Thursday Sports Update – Today Was Suppose To Be MLB Opening Day

MLB Navigating Coronavirus Instead Of Opening Day

(Undated) — On what would have been Opening Day, Major League Baseball is instead navigating through a pandemic. ESPN reports MLB is working with teams and the union to advance a portion of player salaries. MLB also wants all non-player employees to be paid through at least April. The Texas Rangers were scheduled to play the Mariners in Seattle this afternoon.

Astros Ask District Judges To Dismiss Lawsuits

(Houston, TX) — The Astros have filed a motion with Harris County district judges to dismiss three lawsuits filed by tickets holders The ticket holders claim they were defrauded by the sign-stealing scandal in 2017-18.

Cowboys, Prescott Back At Negotiating Table

(Frisco, TX) — Multiple outlets report the Cowboys are back at the bargaining table with Dak Prescott for the first time since putting the exclusive franchise tag on him earlier this month. The snag in the negotiations is Prescott and his agent Todd France are seeking a four-year contract, while Dallas wants a five-year deal. If a long-term deal can’t be finalized by July 15th, Prescott will play with the franchise tag in 2020.

Cowboys Reach Agreement With Poe

(Frisco, TX) — NFL Network reports the Cowboys have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Dontari Poe. He spent the last two seasons with Carolina. Poe was a Pro Bowler in 2013-14 in his five years with Kansas City and played in 2017 with Atlanta. With the signing of free agent Gerald McCoy last week, Dallas has beefed up its defensive front.

Cowboys Sign Tight End Bell

(Frisco, TX) — The Cowboys agreed to a one-year contract with tight end Blake Bell. He started a career-high seven games last season with the Super Bowl champion Chiefs and caught his first NFL touchdown pass in the playoffs. He is 6-foot-6, 252-pounds and earned the moniker Belldozer at Oklahoma for his running style.

NFL Considering Changing One-Helmet Rule

(New York, NY) — NFL teams may be wearing more than one helmet during the season starting as early as 2021. The league is considering changing its one-helmet rule that prohibits different logos to match throwback jerseys. A league spokesman tells ESPN no decisions have been made.

Dickerson To Address Fan Logo Complaints With Rams

(Thousand Oaks, CA) — Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson says he will speak to the Rams after fan backlash over their new logo. He tweeted that he shares in the disappointment after it was unveiled this week. Some fans say the LA logo with a horn looks too much like the Chargers.

Stars GM, CEO Taking 50 Percent Pay Cuts

(Dallas, TX) — Stars general manager Jim Nill and CEO Jim Lites are taking a 50 percent paycut with the NHL off the ice. Nill said “hopefully this helps others within the organization.” It should help others in the organization to remain employed. The Stars have 13 games remaining when and if the season resumes and are also positioned to be the playoffs.

NHL Delays Combine, Awards, Draft

(Undated) — The Dallas Stars will not be on the clock for the NHL Draft on June 26th and June 27th. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman opted to move back the draft, acknowledging teams won’t have to time to properly prepare because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHL also announced it has delayed the Scouting Combine, which was set to begin June 1st and its annual awards on June 18th.

Longhorns’ Lineman Plans To Transfer

(Austin, TX) — Multiple-outlets report Texas redshirt senior offensive lineman Denzel Okaor has chosen to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer. He has appeared in 39 games and started five. He’ll join Longhorns’ offensive lineman J.P. Urquidez to transfer in recent months.

WT Buffs Honored

(Canyon, TX) – West Texas A&M’s Qua Grant continues to add to his already impressive resume as the sophomore was named a First Team All-American by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association on Wednesday afternoon. He becomes the third Buff to earn D2CCA All-American honors over the past three seasons joining Ryan Quaid and David Chavlovich.