newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Rangers’ streak busted by Bruins in ‘frustrating’ loss

The Rangers knew they couldn ’ t afford to make too many mistakes against the stingiest defensive team in the NHL .
Playing their second straight game without top-scoring defenseman Tony DeAngelo , the Blueshirts allowed one goal to deflect in off two of their players and then a backbreaking shorthanded score late in the second period in a 3-1 loss to NHL-leading Boston at the Garden on Sunday .
Mika Zibanejad netted the lone goal midway through the third period for the Rangers , who entered the day on a season-best four-game winning streak .
Jaroslav Halak made 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their past 10 games and 37-11-12 ( 86 points ) overall .
“ It ’ s frustrating .
They are one of the best teams in the league … but we didn ’ t make it hard on them , ” said Zibanejad , who has seven goals in his past 10 appearances and 25 for the season .
“ It wasn ’ t good enough today , especially when we needed it most.
” The Rangers ( 30-24-4 ) were without recently anointed No .
1 goalie Igor Shesterkin ( ankle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while DeAngelo ( 43 points ) remained sidelined with an upper-body injury suffered Thursday in Minnesota .
Alexandar Georgiev made 10 of his 31 saves to maintain a scoreless knot until the final minute of the opening period .
Long Island product Charlie McAvoy ’ s flip from the right point double-deflected off Zibanejad ’ s stick and Jacob Trouba ’ s leg before floating in slow motion over Georgiev ’ s stabbing attempt with his glove and into the net with 41.7 seconds remaining in the session .
The goal initially was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it was changed to McAvoy between periods .
“ That first goal was a kick in the ass that we gave up , one that drops out of the sky , ” Rangers coach David Quinn said .
“ You could feel it in the locker room that guys were deflated and I don ’ t think we responded really well.
” The Rangers received a four-minute power play early in the second , when David Krejci was assessed a double-minor penalty for swatting Ryan Lindgren in the face with his stick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeAngelo on the first power-play unit , the Rangers appeared disorganized and mounted little sustained pressure during the four-minute advantage .
Lindgren drew another power play late in the period when he was crosschecked by Brad Marchand .
The Rangers received a break when Pavel Buchnevich was not also sent off for retaliating with another crosscheck on Marchand .
Trouba coughed up a puck at the Boston blue line during the ensuing five-on-four , sending Charlie Coyle in alone to beat Georgiev ’ s glove on the shorthanded breakaway rush with 1:18 left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bounces , it is what it is , ” Trouba said .
“ The second one , I tried to whack at it .
Just two bad bounces on the goals .
“ But I thought we played a good game as a team .
Sometimes that ’ s how it goes .
If we play like that every night , that ’ s a game we can win more than we lose.
” Quinn said there ’ s a “ very good chance ” DeAngelo will be back in the lineup Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd booed during another stalled power-play opportunity early in the third .
Zibanejad ended the man-up skid and prevented the Rangers from being blanked for the first time this season less than five minutes later .
He beat Halak through traffic with a blue-line wrister 9:52 into the final period , before Patrice Bergeron added an empty-net goal with 12.2 seconds remaining .
“ It was frustrating .
We got the one in the third , a big goal for us , which kind of rejuvenated us a bit , but just an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which we haven ’ t had a lot of , ” Quinn said .
“ With some of our top players having off nights , to still be in that position is a good sign .
… There ’ s a reason they ’ ve got the most points in the league , but it ’ s disappointing , more than anything .
”

The Rangers knew they couldn’t afford to make too many mistakes against the stingiest defensive team in the NHL.
Playing their second straight game without top-scoring defenseman Tony DeAngelo, the Blueshirts allowed one goal to deflect in off two of their players and then a backbreaking shorthanded score late in the second period in a 3-1 loss to NHL-leading Boston at the Garden on Sunday.
Mika Zibanejad netted the lone goal midway through the third period for the Rangers, who entered the day on a season-best four-game winning streak. Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves as the Bruins improved to 9-1-0 in their past 10 games and 37-11-12 (86 points) overall.
“It’s frustrating. They are one of the best teams in the league … but we didn’t make it hard on them,” said Zibanejad, who has seven goals in his past 10 appearances and 25 for the season. “It wasn’t good enough today, especially when we needed it most.”
The Rangers (30-24-4) were without recently anointed No. 1 goalie Igor Shesterkin (ankle) for the third straight game, while DeAngelo (43 points) remained sidelined with an upper-body injury suffered Thursday in Minnesota.
Alexandar Georgiev made 10 of his 31 saves to maintain a scoreless knot until the final minute of the opening period. Long Island product Charlie McAvoy’s flip from the right point double-deflected off Zibanejad’s stick and Jacob Trouba’s leg before floating in slow motion over Georgiev’s stabbing attempt with his glove and into the net with 41.7 seconds remaining in the session. The goal initially was credited to Boston winger Chris Wagner, but it was changed to McAvoy between periods.
“That first goal was a kick in the ass that we gave up, one that drops out of the sky,” Rangers coach David Quinn said. “You could feel it in the locker room that guys were deflated and I don’t think we responded really well.”
The Rangers received a four-minute power play early in the second, when David Krejci was assessed a double-minor penalty for swatting Ryan Lindgren in the face with his stick. With Adam Fox filling in for DeAngelo on the first power-play unit, the Rangers appeared disorganized and mounted little sustained pressure during the four-minute advantage.
Lindgren drew another power play late in the period when he was crosschecked by Brad Marchand. The Rangers received a break when Pavel Buchnevich was not also sent off for retaliating with another crosscheck on Marchand.
Trouba coughed up a puck at the Boston blue line during the ensuing five-on-four, sending Charlie Coyle in alone to beat Georgiev’s glove on the shorthanded breakaway rush with 1:18 left in the period.
“Two tough bounces, it is what it is,” Trouba said. “The second one, I tried to whack at it. Just two bad bounces on the goals.
“But I thought we played a good game as a team. Sometimes that’s how it goes. If we play like that every night, that’s a game we can win more than we lose.”
Quinn said there’s a “very good chance” DeAngelo will be back in the lineup Wednesday in Chicago, but the restless home crowd booed during another stalled power-play opportunity early in the third.
Zibanejad ended the man-up skid and prevented the Rangers from being blanked for the first time this season less than five minutes later. He beat Halak through traffic with a blue-line wrister 9:52 into the final period, before Patrice Bergeron added an empty-net goal with 12.2 seconds remaining.
“It was frustrating. We got the one in the third, a big goal for us, which kind of rejuvenated us a bit, but just an off night from a power-play standpoint, which we haven’t had a lot of,” Quinn said. “With some of our top players having off nights, to still be in that position is a good sign. … There’s a reason they’ve got the most points in the league, but it’s disappointing, more than anything.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Gerrit Cole’s anticipated Yankees first ends with surreal standing ovation

TAMPA — Nothing beats spring-training lingo , right ?
Best shape of ...

TAMPA — Until Sunday, Roger Clemens’ initial batting practice session 21 years ago inside Legends Field was the standard for excitement generated by a new Yankees pitcher.
The bar has been raised after Gerrit Cole’s one-inning outing against four hitters at Steinbrenner Field.
Fellow pitchers James Paxton, Luis Severino and Zack Britton watched from behind screens off to the right of home plate with GM Brian Cashman. Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake stood to the side of the video machine, located behind a screen in the back of the mound that captured Cole’s every movement. Cashman’s lieutenants, Jim Hendry and Tim Naehring, sat in the sun-baked seats behind the plate and close to third base coach Phil Nevin, who was perched on a box-seat wall.
And when Cole completed a 27-pitch workout that consisted of only fastballs and changeups, a crowd of roughly 1,000 applauded the right-hander tasked with the challenge of leading the Yankees to their first World Series title since 2009.
“It was the first time I got a standing ovation for having my first live BP. I can tell you that,” said Cole, who previously pitched for the Pirates and Astros prior to signing a nine-year deal for $324 million in December to become the face of the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Clemens came from the Blue Jays on the eve of spring training in 1999, and his first BP session was known for Derek Jeter and Chuck Knoblauch donning catchers gear to face the game’s best pitcher who thrived on throwing inside.
“I liked the way I felt, a good sweat,” Cole said of his work, which was highlighted by every movement having a purpose. “Pushed the tolerance at the end and felt like I got a little bit fatigued. I felt like I got some good work in.”
Cole said he will throw another live BP session in preparation for his exhibition season debut. Since that is scheduled for Saturday at Steinbrenner Field against the Blue Jays and will be televised by YES to Yankees fans everywhere, figure Cole will be Boone’s starter.
Working with catcher Gary Sanchez, Cole faced minor league imports Hemmanuel Rosario, Matt Pita, Alex Guerrero and Yankees backup catcher Kyle Higashioka, who spanked a poorly located changeup to left field.
“He hadn’t swing at the fastball yet and I threw a poorly located changeup in a swing count,” Cole said of that pitch.
Cole also threw a pitch that appeared to be a breaking ball, but wasn’t.
“Poor changeup, I pulled it,” Cole said.
According to Cole, the emphasis wasn’t on the changeup or fastball.
“The biggest focus was hit the volume, feel good, not get too far past fatigue and try to keep the action on my fastball every time,” Cole said.
It was the third time Cole was paired with Sanchez, who this camp has been asked to improve on framing pitches in the bottom of the strike zone.
“It’s three times,” Cole said when asked about his rapport with Sanchez. “It’s as good as it can go for three times.”
From a broadcast booth and the opposing dugout, Boone witnessed Cole’s intensity and attention to detail. Sunday he saw it live in a controlled setting.
“Just another peek behind kind of the competitor and intensity and the confidence he has when he gets on the mound and the seriousness with which he takes it,” Boone said of his 29-year-old staff ace, who took his first BP session as seriously as Clemens did and set the standard for the next high-profile pitcher the Yankees import.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Bogus criminal-justice reforms are endangering police, civilians across USA

“ If you see something , say something.
” In post-9/11 New York , ...

This month, in a span of roughly 12 hours, two uniformed NYPD officers were shot and wounded in attempted assassinations in the Bronx — apparently by the same suspect.
One officer, while seated in a marked police van on Saturday night, was hit in the face and neck. The other, a lieutenant, was shot in the arm as he stood near the 41st Precinct’s reception area the next morning. Both officers survived their wounds.
The shootings occurred just days after protesters paralyzed parts of New York’s subway system while chanting obscenities about the police. NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea and police union leaders, who cited the protests as a potential factor in the attacks, aren’t the only ones linking assaults to anti-police sentiment.
Late last year, US Attorney General William Barr called the growing disrespect for law enforcement a contributing factor to the dangers that cops face. Most important, Barr noted the justice system’s persistent failure to keep dangerous repeat offenders off city streets.
The Bronx suspect, Robert Williams, like many attempted cop-killers, is no stranger to the justice system. Last week, the New York Times reported that he has multiple arrests dating to the mid-1990s, including a robbery charge when he was just 14.
After his sentencing in 1995, he was paroled twice. He subsequently returned to prison for violating his parole — twice. The Times also reported that Williams shot someone in 2002 and then carjacked a woman while fleeing. The shooting resulted in a conviction for attempted murder. Despite that conviction and the suspect’s criminal history, Williams was released early from prison in 2017.
The incidents in the Bronx illustrate what seems to be a trend of violence directed at police by habitual criminals. Last summer, in Staten Island, a female NYPD officer was shot by an armed suspect when she attempted to take him into custody. Gregory Edwards had a long criminal history that included convictions arising from two separate shootings.
In Houston, Sgt. Christopher Brewster was allegedly shot and killed by Arturo Solis, who, according to local news reports, has faced multiple charges in the past, including for burglary and assault.
Earlier this month, Nick O’Rear, a police officer in Alabama, was killed in the line of duty allegedly by a suspect with a criminal history that includes 20 arrests and six felony convictions for charges ranging from illegal gun possession to drug distribution.
A few months before allegedly killing O’Rear, the suspect had been released pending a hearing on charges such as weapons possession.
Why were these suspects free?
Yet the trend continues. Last month, a man seen slugging an NYPD officer on a bodycam video was back on the street hours later, thanks to the state’s new bail “reform.” Late last year, a teen convicted of second-degree murder for his role in the death of a retired police sergeant in Missouri was sentenced to juvenile detention. He’ll be eligible for release when he’s 21.
All these cases illustrate the disconnect that exists between progressives’ perception of the criminal justice system as unfairly punitive and how that system works in practice. Yet with political momentum currently in favor of leniency and decarceration, more repeat offenders will likely walk free on the streets of American cities.
The risks associated with that problem aren’t evenly distributed. They tend to fall on those living in communities where high crime rates are a fact of life. But by the nature of the work they do, those risks are also disproportionately borne by our cops.
Coupled with the growing antagonism toward police, these exacerbations of the risks inherent in policing at least partly explain why law enforcement departments are struggling to fill vacancies. Anti-police activists may cheer, but a policing shortage won’t bode well for those living in America’s most vulnerable communities, or those left to police them — the primary victims of the system’s failure to incapacitate dangerous offenders.
Rafael A. Mangual is a fellow and deputy director of legal policy at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal, from which this column was adapted.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--President Trump takes ceremonial lap around Daytona 500 track

Simple gratitude should suffice for reason to celebrate the third ...

President Trump became the first sitting president to take a ceremonial lap around the track at NASCAR’s Daytona 500 on Sunday.
The president’s tricked-out limousine, nicknamed “The Beast,” led drivers on the warm-up at the Daytona International Speedway.
It came after Trump, as the race’s grand marshal, issued the command: “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
Moments earlier, Trump had joked in an interview with Fox that he wanted to take a racecar for a spin.
“I’m going to hop into one of these cars and I’m going to get into this race if possible. I love the idea,” he said.
Not long after Trump’s limo exited the track, rain began to fall and the start of the race was momentarily delayed.
Air Force One took off to take Trump home to Washington D.C. as drivers returned to their cars.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Washington’s birthday was celebrated during his presidency, successors hated it

Simple gratitude should suffice for reason to celebrate the third Monday in February by its official name , Washington ’ s Birthday , rather than by its popular one , Presidents ’ Day .
But if winning the Revolutionary War , presiding over the Constitutional Convention and surrendering power after two terms as president are no longer enough to warrant George Washington having his own holiday , here is one more reason not to make him share with the other presidents : His earliest successors didn ’ t even like celebrating his birthday .
Although Washington ’ s birthday didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the late 19th century , informal celebrations took place throughout his presidency .
During Washington ’ s last years in office , however , disgust with the elaborate annual festivities provided a rallying point for the emerging opposition party known as the Republicans , whose leaders included the future third ( Thomas Jefferson ) , fourth ( James Madison ) and fifth ( James Monroe ) presidents .
On Feb. 22 , 1796 , Washington ’ s 64th birthday , then-Congressman Madison rejoiced in Republicans disrupting the routine .
The celebration that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as usual with cannons firing and well-wishers trudging through snowy streets to the house where Washington lived .
By tradition , the House of Representatives usually passed a motion to adjourn for a half hour so members could pay their respects .
But when the motion came up for a vote this time , Madison ’ s fellow House Republicans defeated it .
“ Last year there were but thirteen dissentients , ” Madison boasted after the vote .
“ This year the motion to adjourn was negatived by fifty against thirty-eight.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ indicative ” of growing disenchantment with the birthday festivities , he conceded that Philadelphia ’ s “ fashionable circle ” had still “ celebrated with greater splendor than ever.
” Washington ’ s vice president , John Adams , no Republican himself , conceded that so-called birth-night balls could be “ tedious ” for those ( such as himself ) unable to dance .
But he attended one nonetheless in February 1797 , just days before Washington bade farewell to Philadelphia and left the presidency .
As Adams succeeded to the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t celebrate his own birthday in the same style but , at least , would no longer expect him to sit through balls in honor of his predecessor .
Adams was only half right .
Less would happen on his birthday , but Philadelphians would persist in inviting him to balls in honor of Washington ’ s .
The angry response Adams sent back in 1798 leaked to a newspaper and caused a scandal .
“ I have received your polite invitation … and embrace the earliest opportunity of informing you that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offended Washington ’ s friends .
They called it “ petulant and rude.
” Adams ’ wife , Abigail , insisted that it was the Philadelphians who had been rude .
“ They have the least feeling of real genuine politeness of any people with whom I am acquainted , ” she wrote .
“ As an instance of it , they are about to celebrate not the birthday of the first magistrate of the union … [ but ] of a private citizen , for in no other light can Gen. Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued , would degrade her husband ’ s office .
No one had more reason to avoid Washington ’ s birthday parties that same year than Monroe , who had served as American minister to France during Washington ’ s presidency and recently published what today would be called a tell-all book attacking major foreign-policy decisions Washington had made .
“ We are to dance on their birth night , forsooth , and say they are great and good men , when we know they are little people , ” Monroe wrote his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Adams ’ vice president .
Later , as president himself , Jefferson would refuse to let people celebrate his own birthday in the belief that they should celebrate only the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence , which he had written .
He wanted it known that he disliked “ transferring the honors and veneration for the great birthday of our republic to any individual , ” including Washington .
But in 1798 , Jefferson took some hope in the response to Adams ’ refusal to attend the ball .
The outrage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebrating presidents in general .
They wished to celebrate only one particular president , the Father of His Country .
This history should offer Americans hope .
In the wake of an impeachment battle that has exposed deep disagreements over how to judge recent presidents , perhaps we can all agree that the title of president alone doesn ’ t confer automatic greatness .
On the third Monday in February , let us celebrate the true source of Washington ’ s greatness : his virtues , not the office he held .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House speechwriter .
His latest book is “ Washington ’ s End : The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle .
”

Simple gratitude should suffice for reason to celebrate the third Monday in February by its official name, Washington’s Birthday, rather than by its popular one, Presidents’ Day.
But if winning the Revolutionary War, presiding over the Constitutional Convention and surrendering power after two terms as president are no longer enough to warrant George Washington having his own holiday, here is one more reason not to make him share with the other presidents: His earliest successors didn’t even like celebrating his birthday. Although Washington’s birthday didn’t emerge as a federal holiday until the late 19th century, informal celebrations took place throughout his presidency.
During Washington’s last years in office, however, disgust with the elaborate annual festivities provided a rallying point for the emerging opposition party known as the Republicans, whose leaders included the future third (Thomas Jefferson), fourth (James Madison) and fifth (James Monroe) presidents.
On Feb. 22, 1796, Washington’s 64th birthday, then-Congressman Madison rejoiced in Republicans disrupting the routine.
The celebration that day in the then-capital of Philadelphia began as usual with cannons firing and well-wishers trudging through snowy streets to the house where Washington lived. By tradition, the House of Representatives usually passed a motion to adjourn for a half hour so members could pay their respects. But when the motion came up for a vote this time, Madison’s fellow House Republicans defeated it.
“Last year there were but thirteen dissentients,” Madison boasted after the vote. “This year the motion to adjourn was negatived by fifty against thirty-eight.” Though he viewed the vote as “indicative” of growing disenchantment with the birthday festivities, he conceded that Philadelphia’s “fashionable circle” had still “celebrated with greater splendor than ever.”
Washington’s vice president, John Adams, no Republican himself, conceded that so-called birth-night balls could be “tedious” for those (such as himself) unable to dance. But he attended one nonetheless in February 1797, just days before Washington bade farewell to Philadelphia and left the presidency. As Adams succeeded to the top office, he supposed that people wouldn’t celebrate his own birthday in the same style but, at least, would no longer expect him to sit through balls in honor of his predecessor.
Adams was only half right. Less would happen on his birthday, but Philadelphians would persist in inviting him to balls in honor of Washington’s. The angry response Adams sent back in 1798 leaked to a newspaper and caused a scandal. “I have received your polite invitation … and embrace the earliest opportunity of informing you that I decline accepting it.”
The language offended Washington’s friends. They called it “petulant and rude.”
Adams’ wife, Abigail, insisted that it was the Philadelphians who had been rude. “They have the least feeling of real genuine politeness of any people with whom I am acquainted,” she wrote. “As an instance of it, they are about to celebrate not the birthday of the first magistrate of the union … [but] of a private citizen, for in no other light can Gen. Washington be now considered.” Attending, she argued, would degrade her husband’s office.
No one had more reason to avoid Washington’s birthday parties that same year than Monroe, who had served as American minister to France during Washington’s presidency and recently published what today would be called a tell-all book attacking major foreign-policy decisions Washington had made. “We are to dance on their birth night, forsooth, and say they are great and good men, when we know they are little people,” Monroe wrote his friend Jefferson, who was then serving as Adams’ vice president.
Later, as president himself, Jefferson would refuse to let people celebrate his own birthday in the belief that they should celebrate only the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which he had written.
He wanted it known that he disliked “transferring the honors and veneration for the great birthday of our republic to any individual,” including Washington.
But in 1798, Jefferson took some hope in the response to Adams’ refusal to attend the ball. The outrage revealed that most people had no intention of celebrating presidents in general. They wished to celebrate only one particular president, the Father of His Country.
This history should offer Americans hope. In the wake of an impeachment battle that has exposed deep disagreements over how to judge recent presidents, perhaps we can all agree that the title of president alone doesn’t confer automatic greatness. On the third Monday in February, let us celebrate the true source of Washington’s greatness: his virtues, not the office he held.
Jonathan Horn is an author and former White House speechwriter. His latest book is “Washington’s End: The Final Years and Forgotten Struggle.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Georgia man’s takedown of shoplifting suspect with grocery cart caught on video

A Georgia man is being praised for his good timing after he was caught on video using his grocery cart to help police nab a shoplifting suspect in a Walmart parking lot .
The quick-thinking Good Samaritan appeared to time the exact moment the suspect would run past his cart before pushing it in front of his path in a video the Peachtree City Police Department released last week .
The video shows the cart knocking the suspect to the ground , allowing officers to catch up and apprehend him .
One officer pats the unnamed do-gooder on the shoulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell out of his cart .
The incident happened last month at a Home Depot in Peachtree City , located about 30 miles south of Atlanta .
The suspect had taken items from the store and ran into the neighboring Walmart parking lot , FOX5 Atlanta reported .
Police later identified the shoplifting suspect as 41-year-old Marcus Smith , according to the station .
He was charged with felony shoplifting and obstruction .
While police were appreciative of the helping hand , they advised potential do-gooders to think of their own safety before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again , while we are eternally grateful for this citizen ’ s quick thinking and impeccable timing , we never encourage anybody to intervene in a police situation , ” the department wrote on Facebook .
“ If the decision is made to do so , please consider the safety of yourself and all those around you as a priority .
”

A Georgia man is being praised for his good timing after he was caught on video using his grocery cart to help police nab a shoplifting suspect in a Walmart parking lot.
The quick-thinking Good Samaritan appeared to time the exact moment the suspect would run past his cart before pushing it in front of his path in a video the Peachtree City Police Department released last week.
The video shows the cart knocking the suspect to the ground, allowing officers to catch up and apprehend him. One officer pats the unnamed do-gooder on the shoulder as others help pick up items that fell out of his cart.
The incident happened last month at a Home Depot in Peachtree City, located about 30 miles south of Atlanta. The suspect had taken items from the store and ran into the neighboring Walmart parking lot, FOX5 Atlanta reported.
Police later identified the shoplifting suspect as 41-year-old Marcus Smith, according to the station. He was charged with felony shoplifting and obstruction.
While police were appreciative of the helping hand, they advised potential do-gooders to think of their own safety before stepping into a police situation.
“Again, while we are eternally grateful for this citizen’s quick thinking and impeccable timing, we never encourage anybody to intervene in a police situation,” the department wrote on Facebook. “If the decision is made to do so, please consider the safety of yourself and all those around you as a priority.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Topless protester confronts Bernie Sanders, de Blasio at Nevada campaign rally

A topless protester disrupted Sen. Bernie Sanders ’ campaign rally in Nevada on Sunday — moments after Mayor Bill de Blasio introduced the Democratic presidential candidate to the stage .
De Blasio had just introduced Sanders to the crowd in Carson City as the “ next president of the United States , ” when Sanders entered the stage with his wife as the song “ Power to the People ” played .
That ’ s when a fully clothed woman jumped up and tried to wrest the microphone out of the Vermont senator ’ s hand , before grabbing another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking about the candidate ’ s support for dairy farmers .
“ Bernie , I ’ m your biggest supporter , and I ’ m here to ask you to stop pumping up the dairy industry and to stop pumping up animal agriculture , ” she said .
“ I believe in you… ” she continued , before the mic suddenly went dead and security moved toward her .
Sanders moved to the edge of the stage as a string of women then paraded across holding images of cows — followed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as members of his security detail positioned themselves between the two .
“ This is Nevada .
There ’ s always a little excitement — at no extra cost .
Except we have a lot of water on the stage , ” he said as he returned to the stage .
The protesters were prompted by the senator ’ s support in 2018 for legislation that provided emergency financial support for dairy farmers across the country because of the falling price of milk .
It ’ s not the first time a Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protester — a woman showed up at a March 2016 rally in Arizona with the words “ Stop Fascism ” and “ Hate speech is not free.
” De Blasio announced his support for Sanders this weekend after backing Hillary Clinton in 2016 .

A topless protester disrupted Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign rally in Nevada on Sunday — moments after Mayor Bill de Blasio introduced the Democratic presidential candidate to the stage.
De Blasio had just introduced Sanders to the crowd in Carson City as the “next president of the United States,” when Sanders entered the stage with his wife as the song “Power to the People” played.
That’s when a fully clothed woman jumped up and tried to wrest the microphone out of the Vermont senator’s hand, before grabbing another one from the lectern, and started speaking about the candidate’s support for dairy farmers.
“Bernie, I’m your biggest supporter, and I’m here to ask you to stop pumping up the dairy industry and to stop pumping up animal agriculture,” she said. “I believe in you…” she continued, before the mic suddenly went dead and security moved toward her.
Sanders moved to the edge of the stage as a string of women then paraded across holding images of cows — followed by a topless woman, who gestured to Sanders as members of his security detail positioned themselves between the two.
“This is Nevada. There’s always a little excitement — at no extra cost. Except we have a lot of water on the stage,” he said as he returned to the stage.
The protesters were prompted by the senator’s support in 2018 for legislation that provided emergency financial support for dairy farmers across the country because of the falling price of milk.
It’s not the first time a Sanders rally has been disrupted by a topless protester: A woman showed up at a March 2016 rally in Arizona with the words “Stop Fascism” on her back and “Hate speech is not free” on her front.
De Blasio announced his support for Sanders this weekend after backing Hillary Clinton in 2016.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Mario Carbone brings NYC restaurant to Chicago for NBA All-Star weekend

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Chef Mario Carbone brought his @ @ @ @ @ Chicago for NBA All-Star weekend —- as a pop-up headquartered at Tao in the Windy @ @ @ @ @ business partner Maverick Carter , Kevin Durant ’ s manager and Thirty Five Ventures partner @ @ @ @ @ Steve Stouts hosted a power gathering called “ The Mixer ” that brought out athletes @ @ @ @ @ , models , rappers and NBA owners alike .
Spotted mixing it up were 2 @ @ @ @ @ Dolan , Nas , Jack Dorsey , Anthony Davis , Rick Ross , Michael Rubin @ @ @ @ @ Kloss , Rich Paul , Nets owner Joseph Tsai and others .

Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
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Chef Mario Carbone brought his NYC power eatery Carbone to Chicago for NBA All-Star weekend — as a pop-up headquartered at Tao in the Windy City.
LeBron James’ business partner Maverick Carter, Kevin Durant’s manager and Thirty Five Ventures partner Rich Kleiman and marketing guru Steve Stoute hosted a power gathering called “The Mixer” there that brought out athletes, tech moguls, hedge-funders, models, rappers and NBA owners alike.
Spotted mixing it up were 2 Chainz, Knicks owner James Dolan, Nas, Jack Dorsey, Anthony Davis, Rick Ross, Michael Rubin, Marc Lasry, Karlie Kloss, Rich Paul, Nets owner Joseph Tsai and others.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--‘Nice move, buddy!’: Pup wins game night with ‘paw’-fect Connect 4 strategy

This pup played a flawless game of Connect “ Paw ” !
Watch as Percy , a 2-year-old cockapoo from @ @ @ @ @ how to play the classic game .
Percy ’ s owner is a professional dog @ @ @ @ @ the adorable good boy was able to master dropping the red circles into the slots @ @ @ @ @ little help , the cutie was able to connect four chips diagonally to win the @ @ @ @ @ Plenty of incredibly delicious treats .

This pup played a flawless game of Connect “Paw”! Watch as Percy, a 2-year-old cockapoo from Toronto, Canada, learns how to play the classic game. Percy’s owner is a professional dog trainer, which explains how the adorable good boy was able to master dropping the red circles into the slots so quickly. With a little help, the cutie was able to connect four chips diagonally to win the game. His prize? Plenty of incredibly delicious treats.
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newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Macau casinos to resume operations after suspension amid coronavirus fears

`` We want to emphasize that we have sufficient toilet roll ...

Macau, the world’s gambling capital, will permit casinos to resume operations Thursday following a 15-day suspension to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Chinese territory, according to a report.
Health officials said Monday that casino operators – including Sands China, Wynn Macau, SJM Holdings , MGM China, Galaxy Entertainment and Melco Resorts — have 30 days to go back to full business, Reuters reported.
On Feb. 4, the government announced the temporary closure of the city’s 41 casinos after officials revealed the coronavirus had sickened 10 people in the city, where the gambling sites took in more than $37 billion in revenue in 2018.
Macau, where there have been 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19, has not reported any new cases of the virus since Feb. 4, officials said.
While casinos have been given the green light to open their doors, business is likely to be limited because of the city’s stringent controls on visitor entry and the suspension of ferry services from Hong Kong, according to executives cited by Reuters.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Armed robbers steal hundreds of rolls of toilet paper amid Hong Kong coronavirus panic

Fourteen Americans being evacuated by plane from Japan to the ...

Armed robbers in Hong Kong held up a delivery driver Monday, wiping him clean of hundreds of rolls of toilet paper in a city facing acute shortages amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to reports.
“A deliveryman was threatened by three knife-wielding men who took toilet paper worth more than HK$1,000 ($130),” a police spokesman told Agence France-Presse.
Two suspects were later collared and the missing rolls recovered, though it was not immediately clear if they were involved in the TP caper outside a supermarket in the Mong Kok district, a police source told AFP.
Video broadcast by Now TV showed investigators milling around crates of toilet paper outside the Wellcome Supermarket in the district, which has a history of “triad” crime gangs.
Toilet rolls have become a hot commodity, with stores struggling to keep them in stock as residents make runs to clean them off the shelves during panic-buying sprees.
One woman passing by the scene of the heist told local TV station iCable that “I’d steal faces masks, but no toilet roll,” according to AFP.
Authorities in the financial hub — where there have been 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the official name of the illness – insist that the supply of household goods and foods remain stable, though face masks have been hard to come by.
And yet, images shared online have shown people hoarding toilet paper rolls in their tiny apartments – prompting officials to warn that they could develop mold in the humid climate.
The supermarket chain denounced the “senseless” robbery and called on residents not to buy toilet paper in bulk.
“We want to emphasize that we have sufficient toilet roll supply to meet demand,” Wellcome said in a statement. “The temporary shortage was caused by the sudden and unusual surge in demand.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--14 Americans aboard evacuation plane from Japan stricken with coronavirus

A middle school teacher in New Jersey , who has coached ...

Fourteen Americans being evacuated by plane from Japan to the US after disembarking a cruise ship have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials said early Monday.
The infected were among a group of over 300 US citizens who were allowed off the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship Sunday, according to the US State Department.
US officials said they learned of the positive test results as the evacuees were preparing to return to America on two chartered Boeing 747s.
“These individuals were moved in the most expeditious and safe manner to a specialized containment area on the evacuation aircraft to isolate them in accordance with standard protocols,” the statement said.
“During the flights, these individuals will continue to be isolated from the other passengers.”
One flight is headed to Travis Air Force Base in California and the other to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the Defense Department said.
It’s unclear whether the coronavirus patients were traveling on one or both planes.
Previous 1 of 21 Next Advertisement US passengers embark for the US on a plane at the Haneda Airport, in Tokyo. REUTERS Passengers who evacuated the quarantined cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, board a Kalitta Air plane bound for the U.S. AP Advertisement Passengers who evacuated the quarantined cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, board a Kalitta Air plane bound for the US. AP A US government-chartered plane takes off from Tokyo's Haneda airport. Kyodo News/Sipa USA A US government-chartered plane takes off from Tokyo's Haneda airport. Kyodo News/Sipa USA Advertisement US passengers embark for the US on a plane at the Haneda Airport, in Tokyo. REUTERS Buses carrying passengers from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship AP US passengers embark for the US on a plane at the Haneda Airport, in Tokyo. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Buses carrying passengers from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship AP US passengers embark for the US on a plane at the Haneda Airport, in Tokyo. REUTERS A bus leaves the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship. AP Advertisement A bus leaves the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship. AP Passengers who evacuated the quarantined cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, board a Kalitta Air plane bound for the US. AP Members of Japan Self-Defense Forces walk past the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship. AP Advertisement Passengers who evacuated the quarantined cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, board a Kalitta Air plane bound for the US. AP Advertisement
The group was said to be screened for symptoms of the novel coronavirus before they were allowed to board the planes.
Officials said that upon arrival, all passengers will undergo an additional 14-day quarantine.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Wrestling coach who worked at 15 New Jersey schools charged with sex assault of teen

A middle school teacher in New Jersey , who has coached wrestling at 15 schools in the state , was @ @ @ @ @ teenager , reports said .
John M. Denuto , 43 , was charged in Middlesex @ @ @ @ @ assault , possession of child pornography and photographing a child in a sex act , @ @ @ @ @ said the incident took place in October 2016 when the teen was between 13 and @ @ @ @ @ said the coach knew his victim .
Denuto also served as the head coach of @ @ @ @ @ wrestling team , but has since been fired .
“ The safety and well-being of @ @ @ @ @ always been our highest priority , ” the school ’ s superintendent said in a @ @ @ @ @ shocked and deeply troubled by what has occurred and are currently cooperating fully with law @ @ @ @ @ detained pending his first court appearance .

A middle school teacher in New Jersey, who has coached wrestling at 15 schools in the state, was arrested for sexually assaulting a teenager, reports said.
John M. Denuto, 43, was charged in Middlesex County on Saturday with sexual assault, possession of child pornography and photographing a child in a sex act, according to NJ.com.
Officials said the incident took place in October 2016 when the teen was between 13 and 15 years old. Prosecutors said the coach knew his victim.
Denuto also served as the head coach of Union County College’s wrestling team, but has since been fired.
“The safety and well-being of our students is and has always been our highest priority,” the school’s superintendent said in a statement.
“We are shocked and deeply troubled by what has occurred and are currently cooperating fully with law enforcement.”
Denuto was being detained pending his first court appearance.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--NYPD investigating after video surfaces showing motorized bikes on crowded subway train

Stand clear of the motorized bikes , please .
Three people were filmed rolling their motorized rides onto a crowded @ @ @ @ @ cops are looking into their maneuvers .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear when or @ @ @ @ @ the train .
But an automated announcement heard on the footage says the subway is @ @ @ @ @ with a next stop of 57th Street — indicating it likely happened at the 47th-50th @ @ @ @ @ A person in the video can be heard saying “ that ’ s absurd ” @ @ @ @ @ walk their rides in a subway car .
The other rider , a man on @ @ @ @ @ , nearly runs into somebody on the platform before entering a separate train car as @ @ @ @ @ — one of them cracking a smile .
The NYPD said they are aware of @ @ @ @ @ into the matter .

That’s one way to beat traffic.
An newly viral video captures a brazen gang of minibikers rolling their rides onto a crowded subway train.
The clip, posted by the popular @SubwayCreatures Instagram account, shows three men line up single file on motorbikes as they attempt to board the F train at the 47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center station.
As two of the men walk their pint-size bikes into a subway car, one onlooker can be heard muttering, “that’s absurd.”
The third rider then motors his slightly larger bike along the platform — nearly hitting a commuter — before driving into a separate train car in front of gobsmacked straphangers.
The NYPD and MTA said they were looking into the incident after the video went viral — but had no idea when the stunt took place.
Citizen cameraman Connor Bell told ABC7 he took the video at around 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 on the Queens-bound platform of the Midtown station.
Fellow straphangers told The Post on Monday they found the bikers “disrespectful.”
“It’s annoying enough when people take their regular analog bikes on the train, but I guess that’s considered OK for most people, so whatever,” said Mitch Hurwitz, 24, of Forest Hills.
“Motorized bikes? Come on. Like, why not carry on a grand piano while you’re at it?”
Another rider gave sarcastic “props” to the “brazen” two-wheelers.
“I’m just amazed they got their bikes down there in the first place,” William Hu, 21, of Kew Gardens, said.
“Aren’t there supposed to be cops in every station? Or did the anarchists succeed in getting rid of them?”
MTA rep Aaron Donovan said the agency did not receive any complaints about the incident.
MTA safety boss Patrick Warren said riders should alert cops if they see another stunt like this on the subway.
“This is not only alarming for other passengers but it’s completely unsafe,” he said in a statement. “Motorized vehicles pose a hazard to our customers and are banned in the subway system.”
Additional reporting by Kenneth Garger and Craig McCarthy


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--American doctor separated from coronavirus-infected wife aboard Japanese cruise ship

An American couple stuck on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan were forced to separate Sunday after the wife tested positive for the deadly infection , a report said .
Dr. Arnold Hopland and his wife , Jeannie , of Tennessee , expected to evacuate the vessel and fly back to the US with about 400 other Americans until they learned of Jeannie ’ s positive test result the morning of the planned departure , the couple previously told WJHL-TV .
Hours later , Dr. Hopland told the outlet , his wife was removed from the ship to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Hopland ’ s coronavirus results came back negative and he was unable to leave the ship to accompany his wife .
He doesn ’ t know for how long they will be apart .
“ Her biggest worry was having to leave me , ” he told WJHL .
Earlier Sunday , before Jeannie was taken from the ship , Dr. Hopland said that despite his wife ’ s diagnosis , he intended to remain by her side .
The couple received the positive test result as they were readying for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr. Hopland blames a mismanaged quarantine on many of the ship ’ s 356 coronavirus cases .
“ Had we been removed days ago , Jeannie and many others likely would be much better off , ” he told the station .
The couple ’ s son , Dr. Kenny Hopland , told WJHL he believes his parents were exposed to the coronavirus by an infected ship worker who brought them food .
“ A few days ago , the steward who had been bringing them food to their cabins tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s no question that they got exposed to the virus because they were forced to stay on the ship.
” Meanwhile on Monday , officials in China , where the coronavirus outbreak started , reported an uptick in cases of deadly infection .
The country saw another 105 deaths — bringing the total to 1,770 — and 2,048 new cases , an increase of 39 from Sunday figures .

An American couple stuck on the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan were forced to separate Sunday after the wife tested positive for the deadly infection, a report said.
Dr. Arnold Hopland and his wife, Jeannie, of Tennessee, expected to evacuate the vessel and fly back to the US with about 400 other Americans until they learned of Jeannie’s positive test result the morning of the planned departure, the couple previously told WJHL-TV.
Hours later, Dr. Hopland told the outlet, his wife was removed from the ship to be taken to a Tokyo hospital.
Dr. Hopland’s coronavirus results came back negative and he was unable to leave the ship to accompany his wife. He doesn’t know for how long they will be apart.
“Her biggest worry was having to leave me,” he told WJHL.
Earlier Sunday, before Jeannie was taken from the ship, Dr. Hopland said that despite his wife’s diagnosis, he intended to remain by her side.
The couple received the positive test result as they were readying for the bus ride to the airport Sunday morning.
Dr. Hopland blames a mismanaged quarantine on many of the ship’s 356 coronavirus cases.
“Had we been removed days ago, Jeannie and many others likely would be much better off,” he told the station.
The couple’s son, Dr. Kenny Hopland, told WJHL he believes his parents were exposed to the coronavirus by an infected ship worker who brought them food.
“A few days ago, the steward who had been bringing them food to their cabins tested positive for this virus,” he said.
“There’s no question that they got exposed to the virus because they were forced to stay on the ship.”
Meanwhile on Monday, officials in China, where the coronavirus outbreak started, reported an uptick in cases of deadly infection.
The country saw another 105 deaths — bringing the total to 1,770 — and 2,048 new cases, an increase of 39 from Sunday figures.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Drew Carey’s ex-fiancée Amie Harwick murdered by former boyfriend, cops say

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Dr. Amie Harwick , a well-known Hollywood sex therapist and former fiancée of comedian Drew Carey , was killed by her ex-boyfriend after a fight at her Los Angeles home , reports said .
Harwick was discovered unresponsive on the ground below a third-story balcony at around 1:16 a.m. Saturday in Hollywood Hills after police were dispatched for reports of a woman screaming , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ possible evidence of a struggle ” and signs of an intruder .
Harwick ’ s ex-boyfriend , 41-year-old Gareth Pursehouse , was taken into custody and charged with murder , cops said .
The pair had recently broken up , according to Deadline .
The report said that detectives “ learned that victim had recently expressed fear about a former boyfriend and had previously filed a restraining order ” against him .
Harwick , the author of “ The New Sex Bible for Women , ” was engaged to the “ Price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The couple reportedly had an “ amicable split .
”

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Dr. Amie Harwick, a well-known Hollywood sex therapist and former fiancée of comedian Drew Carey, was killed by her ex-boyfriend after a fight at her Los Angeles home, reports said.
Harwick was discovered unresponsive on the ground below a third-story balcony around 1:16 a.m. Saturday in Hollywood Hills after police were dispatched for reports of a woman screaming, according to CBSLA.
Police said there was “possible evidence of a struggle” and signs of an intruder.
Harwick’s ex-boyfriend, 41-year-old Gareth Pursehouse, was taken into custody and charged with murder, cops said. The pair had recently broken up, according to Deadline.
The report said that detectives “learned that victim had recently expressed fear about a former boyfriend and had previously filed a restraining order” against him.
The restraining order had recently expired.
Harwick, the author of “The New Sex Bible for Women,” was engaged to the host of “The Price Is Right” in 2018. The couple reportedly had an “amicable split.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--College swimmer sues Illinois cops after allegedly being pinned with a gun to his head

A member of the Eastern Illinois University swim team claims he was falsely arrested by police last year when he was thrown to the ground and held at gunpoint along an Illinois highway .
Jaylan Butler , 20 , filed a lawsuit on Sunday against six police officers for the alleged false arrest , unlawful searches and seizure , and excessive force , the ACLU said in a statement on Sunday .
Butler , the only black member of the school ’ s swim team , was asked by his coach to take a photo of a roadside sign for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As he was walking back to the team bus near a rest stop off Interstate 80 several patrol cars pulled up to him and officers approached with guns drawn .
“ My dad taught me at a young age what to do when you are stopped by police officers — stop instantly , put your hands up , drop anything you are holding , and drop to your knees , ” Jaylan said in a statement .
“ I hoped I would never have to use this advice in my life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butler , then 19 , dropped to his knees and put his hands up but was forced to the ground by the officers — with one holding a gun to his head and threatening to “ blow his fu–ing head off ” if he moved , according to the ACLU .
After the student ’ s coaches intervened , the officers realized Butler was not the person they were looking for and they released him .
“ They never told Jaylan why he was being arrested , even after they realized their mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff attorney at the ACLU of Illinois .
“ Instead , it ’ s clear they based their decision to arrest and harm Jaylan on the fact that he was a young Black man.
” Butler is suing officers from the Hampton Police Department , the East Moline Police Department , and the Rock Island County Sheriff ’ s Office for false arrest , excessive detention , and excessive use of force .
The departments could not immediately be reached for comment .

A member of the Eastern Illinois University swim team claims he was falsely arrested by police last year when he was thrown to the ground and held at gunpoint along an Illinois highway.
Jaylan Butler, 20, filed a lawsuit on Sunday against six police officers for the alleged false arrest, unlawful searches and seizure, and excessive force, the ACLU said in a statement on Sunday.
Butler, the only black member of the school’s swim team, was asked by his coach to take a photo of a roadside sign for the team’s social media account.
As he was walking back to the team bus near a rest stop off Interstate 80 several patrol cars pulled up to him and officers approached with guns drawn.
“My dad taught me at a young age what to do when you are stopped by police officers — stop instantly, put your hands up, drop anything you are holding, and drop to your knees,” Jaylan said in a statement.
“I hoped I would never have to use this advice in my life, but all that changed in seconds.”
Butler, then 19, dropped to his knees and put his hands up but was forced to the ground by the officers — with one holding a gun to his head and threatening to “blow his fu–ing head off” if he moved, according to the ACLU.
After the student’s coaches intervened, the officers realized Butler was not the person they were looking for and they released him.
“They never told Jaylan why he was being arrested, even after they realized their mistake,” said Rachel Murphy, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Illinois.
“Instead, it’s clear they based their decision to arrest and harm Jaylan on the fact that he was a young Black man.”
Butler is suing officers from the Hampton Police Department, the East Moline Police Department, and the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office for false arrest, excessive detention, and excessive use of force.
The departments could not immediately be reached for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-02-17--Adam Scott avoids asterisk in this Genesis Invitational win

PACIFIC PALISADES , Calif. — Martin Trainer did not win the ...

There will be no asterisk this time for Adam Scott at Riviera, a place he calls his favorite golf course.
There was no doubt on Sunday for the 39-year-old Australian as he stormed to the Genesis Invitational victory, his first PGA Tour win since the World Golf Championship at Doral in 2016. It was the 14th title of his career.
Scott had this title coming to him. Fifteen years ago, he won the event, then called the Nissan Open, but it was tainted because it went only two rounds thanks to terrible weather and it didn’t count as an official PGA Tour win.
In 2005, Scott and Chad Campbell were tied at 9-under after 36 holes, and settled the result on a one-hole playoff on the soggy 18th hole the Monday after. He got the $864,000 winner’s check, but not official credit for the win.
“You win and you’re told it’s not a win,’’ Scott joked on Saturday. “It was still fun … fun to take a trophy home and kind of be a champion here. All of that is just a bit of motivation for me to win [Sunday] and have an official victory at Riviera and the Genesis Open. That would be extremely satisfying for me.’’
After Sunday, when he overcame Rory McIlroy and Matt Kuchar, with whom he was tied for the lead entering the final round, there was no “kind of’’ for Scott, whose world ranking elevated to No. 7 with the victory.
“It’s amazing,’’ Scott said. “I’ve loved this place since Day 1. It was tough out there today. I’m stoked for this. It’s a big step for me.’’
It was a rough ride Sunday for many of the top players in world, including tournament-host Tiger Woods, who finished last among the 68 players who made the cut, at 11-over.
“Well, I did not do much well today,’’ Woods said. “Good news, I hit every ball forward, not backwards, a couple sideways. But overall, I’m done.’’
McIlroy, who along with Kuchar shared the 54-hole lead with Scott at 10-under, shot a 2-over 73 and doomed his chances with a triple bogey on No. 5.
“It was definitely the toughest day of the week,’’ McIlroy said. “The wind was up and hole locations were in tricky spots. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to be as difficult as it was, but everyone was finding it tough out there. Adam held on well at the end. The birdie on 17 sort of sealed the deal for him’’
Indeed, when Scott birdied the par-5 17th hole, it gave him a two-shot cushion heading to the final hole, which he would par.
The runners-up were Sung Kang, Scott Brown and Kuchar, who had at least a share of the lead in all three rounds entering Sunday and shot a disappointing 1-over 72 Sunday.
“It was one hard day out there,’’ Kuchar said.
For everyone except Adam Scott.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Tim Tebow flirted with XFL before choosing the Mets grind

PORT ST. LUCIE – After missing almost all of last ...

PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow’s passion for baseball remains high enough that he’s willing to weather at least another spring training and presumably minor league season for a shot at the big leagues.
But the former Heisman Trophy winner also dropped a hint Sunday that he might be nearing his threshold on waiting for his dream to be realized.
“Season by season, day by day,” Tebow said, when asked about his long-range plan. “Doing something that I love and thankful to have the opportunity to do it, pursuing it as hard as I can, working as hard as I can. I think that is a big part of it.
“At the same time there’s a lot of other things I love pursuing so it’s not something you want to do forever, but it’s something that while I have the chance, it’s definitely something I am passionate about and I love.”
Tebow, 32, spent last season at Triple-A Syracuse and never got rolling, before a hand laceration ended his season in August. In 77 games he posted a .163/.240/.255 slash line with four homers and 19 RBIs.
It marked the second straight year that an injury prevented Tebow from completing a season — in 2018 he was shut down in late July at Double-A Binghamton after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand.
Tebow remains busy as an ESPN college football analyst and with foundation work around the world. He recently married Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, a former Miss Universe from South Africa.
Tebow, a former CAA client of general manager Brodie Van Wagenen’s, is entering his fourth spring training with the Mets. Tebow was an All-Star in the Eastern League in 2018.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Tebow said. “When you think about a goal, you don’t really think about all the lows and there definitely has been some lows and some sucky times, but there’s also been some awesome times and I think it’s a good picture of life, too — there’s a lot of ups and downs and it’s kind of balancing them and handling them.”
Football remains a passion for the former Jets quarterback, who says “there was some communication” between himself and the newly formed XFL. But Tebow ultimately decided to stick with baseball.
He was asked Sunday for an assessment on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
“I think he’s got a lot of talent,” Tebow said. “He was coached really well in college and I think he will continue to improve. To continue to get him more weapons and confidence is pretty critical.”
Likewise, Tebow called the Jets’ Sam Darnold “one of the most talented young quarterbacks in the league.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Kobe Bryant tribute sets off unprecedented NBA All-Star Game

CHICAGO — In the end , the special number to honor Kobe Bryant during Sunday ’ s All-Star Game was 157 .
The new Bryant-inspired scoring system didn ’ t elevate the defensive intensity at the All-Star Game at United Center until the all-important fourth quarter , when it became ferocious , foul-plagued , controversial , chaotic and thrilling .
Bryant , killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 26 , would have loved it .
A total of 157 points wound up as the game-ending target score and Anthony Davis hit the jackpot with a free throw after being fouled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paint following an entry pass from LeBron James .
Davis missed the first but made the next to end it .
That shot eked out a 157-155 victory for Team LeBron over Team Giannis ( Antetokounmpo ) to earn the $ 300,000 bonus for its Chicago charity as Kawhi Leonard won the first Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Award with 30 points .
“ I didn ’ t know what to expect , ’ ’ James said .
“ But throughout the whole fourth quarter everybody was like , ‘ That was pretty damn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four 3-pointers in the first quarter and sank 8 of 14 for the contest for LeBron ’ s super team .
“ Winning it is a plus , ’ ’ Leonard said .
“ I made my first [ four ] shots and that ’ s when I told myself I ’ m going to try to get it .
I had a relationship with [ Kobe ] .
Words can ’ t explain how happy I am to put that trophy in my trophy room , to see Kobe ’ s name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my life.
’ ’ Up 154-153 , James Harden thought he had won it for Team LeBron sinking a 3-point shot , but it was waved off .
Harden was called for a charge on Lowry before the shot .
James scored on a dunk to make it 156-153 .
Joel Embiid made two free throws to cut it to 156-155 , but Davis ended it on the next possession after getting held in the paint .
James said it was a busted play — aimed at first for Leonard .
Davis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Lowry .
The cumulative score was installed to start the fourth quarter at 133-124 in favor of Team Giannis but Team LeBron rallied to win .
The target score was constructed by adding 24 points to the leading team ’ s total of 133 .
Each squad wore jersey patches with the number “ 9 ’ ’ to represent the number of people killed in the helicopter crash .
Team Giannis wore “ 24 ’ ’ — Bryant ’ s jersey number — and Team LeBron wore the “ 2 ’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth quarter , another tribute was added as the shot clock turned purple when it hit eight — Bryant ’ s other jersey number .
Asked if the competitive ferocity in the final period honored by Bryant , James said , “ We wouldn ’ t be all-stars if we weren ’ t competitors .
You could definitely feel his presence just from the start .
Every time you saw Giannis ’ team run on the floor , you saw the ‘ 2-4.
’ ” It was a night of uncontested 3-point shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Team LeBron won the first quarter to add $ 100,000 to its charity ( Chicago scholars foundation ) .
Team Giannis won the second quarter for its charity ( Chicago afterschools programs ) and the third quarter was tied — with the money rolled over to the team which won the game .
The fourth quarter featured charges , coach ’ s challenges and a key replay review that wiped out a late goaltending call against Antetokounmpo on a James layup .
Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points .
Chris Paul , 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a rare alley-oop dunk .
Paul hadn ’ t dunked in an NBA game in four years .
“ That ’ s one thing about Kobe , ’ ’ Paul said .
“ whenever he was on our team in the All-Star Game , there wasn ’ t none of that cool stuff .
It was like , as long as they throw the ball up , let ’ s get to it.
’ ’ On this unprecedented night , a 44-minute pregame ceremony began with Magic Johnson addressing the crowd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who died Jan. 1 , and Bryant .
Johnson said soon after his 1991 HIV announcement Stern “ allowed me to stay in the All-Star Game ’ ’ and feels Stern saved lives as a result .
The former Lakers great said that few knew Bryant was in the process of helping to alleviate the homeless problem in Los Angeles .
“ We need to embrace each other at this tough time — Kobe would ’ ve wanted that , ’ ’ Johnson said , asking for an eight-second moment of silence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flashed on the scoreboard as Chicago native Jennifer Hudson sang with pure emotion the heartfelt ballad , “ For All We Know.
’ ’ The rapper “ Common ’ ’ weaved a wonderful tribute to the city of Chicago , singing to all the basketball legends to come out of the city , including Isiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade , and to Bulls ’ icon Michael Jordan , who was not in attendance .

CHICAGO — In the end, the special number to honor Kobe Bryant during Sunday’s All-Star Game was 157.
The new Bryant-inspired scoring system didn’t elevate the defensive intensity at the All-Star Game at United Center until the all-important fourth quarter, when it became ferocious, foul-plagued, controversial, chaotic and thrilling.
Bryant, killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 26, would have loved it.
A total of 157 points wound up as the game-ending target score and Anthony Davis hit the jackpot with a free throw after being fouled by the undersized Kyle Lowry in the paint following an entry pass from LeBron James. Davis missed the first but made the next to end it.
That shot eked out a 157-155 victory for Team LeBron over Team Giannis (Antetokounmpo) to earn the $300,000 bonus for its Chicago charity as Kawhi Leonard won the first Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP Award with 30 points.
“I didn’t know what to expect,’’ James said. “But throughout the whole fourth quarter everybody was like, ‘That was pretty damn fun.’ ”
Leonard sank his first four 3-pointers in the first quarter and sank 8 of 14 for the contest for LeBron’s super team.
“Winning it is a plus,’’ Leonard said. “I made my first [four] shots and that’s when I told myself I’m going to try to get it. I had a relationship with [Kobe]. Words can’t explain how happy I am to put that trophy in my trophy room, to see Kobe’s name there. He was a big inspiration in my life.’’
Up 154-153, James Harden thought he had won it for Team LeBron sinking a 3-point shot, but it was waved off. Harden was called for a charge on Lowry before the shot.
James scored on a dunk to make it 156-153. Joel Embiid made two free throws to cut it to 156-155, but Davis ended it on the next possession after getting held in the paint.
James said it was a busted play — aimed at first for Leonard. Davis was doubled initially before getting a mismatch with Lowry.
The cumulative score was installed to start the fourth quarter at 133-124 in favor of Team Giannis but Team LeBron rallied to win. The target score was constructed by adding 24 points to the leading team’s total of 133.
Each squad wore jersey patches with the number “9’’ to represent the number of people killed in the helicopter crash. Team Giannis wore “24’’ — Bryant’s jersey number — and Team LeBron wore the “2’’ his daughter Gianna wore.
In the fourth quarter, another tribute was added as the shot clock turned purple when it hit eight — Bryant’s other jersey number.
Asked if the competitive ferocity in the final period honored by Bryant, James said, “We wouldn’t be all-stars if we weren’t competitors. You could definitely feel his presence just from the start. Every time you saw Giannis’ team run on the floor, you saw the ‘2-4.’ ”
It was a night of uncontested 3-point shots and terrific alley-oops until the fourth quarter. Team LeBron won the first quarter to add $100,000 to its charity (Chicago scholars foundation). Team Giannis won the second quarter for its charity (Chicago afterschools programs) and the third quarter was tied — with the money rolled over to the team which won the game.
The fourth quarter featured charges, coach’s challenges and a key replay review that wiped out a late goaltending call against Antetokounmpo on a James layup.
Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points. Chris Paul, 34, keyed Team LeBron with 23 points and a rare alley-oop dunk. Paul hadn’t dunked in an NBA game in four years.
“That’s one thing about Kobe,’’ Paul said. “whenever he was on our team in the All-Star Game, there wasn’t none of that cool stuff. It was like, as long as they throw the ball up, let’s get to it.’’
On this unprecedented night, a 44-minute pregame ceremony began with Magic Johnson addressing the crowd, paying tribute to former commissioner David Stern, who died Jan. 1, and Bryant.
Johnson said soon after his 1991 HIV announcement Stern “allowed me to stay in the All-Star Game’’ and feels Stern saved lives as a result. The former Lakers great said that few knew Bryant was in the process of helping to alleviate the homeless problem in Los Angeles.
“We need to embrace each other at this tough time — Kobe would’ve wanted that,’’ Johnson said, asking for an eight-second moment of silence.
Pictures of Kobe throughout his life flashed on the scoreboard as Chicago native Jennifer Hudson sang with pure emotion the heartfelt ballad, “For All We Know.’’ The rapper “Common’’ weaved a wonderful tribute to the city of Chicago, singing to all the basketball legends to come out of the city, including Isiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade, and to Bulls’ icon Michael Jordan, who was not in attendance.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Brad Marchand disses Rangers’ Ryan Lindgren after ugly hit

Bruins forward Brad Marchand crosschecked Ryan Lindgren during the second period of Boston ’ s 3-1 win Sunday at the Garden .
He then took another verbal shot at the Rangers ’ defenseman after the game Lindgren had shoved Bruins star Patrice Bergeron before Marchand was penalized for a retaliatory crosscheck .
“ I didn ’ t even know he was here , ” Marchand said afterward of Lindgren , a former second-round pick of the Bruins whose rights were acquired by the Rangers in the Rick Nash trade in 2018 .
“ He ’ s not gon na be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a very long career , so I ’ m not overly concerned about him.
” Marchand , who was knocked to the ice by an unpenalized hit from Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich following his hit on Lindgren , added that he had no on-ice history with Lindgren prior to Sunday ’ s game .
“ He ’ s a good steady defenseman but there ’ s nothing that has come up in the past , ” the pesky Bruin said .
“ All the best to him , hope he does a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t see it.
” Since David Quinn anointed rookie Igor Shesterkin the Rangers ’ new No .
1 goaltender Thursday , Alexandar Georgiev has started every game .
Georgiev stopped 29 of 31 shots and provided the Rangers a chance for their fifth consecutive win Sunday , but a wacky bounce and a shorthanded breakaway were enough to send them to that 3-1 loss .
Shesterkin , who has won six of seven NHL starts since he was called up from AHL Hartford on Jan. 6 , has been sidelined since Thursday with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins Thursday and Friday in Minnesota and Columbus .
Asked if starting Georgiev for a third straight game was more a product of his hot play or Shesterkin ’ s injury , Quinn replied it was “ a little bit of both.
” “ It feels really good .
It ’ s much more fun to play , ” the 24-year-old Georgiev said .
“ It ’ s really special and I appreciate it.
” Boston ’ s first goal — credited to defenseman Charlie McAvoy — bounded off of Rangers teammates Mika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgiev ’ s glove for a 1-0 deficit in the final minute of the first period .
“ Pretty tough bounce , ” Georgiev said .
“ I played the puck behind the net and just rimmed it along the boards .
[ McAvoy ] got it and fired the puck real quick .
There was some traffic and it hit something and went over me .
It was a pretty tough bounce .
I just saw that it was really high and I tried to grab it with my glove.
” Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlie Coyle in the second period and an empty-netter by Patrice Bergeron in the closing seconds .
“ I think we were pretty confident going into this game , ” Georgiev said .
“ It was obviously a tight game today , I think we had a good battle with Boston .
We just have to learn from it and keep playing the way we ’ ve been playing.
” Artemi Panarin ’ s assist on Zibanejad ’ s third-period goal extended his point streak to six games ( 2-5-7 ) .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third-most in his five-year career .

Bruins forward Brad Marchand crosschecked Ryan Lindgren during the second period of Boston’s 3-1 win Sunday at the Garden. He then took another verbal shot at the Rangers’ defenseman after the game
Lindgren had shoved Bruins star Patrice Bergeron before Marchand was penalized for a retaliatory crosscheck.
“I didn’t even know he was here,” Marchand said afterward of Lindgren, a former second-round pick of the Bruins whose rights were acquired by the Rangers in the Rick Nash trade in 2018. “He’s not gonna be a player who’s gonna have a very long career, so I’m not overly concerned about him.”
Marchand, who was knocked to the ice by an unpenalized hit from Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich following his hit on Lindgren, added that he had no on-ice history with Lindgren prior to Sunday’s game.
“He’s a good steady defenseman but there’s nothing that has come up in the past,” the pesky Bruin said. “All the best to him, hope he does a great job, but I can’t see it.”
Since David Quinn anointed rookie Igor Shesterkin the Rangers’ new No. 1 goaltender Thursday, Alexandar Georgiev has started every game.
Georgiev stopped 29 of 31 shots and provided the Rangers a chance for their fifth consecutive win Sunday, but a wacky bounce and a shorthanded breakaway were enough to send them to that 3-1 loss.
Shesterkin, who has won six of seven NHL starts since he was called up from AHL Hartford on Jan. 6, has been sidelined since Thursday with an ankle issue, with Georgiev backstopping wins Thursday and Friday in Minnesota and Columbus.
Asked if starting Georgiev for a third straight game was more a product of his hot play or Shesterkin’s injury, Quinn replied it was “a little bit of both.”
“It feels really good. It’s much more fun to play,” the 24-year-old Georgiev said. “It’s really special and I appreciate it.”
Boston’s first goal — credited to defenseman Charlie McAvoy — bounded off of Rangers teammates Mika Zibanejad and Jacob Trouba and floated over Georgiev’s glove for a 1-0 deficit in the final minute of the first period.
“Pretty tough bounce,” Georgiev said. “I played the puck behind the net and just rimmed it along the boards. [McAvoy] got it and fired the puck real quick. There was some traffic and it hit something and went over me. It was a pretty tough bounce. I just saw that it was really high and I tried to grab it with my glove.”
Boston also scored on a shorthanded breakaway by Charlie Coyle in the second period and an empty-netter by Patrice Bergeron in the closing seconds.
“I think we were pretty confident going into this game,” Georgiev said. “It was obviously a tight game today, I think we had a good battle with Boston. We just have to learn from it and keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”
Artemi Panarin’s assist on Zibanejad’s third-period goal extended his point streak to six games (2-5-7). His team-high 78 points this season are the third-most in his five-year career.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--These Yankees better be ready for grilling on Astros saga

TAMPA — The Yankees have invited right-hander Chad Bettis to ...

TAMPA — With Yankees position players reporting to camp Monday, they can expect to be grilled about the Astros’ sign-stealing saga which may have cost the Yankees a trip to the 2017 World Series and people inside the organization believe played a role in Jose Altuve’s ALCS ending homer in Game 6 last year off Aroldis Chapman.
Outfielders Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner and Aaron Hicks, with catcher Gary Sanchez, are the only position players remaining from the 2017 team that lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the Astros. Sanchez addressed the issue this past week when pitchers and catchers reported.
Hicks, who isn’t expected back at least until June due to Tommy John surgery, surfaced in the Yankees’ clubhouse Sunday and Judge visited the facility during the weekend. They and Gardner are expected to be smothered with questions about the Astros’ cheating in 2017 and whether the trio believes the Astros were stealing signs illegally in last year’s ALCS.
Gerrit Cole wasn’t the only Yankees pitcher to throw live BP on the main field at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Sunday.
Jordan Montgomery, the early favorite to claim the No. 5 starter’s spot, worked two innings as did Jonathan Loaisiga, who could land in the rotation or bullpen. Former No. 1 draft pick Clarke Schmidt, taken with the 16th pick in 2017, also threw.
“Another guy who I thought really executed well [Sunday],’’ Aaron Boone said of Montgomery, who appeared in two September games a year ago and worked four innings after coming back from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow. “I thought [Sunday] was another good building block for him.’’
The Yankees announced the signing of right-hander Chad Bettis to a minor league contract. According to Boone, the 30-year-old will compete for a rotation spot or a bullpen position. The Post’s Joel Sherman reported Saturday that Bettis will earn $1.5 million if he makes the major league roster. The deal includes $2 million in performance bonuses.
“We will see. He is obviously coming in here with a little bit of a track record,’’ Boone said of Bettis, who will be 31 in April and is 31-31 with a 5.12 ERA in 164 games (92 starts). “We will see where he is and certainly be in that kind of mix.’’
Bettis pitched for the Rockies from 2013-19. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016. A blister problem on the pitching hand and a left hip injury interrupted his 2017 and 2018 seasons. Working as a full-time reliever last season Bettis posted a chubby 6.08 ERA.
The Yankees held a 5K Sprint to Spring race at Steinbrenner Field on Sunday morning. Among the 800 participants were general partner Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal, GM Brian Cashman and assistant GM Jean Afterman.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Devils’ wild day of trades capped by ‘emotional’ win

The Islanders solidified their defense for the playoff push Sunday , ...

NEWARK, N.J. — While there has been a lot written about No. 1 overall draft selections Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes being the New Jersey Devils’ future, there is no doubt rookie goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is the club’s best player.
Blackwood made a career-high 52 saves and stopped six of seven attempts in the shootout to lead the Devils over the scuffling Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 Sunday night.
“We had over 30 scoring chances,” Columbus coach John Tortorella said after his club lost its fifth straight (0-2-3). “Blackwood was the story of the game. We had more Grade As tonight than we had in three or four weeks in our offensive attack.”
The win was Blackwood’s 19th of the season, and he has all but three of New Jersey’s victories. He is 5-0-1 in his last six starts, a span that includes consecutive shutouts.
“I take it one shot at a time and today was a perfect example of when it was not going good for me at the start, I just tried to take it one stop at a time,” Blackwood said.
Nikita Gusev and Jesper Bratt scored in the tiebreaker for New Jersey, which beat the Blue Jackets for the first time in 10 meetings. The previous Devils victory over Columbus came in December 2017.
Pierre-Luc Dubois had the only shootout goal for the Blue Jackets.
Joey Anderson, Nicholas Merkley and Kyle Palmieri scored for the Devils in regulation.
“We had some lines going,” veteran center Travis Zajac said. “Merk and Joey, that got it started and played with energy. Good to get us back in it and get some positive energy going. Blackie was there to shut the door, though.”
Andrew Peeke, Zach Werenski and Kevin Stenlund provided the goals for the Blue Jackets. Elvis Merzlikins stopped 23 shots in losing his second straight.
“I need to be careful,” Tortorella said. “You can’t get frustrated. I thought for a big part of that game we developed our offense and had good checking. We just have to stay with it.”
Merzlikins stopped Damon Severson and Hughes twice in close in the opening 1:26 of overtime.
The game was played a little more than two hours after the Devils announced they had traded defenseman and captain Andy Greene to the Islanders for a prospect and a second-round draft pick in 2021.
In the third period, the Devils announced they sent 21-goal scorer Blake Coleman to the Tampa Bay Lightning for junior hockey prospect Nolan Foote and a first-round pick this year.
“It’s really kind of an emotional day for all of us,” Blackwood said. “We lost two big parts to our team — especially Andy. He’s been a leader in the room ever since I’ve been here.”
Stenlund tied it at 3, beating Blackwood in close after a New Jersey turnover at its blue line.
After a listless first period, the Devils scored three times in the second to take a 3-2 lead.
Anderson scored his second of the season on a shot from the right circle at 1:20. Merkley, acquired from Arizona in the Taylor Hall deal this season, got his first NHL goal on a rebound less than three minutes later to tie it.
Palmieri put New Jersey in front with his team-high 22nd goal. It came on a counterattack on a shot from inside the right circle.
Blackwood was at his best in the second period when he stopped 20 shots, including at least a half-dozen Grade-A chances in close.
Columbus was by far the best team in the first period, taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Peeke and Werenski.
Peeke’s goal on a rebound was his first in the NHL. Werenski got his 18th — tops among defensemen this season — on a shot from above the left circle.


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Country singer Daniel Lee Martin found dead amid child sex abuse charges

Country singer Daniel Lee Martin committed suicide in his Florida home as he faced child sex abuse charges back in Tennessee , according to authorities .
Deputies at the Pasco County Sheriff ’ s Office found Martin , 54 , with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday as they attempted to serve him multiple warrants stemming from the charges , a spokesperson at the sheriff ’ s office told People .
“ Martin did not respond to attempts to make contact with him , ” the sheriff ’ s office said .
“ The [ SWAT team ] was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made threats of harm against himself and others .
When deputies made entry to the residence , they discovered Martin deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
” Martin was arrested last month after a female minor told police Martin masturbated in front of her and showed her pornographic images on several occasions when she slept over at his house , the Tampa Bay Times reported .
Deputies were attempting to serve warrants that included three counts of sexual exploitation on a minor ; three counts of aggravated sexual battery ; two counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one count of solicitation of a minor to commit rape of a child , according to the spokesperson .
The singer had been accused of similar acts before : he was indicted back in Williamson County , Tenn. , in 2018 on charges that he sexually assaulted three children under the age of 13 from 2014 through January 2018 , the Tennessean reported .
His trial was scheduled for next month .
The singer began his career back in 1997 , opening for stars like Willie Nelson and Vince Gill .
He released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in 2004 and followed it up with “ On My Way to You ” in 2007 .
He also appeared as a host on the Sportsman Channel for the shows “ Brotherhood Outdoors ” and “ Backstage and Backroads .
”

Country singer Daniel Lee Martin committed suicide in his Florida home as he faced child sex abuse charges back in Tennessee, according to authorities.
Deputies at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office found Martin, 54, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Friday as they attempted to serve him multiple warrants stemming from the charges, a spokesperson at the sheriff’s office told People.
“Martin did not respond to attempts to make contact with him,” the sheriff’s office said. “The [SWAT team] was called in to assist as Martin previously made threats of harm against himself and others. When deputies made entry to the residence, they discovered Martin deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
Martin was arrested last month after a female minor told police Martin masturbated in front of her and showed her pornographic images on several occasions when she slept over at his house, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Deputies were attempting to serve warrants that included three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of committing an aggravated sexual battery and one count of solicitation of a minor to commit rape of a child, according to the spokesperson.
The singer had been accused of similar acts before: He was indicted back in Williamson County, Tenn., in 2018 on charges that he sexually assaulted three children under the age of 13 from 2014 through January 2018, the Tennessean reported. His trial was scheduled for next month.
The singer began his career back in 1997, opening for stars like Willie Nelson and Vince Gill. He released the album “All That I Am” in 2004 and followed it up with “On My Way to You” in 2007. He also appeared as a host on the Sportsman Channel for the shows “Brotherhood Outdoors” and “Backstage and Backroads.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Red Sox cheating probe ‘developments’ delay decision

NORTH PORT , Fla. — People want blood .
They want historical ...

NORTH PORT, Fla. — “Development” is a fine word for movie scripts and young athletes. Less so if it refers to someone investigating you. And that’s where the Red Sox find themselves.
Rob Manfred said Sunday that his office’s look into allegations the champion 2018 Sawx illegally stole signs had lasted longer than he originally anticipated. When the commissioner spoke at the conclusion of the owners’ meetings on Feb. 6, he said he hoped to conclude the investigation by the time camps opened, a deadline he missed.
“There have been a couple of developments in the Boston thing that slowed us down,” Manfred said at CoolToday Park during Grapefruit League Media Day. “… People who had to be reinterviewed as a result of things. … I am still thinking that by the end of next week, we should be done and have a decision out.”
That would be by Feb. 28, Manfred clarified.
The lack of a public whistleblower or damning video footage, two components that immediately put the 2017 Astros in the hottest of water, have led baseball folks to assume that the penalties for the Red Sox will be nowhere near as harsh — beyond a lengthy suspension for former manager Alex Cora, who served as the bench coach for the 2017 Astros and led the way in the trash can-banging scheme. These “developments” at the least delay such assumptions from turning into realities.
In other matters:
Manfred said he met with all of the Grapefruit League managers here — there were 13 on site — and discussed, among other matters, new Astros manager Dusty Baker’s public plea that the league ensure his players aren’t repeatedly drilled by pitchers as an unofficial penalty for their sign-stealing.
“I hope that I made it extremely clear to them that retaliation in a game by throwing at a player intentionally will not be tolerated, whether it’s Houston or anyone else,” Manfred said. “It’s dangerous and not helpful to the current situation.”
Progress continues toward a rule that could go so far as to ban players and coaches from the video replay room during games.
“I do expect that we will for 2020 have really serious restrictions [against] players and player personnel having access to video in-game,” Manfred said.
Regarding the dramatic revision of the postseason that The Post’s Joel Sherman first reported, Manfred offered: “Have we discussed expanded playoffs as an internal manner? Yes, we have. I think in an entertainment environment, as competitive as the one in which we live, if we were not at least talking about that, we probably wouldn’t be doing our job. No decisions have been made on that particular topic, but it certainly has been a topic of conversation internally.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Nets’ possible lineup strategy with Kyrie Irving lingering

The Nets have some momentum going into the All-Star break ... .

The Nets will come out of the All-Star break having already played nearly two-thirds of the schedule, and still trying to figure out their best rotations and lineups for the final third.
Once Kyrie Irving returns from his latest injury, it will give the Nets an enviable trio of lead guards to work with — and coach Kenny Atkinson some decisions to make. One could be going with a small-ball lineup, if not to start games, at least to turn them … and maybe finish them.
“There’s just a lot of ways we can go,” Atkinson said. “We’ll just have to make the best decision for the team, for the Nets going forward.
“The big question, the big thing is who’s going to finish; that’s the one, how do you finish? We have opportunities to play small, really small, too. That’s within our possibilities. We’ll just figure it out. It’s hard to know until you have it in your hands what exactly you’re going to do.”
Atkinson has rarely had a remotely healthy roster in his hands. Kevin Durant hasn’t played, with Irving and Caris LeVert appearing in just 48 of a possible 106 games.
The result is Atkinson has juggled numerous five-man lineups. But of all the combinations and permutations, by far the best included Irving with both Dinwiddie and LeVert in a three-guard setup, along with center Jarrett Allen and replacing struggling stretch four Taurean Prince with Joe Harris.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if you see more small lineups. It’s just the trend now,” Harris told The Post. “Even now I’m setting screens in big actions. I never would’ve thought I’d be a screener either, but that’s just like how it is. I’m like picking and popping all the time.”
Irving has sat the past five games with a knee sprain. After a week off for the All-Star break, the Nets resume play Thursday in Philadelphia.
While Irving’s status for Thursday is up in the air, he is expected back eventually. And the aforementioned quintet has produced the best Net (plus-16.7) and Offensive (133.3) Ratings of any Irving-led lineups that have logged 15 minutes.
Of 29 different combinations Atkinson has used for at least 15 minutes, it’s by far the most effective with Irving. The lineup has outscored foes by 20.5 points per 100 possessions, according to Basketball Reference with the next-closest being a plus-9.2.
Granted, it’s a small 18-minute sample size, but expect it to get bigger.
“I would’ve never thought in my life I’d be playing power forward in the NBA, but that’s the direction the NBA is going,” Harris said. “And as the year wears on, teams are doing whatever it takes to win games. Sometimes that’s going with a smaller lineup.”
Harris is just 6-foot-6, 220 pounds. But Houston uses 6-5, 245 pound PJ Tucker at center with 6-7, 209-pound wing Robert Covington at stretch four. The Nets closed out the last four minutes of Wednesday’s win over Toronto with 6-8, 235-pound Wilson Chandler at center.
“Guys are not posting up a ton. It’s just the way analytics plays into it,” Harris said. “Anytime you get a post-up, always the points per possession is lower. It’s more difficult shots. Guys are strong enough, athletic enough, long enough where they can defend in the post, where guys are just not [posting up].”
Harris has only spent 5 percent of his court time at power forward this season, per CleaningTheGlass.com. Team sources say that could rise after the break, especially when the Nets need to change a game, or close one out.
“I’m starting to discover this team. I know, it’s the All-Star break, coach, you should know your team. It’s not that easy,” Atkinson said. “The new guys, I’m starting to get to know these guys better. That’s why the longer we’re together the better we’re going to get. … The talent is there.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-16--Ugandan Disney actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa dead at age 15 of brain tumor

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) A young Disney actress died of a brain tumor on Saturday in her home country of Uganda .
She was 15-years-old .
Nikita Pearl Waligwa , who played a memorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a 2016 flick about a Ugandan chess prodigy , died at a hospital near the country ’ s capital , Kampala .
Gayaza High School , where Waligwa was a student , announced her death in a Saturday tweet .
“ Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa , ” the school wrote .
“ You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age .
Nikita was in S.3 .
Rest in Perfect Peace dear.
” “ Queen of Katwe , ” follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mutesi , a poverty-stricken teen being raised by a single-mother in a Kampala slum .
Waligwa , in the movie , played the role of Gloria , a chess player younger than Phiona who delivered the memorable line that in chess , “ the small one can become the big one.
” The young actress was among of group of Ugandans with no acting experience who scored roles in the flick , acting alongside stars like Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong ’ o .

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A young Disney actress died of a brain tumor on Saturday in her home country of Uganda. She was 15-years-old.
Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who played a memorable role in “Queen of Katwe,” a 2016 flick about a Ugandan chess prodigy, died at a hospital near the country’s capital, Kampala.
Gayaza High School, where Waligwa was a student, announced her death in a Saturday tweet.
“Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa,” the school wrote. “You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear.”
“Queen of Katwe,” follows the unlikely rise of chess player Phiona Mutesi, a poverty-stricken teen being raised by a single-mother in a Kampala slum.
Waligwa, in the movie, played the role of Gloria, a chess player younger than Phiona who delivered the memorable line that in chess, “the small one can become the big one.”
The young actress was among of group of Ugandans with no acting experience who scored roles in the flick, acting alongside stars like Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o.
With Post wires