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Heat fined $25K for violating bench rules in G6on May 29, 2022 at 3:32 am

MIAMI — The NBA announced that it has fined the Miami Heat $25,000 for “violating league rules regarding team bench decorum.”

“On multiple occasions, several players stood for an extended period in Miami’s team bench area, stood away from the team bench, and were on, encroaching upon or entering the playing court during live game action in the Heat’s 111-103 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 27 at TD Garden,” the league said in a statement Saturday.

The league continues to crack down on bench decorum given that it fined the Dallas Mavericks $100,000 earlier this week for “continuing to violate league rules regarding team bench decorum.”

The Heat will host the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night.

Speaking before news of the fine was released, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reiterated the confidence he has in his players as they face the biggest game of their season.

“The gratitude and the opportunity, that’s what we’ve talked about,” Spoelstra said during a Saturday videoconference with the media. “We have some great competitors in our locker room and this is competition at its highest, purest form. A Game 7, an elimination game for both teams. Now if you’re a competitor, you want this kind of scenario more than any other scenario that this game can provide. Our guys are looking forward to it.”

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15 injured, 1 seriously, in boat fire at marina in Seneca

Fifteen people were injured, one of them seriously, when a boat caught on fire at a marina Saturday afternoon in Seneca, about 70 miles southwest of Chicago.

Authorities responded to a call that a boat with 17 passengers had burst into flames about 4:30 p.m. at the Spring Brook Marina in the 600 block of West River Drive, according to Illinois State Police.

One person was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition, state police said. Fourteen others, including a marina employee, were taken to hospitals with injuries that weren’t believed to be life-threatening.

The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.

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2 men are dead after opening fire on each other in Englewood shootout, police say

Two men were killed during a shootout Saturday afternoon in Englewood on the South Side.

The men, 29 and 38, were near the sidewalk about 5 p.m. in the 5500 block of South Bishop Street when they pulled out a gun and fired shots at each other, Chicago police said.

Both men were transferred to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead, police said. Their names haven’t been released.

Area detectives are investigating.

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Cubs lefty Wade Miley’s next start pushed back as he deals with shoulder issue

Cubs lefty Wade Miley wanted to make one thing clear Saturday, before a game against the White Sox that he said he was originally scheduled to start: “I’m not hurt. I’m a little banged up.”

Miley is dealing with some shoulder discomfort, which he likened to middle-of-spring training dead arm.

“I’m just going through it in the middle of baseball season,” Miley said.

Because he didn’t have a spring training. Instead, left elbow inflammation halted Miley’s ramp-up process before he threw in a game and landed him on the 10-day injured list to start the season. Now, Miley has posted a 3.38 in three starts, including seven shutout innings against the Pirates in his second game. And he said his elbow “feels great.”

Miley, however, felt something in his shoulder as he warmed up to face the Diamondbacks a little under a weeks ago. And though he held Arizona to three runs in six innings, Miley said he never really got loose. When his recovery was slow, he shut down his mid-week throwing.

“I don’t think it’s an IL thing, no,” Miley said.

Cubs manager David Ross wasn’t as bullish when asked if Miley would avoid the IL.

“We’ll see how things play out,” Ross said. “He’s got to throw a bullpen, and we’ll see how that goes, play some catch.”

Miley said he felt “way better,” playing catch Saturday. He’s scheduled to throw long toss and off a mound Sunday. If that goes well, Miley hopes to throw a full bullpen Monday.

He said he hasn’t talked with coaches about when he will slot in for his next start, but he hopes to return to the rotation next week.

Confronting mass shootings in the U.S.

“I don’t have any answers, but I think something has to change,” Ross said Saturday at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the flags still flew at half-mast. “Anybody that’s a parent that has a kid that saw what’s happening around our country lately, their radar’s up. And you put yourself in those people’s shoes, and something has to change.”

The Cubs joined the rest of the Chicago Sports Alliance – a collaboration between the Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks – in donating to the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and the Robb School Memorial Fund.

The alliance’s donation, in response to mass shootings at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas and a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, came to $300,000, with commitments of $50,000 from each of the sports teams and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

“For me, I’ll say that the 20 best minutes of my day every day are driving my kids to school,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “I drop three boys off every day, and some days a lot of conversation, some days laughing, DJ-ing, whatever it is. It’s a great moment to have with them.

“And it definitely felt different at the end of the week, dropping them off and thinking about it. And I think we all can agree that dropping your kids off at school isn’t something you should ever have to think about.”

Frazier returns

The Cubs activated outfielder Clint Frazier from the 10-day IL on Saturday, after he underwent an appendectomy last month.

The Cubs also transferred outfielder Michael Hermosillo from the IL with no injury designation (read: COVID-19 related IL) back to the 10-day IL (left quadriceps strain) and returned rookie reliever Brandon Hughes to Triple-A Iowa.

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White Sox’s Jimenez exits first rehab appearanceon May 29, 2022 at 1:41 am

CHICAGO — White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez left a game with Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday after experiencing right leg soreness, according to the major league team.

Jimenez, 25, has been out since April 23 with a right hamstring injury and was playing in his first rehab game.

The four-year veteran left after reaching first base on a single in the second inning. He struck out in his first at-bat one inning earlier. He was replaced by pinch runner Yermin Mercedes.

Jimenez missed much of last season after tearing his left pectoral tendon. He was hitting .222 with one home run this year and was due back with the major league team in a manner of days.

The White Sox said he is day-to-day with his latest ailment.

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White Sox’s Jimenez exits first rehab appearanceon May 29, 2022 at 1:41 am Read More »

White Sox’ Eloy Jimenez leaves first game of rehab assignment with right leg soreness

White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez, playing in his first rehabilitation assignment for Triple-A Charlotte Saturday night, exited the game with an apparent injury after lining a single to right field.

Jimenez, who had surgery to repair a torn hamstring on May 26, appeared to hobble after the swing. After reaching first base, Knights training staff met him halfway up the line as he starting walking toward the dugout.

Yermin Mercedes pinch ran for Jimenez.

Jimenez’ timetable for a return was estimated at six to eight weeks from when the injury occurred. He has been working out with the Sox for about three weeks.

“He is a product of the modern-science miracle,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said on May 12. “Several days after the surgery he was walking around without a limp. He’s jogging, he’s swinging. Now what that actually means is, what we don’t want to do is push it ahead X number of days and that would be unwise and then lose him.”

La Russa respects Kapler’s choice, not method

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said he respects Giants manager Gabe Kapler and his decision to stay off the field during the National Anthem. But he doesn’t agree with Kapler’s method for protesting the latest mass shooting in the United States.

“He’s exactly right to be [concerned], which a lot of us, who isn’t concerned about what’s happening in our country,” La Russa said.

Kapler said this week he will stay in the clubhouse during the anthem. He wrote that he’s “not okay with the state of this country.”

“Where I disagree is that the flag and the anthem are not appropriate places to try to voice your objections,” La Russa said.

La Russa was asked about Kapler’s stance before the Sox played the Cubs Saturday. He said that form of protest is a disservice to servicemen and servicewomen.

“Talk to any serviceman that put their life on the line,” La Russa said. “Some of their courage comes from what the flag means to them and when they hear the anthem.”

Two Sox will miss Toronto series

General manager Rick Hahn said two players who are not vaccinated will be on the restricted list for the series in Toronto Tuesday through Thursday.

The Canadian government requires a second vaccine dose – or one dose of Johnson & Johnson – at least 14 days prior to entry. Players on the restricted list because they are unvaccinated against COVID-19 don’t get paid or accrue major league service time.

Hahn said he is proud of the organization’s high vaccination numbers “and it set a really good example for others. The fact that a couple individuals have exercised their right to make that choice, I respect that. And look forward to them returning.”

Moncada sits — again

Yoan Moncada has a sore left quad and was available to pinch hit Saturday but might not start until the team gets to Toronto.

“He’s felt a tweak a couple of times now so I’m going to try to keep him out of these two and the expectation is he’ll be available during the week,” La Russa said.

Robert won’t face Cubs

Luis Robert, on the COVID IL since Monday, won’t play in the Cubs series is a maybe for Toronto but is expected back for the Tampa Bay Rays series next weekend, Hahn said.

Chicago teams supporting cause

The Chicago Sports Alliance, a collaboration between the White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Cubs with support of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, is committing $300,000 to the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation and the Robb School Memorial Fund.

The Alliance was created five years ago to address gun violence across the city, dedicated to lending its collective influence and resources to support data-driven, proven solutions impacting the root cause of gun violence.

Extra rest for Kopech

Probable starters for Jays: Giolito Tuesday (five days rest), Kopech Wednesday (nine days), Cueto (four days) in Toronto.

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Managers back Kapler’s protest, La Russa differson May 28, 2022 at 11:37 pm

CHICAGOWhite Sox manager Tony La Russa says he both likes and respects San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, but disagrees with his form of protest as it relates to the latest mass shooting.

Kapler wrote this week he’ll remain inside the Giants’ clubhouse while the national anthem is being played before games. La Russa believes in the cause just not Kapler’s actions.

“I think he’s exactly right to be concerned…with what’s happening in our country,” La Russa said before his team hosted the Cubs on Saturday night. “He’s right there. Where I disagree is the flag and the anthem are not appropriate places to try to voice your objections.”

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Nineteen children and two teachers were killed at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday. Shortly thereafter, Kapler penned an article explaining why he can no longer stand outside while the anthem is being played, writing he’s “not okay with the state of this country.”

“When I was the same age as the children in Uvalde, my father taught me to stand for the pledge of allegiance when I believed my country was representing its people well or to protest and stay seated when it wasn’t,” Kapler wrote. “I don’t believe it is representing us well right now.”

La Russa reiterated his respect for Kapler’s intentions but thinks his form of protesting is disrespectful to servicemen and women.

“Some of their courage comes from what the flag means to them and when they hear the anthem,” La Russa stated. “You need to understand what the veterans think when they hear the anthem or see the flag. And the cost they paid and their families. And if you truly understand that, I think it’s impossible not to salute the flag and listen to the anthem.”

Meanwhile, many of Kapler’s other fellow managers are offering their support for his decision.

Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Kapler’s action was “brave.”

“I think we’re all frustrated, especially in this country,” Woodward said. “Nobody’s happy. It’s not about which side you’re on. It’s just we’ve got to get better as a society. … I’m not going to really make comment either way on whether I would or wouldn’t do what he did.”

Boston Red Sox manger Alex Cora said Kapler, his former teammate, has been vocal about several subjects and “for that, I’m proud of him. He’s a good friend of mine and the kind of guy I respect from afar for what he’s doing, and if this is what he’s doing, good for him. I understand his reasons. He was very open about it and I know there’s a lot of people that are going to support him.”

New York Mets manager Buck Showalter also said he respected “how Gabe feels and the way he’s going about it.” Asked about Kapler, Philadelphia manager Joe Girardi responded: “That’s Gabe’s decision. That’s all, I’m going to leave it at that.”

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he’s rarely on the field for the anthem because of meetings and other pregame prep.

“If I’m not out there it’s not because I’m boycotting anything,” Martinez said. “But I do believe that we need to figure something that’s better for everybody’s lives because what we have now is not working at all.

“Everybody has their own views and preferences. … Gabe’s his own person and Gabe does what he wants to do. I do things differently than Gabe.”

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo called Kapler “a humanitarian,” and that he was “very supportive of what Gabe is doing.” But Lovullo said he tries “not to get involved in that arena. It’s a very, very sad and touchy subject for me.”

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kapler “is very passionate about things he believes in and that’s his way of protesting. … I don’t think any of us are happy with what’s going on in our country. I do respect people using whatever platforms they have to address that.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Sue?os Musical Festival in Chicago gets underway, despite a few bumps in the road

Sue?os Music Festival has arrived in Grant Park, and it’s making history, too.

This Memorial Day weekend, Grant Park is hosting the first and largest outdoor reggaet?n festival to ever take place downtown.

Checking in with some of the fans in attendance, people have traveled from all over the country just for this festival, making road trips from Wisconsin, Indiana and California. True festival vibes are present in everything from the music to the fans’ outfits that boast everything from glitter to fishnets to bright makeup.

Festivalgoers can chow down on a wide array of food from several Latin American countries. Local businesses like Tecalitlan Mexican Kitchen, Ponce Restaurant and Beat Kitchen have set up shop onsite.

Jenny L?pez and her longtime childhood friend Adolfo L?pez said they’ve been to all kinds of music festivals and concerts together. Sue?os is right up their alley.

“The vibe, everything, everybody’s all cool — and I love it,” Adolfo Lopez said.

There were plenty of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican flags in sight as Dominican rapper Tokischa took to the stage for her music set.

The rising star delivered some of her most popular songs, “Singamo,” “Ser Perra Est? De Moda” and “Perra,” which features J Balvin who sadly did not make a guest appearance but who is scheduled to close out the festival on Sunday night.

One bump in the road on Saturday came via an updated festival grounds map, which was not made available until the week before the event. Some VIP ticket holders were not too happy with the placement of the VIP viewing area (for which they paid a higher ticket price).

When Sue?os was first announced in early February, the festival posted a map which showed the VIP section being directly in front of the main stage. On Saturday, about half of that viewing area had been designated for general admission ticket holders.

Many fans took to social media to express their unhappiness with the seemingly last-minute change, some saying they felt “ripped off”.

Lana Mar, a VIP ticket holder, said that the change felt “unfair” because she’d bought her ticket under the impression that the VIP area would be front-and-center.

The C?ROC Vodka Spritz bar at Suenos Music Festival is VIP-exclusive and features a variety of new seltzers, along with a backdrop for selfies.|

Ambar Col?n/Sun-Times

The festival addressed the update in an Instagram post saying that it was “made with the entire VIP experience in mind … The VIP area on the side is simply quick access to your exclusive VIP bars, food, bathrooms, water and more.” VIP ticketholders can make use of complimentary oversized, colorful bean bag chairs throughout the fest.

Ana Sorlozano traveled two and a half hours with her friends from Milwaukee to see their favorite artists. They were among the many VIP ticket holders who didn’t even about the VIP section situation.

“So far, so good,” she said, “except we didn’t like how they had two check-in lines. We thought they should’ve just had one.”

There was a glitch in the Saturday music lineup as well. Jowell & Randy, the Puerto Rican reggaet?n duo composed of Joel Mu?oz and Randy Ort?z, didn’t make their set. The Sun-Times has reached the festival’s public relations team for comment. .

VIP ticket holders at Suenos Music Festival can enjoy a complimentary bean bag to lounge on throughout the festival.|

Ambar Col?n/Sun-Times

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La Russa respects Kapler, disagrees with proteston May 28, 2022 at 11:37 pm

CHICAGOWhite Sox manager Tony La Russa says he both likes and respects San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler, but disagrees with his form of protest as it relates to the latest mass shootings in the country.

Kapler wrote this week he’ll remain inside the Giants’ clubhouse while the national anthem is being played before games. La Russa believes in the cause just not Kapler’s actions.

“I think he’s exactly right to be concerned…with what’s happening in our country,” La Russa said before his team hosted the Cubs on Saturday night. “He’s right there. Where I disagree is the flag and the anthem are not appropriate places to try to voice your objections.”

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In the wake of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Kapler penned an article explaining why he can no longer stand outside while the anthem is being played, writing he’s “not okay with the state of this country.”

“When I was the same age as the children in Uvalde, my father taught me to stand for the pledge of allegiance when I believed my country was representing its people well or to protest and stay seated when it wasn’t,” Kapler wrote. “I don’t believe it is representing us well right now.”

La Russa reiterated his respect for Kapler’s intentions but thinks his form of protesting is disrespectful to servicemen and women.

“Some of their courage comes from what the flag means to them and when they hear the anthem,” La Russa stated. “You need to understand what the veterans think when they hear the anthem or see the flag. And the cost they paid and their families. And if you truly understand that, I think it’s impossible not to salute the flag and listen to the anthem.”

La Russa and general manager Rick Hahn didn’t know of any players or coaches on their team that planned a similar kind of protest. Neither did Cubs manager David Ross.

“Everybody’s stance on things is individualized,” Ross said. “I think everybody does what they feel is right in their heart so I respect that. I respect Gabe.

“I don’t have any answers but something has to change. I don’t know what that is. I’m not a lawmaker.”

When asked, Ross agreed that sports can be a good platform for activism.

“I love what (Golden State Warriors coach) Steve Kerr said,” Ross stated. “(Dodgers manager) Dave Roberts had some choice words that he said the other day. I couldn’t agree with those people more. Something has to change. We have to be better.”

In talking to reporters, La Russa stressed his respect for Kapler as a person, former player and manager. But also reiterated his form of protest was wrong. “It’s not the flag,” La Russa said. “And it’s not the anthem.”

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3 aggressive trade packages the Chicago Bulls should tryRyan Heckmanon May 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm

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While the NBA Finals are just about set, the rest of the league is in the early stages of their offseason. For the Chicago Bulls, they are now looking ahead to the 2022 NBA Draft in less than a month, along with looming free agency decisions to follow closely thereafter.

This summer will be a big one for the Bulls. There are several questions needing answers, and not all of them will come right away.

Point guard Lonzo Ball’s health is a huge concern, and the Bulls need him to recover fully if they are to have any immediate success in the coming season. But, aside from Ball, another starting guard faces a big offseason: Zach LaVine.

The Bulls will watch LaVine “enjoy the process” of free agency this summer while hoping he ultimately decides to return. But, regardless of LaVine’s status, the Bulls should also try to be aggressive in improving this roster.

This offseason, the Chicago Bulls should get aggressive in trying to add talent via trade.

Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley did a lot last summer in order to make the Bulls relevant again. Trading for DeMar DeRozan, along with Ball, were two huge moves that affected Chicago’s season in a big way.

Signing guys like Alex Caruso and Derrick Jones Jr. were also underrated moves that paid dividends.

But, this summer, maybe just one more big move could put the Bulls over the top. There are a few players whom the Bulls could move, and believe it or not, they’d be a better team for it. These three trades are aggressive, but the Bulls could give them a shot in order to make a huge splash this offseason.

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3 aggressive trade packages the Chicago Bulls should tryRyan Heckmanon May 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm Read More »