Sports Briefs 4/14/21

College Football

Eddie George was officially introduced as the new head coach at Tennessee State yesterday. The former Tennessee Titan running back has no head coaching experience. Reports have suggested that former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher is advising him and former NFL cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-a TSU alum- is joining the coaching staff.

College Basketball

Former Kentucky guard Devin Askew announced yesterday he has committed to continue his collegiate career at the University of Texas. He played 29 minutes per game in his freshman season for Kentucky, averaging 6.5 points per game.

Vanderbilt University will officially introduce Shea Ralph as the new women’s basketball coach today. The 43-year-old Ralph has spent the last 14 seasons as an assistant at the University of Connecticut, where she also played collegiately.

NHL

The Nashville Predators hammered the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-2 for their 11th win in their last 13 games. Viktor Arvidsson had two goals and an assist, while Roman Josi scored a goal and dished out two assists for Nashville, who begins a two game series at the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night.

NBA

The Memphis Grizzlies play the Dallas Mavericks tonight to conclude a three-game home stand. It’s an important game for both teams as they try to reach the sixth slot in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in tourney for teams slotted seven-through-10. The Mavs are currently seventh with a 29-and-24 record, while Memphis is eighth at 27-and-25.

Horse Racing

Mike Smith has a mount for the Kentucky Derby. The Hall of Fame jockey will ride Midnight Bourbon in the May 1st race at Churchill Downs. Smith has two Derby victories, including 2018 with Triple Crown winner Justify.