Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...
I Dig Sports

I Dig Sports

Kane waived by Sharks; new agent seeking trade

Published in Hockey
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:38

The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Evander Kane on waivers on Sunday and plan to send him to the AHL if he isn't claimed by another team. Kane's 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card is set to expire after the Sharks play the Blackhawks on Sunday night.

Kane has also switched agents recently. The winger now represented by Dan Milstein of Gold Star Sports, Milstein confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. According to sources, Milstein is calling other teams on Kane's behalf, trying to help facilitate a trade for his new client. Sources tell ESPN that the Sharks are willing to retain some of Kane's $7 million annual salary, but it will still be a tough market. Milstein declined to comment on any trade talks.

The Sharks say that Kane is now fully vaccinated. If Kane clears waivers, he is expected to report to the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL on Tuesday. It is uncertain when Kane will be ready to play, assistant GM Joe Will told reporters on Sunday.

Will, filling in while general manager Doug Wilson is on medical leave, said that putting Kane on waivers gives the team flexibility before determining what it wants to do with Kane going forward.

Kane, 30, is three seasons into a $49 million, seven-year contract. He's with his third organization after being drafted by and debuting with Atlanta/Winnipeg, and a stint in Buffalo. Last season, he had 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 games.

At the time of Kane's suspension, the NHL was also investigating allegations of domestic assault made by his estranged wife, Anna Kane, in a recent divorce filing. In announcing the 21-game suspension, the NHL said that "its concurrent investigation into allegations of domestic abuse made against Kane by his estranged wife, [Anna], could not be substantiated."

Kane also was accused by Anna Kane of betting on NHL games, including his own games with the Sharks, whose outcomes she claimed he intentionally sought to influence for his benefit. The NHL investigated the claims and cleared Kane, saying it found no evidence that he bet on hockey.

Amid the investigations, Kane -- even before the suspension -- was told by the Sharks not to report to training camp. Sources tell ESPN that multiple players in the Sharks locker room do not want Kane to return to the team. Kane did not practice with the team or interact with teammates at the facility during his 21-game suspension.

Reeling Habs fire GM Bergevin, hire Gorton as VP

Published in Hockey
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:50

The Montreal Canadiens made sweeping changes to their front office on Sunday, firing general manager and executive vice president Marc Bergevin and assistant general manager Trevor Timmins, as well as senior vice president of public affairs and communications Paul Wilson.

Former New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton has been hired to serve as executive vice president of hockey operations. Gorton was with the Rangers from 2015 up until being replaced by Chris Drury last May.

Bergevin had been general manager in Montreal since 2012 and was in the final year of his contract with the Canadiens. Montreal had tried negotiating an extension with Bergevin last summer but never came to an agreement.

The Canadians said via press release that a process is underway to recruit "as soon as possible" a new general manager for the club. While that successful candidate will bring "significant expertise to the organization," Montreal also specified its next GM will be able to "communicate with fans in both French and English."

In a statement released by the team, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson thanked Bergevin, Timmins and Wilson for their "passion and engagement" over the years.

"We wish them all the success they deserve in the pursuit of their careers," Molson said. "I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change within our hockey operations department that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team."

The Canadiens' overhaul began on Saturday night when assistant general manager Scott Mellanby announced his resignation. Mellanby started with Montreal as director of player personnel in 2012 before being promoted to assistant GM by Bergevin in 2014.

TSN reported Saturday that Mellanby had been in talks with Molson about becoming Montreal's next general manager. When told he was out of the running for that position, Mellanby opted to leave the organization.

This has been a historically bad season for Montreal all around. The Canadiens are off to their worst start in franchise history, earning only 12 points in their first 22 games and sitting at 6-15-2.

Montreal was, only months ago, a true Cinderella story. The team barely squeaked into the postseason before driving all the way to a Stanley Cup Final berth against Tampa Bay. The Canadiens ultimately fell in that series, and they've been tumbling ever since.

This season, Montreal is second in goals against (3.61 per game), 30th on the power play (12.9%) and 28th in goals for (2.35). Not only has its play on the ice been abysmal, but the Canadiens are still reeling from major losses they haven't been able to overcome.

Captain Shea Weber has been unavailable all season and remains out indefinitely (and potentially for good) due to injury. Goaltender Carey Price was absent to start this season while enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA's player assistance program to address substance abuse issues; he has since returned to the team following a 30-day treatment but is still rehabbing from offseason knee surgery and has not played a game.

The Canadiens are back in action on Monday against the last-place Vancouver Canucks, perhaps the only team currently in as much turmoil as they are.

Carrick: Chelsea draw frustrating, disappointing

Published in Soccer
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:05

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick said he was leaving Stamford Bridge disappointed after his side were pegged back by Chelsea in a 1-1 draw for his first and perhaps last Premier League game in charge.

"At the moment we're feeling a little bit frustrated and disappointed really," Carrick told reporters. "Being in front and suffering from a penalty that I don't think was a penalty is disappointment."

- Insider Notebook: Why United moved for Rangnick
- Olley: Tuchel rues Chelsea letting Man United off the hook

Jadon Sancho scored a breakaway goal in the 50th minute, setting United on course for their second win in two games under Carrick, who steered them to a 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal in midweek after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking.

But Chelsea -- who dominated the match -- drew level 19 minutes later when Jorginho, who was at fault for United's opener, converted a penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was adjudged to have fouled Thiago Silva.

Carrick said he did not know if he would still be in charge on Thursday when Manchester United host Arsenal or whether Ralf Rangnick, who is due to take over as interim manager until the end of the season, will have arrived at Old Trafford by then.

"As of now I haven't got any more news for you," Carrick, a former United midfielder said. "I was purely focused on the game. I am sure I will be updated and then see what happens in the next few days."

Asked if his decision to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench was something suggested by Rangnick ahead of his arrival in Manchester, Carrick was blunt: "That's not the case."

Speaking to RMC Sport, Eric Bailly said the team were focusing on working with Carrick.

"We were told in the dressing room that a new manager was coming," he said. "We are working hard for now with Carrick and then we will see."

Across a weekend of triple-headers at the Abu Dhabi T10, there has been an exhibition of opening batting on display. No doubt, the shorter boundaries have helped, especially in a format whereby the risk of losing a wicket is also considerably less.

Nevertheless, it has still required an absolute clinic of hitting. On Saturday, Moeen Ali struck 77* off 23 and Kennar Lewis 65* off 32 for the highest partnership in T10 history, racing to a target of 146 without losing a wicket. Then the Bangla Tigers and the Deccan Gladiators chased down scores of 90 and 95 respectively, with almost half their overs remaining. Hazratullah Zazai, with 46* off 16 and Tom Banton, with 46 off 18, the pick of the bunch.

Phil Salt missed out on Saturday due to a slight knock, but on Sunday he cashed in once again. The Team Abu Dhabi opener carried on his rich run of form with a devastating knock of 63 from 20 deliveries to confirm their spot in the play-offs. Salt's half-century in 15 balls trumped Moeen's 16-ball effort as the fastest of the tournament.

If there was any doubt as to whether the injury could have affected him, Salt erased it instantly. In the first over of the chase, he blasted 21 runs off the five deliveries he faced, clipping away his first and last ball from Nuwan Pradeep to the boundary, and smashing two sixes in between.

In a tournament with some of the biggest names in world cricket, Salt has been one of the standout players. The game he was injured in and the game he missed subsequently have been the only two games that Team Abu Dhabi have lost this season.

Across the seven games he's played, Salt has scored 237 runs at a strike rate of 237. Only Rovman Powell of the Northern Warriors stands above Salt with 267 runs, albeit he has played a game more.

Amongst anyone who has scored at least 100 runs in the Abu Dhabi T10, no batter possesses a better strike rate than Salt. In fact, no one has scored more boundaries than his 17 fours and 21 sixes.

Salt may be the star so far, but he insists that continuously working on the mental side of the game is crucial to his development and he has relished the chance to pick the brains of players like Chris Gayle.

"Something you do when you're playing well is that you pick your areas based on instinct" Salt said. "Chris Gayle, I've chewed his ear off. He's got so many tools that I want to add to my game… The most impressive thing and a few guys have it, is that ruthless mentality that someone like Chris has, in the way he takes the game on.

"If I can just keep tapping into things like that, the biggest improvements to be made and the lessons to be learnt are from those guys, in terms of how they deal with the game upstairs."

Asked where he sees himself across formats domestically and internationally, Salt said: "It's something I used to struggle with, really wanting to get on to the next stage. I still do want it just as bad, but I'm very aware now that the only way to get there is to take it day by day by day. I know that's a really boring answer, but I've found that's the most effective way to improve and not get ahead of myself."

Salt's tale bears a hint of similarity with that of Banton, whose unbeaten 46 against Delhi Bulls included seven fours and two sixes. Two players brimming with talent, with aspirations to regularly represent their country, yet coming to an understanding with their opportunities and their experiences thus far, that ultimately it is something that will find its way, rather than something that can be chased.

Whilst Salt made his international bow in perhaps fortuitous circumstances with three ODIs against Pakistan, Banton was unfortunately part of the England playing group that was forced to isolate before that series.

Banton was the breakout star of 2019 and an England call-up followed - he was part of Eoin Morgan's white-ball set-up for the best part of a year between November 2019 and September 2020 - yet bubble life and quarantine took its toll on him.

A blistering 47-ball century in the T20 Blast against Kent served as a reminder of his ability, but a second-ball duck in the final against the same opposition summed up a somewhat disappointing and challenging year in which he was also released by Kolkata Knight Riders.

"I had quite a big break. For the whole of October, I didn't play any cricket - nothing whatsoever. I just lived a social life and saw a lot of friends and family, which I felt was quite important, and now I feel like I'm enjoying it again," said Banton.

"I'd love to get back in the squad but I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself to be there next year. I just want to enjoy my cricket and I think if you're in that headspace, the rest will take care of itself."

For the pair of them, knowing that Morgan is around, will no doubt add some extra motivation as the Abu Dhabi T10 enters its final week.

A WBBL final which brought a record crowd and record TV ratings could herald a shift towards more primetime matches in the future as the tournament looks to its next stage of evolution.

Perth Scorchers claimed the title on Saturday in front of 15,511 spectators at Optus Stadium which set a new benchmark for a standalone WBBL match. It also had the largest average broadcast audience in the competition's history with 535,000 put it ahead of the 2018-19 final which was played ahead of a day of men's Test cricket.

This was the first season where every match was available on television and overall CA said it was the most-watched edition. While Alistair Dobson, the general manager of Big Bash Leagues, believes the weekend festivals, which see multiple matches at the same venue, will continue to be an important part of the tournament there will be a push to exploit more evening time slots.

"Ultimately the ambition was of getting every game on TV and we were really thankful we could do that this year," Dobson told ESPNcricinfo. "The next evolution is to optimise those blockbusters and there's an opportunity for us to explore more primetime matches, whether that's Thursday or Friday nights, and working with our broadcasters to build up some big annual marquee matches which I think is the obvious next step for the competition."

The new finals structure, which gave the team who finished top of the regular season direct entry into the final, meant there was a week to promote the match in Perth.

"I think it worked exactly how we intended to give us a full week's build-up but also rightfully rewarding the team that finished first with the biggest advantage which we felt was warranted," Dobson said. "The atmosphere and noise just showed how passionate the fans are and think the quality of the game did it justice as well.

The season started in a Tasmania-based hub due to border restrictions in Australia and barring a brief lockdown in Hobart was played without significant problems although two major markets - Melbourne and Sydney - were unable to stage games.

The Indian overseas players had a significant impact on the competition with Harmanpreet Kaur named player of the tournament although it was Beth Mooney and Amanda-Jade Wellington who topped the run-scoring and wicket-taking charts.

"Firstly just being able to play and getting all eight teams together in Tasmania was no mean feat," Dobson said. "But then the quality of the cricket throughout, the quality of the overseas players, it was amazing to have such a great group of Indian players, they brought a whole new dimension, alongside all the other players.

"Matched by the depth of talent in Australia, a lot of the really big household names were easily matched by a lot of players we are all getting to know a lot better.

"In reinforces the WBBL as the No.1 cricket league for women and it's really important we maintain that position in the future."

Scuffling Cam benched by Panthers vs. Miami

Published in Breaking News
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:57

MIAMI -- Cam Newton's storybook beginning to his second stint with the Panthers came to a crashing halt Sunday when he was benched in the fourth quarter of Carolina's 33-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Newton was replaced by P.J. Walker with just over 10 minutes remaining and the Panthers trailing by 20.

Newton completed 5 of 21 pass attempts for 92 yards with two interceptions for a passer rating of 5.8. His 23.8 completion percentage was the worst by a player with 20-plus attempts since 2004, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

Detroit's Joey Harrington completed 22.7% against Green Bay that year.

Newton's poor performance came less than three weeks after he was signed to a one-year deal that could pay him up to $10 million for the rest of the season if he meets incentives. He scored the first two times he touched the ball in relief of Walker in a win at Arizona four days after rejoining the team that made him the top pick of the 2011 draft.

He had two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in last week's loss to Washington.

It all fell apart on Sunday after Newton scored on a 1-yard run that made it 7-7.

Riley leaving Oklahoma for USC, sources say

Published in Breaking News
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:55

Lincoln Riley said he wasn't leaving Oklahoma for LSU.

He didn't say he wasn't leaving the Sooners for USC.

In a stunning move on Sunday, Riley, 38, accepted the head-coaching position at USC, according to ESPN and multiple reports. He replaces former Trojans coach Clay Helton, who was fired in September after posting a 46-24 record in seven seasons.

Riley guided the Sooners to four consecutive Big 12 titles and three College Football Playoff appearances in his first four seasons. Oklahoma was eliminated from the Big 12 championship game following a 37-33 loss at Oklahoma State on Saturday night.

Following the Bedlam loss, after there was widespread speculation that he was LSU's choice to replace the departing Ed Orgeron, Riley said, "I'm not going to be the next head coach at LSU."

It's a big blow to the Sooners, who are about to transition into the SEC. Riley had a 55-10 record in five seasons, including a 37-7 mark in the Big 12.

Sources: Wall, Rockets brass meet about return

Published in Basketball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:48

Houston Rockets guard John Wall met with general manager Rafael Stone and coach Stephen Silas on Sunday to reiterate his desire to return to the lineup in a feature role -- an idea that team officials continue to be reluctant to accept in a possible return to play, sources told ESPN.

The Rockets have wanted Wall to accept a complementary role to its young players to play on this team, and the five-time All-Star guard's unwillingness to do so continues to be a hurdle for the sides in a possible return to play this season, sources said.

There is still room for conversation and circumstances to change in this ongoing saga, and the sides will continue to talk as the season unfolds. Wall has wanted to be a starter again, but perhaps a role similar to that of Derrick Rose on the New York Knicks that includes meaningful minutes off the bench could ultimately appeal to him.

The Rockets are building around No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green and third-year guard Kevin Porter Jr., but injuries could dictate a larger opportunity for Wall at some point in the season.

These differences played a part in Wall and the Rockets deciding in the preseason to keep him inactive to start the season -- with hope that an eventual trade could free him to play elsewhere, sources said. Wall's massive contract -- two years, $91 million -- has made a trade extremely difficult, and Wall approached Stone on Friday about revisiting the idea of his rejoining the lineup, sources said.

Wall, 31, has been working out with the team and would likely need to ramp up his activity significantly over a two-plus-week period to be ready to start playing. He played 40 games for the Rockets a season ago after arriving from Washington in a trade for Russell Westbrook. Wall has recovered from an Achilles injury that cost him a season-plus of his career in Washington, but didn't show he could still play at an All-Star level a season ago.

Numerous contending teams have interest in Wall as a part of a backcourt rotation, but his player option of $47 million for 2022-2023 makes it nearly impossible to incorporate him into a team.

The Rockets (3-16) have won two straight games for the first time this season.

Source: Cousins to sign one-year deal with Bucks

Published in Basketball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:48

Free-agent center DeMarcus Cousins plans to sign a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, a source told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday.

Cousins played in 41 games combined last season for the LA Clippers and Houston Rockets, the most games he has played since he played 48 games for the New Orleans Pelicans before rupturing his Achilles in January of 2018.

Sources: Twins, Buxton reach $100M extension

Published in Baseball
Sunday, 28 November 2021 13:51

Center fielder Byron Buxton and the Minnesota Twins are in agreement on a seven-year, $100 million contract extension, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Buxton received a full no-trade clause in the deal and will be paid $500,000 every time he reaches 502, 533, 567, 600 and 625 plate appearances, the sources said.

He also has MVP bonuses in each year of the deal: $8 million for finishing first, $7 million for finishing second, $6 million for third, $5 million for fourth, $4 million for fifth and $3 million for finishing in sixth through 10th place, the sources said.

He had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2022 season.

Buxton set career bests last season with a .306 batting average and 19 home runs but was limited to 65 games because of injuries.

Because of various injuries, he has played in more than 100 games just once in his career, in 2017 when he appeared in 140 games and won his only Gold Glove Award. That was also the only season he has reached more than 500 plate appearances (511).

For his career, Buxton has a .248 average, 70 home runs and 204 RBIs in seven seasons, all with the Twins.

Soccer

FIFA to seek legal advice over Israel suspension

FIFA to seek legal advice over Israel suspension

EmailPrintFIFA will seek independent legal advice before holding an extraordinary council meeting by...

Klopp: I could have won more trophies at Liverpool

Klopp: I could have won more trophies at Liverpool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJürgen Klopp admitted on Friday that Liverpool could have lifted mo...

Sources: Barça debate Xavi future in shock twist

Sources: Barça debate Xavi future in shock twist

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarcelona are once again debating the future of Xavi Hernández less...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Murray, ice-cold in G6, adds elbow to injury woes

Murray, ice-cold in G6, adds elbow to injury woes

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- Clearly affected by a right elbow injury suffered ea...

Fueled by Conley, Wolves roll by 45 to force G7

Fueled by Conley, Wolves roll by 45 to force G7

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- It wasn't the Minnesota Timberwolves' dominant defen...

Baseball

Phillies' Walker exits after hit in foot by liner

Phillies' Walker exits after hit in foot by liner

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPhiladelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker left 3 innings in...

Dodgers pitcher Sheehan undergoes UCL surgery

Dodgers pitcher Sheehan undergoes UCL surgery

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- Emmet Sheehan, an important starting pitching depth...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated