Memphis suspends 12 players after brawl
Twelve Memphis football players were suspended Tuesday for their part in an on-field brawl after the Tigers’ 55-48 double-overtime victory over BYU in the Miami Beach Bowl on Dec. 22.
The suspensions, announced by the school and the American Athletic Conference, will cover practices, scrimmages and from a half-game to two games for individuals. In addition, coach Justin Fuente and his staff will determine whether mandatory anger management counseling and community service hours will be required.
The school did not release the names of those who will be disciplined. BYU has not yet announced any disciplinary action for its players who were involved in the melee.
Winnipeg outdoor game postponed
The Winnipeg Football Club and the NHL announced the sides were unable to finalize a date to hold the Heritage Classic at Investor’s Group Field during the 2015-16 season, and will work to schedule the game for the following season.
The NHL reportedly wanted to play the game in late December, but the hockey club was pushing for a February date so as not to conflict with the Grey Cup held earlier in the month. But the league was opposed to February because of the All-Star Game and other outdoor games yet to be announced. Bombers CEO Wade Miller also wanted the league to pick up the costs of more than $500,000 to keep the stadium operational through the winter, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
James misses Cavs’ practice
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James did not participate in Tuesday’s practice because of flu-like symptoms and remained at home to recover.
His status for Wednesday night’s game against the Utah Jazz will be determined at the Cavs’ morning shootaround on Wednesday.
“Hopefully, it’s nothing serious as far as an illness is concerned,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. “But we wanted to let him rest.”
James returned last week from an eight-game absence to rest a sore back and knee. The Cavaliers struggled to a 1-7 record without him on the floor but are 3-1 since he rejoined the lineup.
Blazers’ Aldridge to miss next game
Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge will miss Wednesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns after sustaining a left hand injury during the second quarter Monday night against the Sacramento Kings.
Aldridge will not travel to Phoenix with the team for its game against the Suns while the hand undergoes further examination from a specialist. The team announced that initial X-rays were negative.
The 29-year-old veteran leads the team with per-game averages of 23.5 points (sixth in the NBA) and 10.4 rebounds (tied for ninth in the league).
Marrone, Olson join Jaguars
Former Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone joins the Jacksonville Jaguars as assistant head coach for offense and offensive line coach and former Oakland Raiders assistant Greg Olson is the new offensive coordinator.
Marrone, who resigned as Bills coach on Dec. 31, interviewed for multiple openings to remain a head coach in the NFL.
Marrone went 15-17 in two seasons with the Bills before opting out of his contract, using a clause to be released from his deal in the event of a change in ownership. The deal guaranteed his $4 million salary in 2015.
Offensive line coach George Yarno, who was diagnosed with cancer in May 2014, is unlikely to be back with the team.
Olson returns to the Jaguars after serving as their assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach in 2012.