Welcome to Tuesday’s Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire.
TUESDAY’S BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
MLB: White Sox at Red Sox, 7:10 p.m. (NESN; WEEI-FM)
MLB: Cubs at Reds, 1 p.m. (WGN)
MLB: Dodgers at Tigers, 7:08 p.m. (MLB Network)
NBA summer league: Magic vs. Grizzlies, 3 p.m. (NBA TV)
NBA summer league: Heat vs. Pistons, 5 p.m. (NBA TV)
NBA summer league: Rockets vs. 76ers, 7 p.m. (NBA TV)
WNBA: Connecticut Sun at Atlanta Dream, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
WNBA: Los Angeles Sparks at Minnesota Lynx, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
World Cup soccer: Brazil vs. Germany, 4 p.m. (ESPN; WEEI-AM)
Cycling: Tour de France, 8 a.m. (NBCSN)
AROUND THE WEB:
– The Sterling family trial began Monday in Los Angeles probate court, but Donald Sterling was a no-show when called as the first witness. His lawyers explained that Sterling expected a delay of at least a day due to their motion requesting that the case be switched to federal court, which was quickly denied. While Shelly Sterling‘s lawyer requested a bench warrant, Donald Sterling’s attorney promised the banned Clippers owner would be in attendance Tuesday.
Shelly Sterling’s lawyer then called and questioned Dr. Meril Sue Platzer, who discussed visiting Donald Sterling in May and declaring him mentally incapacitated after a two-hour examination that included brain scans.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Donald Sterling’s attorney repeatedly objected to testimony regarding his client’s medical records, claiming it violates his right to privacy. Judge Michael Levanas overruled the objections.
Donald Sterling is expected to eventually be questioned by well-known entertainment attorney Bert Fields.
“We’re very anxious to get Mr. Sterling here because he’s the guy that keeps doing everything he can to keep his family from getting the $2 billion they are entitled to,” Fields said (via ESPN). “Why? Just because of his ego.
“He’s accusing his wife of fraud. Nonsense. There’s no fraud here. He knows better and we’ll be able to show that.”
– A fan who was caught by ESPN cameras napping during an April 13 Yankees-Red Sox game in the Bronx filed a $10 million defamation suit, insisting he was ridiculed and humiliated by the announcing crew and further embarrassed when Major League Baseball continued to show video of the incident on its website.
Andrew Rector, 26, is suing Major League Baseball Advanced Media, ESPN New York, the Yankees and ESPN announcers Dan Shulman and John Kruk. He was shown repeatedly during the fourth inning of the game and became a lighthearted topic of discussion by the announcing crew.
“In the course of watching the game plaintiff napped and this opened unending verbal crusade against the napping plaintiff,” the suit reads, adding: “Announcers like Dan Shulman and John Kruk unleashed avalanche or disparaging words against the person of and concerning the plaintiff. These words, including but limited to ‘stupor, fatty, unintelligent, stupid’ knowing and intending the same to be heard and listened to by millions of people all over the world.”
– One day after being involved in an altercation with a high schooler during a pickup basketball game at a YMCA, Hornets rookie P.J. Hairston was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.
Hairston was issued a summons but will not be arrested. He is due in court Aug. 8.
The 21-year-old former University of North Carolina star — who spent last season in the NBA D-League after eligibility issues with the Tar Heels — practiced with the Hornets on Monday but did not talk to the media, only issuing a statement through the team.
“As this is now a legal matter, I cannot comment on the situation any further,” the statement read. “I am truly sorry for any embarrassment that I have caused.”
The alleged victim, Kentrell Barkley, told police he was twice punched in the head during the game.
“This is about doing the right thing, and Kentrell feeling like he was violated,” Barkley’s guardian, Rich Phillips, told The Associated Press. “[Hairston] did this kid wrong. Kentrell is 17 years old and what happened just isn’t right.”
ON THIS DAY TRIVIA (answer below): On July 8, 1994, which Red Sox infielder turned an unassisted triple play in the top of the sixth — and then homered to lead off the bottom of the inning — during a 4-3 victory over the Mariners?
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You don’t use the words that I get a free pass. You don’t get a free pass on this. MLB don’t play that B.S. MLB don’t play that. There’s a reason why I’ve been drug-tested like eight times and we’re not even at the break. Is that a free pass? There’s a reason why I’ve been tested like 40 times since they approved the policy, the drug policy. Is that a free pass? They can get that free pass and shove it up their [expletive].” – David Ortiz, on being referenced in a discussion about PED use in baseball
STAT OF THE DAY: 9 – Times this season the Red Sox have been shut out, with the latest coming in Monday’s 4-0 loss to the White Sox
‘NET RESULTS (mobile users, check the website to see the videos): Matt Adams ends a scoreless game with a walkoff home run in the ninth inning to give the Cardinals a 2-0 victory over the Pirates.
Ruben Tejada hits an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the Mets a 4-3 victory over the Braves.
Indians baserunner Jason Kipnis gets faked out by Derek Jeter on foul popup and ends up getting doubled off first base.
From a minor league baseball game in Fort Wayne, Indiana, over the weekend, West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher Jon Maciel knocks out a bird with a fastball.
TRIVIA ANSWER: John Valentin
SOOTHING SOUNDS: Beck was born on this day in 1970.
