NBA, Warriors, TNT to honor Sager
Craig Sager, the iconic TNT sideline reporter who is battling cancer, will be honored in a joint tribute by the Golden State Warriors, NBA and TNT during Wednesday’s opening night game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors will provide fans in attendance with Sager-themed T-shirts. Sager is known for the flashy suits he wears during telecasts.
The team will play an in-arena message during the game in support of Sager and his SagerStrong Foundation and will also be selling T-shirts inspired by the suit Sager wore when he received the Jimmy Valvano Award at the 2016 ESPYs. All proceeds will be donated to Sager’s foundation.
Sager, 65, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2014.
Although a longtime TNT employee, Sager was allowed to partner with Doris Burke of ESPN as sideline reporters during the network’s broadcast of the 2016 NBA Finals.
Patriots release DL Johnson, DB Sunseri
The New England Patriots released defensive lineman Anthony Johnson from the 53-man roster and cut defensive back Vinnie Sunseri from the practice squad on Monday.
Johnson, 23, originally joined the Patriots on May 9, but was released by the team on Sept. 26 and signed to the practice squad two days later. He re-joined the 53-man roster on Oct. 15.
In four games and one start with the Patriots this season, Johnson had nine total tackles and two passes defended.
Sunseri, 24, was a fifth-round pick of the Saints out of Alabama in 2014 and was released by New Orleans last April 25.
He joined the Patriots on July 24 and was later released after training camp before joining the practice squad.
Sunseri hasn’t appeared in an NFL regular-season game since Nov. 9, 2014.
Islanders come to terms with F Bernier
The New York Islanders agreed to terms with forward Steve Bernier on a one-year, two-way contract Monday.
Bernier, 31, had six points (one goal, five assists) in 24 games with the Islanders last season. He also appeared in six Stanley Cup playoff games as the Islanders advanced to the second round.
Bernier has registered 230 points (105 goals, 125 assists) in 633 career NHL games with the Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks. He has 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 74 career Stanley Cup playoff games with the Islanders, Devils, Canucks and Sharks.
Smith’s torn ACL forces Jets to go back to Fitzgerald
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has a torn ACL and is out for the season.
Coach Todd Bowles said Monday that an MRI confirmed the tear. Smith will visit with Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday to seek a second opinion, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Smith suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens when he twisted the knee on a second-quarter sack. Making his first start since Dec. 28, 2014, Smith completed 4 of 8 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown before leaving.
As a result of the injury, the Jets will return to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback.
Cutler to start for Bears
Jay Cutler will start at quarterback for the Chicago Bears when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 31 after healing from a sprained thumb.
Backup Brian Hoyer suffered a broken left arm playing against the Green Bay Packers in the Bears’ 26-10 loss Thursday and had surgery on the weekend. Fox said Cutler was eager to play even while Hoyer went through a stretch of 200 passes without an interception, five shy of a Bears record.