newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Tom Thibodeau gave Steve Kerr ‘really helpful’ Andrew Wiggins advice

Tom Thibodeau visited Golden State ’ s new practice compound in February .
The Warriors had just traded for Minnesota ’ s young enigma Andrew Wiggins .
Considering Thibodeau was fired by the Timberwolves a year before , allegedly for not relating well to the Wolves ’ young prospects such as Wiggins , he would seem to be the last person to offer Warriors coach Steve Kerr advice on how to coach the 2014 No .
1 pick .
Au contraire .
Wiggins already told Kerr he loved playing for Thibodeau , disrupting a narrative that has partly smeared his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just traded for Andrew Wiggins and he was really helpful , ’ ’ Kerr told The Post in a phone interview Saturday from his home in San Diego .
“ I had a long conversation with [ Thibodeau ] about Andrew .
He gave me some good advice on ways to connect with Andrew , how much he enjoyed coaching him and why .
We ’ ve gotten to know each other over the years .
[ Thibodeau has ] been very helpful to us.
” During his unemployment , the new Knicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be close to the game .
The Warriors always have been a favorite pit stop , partly because of his friendship with his former Bulls assistant Ron Adams , now an assistant with Golden State .
Before Thibs took the Minnesota job after being fired by Chicago , Thibodeau visited the Warriors before their 2016 Finals run .
“ He showed some X ’ s and O ’ s and went over some actions they ran for [ Wiggins ] , ” Kerr recalled .
“ Some of the things they were trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is he ’ s a workaholic , loves the X ’ s and O ’ s , loves breaking down film and takes great joy in it .
Our staff values his opinion.
’ ’ “ What is apparent is he and Andrew had a great relationship and Andrew said that as well .
I know Andrew told me he really enjoyed playing for him and appreciated his commitment .
When a coach knows his stuff and gets along with his players , he ’ s got a great chance to succeed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ great shot.
’ That Thibodeau has worked with Knicks president Leon Rose when he ran Creative Artists Agency is Kerr ’ s reason for optimism .
“ What ’ s intriguing is the Tom-Leon connection , ’ ’ Kerr said .
“ That ’ s a crucial dynamic .
If those guys work well together — every indication would seem they would — and they function well with ownership , now you got a chance .
A chance for patience and stability.
’ ’ Kerr qualified his appraisal on whether Thibodeau can turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been out of the playoffs seven straight years despite an owner willing to pour countless dollars into reversing the decay .
In 2014 , Kerr verbally accepted a Knicks offer to be head coach under then-president Phil Jackson , his former coach .
Kerr backed out of the agreement when the Warriors swooped in and swept Kerr off his feet .
Sources contend Kerr had an uneasy feeling about the organization after polling several insiders about their thoughts working for Dolan ’ s team .
“ Ultimately the reason I left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the superior one , ’ ’ said Kerr , who took the Warriors to five straight Finals appearances and three titles .
“ Along with the geography being from California , it was an easy decision for me and the right one .
The last six years as a coach have only confirmed what I already knew — as a coach you depend on your talent .
Every coach will tell you that.
’ ’ Kerr ’ s reference was the Warriors ’ steep collapse this season when most of their key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Klay Thompson .
Kerr said Thibodeau needs a roster upgrade and a cohesive front office .
“ It ’ s also about synergy in the organization and creating momentum with the relationships within , ’ ’ Kerr said .
“ The best organizations are the ones that can foster that and handle the adversity .
I ’ m lucky we had the worst record in the league this year .
I ’ m not naive .
If we do that a couple more years , I might get fired .
But we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GM ] Bob Myers and ownership .
That ’ s what it takes .
“ No doubt Tom knows his stuff .
He works his ass off .
He ’ s had success in this league and a lot of respect from his peers .
And he knows what he ’ s doing .
He could be a great hire .
But there ’ s always a lot of things that go into it .
They got to put those pieces together .
It ’ s never easy .
You got to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he does not look forward to facing a Thibodeau-coached Knicks team in 2020-21 .
“ You know he ’ s done all the homework and will know all your plays , ’ ’ Kerr said .
“ Every coach has an assistant in charge of the main scouting report for different teams .
A lot of times you call a play and the head coach asks the assistant what ’ s coming and the assistant will yell it out .
Tom yells it out himself .
He does everything .
He doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Tom Thibodeau visited Golden State’s new practice compound in February. The Warriors had just traded for Minnesota’s young enigma Andrew Wiggins.
Considering Thibodeau was fired by the Timberwolves a year before, allegedly for not relating well to the Wolves’ young prospects such as Wiggins, he would seem to be the last person to offer Warriors coach Steve Kerr advice on how to coach the 2014 No. 1 pick.
Au contraire. Wiggins already told Kerr he loved playing for Thibodeau, disrupting a narrative that has partly smeared his otherwise sterling reputation.
“We had just traded for Andrew Wiggins and he was really helpful,’’ Kerr told The Post in a phone interview Saturday from his home in San Diego. “I had a long conversation with [Thibodeau] about Andrew. He gave me some good advice on ways to connect with Andrew, how much he enjoyed coaching him and why. We’ve gotten to know each other over the years. [Thibodeau has] been very helpful to us.”
During his unemployment, the new Knicks coach visited several clubs this season to be close to the game. The Warriors always have been a favorite pit stop, partly because of his friendship with his former Bulls assistant Ron Adams, now an assistant with Golden State. Before Thibs took the Minnesota job after being fired by Chicago, Thibodeau visited the Warriors before their 2016 Finals run.
“He showed some X’s and O’s and went over some actions they ran for [Wiggins],” Kerr recalled. “Some of the things they were trying to do. The thing with Tom is he’s a workaholic, loves the X’s and O’s, loves breaking down film and takes great joy in it. Our staff values his opinion.’’
“What is apparent is he and Andrew had a great relationship and Andrew said that as well. I know Andrew told me he really enjoyed playing for him and appreciated his commitment. When a coach knows his stuff and gets along with his players, he’s got a great chance to succeed. I think Tom’s got a great shot.’
That Thibodeau has worked with Knicks president Leon Rose when he ran Creative Artists Agency is Kerr’s reason for optimism.
“What’s intriguing is the Tom-Leon connection,’’ Kerr said. “That’s a crucial dynamic. If those guys work well together — every indication would seem they would — and they function well with ownership, now you got a chance. A chance for patience and stability.’’
Kerr qualified his appraisal on whether Thibodeau can turn around James Dolan’s Knicks, who have been out of the playoffs seven straight years despite an owner willing to pour countless dollars into reversing the decay.
In 2014, Kerr verbally accepted a Knicks offer to be head coach under then-president Phil Jackson, his former coach. Kerr backed out of the agreement when the Warriors swooped in and swept Kerr off his feet. Sources contend Kerr had an uneasy feeling about the organization after polling several insiders about their thoughts working for Dolan’s team.
“Ultimately the reason I left, it was pretty clear which roster was the superior one,’’ said Kerr, who took the Warriors to five straight Finals appearances and three titles. “Along with the geography being from California, it was an easy decision for me and the right one. The last six years as a coach have only confirmed what I already knew — as a coach you depend on your talent. Every coach will tell you that.’’
Kerr’s reference was the Warriors’ steep collapse this season when most of their key players were injured, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Kerr said Thibodeau needs a roster upgrade and a cohesive front office.
“It’s also about synergy in the organization and creating momentum with the relationships within,’’ Kerr said. “The best organizations are the ones that can foster that and handle the adversity. I’m lucky we had the worst record in the league this year. I’m not naive. If we do that a couple more years, I might get fired. But we had great synergy and communications with [GM] Bob Myers and ownership. That’s what it takes.
“No doubt Tom knows his stuff. He works his ass off. He’s had success in this league and a lot of respect from his peers. And he knows what he’s doing. He could be a great hire. But there’s always a lot of things that go into it. They got to put those pieces together. It’s never easy. You got to build the roster and continuity.”
Kerr said he does not look forward to facing a Thibodeau-coached Knicks team in 2020-21.
“You know he’s done all the homework and will know all your plays,’’ Kerr said. “Every coach has an assistant in charge of the main scouting report for different teams. A lot of times you call a play and the head coach asks the assistant what’s coming and the assistant will yell it out. Tom yells it out himself. He does everything. He doesn’t leave any stone unturned.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Pac-12 football players threaten opt-out amid safety, racial injustice demands

A large group of Pac-12 football players is planning to opt out if their demands regarding racial injustice and safety concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic , among others , aren ’ t met , according to ESPN .
With the aid of college athletes advocate Ramogi Huma , a former UCLA linebacker and founder and president of the College Athletes Players Association , the group of players that could be in the hundreds want a written contract from the league that “ legally ensures we are offered the following protections and benefits , ” the group said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety precautions regarding the virus and racial injustice issues , players also want to secure economic rights and fair compensation , all sports protected and be provided with long-term health insurance .
The report stated that players involved are from California , Oregon , Stanford , UCLA and others , and there are head coaches in the league aware of the potential boycott .
The Pac-12 — which announced a conference-only football schedule — has yet to formally hear from the group , it said in a statement .
“ We support our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular communications with our student-athletes at many different levels on a range of topics , ” the conference said .
“ As we have clearly stated with respect to our fall competition plans , we are , and always will be , directed by medical experts , with the health , safety and well-being of our student athletes , coaches and staff always the first priority .
We have made it clear that any student athlete who chooses not to return to competition for health or safety reasons will have their scholarship protected.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unnamed group at some point soon , possibly on Sunday .

A large group of Pac-12 football players is planning to opt out if their demands regarding racial injustice and safety concerns relating to the coronavirus pandemic, among others, aren’t met, according to ESPN.
With the aid of college athletes advocate Ramogi Huma, a former UCLA linebacker and founder and president of the College Athletes Players Association, the group of players that could be in the hundreds want a written contract from the league that “legally ensures we are offered the following protections and benefits,” the group said in a statement ESPN obtained.
In addition to safety precautions regarding the virus and racial injustice issues, players also want to secure economic rights and fair compensation, all sports protected and be provided with long-term health insurance. The report stated that players involved are from California, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA and others, and there are head coaches in the league aware of the potential boycott.
The Pac-12 — which announced a conference-only football schedule — has yet to formally hear from the group, it said in a statement.
“We support our student-athletes using their voice, and have regular communications with our student-athletes at many different levels on a range of topics,” the conference said. “As we have clearly stated with respect to our fall competition plans, we are, and always will be, directed by medical experts, with the health, safety and well-being of our student athletes, coaches and staff always the first priority. We have made it clear that any student athlete who chooses not to return to competition for health or safety reasons will have their scholarship protected.”
A public statement is expected from the unnamed group at some point soon, possibly on Sunday.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Italian dad accuses mom of kidnapping son, then touring US as COVID-19 raged

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An Italian dad claims his ex kidnapped their 8-year-old son , then gallivanted across the United States as the coronavirus surged .
The boy was supposed to go back to his native Italy in early March , after a three-week stay in New York with his mom .
Dario Augello and Kristina Ramskyte never married but shared custody of their son until Ramskyte decided to keep him — and then take him on a tour of the country as COVID-19 raged all around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ You left for a study holiday with my son which was supposed to last three weeks .
4 [ sic ] months have passed during which you moved from one State to another without even communicating it to me in advance , ” Augello wrote in a June 5 email .
Ramskyte initially claimed she couldn ’ t return the boy because the raging infection forced their flight to be canceled ; the infection ravaged Italy in its early days .
Augello offered to buy tickets on the Italian carrier Alitalia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , but Ramskyte told him that she would keep their son “ until the emergency was over , ” court papers state .
“ Despite her expressed COVID-19 concerns , [ Ramskyte ] has been traveling throughout the United States , including to Las Vegas , Pittsburgh , California , Oregon , Montana , Chicago and Wyoming , ” Augello alleges .
By June 4 , Ramskyte told Augello that she would keep their son for good , breaking a custody agreement that called on them to make important decisions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing her of international child abduction in a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court .
“ The child has lived his entire life in Italy , ” Augello noted in the lawsuit .
The boy , identified only as “ G.A.
” in court papers , visited Ramskyte in America at least once before .
Ramskyte did not respond to The Post ’ s request for comment .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
An Italian dad claims his ex kidnapped their 8-year-old son, then gallivanted across the United States as the coronavirus surged.
The boy was supposed to go back to his native Italy in early March, after a three-week stay in New York with his mom.
Dario Augello and Kristina Ramskyte never married but shared custody of their son until Ramskyte decided to keep him — and then take him on a tour of the country as COVID-19 raged all around, the dad alleges in court papers.
“You left for a study holiday with my son which was supposed to last three weeks. 4 [sic] months have passed during which you moved from one State to another without even communicating it to me in advance,” Augello wrote in a June 5 email.
Ramskyte initially claimed she couldn’t return the boy because the raging infection forced their flight to be canceled; the infection ravaged Italy in its early days.
Augello offered to buy tickets on the Italian carrier Alitalia, which was still flying in early March, but Ramskyte told him that she would keep their son “until the emergency was over,” court papers state.
“Despite her expressed COVID-19 concerns, [Ramskyte] has been traveling throughout the United States, including to Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, California, Oregon, Montana, Chicago and Wyoming,” Augello alleges.
By June 4, Ramskyte told Augello that she would keep their son for good, breaking a custody agreement that called on them to make important decisions about the boy together.
Now, Augello is accusing her of international child abduction in a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Federal Court.
“The child has lived his entire life in Italy,” Augello noted in the lawsuit.
The boy, identified only as “G.A.” in court papers, visited Ramskyte in America at least once before.
Ramskyte did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Yankees hopeful MLB season can survive this coronavirus turmoil

The Yankees have gotten off to one of the best starts in baseball , but they know it could all be for naught if COVID-19 gets its way .
“ I think everybody wonders , whether it be players or fans or who knows , even the league in general , ” Brett Gardner said before the Yankees faced the Red Sox Saturday night .
“ But I think right now , it ’ s up to us to focus on one day at a time , like we always try to do and be as smart as we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers do get better and the things we ’ ve seen over the last week or so are the worst of it.
” Those numbers include players from the Marlins and Cardinals testing positive for coronavirus , as well as games postponed throughout the league as teams like the Phillies wait for test results after facing teams with infected players .
Amidst speculation the season was in jeopardy and could be canceled or put on hold as early as Monday , MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN Saturday , “ We are playing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play host to the Phillies on Monday and Tuesday in The Bronx and then visit Philadelphia for two more games on Wednesday and Thursday .
Those games are makeups of ones scheduled for last week before the Phillies ’ season was put on pause because they played the Marlins before their outbreak .
The Yankees ended up missing two games and then playing the Orioles in Baltimore for a pair of games .
“ It ’ s been a weird week , ’ ’ Gardner said .
“ Going to Philadelphia for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel and not playing the Phillies and then going to Baltimore and extending the road trip .
A lot of guys were wearing clothes for the second or third time through those last couple days .
Just make the most of it .
We adjust on the fly and have to be resilient .
You have to be able to respond to some adversity .
I think our guys are built for that.
” Despite the rough recent news , James Paxton said he hasn ’ t lost faith baseball can complete its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful that we can complete the season , ’ ’ Paxton said .
“ I think things need to go well and protocols need to be taken seriously from the top down in organizations .
Hopefully we won ’ t experience more positives going forward .
Chances are we will get some , but I hope we can handle those swiftly and not have it mess with the schedule too much.
” When asked about playing the Phillies on Monday , manager Aaron Boone noted that would “ hopefully ” happen .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us — and the virus has taught us — this is a day-by-day , week-by-week kind of situation we exist in.
” So he ’ ll be ready for the Phillies when — and if — they end up visiting the Stadium on Monday .
“ Obviously , there ’ s been some flux with it and with the Phillies ’ situation and when they ’ re able to get back at it , ’ ’ Boone said .
“ You can speculate and hear one thing and it moves to another thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all on the Red Sox this weekend.
” And as teams continue to be impacted by new cases and other players opt out of the season — such as Milwaukee ’ s Lorenzo Cain on Saturday — Gardner and his teammates monitor it all .
“ It ’ s definitely something we ’ re aware of , ’ ’ Gardner said of the uncertainty regarding the season .
“ We obviously have to be very aware of it and keep a close eye on things around the league .
It ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we take very seriously as a team .
There are obviously 30 teams in the league , so I think it ’ s important we all take it seriously and be as smart as we can , not just on the field and at the field , but away from the field.
” And they ’ ll do that for as long as they can .
“ It ’ s not easy , but we ’ re definitely enjoying being back on the field playing , ’ ’ Gardner said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible so we can see this thing through .
”

The Yankees have gotten off to one of the best starts in baseball, but they know it could all be for naught if COVID-19 gets its way.
“I think everybody wonders, whether it be players or fans or who knows, even the league in general,” Brett Gardner said before the Yankees faced the Red Sox Saturday night. “But I think right now, it’s up to us to focus on one day at a time, like we always try to do and be as smart as we can and hope things get better — the numbers do get better and the things we’ve seen over the last week or so are the worst of it.”
Those numbers include players from the Marlins and Cardinals testing positive for coronavirus, as well as games postponed throughout the league as teams like the Phillies wait for test results after facing teams with infected players.
Amidst speculation the season was in jeopardy and could be canceled or put on hold as early as Monday, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN Saturday, “We are playing.”
That means the Yankees are scheduled to play host to the Phillies on Monday and Tuesday in The Bronx and then visit Philadelphia for two more games on Wednesday and Thursday. Those games are makeups of ones scheduled for last week before the Phillies’ season was put on pause because they played the Marlins before their outbreak. The Yankees ended up missing two games and then playing the Orioles in Baltimore for a pair of games.
“It’s been a weird week,’’ Gardner said. “Going to Philadelphia for two days and basically not leaving the hotel and not playing the Phillies and then going to Baltimore and extending the road trip. A lot of guys were wearing clothes for the second or third time through those last couple days. Just make the most of it. We adjust on the fly and have to be resilient. You have to be able to respond to some adversity. I think our guys are built for that.”
Despite the rough recent news, James Paxton said he hasn’t lost faith baseball can complete its 60-game schedule.
“I’m hopeful that we can complete the season,’’ Paxton said. “I think things need to go well and protocols need to be taken seriously from the top down in organizations. Hopefully we won’t experience more positives going forward. Chances are we will get some, but I hope we can handle those swiftly and not have it mess with the schedule too much.”
When asked about playing the Phillies on Monday, manager Aaron Boone noted that would “hopefully” happen.
“If anything, this season has taught us — and the virus has taught us — this is a day-by-day, week-by-week kind of situation we exist in.”
So he’ll be ready for the Phillies when — and if — they end up visiting the Stadium on Monday.
“Obviously, there’s been some flux with it and with the Phillies’ situation and when they’re able to get back at it,’’ Boone said. “You can speculate and hear one thing and it moves to another thing. Right now, my focus is all on the Red Sox this weekend.”
And as teams continue to be impacted by new cases and other players opt out of the season — such as Milwaukee’s Lorenzo Cain on Saturday — Gardner and his teammates monitor it all.
“It’s definitely something we’re aware of,’’ Gardner said of the uncertainty regarding the season. “We obviously have to be very aware of it and keep a close eye on things around the league. It’s something we talk about. It’s something we take very seriously as a team. There are obviously 30 teams in the league, so I think it’s important we all take it seriously and be as smart as we can, not just on the field and at the field, but away from the field.”
And they’ll do that for as long as they can.
“It’s not easy, but we’re definitely enjoying being back on the field playing,’’ Gardner said. “Hopefully all teams can be as smart as possible so we can see this thing through.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Mets’ brutal stretch allowing fans to care — and rage — again

ATLANTA — Meet the Mess , 2020 version .
Just over a ...

We hint at normalcy when the games simply happen again, as they have for baseball (at least for the time being), as they now have for basketball and hockey. Truth is, though, we’ve been divorced from normal for so long by now that it’s hard to even define it any more.
Although, as sports fans, we know it when we feel it.
And the last few days, thanks to a three-game losing streak they brought into Saturday that had attacked all manner of their fans’ sensibilities and sensitivities, the Mets may have welcomed everyone back to what normal is really about, at least in sports.
It is about caring enough to rage again.
It is about caring enough to fume again.
It is about caring enough to forfeit hours of sleep again. And at least judging by my inbox and by a few text threads I maintain with friends of mine who are Mets fans … well, things seem so normal now it’s almost hard to remember when they were abnormal.
I always go back to the afternoon of Sept. 23, 2001. Two days earlier, Mike Piazza had hit one of the most glorious home runs of all. Liza has high-stepped her way through “New York, New York.” There were tears and cheers and a magnificent supply of feel-good at Shea Stadium. Sports were back in New York after the horrific circumstances of 9/11. They didn’t solve anything, but they offered a salve.
But it wasn’t until Sunday when things started to feel real again. That day the Mets were a strike away from sweeping the Braves and moving to within 2 ¹/₂ games of first place, after they’d been buried less than a month before. Friday at Shea was amazing, but Sunday was a party. In Foxborough, the Jets were beating the Patriots (who needed to turn to a scrub QB named Brady when Mo Lewis nearly killed Drew Bledsoe). In Kansas City, the Giants thumped the Chiefs. In Baltimore, the Yankees beat the Orioles. One more strike from Armando Benitez and it really would be some kind of triumphant day for New York …
Benitez blew the save. The Mets lost in extras. And the most glorious sound accompanied Benitez back to the dugout that day: Boos. Long, sustained, angry, furious boos. Just a week earlier it felt impossible to ever care about something as trivial as a baseball game again. And, well …. it turned out we were wrong.
Nineteen years later we have the Mets, again, to remind us — for as long as baseball lasts, anyway — that caring is an essential part of our normal, and so is sporting heartache. Twitter on Friday night — when the Mets blew leads of 8-2 and 10-5 and lost in Atlanta 11-10 — was the equivalent of a boundless therapy session.
This came on the heels of a a pair of feel-bad losses to the Red Sox in which the Mets had ample opportunity to rally late both nights, but could never get a big hit. I got a sense of how rapidly normal was resuming when I sent out what I thought was an innocuous Tweet about Michael Conforto (who on both nights struck out in huge spots) and the Mets waiting patiently for him to “figure it all out.”
Now, by this time, I should be smart enough to know that summarizing a thought in a tweet is a dangerous game. What I really meant was, there were some who have projected Conforto should be a perennial MVP and batting champion contender by now; I confess to being one of those. The truth is he isn’t either; a separate truth is that still makes him a fine ballplayer. I didn’t think much of it, though. Does such baseball minutiae really rile folks up in this odd year?
Actually, yes: both sides. The debate lasted a full day. Great points were made on both sides. Mostly, though, they were passionate debates. Arguing about Michael Conforto mattered to an awful lot of folks. It was, honestly, refreshing, even hearing from the folks who think I’m an idiot.
It felt, in a word: normal.
I suppose the aftermath of Saturday’s NHL playoff openers will generate similar feelings for Islanders and Rangers fans. I suspect Yankees fans will suffer and bleed over every one of the six losses they’ll accrue over the 60-game schedule, if they make it to 60. Mets fans can tell them: An absence of sports might’ve been hard to take. But it never kept you up at night.
Vac Whacks
If you are a friend of this column then you are likely a friend of Ricky Cobb, whose Twitter account @Super70sSports is in my the greatest things available on the internet. You may also know that account was horribly hacked this week, and so as many folks who can alert @jack and @TwitterSupport, hopefully he can have that feed up and running again soon. We need more laughter in these days, not less.
Speaking of laughs … did anyone else appreciate the profound commitment to social distancing the Nets and Magic displayed in that lid-lifter Friday afternoon?
Hockey in August? It sounds like a sequel to the great Pete Hamill novel “Snow in August.” But sign me up, in full.
There is no sadder sight in sports than the almost apologetic look Jacob deGrom has on his face every time he has the temerity to allow a run.
Whack Back at Vac
Vic Copello: Do you think that James Dolan will have Charles Oakley’s cardboard cutout or digital replica removed from the Garden if somehow he gets by security at the Garden for a Knicks home game next season?
Vac: I do believe we have identified our first important Knicks storyline of the 2020-21 season.
Alan Hirschberg: The Baltimore Orioles should be re-named the Washington Generals.
Vac: The Yankees should start taking infield practice at Camden Yards to “Sweet Georgia Brown.”
@CouchPotatoCop: In regards to the ’72 Tigers (86-70) beating out the Red Sox (85-70): I always wondered why that result was allowed to stand, with no mechanism for the Sox to tie for the Division. It seems wonky, at the least. Now with sports talk & social media, no way fans/media would accept it.
@MikeVacc: The only argument for MLB back in ’72 was that it made clear after the strike was settled that this was how it was going to be, and this kind of thing could happen. And, of course, it did.
James Formato: I really like Tom Thibodeau, he seems just what the Knicks need. Add a couple of good pieces to this strong young group we have and I’m excited. I just hope they give him the time and the players? Dolan is my only worry.
Vac: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, 99.3 percent of all Knicks correspondences contain one of those sentences.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Christian Pulisic helped off field after historic FA Cup final goal

LONDON — A dream scoring start to his first FA Cup final ended in agony for Christian Pulisic .
Now @ @ @ @ @ chance to help Chelsea overturn a 3-0 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League @ @ @ @ @ 21-year-old winger had to be helped off the field in Saturday ’ s final against @ @ @ @ @ a hamstring injury .
Pulisic netted in the fifth minute against Arsenal to become the @ @ @ @ @ in an FA Cup final .
But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice to clinch a 2-1 @ @ @ @ @ cup .
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said Pulisic ’ s injury would be scanned and @ @ @ @ @ .
But Lampard said Pulisic “ clearly won ’ t be fit ” for the @ @ @ @ @ heavy favorites to advance .
The Champions League last-16 second leg was due to be @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic shut down sports .

LONDON — A dream scoring start to his first FA Cup final ended in agony for Christian Pulisic.
Now the American will miss the chance to help Chelsea overturn a 3-0 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 next Saturday.
The 21-year-old winger had to be helped off the field in Saturday’s final against Arsenal after pulling up with a hamstring injury.
Pulisic netted in the fifth minute against Arsenal to become the first American man to score in an FA Cup final. But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted twice to clinch a 2-1 win that denied Chelsea the cup.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said Pulisic’s injury would be scanned and assessed in the coming days. But Lampard said Pulisic “clearly won’t be fit” for the trip to Munich with Bayern heavy favorites to advance.
The Champions League last-16 second leg was due to be played in March before the coronavirus pandemic shut down sports.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Jeep that ran through BLM protest got lost on way to airport, passenger says

New York , we love you .
And we ’ ve come up with ...

The driver and passenger of a Jeep Wrangler that barreled through a group of Black Lives Matter protest in Colorado last week and was shot at said they were just lost and trying to get to a local airport before they got accidentally caught in the melee.
The speeding vehicle caused one woman to fall off the road and others to jump out of the way on a stretch of highway in Aurora, Colorado on July 25, according to KDVR, a local Fox News affiliate in Denver.
The scene became even more chaotic after the crowd began throwing rocks and projectiles at the Jeep, which crashed into another vehicle. One man then opened fire, authorities said.
The driver wasn’t targeting Black Lives Matter protesters, claims passenger Gregory Goodenough.
Goodenough was on his way to the airport to catch a flight to San Jose, California when the GPS directed them onto a highway that had been closed to accommodate the protest, he said.
‘We did notice that there were Black Lives Matter protesters on all sides of the street trying to stop traffic.’ said Goodenough in a two-minute long video posted to YouTube. ‘We then avoided any pedestrians in the roadways and continued onto the freeway. There was no police barricade that stopped us.”
Previous 1 of 9 Next Advertisement People run to get out of the way as a Jeep speeds through a crowd of people protesting the death of Elijah McClain on Interstate 225 in Aurora, Colorado. Getty Images Greg Goodenough YouTube Advertisement Getty Images REUTERS Getty Images Advertisement Getty Images Advertisement
Investigators are still probing how the Jeep got onto the highway when access roads were shut down.
Demonstrators surrounded the Jeep, throwing “projectiles,” using bats “to damage the vehicle,” and opening fire seven times, Goodenough said. Authorities said two people were hurt.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Lakers Vs. Raptors Live Stream: How To Watch Live Online

Opening night in the NBA bubble provided no shortage of intrigue .
Both the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers were able to avoid buzzer beaters to win their first matchups inside the Orlando bubble .
LeBron James and the Lakers will try to make it two in a row when they take on the defending champs in game two .
There ’ s no championship slump for the Toronto Raptors as Kyle Lowry and company enter tonight ’ s game with a 46-18 record , good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference .
The Raptors will try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Heat as they get ready for the NBA Playoffs .
How can you watch the Raptors/Lakers game live on ESPN ?
Here ’ s everything you need to know .
WHAT TIME DO THE LAKERS AND RAPTORS PLAY TONIGHT ?
Tonight ’ s Lakers/Raptors matchup is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m .
ET on ESPN .
HOW TO WATCH LAKERS VS RAPTORS LIVE : If you have a valid cable login , you can live stream the Lakers/Raptors game via the “ watch live ” section on the ESPN website or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ download on iTunes , Google Play , or Amazon .
CAN I WATCH THE LAKERS-RAPTORS GAME LIVE ON HULU ?
Yes !
If you have a valid subscription to Hulu + Live TV , you can watch the Lakers/Raptors matchup live via the service ’ s ESPN live stream .
You bet .
You can also find an ESPN live stream via an active subscription to Sling TV ( via the Sling Orange package ) , AT & T TV NOW , or YouTube TV .
All of the aforementioned platforms offer ESPN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subscribers beginning in early August .

Opening night in the NBA bubble provided no shortage of intrigue. Both the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers were able to avoid buzzer beaters to win their first matchups inside the Orlando bubble. LeBron James and the Lakers will try to make it two in a row when they take on the defending champs in game two.
There’s no championship slump for the Toronto Raptors as Kyle Lowry and company enter tonight’s game with a 46-18 record, good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors will try to hold off the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat as they get ready for the NBA Playoffs.
How can you watch the Raptors/Lakers game live on ESPN? Here’s everything you need to know.
WHAT TIME DO THE LAKERS AND RAPTORS PLAY TONIGHT?
Tonight’s Lakers/Raptors matchup is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
HOW TO WATCH LAKERS VS RAPTORS LIVE:
If you have a valid cable login, you can live stream the Lakers/Raptors game via the “watch live” section on the ESPN website or the ESPN app, which you can download on iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon.
CAN I WATCH THE LAKERS-RAPTORS GAME LIVE ON HULU?
Yes! If you have a valid subscription to Hulu + Live TV, you can watch the Lakers/Raptors matchup live via the service’s ESPN live stream.
Hulu + Live TV offers a seven-day free trial for eligible subscribers.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL ESPN LIVE STREAM OPTIONS?
You bet. You can also find an ESPN live stream via an active subscription to Sling TV (via the Sling Orange package), AT&T TV NOW, or YouTube TV. All of the aforementioned platforms offer ESPN.
FuboTV will also offer ESPN to subscribers beginning in early August.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyers painted Jeffrey Epstein victim as girl who ‘cried rape’

Court documents released Thursday claim to reveal what life was ...

An alleged sex slave of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell was also raped as a child — a claim the disgraced British socialite’s lawyers went to great lengths to discredit, court records show.
Maxwell’s attorneys accused Virginia Giuffre, now 36, of making “false” rape allegations to Palm Beach police when she was a young teen, about a year before she met Maxwell and Epstein.
The tactics, which included forcing Giuffre to disclose her entire medical history, surfaced in a trove of recently unsealed court documents in a now settled 2015 civil defamation case.
In addition to accusing Giuffre of “crying rape” as a young girl, Giuffre’s reps suggested the police records were wrongly obtained to begin with.
“Police reports documenting the sexual assault of children are not publicly available in Florida,” a lawyer for Giuffre wrote to his opposition. “Your failure to respond to these requests indicates that it is possible the police reports you relied upon . . . were procured by improper means by whichever individual furnished you with them.”
Maxwell’s lawyer also demanded Giuffre’s medical records dating back to 1999, court papers say. These included the names of 15 medical professionals, including a psychiatrist in Australia, where Giuffre now lives with her husband and three children.
Giuffre has claimed that Maxwell, 58, sexually assaulted her and turned her into a sex slave for Epstein, beginning when she was 15 years old. She has repeatedly claimed she was made to have sex with Prince Andrew three times between 2001 and 2002, an allegation the royal vehemently denies.
Maxwell, 58, who also denies any wrongdoing, was arrested last month in New Hampshire and is awaiting trial in a Brooklyn lock-up.
Another trove of documents related to Maxwell’s sex life and her alleged crimes that was scheduled to be released on Monday will be kept secret, an appeals court ruled Friday. The documents will be kept secret until Sept. 22 when the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals hears Maxwell’s appeal.


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--Designer flags from around the world flown at Rockefeller Center for all to see

New York , we love you .
And we ’ ve come up with an artsy way to show it — 193 new flags flying at Rockefeller Center .
The 8-foot-by-5-foot banners are fluttering on the iconic flagpoles that ring the ledge above The Rink .
Fittingly called the Flag Project , the public art installation , opened Saturday and will stay up through Aug. 16 for all to see — for free .
More than 1,000 folks from around the world dreamed up designs , which celebrate everything from the city ’ s art and music to our strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A panel of notables picked the winning entries .
Also whipping in the wind are more than a dozen flags designed by acclaimed local artists , including Jeff Koons , Marina Abramović , Christian Siriano , Sarah Sze , Steve Powers , KAWS , Laurie Anderson , Hank Willis Thomas , Carmen Herrera , Jenny Holzer , Shantell Martin , Sanford Biggers , and Faith Ringgold .
“ There are as many ways to celebrate the strength , vibrancy and spirit of New York as there are people in our City , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speyer runs Rockefeller Center .
“ We are excited to share all the original works in one place .
”

New York, we love you. And we’ve come up with an artsy way to show it — 193 new flags flying at Rockefeller Center.
The 8-foot-by-5-foot banners are fluttering on the iconic flagpoles that ring the ledge above The Rink.
Fittingly called the Flag Project, the public art installation, opened Saturday and will stay up through Aug. 16 for all to see — for free.
More than 1,000 folks from around the world dreamed up designs, which celebrate everything from the city’s art and music to our strength, and resiliency, the center said. A panel of notables picked the winning entries.
Also whipping in the wind are more than a dozen flags designed by acclaimed local artists, including Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović, Christian Siriano, Sarah Sze, Steve Powers, KAWS, Laurie Anderson, Hank Willis Thomas, Carmen Herrera, Jenny Holzer, Shantell Martin, Sanford Biggers, and Faith Ringgold.
“There are as many ways to celebrate the strength, vibrancy and spirit of New York as there are people in our City,” said Rob Speyer, whose Tishman Speyer runs Rockefeller Center. “We are excited to share all the original works in one place.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-01--England may need to close its pubs to keep students safe amid COVID-19

Fire burned down a homeless encampment in Chelsea , leaving one ...

The British may have to trade their pubs for the safety of their pupils in the face of coronavirus.
With virus cases on the rise in the weeks after the United Kingdom reopened pubs and other parts of its society, one British expert told the BBC new restrictions may be needed so schools there could open as planned in September.
“I think we’re in a situation whereby most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and well-being of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households,” said Graham Medley, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“And so actually, closing some of the other networks, some of the other activities may well be required to enable us to open schools.”
The country had been set to further lift its pandemic-related restrictions this weekend, including the limited return of fans to sports stadiums, and the reopening of casinos and bowling alleys.
But British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Friday said he needed to hit the brakes on the return to normal life.
The PM said there were an estimated 4,900 new infections every day, up from 2,000 a day at the end of June.
Previous 1 of 3 Next Advertisement People drink and socialize in the street in Soho, London. VICKIE FLORES/EPA-EFE/Shuttersto Pub customers enjoying their drinks outdoors in Manchester, England. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement
“We just can’t afford to ignore this evidence,” Johnson said at a news conference. “With those numbers creeping up, our assessment is that we should now squeeze (the) brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control.”
When it comes to getting kids back into the classroom in the fall, Medley called the question of imposing new limits on Britains a “trade off.”
“It might come down to a question of which do you trade off against each other, and then that’s a matter of prioritizing. Do we think pubs are more important than schools?” asked Medley who has an advisory group on pandemic modeling.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Black driver yells at Black Lives Matter protesters blocking Texas highway

Black man exits his car and angrily tells protesters to let him go to work and provide for his kids pic.twitter.com/GQUDw0lmfR A black motorist is going viral after flipping out at Black Lives Matter protesters who blocked a Texas highway — getting them to let him through after screaming , “ I got ta go to work !
” The unidentified motorist was filmed getting out of his pickup after a group of mostly white protesters blocked Austin ’ s I-35 late Saturday .
“ Hey look , I understand the cause , I appreciate it — but I got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the group after getting out on the highway .
“ I ’ m black — I got ta go to work !
I got bills .
I got kids .
Get the f–k out my way !
” he yelled as one of the protest leaders approached him .
The protesters — who moments earlier had been chanting , “ Whose streets ?
Our streets !
” — quickly parted , with several shouting to make sure the motorist was allowed through .
Other cars were still blocked , however , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stretching across the highway .
The confrontation came amid rising tensions in Austin a week after the shooting death of armed protester Garrett Foster after he allegedly confronted a driver while holding an AK-47 .
Heavily armed members of right-wing militia groups , including the Three Percenters and the Boogaloo Boys , appeared near Foster ’ s memorial , according to DailyMail.com .
Austin ’ s Department of Public Safety ( DPS ) had earlier said it was bringing in extra law enforcement support amid reports of plans to disrupt the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ DPS supports the right of individuals to lawfully protest , and public safety is our top priority , ” the agency said .
“ Therefore , DPS will be increasing our presence this weekend , along with our local law enforcement partners , to ensure public safety needs are met and to combat any potential criminal activity .
”

A black motorist is going viral after flipping out at Black Lives Matter protesters who blocked a Texas highway — getting them to let him through after screaming, “I gotta go to work!”
The unidentified motorist was filmed getting out of his pickup after a group of mostly white protesters blocked Austin’s I-35 late Saturday.
“Hey look, I understand the cause, I appreciate it — but I gotta go to work!” he told the group after getting out on the highway.
“I’m black — I gotta go to work! I got bills. I got kids. Get the f–k out my way!” he yelled as one of the protest leaders approached him.
The protesters — who moments earlier had been chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” — quickly parted, with several shouting to make sure the motorist was allowed through.
Other cars were still blocked, however, as a line of protesters was seen reforming and stretching across the highway.
The confrontation came amid rising tensions in Austin a week after the shooting death of armed protester Garrett Foster after he allegedly confronted a driver while holding an AK-47.
Heavily armed members of right-wing militia groups, including the Three Percenters and the Boogaloo Boys, appeared near Foster’s memorial, according to DailyMail.com.
Austin’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) had earlier said it was bringing in extra law enforcement support amid reports of plans to disrupt the Black Lives Matter protests, KXAN reported.
“DPS supports the right of individuals to lawfully protest, and public safety is our top priority,” the agency said.
“Therefore, DPS will be increasing our presence this weekend, along with our local law enforcement partners, to ensure public safety needs are met and to combat any potential criminal activity.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Take control of your finances and start building wealth through smarter investments

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
If you want to take better care of your personal finances , then you have come to the right place .
Meet The Beginner ’ s Guide to Personal Finance & Investment Bundle , an online training with 48+ hours of content on how to take control of your finances and start building wealth through smarter investments .
You will learn how to manage money , master the art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an understanding of the mystifying world of cryptocurrency .
Here ’ s a breakdown of the 7 courses included in the bundle : Personal Finance For Everyone : Insight For Managing Your Money Well : Learn how to manage your money and make sensible spending decisions , gain an understanding of your personal cash flow , and discover how to pick a bank or a credit card that best suits your needs .
Basics of Investing in Mutual Funds : Discover the fundamentals of mutual funds and uncover how to pick the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual goals .
Stock Market Investing Strategies For Personal Finance : Master effective investment strategies that will maximize your return on investment .
Determine your risk appetite , decide whether a financial adviser is right for you , and discover stocks that outperform the DOW .
Stock Market Investing for Beginners : 12 Mistakes to Avoid : Learn the lesser-known strategies of investing in real estate and how to avoid the common mistakes that diminish returns .
Day Trading Strategy for All Levels with 72 % Success Rate : Start trading with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy that works 72 % of the time .
Stock Trading & Investing : Technical Analysis Masterclass : Build your long-term investment portfolio , start performing technical analysis , and practice trading real stocks without the risk of losing cash .
Cryptocurrency : What You Must Know : Make informed decisions when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin .
Right now , you can score this 7-course training and start taking care of your finances for only $ 29.99—that ’ s 91 % off .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
If you want to take better care of your personal finances, then you have come to the right place.
Meet The Beginner’s Guide to Personal Finance & Investment Bundle, an online training with 48+ hours of content on how to take control of your finances and start building wealth through smarter investments. You will learn how to manage money, master the art of day trading, and even gain an understanding of the mystifying world of cryptocurrency.
Here’s a breakdown of the 7 courses included in the bundle:
Personal Finance For Everyone: Insight For Managing Your Money Well: Learn how to manage your money and make sensible spending decisions, gain an understanding of your personal cash flow, and discover how to pick a bank or a credit card that best suits your needs.
Basics of Investing in Mutual Funds: Discover the fundamentals of mutual funds and uncover how to pick the best one to invest in based on your individual goals.
Stock Market Investing Strategies For Personal Finance: Master effective investment strategies that will maximize your return on investment. Determine your risk appetite, decide whether a financial adviser is right for you, and discover stocks that outperform the DOW.
Stock Market Investing for Beginners: 12 Mistakes to Avoid: Learn the lesser-known strategies of investing in real estate and how to avoid the common mistakes that diminish returns.
Day Trading Strategy for All Levels with 72% Success Rate: Start trading with a super easy (yet very efficient) strategy that works 72% of the time.
Stock Trading & Investing: Technical Analysis Masterclass: Build your long-term investment portfolio, start performing technical analysis, and practice trading real stocks without the risk of losing cash.
Cryptocurrency: What You Must Know: Make informed decisions when it comes to investing in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Right now, you can score this 7-course training and start taking care of your finances for only $29.99—that’s 91% off.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Reach your fitness goals with this Google-integrated smartwatch

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
This watch doesn ’ t just add to your active lifestyle—it elevates it .
The TicWatch Sport Smartwatch features everything you need to reach your fitness goals , including a heart rate monitor , step counter , and an integrated GPS sensor .
Plus , thanks to its 48-hour active battery life , you can easily go an entire day on a single charge .
This smartwatch also offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make the most of your Google Assistant , follow along to exercises routines with Google Fit , and bring your all favorite apps straight to your wrist .
You can enjoy sleep monitoring , music detection , and multi-language support ; read your messages , check your emails , and play your favorite songs on Spotify—all without any clunky devices .
On top of all it does , this gadget features an award-winning design that you will love .
It is crafted with a sporty , anti-scratch bezel display and a breathable watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter how sweaty .
With its IP67 water-resistant design , you can keep it on during the most intense sports and mistiest of weather .
There ’ s no need to just trust our opinion .
Tech Advisor wrote that the interface manages “ to make life simple , ” and Tech Rader went even further , saying it “ exceeds expectations for a cheap smartwatch .
It ’ s well designed , a pleasure to use , and packs in a surprising amount of features for its price.
” Want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before deciding if this gadget is right for you ?
Then take a few seconds to watch this cool video from the brand .
The TicWatch Sport Smartwatch with Google Assistant would normally cost you $ 99 , but , right now , you can slash 20 % off that price for a grand total of just $ 79.99 .

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
This watch doesn’t just add to your active lifestyle—it elevates it.
The TicWatch Sport Smartwatch features everything you need to reach your fitness goals, including a heart rate monitor, step counter, and an integrated GPS sensor. Plus, thanks to its 48-hour active battery life, you can easily go an entire day on a single charge.
This smartwatch also offers the convenience of the Google universe. Make the most of your Google Assistant, follow along to exercises routines with Google Fit, and bring your all favorite apps straight to your wrist. You can enjoy sleep monitoring, music detection, and multi-language support; read your messages, check your emails, and play your favorite songs on Spotify—all without any clunky devices.
On top of all it does, this gadget features an award-winning design that you will love. It is crafted with a sporty, anti-scratch bezel display and a breathable watch band that is perfect for any occasion— no matter how sweaty. With its IP67 water-resistant design, you can keep it on during the most intense sports and mistiest of weather.
There’s no need to just trust our opinion. Tech Advisor wrote that the interface manages “to make life simple,” and Tech Rader went even further, saying it “exceeds expectations for a cheap smartwatch. It’s well designed, a pleasure to use, and packs in a surprising amount of features for its price.”
Want to see the TicWatch Sport Smartwatch in action before deciding if this gadget is right for you? Then take a few seconds to watch this cool video from the brand.
The TicWatch Sport Smartwatch with Google Assistant would normally cost you $99, but, right now, you can slash 20% off that price for a grand total of just $79.99.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Enhance a staycation by honing a new  skill — and all for free

Looking to leverage some downtime ?
Whether you ’ re upskilling your resume or sharpening your entrepreneurial chops , there ’ s an abundance of free online resources to log on to .
American Express Business Class The multinational financial-services corporation recently launched this tool , which includes weekly Instagram Live programming dubbed Office Hours ( shown right ) , featuring conversations with small-business owners , and a content hub filled with articles to help people grow their businesses .
“ Democratizing this education was critical to us , so we made sure all the Business Class content would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our competitors , ” says Clayton Ruebensaal , an executive vice president at American Express based in the Financial District .
“ It ’ s a free resource for any business owner or business people.
” edX This nonprofit online learning company offers 2,800 courses by 150 of the world ’ s top universities .
You can watch all videos , access readings and take ungraded assessments for as long as it takes to complete the course ( usually around six weeks ) .
Non-academic classes are available too .
The paid version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn certification .
edX also offers 13 fully online master ’ s degrees .
Anant Agarwal , CEO and founder of the company , says that “ edX just released a survey exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way that Americans think about their future education and career decisions .
It found that the pandemic has directly impacted 58 percent of Americans ’ decisions to seek additional education .
By earning a valuable credential , they will be well prepared for the jobs of the future.
” General Assembly This global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like coding , design and data science .
There are paid courses of study taken online , such as digital marketing ( 40 hours , 10 weeks , $ 3,950 ) , but there are also free workshops and classes .
This week , you can enroll in two-hour Zoom classes such as Monday ’ s Optimizing Your Resume : The Key to Job Search , and on Thursday take How to Future-Proof Your Business , Latinas in Tech or Career Chat 101 : Nail the Interview and Get That Job .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Liz Vollman , vice president of marketing at General Assembly in Flatiron .
“ During this difficult time , we feel a deep responsibility to make our resources and expertise available to anyone looking to level up in their career or explore a new skill set.
” Duolingo Brush up your high school español or learn a new language to beef up your resume with the free Duolingo app .
English speakers can learn up to 36 different languages , from Swahili to Swedish .
The app ’ s bite-size lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brick-and-mortar classroom while still teaching you vocabulary and how to incorporate words into sentences .
Users can access tips for explanations about grammar , pronunciation and phrases .
Grow With Google OnAir In May , Google launched this free digital-skills training program for job seekers and business owners .
Typically two courses are offered per week , in more than 20 subject areas , such as analytics and project management .
You can also sign up for individual 30-minute coaching sessions with a Google employee .
In addition , there are 30- to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded sessions can be viewed in their on-demand section . )
“ This global crisis has only increased our reliance on technology , ” says Jesse Haines , director of Grow With Google in Chelsea .
“ Now is the time for people to sharpen digital skills to help them land the jobs they want and grow their businesses.
” Coursera The happiness course at Yale , officially known as the Science of Well-Being , about how to boost your happiness and build productive habits , was founded in 2012 by two Stanford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrollees .
“ It shows that people are extremely interested in having science-backed research and techniques to manage their stress , anxiety and well-being , ” says Arunav Sinha , head of global communications at Coursera .
“ They ’ re not just looking for a YouTube video.
” The site now offers more than 4,200 courses , typically lasting between two to four weeks , taught by instructors from top universities and leading companies .
FutureLearn This UK-based social learning platform offers over 3,300 courses taught by university professors and industry leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks and requiring three to four hours of study per week .
Short courses operate on an upgrade model — free to join , but learners pay a fee to receive a certificate of achievement .
More than 100 short courses offer free upgrades , including professional-development courses from consultancy firm Accenture .
“ One of the things our learners enjoy is the ability to develop their skills alongside an international group of learners , ” says Simon Nelson , CEO of FutureLearn .

Looking to leverage some downtime? Whether you’re upskilling your resume or sharpening your entrepreneurial chops, there’s an abundance of free online resources to log on to.
American Express Business Class
The multinational financial-services corporation recently launched this tool, which includes weekly Instagram Live programming dubbed Office Hours (shown right), featuring conversations with small-business owners, and a content hub filled with articles to help people grow their businesses.
“Democratizing this education was critical to us, so we made sure all the Business Class content would be available to anyone — our customers or our competitors,” says Clayton Ruebensaal, an executive vice president at American Express based in the Financial District. “It’s a free resource for any business owner or business people.”
edX
This nonprofit online learning company offers 2,800 courses by 150 of the world’s top universities. You can watch all videos, access readings and take ungraded assessments for as long as it takes to complete the course (usually around six weeks). Non-academic classes are available too.
The paid version of the course grants the ability to earn certification. edX also offers 13 fully online master’s degrees.
Anant Agarwal, CEO and founder of the company, says that “edX just released a survey exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way that Americans think about their future education and career decisions. It found that the pandemic has directly impacted 58 percent of Americans’ decisions to seek additional education. By earning a valuable credential, they will be well prepared for the jobs of the future.”
General Assembly
This global education provider runs classes in high-demand skills like coding, design and data science. There are paid courses of study taken online, such as digital marketing (40 hours, 10 weeks, $3,950), but there are also free workshops and classes.
This week, you can enroll in two-hour Zoom classes such as Monday’s Optimizing Your Resume: The Key to Job Search, and on Thursday take How to Future-Proof Your Business, Latinas in Tech or Career Chat 101: Nail the Interview and Get That Job.
“There’s something for everyone,” says Liz Vollman, vice president of marketing at General Assembly in Flatiron. “During this difficult time, we feel a deep responsibility to make our resources and expertise available to anyone looking to level up in their career or explore a new skill set.”
Duolingo
Brush up your high school español or learn a new language to beef up your resume with the free Duolingo app. English speakers can learn up to 36 different languages, from Swahili to Swedish.
The app’s bite-size lessons feel more like fun games than a brick-and-mortar classroom while still teaching you vocabulary and how to incorporate words into sentences. Users can access tips for explanations about grammar, pronunciation and phrases.
Grow With Google OnAir
In May, Google launched this free digital-skills training program for job seekers and business owners. Typically two courses are offered per week, in more than 20 subject areas, such as analytics and project management. You can also sign up for individual 30-minute coaching sessions with a Google employee. In addition, there are 30- to 60-minute online streaming events. (Past recorded sessions can be viewed in their on-demand section.)
“This global crisis has only increased our reliance on technology,” says Jesse Haines, director of Grow With Google in Chelsea. “Now is the time for people to sharpen digital skills to help them land the jobs they want and grow their businesses.”
Coursera
The happiness course at Yale, officially known as the Science of Well-Being, about how to boost your happiness and build productive habits, was founded in 2012 by two Stanford professors and has more than 2.5 million enrollees.
“It shows that people are extremely interested in having science-backed research and techniques to manage their stress, anxiety and well-being,” says Arunav Sinha, head of global communications at Coursera. “They’re not just looking for a YouTube video.”
The site now offers more than 4,200 courses, typically lasting between two to four weeks, taught by instructors from top universities and leading companies.
FutureLearn
This UK-based social learning platform offers over 3,300 courses taught by university professors and industry leaders, typically lasting between two and eight weeks and requiring three to four hours of study per week.
Short courses operate on an upgrade model — free to join, but learners pay a fee to receive a certificate of achievement. More than 100 short courses offer free upgrades, including professional-development courses from consultancy firm Accenture.
“One of the things our learners enjoy is the ability to develop their skills alongside an international group of learners,” says Simon Nelson, CEO of FutureLearn.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Mashiro Tanaka provides his first boost to Yankees rotation

They are Bronx Bombers again , especially the hulking giant named ...

After Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by a 112-mph line drive off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton during a simulated game on July 4, there was no telling how the right-hander might be impacted — let alone when he would return to the mound.
Yet there he was in the Yankees’ 5-2 win over the Red Sox on Saturday.
Tanaka gave up two runs — one earned — in 2 ²/₃ innings, leaving after 51 pitches thanks to a pitch count.
He tossed two scoreless innings before Boston got to him in the third and he looked effective for most of the brief outing, reaching 94 mph at times.
“I thought he was really good,’’ Aaron Boone said. “The power was there with his fastball. That’s as good a velocity as we’ve seen on his fastball, really, in the last couple years.”
Tanaka, though, was discouraged by his lack of command, something he attributed to not having pitched in a competitive game since spring training in March.
Third-string catcher Chris Ianneta was designated for assignment to make room on the roster after Tanaka was activated from the seven-day concussion injured list.
James Paxton didn’t retire a batter in the second inning in his first start of the season.
He’ll take the mound again Sunday looking for better results and he’s expecting some adjustments he’s made since his season debut will help.
“I’ve looked at some video and it turned out my arm angle was low and I was bending over too far on my way to the plate,’’ Paxton said. “I’ve been working on my posture and standing up straighter and taller.”
That should allow him to throw his breaking balls more effectively.
The Yankees have sizable expectations from the left-hander, who underwent back surgery in February but ended up not missing any time because of the delayed start to the regular season.
Gary Sanchez was back in the lineup Saturday after being given Friday off and Boone said he has “not a lot of concern” about the catcher’s slow start despite Sanchez entering Saturday 0-for-15 with 10 strikeouts.
Sanchez got his first hit of the season on a roller through the right side of the infield in the second and scored.
Luis Cessa was scheduled to pitch another simulated game Saturday and his return from coronavirus is expected “in the next few days,” according to Boone.
Boone talked to him late in the week and the right-hander told him he felt “really good and his stuff is what it normally is.”
MLB announced the Yankees are scheduled to host the Phillies on Monday and Tuesday and visit Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday. The Yankees would then visit Tampa Bay for a four-game series beginning on Friday, with a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday. Gerrit Cole is slated to start Monday and one of the games on Saturday- both of which would be seven innings thanks to the new rule regarding doubleheaders.
With no fans in the stands, it’s become a lot easier for opponents and other observers to hear what’s being said on the field and in the dugouts. Boone created a stir a year ago with his “savages in the box” rant and was asked Saturday if the new environment had impacted what he said this season.
“Maybe a little bit,’’ Boone said. “As best you can, you try to be mindful of things. Believe it or not, I try to even be mindful of that in all situations. I’m also gonna react honestly to what I see. You try to strike that balance of being mindful and respectful, but also intense on the game.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Why roster shuffling will be tougher for Giants, rest of NFL

A player on the practice field in training camp is not showing much .
Someone else out there , unsigned and thus available , might work out better .
Normally , you make the move and bring in the newcomer .
A player comes free during the season and you want to claim him , thinking he might be able to help you right away , as soon as this week ’ s game .
Normally , it is an easy call .
You cut someone you already have , claim the new guy off waivers , hope you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In both scenarios , there is an immediacy to the proceedings .
The player being considered could be signed , sealed and delivered into your building in less than 24 hours .
This summer and this season ?
That turnaround will take five days .
This is part of the new-age thinking the Giants and all other NFL teams must incorporate into an unprecedented spring and summer — and , most likely , fall and winter — trying to start and complete a football schedule working in and around a global pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions already have taken place about the possible need to stick with players already on the roster longer than usual .
Rather than jettison a player , showing patience and keeping him around might be the way to go .
“ That ’ s one thing we have talked about , ’ ’ head coach Joe Judge said .
“ This may be a different training camp around the league in terms of the time of the claims .
That ’ s not going to eliminate the roster moving , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to look to fill their needs and possibly improve their depth as they see guys on the waiver wire .
The one thing I think you have to be conscious about as a coach is if you have to move somebody off the roster to claim somebody , you better have a plan in place for that week so you can say you are at 80 , but you are really at 79 if that makes sense.
’ ’ It makes sense .
Every player on the Giants ’ roster had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could take the field .
Everyone had to take three COVID-19 tests and , if they all came back negative , then were permitted to take a physical .
The process lasted five days .
The anticipation is this protocol will continue into the season .
So , if you want someone , you will have to wait at least five days to get him .
The expanded roster in training camp makes this somewhat less of a predicament .
During the season , it definitely will be a factor and will necessitate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a week in advance will be imperative .
“ You can no longer work a guy out on a Tuesday , Tuesday night he is doing meetings and Wednesday he ’ s practicing with the team , ’ ’ Judge said .
“ It ’ s important for us to establish depth.
’ ’ It will help that the league expanded the practice squads ( they already were set to increase this season from 10 to 12 ) to 16 players , with four of the players protected every week from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all practice squad players could be signed to another team ’ s active roster .
Another new wrinkle : Up to six players on the practice squad — normally reserved for youngsters — can be veterans , forming a sort of tier system .
“ That ’ s going to be key for all the teams and how they manage those 16 positions going forward , ’ ’ Judge said .
It figures to be more difficult than ever for undrafted free agents to stick on final rosters , given there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players to make an impression .
The first of just 14 padded practices for the Giants is not until Aug. 17 and the lead-up to the Sept. 14 season opener will contain fewer live drills and hitting than ever before .
A first impression might be more important of an impression than ever before .

A player on the practice field in training camp is not showing much. Someone else out there, unsigned and thus available, might work out better. Normally, you make the move and bring in the newcomer.
A player comes free during the season and you want to claim him, thinking he might be able to help you right away, as soon as this week’s game. Normally, it is an easy call. You cut someone you already have, claim the new guy off waivers, hope you are awarded him and start the acclimation process.
In both scenarios, there is an immediacy to the proceedings. The player being considered could be signed, sealed and delivered into your building in less than 24 hours.
This summer and this season? That turnaround will take five days.
This is part of the new-age thinking the Giants and all other NFL teams must incorporate into an unprecedented spring and summer — and, most likely, fall and winter — trying to start and complete a football schedule working in and around a global pandemic. Inside the Giants’ offices, discussions already have taken place about the possible need to stick with players already on the roster longer than usual. Rather than jettison a player, showing patience and keeping him around might be the way to go.
“That’s one thing we have talked about,’’ head coach Joe Judge said. “This may be a different training camp around the league in terms of the time of the claims. That’s not going to eliminate the roster moving, it’s still the National Football League and people are going to look to fill their needs and possibly improve their depth as they see guys on the waiver wire. The one thing I think you have to be conscious about as a coach is if you have to move somebody off the roster to claim somebody, you better have a plan in place for that week so you can say you are at 80, but you are really at 79 if that makes sense.’’
It makes sense. Every player on the Giants’ roster had to undergo a new protocol before they could take the field. Everyone had to take three COVID-19 tests and, if they all came back negative, then were permitted to take a physical. The process lasted five days. The anticipation is this protocol will continue into the season. So, if you want someone, you will have to wait at least five days to get him.
The expanded roster in training camp makes this somewhat less of a predicament. During the season, it definitely will be a factor and will necessitate strategizing on a week-to-week basis. Planning more than a week in advance will be imperative.
“You can no longer work a guy out on a Tuesday, Tuesday night he is doing meetings and Wednesday he’s practicing with the team,’’ Judge said. “It’s important for us to establish depth.’’
It will help that the league expanded the practice squads (they already were set to increase this season from 10 to 12) to 16 players, with four of the players protected every week from being signed by other teams. Previously, all practice squad players could be signed to another team’s active roster.
Another new wrinkle: Up to six players on the practice squad — normally reserved for youngsters — can be veterans, forming a sort of tier system.
“That’s going to be key for all the teams and how they manage those 16 positions going forward,’’ Judge said.
It figures to be more difficult than ever for undrafted free agents to stick on final rosters, given there are no preseason games for these largely unheralded players to make an impression. The first of just 14 padded practices for the Giants is not until Aug. 17 and the lead-up to the Sept. 14 season opener will contain fewer live drills and hitting than ever before. A first impression might be more important of an impression than ever before.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Black Lives Matter-supporting NBA player stands for anthem

The Nets ’ first game of the NBA restart in Disney ...

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Meyers Leonard has a brother who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines. He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and has a phone loaded with Navy SEALs who are his friends.
He also makes this clear: “I absolutely believe Black Lives Matter,” he said.
Still, Leonard simply could not bring himself to kneel for the national anthem.
Wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt over a jersey that he ordered to say “Equality,” and as all other coaches and players around him knelt, Leonard stood for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday before the Heat re-opened their season by facing the Denver Nuggets at Walt Disney World.
“Some of the conversations I’ve had over the past three days, quite literally, have been the most difficult,” Leonard told The Associated Press prior to the game. “I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.”
Leonard dealt with anxiety and sleeplessness for several days as he agonized over the decision. He explained his reasoning before Saturday to current teammates and several former ones, almost all of them Black — then stood near midcourt, hand over his heart, as the song blared.
“I am a compassionate human being and I truly love all people,” Leonard said. “I can’t fully comprehend how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white. There’s a line in the sand, so to speak: ‘If you’re not kneeling, you’re not with us.’ And that’s not true.
“I will continue to use my platform, my voice and my actions to show how much I care about the African American culture and for everyone,” he added. “I live my life to serve and impact others in a positive way.”
The focus of this restarted NBA season, interrupted for more than 4-1/2 months by the coronavirus pandemic, has been to continue shining light on the need for racial justice and an end to police brutality. NBA teams are kneeling, often linking arms, for the pre-recorded national anthem along a sideline where “Black Lives Matter” is painted.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who is Black, stood for the anthem before his team’s game Friday and opted not to wear the ‘Black Lives Matter’ shirt that players and coaches have donned at Disney for the pregame ceremony.
Later Friday, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and Spurs assistant Becky Hammon both stood for the anthem. Popovich, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, stood with arms at his side. Hammon draped her arms over the shoulders of fellow assistant Will Hardy and Spurs guard Patty Mills.
“I did feel a little bit of a load lifted off my shoulders when they did that,” Leonard said. “Each of those individuals had their own personal reasons, just as I do.”
Heat forward Andre Iguodala, a member of the National Basketball Players Association’s executive committee, said he respected Leonard’s choice.
“On the one hand, we’re saying, ‘We want you to see things from our perspective,’” Iguodala said. “But by saying that, I also have to see things from his perspective. And I can see where he’s coming from.”
Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with Leonard in recent days about his decision. Haslem has made several things clear; he originally wished to see Leonard kneel, but after those talks he came away with understanding — and vowed the Heat would support their teammate.
As the song ended, Haslem was the first to tap fists with Leonard.
“His being out there with us, as our brother, it’s still showing strength, it’s still showing unity, it’s still showing that we’re coming together for a common cause,” Haslem said. “People will question, ‘Why isn’t he doing it their way?’ Well, he’s standing by us. He’s supporting us. He’s with us.”
Haslem has seen Leonard’s commitment to helping others. Leonard raised $180,000 in April by streaming himself playing video games online; that money went to causes such as Feeding South Florida, a group with which Haslem and the Heat worked closely.
And Saturday, Leonard said he and his wife will donate $100,000 to a fund that helps pay the fees Floridians leaving jails or prisons must settle before they can have their voting rights restored.
“Because I’ve listened to Udonis and am constantly inspired by him, every single one of those dollars will go to Overtown and Liberty City, where he grew up,” Leonard said, referring to two of Miami’s historic Black neighborhoods. “Those two parts of Miami were most heavily impacted by COVID-19 and voter suppression.”
Heat forward Jimmy Butler also tried to make a statement Saturday, walking onto the court with a jersey without any name on the back. He unsuccessfully lobbied the NBA to play in a jersey with just a number, and had to switch into a jersey with his name before the game could begin.
Former teammates have warned Leonard that he may deal with criticism, possibly from fellow NBA players. His eyes welled with tears many times in recent days as he worked through the decision, his reaction so strong that he was shaking when he explained his choice to Heat teammates.
It was not an easy decision. It may not be popular.
But Saturday morning, a few hours before the anthem, Bailey Leonard, the former Marine, texted his brother and said “Stay true to you. Stay the course. I love you. Your family loves you. Your community loves you.”
If Leonard had any doubt, it evaporated there.
“I know he’s proud of me,” Leonard said. “And if he’s proud of me, and if my brothers on this team are with me, then I know this is what I have to do.”


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Pete Alonso, Yoenis Cespedes can’t get untracked for Mets

There was a time when Yoenis Cespedes was the only hitter the Mets wanted at the plate with runners on base .
We live in a time when Pete Alonso holds the same place in the fan base ’ s heart .
But in 2020 , there isn ’ t much time for the team ’ s biggest sluggers to find their swings .
With multiple opportunities to help stop the Mets ’ three-game slide , Alonso and Cespedes combined for one hit and four strikeouts , while being responsible for 11 of the 20 men left on base by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Braves on Saturday night at Truist Park .
Alonso went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts , and stranded six runners , as his batting average dropped to .200 .
The reigning N.L .
Rookie of the Year now has just one hit in his past 11 at-bats and hasn ’ t homered in the past five games , leaving the all-time rookie home run record holder ( 53 ) stuck on one home run for the season .
Last year , Alonso had five home runs in his first 10 games .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , and you know how much he cares , ” Mets manager Luis Rojas said .
“ He ’ s been working really hard and he actually really looked good earlier in practice and everything , a little more calm , not a lot of moving parts , [ then ] not the same in the game .
… He got out of the rhythm he had.
” After starter Michael Wacha was tagged for five runs in the first two innings , the Mets quickly found an opportunity to chip away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walks by Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil .
Then , Alonso hit into an inning-ending double play .
Alonso came to the plate again in the fifth with Nimmo and McNeil getting aboard , but came up short again , chasing a 3-2 pitch from Luke Jackson out of the zone for the first out .
Following a seventh-inning strikeout , Alonso slammed his bat in the dugout multiple times .
“ It ’ s definitely something you need to regroup right away , ” Rojas said of Alonso .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically for [ Sunday ] .
” Though Alonso will be given the opportunity to work through his struggles , Cespedes no longer has the luxury of a long leash given the appealing replacement options of J.D .
Davis and Dominic Smith .
Outside of a pair of home runs — including the game-winner on Opening Day — one double and a pair of singles , the 34-year-old , injury-plagued DH has looked like someone who hasn ’ t played in two years .
Following Saturday ’ s 0-for-4 effort with two strikeouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cespedes now holds a team-worst .161 batting average while hitting 1-for-13 on the road .
With the Mets down 5-0 in the fourth inning , Michael Conforto and Robinson Cano opened the frame with back-to-back singles .
Next came Cespedes , who struck out on three pitches .
Following a Cano sacrifice fly in the fifth , Cespedes ended a potential rally by grounding out with two Mets on base .
One week earlier , Cespedes said , “ I will return to being that player from back then.
” Now , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former All-Star — in the final year of his contract — will have that chance .

There was a time when Yoenis Cespedes was the only hitter the Mets wanted at the plate with runners on base. We live in a time when Pete Alonso holds the same place in the fan base’s heart.
But in 2020, there isn’t much time for the team’s biggest sluggers to find their swings.
With multiple opportunities to help stop the Mets’ three-game slide, Alonso and Cespedes combined for one hit and four strikeouts, while being responsible for 11 of the 20 men left on base by the Mets in their 7-1 loss to the Braves on Saturday night at Truist Park.
Alonso went 1-for-5 with two strikeouts, and stranded six runners, as his batting average dropped to .200. The reigning N.L. Rookie of the Year now has just one hit in his past 11 at-bats and hasn’t homered in the past five games, leaving the all-time rookie home run record holder (53) stuck on one home run for the season. Last year, Alonso had five home runs in his first 10 games.
“He wants to do so much out there, and you know how much he cares,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. “He’s been working really hard and he actually really looked good earlier in practice and everything, a little more calm, not a lot of moving parts, [then] not the same in the game. … He got out of the rhythm he had.”
After starter Michael Wacha was tagged for five runs in the first two innings, the Mets quickly found an opportunity to chip away in the third, following back-to-back one-out walks by Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. Then, Alonso hit into an inning-ending double play.
Alonso came to the plate again in the fifth with Nimmo and McNeil getting aboard, but came up short again, chasing a 3-2 pitch from Luke Jackson out of the zone for the first out. Following a seventh-inning strikeout, Alonso slammed his bat in the dugout multiple times.
“It’s definitely something you need to regroup right away,” Rojas said of Alonso. “He’s got to get ready mentally and physically for [Sunday].”
Though Alonso will be given the opportunity to work through his struggles, Cespedes no longer has the luxury of a long leash given the appealing replacement options of J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith.
Outside of a pair of home runs — including the game-winner on Opening Day — one double and a pair of singles, the 34-year-old, injury-plagued DH has looked like someone who hasn’t played in two years.
Following Saturday’s 0-for-4 effort with two strikeouts — leaving five men on base — Cespedes now holds a team-worst .161 batting average while hitting 1-for-13 on the road.
With the Mets down 5-0 in the fourth inning, Michael Conforto and Robinson Cano opened the frame with back-to-back singles. Next came Cespedes, who struck out on three pitches. Following a Cano sacrifice fly in the fifth, Cespedes ended a potential rally by grounding out with two Mets on base.
One week earlier, Cespedes said, “I will return to being that player from back then.”
Now, it’s unclear how much longer the former All-Star — in the final year of his contract — will have that chance.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--Losing C.J. Mosley for the season a big hit to Jets’ defense

The Jets have not played a game yet and they ...

This is the way of the world now, in all our professional sports, players in fear of the virus opting out, young players, older players, even star players.
The virus hit the Jets on Saturday, and hit the Jets hard.
This was going to be the return from a lost season with a vengeance from a debilitating groin injury by inside linebacker C.J. Mosley.
He opts out for family health reasons instead.
It means there will be more of a burden on Adam Gase and Sam Darnold to lift the Jets and help defensive coordinator’s Gregg Williams troops.
No one can, or should begrudge him, even as Jets fans moan that for an $85 million free agent, for $51M guaranteed dollars, Mosley has been on the field wearing his Jets 57 jersey for five quarters. He was due $6M in base salary after receiving a $10M roster bonus in March.
For someone who loves the game as much as Mosley does, you know it had to pain him to leave his team and teammates behind.
“When you’re gone from something you love so much, it’s kind of like when you first learn how to ride a bike,” Mosley told ESPN in May. “You just don’t want to stop.”
Unlike Jamal Adams, Mosley wanted to be part of the solution and he was that way with the Ravens long before he got paid.
Which makes Mosley, as quiet as Adams is loud, a bigger loss for the Jets in some ways than Adams was.
There is no argument Adams was the best player on the team, but Mosley was the brains behind Williams’ defense.
While Adams is a fiery leader on the field, Mosley provides businesslike leadership on and off the field. It is no wonder why the Ravens tried to convince him to stay. The guy was a four-time Pro Bowler in his five seasons in Baltimore.
He is a tackling machine. He and Panthers ILB Luke Kuechly were the only two players in the NFL with 500 tackles, eight sacks and eight interceptions since 2014 when he joined the Jets.
Gase was more enthused with Mosley’s signing than he was with Le’Veon Bell’s.
“He wanted me to be the centerpiece of the defense to kind of have a leadership role on and off the field,” Mosley once said. “So I feel like my five years in Baltimore kind of put me in this position to be a leader on and off the field and I’m excited to start this new journey.”
Mosley may have been a free agent signing by former GM Mike Maccagnan, may very well have been too rich for current GM Joe Douglas’ pragmatic blood, but you can’t argue that he is one of those tough, smart, unselfish players who can mean everything to a healthy, if not winning, culture.
When Douglas was hired, he defined for me his idea of his kind of football player: “Resilient, loves football, has a burning passion for football, coachable, able to handle criticism, able to come back from defeat, very smart, can think under fire, able to stay poised under fire.”
That describes C.J. Mosley.
So Bradley McDougald replaces Adams. Perhaps Avery Williamson, who missed last season with a torn ACL suffered in garbage time of meaningless preseason game, can replace Mosley.
The Jets are fortunate that Williams knows defense. And Quinnen Williams should make more of an impact in his second season. Gregg Williams will keep showing his boys photos of lions in the socially distanced meeting rooms and make sure they come out roaring.
Douglas got a terrific haul for Adams. But Mosley opting out after the jettisoning of Adams to Seattle is a 1-2 gut punch that makes you think even more that 2020 will be a rebuilding season with more cap space now available in 2021. Gang Groan, earlier than usual.


newyorkpost--2020-08-02--High school basketball star fatally shot

SANTA FE , N.M. — A 16-year-old has been arrested after a standout New Mexico high school basketball player who planned to play for the state ’ s largest university was shot and killed early Saturday , authorities said .
The teen , a Santa Fe resident , was charged in the death of 18-year-old FeDonta “ J.B. ” White , the Santa Fe County Sheriff ’ s Office said .
White and the 16-year-old had gotten into a fight before the boy shot him , authorities said .
The suspect fled and was arrested with the help of Santa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3:30 a.m. at a house that witnesses say was hosting a party , authorities said .
Friends were driving White to a hospital when they met first responders , who took him the rest of the way , authorities said .
White died at the hospital .
The Associated Press generally does not identify juveniles who are accused of crimes .
The teen is being held at a juvenile detention center , authorities said .
White , a 6-foot-8 forward for the Santa Fe High School Demons averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team reached the Class 5A quarterfinals .
He announced in May that he would finish his coursework early , forgoing his senior year in high school to join the University of New Mexico team on an athletic scholarship in the upcoming season .
“ We were looking forward to him joining the Lobo Family , ” the team tweeted Saturday .
“ He was an amazing young man with a bright future , our thoughts and hearts go out to his family & friends.
” White was a real Hoop Dreams figure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Capital High School that drew overflow crowds and people glued to the radio broadcast .
He was sorely missed in the latter half of the 2018-19 season when Santa Fe reached the 5A championship for the first time in 41 years .
White had dislocated his patella , ending his year , the Santa Fe New Mexican reported .
“ The whole thing is just surreal , ” the school ’ s principal , Carl Marano , told the newspaper .
“ He was an incredible young man who was getting ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lobo.
” Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia said White ’ s talent was a joy to sports fans across New Mexico “ It is unspeakable to lose someone so young and with such promise for the future , ” she said in a statement .
The investigation into the killing is ongoing , police said .

SANTA FE, N.M. — A 16-year-old has been arrested after a standout New Mexico high school basketball player who planned to play for the state’s largest university was shot and killed early Saturday, authorities said.
The teen, a Santa Fe resident, was charged in the death of 18-year-old FeDonta “J.B.” White, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said. White and the 16-year-old had gotten into a fight before the boy shot him, authorities said. The suspect fled and was arrested with the help of Santa Fe police.
Shots were heard around 3:30 a.m. at a house that witnesses say was hosting a party, authorities said. Friends were driving White to a hospital when they met first responders, who took him the rest of the way, authorities said. White died at the hospital.
The Associated Press generally does not identify juveniles who are accused of crimes. The teen is being held at a juvenile detention center, authorities said.
White, a 6-foot-8 forward for the Santa Fe High School Demons averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds in the 2019-20 season, and the team reached the Class 5A quarterfinals.
He announced in May that he would finish his coursework early, forgoing his senior year in high school to join the University of New Mexico team on an athletic scholarship in the upcoming season.
“We were looking forward to him joining the Lobo Family,” the team tweeted Saturday. “He was an amazing young man with a bright future, our thoughts and hearts go out to his family & friends.”
White was a real Hoop Dreams figure, at the front of a cross-town rivalry against Capital High School that drew overflow crowds and people glued to the radio broadcast.
He was sorely missed in the latter half of the 2018-19 season when Santa Fe reached the 5A championship for the first time in 41 years. White had dislocated his patella, ending his year, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
“The whole thing is just surreal,” the school’s principal, Carl Marano, told the newspaper. “He was an incredible young man who was getting ready to fulfill his dream and be a Lobo.”
Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent Veronica Garcia said White’s talent was a joy to sports fans across New Mexico
“It is unspeakable to lose someone so young and with such promise for the future,” she said in a statement.
The investigation into the killing is ongoing, police said.