Sports Update 6-16-2023

 

>>College World Series Preview

 

(Omaha, NE)  — The Men’s College World Series begins today in Omaha.  The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles will square off against the TCU Horned Frogs to kick off the double-elimination round at Charles Schwab Field.  Oral Roberts is making its first CWS appearance since 1978, while TCU is back for the first time since 2017.  Later in the day, second-seeded Florida will take on seventh-seeded Virginia in a matchup of 50-win teams.  The action continues on Saturday, with top-seeded Wake Forest playing eighth-seeded Stanford before fifth-seeded LSU challenges Tennessee in an SEC rivalry showdown.  The College World Series finals will begin on June 24th.

 

>>NBA Suspends Morant 25 Games

(Memphis, TN) — NBA star Ja Morant will serve a 25 game suspension to start next season. The league announced Morant’s punishment Friday after he was seen with guns during posts on social media. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Morant’s second offense in May was “alarming” after he had already served an eight game suspension for the first incident in March. He added, “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning.” Morant will also be required to fulfill a program that address his behavior before his return to play.

 

>>USA Tops Mexico In CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals

 

(Las Vegas, NV)  — The United States is advancing to the CONCACAF Nations League final.  Team USA defeated Mexico 3-0 in the semifinals at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.  Christian Pulisic scored in the 37th and 46th minute, while Ricardo Pepi also found the back of the net in the victory.  Team USA is now is unbeaten in its last six competitive matches against Mexico.  The U.S. advances to play Canada in the final on Sunday in Las Vegas.

 

>>Report: DeAndre Hopkins Waiting To Decide Destination

 

(Foxboro, MA)  — One of the NFL’s top free agents is going to take his time deciding his next place of employment.  According to ESPN, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins visited with the New England Patriots on Thursday and both sides are now expected to take some time to assess their next steps.  The 31-year-old, who also visited with the Tennessee Titans earlier this week, is not in a rush to sign with a team and has even considered waiting until closer to training camp in late July to make a decision.  Hopkins was released by the Cardinals after spending three seasons in Arizona.

 

>>Martin Truex Jr Hopes To Build On NASCAR Cup Series Lead At Nashville

 

(Gladeville, TN)  — Martin Truex Jr hopes to build on his NASCAR Cup Series lead when the racers roll into Nashville Superspeedway for the Ally 400 next Sunday.  The drivers are off this weekend following the conclusion of the 21st race of the season last Sunday.  The driver of the number-19 car won the Toyota Save Mart 350 from Sonoma and claimed his third victory of the year.  Truex Jr is atop the standings followed by Will Byron, Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain and Kevin Harvick.  Chase Elliott aims to repeat at Gladeville after winning last year’s race.

 

>>Report: Wizards, Kings Have Talked Bradley Beal Trade

 

(Undated)  — The Wizards are exploring all options for a potential blockbuster trade involving Bradley Beal.  The Athletic reports Washington has discussed a trade with the Sacramento Kings.  Beal currently has a no-trade clause in his contract, but would reportedly consider a trade to Sacramento.  The report also says that there isn’t a clear pathway for the two sides in a potential trade.  Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season.