Sports Brief: Jan. 13

OC Eagle basketball update 

Over the winter break, Oklahoma Christian University men’s and women’s basketball kicked off their 2022-23 conference campaigns. 

The men are currently 3-7 in Lone Star Conference play thanks to a three-game win streak after losing five straight. The Eagles are sitting at 7th in the Lone Star as a whole, but 2nd in the eastern division through their first 10 conference games.

The women got off to a rough start this season, losing their first eight games. Since then, they secured a couple wins for a 2-12 overall record, making them 2-8 in the conference. 

Trevor Bauer

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially released starting pitcher and former CY Young award winner Trevor Bauer. Bauer signed a 3-year $102 million contract with the Dodgers during the 2020-21 offseason, starting 17 games and posting a 2.59 ERA. During the offseason, assault allegations came to light and led to his suspension. The MLB reinstated Bauer after a record-long 324 game suspension.

Whether or not teams around the league are willing to give Bauer a chance is unclear. ESPN reported the Dodgers attempted to trade Bauer, but to no avail, opting to release him instead. 

Damar Hamlin

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field after making a tackle on Monday, Jan. 2, has been discharged from the hospital and is home. Hamin received CPR from the Bills training staff for around nine minutes after undergoing cardiac arrest and was sent to a Cincinnati Hospital where he continued his recovery.

Hamlin is expected to make a full recovery. Whether or not football is in his future is unclear as of today. 

Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback and 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is officially eliminated from the playoffs due to a knee injury. Jackson injured his knee on Dec. 4, missing the team’s last five regular-season games and now the team’s  first playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Jackson addressed the injury via social media after reports claimed he was using the injury as leverage for ongoing contract negotiations.

“I wish I could be out there with my guys more than anything, but I can’t give 100% of myself to my guys and fans. I am still hopeful we will have a chance.” 

The NFL playoffs begin this weekend on Saturday, Jan. 14.