White Sox considered boycotting game to support LaRoche
Chicago White Sox players considered boycotting Wednesday’s spring training game against Milwaukee to show support for Adam LaRoche, their former teammate who retired on Tuesday after team president Ken Williams told the slugger that he had to limit the time his 14-year-old son could spend with the team.
ESPN reported that White Sox manager Robin Ventura convinced the players to take the field. Sources said the players were “united” in support of LaRoche.
According to ESPN, “Sources said there is a division between those in the front office, and Ventura and his players regarding clubhouse access.”
LaRoche was to be paid $13 million this season. He filed his retirement papers, according to MLB.com, but the White Sox have not yet filed similar documents, which gives LaRoche the opportunity to reconsider his decision.
The 36-year-old struggled last season hitting .207 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 127 games.
In eight of his 10 seasons, LaRoche hit at least 20 home runs and drove in 75 runs.
Broncos sign OT Okung to five-year deal
The Denver Broncos struck a five-year deal with free-agent offensive tackle Russell Okung, the team announced Thursday.
Okung, who plays left tackle, reportedly agreed to a contract worth a reported $53 million.
Okung, 28, played the past six seasons for the Seattle Seahawks and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2012.
The signing of Okung will likely mean the end of Ryan Clady’s tenure with the Broncos. Clady, a four-time Pro Bowler, tore the ACL in his left knee last May and missed the entire 2015 season.
Jets’ Revis undergoes wrist surgery
New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis underwent wrist surgery on Thursday to repair a torn ligament, the club announced.
Revis will be in hard cast for 2-to-3 months and the Jets expect him to be fully recovered when training camp opens in late July.
Revis injured the wrist early in the season and played through the ailment. He continued to experience soreness after the season and it was decided he should undergo the procedure.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection missed two games in 2015 but not because of the wrist. He was sidelined with a concussion.
Johnson staying with NFL’s Cards
Chris Johnson tested the waters with the Miami Dolphins, but the free agent running back decided to remain with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals announced that they agreed to terms with Johnson on a one-year contract. The team did not disclose financial terms.
Johnson visited Miami on Wednesday, but the Dolphins failed to lure him away from Arizona. He ran for 814 yards and three touchdowns on 196 carries in 11 games last season for the Cardinals, including four 100-yard games, before he suffered a fractured tibia in December.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection and former All-Pro has rushed for 9,442 yards and 54 touchdowns on 2,093 carries in his eight-year NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets and Cardinals.
Cal PG Wallace breaks hand
California point guard Tyrone Wallace, who leads the Golden Bears in scoring, broke a bone in his right (nonshooting) hand during practice Wednesday and his status for the NCAA Tournament was uncertain as of Thursday morning.
The No. 4 seed Golden Bears face No. 13 seed Hawaii in a first-round matchup on Friday.
Wallace is averaging 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. He missed five games earlier this season after suffering a fracture in his right hand during a January practice and missed five games.
If Wallace is not able to play on Friday, junior Sam Singer likely will get the start. Singer is averaging 3.5 points and 2.7 assists in 19.6 minutes per game this season.
Wisconsin-Milwaukee fires coach
Wisconsin-Milwaukee coach Rob Jeter has been fired after 11 seasons, the school announced.
The Panthers went 20-13 this season — the fifth 20-win season of Jeter’s tenure — but athletic director Amanda Braun made the move with one year left on his contract.
Jeter went 185-170 during his stint. The Panthers made the NCAA Tournament in 2006 and 2014.