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Finlandia
The Finlandia University men’s soccer team has added a new defender. Ronald Kelly played at Westfield High School in Houston.
MLB
Major League Baseball owners yesterday approved a formal proposal that would open training camps next month, and begin play around Independence Day. The plan will be presented to the union today. It reflects much of what has been previously reported – around 82 games will be played in empty stadiums. The number of teams that qualify for the playoffs would expand to 14. Teams would use their home stadiums, with their spring training facilities as backups if COVID-19 problems develop. The proposal includes the controversial limit of 50 percent of revenues for salaries, which the players’ union has said it is unlikely to accept.
NFL
The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with defensive tackle John Penisini, He was their sixth-round pick in the recent draft, out of Utah.
Concerns that the NFL might need to relocate its California teams for the start of the 2020 season may be easing. California governor Gavin Newsom yesterday said that the state could begin allowing professional sporting events – without fans in attendance – as early as June 1st. The governors of New York and Texas also said that their states were getting close to allowing professional sports to resume.
NBA
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reiterated yesterday that he hasn’t given up on completing the NBA season. More than half of the league’s teams have re-opened their practice facilities for voluntary workouts. Commissioner Adam Silver has said he hopes to announce a decision about the fate of the season by June 5th.
NHL
The NHL is considering a number of locations that could serve as hosts for the remainder of its season. NHL.com yesterday quoted commissioner Gary Bettman as saying that eight or nine cities are being considered. As many as four could be chosen to host a group of teams, to reduce travel. As the clock ticks, Bettman acknowledged that the chances of finishing the regular season are slim. One possibility is that the league would head straight to a 24-team playoff, with the opening rounds shortened from seven to five games.
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