Former Arizona star Wright a homicide victim
Former Arizona basketball star Michael Wright was found slain in a vehicle in New York City.
Wright, 35, was last seen Nov. 5 and his body was discovered on Tuesday. There was a gunshot wound in his forehead and the medical examiner ruled Wright’s death was a homicide.
A New York Daily News report quotes police saying Wright’s body was found under a pile of trash bags in the backseat of an SUV. The Daily News reported police were investigating a link between the murder and a male Wright might have encountered through a dating app.
The 6-foot-8 Wright played three seasons at Arizona and was the second-leading scorer on the team that lost to Duke in the 2001 NCAA title game. He was the power forward on a squad that included future NBA players Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson and Luke Walton.
Bruins sign three prospects
The Boston Bruins signed forwards Jake DeBrusk and Zach Senyshyn and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to entry-level contracts, the club announced on Thursday.
DeBrusk, 19, has six goals and 14 assists for 20 points in 14 games for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League this season.
Senyshyn, 18, has notched a team-leading 10 goals with four assists for 14 points in 18 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
Lauzon, 18, has played in 18 games for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) and has three goals and 22 assists for 25 points.
Fournette family under investigation
The family of LSU running back Leonard Fournette is under investigation for potentially violating NCAA rules that prohibit players from benefiting off his name, likeness or image.
LSU head coach Les Miles said he is only beginning to learn of the query launched by the school at the behest of the NCAA.
Fournette leads the FBS with 1,383 yards rushing this season and is featured in the Tigers’ offense. Three companies claim to have provided steep discounts — at least $20,000 apiece — to build a website for BUGA Nation apparel. That motto is associated with Fournette.
Red Wings sign Abdelkader to extension
Left winger Justin Abdelkader signed a seven-year, $29.75 million contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.
After setting a career high with 23 goals and 21 assists last season, Abdelkader has four goals in the first 15 games this season. It was the final season on the four-year, $7.2 million deal the Michigan native signed in 2012.
Abdelkader, 28, was drafted in the second round out of Michigan State in 2007. He has played his entire NHL career with the Red Wings and has recorded 139 points (65 goals, 74 assists) in 413 NHL games.
Flames deal goaltender
Goaltender Kevin Poulin was traded to the Calgary Flames from the Tampa Bay Lightning for future considerations.
Poulin, 25, was a fifth-round pick in 2008 of the New York Islanders and will report to the Stockton Heat, Calgary’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Poulin has played 50 career NHL games for the Islanders and has a record of 18-25-3 with a 3.07 GAA and a .899 save percentage.
Bum thumb to sideline Pacers’ Turner
Indiana Pacers rookie center Myles Turner is expected to miss at least four weeks after suffering a chip fracture in his left thumb, the team announced Thursday.
The injury occurred during the Pacers’ 102-91 victory on Wednesday night over the Celtics in Boston.
The 19-year-old Turner is working with the team’s medical staff to determine how to handle his recovery.
Drafted No. 11 overall in June by the Pacers, Turner averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in his first eight NBA games at the start of the season.