Boston Red Sox fans went home happy Thursday when their team earned a walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the home opener at Fenway Park. Before the game, many fans had a great time during Budweiser’s Pre-Game Party at Wahlburgers restaurant near Fenway.NESN’s Rachel Holt was there to catch up with some fans to talk about what they are most excited about for this season. To hear their answers, check out the video above, presented by Budweiser. ... NESN.com
Sports
Lexus ‘Strike Out Hunger’ Program Returns In 2018 To Benefit Greater Boston Food Bank
Why Jermaine Wiggins Believes Rob Gronkowski Is Frustrated With Patriots
By now, you’ve probably heard the rumors about New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski contemplating retirement. Between a possible acting career and reported friction between him and head coach Bill Belichick, it’s hard to get a read on why the 28-year-old won’t commit to playing in the 2018 season. But former Pats tight end Jermaine Wiggins thinks he may know why the tight end has been so tight-lipped about his future — because he’s frustrated. Wiggins told TMZ Sports he believes it’s a money issue and that Gronkowski should be getting paid more than his current contract. “He should be getting paid $ 15-16 million a year,... NESN.com
Bruins’ Brad Marchand Fined For Cross-Checking Flyers’ Andrew MacDonald
Brad Marchand’s paycheck just took another hit, albeit a small one. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Monday that the Boston Bruins winger has been fined $ 5,000 for cross-checking Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald in the second period of Sunday’s game at Wells Fargo Center. This is the second time in a month Marchand has been fined, as the All-Star forward was docked $ 2,000 for embellishment in early March. Marchand also was suspended for five games back in January for elbowing New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson. MacDonald appeared to get away with a cross-check on Marchand in Sunday’s game, which ... NESN.com
NFL Rumors: Details On Rob Gronkowski-Bill Belichick Friction Emerge
New England Patriots fans appeared to get some good news Saturday night when ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that Rob Gronkowski is “pretty certain” to return for the 2018 season. Darlington also noted that the relationship between Gronkowski and head coach Bill Belichick is strained and while it isn’t “irreconcilable,” it certainly appears the two have some issues that need to be worked out. On Sunday, Darlington went on “SportsCenter” and discussed the drama within the Patriots organization, noting that the bond between Gronkowski and Tom Brady is “as strong as ever,” but Gronkowski and Belichick definitely aren’t on the same... NESN.com
Nate Solder Opens Up About Leaving Patriots, Says It’s ‘Bittersweet’
Weeks after signing a huge four-year deal with the New York Giants, former Patriots left tackle Nate Solder is opening up about his departure from the Patriots. The now-highest-paid offensive lineman spent his first seven seasons with New England, winning two Super Bowls and playing in four. He was active in the community, and Patriots fans continually shared their support for his family as his young son, Hudson, has battled renal cancer. The 29-year-old attended Matt Light’s charity event on Thursday and spoke to Boston 25’s Butch Sterns, saying although he’s excited for the opportunity with the Giants, there are many “tough goodbyes.” St... NESN.com
Don Sweeney Sheds Light On Bruins’ Decision To Extend Zdeno Chara’s Contract
Zdeno Chara will be a Boston Bruin for another year, as the Bruins signed the veteran to a one-year contract extension Wednesday afternoon. Chara has been in the NHL for 20 years and with the Bruins since the 2006-07 season. The 41-year-old defenseman has had a brilliant season with the B’s. He’s proved he’s still a top-tier defenseman while helping bring along the team’s young defensemen. Our NESN reporters caught up with Bruins general manager Don Sweeney after the press conference today to discuss Chara’s new contract. To see Sweeney’s interview, check out the “NESN Sports Today” video above, presented by People’s United Bank... NESN.com