Sports Update 5/18/2023

>>Silver: “Shocked” At Ja Morant Video

(Memphis, TN)  —  NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he was “shocked” to see another video of Ja Morant holding what appeared to be a gun.  In an interview with ESPN, Silver said he spoke directly with Morant after a video of him appearing to hold a firearm was posted in March, and that the Grizzlies star seemed to take their conversation seriously.  Morant was seen in a car on a livestream holding what looked to be a gun over the weekend.  The Grizzlies suspended Morant indefinitely, and Silver says the league is investigating as well.

>Bucks Interview Kelvin Sampson

(Milwaukee, WI)  —  The Bucks are interested in a college coach.  ESPN reports Milwaukee interviewed University of Houston’s Kelvin Sampson for the team’s head coaching position.  Sampson is the first known high-profile college coach to meet with the Bucks about the job.  He spent six seasons in the NBA as an assistant coach, including three with the Bucks.

>>Report: James Harden Plans To Opt Out Of Contract

(Philadelphia, PA)  —  A former NBA league MVP will be on the free agent market this summer.  James Harden reportedly plans to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers to test free agency this offseason.  Harden was slated to make 35.6-million dollars if he chose to exercise the option.  NBA Insider Chris Haynes reports that the 33-year-old is seeking a four-year deal.

>>New Titans Cornerback Talks About Offseason Program

(Nashville, TN)  —  One of the Titans’ newest additions is commenting on the team’s offseason program.  Sean Murphy-Bunting spoke to the Tennessean yesterday and talked about his new routine.  The cornerback said, “We do things a lot of other teams in the league aren’t doing at this time.  We’re pushing sleds on Monday.  That was a curveball.”  OTA workouts officially begin on Monday next week and continue on Tuesday and Thursday.

>>Caleb Love Decommits From Michigan

(Ann Arbor, MI)  —  One of the most coveted college basketball players in the nation is back in the transfer portal.  Former North Carolina star guard Caleb Love has decommitted from Michigan and reopened his offseason recruitment.  Love had committed to the Wolverines on April 7th following three seasons with the Tar Heels.  The 6-foot-4 playmaker averaged 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season.  CBS Sports reports that a return to North Carolina is “not on the table.”  Love will be a senior next season and has two years of eligibility remaining.

>>Nashville SC Beats Inter Miami In MLS

(Nashville, TN)  —  Nashville SC edged Inter Miami 2-1 in midweek MLS action.  The club improved to 6-4-and-3 and sits third in the Eastern Conference with 22 points.  Nashville trails New England for second place by two points.  The club is back on the MLS pitch on Saturday when it plays Charlotte on the road.

>>2023 PGA Championship Preview

(Rochester, NY)  —  The second major tournament of the season is here.  Justin Thomas will be looking to defend his title when the PGA Championship gets underway at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester.