FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft are among the 305 names on the list of “potential witnesses” for the prosecution in the Aaron Hernandez murder trial set to begin Jan. 9, according to multiple reports.
Hernandez is accused of murdering Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player who was dating the sister of the former Patriots tight end’s fiancee. Other names reportedly on the list of witnesses include former Patriots and current Buffalo Bills linebacker Brandon Spikes, a teammate of Hernandez’s in New England and at the University of Florida, as well as Patriots strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash.
Durant may return Tuesday
Oklahoma City star forward Kevin Durant could see his first action of the season on Tuesday when the Thunder face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Durant had surgery six weeks ago on his broken right foot. On Monday, he took part in the team’s full practice and reported no setbacks.
Oklahoma City teammate Russell Westbrook returned to action on Friday as the Thunder routed the New York Knicks 105-78.
With both Westbrook and Durant sidelined, the Thunder was one of the worst teams in the league. At 5-12, only the Lakers and Timberwolves have worse records in the West.
Hoke, Michigan AD to meet
Michigan coach Brady Hoke’s future in Ann Arbor should be crystallized Tuesday before a 3 p.m. team meeting.
According to multiple reports, Hoke and interim athletic director Jim Hackett are scheduled to meet. After the Wolverines lost to rival Ohio State on Saturday, Hoke said he was planning on being back in 2015.
In four seasons with Michigan, Hoke has compiled a 31-20 record. This season, the Wolverines, who are not bowl eligible, finished 5-7.
Cavs recall Kirk
The Cleveland Cavaliers recalled center Alex Kirk from the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League on Monday.
Kirk has played in four games this season and is averaging 21.8 points on .493 shooting, 8.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 37 minutes per game. He has appeared in three games for the Cavs this season.
Mathieu, Ellington hope to play
Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu and running back Andre Ellington both hope to continue to play despite injuries suffered Sunday.
Mathieu’s thumb was broken in the second quarter of Arizona’s 29-18 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Coach Bruce Arians said he could play with a cast or end up having a pin inserted and missing up to three games.
Ellington hurt his hip but hopes treatment will allow him to keep playing.
Foles better, but still sidelined
Nick Foles’ collarbone is healing, but the Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback remains out, coach Chip Kelly said.
Kelly confirmed that Foles underwent a CT scan on Friday.
Foles reportedly is expected to miss 2-4 more weeks with the injury that already has sidelined him for the past four games.
Mark Sanchez has led the Eagles to four wins in five games.
Devils sign Gomez
The New Jersey Devils signed forward Scott Gomez to a contract and placed forward Travis Zajac on injured reserve Monday.
Gomez, 33, was selected by the Devils with the 27th pick of the 1998 NHL Draft and spent his first seven NHL seasons with the team. He won the Calder Trophy in 2000 and helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup in 2000 and 2003.
Gomez was with the Devils in training camp on a tryout agreement and had been skating with the team when it was at home.
Gomez had two goals and 10 assists in 46 games with the Florida Panthers last season. In 14 NHL seasons with the Devils, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks and Panthers, Gomez has 173 goals and 713 points in 987 games.