Sports Brief: Week of Feb. 19 – 25

College Hoops: Zion’s injury

Only 30 seconds after tip off,  Duke’s potential No. 1-overall pick Zion Williamson hit the floor awkwardly after the sole of his shoe ripped sending the Cameron Crazies into panic mode. Williamson’s right knee sprain led to the eventual 88-72 loss Wednesday against the University of North Carolina.

Despite the consistent speculation, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said there has been no discussion on shutting Williamson down for the remainder of the season and that all signs point to a return.

Williamson sat out during Saturday’s 75-65 win against Syracuse University. Duke will play Virginia Tech tonight Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.

MLB: Machado signs, Free Agency

All-Star shortstop Manny Machado signed a 10-year $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres Feb. 19. The Padres have not had a winning season since 2010 but are now projected to win 79 games in the 2019 season by Baseball Prospectus and FanGraphs.

With Machado off the market, many organization are reentering the Bryce Harper sweepstakes. The Los Angeles Dodgers have declared they are interested in a short-term deal for Harper.

Harper has made it known that he wants to sign a long-term deal, and despite opening day only a month away, has given no indication to change his plans. The slugger met with the Philadelphia Phillies this past weekend and are confident in landing the former National League MVP.

NFL: Robert Kraft, Le’veon Bell

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft could be charged as early as Monday for sex solicitation. Kraft is one of over 100 individuals connected to multiple Florida day spas suspected of being repurposed for prostitution. Both Kraft and the massage parlors have been under investigation for several months for sex trafficking.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ star, Le’veon Bell is now officially exploring his options with a different franchise.

The Green Bay Packers will likely offer a four-year $60 million contract. Adding Bell will likely take pressure off of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and facilitate a dynamic offense. Green Bay can potentially clear more cap space if Bell wants more money by cutting veteran deals.

The Houston Texans can make Bell the highest paid running back in the league with what will likely be a five-year $75 million offer. The Texans can front load the contract to take a large cap hit early in his contract do free up space and build around him in following seasons.

The New York Jets, who are in need of an offensive playmaker, are prepared to offer a four-year $59 million contract. Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold is still under his rookie contract allowing New York to act aggressively in free agency.

For an extensive list regarding Bell’s likely suitors, click here.

NBA: Thunder update

The Oklahoma City Thunder fell short in their 119-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings Feb. 23. Russell Westbrook led the charge offensively, scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 boards. Paul George added a double-double to the stat line with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The Thunder will play the Denver Nuggets tonight Feb. 25 at 9:30 p.m.

Last Chance U: Coach Brown resigns

Independence Community College head football coach Jason Brown resigned Feb. 24 after allegedly telling a German player, “I will be your new Hitler.”

Featured on season three of the Netflix series, “Last Chance U,” Brown has gone on record to say, “It would be nearly impossible to stay here,” after the text he sent was posted on social media.

The series chronicled Independence’s 2018 season and will air later this year.

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