Michael Smith is about to draw the curtain on his “Sportscenter” tenure. The host of ESPN’s 6 p.m. edition of “Sportcenter” will leave the show Friday, according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch. Smith’s departure will follow that of Jemele Hill, who left “SC6” in January for a role with “The Undefeated,” an ESPN microsite that focuses on sports, race and culture, and other reporting assignments. Smith’s ESPN contract runs for “multiple” years, and he’ll reportedly craft another position for himself in the company in the coming months. Hill and Smith on Feb, 6, 2017 debuted as hosts of “Sportscenter,” the net... NESN.com
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NFL Rumors: Michael Bennett Was “Pain In The Ass” For Seahawks Coaches In 2017
The Philadelphia Eagles added some depth to their defensive line Wednesday by trading for Michael Bennett. But it sounds like they are getting a bit more than just some help up front. Bennett was traded to Philly from the Seattle Seahawks, and though he’s certainly been a productive defensive end over his nine-year NFL career, the three-time Pro Bowl selection also reportedly was a bit of a nuisance to his coaches last season. The 32-year-old was described in a not-so-positive light by some ex-coaches in a column by the MMQB’s Albert Breer. “I wanted to address first what the Eagles are getting from the Seahawks: A player who isn... NESN.com
Here’s How Kevin Cash Plans To Make Four-Man Rotation Work For Rays
It is no secret the Tampa Bay Rays are undergoing a pretty steep rebuild, and they’re not just rebuilding personnel, they’re rebuilding strategy. While some teams have tinkered with the idea of rolling with a six-man starting rotation, the Rays decided they are going to go a man short and use four. Instead of having a fifth starter, they’ll instead have multiple bullpen arms go through the lineup once apiece on the day the fifth starter ordinarily would go. “Our plan, we’re not going to five,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said, via ESPN. “We’re going to try to stay at four. We’re going to have some bullpen days in there. We’re ... NESN.com
Charlie McAvoy Injury Update: Bruins D-Man Out At Least Four Weeks With MCL Sprain
The Boston Bruins, already without Patrice Bergeron for the foreseeable future, will also be without Charlie McAvoy for at least a month. The team announced Tuesday that McAvoy suffered a left MCL sprain in Saturday’s win over the Montreal Canadiens, and he will be reevaluated in four weeks. McAvoy suffered the injury in the first period of the Bruins’ eventual overtime win. He appeared to twist it retrieving a puck in his own end and skated gingerly off the ice. McAvoy could be seen bent over down the tunnel by the Bruins bench before eventually heading to the locker room. He didn’t return to the game. Boston is already without Bergero... NESN.com
Kobe Bryant Takes Shot At FOX News’ Laura Ingraham In Oscars Acceptance Speech
Kobe Bryant now has as many Academy Awards as Leonardo DiCaprio. Let that sink in. The Los Angeles Lakers legend took home the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film on Sunday for his film “Dear Basketball,” and Bryant used his acceptance speech to send a message to Laura Ingraham, the FOX News anchor who took a shot at LeBron James over his criticism of President Donald Trump. “I don’t’ know if it’s possible, I mean as basketball players we’re really supposed to shut up and dribble,” Bryant said, “but I’m glad we do a little bit more than that.” Another bucket for the Black Mamba. James responded to Ingraham’s wild... NESN.com
Celtics Notes: Boston-Houston Would Be Must-See NBA Finals Matchup
They say styles make fights, and the two games between the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets have been nothing short of box office material. And while an NBA Finals matchup might not be likely, with the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers lurking, it would be nothing short must-see TV. The Celtics took Round 1 after overcoming a 26-point deficit thanks to a couple late miscues from James Harden, but the Rockets delivered some payback Saturday night at Toyota Center. The game was a seesaw affair, with neither team leading by more than eight at any point in the contest. Boston held the upper hand for most of the second half, l... NESN.com
Warriors’ Kevin Durant Certain To Return To Team Next Season, Despite Contract Option
Kevin Durant has no intention of shaking up the NBA again in the near future. The Golden State Warriors superstar told the Atheltic’s Anthony Slater he won’t opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason. The two-year deal Durant signed last summer allows him to opt out after this season, but he’s enjoying his time with the Warriors so much leaving hasn’t crossed his mind. “I’m not even thinking about that,” Durant said about his potential to leave the team. “I’m here. I’m here. I ain’t even thought about it.” Slater then asked Durant whether that mean’s he’s 100 percent certain to return to the Wa... NESN.com