end report, down almost 12% today.

– Ted DiBiase announced on Twitter that he and his wife welcomed a healthy new baby boy yesterday – Tate McKinley DiBiase.

TNA

– Former WWE & TNA star Matt Hardy telling fans that he is currently in a much better place after a very chaotic time in his life. In a message posted to Facebook on Tuesday night, Hardy claims to have focus and perspective and says he has a better understanding of his life than ever:

“There’s been times in the past that I’ve had focus & perspective, and it’s served me well.. But currently in life, I have focus, perspective, & experience-and I have a better understanding of my life than I ever have. I no longer have any unanswered questions about who I am or what I need to do to be comfortable in my own skin. I am fulfilled, I am whole, and I am at peace with myself and everyone else. As ironic as it seems, traveling through the dark showed me how much I love the light. I still have a few lingering wildfires that I started in the past that I have to address and put out.. And I will. When I say I no longer have boundaries, it’s because the only boundary that was holding me back in life was me. Now I can be what I’ve always been destined to be. God bless us all.”

Hardy also posted his latest YouTube video:

– The ongoing beef between Scott Steiner, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff continues to escalate. Steiner tweeted this week that he was contacted by Hogan and Bischoff’s lawyers – and now Hulk Hogan has clarified that they were actually TNA’s lawyers that Steiner heard from. Hogan wrote on Twitter that Steiner is a lair and it’s “time to call his guys in” to shut him up:

“Tried to be cool,not only a clown but also a liar.those weren’t my lawyers they were TNA lawyers.well I guess it’s time to call my guys in,”

“I really hope he saved his money or is making tons from the independents he’s working because it’s gonna get expensive,maby he’s smart enough to at least figure it out when it starts getting real,what a shame,what a waste of a great talent,but u can’t tell an idiot their an Idiot. It’s really sad when you really thought someone was really cool. HH”

NHL

– Coyotes’ F Martin Hanzal has been suspended 1 game for his boarding major on Kings’ F Dustin Brown in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The incident occurred at 11:01 of the third period. Hanzal was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct on the play. He will miss Game 3 in LA on Thursday night. Hanzal was given a game misconduct on the play. He has three goals and five points in 10 postseason contests.

Meanwhile, Coyotes’ F Shane Doan won’t be disciplined for his boarding major on Kings’ F Trevor Lewis in Game 2. League disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan ruled that Lewis turned right before Doan made contact. Doan was given a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct late in the second period. He has seven points in 13 playoff games. Also, Coyotes’ D Derek Morris was not suspended for his knee-on-knee hit with Kings’ D Rob Scuderi.

– Capitals’ G Tomas Vokoun is not expected to re-sign with the Capitals this summer. The 35-year-old impending UFA will likely be replaced permanently by G Braden Holtby, with G Michael Neuvirth as his backup. “I wasn’t planning on being back here anyways. For me, it was never intention to be here more than a year.” His agent commented that his client’s preference is to stay in the NHL despite rumours that he may head overseas for the KHL.

– According to Stars’ goalie coach Mike Valley, Team Finland’ G Kari Lehtonen’s undisclosed injury at the World Championships isn’t serious. ”They’re still looking at everything, and there has been a lot of communication between doctors there and our trainer. They’re not 100% sure what the injury is, but I’ve been told it is not a serious injury.” Lehtonen was hurt after a collision with Team USA F Bobby Ryan on Sunday and won’t play again in the tournament.

– According to CBC, Sharks’ head coach Todd McLellan will maintain in his position next season. CBC reported that McLellan was told three days after the Sharks were eliminated from the playoffs that he would be back behind the bench. The team is projected to be make changes to their assistant staff though, with former Sharks Mike Ricci and Bryan Marchment being mentioned as possible replacements.

– Check out this funny error by NHL Network, saying Rangers’ F Brad Richards had “2 shits” against the Devils in Game 1:

– Avalanche’ F Milan Hejduk has reportedly had ongoing dialogue between with the Avalanche in regards to an extension. The 36-year-old is hoping to play at least one more season, preferably with the Avs. The impending UFA has played all 991 of his career games in the NHL with the franchise. Hejduk posted a career-low 37 points in 81 games in 2011-12.

– Capitals’ impending UFA D Dennis Wideman has expressed interest in re-signing with the Caps. ”Obviously, I like it here. I’ve had a lot of fun here in the last year. I like where we’re going, the core group of guys is really, really good. So why not? I’d love to be back.” Wideman had a poor playoffs, scoring no goals, three assists and a minus-7 rating in 14 games. His regular season was much better, with 11 goals and 46 points in 82 contests. He also averaged 23:54 of ice time per game and posted 113 hits, with 132 blocked shots.

– Architects unveiled for city councillors design sketches and a conceptual video walk-through of the proposed $450M facility in downtown Edmonton as the Oilers potential new home. The sketches, leaked to the media weeks earlier, show a futuristic building of wavy lines and curves in zinc, masonry and lots and lots of glass. The building’s shape is meant to resemble an oil drop — to honour the name of the team and the province’s core industry — but practical design functions leave it looking more like a bulbous, backwards letter P. The rink, which would hold 18,400 for an Oilers game, would be inside the circle of the P. A grand foyer would jut out in a straight line below.

– Devils’ F Jacob Josefson (fractured wrist) skated on his own Tuesday, and he is progressing well after being sidelined since April 3. He is hoping to return before the end of the conference finals and is “getting better and better every day, and the strength is almost back and the [range of] motion almost normal,” according to coach Peter DeBoer. Josefson is awaiting clearance to resume practicing.

NFL

– Saints’ unsigned franchise QB Drew Brees called his contract talks with the team “extremely frustrating” on Wednesday. The sides have made no progress since the winter. “It’s been extremely frustrating for me. I don’t think the negotiation should have been this difficult. … We’ve reached out on a number of occasions and at times I’ve been frustrated by the lack of response.” Brees also questioned the team’s “urgency” to do a deal. Stay tuned.

– A thief burglarized the garage of Junior Seau’s home days after the former NFL star’s suicide, police said Wednesday. The burglary occurred in Seau’s garage at about 2 p.m. on May 7, Lt. Leonard Mata said. The crook took a $500 bicycle belonging to a friend of Seau and left through the garage door. No arrest had been made as of Wednesday. ”Somehow they forced the doggy door open so they squeezed through.”

– Titans’ WR Kenny Britt (right knee) is undergoing a second surgery on Wednesday. Britt initially had his right ACL and MCL reconstructed early last October, so this is his second surgery in just over seven months. Beat writer Jim Wyatt cautions that the latest operation is “arthroscopic,” and Britt only had a “minor issue” in his recovery. GM Ruston Webster called the second surgery “commonplace,” and “hopes” Britt will be back for Week 1.

– Former NFL DE Johnny Jolly has been given 10 years of ‘shock’ probation by a judge, just 6 months after he was sentenced to prison for violating terms of his probation for a drug conviction. Jolly, 29, is serving an indefinite suspension from the NFL. His contract with the Green Bay Packers ran out after the 2011 season. The former Texas A&M star faced drug charges in Houston after his July 2008 arrest outside a club for possession of at least 200 grams of codeine. Jolly was then charged last year with possession of a compound containing codeine, a controlled substance, after a traffic stop in Houston in October. He also was charged with tampering with evidence for attempting to conceal the substance from the investigating officers. Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison last November by State District Judge Denise Bradley. Jolly applied for “shock probation,” which allows convicts to ask to be released early on probation after experiencing the shock or trauma of being in jail. Bradley gave Jolly the shock probation this week, along with 200 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine.

– A Texas judge has ordered Hall of Famer Deion Sanders to pay $10,550 in monthly child support as part of his divorce. Sanders and his estranged wife, Pilar, agreed Tuesday to share custody of their three children for the summer. The judge in McKinney ordered the ex-Dallas Cowboy to pay $3,500 a month for a house where his estranged wife now lives and where their children will sometimes stay. Sanders, who’s an NFL Network analyst, also must pay $275K in his spouse’s recent legal fees. Pilar Sanders had also sought $14K in monthly spousal support. The couple previously shared a mansion in Prosper. An April 23 scuffle at the house led to allegations of assault by both parties. A judge ruled neither committed domestic violence.

– The Steelers have officially moved RT Willie Colon to left guard. ”I’ve made the transition to left guard. I like it. It’s just a matter of learning the verbiage.”

NBA

– Pacers’ executive Larry Bird has been named the NBA’s Executive of the Year. Bird becomes the first person in history to ever win an MVP award, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. The three-time MVP and Hall of Famer received 12 first-place votes and 88 total points from a panel of team executives throughout the NBA. San Antonio’s R.C. Buford (56 points) finished a distant second, followed by Los Angeles Clippers GM Neil Olshey (55).

– Nuggets’ F Al Harrington (right knee meniscus) underwent surgery on Wednesday, but is expected to be back on the court in time for summer workouts. Harrington suffered the injury in a win over the Magic on April 1, but played through the persistent pain down the stretch. He averaged 14 points and six rebounds during the regular season. Harrington also broke his nose in the series after catching an inadvertent elbow from Lakers’ F Andrew Bynum as they battled for a rebound.

– Lakers’ F Devin Ebanks and F Andrew Bynum have been fined $25K and $15K, respectively, for separate violations during the team’s second-round series against Oklahoma City. Ebanks was fined for his actions before and after his ejection in the Lakers’ 119-90 loss in Game 1 on Monday. He was thrown out for saying something to an official in getting a technical foul, then ripped off his jersey as he walked back toward the locker room. Bynum was penalized for not making himself available to the media following practice on Tuesday. He did talk to reporters after the team’s morning shootaround Wednesday, saying it was to make up for not speaking the day before.

ATP

– Following his victory at the 2012 Madrid Open, world No. 2 Roger Federer received a black “Men in Black” suit from actor Will Smith, just in time for the new MIB III. Check it out:

UFC

– UFC middleweight fighter Chael Sonnen joined Joe Rogan on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast and said that seeing a sports psychologist changed his career. The 35-year old, who is set to fight Anderson Silva at UFC 148 in July, said he went from a top 10 middleweight to a title contender after seeing the sports psychologist.

“So when I started seeing a sports psychologist and I finally came clean, it’s like being an alcoholic, before you can get help, you have to admit you have a problem. When I finally admitted I got a problem, when I finally said, it, when I finally could acknowledge it and look somebody in the eye and tell them this is what’s going on, I’m finding a way to lose as opposed to win. I work harder than these guys. I been at this longer, I know how to stop submissions, I’m finding my way into them, I’m finding a way out and that’s what’s happening. I had to acknowledge that and once I did it, I never lost again.”

Here is the full transcript of what Sonnen said courtesy of MMAMania.com:

“For me, I had a fight with Yushin Okami who was ranked number two in the world and I was one of those guys that was kind of looked at in the top 10. That was right before I fought Nate Marquardt and it gave me a lot of confidence, but here is what happened Joe. I have never lost a round of fighting, and when I say that, sometimes a guy will laugh because I have lost fights. But, I’ve never lost a round. I’ve never had a fight where a judge ever scored a round against me until my last match with Bisping. At the point of your story, though, I sit down one day, and I’m on Sherdog.com, and I’m looking at my record. I’ve won every round I have ever fought. I’ve never been in a tough fight. I’ve never had stitches, I’ve never broken anything, I have dominated everybody and I’ve lost eight fights, and I’ve lost all of them by submission and I’ve lost all of them in the second round. And I’m staring at that on the computer and I’m staring at these numbers like a CEO would his spreadsheet. And I’m saying, ‘There is something going on here and it’s not physical. There is something going on that I can dominate eight minutes of a fight, seven minutes of a fight, nine minutes of a fight and find a way out time after time after time in the same round with the same move.’ So, I went and got help. I went and got professional help and I sought out a doctor, Ed Versteeg. I hate talking about this because this was a real secret. This was a real turning point for me was when I went in, worked on sports psychology and got hypnotized. I was never the same. I was never the same in practice, my attitude was different. Controlling my diet, being discipline, falling asleep, the way I approached battle, the way I approached the second round. Everything changed, and it changed to the point where, I hate to say what I just said and now it’s too late because I felt like it was my secret. I discovered something and I don’t want other people to know. I will write about it someday in a book, I will talk about it you know, when I’m retired , but I’m not going to tell anybody because it’s competitive edge. So when I started seeing a sports psychologist and I finally came clean, it’s like being an alcoholic, before you can get help, you have to admit you have a problem. When I finally admitted I got a problem, when I finally said, it, when I finally could acknowledge it and look somebody in the eye and tell them this is what’s going on, I’m finding a way to lose as opposed to win. I work harder than these guys. I been at this longer, I know how to stop submissions, I’m finding my way into them, I’m finding a way out and that’s what’s happening. I had to acknowledge that and once I did it, I never lost again. I lost to Paulo which was the controversial one and then I lost to Anderson after dominating him, I’ve never been beat since I saw this doctor.”

WLA

– A massive line brawl broke out between the Nanaimo Timbermen and Coquitlam Adanacs broke out this weekend. Check out the craziness:

NBA

– According to his doctors, Bulls’ G Derrick Rose (torn ACL) will need 8-12 months of recovery. If Rose gets back at exactly the eight-month mark, he’ll miss the first 10 weeks of the 2012-13 season. If he ends up needing the entire 12 months, he’d be targeting a return during the playoffs. Rose’s real timetable won’t be known until we see how his knee responds to rehab. Rose’s doctor added that the 2010-11 MVP “should” return to his old form, but it’s not “guaranteed.” He also said that a late-January return is a best-case scenario. Dr. Brian Cole said,

“It’s impossible to predict tomorrow. Statistically, he should be that player and then some. That doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed. It’s a whole lot better than we were accustomed to years ago. The ligament is one thing and the meniscus is another. Getting all the things to heal appropriately is really our goal in the early phases. Then, it’s rehab, conditioning — getting his brain connected to his knee, basically.”

“This could be anything from a completely random event — which in a non-contact injury, most of the time that’s what it is — to maybe conditioning. We’ll never know with certainty. My feeling is it’s more likely than not a very random even that happened. If you watch the video, you can see … the forces are just right to tear the ligament.”

“There’s a lot of benefit to playing when he’s safe. Whether he has to go 40 minutes, that’s a different story. Just getting out there and playing when he’s able, that’s when his exponential growth is going to come. Lots of athletes go back and play at a very high level but not necessarily initially at the level they were pre-injury.”

– The Mavericks have signed head coach Rick Carlisle to a contract extension through the 2015-16 season. Despite a first round sweep by the Thunder this season, Carlisle is the only coach to ever guide the franchise to a title. He’s 198-114 during his four years in Dallas. Owner Mark Cuban said,

“These things, they take time and it’s a very big commitment both ways and we had a lot of great conversations during the season and after the season. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to return.”

– Cavaliers’ G Kyrie Irving was unanimously named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year for the 2011-12 season on Tuesday. Nuggets’ F Kenneth Faried, Knicks’ G Iman Shumpert and Spurs’ G Kawhi Leonard each received a first-place vote, but 117 of 120 votes went to Irving. The first pick in last year’s draft, Irving led all rookies — and the Cavs — in scoring with 18.5 points per game. He also led first-year players in field-goal percentage (46.8), was second in assists (5.4) and became one of just six rookies in league history to average at least 18 points and five assists.

“This award is for us [his father, Dred, who raised his son after his wife, Elizabeth, died 15 years ago]. We’re bringing it back home and we’re going to put it right on the mantle and we’re going to put some flashing lights on it so it shines throughout the whole entire house.”

“It was a goal of mine. I kept it on the back burner. I knew as long as we won games and we beat great teams that it was going to come.”

– According to a report in the NY Daily News, if the Toronto Raptors are unable to lure G Steve Nash to Canada, they would be interested in signing Knicks’ RFA G Jeremy Lin. Any deal would likely be back-loaded. In 25 starts for the Knicks, Lin averaged 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists.

– USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo considers about 10 men’s Olympic team spots set “on paper,” with the rest to be determined over two days of practice before the squad is announced July 7. The Americans requested and were granted an extension to the deadline to select the squad by the U.S. Olympic Committee after four candidates were knocked out by injuries. The team was originally to be picked by June 18 before the end of the NBA season. Instead, the Americans will hold their first practice July 6 in Las Vegas with a to-be-determined number of players. They’ll gather their final 12 at a team meeting the next night. There are 18 healthy players in the pool.

MLB

– Nationals’ RHP Stephen Stasburg was bothered by stray Hot Stuff, an ointment similar to Icy-Hot as a muscle loosener, in his groin during Tuesday’s loss to the Padres. Strasburg allowed four runs in four innings.The product cautions not to use it on sensitive skin. The product started out on his throwing shoulder, so how it ended up below the belt is beyond me. Strasburg allowed four runs in just four innings. Manager Davey Johnson said, “I can’t really tell you what the problem was, but some Hot Stuff got misplaced. It was on his shoulder and evidently – I don’t know how it got to where it got, but it was uncomfortable, to say the least.”

– The Dodgers have placed OF Matt Kemp (left hamstring strain) on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 14. Kemp aggravated his hamstring injury on Sunday and an MRI on Monday confirmed a strain. The 27-year-old is hoping to be ready to go two weeks from now.

– The Yankees have placed RHP David Robertson (left oblique strain) on the 15-day DL. Robertson had an MRI on his rib cage Tuesday morning. He’s expected to miss roughly 3 weeks. Robertson is 0-1 with a 2.51 ERA and one save this season.

– The A’s have confirmed that OF Manny Ramirez is scheduled to join the team on May 30 in Minnesota. That day marks the end of Manny Ramirez’s 50-game PED suspension. He’ll head to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday to begin playing in minor league games. The 39-year-old will be a part-time DH.

– Red Sox’ 3B Kevin Youkilis (back) will begin a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Pawtucket. Youk is expected to get three at-bats as DH in his first game back, but he’ll likely need to play multiple games at third base before the club considers activating him from the DL. It’s possible he could return this weekend if all goes well.

– Athletics’ OF Yoenis Cespedes (left hand strain) has been cleared for all baseball activities expect hitting. Cespedes is eligible to return from the DL early next week and could be ready by then if he continues progressing at this rate. The 26-year-old was batting .245/.319/.434 with five home runs, five doubles four stolen bases and 21 RBI through his first 119 plate appearances as a major leaguer.

– The Rays have placed RHP Jeff Niemann (fractured right fibula) on the 15-day DL. Niemann suffered the injury when he was hit in the right leg by a comebacker during Monday’s start against the Blue Jays. The early estimate is that he’ll miss 4-6 weeks, which places his return in late June or early July. Niemann is 2-3 with a 3.37 ERA in seven starts.

– According to the AP, Major League Baseball will announce Wednesday that the New York Mets will host the 2013 All-Star game at Citi Field. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because MLB did not reveal the purpose of the news conference at Citi Hall with baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Baseball decided at least four years ago that the Mets would host the game at the ballpark, which opened in 2009, but held off an announcement until it reaching agreements with the city. The Mets last hosted the All-Stars in 1964, the year Shea Stadium opened. The game was last in New York in 2008, the final season of old Yankee Stadium.

– Brian McNamee testified Tuesday he saved medical waste after injecting Roger Clemens with steroids because his wife complained that McNamee was going to be the fall guy. McNamee said his wife told him, “You’re going to go down! You’re going to go down! You’re going to go down!” McNamee, Clemens’ former strength coach, has said he injected the seven-time Cy Young Award winner multiple times with steroids and human growth hormone. He said he had told his wife about the injections. He said he wanted to do something that would make his wife stop giving him a “hard time every single day,” so he took a swab and cotton ball from a Clemens’ steroid injection in 2001, put it in a beer can, and brought it home. He said when he showed it to his wife, she said, “all right.”

The waste collected by McNamee is the physical evidence prosecutors are using against Clemens in his perjury trial. Clemens is accused of lying to Congress in 2008 when he denied using steroids or HGH. McNamee said he stored the material in a FedEx box, first in a closet in his basement, then in a closet in his master bedroom. He said he didn’t have any plans to use the material in any way.

– The Cardinals have placed OF Jon Jay (right shoulder) on the 15-day DL. Jay injured his right shoulder when he banged into an outfield wall last month. He’s 3-for-18 on the homestand with one hit, a bunt single, in his last 15 at-bats.

– Twins’ 1B Justin Morneau (right wrist) will be activated from the DL before Wednesday’s game. Morneau has made it through batting practice sessions on back-to-back days without any issues, so he’ll return on the first day he’s eligible. The 31-year-old is hitting .230/.313/.459 with four home runs and nine RBI over his first 83 plate appearances this year.

– D’Backs manager Kirk Gibson said OF Chris Young (shoulder) has an “outside shot” of playing this weekend against the Royals. Young began a rehab assignment with High-A Visalia Monday and will stay there through Wednesday before heading to Triple-A Reno. He remains out indefinitely, but could realistically play next week. “It’s a different game … here. We’d like him to play most of the time or every day. He’s just not 100% yet.”

– Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi confirmed Tuesday that RHP Rafael Soriano will fill in at closer. ”I don’t doubt he can do the job. I’ve seen him do it before.” Soriano is replacing David Robertson, who just went on the DL. He has a 2.57 ERA through 14 innings this year.

WWE

– Mark Henry (groin) revealed on Twitter on Monday night that he will be undergoing surgery today, and said he plans to retire from WWE if he can’t get back to 100% health:

“[Tuesday] I go under the knife. When I return I will be the fire breathing, pain inflicting,face melting better than ever Mark Henry!

Listen up! IF NOT! I will walk away. I have to much PRIDE to not deface any one in the WWE. The Hall of Pain is open for business!”

Henry is undergoing surgery for the groin injury that he suffered a while back that led to him dropping the World Heavyweight Championship in late 2011. Henry has stated in recent interviews that he plans to retire if he is unable to come back from the injury at 100%. There was talk earlier this year before WrestleMania that Henry felt his career was winding down, so we might have seen the last of the World’s Strongest Man.

– As seen on Monday’s RAW, Big Show has been ‘fired’ by John Laurinaitis for making fun of his voice last week. During commercial break that aired right after Big Show was fired, he stopped on the ramp on his way backstage, bowed to the fans and waved goodbye. John Laurinaitis tweeted the following after RAW:

“Tonight, @WWETheBigShow forced me to make an example out of him. Let that be a lesson to the entire locker room. #Raw”

To sell the storyline, Big Show’s profile to their Alumni roster and the WWE website has posted an article speculating who else might get fired for disobeying the General Manager of RAW and SmackDown:

“Under Laurinaitis’ tumultuous reign, Big Show and The Bella Twins have both been handed their walking papers. If Laurinaitis defeats John Cena at WWE Over the Limit and continues to serve as the GM of Raw and SmackDown, one can only wonder who might be next to face his wrath.”

According to the Wrestling Observer, one scenario that’s been discussed for Sunday’s Over The Limit PPV is for Big Show to interfere in John Laurinaitis’ match with John Cena, and cost Cena the match. A stipulation was set on RAW that John Laurinaitis will lose his job if he loses to John Cena – and any WWE superstars who interfere will be fired. Since Big Show is already ‘fired’ – he can interfere, help John Laurinaitis win & keep his job, and then Laurinaitis would re-hire Big Show.

– According to F4WOnline, with the news of John Cena’s divorce becoming public last week, WWE officials are said to be doing whatever they can behind the scenes to keep him upbeat and positive.

– This week on MLW’s Konnan Show presented by Masked Republic’s LuchaShop.com, Konnan had a lot to say about Rey Mysterio’s recent suspension for violating WWE’s drug testing policy.

“Rey Mysterio, I can guarantee you categorically, he doesn’t do any drugs. He’s a guy that really lives up to his role model image. He’s got two little kids that he really wants to be an example for. He’s even told me, ‘Dude, please do not come to my house high.’ He really wants to be a good role model. He’s not on the juice or anything.”

“What can Rey really be on? It can’t be the juice and he definitely doesn’t do any hard drugs. He was taking a dietary supplement because he has a problem with his love handles. It was something that would burn fat and I think just like anything that’s fat burning it probably had some sort of amphetamine in it. So that’s where we’re at right now. He’s actually still going back and forth with WWE on that.”

“It kind of pisses me off because they know who is on what and they’ve given other guys passes. I won’t get into names or details because Rey will catch heat, but this is my opinion. They know he’s not on anything.”

Konnan also revealed that WWE plans to delay the expiration date of Mysterio’s contract to make up for time lost due to injury. MLW’s Konnan Show with Konnan and Mister Saint Laurent is available for FREE on MLW.com, iTunes (search: KONNAN SHOW) and syndicated by Stitcher.com.

– Here is the latest card for WWE Over The Limit 2012, which takes place this Sundayfrom the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina:

John Cena vs. John Laurinaitis (Laurinaitis’ Job On The Line – Anybody Who Interferes Will Be Fired)

WWE Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

World Heavyweight Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Chris Jericho vs. Randy Orton

Tag Team Championship Match: Kofi Kingston & R-Truth (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger

WWE Divas Championship Match: Layla (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

YouTube Pre-Show Match: Kane vs. Zack Ryder

– A press release was issued recently touting UFC star Tito Ortiz going into the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on May 20. Talking about Tito’s popularity, they claimed that he has sold out more pay-per-views than any UFC fighter in history and has drawn a higher buy-rate than WWE’s WrestleMania XIX, calling it the most popular WrestleMania of all-time. The press release also talks about Tito’s future as he gets ready to leave UFC and it teases that he may return to professional wrestling with WWE. Back in April, Tito Ortiz had this to say to ESPN about a future career in WWE:

“I’ve got a lot of options. I’ve seen Brock Lesnar go back to the WWE, that’s something I may entertain, do some ‘theatrical entertainment’ as they call it. I’ve got my clothing company, my supplement line Punishment Nutrition, it’s business to me. I’m not going to be able to fight for the rest of my life and I want to leave on my terms.”

– Former WWE champion The Miz was interviewed by Pittsburgh’s Fan Morning Show on Monday to promote last night’s RAW Supershow. Here are some highlights of what Miz said about:

Loving His Role As a Heel Character: “I don’t want to be liked. I enjoy people hating me, I enjoy the Tweets that I get at @MikeTheMiz with people going, ‘You suck, you’re the worst, I can’t stand you. I don’t like you.’ Some people don’t like to hear negative things. That’s what feeds me. That’s what makes me want to do better and prove everyone wrong. So that’s basically why I’m so good.”

Starring In The New WWE Studios Film, The Marine: Homefront: “I’m doing a movie — Marine: Home Front. I’m huge. I’m going to be a huge movie star. I’m the most must-see WWE superstar, I’m a huge movie star. I mean, it’s going to be the whole chi-bang.”

Vince McMahon Originally Wanting Him to be “WWE’s Ryan Seacrest”: “It’s funny you bring up Ryan Seacrest. When I first came to WWE, they wanted me to be the host of Smackdown! I go into Vince’s office and he’s like, ‘Alright, Miz. We want you to be like the Ryan Seacrest of the WWE.’ By the way, I didn’t even think Vince McMahon even knew who Ryan Seacrest was.

“But, whenever your boss tells you, ‘We want you to be the Ryan Seacrest of this.’ That’s just a bad thing in general. Especially when you’re in WWE. You want to be the guy that’s tough. ‘Hey, I’m The Miz!’ But, no. I’m in there like, ‘Hey, What’s up! Welcome to WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown!’

“… Then, I turned that into the most must-see former WWE champion. And [I steal] the show. Everybody [watches] me.”

– WWE announced on RAW that Sunday’s Over The Limit pay-per-view will feature a 30-minute pre-show that will be broadcast live on Youtube.com. WWE was so impressed with the viewership numbers for the Extreme Rules Youtube pre-show last month that this will most likely become a regular feature each month. WWE is making big money from their new YouTube partnership, so expect to see the WWE Youtube channel continue to post tons of videos.

– Monday’s RAW drew a 2.94 rating and averaged 4,408,000 viewers. The show did hours of 2.91 and 2.97. This was the first time since February 13th that RAW dipped below 3.0 and the second lowest rating of the year (behind the 1/9 show, which was up against the BCS National Title college football game). RAW’s Trendrr.tv social media score was also way down this week, down 36% from last week and down 39% compared to this year’s average. RAW ranked #4 on cable on Monday night, behind the NBA Playoffs and “Basketball Wives” on VH1.

– The May 11 episode of WWE SmackDown garnered 1.7 cable rating, down from 1.92 the week before. It was the lowest-rated first-run Friday episode in 2012. The program averaged 2,530,000 viewers, down from 2,710,000 last week. It was the least-watched first-run Friday episode since March 30.

– WWE.com has a new storyline article up looking at Brock Lesnar’s lawsuit against WWE – and whether Paul Heyman’s involvement in the lawsuit has anything to do with his personal vendetta against the company. The article speculates:

“Following the abysmal ECW December to Dismember pay-per-view in 2006, a very public disagreement about who was to blame for the subpar show saw Heyman part ways with WWE either by resignation or termination, depending on whether you ask Heyman or WWE. Heyman remained publicly silent about his acrimonious split from WWE. Did Heyman sign a non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreement or was the Extreme mastermind simply biding his time until an opportunity for vengeance materialized or both?”

“From a business standpoint, as a representative of Lesnar’s, recouping even a small percentage of Lesnar’s seven-figure contract is a nice commission for Heyman. The question is: Does Heyman (who turned down multiple offers to return to wrestling during his five-year absence from WWE, indicating income is not an issue for him) relish suing WWE as personal payback rather than a pecuniary payday?”

– WWE will hold its first NXT & Florida Championship Wrestling television tapings from Florida’s Full Sail University later this week. Aside from simply using Full Sail’s production facility to film NXT & FCW, WWE has announced that university’s entertainment-focused degree programs will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working with WWE to produce NXT. Throughout the taping schedule, Full Sail University students, staff, faculty and the general public will be invited to attend the live tapings on the campus. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will go towards a scholarship fund for students enrolled at or planning to attend Full Sail University. WWE COO Triple H, who has been very hands on with bringing NXT & FCW to Full Sail, had this to say about the new relationship:

“WWE has always been a leader in creating superstars in front of the camera. Now, with this unique partnership with Full Sail University, WWE will develop stars behind the camera as well. With the opportunity to host events at Full Sail’s top-notch facilities and the chance to tap into Full Sail’s greatest resource, its students, we are excited to provide real-world experience while giving us a fresh, creative perspective from ambitious students.”

– Among the WWE-related terms trending worldwide on Twitter last night during RAW were “go puck yourself”, Sheamus, John Cena, Brodus Clay, David Otunga, Alicia Fox and CM Punk, among a few others.

– Santino Marella, Layla, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger were interviewed backstage at Monday’s RAW for the latest Backstage Fallout video:

– Vince McMahon appeared on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars semifinals on Monday night during a video package looking at contestant Maria Menounos. About Maria, Vince said, “She’s daring, loves to perform, a great work ethic. And when you have those qualities and are gutsy on top of it, you make it to the top.” Menounos went on to score a 29 out of 30 for the ‘jive’ dance that followed.

NFL

– The Patriots have re-signed franchise WR Wes Welker to a 1-year/$9.5M contract. The Pats have until July 16 to work out a long-term deal. Welker is now eligible to join his teammates in OTAs, starting next Monday. Welker led the NFL with 122 receptions and was second in the league with 1,569 yards receiving. Welker, 30, is only the second receiver to catch at least 120 passes in two different seasons.

– Jaguars’ RB Maurice Jones-Drew skipped the first day of organized team activities Tuesday. Head coach Mike Mularkey said the three-time Pro Bowler wants a contract extension. Jones-Drew is scheduled to make $4.45M this season. Since the workouts are voluntary and Jones-Drew has stayed away before, it’s not a huge concern. But the Jaguars would like to have their best offensive player in attendance to get acquainted with a new coaching staff and new playbook. Jones-Drew hasn’t worked out in Jacksonville the last three years. He missed OTAs in 2010 to train on the West Coast, and the NFL lockout cancelled offseason training sessions last year.

“He’s talked about trying to get an extension for his contract, which I think everybody’s aware of. I’m on the coaching end of those matters. I talk to him about football and what I can do for him on the field and in the locker room.”

“It’s all voluntary. I wish he was here. He knows we wish he was here. His teammates have talked to him about it. It’s a personal decision. There’s nothing I can do about it. I think if I spend a lot of energy on worrying about that, it’s not going to go in a good direction for the guys that are here. And I want to show them that positive energy that I have and I don’t want to let anything be a distraction from the guys that are here. He’ll catch up when he comes back in.”

– The Buffalo Bills’ bid to extend their series of playing regular-season games in Toronto could take a big step forward before the end of the month, barring a setback in negotiations. League spokesman Michael Signora wrote in an email on Tuesday that the Toronto series will be on the NFL International Committee’s agenda for its next meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place this month, but no date has been set. In March, NFL owners voted to give the committee authority to make decisions regarding the series, which began five years ago. Though Signora declined to discuss the status of talks between the Bills and Toronto-based Rogers Communications, the two sides have previously expressed optimism that a new deal will be reached to extend the series before it expires after this season.

– According to SI.com’s Don Banks, there are members of the Jaguars’ organization who believe QB Chad Henne will beat out QB Blaine Gabbert by late August. The team has already said that Gabbert will open the season as a starter, but a lack of progress could make things change quickly.

– Bears’ KR Devin Hester’s offensive snaps will be limited this season despite the team installing a special package of plays designed specially for him. WRs coach Darryl Drake said, “It’s just a matter of not having him play 70 plays and throw to him twice. Play him 15 [plays], let him touch it 13 [times.]” Hester’s career high is just under four offensive touches per game.

– 49ers 5th-round OLB Darius Fleming (knee) tore his ACL during his first minicamp practice while bending his knee awkwardly. He signed a 4-year/$2.264M contract one day before the injury. He’s likely out for the 2012-13 season.

– Jaguars’ NT Terrance Knighton (eye surgery) says his eye is “progressing a lot faster than they thought it would,” and that he expects to be ready for training camp. Knighton also insisted he was not the instigator in the April nightclub incident that led to his eye injury. He denied the police report’s assertion that he “repeatedly made threats to shoot people.” Unable to run and lift weights while he rehabs, Knighton will miss the Jaguars’ mandatory June minicamp.

NHL

– Coyotes’ F Raffi Torres will meet with league officials Thursday to appeal his 25-game suspension for his hit on Blackhawks’ F Marian Hossa.

– Capitals’ F Alexander Semin’s agent, Mark Gandler, essentially confirmed that his client will not re-sign with the Caps. The 28-year-old Semin is set to become a UFA on July 1. Gandler told TSN Radio:

“There’s no question, he likes Washington and the organization. He does not like the way he’s being used. He does not like the role he has under the [Capitals'] new direction.”

“I think that Alex, even within that direction that the team wanted to take, can play that way. If you watch the Capitals, he is the first guy back on every shift.”

“Alex Semin is not a lazy player. Alex Semin works damn hard at each practice and goes to the gym every day on the days off. His birth certificate is one of the reasons, but I think the bigger reason is that he’s an unassuming person. He doesn’t say much, he just plays the game and it’s easy to bully somebody like that.”

“If the team were looking to lock Alex up to a long-term contract we would definitely consider it, but we felt that we really needed to find short-term deals until such time that either we were sure we wanted to go long-term with the Capitals or just become an unrestricted free agent and see who else is out there.”

“We’re looking for significant term – no question about it, or the amount of money that we feel he deserves.”

– According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Canucks’ head coach Alain Vigneault’s extension is being worked on and could be completed within the next two weeks.

– Canadiens’ G Carey Price says that the injuries that plagued him at the end of the regular season have healed. Price was suffering from a compressed spine, a sore neck and a concussion, but he was cleared before heading back home for the off-season after he remained in Montreal deep into April. Price is scheduled to become an RFA on July 1, but believes he’ll re-sign with the Habs.

– Coyotes’ G Jason LaBarbera commented on the possibility of commissioner Gary Bettman getting to hoist the Stanley Cup second (behind captain Shane Doan) should the Coyotes win the Cup. The Yotes, of course, are run by the league with no owner.

“Gary would get it, wouldn’t he? If we win the Cup, does he hold it up himself first? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind it. That would be an interesting dynamic.”

– The Blackhawks have signed F Rob Flick to a 3-year contract. The 21-year-old had seven goals, six assists and 91 penalty minutes in 45 regular-season games with the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs this season.

TNA

– Tara stated Tuesday via Twitter that she is featured in the latest issue of Penthouse—a pornographic magazine.

“Be sure to pick the newest edition of Penthouse to see your favorite knockout, Tara. Hubba Hubba,”

The veteran grappler stated multiple times during her WWE tenure that she would have gladly posed nude for Penthouse competitor Playboy had she been asked. Varon also stated Tuesday that she is involved with an undisclosed project which will keep her away from her Chicago, Illinois residence for one month.

– Angelina Love, who has not competed on Impact Wrestling since the April 5 episode, stated on Twitter that she will be on hand for tonight’s taping in Orlando, Florida (air date May 24).

“Fun night in Orlando last night, now at the Impact Zone for @IMPACTWRESTLING TV tapings! Excitement!!”

The five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion returned to the road at last week’s live events in Louisiana, putting over Mickie James. She is advertised to face Velvet Sky at Thursday and Friday’s shows in Mississippi.

– Barack Obama made history last Wednesday as the first United States President to openly support gay marriage. He spoke out on the matter Tuesday on the ABC morning talk show The View, which drew an elated response from TNA Knockout Madison Rayne on Twitter.

“Obama on “The View” discussing same sex marriage rights!!! Awesome!!! GoBama!!!”

Her remark drew ire from some of her followers; she responded,

“LoL. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions guys. If you don’t agree with mine, cool. Disrespectful comments ALWAYS result in a block though.”

RAW
Raw comes to you live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Backstage, Triple H walks into John Laurinaitis. HHH says he’s going to say something to the world out in the ring.

HHH comes to the ring and downplays the significance of his injury. He moves on to Brock Lesnar, and says his actions would upset a bunch of legends like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair. He says Lesnar lost to John Cena because Cena’s not a quitter like Lesnar, and when Brock wasn’t happy with things, he quit again.

Lesnar’s music hits, but Paul Heyman and a lawyer come out instead. Heyman argues that Lesnar had an oral agreement with John Laurinaitis that Hunter discarded. Heyman says HHH signed a fighter into an entertainment company, then got upset when he wanted to fight.  I liked when he said Hunter brought in a fighter and then got upset when the fighter wanted to fight. The lawyer hands HHH papers, notifying him that he’s being sued. Hunter got in Heyman’s face, then facewashed him. Heyman loses it and calls HHH a coward. HHH says Lesnar will get everything he deserves, then leaves. As he’s leaving, Heyman tells HHH that he was just assaulted, and will see HHH in court. Overall, the crowd was pretty dead for it. Kind of a boring segment, even though both are excellent mic workers.

CM Punk & Santino d. Daniel Bryan & Cody Rhodes (C+)
With the heels knocked to the outside, Punk lands a suicide dive through the ropes. Santino tries, but hits his stomach on the middle rop and falls back into the ring. After the commercial, Santino got worked on. He tried to make a diving tag to Punk but came up a few feet short. He eventually made the hot tag, as Punk goes after Rhodes. Punk goes for a pinfall, but Bryan breaks it up. Punk tries for a GTS on Bryan, but he escapes and bails up the ramp. Rhodes dodges an apron Cobra, but Punk hits the GTS for the pinfall at 11 minutes. It wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been so much more.

Ace has a “major announcement” for tonight.

Beth Phoenix d. Alicia Fox (D-)
Layla watched the match from the stage. Beth dominated pretty much the whole match, scoring a Glam Slam for the pinfall at 2 minutes. Post-match, Beth continued to attack Alicia, so Layla made the save and landed a weird Jeff Hardy-like spinning head slam or something.

John Cena Make-A-Wish Foundation video package.

The pre-Over the Limit YouTube match is Kane vs. Zack Ryder.

Big Show/Ace video package from last week.

Kane d. Big Show vs. Kane (D-)
Ace and David Otunga are ringside. Midway through the match, Ace stops the match and asks Show for an apology. Kane uses the distraction and scores a sloppy Chokeslam for the pinfall at 4 minutes. Post-match, Ace and Otunga get into the ring to confront Show. Ace tells him to apologize or else he’s fired. Show says he’s been wrestling for 18 years, and loves performing for the fans and interacting with the kids. He said he’s fine never having another title match, or being fined, but if Ace has an ounce of decency, he’ll allow him to continue doing what he loves. Ace makes him say “I’m sorry” twice more, then tells him to beg for his job. Crowd is chanting “no,” and Show is fighting himself over it. Ace says he’s disgusted by Show and the fans. Show pleads him to not make him do this, but Ace says he’s doing what’s right for business, then says he’ll reconsider. He leaves the ring, but at the stage, Ace starts to fire him. Show gets down on both knees and apologizes for making fun of his voice, saying he’ll never do it again. “Are you happy now!” Ace responds, As general manager of Raw and Smackdown, I wish you the best in your future endeavours…And Show. You’re fired.” Show starts bawling in the ring as the crowd chants his name in support. The crowd was good for this, but the segment was way too long. Rumours now have Show turning heel on Cena during the Cena/Ace match in order to have Laurinaitis re-hire him. We’ll see.

Brodus Clay, Kofi Kingston & R-Truth d. The Miz, Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger (D)
Backstage, Abraham Washington is with Primo, Epico, Rosa and Mason Ryan, who he is in negotiations with the team. Kingston gets the hot tag and botches a series of moves with Miz. Ziggler runs at Clay, but takes an awkward/unanticipated headbutt to the chest from the apron. Clay tags himself in. Kingston hits Trouble in Paradise on Miz, then Clay lands a big splash for the pinfall at 7 minutes. Post-match, some kids are dancing with the faces in the ring. FYI, Miz’ losing is likely to keep him off TV while they film The Marine 3: Homefront.

Backstage, CM Punk with Alex Riley. AJ walks in as Riley leaves. Punk says, “Remember that $50 you owe me” to Riley. What’s that about? AJ wished him luck on Sunday. Punk thanks her but remains skeptical interfering between AJ and Bryan, since he doesn’t trust the latter. Punk isn’t sure if he’s being set up, so he leaves. Interference foreshadowing?

Chris Jericho d. Randy Orton via DQ (C)
Sheamus took some nice jabs at Cole ringside. Orton tried for an inverted DDT through the ropes, but Jericho backbody drops him over the top rope. Sheamus and Jericho bicker, so Jericho throws Orton into Sheamus at the announce table area, sending everyone crashing to the barricade. Nice. Jericho rolls Orton back in, who quickly gets up and sets up for another DDT, but Sheamus pulls Jericho out and lays him out with a clothesline for the DQ at 8 minutes. Post match, Orton and Sheamus argued on the outside before they agree to fight in the ring. A bunch of refs run in and break it up. Another non-pin finish with the four Fatal 4-Way participants.

Main event time. Ace comes out and says Cena fans are losers. He says he’s better than The Rock and Brock combined. He says the world needs losers so there can be winners like him.

Cena comes out with no sling. He smells Ace and says Desperation was a cheap cologne. He mocks Ace’s voice, then jokes about being fired. He calls Ace a scumbag for what he did to Show. He was a scumbag before that, and now he’s the “undisputed king of douchebaggery.” Cena recaps Ace’s last few months; he won at WrestleMania 28 despite doing nothing, he wanted CM Punk removed as WWE Champion which never happened; and he signed Lesnar, who lost at Extreme Rules and quit. Ace is 1/4, and Cena gets in his face calling him a “loser” like in Liar Liar or Ace Ventura with Jim Carrey. Obviously the movie was way better, but this wasn’t too bad. Cena asks the people, for People Power, how many of them want to beat Ace so bad that he squeals like a baby calf waiting for teething. Big crowd pop.

Cena goes for cheap pops by talking about the 1970′s Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” that won four Super Bowls in six years, then moves on to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ace says he was going to use that in his promo and was going to call them losers too. Cena does more “loser” impressions. Ace is holding in a laugh. Cena points out some Pens player sitting ringside, then takes a hockey puck out from his back pocket and says “go puck yourself.” Big crowd pop. Ace says he’s taller and better looking than Cena. He syas he has the power to add stipulations, referees and modifications to matches. Eve comes out and hands Ace a paper. Cena rips it away from Ace to read it, but actually rips the whole thing in half.

It’s from the Board of Directors. They feel like it’s important for the WWE Universe to know what they’re getting. “Your match with Mr. Cena will be one on one. There will be no special guest referee. No one is allowed at ringside. The only way to win is by pinfall or submission. Any superstar who interferes in the match will be immediately terminated…should you, Mr. Laurinaitis, lose this match to John Cena then you will be officially terminated.” Big crowd pop and “yes” chant. If the Board can hire and fire so easily, can’t they just re-hire Show? Who needs logic. Cena asks what Ace’s big announcement was. “Do I get a ShamWow for $9.99?” Ha! Ace delivers a slap to the face, then leaves to end the show.

This is a cheap remake of Stone Cold/Vince McMahon from the 1999 Rumble/St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, except much worse and more watered down. The top dog versus his boss. Right now, it looks like Show interferes and helps Ace win in order to get his job back.

Three Stars of the Show
* John Cena
** Chris Jericho
*** Triple H

Final Grade: F

Awful show, maybe even the worst of 2012. And that’s saying something. Ace’s promos were too long and drawn out, he probably took up 25% of the show just by himself. More lack of promotion for the title matches, moreso with Punk/Bryan than the SmackDown 4-way. Here’s the show in its entirety via YouTube:

– 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.