Miles Plumlee delighted to go from insurance policy to important part …

When Miles Plumlee came over from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Charlotte Hornets last week in a trade, he’d been the equivalent of a highly-paid insurance policy. The Bucks had given Plumlee a four-year, $50 million free agent contract last summer but had rarely played him as he was averaging 9.7 minutes per game while playing in 32 of Milwaukee’s first 48 games.

Kevin Durant talks OKC return and ‘fake drama’ involving Russell Westbrook

Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant said in a Tuesday interview with SportsCenter that he? has “been thinking” about Saturday night’s highly anticipated return to? Oklahoma City ?”for the last month” and just wants “to experience it [and] see how I feel once that moment comes.” In a SportsCenter sit-down with ESPN’s Marc Stein, Durant also insisted that ?he is prepared for whatever reaction greets him at Chesapeake Energy Arena, saying: “I know what’s important [to Thunder fans] and their team is way more important than just one player.

Former Gastonia Post 23 and Gastonia Grizzlies standout Tyler White…

Projected for a return to Class AAA Fresno in training camp, an injury opened a roster spot for White to make the Astros’ opening day roster – and the former Gastonia Post 23 American Legion and Gastonia Grizzlies product took full advantage of his opportunity. In a three-game opening series at Yankee Stadium, White collected six hits in nine at-bats for the Astros, including a pinch-hit single in his first major league at-bat on opening day.

Packers release Sam Shields

As the Packers begin to reload for 2017, they’re moving on from a guy who did little to assist the effort in 2016. Undrafted in 2010, Shields became a contributor defensively as a rookie, helping the team to a Super Bowl win.

Antonio Brown wants to “rebuild the trust” in Pittsburgh

The Steelers were sufficiently frustrated with Antonio Brown ‘s playoff postgame video that it was easy to wonder if it was the last straw, and that it could become pretext for trading the star wide receiver who happens to be due for a raise. But Brown told Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report that he hopes to be a “Steeler for life” and that he hopes to learn from the mistake he made.

Panthers sign Ben Jacobs for two years

Panthers linebacker Ben Jacobs was set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, but he and the team struck an agreement to avoid that process. The Panthers announced Wednesday that Jacobs has signed a two-year deal with the team.

Browns hire David Lee as quarterbacks coach

Tight ends coach Greg Seamon handled the quarterbacks when the staff was at the Senior Bowl and there was a reported interview with Jeff Garcia, but the Browns ultimately moved in a different direction. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that the team has hired David Lee to fill that role on Hue Jackson’s staff.

Flames edge Penguins 3-2 in shootout; Crosby gets point 998

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby can’t get a shot past Calgary Flames goalie Chad Johnson during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. By WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer PITTSBURGH – Sidney Crosby’s pursuit for 1,000 career points hit a speed bump – not to mention a couple of posts – against Calgary’s Chad Johnson.

Wynn, Tigers triumph 78-4718 min ago

Bailey Wynn led the Pine River-Backus Tigers with 22 points and seven steals over the Northome-Kelliher Mustangs 78-47 Friday, Feb. 3. The Tigers, 10-1 in the conference and 15-5 overall, were scheduled to play Wadena-Deer Creek on Tuesday, Feb. 7, and then travel to Walker-Hackensack-Akeley on Thursday, Feb. 9. Kaleigha Donnell 8, Destiny Heck 8, … (more)

Coaching cream at the top of the MW

Just about two-thirds of the way through the Mountain West season, it appears to be a two-horse race for conference Coach of the Year. It’s easy to look on top of the standings and see Boise State’s Leon Rice and Nevada’s Eric Musselman.

Barcelona boss jokes about why he signed Jasper Cillessen

Enrique’s options between the sticks are something of an anomaly, with the boss spoiled for choice between two dashingly tall and fair-haired shot-stoppers – Jasper Cillessen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Cillessen was lauded with praise for his display in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening which sealed Barcelona’s place in the final of the Copa del Rey.

Political scandal overshadows South Korea 2018 Olympic prep

When Pyeongchang was awarded the 2018 Olympics six years ago, many South Koreans felt that the first Winter Games on home snow would herald their entry into the top tier of rich nations. One year before the Olympics, however, the country is in political disarray, and winter sports are the last thing on many people’s minds.

Under-19 Cricketers Fend For…

A committee appointed by the Supreme Court had allowed the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri to sanction funds for the senior players Close to two weeks into their series against England, the Indian Under-19 cricket team and staff including coach Rahul Dravid are fending for themselves after not receiving their daily allowances. A report in The Indian Express mentions that the Supreme Court’s recent directives to the BCCI over the Lodha recommendations and demonetisation have had a direct effect on the fledgling cricketers.

Carlingford Lough targets Gold Cup hat-trick

Carlingford Lough will, once again, look to upset the odds in his quest to land a hat-trick of Irish Gold Cups at Leopardstown on Sunday. Frank Berry confirmed that the John Kiely-trained stalwart will bid for three in a row at the Dublin venue but will go up against stablemate Minella Rocco, who has also been confirmed for Sunday.

Tokyo 2020 official questioned over payment

The official behind Tokyo’s successful bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been questioned by investigators regarding possible corrupt payments. Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda told reporters he had been questioned by Tokyo prosecutors, who were acting on behalf of French authorities who launched an investigation over possible corruption or money laundering.

‘We all make mistakes’ – Matuidi backs under-fire PSG goalkeeper Areola

A catastophic error from the young goalkeeper nearly saw the defending champions drop two vital points in the race to reclaim their title Blaise Matuidi sprung to the defence of Alphonse Areola after the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper’s error almost cost his team victory against Lille on Tuesday. Unai Emery’s men were able to keep up the pressure on Ligue 1 leaders Monaco with a 2-1 win over Lille, thanks to a controversial late winner from Lucas Moura.

Cristiano to the rescue! Generous Ronaldo saves dog shelter

The Real Madrid forward made a kind-hearted donation to help keep open the facility that looks after homeless hounds in his native Portugal The Cantinho da Lili shelter in Gouveia in northern Portugal was set for closure but the Madeira native stepped in to help raise funds to keep it open. Ronaldo donated an autographed jersey which will be auctioned to keep the kennels in business, with it currently finding it difficult to stay afloat due to the expensive treatments undertaken at the centre.

Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame names Class of 2017

Five individuals and a husband-and-wife team comprise the Class of 2017 for the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame, which will be inducted on March 18. EARHoF President Rick Leighty annouced earlier this week the names of Al Lytle, Dick Aduddell, Arie Callaghan, Brian Sutherby, Dick Wilskey and Corinne and Bruce Williams in a statement congratulating the newest inductees into the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame. “Another fantastic group,” stated Leighty.

Nazrin wants Bos Gaurus to keep current momentum

Unlike last season, Perak are starting the 2017 season on the front foot and are level on points with league leaders Pahang after just three rounds of matches in the Super League. Still undefeated, Perak will next travel to Shah Alam to face PKNS in Round 4. Having won the league with Johor Darul Ta’zim last season, Nazrin Nawi is now plying his trade with Perak and despite missing out on the opening match against Pahang, the 29-year-old has started the subsquent two wins against Penang and Melaka United.

St. Louis Blues: TV Ratings Third Best in NHL

… and put up a streak of 10 straight wins, which was snapped in December . The Blues and their regional affiliate, Fox Sports Midwest, have to be ecstatic about this report. It’s clear proof that hockey is continuing to rise in the St. Louis area and …

RACING: Western Climate upsets the odds at Hereford

TRAINER Tom Weston upset the odds as Western Climate won the two-mile, three furlong novice hurdle at Hereford yesterday. A previous fine third behind the well thought of Grade One winner Finians Oscar at Hereford last time out, the former point to pointer Western Climate was well supported down to 7/2 second favourite.

Atleti chief: Griezmann to stay

… of Griezmann is “not cut and dried” and could hinge on qualification for the Champions League, according to Sky Sports’ Terry Gibson . United are embroiled in a six-way battle for Champions League qualification in the Premier League, while …