Media mogul Ted Turner revolutionized professional sports through bold ownership and innovative broadcasting strategies
ATLANTA (AP) — As both an eccentric owner and shrewd entrepreneur, Ted Turner fundamentally changed how America experienced sports. The media pioneer purchased the financially troubled Atlanta Braves during the 1970s and used his broadcasting empire to beam their games across the country, eventually building them into a World Series contender throughout the 1990s. Beyond baseball, Turner’s sports portfolio included the Atlanta Hawks basketball franchise and the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team. His vision extended internationally when he established the Goodwill Games as a response to Olympic boycotts, creating a platform for global athletic competition. Turner’s bold personality and groundbreaking business methods established a blueprint that continues to influence modern sports ownership.
Philadelphia’s star center ruled out of crucial playoff matchup due to multiple injuries
NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been declared unavailable for Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the New York Knicks, suffering from a sprained right ankle and hip discomfort. Team officials placed the All-Star center on the injury list Wednesday morning, just hours before tip-off of the critical contest. Embiid endured a difficult outing in the series opener, managing only 14 points while shooting 3-of-11 from the field during 25 minutes of action in New York’s dominant 137-98 victory. The big man had recently returned from appendix surgery and played a key role in Philadelphia’s remarkable comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against Boston in the opening round.
Dallas star discusses recovery timeline and treatment for hamstring setback
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic revealed his frustration about missing playoff action while recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since early April. Speaking to media Wednesday, Doncic explained he traveled to Spain for specialized platelet-rich plasma treatments designed to accelerate his eight-week recovery process. The procedure required four-day rest periods between each injection, according to the All-Star player. While Doncic has resumed running activities, he has not yet returned to contact drills. His absence continues as Dallas faces elimination following their 108-90 loss to Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday night.
New England quarterback expresses confidence in head coach amid personal controversy
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Patriots quarterback Drake Maye voiced strong support for head coach Mike Vrabel Wednesday, describing him as “a great human being” while dismissing concerns about off-field distractions affecting the defending AFC champions. Maye shared his thoughts with reporters following his participation in the Truist Championship Pro-Am at Quail Hollow, where he partnered with PGA professional Gary Woodland. Vrabel has faced scrutiny after published photos showed him with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort. The coach acknowledged responsibility for his actions on April 24 without providing specific details about the images. Vrabel missed the draft’s final day to attend counseling sessions.
Derby champion will bypass middle jewel of Triple Crown racing
Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo will not compete in next weekend’s Preakness Stakes, trainer Cherie DeVaux confirmed. Instead, the team plans to target the Belmont Stakes scheduled for June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in New York. This marks the third time in five years that a Derby winner has chosen to skip the Preakness. The decision ensures that for the sixth time in eight years, the Preakness will occur without any possibility of a Triple Crown sweep. Only American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018 have captured all three races in the past forty years.
Detroit pitcher receives penalty for deliberately hitting Boston batter
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Tigers hurler Framber Valdez received a five-game suspension and fine following his ejection for intentionally striking Boston’s Trevor Story during Tuesday’s 10-2 defeat. Major League Baseball initially imposed a six-game ban but reduced the punishment through negotiations with the players’ union. The incident occurred during a disastrous outing where Valdez surrendered a career-worst 10 runs. He began serving the suspension during Wednesday’s series finale and should return for next Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets, weather permitting. The Tigers are already managing without injured starters Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize and Justin Verlander.
Houston infielder requires surgery for severe ankle injury
HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa faces season-ending surgery after suffering a complete tear of a tendon in his left ankle. The All-Star provided the injury update Wednesday, explaining the damage occurred while taking batting practice swings before Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Correa appeared on crutches wearing a protective boot after consulting with a foot specialist Wednesday morning. He plans to seek additional medical opinions before scheduling the procedure, which carries a six-to-eight-month recovery timeline.
Coaches debate expanding video review system for playoff officiating
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour advocates for increased replay assistance to help NHL officials during playoff competition. The Eastern Conference’s top-seeded Hurricanes are currently battling Philadelphia in the second round. While Brind’Amour praised league officials as “the best,” he believes they could “use a little hand” from video technology when reviewing scrums and potential diving penalties. Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged Brind’Amour’s perspective but expressed reservations, stating he’s “not a huge fan of another video review” system.
French club advances to Champions League title game with semifinal draw
MUNICH (AP) — Ousmane Dembélé’s early strike helped Paris Saint-Germain secure a Champions League final berth by drawing 1-1 with Bayern Munich in their semifinal second leg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia created the opening goal with a quick passing combination with Fabián Ruiz before finding an unmarked Dembélé, who fired home under the crossbar in the third minute. Harry Kane’s stoppage-time equalizer came too late to prevent PSG’s advancement. The defending champions won 6-5 on aggregate after taking a 5-4 advantage in last week’s first leg in Paris. PSG will meet Arsenal in the final at Budapest, Hungary on May 30.
Buffalo’s power play comes alive in playoff series opener victory
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Bowen Byram and Ryan McLeod converted back-to-back power-play chances to spark Buffalo’s struggling special teams unit in a 4-2 Game 1 victory over Montreal in their second-round playoff series. Josh Doan and Jordan Greenway added goals for Buffalo, which reached the second round for the first time since 2007 and made its first playoff appearance in 15 years. Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach responded for Montreal, which appeared sluggish following their Game 7 victory over Tampa Bay three days earlier. Goaltender Jakub Dobes made 12 saves in the loss. Game 2 takes place Friday night in Buffalo.
