It seems David Ortiz is enjoying his retirement. The former Boston Red Sox designated hitter has been appearing in a multitude of commercials, and despite his cliffhanger tweet Monday night, it appears he’s not planning on returning to the diamond. Not even to play for his home country. Even though Ortiz won’t be showing up to spring training for the Red Sox in March, the slugger hasn’t shown any interest in playing for the Dominican Republic in this year’s World Baseball Classic, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, citing team general manager Moises Alou. Ortiz wasn’t a member of the Dominican Republic team that won th... NESN.com
Sports
FIFA To Expand World Cup, Radically Change Format Starting In 2026
The world’s biggest sporting event will grow even larger in the future. FIFA announced on its website Tuesday it has voted to expand the FIFA World Cup finals from 32 teams to 48 starting in 2026. The FIFA Council decided to expand the World Cup by unanimous decision. In the new format, the 48 teams will split into 16 groups of three. The top two teams in each group will then advance to a 32-team knockout phase. FIFA will continue to stage the tournament over 32 days, and no team will play more than seven games, as is the current practice. The news comes as no surprise to most, as World Cup expansion was one
Camry Overload: Toyota Reveals New NASCAR, Production Models At NAIAS
Toyota delivered a solid one-two punch Monday at the North American International Automotive Show in Detroit. The Japanese automaker revealed the 2018 NASCAR Camry side-by-side with its revamped production counterpart, and the two models definitely share some similarities. “The 2018 Toyota Camry NASCAR race car has been years in the making, and to unveil it simultaneously with our new production Camry is a milestone moment for our organization,” Ed Laukes, vice president of integrated marketing for Toyota Motor Sales, said in a NASCAR press release. “Our goal has been to maintain parallel design characteristics so our fans can enjoy driving a Camr... NESN.com
Zane McIntyre Held His Own In Net During Overtime Loss Vs. Hurricanes
The Boston Bruins held a 1-0 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes after the first period of Sunday’s game, and they did so mostly due to the play of goaltender Zane McIntyre. The B’s eventually fell 4-3 in overtime, but McIntyre was able to hold his own in net during the first period to help the Bruins maintain their early lead. Watch a breakdown of McIntyre’s first-period play in the Arbella Coverage Cam video above. Thumbnail photo via James Guillory/USA TODAY Sport Images ... NESN.com
Patriots QB Tom Brady Takes On Snowy Conditions In First Instagram Post
Tom Brady has taken his talents to Instagram. After running a very popular Facebook page for some time, the New England Patriots quarterback announced he would be branching out to another social media platform. Brady ultimately opted to make an Instagram account and wasted no time posting his first photo, in which he tackled the snow storm that hit much of New England head on. Now in his 17th year with the Patriots, it appears Brady has gotten used to the brutal winters in the northeast. Brady and the rest ... NESN.com
LeGarrette Blount Fined $18K For Facemask Of Ndamukong Suh In Patriots-Dolphins
LeGarrette Blount had some harsh criticisms for Ndamukong Suh after last Sunday’s game, but Blount’s wallet will be taking a hit, not Suh’s. The New England Patriots running back was fined $ 18,231 for ripping off Suh’s facemask late in the fourth quarter of his team’s Week 17 game against the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. After Blount’s 3-yard rush, Suh appeared to jump on the pile late and give Blount a little shove. The veteran running back took offense, yanking Suh’s helmet off by his facemask and drawing a 15-yard penalty as the teams scuffled. The NFL did not fine Suh, per Reiss. Blount ripped into... NESN.com
Kate Bock, Kevin Love’s Girlfriend, Heats Up SI Swimsuit Video Shoot
It’s good to be Kevin Love these days, aside from his recent bout with food poisoning. Not only are the Cleveland Cavaliers sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings one season after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. But the Cavs big man also is the envy of guys everywhere thanks to his smoking hot girlfriend, Kate Bock. Bock has been a staple in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in recent years, and it appears she’ll be gracing the 2017 edition. As Busted Coverage points out, the SI Swimsuit YouTube account published a behind-the-scenes video Thursday showcasing Bock’s shoot, which took place on Lake Geneva in Swit... NESN.com