Friday Facts You May Have Missed
NFL
The Los Angeles Rams have had serious conversations recently about the possibility of trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The 28-year-old signed a 5-year, $100-million deal in 2020 and is under contract for 3 more seasons. This move would free up $17 in cap space for 2023.
Quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Nagy, is moving on up. The team making the announcement on Friday that the 44-year-old has been promoted to offensive coordinator.
NBA
The Milwaukee Bucks overcome an early exit by star Giannis Antetokounmpo late in the 1st quarter with a right knee issue, and beat the Miami Heat 128-99 and take their 13th straight win. The status of Giannis injury is unknown at this point. Head coach Mike Budenholzer saying post game:
“I haven’t gotten the full breakdown, but I’m pretty sure either on a drive or on a screen or something like that, he knocked knees with somebody and just wasn’t able to return."
The Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers took it through 2OT's to name a winner of the 2nd highest scoring game in NBA history. It ended with the Kings coming out on top just barely over the Clippers 176-175. Malik Monk dropped in a career high 45 points, while De’Aaron Fox contributed 42 and was responsible for the go-ahead basket. This was only the 2nd time in NBA history that both teams topped 170 points. The #1 spot is held by Detroit and Denver when Detroit won 186-184 on December 13, 1983.
NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak has been given a 2-game suspension for elbowing Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo late in the 3rd period of Thursday's game. Cernak did not receive a penalty at the time, Okoposo stayed on the bench but did not go back in.
Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight will be unavailable for an undetermined amount of time while he receives care from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. The 21-year-old will continue to be paid while receiving treatment and can head back to the Panthers after program administrators clear him for on-ice competition.
MLB
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts is talking about the very underwhelming offer the Red Sox approached him with, that ultimately set the stage for the beginning of the end for the 30-year-old in Boston. Their 1st offer was a 4-year, $90 million offer. Bogaerts saying:
"I didn't get my hopes up. I remember in spring training, Scott (Boras) approached me about an extension offer and I was like 'Alright, let's see what's going on. Baseball Isn't Boring. When he came back with the offer it was like, 'Oh shit, this is pretty rough.' It was a little disappointing, to be honest. That kind of set the stage (for leaving). I was looking forward to seeing what they would offer, and once that offer came out, it was (very) surprising. They probably had another vision for the team. Maybe they didn't expect for me to get what I got in the end. Maybe they valued me a little different, and free agency is a whole different ballgame."