newyorkpost--2020-01-14--‘Bachelor’ 2020 power rankings: Champagne ‘shake-up’ in Week 2

A certain type of person will love this mix between “ The ...

It’s Week 2 of “The Bachelor,” and it’s already [Chris Harrison voice] “the most dramatic season yet.”
The Hannah B. cliffhanger proved to be little more than a way for ABC to get its biggest star on TV again simple diversion for Peter. But once she was out of the picture, chaos ensued.
We got one of the more memorable (and GIF-worthy) conflicts in recent history with #ChampagneGate, and Hannah Ann vs. Kelsey is shaping up to be one of the major rivalries of this season.
There’s a lot to get into for this week’s “Bachelor” power rankings (especially if you missed last week’s rankings), so here’s how the women stand after Episode 2 in the quest for Peter’s heart.
As a reminder, contestants will be ranked strictly on their performance in the competition. Great dates, early roses or memorable antics will earn them points, while bad dates, drunken tantrums and unnecessary conflicts will cause them to slide.
1. Madison
Last week’s rank: 2
Madison’s brief appearance was enough to move her into the top slot. In their cocktail party conversation, Peter tells her he feels like they’ve “been dating for years,” before giving her a “special gift”: a framed picture of her with his parents. I know that the whole point of “The Bachelor” is to escalate new relationships to absurd heights, but imagine this was real life and you met someone’s entire family on the first date, received an elaborately framed photo of that interaction to remind you of how awkward and forced it was on the second, then listened as that person said, “I feel like we’ve been dating for years.” That’s a serial killer, folks.
2. Hannah Ann
Last week’s rank: 1
Lots to unpack here. For the uninitiated, Hannah Ann accidentally opened a “special” bottle of Champagne that Kelsey brought with her from Iowa, leading to a tantrum and a whirlwind of insults. Let’s just establish one thing first — if you want to share your “special” bottle of Champagne with a guy whose job is to walk around the house and converse with 21 different women, maybe don’t sit in a different room and leave it out in the open for anyone to find.
I have a sneaking suspicion that the producers had something to do with the conflict, but the available information suggests Hannah Ann didn’t deliberately sabotage Kelsey. Her response to Kelsey’s confrontation was one of a fierce competitor: “I acknowledge your feelings, I respect your opinion and we’re moving forward.” After the rose ceremony, she steals the opportunity to make a toast after Kelsey declines, which is an apex predator move.
On the group date, Hannah Ann won the Revolve fashion show competition, as one might expect a model to do. She looked to be well on her way to a clean sweep of the episode, but then she didn’t get the group date rose, losing it to fashion show runner-up Victoria F. Then she made the risky move of going to Peter with her Kelsey drama, telling him that she was getting “bullied.” Getting the Bachelor or Bachelorette involved with inter-contestant feuds has not always been prudent, and while Hannah Ann is still a heavy favorite, it was enough to drop her from the top spot this week.
3. Kelley
Last week’s rank: 3
Kelley was not on the group date, and I’m not sure if she was even on camera once this week. Still, there wasn’t enough movement behind her to lose this spot in the rankings.
4. Victoria P.
Last week’s rank: 4
See Kelley.
5. Sydney
Last week’s rank: 10
One of the biggest risers this week was Sydney, who secured the first group-date rose by talking about her Southern upbringing and her family. Given that Peter practically orgasms every time a contestant says the word “parents,” we shouldn’t be surprised that the strategy worked.
6. Mykenna
Last week’s rank: 7
It seemed like Mykenna was well on her way to the group-date rose after sharing a dorky dance with Peter, then becoming the second contestant to be lifted onto a counter for a make-out session. But Sydney got it instead. Mykenna reacts by referring to herself in the third person — “I showed him who Mykenna really is” — which is always a good indicator of entertaining antics to come. Her name gets called first during the rose ceremony. She should stick around.
7. Tammy
Last week’s rank: 8
Tammy continues to tell it like it is. She offered some poetic wisdom on #ChampagneGate: “Kelsey was a bottle of Champagne that was bubbling up with all these emotions, and Hannah Ann popped her, and it was spraying all over us.” She gets a rose as we continue to stan.
8. Natasha
Last week’s rank: 13
Every season, there is a contestant who seems too normal to put up with all of the nonsense producers constantly throw in his or her face. Enter Natasha, the oldest contestant at 31, who has an appropriately frustrated reaction to Hannah B. consistently popping up. “The f - - king nerve,” she says of him canceling the date to let Hannah B. cry on his shoulder. The rest of America agrees. Peter tells her he admires how “direct” she is, and the ensuing chuckle that she lets out confirms that she sees right through him.
9. Lexi
Last week’s rank: 9
During the cocktail party, Lexi steals Peter, who pretends to remember her, but everything about his face says, “I have absolutely no idea who you are.” Dude, she’s the only redhead. She reminds him that she was the one who took him for a drive in that sweet car — which was also red — and it seems to jog his memory. He claims that he has red hair in his beard, and they make out. There’s a possibility that the producers won’t keep her around long enough for us to learn anything about her besides her hair color, but at least Peter can (probably) now pick her out of a lineup.
10. Alayah
Last week’s rank: 6
Pretty much no screen time for Alayah this week. We still feel good about her family values and her pageant history.
11. Alexa
Last week’s rank: 11
“What were you thinking?” Alexa asks Peter after he schedules a group date hosted by the woman who broke his heart on national television a few months earlier. Thank you, Alexa, for being America’s collective mouthpiece.
12. Victoria F.
Last week’s rank: 22
Another performance that has a lot to unpack. On the one hand, she comes in second place to Hannah Ann in the Revolve competition despite not exactly being a ball of confidence. On the other hand, she spends almost every minute she isn’t on the runway crying, especially after she comes in second. Which, OK, you lost a modeling competition to a model. That’d be like if I somehow ended up in the finals of a singing competition with Adele. I’d just be happy to be there.
Anyway, despite telling both Peter and the camera multiple times that she doesn’t want to be there and that she feels like there are “so many other girls here” (um, that’s pretty much the whole point of the show), Peter pulls her to a slightly darker corner of the room (which is still very much on camera) and reassures her that the producers want he wants her to stick around. Peter then gives her the group-date rose. For that reason, as well as the fact that we still don’t know much about several of the other women, we have to move her up in the rankings — for now.
13. Kiarra
Last week’s rank: 12
She’s the one who hid in the suitcase. She seems fun. We need more of her.
14. Deandra
Last week’s rank: 14
Came dressed as a windmill.
15. Jasmine
Last week’s rank: 15
She speaks Vietnamese.
16. Sarah
Last week’s rank: 18
We do not know much, if anything, about Sarah. Maybe this episode needed another group date and less Hannah B.
17. Savannah
Last week’s rank: 20
Her notable accomplishment is still kissing Peter while he was neither finished greeting all of the women nor able to see.
18. Shiann
Last week’s rank: 21
Got a rose, but didn’t do much to lift herself off the shaky ground from last week. Had a nervous testimonial during the rose ceremony, in which it appeared she might be leaving.
19. Kelsey
Last week’s rank: 19
And finally we have Participant No. 2 in the Great Champagne Showdown. Kelsey was a hot mess throughout most of this episode, starting before the incident. She wants time with Peter but seems pretty passive about it, and Mykenna swoops in first. Kelsey unleashes on Mykenna for spending more time with him despite already having a date, saying it was “disrespectful” to do the very thing she is supposed to be doing. (It’s genuinely stunning how often this happens — do the contestants even watch the show?) But, ho boy, does it ever escalate from there.
Hannah Ann opens her Champagne, and Kelsey loses it. Peter is eventually able to console her, and they stumble on another bottle that was ostensibly the one Hannah Ann was looking for. (What probably happened was the producers told Hannah Ann to go find this bottle, knowing full well that the other one was out in the open, then leaned back like Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” and watched as the world burned.) Kelsey goes on to knock over this bottle of Champagne, then, as she takes a sip from the bottle, it explodes in her face. And just like that, we had the premiere “Bachelor” GIF of 2020.
Afterward, she goes back to the group, in which she continues to unleash a torrent of insults to Hannah Ann. Kelsey calls her “calculated,” “princess,” and a “fake bitch.” She gets the last rose, albeit on shaky grounds, which only get shakier after Peter pulls her aside near the end of the episode. Judging by the history of “The Bachelor,” Kelsey’s best-case scenario is getting sent home on a two-on-one date with Hannah Ann. Worst case, she’s sent home at the beginning of next week.
Eliminated: Courtney, Lauren and Payton


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--Six Rikers guards charged with taking bribes, smuggling drugs to inmates

Seventeen people were busted Thursday for orchestrating an elaborate smuggling ...

Inmates at Rikers Island used coded language like “Oakland Raider jerseys” to refer to marijuana that correction officers had snuck in for them as part of a smuggling ring, according to new charges from federal prosecutors.
Six correction officers at the facility raked in thousands of dollars by bringing marijuana, K2 and, in one case, an iPhone to inmates in the George R. Vierno Center and the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island, charges unsealed in Federal court Tuesday reveal.
“The corruption of correction officers presents a security risk to the entire jail population, and a potential danger to the residents of our communities,” said US Attorney Richard Donoghue. “We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who place their personal enrichment over the public duties they have sworn to perform.”
Fifteen others, including five inmates, were also charged in the probe by city and federal prosecutors that began back in early 2019.
Investigators mapped the ring via telephone calls, jail security footage and financial records from online money transfers, including CashApp, that the guards relied on for sneaking in the contraband.
Over the phone, inmates could be heard using the coded language for a correction officer, referred to as “pink panties,” and marijuana, which was occasionally called “Oakland Raider jerseys.”
One correction officer, Patrick Legerme, allegedly raked in $11,750 by smuggling marijuana and K2 for inmates, according to CashApp transactions reviewed by investigators. Legerme, known among inmates as “Panama,” used the CashApp handle “$panamap19” to collect the money over 15 transactions, prosecutors allege.
Correction officers Darrington James, Aldrin Livingston, Michael Murray, Angel Rodriguez and Christopher Walker were also charged in the investigation alongside inmates and other civilian accomplices.
The correction officers were typically undone by trained canines within Rikers facilities that detected the contraband on their person, officials allege.
In one instance, a dog had caught Rodriguez with bundles of weed and K2 tied up in three balloons that he had stashed “near his left ankle” and “groin area,” according to the criminal complaint.
Magistrate Judge Ramon Reyes Jr., of the Eastern District of New York, released five of the six corrections officers on $50,000 bonds. The sixth, Patrick Legerme, was released on a $25,000 bond. All were ordered to stay away from Rikers Island.
“If you don’t you’re going to be in trouble. To put it colloquially,” Reyes said.
The defendants remained tight-lipped during their initial appearance in court Tuesday, answering Reyes’ questions with a quiet “Yes” or “Yes, your Honor.”
Two lawyers representing officers spoke to the Post to assure their clients’ innocence.
“It’s not the kind of case you win on the first day,” Legerme’s lawyer, Howard Greenberg, told The Post after he and Legerme left the courtroom. “If my guy goes to prison; I’ll quit the practice of criminal law.”
Other defendants and attorneys approached by The Post after the court appearances declined to comment on the case.
“Absolutely not,” Angel Rodriguez told a Post reporter when asked to comment on the charges against him.


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--This guy found out the hard way his gym isn’t open all night

Dan Hill — who learned the hard way that 24/7 is really just a figure of speech — is all about “ night at the gym.
” The Sandy , Utah , fitness buff had just finished his regular laps in the swimming pool at his local 24 Hour Fitness gym after midnight on Saturday when he realized that he was locked in , leaving him “ completely baffled , ” Hill told Insider .
The gym , he found out , recently truncated its hours to close between midnight and 4 a.m. “ I honestly couldn ’ t believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a giant place like that was empty , ” he said .
But the good sport did what any gym rat worth his weight in sweat would do in this predicament : He shared the experience with his Facebook friends .
“ I am literally locked inside 24 hour fitness right now , ” he wrote late Saturday night .
“ They closed the doors and went home while I was swimming my laps in the pool .
Doesn ’ t the name suggest that they stay open 24 hours ?
Walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out .
I called Sandy dispatch .
They told me they ’ d call me back .
I called my wife , she said find a comfortable place to sleep.
” He managed to work up a sweat — and not from his workout .
Afraid to set off the security alarm , Hill waited two hours for police to rescue him , presumably with no PowerBars to ward off starvation .
But all ’ s well that ends well : Hill , who plans to remain a member of the gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted next to the lap pool blaring , “ I ’ m here.
” “ Everyone makes mistakes , ” he said .
“ This was just funny enough to be interesting I guess.
” Swedish furniture store Ikea recently had the opposite problem : It pleaded its customers to stop intentionally sleeping overnight in its stores — a phenomenon that came to be known as “ The 24 Challenge ” among trouble-making teens .
The prank began back in 2016 , when the store reported nearly a dozen unauthorized slumber parties around @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Forget “Night at the Museum.”
Dan Hill — who learned the hard way that 24/7 is really just a figure of speech — is all about “night at the gym.”
The Sandy, Utah, fitness buff had just finished his regular laps in the swimming pool at his local 24 Hour Fitness gym after midnight on Saturday when he realized that he was locked in, leaving him “completely baffled,” Hill told Insider. The gym, he found out, recently truncated its hours to close between midnight and 4 a.m.
“I honestly couldn’t believe they would have left without making sure that a giant place like that was empty,” he said.
But the good sport did what any gym rat worth his weight in sweat would do in this predicament: He shared the experience with his Facebook friends.
“I am literally locked inside 24 hour fitness right now,” he wrote late Saturday night. “They closed the doors and went home while I was swimming my laps in the pool. Doesn’t the name suggest that they stay open 24 hours? Walking around trying to figure out how to get out. I called Sandy dispatch. They told me they’d call me back. I called my wife, she said find a comfortable place to sleep.”
He managed to work up a sweat — and not from his workout. Afraid to set off the security alarm, Hill waited two hours for police to rescue him, presumably with no PowerBars to ward off starvation.
But all’s well that ends well: Hill, who plans to remain a member of the gym, now carries a sign to be mounted next to the lap pool blaring, “I’m here.”
“Everyone makes mistakes,” he said. “This was just funny enough to be interesting I guess.”
Swedish furniture store Ikea recently had the opposite problem: It pleaded its customers to stop intentionally sleeping overnight in its stores — a phenomenon that came to be known as “The 24 Challenge” among trouble-making teens. The prank began back in 2016, when the store reported nearly a dozen unauthorized slumber parties around the world, the Guardian reported.


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--RJ Barrett’s Knicks durability is becoming even more impressive

MILWAUKEE — Panic had started surfacing around Kevin Knox and ...

MILWAUKEE – Durability is not an advanced metric team executives fawn over. But it probably should be.
If there’s one area in which Knicks rookie RJ Barrett has not been heralded enough in an era of load management, it’s his ability to stay healthy and battle every night. Barrett has had his ups and downs as the third pick in the NBA draft, but he never stops coming hard.
As the season hits the 41-game midway mark with the Bucks rematch Tuesday at Fiserv Forum, Barrett has missed just one game, due to an upper respiratory infection.
He’ll play his 40th game Tuesday and has not shown signs of slowing down. Barrett was key in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s comeback victory over Miami with high energy, rugged defense and clutch free-throw makes.
“It went by fast,’’ Barrett said at Tuesday’s morning shootaround. “I’ve always kind of been a guy that’s played the whole season. I’ve been fortunate to not get hurt and be there every night. I pride myself on that. I guess my body’s kind of used to going through the season. I feel like I’m mentally prepared for it. I’m good right now.’’
Barrett’s health is even more noteworthy considering former Duke teammate Zion Williamson has yet to make his regular-season debut. Last season at Duke, Williamson went down with a knee injury and Barrett carried the load for a spell.
Knicks coach Mike Miller sees Barrett coming on instead of falling off, getting a second wind. His defense has been stellar – his motor on overdrive. Barrett is shooting just 39.5 percent, but he makes up for it with rare intangibles for a 19-year-old.
“I see him growing,’’ Miller said. “Everything he’s doing is trending upward. His energy, defense, everything is trending upward. I don’t see (a rookie wall) at all. He’s very unique with his approach, with his stamina, how he prepares for each game. He’s very mature with his approach.’’
Sometimes always being healthy and present is half the NBA battle, even if it comes amid rocky seas. Barrett, averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, had arguably his worst performance of his rookie year in the prior meeting vs. Milwaukee in early December when the Knicks were trounced by 44 points.
In that game, Barrett was 0 for 9 from the field, finishing with two points and one assist in just under 20 minutes. After the contest, Barrett said his first home-road back-to-back may have caught up with him.
“I’ve learned that every game is different,’’ Barrett said. “You could play one team and have a terrible game and the next time you play them have the best game of your career. Every game is different and it’s a new opportunity every day.’’
His free-throw percentage has risen to 59.8 percent after falling as low as 54 percent last month. In the last six games, Barrett has made a healthier 30 of 39 free throws.
“I’ve just been working at it more,’’ said Barrett. “I’ve always been confident. As I’m learning the league and getting more comfortable game-to-game, it’s falling. I was always confident I knew I could it.’’
More for vain reasons, Barrett donned a thick headband in the Miami win. It was the first time he wore a headband since he was 14 and did so because he needed a haircut.
Barrett was to wear the NBA-logo headband again vs. the Bucks because his haircut won’t happen until Wednesday.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’’ Barrett said.
PG Frank Ntilikina was to miss his second straight game with a groin strain. A groin strain cost him much of the second part of last season. Marcus Morris also missed his fifth straight game with a neck injury and didn’t travel.
Ntilikina and Morris, arguably the Knicks’ best two defenders, missed that fateful loss in Milwaukee. “Thanks for bringing that up,’’ Miller cracked. Miller wasn’t the head coach then, and the rout helped cost David Fizdale his job.
For more on the Knicks, listen to the latest episode of the “Big Apple Buckets” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--Here’s where you can buy the BMW Tupac was shot in

The BMW that rapper Tupac Shakur was in when he was fatally shot is up for sale — for the cool price of $ 1.75 million .
“ There is a small indentation where we believe one of the bullet holes was but it is hard to tell , ” a listing on CelebrityCars.com reads .
“ It has been completely restored to the condition it was in before his death and has just received a new coat of paint.
” The sleek black 1996 BMW 750iL was leased by Death Row Records and was being driven by label boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Restorers have covered up the bullet holes — but the seller provided a picture of them “ as a reference.
” “ The wheels have been replaced with the same wheels that it had at the time of the shooting , ” the posting reads .
The car has had “ several owners ” since Shakur ’ s death — but the posting says this is the first time it has been up for public sale .
The legendary “ Changes ” rapper was killed in Las Vegas on the evening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Bruce Seldon vs. Mike Tyson boxing match with Knight .
The black beamer was stopped at a red light on East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane when shots rang out , hitting the West Coast rapper .
He died from his injuries six days later .
Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls was accused of being behind the slaying , but he denied any involvement — and was fatally shot to death six months later in a drive-by shooting .
Both deaths are still unsolved .
The car sale site says anyone making an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ only $ 1,750,000 ” — will have to cough up a $ 20,000 refundable deposit and sign a confidentiality agreement .

The BMW that rapper Tupac Shakur was in when he was fatally shot is up for sale — for the cool price of $1.75 million.
“There is a small indentation where we believe one of the bullet holes was but it is hard to tell,” a listing on CelebrityCars.com reads. “It has been completely restored to the condition it was in before his death and has just received a new coat of paint.”
The sleek black 1996 BMW 750iL was leased by Death Row Records and was being driven by label boss Suge Knight when Shakur was gunned down.
Restorers have covered up the bullet holes — but the seller provided a picture of them “as a reference.”
“The wheels have been replaced with the same wheels that it had at the time of the shooting,” the posting reads.
The car has had “several owners” since Shakur’s death — but the posting says this is the first time it has been up for public sale.
The legendary “Changes” rapper was killed in Las Vegas on the evening of Sept. 7, 1996, while leaving a Bruce Seldon vs. Mike Tyson boxing match with Knight.
The black beamer was stopped at a red light on East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane when shots rang out, hitting the West Coast rapper. He died from his injuries six days later.
Brooklyn rapper Biggie Smalls was accused of being behind the slaying, but he denied any involvement — and was fatally shot to death six months later in a drive-by shooting.
Both deaths are still unsolved.
The car sale site says anyone making an offer on the car — advertised as “only $1,750,000” — will have to cough up a $20,000 refundable deposit and sign a confidentiality agreement.


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--‘Superman & Lois’ and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ reboots get CW series orders

Does Burt Ward ’ s Robin from the 1960s “ Batman ” television series ...

The CW is getting way ahead of the game for next season. After handing early renewals to all 13 of its current scripted series that are not ending this season, the network has given series pickups in lieu of pilot orders to two high-profile projects, “Superman & Lois,” starring “Supergirl‘s” Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch as the iconic couple, and “Walker,” a reimagining of “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which is headlined by Jared Padalecki.
With several DC series reaching maturity and the show that launched the CW universe, “Arrow,” in its final season, the network has stepped up its DC development efforts with two high-profile projects, “Superman & Lois” and an “Arrow” backdoor spinoff headlined by the show’s Katherine McNamara, Katie Cassidy and Juliana Harkavy reprising their roles.
It is unclear how the series pickup of “Superman & Lois” would impact the Arrowverse pilot ‘s chances. I had heard chatter that the network may go with one new DC series for next year but a final decision will be made after the network executives review all their pilots.
Both “Superman & Lois” and “Walker” have been hot scripts garnering strong early buzz. Both projects are based on well known IP, have popular stars attached and proven auspices behind them — “The Flash” executive producer Todd Helbing and Greg Berlanti (“Superman & Lois”) and Anna Fricke and Dan Lin (“Walker”) — making the script-to-series orders a no-brainer. The two pickups also maintain the parity between the CW’s two sister studios — “Superman & Lois” comes from Warner Bros. TV, “Walker” is from CBS TV Studios. The network still is expected to order traditional pilots, likely four.
The pickup for “Walker” extends Padalecki’s stay at the CW and predecessor the WB, which he had called home for the past two decades with roles on “Gilmore Girls” and “Supernatural.”
Like the original series, created by Albert S. Ruddy & Leslie Greif, the reboot, in which Walker is getting a female partner, will explore morality, family, and rediscovering our lost common ground. It centers on Cordell Walker (Padalecki), a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home. He’ll attempt to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his conservative family, and find unexpected common ground with his new partner (one of the first women in Texas Rangers’ history), while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.
Texas native Padalecki reportedly had been looking for an opportunity to stay close to home for his next series and sparked to the idea of revisiting “Walker, Texas Ranger.” “Walker” is believed to be a straight reboot, in the vein of CBS’ “Magnum PI” and “MacGyver,” with a new incarnation of the beloved title character, played by Padalecki, vs. a sequel where the new lead is a descendant of the protagonist in the original series, who was played by Chuck Norris.
Padalecki and Fricke executive produce “Walker” with Rideback’s Lin and Lindsey Libertore for CBS Studios.
From the moment word of “Walker” got out, there had been great enthusiasm for the project at the CW where “Supernatural” has been an institution, with its stars Padalecki and Jensen Ackles revered by CW fans and enjoying a very close relationship with the network’s president and “Supernatural” superfan Mark Pedowitz.
As “Supernatural” is ending its 15-season run, Pedowitz had made it clear that the door at the network was wide open for the creative team and talent of the show to return anytime. “You will always have a home here, and you will always have a personal fan in me,” he said at TCA in August. Because of Pedowitz’s strong affinity for Padalecki and Ackles and because of “Supernatural‘s” legacy at the network, I hear landing “Walker” was very important for the CW boss, who spearheaded the network’s aggressive bid.
The CW has been high on reboots in the past few years with “Charmed,” “Dynasty” and “Roswell” all making it to the schedule and scoring renewals.
The original 1993 “Walker, Texas Ranger” aired on CBS for eight seasons and spawned a followup TV movie, the 2005 “Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire.”
Written by Helbing, based on the DC characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, “Superman & Lois” revolves around the world’s most famous Super Hero and comic books’ most famous journalist as they deal with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.
Former “Flash” showrunner Helbing executive produces with Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Geoff Johns via Berlanti Productions.
Hoechlin has been portraying Clark Kent/Superman on the CW’s Arrowverse series since 2016, primarily on “Supergirl.” Tulloch was cast as Lois Lane last year when she appeared alongside Hoechlin’s Man of Steel in the 2018 Arrowverse crossover. She has since appeared as Lois Lane on “Supergirl,” “The Flash” and “Batwoman.” Both Hoechlin and Tulloch are set to reprise their roles in the upcoming big Arrowverse crossover event.
Here are the two newly picked up series’ official descriptions:
“SUPERMAN & LOIS” stars Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch as the world’s most famous Super Hero and comic books’ most famous journalist as they deal with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society. Both Hoechlin and Tulloch have already appeared as these iconic characters in multiple episodes of The CW’s DC Super Hero series, including this season’s Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover event, which concludes tonight. Based on the characters from DC created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, “SUPERMAN & LOIS” is written and executive produced by Todd Helbing (“The Flash”) and executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Geoff Johns. The series is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
“WALKER,” a reimagining of the long-running series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” stars Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home. He’ll attempt to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his family, and find unexpected common ground with his new partner (one of the first women in Texas Rangers’ history), while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. “WALKER” is written and executive produced by Anna Fricke (“Being Human,” “Valor”), and executive produced by Dan Lin and Lindsay Liberatore and Jared Padalecki. “WALKER” is from CBS Television Studios in association with Rideback.


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--Timbaland dropped 130 pounds after conquering painkiller addiction

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) A horrifying dream was all it took for Timbaland to get his life in order .
The Grammy-winning producer — known for his work with Missy Elliott , Justin Timberlake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — dropped 130 pounds after having a frightening nightmare just after learning he developed prediabetes .
“ I had a dream that death was near .
I saw myself with a white face , ” Timbaland , who ’ s real name is Timothy Mosley , confessed to Men ’ s Health .
The 47-year-old admittedly packed on the pounds due to unhealthy eating habits .
The songwriter also became addicted to OxyContin and Percocet after taking the prescription pills for root canal pain in 2011 .
Other stressors — such as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his taxes — contributed to his unhealthy lifestyle .
“ [ The pills ] put me in a great feeling of not caring , of just being free .
I ’ m like traveling , doing shows , poppin ’ ’ em , having fun , just being ignorant , ” he said .
At his heaviest , the 5-foot-7 beatsmith weighed-in at 350 pounds .
After moving into a smaller Miami condo , straightening out his divorce and settling his debt with Uncle Sam , Mosley decided to take his health seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the support of his children and girlfriend — Punch Elite Fitness gym founder Michelle Dennis — the musician dropped 50 pounds after one year of training .
As for kicking his scrip addiction , Timbaland called it , “ One of the toughest things I ’ ve been through .
The only things that got me through it were my kids , my girl , the help of God keeping my mind still.
” He soon began working out at DBC Fitness , where co-owner and trainer David Alexander created a custom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , consisting of chicken , salmon , vegetables and plenty of water .
“ He has a no-quit mentality , ” Alexander shared .
“ He understands that this is his new life .
It ’ s not something that ’ s going to go away in three months .
And he ’ s committed .
Tim is one of the most mentally strong guys out there.
” “ God has me under construction , which I ’ m still under , ” Timbaland added .
“ I don ’ t feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to ever feel like I ’ m complete , ’ cause my mind would probably get idle .
God needed me to be clear so I could see what is needed , not what I want .
”

A horrifying dream was all it took for Timbaland to get his life in order.
The Grammy-winning producer — known for his work with Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Madonna and several others — dropped 130 pounds after having a frightening nightmare just after learning he developed prediabetes.
“I had a dream that death was near. I saw myself with a white face,” Timbaland, who’s real name is Timothy Mosley, confessed to Men’s Health.
The 47-year-old admittedly packed on the pounds due to unhealthy eating habits. The songwriter also became addicted to OxyContin and Percocet after taking the prescription pills for root canal pain in 2011. Other stressors — such as his messy divorce and an IRS investigation into his taxes — contributed to his unhealthy lifestyle.
“[The pills] put me in a great feeling of not caring, of just being free. I’m like traveling, doing shows, poppin’ ’em, having fun, just being ignorant,” he said.
At his heaviest, the 5-foot-7 beatsmith weighed-in at 350 pounds. After moving into a smaller Miami condo, straightening out his divorce and settling his debt with Uncle Sam, Mosley decided to take his health seriously for the first time in years.
With the support of his children and girlfriend — Punch Elite Fitness gym founder Michelle Dennis — the musician dropped 50 pounds after one year of training.
As for kicking his scrip addiction, Timbaland called it, “One of the toughest things I’ve been through. The only things that got me through it were my kids, my girl, the help of God keeping my mind still.”
He soon began working out at DBC Fitness, where co-owner and trainer David Alexander created a custom fitness routine and diet for the star, consisting of chicken, salmon, vegetables and plenty of water.
“He has a no-quit mentality,” Alexander shared. “He understands that this is his new life. It’s not something that’s going to go away in three months. And he’s committed. Tim is one of the most mentally strong guys out there.”
“God has me under construction, which I’m still under,” Timbaland added. “I don’t feel like I’m complete. I don’t want to ever feel like I’m complete, ’cause my mind would probably get idle. God needed me to be clear so I could see what is needed, not what I want.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--The many ways WWE can use Brock Lesnar’s intriguing Royal Rumble storyline

Having Brock Lesnar as a part-time champion is what ’ s best for WWE right now .
It ’ s time to accept it and his Royal Rumble storyline is proof .
The WWE champion entering himself into the Royal Rumble match at No .
1 — while not unprecedented — delivers the type of moment and intrigue Lesnar can deliver when he comes and goes as he pleases .
When Lesnar and Paul Heyman walk through the curtain you know something special or impactful is going to occur .
He almost never wrestles on cable , so his pay-per-view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an attraction with few opportunities for someone to take it from him .
WWE can overexpose its talent by booking it on TV with similar opponents far too often .
The company has also struggled building babyface champions with the exception of Kofi Kingston because of his organic rise to favor with the audience and WWE taking his legs out with Lesnar beating him to become WWE champions in less than 10 seconds .
The last two wrestlers who were supposed to save us from Lesnar didn ’ t exactly have memorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was getting polarizing reactions from the audience before stepping away for leukemia treatment and WWE has turned Seth Rollins heel after a lackluster run as Universal champion .
The audience is united in its dislike for Lesnar — he and Heyman were heavily booed by the Kentucky crowd on the most recent “ Monday Night Raw.
” There is still a slaying-Goliath feel to him .
We are starting to see the same thing with Bray Wyatt and The Fiend over on “ SmackDown.
” While the Universal champion appears on “ SmackDown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrestled a non-pay-per-view match since his return to WWE in August .
It ’ s giving WWE ’ s top two titles a chance to feel important .
It ’ s why Lesnar ’ s Royal Rumble angle , if continued to be done right , allows WWE to build multiple angles for talent and set up a number of stories for The Beast in the match and beyond .
Fans are already clamoring for NXT star Matt Riddle , who has spoken of wanting to retire Lesnar , to get his crack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
2 ) .
A confrontation with NXT UK champion Walter or breakout star Keith Lee would also be something to see .
Elias called out Lesnar on the most recent “ SmackDown ” and it ’ s likely the rumors of Edge ’ s potential WWE return will float Lesnar ’ s way in the build up to the Royal Rumble .
Bobby Lashley has been asking for a match with Lesnar since he returned to WWE .
We haven ’ t heard from Cain Velasquez since Lesnar beat him at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s push appears to finally have begun after winning a triple-threat match against AJ Styles and Randy Orton on this week ’ s “ Raw.
” Heck , a laughing Lesnar even got to do a funny and entertaining segment with 24/7 champions on the show , too .
Given all of that , WWE just might also be crazy enough to have Lesnar win the Royal Rumble .
What then ?
A match with The Fiend ?
Does Lesnar get to pick his WrestleMania opponent as people try to get his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpredictability around Lesnar that makes this whole angle so much fun .
Putting him in the Royal Rumble match at No .
1 as champion opens the door for so many possibilities for both the match itself and beyond .
Lesnar is perfectly positioned .
Now make the most of it .

Having Brock Lesnar as a part-time champion is what’s best for WWE right now. It’s time to accept it, and his Royal Rumble storyline is proof.
The WWE champion entering himself into the Royal Rumble match at No. 1 — while not unprecedented — delivers the type of moment and intrigue Lesnar can deliver when he comes and goes as he pleases.
When Lesnar and Paul Heyman walk through the curtain you know something special or impactful is going to occur. He almost never wrestles on cable, so his pay-per-view matches and the belt become even more of an attraction with few opportunities for someone to take it from him.
WWE can overexpose its talent by booking it on TV with similar opponents far too often. The company has also struggled building babyface champions with the exception of Kofi Kingston because of his organic rise to favor with the audience and WWE taking his legs out with Lesnar beating him to become WWE champion in less than 10 seconds.
The last two wrestlers who were supposed to save us from Lesnar didn’t exactly have memorable runs with the championship. Roman Reigns was getting polarizing reactions from the audience before stepping away for leukemia treatment, and WWE has turned Seth Rollins heel after a lackluster run as Universal champion.
The audience is united in its dislike for Lesnar — he and Heyman were heavily booed by the Kentucky crowd on the most recent “Monday Night Raw.” There is still a slaying-Goliath feel to him.
We are starting to see the same thing with Bray Wyatt and The Fiend over on “SmackDown.” While the Universal champion appears on “SmackDown” weekly, he hasn’t wrestled a non-pay-per-view match since his return to WWE in August. It’s giving WWE’s top two titles a chance to feel important.
It’s why Lesnar’s Royal Rumble angle, if continued to be done right, allows WWE to build multiple angles for talent and set up a number of stories for The Beast in the match and beyond. Fans are already clamoring for NXT star Matt Riddle, who has spoken of wanting to retire Lesnar, to get his crack at him (please put Riddle at No. 2). A confrontation with NXT UK champion Walter or breakout star Keith Lee would also be something to see.
Elias called out Lesnar on the most recent “SmackDown.” And it’s likely the rumors of Edge’s potential WWE return will float Lesnar’s way in the build up to the Royal Rumble. Bobby Lashley has been asking for a match with Lesnar since he returned to WWE.
We haven’t heard from Cain Velasquez since Lesnar beat him at Crown Jewel on Halloween. Drew McIntyre’s push appears to finally have begun after winning a triple-threat match against AJ Styles and Randy Orton on this week’s “Raw.” Heck, a laughing Lesnar even got to do a funny and entertaining segment with 24/7 champions on the show, too.
Given all of that, WWE just might also be crazy enough to have Lesnar win the Royal Rumble. What then? A match with The Fiend? Does Lesnar get to pick his WrestleMania opponent as people try to get his attention?
It is this air of unpredictability around Lesnar that makes this whole angle so much fun. Putting him in the Royal Rumble match at No. 1 as champion opens the door for so many possibilities for both the match itself and beyond.
Lesnar is perfectly positioned. Now make the most of it.


newyorkpost--2020-01-14--Delta jet dumps fuel on school playground before emergency landing at LAX

At least 17 children and nine adults were injured on Tuesday when a Delta Airlines plane flying over the Los Angeles area dumped engine fuel on an elementary school playground before making an emergency landing , officials and reports said .
More than 70 firefighters and paramedics were at the Park Avenue Elementary School , assessing the patients suffering from minor injuries , including skin irritation , the Los Angeles County Fire Department said on Twitter .
Two classes were outside when the liquid rained down shortly before noon , Los Angeles City Fire spokesperson Nicholas Prange told the Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delta Airlines Boeing 777 , heading to Shanghai had mechanical issues and was returning to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after takeoff — when it started dripping fuel , according to KTLA5 .
“ Shortly after takeoff , Flight 89 from LAX to Shanghai experienced an engine issue requiring the aircraft to return to LAX , ” an airline spokesperson told The Post in a statement , making no mention of the 26 injured .
“ The aircraft landed safely after an emergency fuel release to reduce landing weight , ” the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information as it becomes available .
”

Numerous schoolchildren and other people were injured Tuesday when a crippled airliner dumped a load of jet fuel onto a playground while making an emergency landing in Los Angeles, officials said.
Delta Flight 89 to Shanghai was trying to make it back to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after takeoff when it released the fuel “to reduce landing weight,” airline rep Adrian Gee said in a statement that made no mention of the 42 victims.
Two classes were in a playground at the Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy when the fuel rained down on them, LA County Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange told the LA Times.
“Students and staff were on the playground at the time and may have been sprayed by fuel or inhaled fumes,” the LA Unified School District said.
Video of the incident showed the low-flying plane — which landed safely — with large twisting contrails of fuel coming from its wings.
More than 70 firefighters and paramedics responded to the school and treated the patients, who suffered minor injuries, including skin irritation and breathing problems, the Fire Department said on Twitter.
Two other schools in the area — Jordan HS in Florence-Firestone and the 93rd Street Elementary School in Green Meadows —- were also impacted by the fuel dump.
A total of 16 people at the two sites were treated for minor injuries, according to the Fire Department.
No one had to be hospitalized.
Officials in Cudahy were enraged, and demanded to know why the fuel was dropped over the Park Avenue school.
“I’m very upset. This is an elementary school; these are small children,” Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar told the LA Times.
Cudahy City Council member Jack Guerrero demanded a probe of the incident.
“Sadly, our entire community has been adversely impacted by this incident, including dozens of children,” he said.
I am calling for a full federal investigation.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Daughter of Ohio Democrat charged with shouting slurs, resisting cops at Trump rally

The daughter of a Democrat county commissioner in Ohio was among three people arrested on disorderly conduct charges outside President Trump ’ s rally in Toledo on Thursday night , police say .
Laura Gerken , 36 , engaged in a physical fight with another person outside the Huntington Center , Toledo police said , adding that she was yelling obscenities and resisted when officers placed her under arrest .
Her father , Pete Gerken , has been a Lucas County commissioner since 2005 .
He joined fellow Democrats in the days leading up to the rally , calling on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community during his visit , the Toledo Blade reported .
Gerken issued a statement in response to his daughter ’ s arrest .
“ All Americans have the right to free speech and to exercise their right to express their opinions , ” Gerken said .
“ The Toledo police department and all law enforcement professionals did a great job yesterday protecting everyone ’ s safety in the downtown area .
Like so many other Americans , we feel strongly about the views of President Trump .
We will deal with this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 , of Oregon , also was arrested outside the rally .
Police said she was reportedly unsteady on her feet and punched an officer .
She was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication , according to the outlet .
Police said a third person , John Miller , was drinking around the time of the rally and refused to leave , according to Toledo ’ s WTOL-TV .
He was also charged with disorderly conduct .
City spokesman Ignazio Messina said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz was “ super pleased with how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and estimated it cost taxpayers $ 30,000 due to police overtime , the Blade reported .
“ Those who attended the rally and those who protested outside all exercised their free speech peacefully , ” he wrote , according to the outlet .

The daughter of a Democrat county commissioner in Ohio was among three people arrested on disorderly conduct charges outside President Trump’s rally in Toledo on Thursday night, police say.
Laura Gerken, 36, engaged in a physical fight with another person outside the Huntington Center, Toledo police said, adding that she was yelling obscenities and resisted when officers placed her under arrest.
Her father, Pete Gerken, has been a Lucas County commissioner since 2005. He joined fellow Democrats in the days leading up to the rally, calling on Trump to be respectful toward the local community during his visit, the Toledo Blade reported.
Gerken issued a statement in response to his daughter’s arrest.
“All Americans have the right to free speech and to exercise their right to express their opinions,” Gerken said. “The Toledo police department and all law enforcement professionals did a great job yesterday protecting everyone’s safety in the downtown area. Like so many other Americans, we feel strongly about the views of President Trump. We will deal with this issue as a family.”
Lindsey Rowland, 29, of Oregon, also was arrested outside the rally. Police said she was reportedly unsteady on her feet and punched an officer. She was charged with disorderly conduct and public intoxication, according to the outlet.
Police said a third person, John Miller, was drinking around the time of the rally and refused to leave, according to Toledo’s WTOL-TV. He was also charged with disorderly conduct.
City spokesman Ignazio Messina said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz was “super pleased with how police and firefighters handled” the rally and estimated it cost taxpayers $30,000 due to police overtime, the Blade reported.
“Those who attended the rally and those who protested outside all exercised their free speech peacefully,” he wrote, according to the outlet.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--‘Would I be flying coach if I was Donald Trump?’: Presidential impersonator takes over flight

This Trump impersonation really “ soars ” above the rest .
Watch as a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston , @ @ @ @ @ , was treated to quite the show .
A comedian first impersonating former president George @ @ @ @ @ plane ’ s intercom , hilariously “ inviting ” passengers to a barbecue on his @ @ @ @ @ the bit was over , the funnyman threw on a wig and seamlessly transitioned into @ @ @ @

This Trump impersonation really “soars” above the rest. Watch as a Southwest Airlines flight from Houston, Texas to Orlando, Florida, was treated to quite the show. A comedian first impersonating former president George W. Bush took over the plane’s intercom, hilariously “inviting” passengers to a barbecue on his presidential Texas ranch. Once the bit was over, the funnyman threw on a wig and seamlessly transitioned into President Donald Trump.
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newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Gigi Hadid is drawn into Harvey Weinstein’s web

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) Maggie 's on vacation !
In this `` We Hear '' episode , Ian is joined by guest host Elana Fishman , editor of Page Six Style .
Gigi Hadid is called as a juror in the Harvey Weinstein case by day and reunites with Zayn Malik by night .
And Kaia Gerber parties in Miami , without Pete Davidson .
Gigi Hadid gets called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s trial In a collision of celebrity tabloid stars and criminal justice that could only happen in the Big Apple , supermodel Gigi Hadid strolled into a Manhattan courtroom Monday to be considered as a juror in the sex-assault case of fallen film mogul Harvey Weinstein .
The famous cat-walker , wearing an oversize men ’ s blazer over a white shirt , sauntered into the jury pool with 119 other prospective citizens of Manhattan on the fifth day of jury selection .
Meghan Markle is reportedly lining up deals with fashion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and Prince Harry announced their plan to step away from their senior roles in the royal family , Meghan Markle is reportedly already working with top fashion brands to secure lucrative deals .
“ Meghan is very connected in the fashion industry and there are a lot of major labels who would like to partner with her on projects , ” a source told The Sun .
“ There have already been active discussions with Givenchy .
Some of these deals could be worth millions of pounds.
” Kaia Gerber soaked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
The “ SNL ” star has not been spotted publicly since he seemingly joked on the NBC show about heading to rehab : “ I ’ m going on ‘ vacation , ’ but insurance pays for some of it , and they take your phone and shoelaces.
” Gerber , meanwhile , was spotted all over Miami with her pals Tommy Dorfman and Antoni Porowski .
Catch up on all episodes of “ We Hear ” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday .

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Gigi Hadid is called as a juror in the Harvey Weinstein case by day and reunites with Zayn Malik by night.
Meghan Markle plans her post-Megxit moves.
And Kaia Gerber parties in Miami, without Pete Davidson.
Here’s a closer look at today’s stories:
Gigi Hadid gets called as a potential juror for Harvey Weinstein’s trial
In a collision of celebrity tabloid stars and criminal justice that could only happen in the Big Apple, supermodel Gigi Hadid strolled into a Manhattan courtroom Monday to be considered as a juror in the sex-assault case of fallen film mogul Harvey Weinstein.
The famous cat-walker, wearing an oversize men’s blazer over a white shirt, sauntered into the jury pool with 119 other prospective citizens of Manhattan on the fifth day of jury selection.
Meghan Markle is reportedly lining up deals with fashion brands post-Megxit
Less than a week after she and Prince Harry announced their plan to step away from their senior roles in the royal family, Meghan Markle is reportedly already working with top fashion brands to secure lucrative deals.
“Meghan is very connected in the fashion industry and there are a lot of major labels who would like to partner with her on projects,” a source told The Sun. “There have already been active discussions with Givenchy. Some of these deals could be worth millions of pounds.”
Kaia Gerber hits Miami — sans Pete Davidson
Kaia Gerber soaked up the sun without Pete Davidson over the weekend.
The “SNL” star has not been spotted publicly since he seemingly joked on the NBC show about heading to rehab: “I’m going on ‘vacation,’ but insurance pays for some of it, and they take your phone and shoelaces.”
Gerber, meanwhile, was spotted all over Miami with her pals Tommy Dorfman and Antoni Porowski.
Catch up on all episodes of “We Hear” by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes come out every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--NFL draft: Breaking down all the Giants’ needs

Logic dictates the Giants only can fill one of their many needs with the No .
4 pick in the NFL draft .
Unless the selection is Clemson ’ s Isaiah Simmons .
Simmons played at least six snaps at seven different positions — inside linebacker , outside linebacker , defensive line , strong safety , slot cornerback , free safety and outside cornerback , according to Pro Football Focus — in Clemson ’ s loss to LSU in Monday ’ s national championship game .
His final stat line : Six tackles , two quarterback hurries , two pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense in desperate need of game-changers at every level — the Giants devoted the least amount of NFL salary-cap space to defense in 2019 — Simmons could be the perfect solution .
Now , if only he could clone himself to play seven positions simultaneously .
The college football season is over , the NFL draft is fewer than 100 days away and here are the Giants ’ biggest draft needs .
Free agency comes first and some holes will be filled in March , but Giants co-owner John Mara and general manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending spree : Call it “ defensive end.
” Call it “ outside linebacker.
” Just put out multiple calls for help .
Whether coordinator Patrick Graham runs a 3-4 , a 4-3 or multiple fronts , the Giants need at least one big-time pass-rusher and another in a rotation .
Make that two big-timers if Markus Golden walks in free agency after registering the Giants ’ first 10-sack season since 2014 .
After quarterback , the next position that will break the bank in free agency is pass-rusher .
So , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the open market .
Is it enough to add another Lorenzo Carter or Oshane Ximines-type in the middle of the draft ?
It ’ s likely neither of the Giants ’ two starting tackles for the 2021 season are on the current roster .
An inability to trust edge protection will slow quarterback Daniel Jones ’ corrections to a fumbling problem .
Nate Solder , 31 , is willing to move from the left to right side — vacated by free agent Mike Remmers — to accommodate a rookie starter .
The dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 13 million if released in 2020 , but half that much if released in 2021 .
Gettleman only has used one of his first 16 draft picks on an offensive tackle ( injured seventh-rounder George Asafo-Adjei ) .
Rookie Ryan Connelly looked like a draft steal with 20 tackles , two interceptions and a sack in four games before a season-ending knee injury .
The alarming subtext is how clearly the fifth-round pick was a cut above all the other inside linebackers .
Alec Ogletree can be cut for $ 8.25 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Deone Bucannon were in-season fillers .
The Giants haven ’ t drafted a first-round linebacker since 1984 and haven ’ t had a playmaker at the position since … Michael Boley in 2012 ?
Time to find a long-term solution at free safety ( maybe it is Julian Love ? )
after seven different primary starters in the last seven years .
Antoine Bethea remarkably played 99.6 percent of the Giants ’ defensive snaps in his age-35 season .
But the Giants can cut him at minimal cost .
The jury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three NFL seasons , especially coming off a serious back injury .
He shows athleticism and leadership , but hasn ’ t had an 80-tackle season and only generated a handful of takeaways in 40 career games .
The Giants are expected to address their cornerback shortfall in free agency .
Adding a veteran , especially for the slot , makes more sense than another youngster alongside DeAndre Baker , Sam Beal , Corey Ballentine and Grant Haley .
Starting receivers Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate are productive , but Shepard ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s contract ( possible outs the next two offseasons ) create long-term question marks .
Darius Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards and touchdowns as a fifth-round rookie .
6 .
Repeat No .
1 and No .
3

Logic dictates the Giants only can fill one of their many needs with the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft.
Unless the selection is Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.
Simmons played at least six snaps at seven different positions — inside linebacker, outside linebacker, defensive line, strong safety, slot cornerback, free safety and outside cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus — in Clemson’s loss to LSU in Monday’s national championship game. His final stat line: Six tackles, two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a sack.
For a defense in desperate need of game-changers at every level — the Giants devoted the least amount of NFL salary-cap space to defense in 2019 — Simmons could be the perfect solution. Now, if only he could clone himself to play seven positions simultaneously.
The college football season is over, the NFL draft is fewer than 100 days away and here are the Giants’ biggest draft needs. Free agency comes first and some holes will be filled in March, but Giants co-owner John Mara and general manager Dave Gettleman prefer home-grown talent to a spending spree:
1. Edge rusher
Call it “defensive end.” Call it “outside linebacker.” Just put out multiple calls for help.
Whether coordinator Patrick Graham runs a 3-4, a 4-3 or multiple fronts, the Giants need at least one big-time pass-rusher and another in a rotation. Make that two big-timers if Markus Golden walks in free agency after registering the Giants’ first 10-sack season since 2014.
After quarterback, the next position that will break the bank in free agency is pass-rusher. So, the Giants probably only will get one off the open market. Is it enough to add another Lorenzo Carter or Oshane Ximines-type in the middle of the draft?
2. Offensive tackle
It’s likely neither of the Giants’ two starting tackles for the 2021 season are on the current roster. An inability to trust edge protection will slow quarterback Daniel Jones’ corrections to a fumbling problem.
Nate Solder, 31, is willing to move from the left to right side — vacated by free agent Mike Remmers — to accommodate a rookie starter. The dead cap on Solder’s contract is $13 million if released in 2020, but half that much if released in 2021.
Gettleman only has used one of his first 16 draft picks on an offensive tackle (injured seventh-rounder George Asafo-Adjei).
3. Inside linebacker
Rookie Ryan Connelly looked like a draft steal with 20 tackles, two interceptions and a sack in four games before a season-ending knee injury. The alarming subtext is how clearly the fifth-round pick was a cut above all the other inside linebackers.
Alec Ogletree can be cut for $8.25 million in cap savings, and David Mayo and Deone Bucannon were in-season fillers. The Giants haven’t drafted a first-round linebacker since 1984 and haven’t had a playmaker at the position since … Michael Boley in 2012?
4. Safety
Time to find a long-term solution at free safety (maybe it is Julian Love?) after seven different primary starters in the last seven years. Antoine Bethea remarkably played 99.6 percent of the Giants’ defensive snaps in his age-35 season. But the Giants can cut him at minimal cost.
The jury is out on strong safety Jabrill Peppers after three NFL seasons, especially coming off a serious back injury. He shows athleticism and leadership, but hasn’t had an 80-tackle season and only generated a handful of takeaways in 40 career games.
5. Wide receiver
The Giants are expected to address their cornerback shortfall in free agency. Adding a veteran, especially for the slot, makes more sense than another youngster alongside DeAndre Baker, Sam Beal, Corey Ballentine and Grant Haley.
Starting receivers Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate are productive, but Shepard’s concussion history and the 31-year-old Golden Tate’s contract (possible outs the next two offseasons) create long-term question marks. Darius Slayton led the Giants in receiving yards and touchdowns as a fifth-round rookie.
6. Repeat No. 1 and No. 3
Defensive front-seven playmakers.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Ex-Mets GM Steve Phillips on sign-stealing situation he faced

And then there was one .
The baseball industry , fixated on ...

Former Mets general manager Steve Phillips had his own sign-stealing situation to he had to take care of — but it was behind the scenes.
Phillips — in an interview on Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s SiriusXM show Tuesday — said it was brought to his attention that former Mets manager Bobby Valentine was trying to use video equipment to steal signs during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“Ed Wade (GM of the Phillies at time) knocks on the window and says, ‘Come here. The camera at the plate between pitches it keeps sort of turning to third base and coming back again. What is that?’ I said, ‘I don’t know — let me check.’
“Called down the video room. And my video guy said, ‘Bobby asked me to tape their third-base coach to see if we can get his signs.’ I said, ‘That’s a violation. You can’t do that. If anybody asks you to do that again, you tell them no.’
“I went down to Bobby (Valentine) afterwards. And he said, ‘Oh, OK, then we won’t do that anymore.’ We didn’t do it.”
Phillips went on to say he thanked Wade for pointing it out and that the Mets wouldn’t do it again. He also added that he put a call in to the commissioner to say that it happened and wouldn’t again, and they said, ‘OK, thanks.”
The ex-GM, who now works for MLB Network Radio, said in 1998 he had put in a video replay system at Shea Stadium and had cameras behind the first- and third-base photo boxes and behind home plate, but not in center field because they “weren’t looking to steal the signs or anything like that.”
“We had it to trying to get the pitcher’s delivery, the hitter’s swing, the first-base shot would get the right-handed hitter,” Phillips said.
Phillips also said the Mets shouldn’t fire Carlos Beltran for his role in the sign-stealing scandal, but admitted that it is “embarrassing” the team said Beltran has to come clean.
“He’s got some amends to make,” Phillips said. “He needs to speak up. He needs to acknowledge that he made mistakes. He needs to acknowledge that he didn’t answer questions correctly with it.
Once MLB decided to grant all players immunity in its investigation, Beltran, a player for the 2017 Astros, found himself in the clear, in terms of discipline, as long as he cooperated, which baseball officials believe he did.
Phillips also said this won’t affect Beltran’s relationship with the players.
“I think that the players are going to respond to him,” he said. “Because … this has gone on with a lot of teams.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Why Mitchell Robinson is no longer the Knicks’ top leaper

MILWAUKEE — Mitchell Robinson is happy his buddy Kenny Wooten officially signed a two-year , two-way G-League contract Tuesday , but the Knicks center has lost the honor of being the team ’ s top leaper .
“ I ’ m very excited , ’ ’ said Robinson , who played with Wooten on the Knicks ’ summer league team last July .
“ He put in the work and time .
He deserves what he got .
I ’ m very proud of him .
“ He jumps higher than me actually , ’ ’ Robinson added before scoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Knicks ’ 128-102 blowout loss tot he Bucks .
“ Yeah , he can jump a little higher than me .
We play alike — both athletic , block shots .
We do a lot of things the same.
’ ’ After standing out at summer league , Wooten , a defensive-oriented forward undrafted out of Oregon , was invited to training camp , but an ankle injury prevented him from getting into any exhibition games .
The 22-year-old became a highlight show with the Westchester Knicks , even getting on SportsCenter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged 7.7 points on 66 percent shooting , with 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 blocks .
“ Just the athleticism and the energy and the force that he plays with , ’ ’ Knicks interim coach Mike Miller said of Wooten ’ s best traits .
“ He has all of those physical tools .
He ’ s jumped so far .
From summer league to training camp he ’ s really improved .
And he ’ s really improved now .
I ’ ve watched two of the Westchester games in the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvement there .
He ’ s really seeing things .
He ’ s really learning the game .
That ’ s what he needs to do .
He has those physical tools and now he needs the experience.
” Wooten ’ s injury-marred training camp prevented him from earning the two-way contract when an agreement with Kris Wilkes fell through .
Before the season opener , the Knicks instead inked a former David Fizdale player from Memphis , Ivan Rabb , who was cut to allow Wooten this chance .
Players who sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be on the squad 25 days , with the clock stopping after the G-League finale .
Indeed , Wooten ’ s impact may not be felt until later in the season .
Miller said he ’ s not sure if Wooten will practice Wednesday and be active Thursday against Phoenix .
“ We ’ ll sit down [ Wednesday ] and talk about a short-term and long-term plan for what we ’ re going to do with him , ’ ’ Miller said .
According to an NBA scout , the concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to find a position in the NBA at 6-foot-8 .
He has been a power forward in college and the G-League but may have to play small forward in the NBA .
Wooten has improved his jumper from the top of the key , the scout said .
PG Frank Ntilikina ( groin strain ) missed his second straight game .
A groin strain cost him much of the second part of last season .
Marcus Morris missed his fifth straight game with a neck injury and didn ’ t travel here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listen to the latest episode of the “ Big Apple Buckets ” podcast :

MILWAUKEE — Mitchell Robinson is happy his buddy Kenny Wooten officially signed a two-year, two-way G-League contract Tuesday, but the Knicks center has lost the honor of being the team’s top leaper.
“I’m very excited,’’ said Robinson, who played with Wooten on the Knicks’ summer league team last July. “He put in the work and time. He deserves what he got. I’m very proud of him.
“He jumps higher than me actually,’’ Robinson added before scoring seven points and grabbing three rebounds in the Knicks’ 128-102 blowout loss tot he Bucks. “Yeah, he can jump a little higher than me. We play alike — both athletic, block shots. We do a lot of things the same.’’
After standing out at summer league, Wooten, a defensive-oriented forward undrafted out of Oregon, was invited to training camp, but an ankle injury prevented him from getting into any exhibition games.
The 22-year-old became a highlight show with the Westchester Knicks, even getting on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. He averaged 7.7 points on 66 percent shooting, with 5.9 rebounds and 3.4 blocks.
“Just the athleticism and the energy and the force that he plays with,’’ Knicks interim coach Mike Miller said of Wooten’s best traits. “He has all of those physical tools. He’s jumped so far. From summer league to training camp he’s really improved. And he’s really improved now. I’ve watched two of the Westchester games in the last three weeks and I’m seeing improvement there. He’s really seeing things. He’s really learning the game. That’s what he needs to do. He has those physical tools and now he needs the experience.”
Wooten’s injury-marred training camp prevented him from earning the two-way contract when an agreement with Kris Wilkes fell through.
Before the season opener, the Knicks instead inked a former David Fizdale player from Memphis, Ivan Rabb, who was cut to allow Wooten this chance. Players who sign two-way deals at the Jan. 15 deadline can be on the squad 25 days, with the clock stopping after the G-League finale.
Indeed, Wooten’s impact may not be felt until later in the season. Miller said he’s not sure if Wooten will practice Wednesday and be active Thursday against Phoenix.
“We’ll sit down [Wednesday] and talk about a short-term and long-term plan for what we’re going to do with him,’’ Miller said.
According to an NBA scout, the concern with Wooten is whether he will be able to find a position in the NBA at 6-foot-8. He has been a power forward in college and the G-League but may have to play small forward in the NBA. Wooten has improved his jumper from the top of the key, the scout said.
PG Frank Ntilikina (groin strain) missed his second straight game. A groin strain cost him much of the second part of last season. Marcus Morris missed his fifth straight game with a neck injury and didn’t travel here.
For more on the Knicks, listen to the latest episode of the “Big Apple Buckets” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--‘I’m happy he did it’: Wife of fugitive Carlos Ghosn slams Japanese justice

BEIRUT – Carlos and Carole Ghosn , the former first couple of carmaker Nissan , are united again in Beirut .
They hold hands in the street and whisper together in a mix of Arabic and French .
They kiss .
But the pair ’ s most visceral display of unity comes when they talk about Carlos Ghosn ’ s former home .
“ I ’ m done with Japan , ” said Carole Ghosn in an interview with her husband in a private house in Beirut .
Two weeks ago , Carlos Ghosn made a dramatic escape from house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings , breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds .
He denies all charges .
Shortly after Ghosn appeared in Beirut , Japanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Carole on suspicion of alleged perjury related to the misappropriation charge against her husband .
“ What they ’ re accusing me of is a bit of a joke , ” said the 54-year-old Lebanese-American national , who spent many years as a fashion designer in New York and whose children live in the U.S. city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me you are free to go , and now , nine months later… this comes up .
They are vindictive .
This has nothing to do with the law.
” Carlos Ghosn was even more adamant .
“ I spent 18 years in Japan ; I never suspected this brutality , this lack of fairness , this lack of empathy.
” Tokyo prosecutors have said his allegations of a conspiracy are false and that he has failed to justify his acts .
The plan to flee to his childhood home of Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , a “ reasonable price ” and utter secrecy , he said .
“ The first rule , if you want to do something like , is that no member of your family should be aware because they become very anxious , ” he added .
Asked whether she would have dissuaded him to escape , Carole Ghosn blurted : “ Yes !
” But then she paused , looked at her husband and added : “ No .
I mean , actually , let me rephrase .
If you told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said No , of course not .
You ’ re going to fight this and prove your innocence… But then , with time , we saw how the prosecutors were behaving… I said ‘ Oh my God my husband is never going to get a fair trial ’ and I was desperate.
” “ I ’ m happy he did it , ” she said .
Japan ’ s justice minister has said Ghosn ’ s escape from his trial could constitute a crime .
Beirut has no extradition agreement with Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing for him to stand trial in Lebanon .
But Ghosn said last week that he does not want his own case to hurt relations between Lebanon , which is currently in the throes of an economic crisis , and the world ’ s third-largest economy .
The Ghosns have been attempting to focus the narrative on the question of human rights — and what they say is the inhumane way that Ghosn was treated after his arrest in late 2018 .
Ghosn says he was held in isolation , given only limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest complaint – prevented from speaking to his wife .
The couple had been married for two years — second unions for both — when Ghosn was first arrested .
He says they spoke for only two hours in nine months .
“ They wanted to break me , they wanted to put me into a situation where life was miserable , ” he said .
During his arrest , Carole Ghosn said she sought the support of Human Rights Watch , hired a high-profile human rights lawyer in Paris , and appealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Emmanuel Macron to help her husband ’ s case .
Carlos Ghosn said he was determined up until late last year to stay in Japan and see through the investigation and his trial .
On Christmas Day , he said , he realized the legal cases could last five years and decided to bolt .
The Ghosns said their life in Beirut consists of working with their legal team and spending evenings with friends .
Both have their regrets – including , for Carole Ghosn , throwing a lavish party at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her 50th birthday .
The party has become part of a separate investigation in France to establish if the venue was obtained improperly by the Ghosns ( which both deny ) , and has also prompted criticism of the couple as leading an extravagant lifestyle .
“ It was a beautiful event , and now it has turned out to be a big disaster , ” said Carole Ghosn .
“ Now , I look at it , it ’ s unfortunate – I wish we never did it.
” Both said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon , for the rest of their lives , if that was necessary .
As for returning to Japan ?

BEIRUT – Carlos and Carole Ghosn, the former first couple of carmaker Nissan, are united again in Beirut. They hold hands in the street and whisper together in a mix of Arabic and French. They kiss.
But the pair’s most visceral display of unity comes when they talk about Carlos Ghosn’s former home.
“I’m done with Japan,” said Carole Ghosn in an interview with her husband in a private house in Beirut.
Two weeks ago, Carlos Ghosn made a dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan, where he was awaiting trial on charges of under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds. He denies all charges.
Shortly after Ghosn appeared in Beirut, Japanese authorities issued an arrest warrant for Carole on suspicion of alleged perjury related to the misappropriation charge against her husband.
“What they’re accusing me of is a bit of a joke,” said the 54-year-old Lebanese-American national, who spent many years as a fashion designer in New York and whose children live in the U.S. city.
“I testified for hours and they told me you are free to go, and now, nine months later… this comes up. They are vindictive. This has nothing to do with the law.”
Carlos Ghosn was even more adamant. “I spent 18 years in Japan; I never suspected this brutality, this lack of fairness, this lack of empathy.”
Tokyo prosecutors have said his allegations of a conspiracy are false and that he has failed to justify his acts.
The plan to flee to his childhood home of Lebanon developed quickly with a small group of people, a “reasonable price” and utter secrecy, he said.
“The first rule, if you want to do something like, is that no member of your family should be aware because they become very anxious,” he added.
Asked whether she would have dissuaded him to escape, Carole Ghosn blurted: “Yes!”
But then she paused, looked at her husband and added: “No. I mean, actually, let me rephrase. If you told me this at the beginning, I would have said No, of course not. You’re going to fight this and prove your innocence… But then, with time, we saw how the prosecutors were behaving… I said ‘Oh my God my husband is never going to get a fair trial’ and I was desperate.”
“I’m happy he did it,” she said.
Japan’s justice minister has said Ghosn’s escape from his trial could constitute a crime.
Beirut has no extradition agreement with Japan and Ghosn’s legal team is pushing for him to stand trial in Lebanon. But Ghosn said last week that he does not want his own case to hurt relations between Lebanon, which is currently in the throes of an economic crisis, and the world’s third-largest economy.
The Ghosns have been attempting to focus the narrative on the question of human rights — and what they say is the inhumane way that Ghosn was treated after his arrest in late 2018. Ghosn says he was held in isolation, given only limited access to his lawyers and – his biggest complaint – prevented from speaking to his wife. The couple had been married for two years — second unions for both — when Ghosn was first arrested. He says they spoke for only two hours in nine months.
“They wanted to break me, they wanted to put me into a situation where life was miserable,” he said.
Japan’s Justice Minister Masako Mori has called the accusations “absolutely intolerable.”
During his arrest, Carole Ghosn said she sought the support of Human Rights Watch, hired a high-profile human rights lawyer in Paris, and appealed directly to President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron to help her husband’s case.
Carlos Ghosn said he was determined up until late last year to stay in Japan and see through the investigation and his trial. On Christmas Day, he said, he realized the legal cases could last five years and decided to bolt.
The Ghosns said their life in Beirut consists of working with their legal team and spending evenings with friends.
Both have their regrets – including, for Carole Ghosn, throwing a lavish party at the 17th-century palace in Versailles, France, for her 50th birthday. The party has become part of a separate investigation in France to establish if the venue was obtained improperly by the Ghosns (which both deny), and has also prompted criticism of the couple as leading an extravagant lifestyle.
“It was a beautiful event, and now it has turned out to be a big disaster,” said Carole Ghosn. “Now, I look at it, it’s unfortunate – I wish we never did it.”
Both said they would be happy to stay in Lebanon, for the rest of their lives, if that was necessary.
As for returning to Japan?
“Never,” said Carole.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Former Giants GM George Young could get Hall of Fame call

But it certainly feels like former Giants general manager George Young ’ s best chance yet at Pro Football Hall of Fame induction is Wednesday , when 15 new members — 10 players from at least 25 seasons ago , three contributors and two coaches ( Jimmy Johnson , Bill Cowher ) — are announced .
Young is one of 10 finalists in the contributors category .
The special , one-time blue ribbon panel was convened to celebrate the NFL ’ s 100th anniversary and includes Bill Belichick — a Giants defensive coordinator during the Young regime — and three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are Hall of Fame contributors : Gil Brandt , Ron Wolf and Bill Polian .
Young took over the Giants in 1979 — when ownership was in-fighting and the organization hadn ’ t been to the playoffs in 15 years — and retired in 1997 .
In between , he won two Super Bowls and five NFL Executive of the Year awards .
He worked for the NFL office until 2001 , when he died of a neurological disease .
Former Jets offensive lineman Winston Hill ( 1963-76 ) is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For more on the Giants , listen to the latest episode of the “ Blue Rush ” podcast :

It’s called a blue-ribbon panel, not a Big Blue ribbon panel.
But it certainly feels like former Giants general manager George Young’s best chance yet at Pro Football Hall of Fame induction is Wednesday, when 15 new members — 10 players from at least 25 seasons ago, three contributors and two coaches (Jimmy Johnson, Bill Cowher) — are announced. Young is one of 10 finalists in the contributors category.
The special, one-time blue ribbon panel was convened to celebrate the NFL’s 100th anniversary and includes Bill Belichick — a Giants defensive coordinator during the Young regime — and three of Young’s contemporaries who now are Hall of Fame contributors: Gil Brandt, Ron Wolf and Bill Polian.
Young took over the Giants in 1979 — when ownership was in-fighting and the organization hadn’t been to the playoffs in 15 years — and retired in 1997. In between, he won two Super Bowls and five NFL Executive of the Year awards. He worked for the NFL office until 2001, when he died of a neurological disease.
Former Jets offensive lineman Winston Hill (1963-76) is one of the 20 finalists in the player category.
For more on the Giants, listen to the latest episode of the “Blue Rush” podcast:


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Rangers’ Adam Fox on why rivalry vs. Islanders is ‘awesome’

Ryan Strome started thinking about returning to the Coliseum , and ...

Adam Fox grew up in Jericho, on Long Island, but spurned his local Islanders and grew up as a Rangers fan. So it was extra special for him to play in his first Rangers-Islanders game on Monday night, the Blueshirts’ 21-year-old defenseman scoring a goal and adding an assist as his team took a 6-2 win at the Garden.
“It’s really awesome,” Fox said after the game, his team getting Tuesday off before they’re set to return to practice on Wednesday and resume the rivalry with a Coliseum match on Thursday night. “Obviously saw a lot of games, and went to a few at both rinks, and you see how the crowd is a little split. It’s really awesome to be a part of on this side, and feel the intensity when you’re out there.”
Fox has at least one point in five of the past seven games, putting up nine points (one goal, eight assists) during that span. He became the first Rangers rookie defenseman to register 20 or more assists in the team’s first 45 games of a season since Brian Leetch in 1988-89. He added his sixth goal on Monday when his sharp-angle shot snuck by goalie Seymon Varlamov, giving the Rangers a 3-1 lead.
“Obviously a big goal,” Fox said, “and scoring against a team that was 10 minutes from my house, this is pretty cool.”
Goalie Alexandar Georgiev made 32 saves on Monday, and has stopped 90 of 94 shots he has faced while winning three of his four career matchups against the Islanders. Coach David Quinn said he would be tempted to go back to Georgiev on Thursday, but he also has two other goalies on the roster in Henrik Lundqvist and Igor Shesterkin.
The Rangers sent defenseman Libor Hajek to AHL Hartford on Tuesday in order for the 21-year-old to play some games as he tries to regain form following a right-knee injury that kept him out just over a month. Hajek struggled in his one game back for the Rangers on Saturday in St. Louis, when Marc Staal was unable to go due to a minor upper-body injury.
Winger Jesper Fast tied a career high with a three-point game (goal, two assists) on Monday, the fourth three-point game of his career and the second in the past four contests. He surely has benefited from playing on a line with Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome.
“He’s really settled that line down,” Quinn said. “He gives them a lot of stability.”


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Islanders’ Noah Dobson gets 1st goal: ‘Weird one to remember’

Barry Trotz wanted his Islanders to come in angry and ...

Islanders rookie Noah Dobson’s first NHL goal didn’t go exactly how he dreamt it.
His milestone came just under three minutes into the second period Tuesday with the Islanders already ahead 5-1. Dobson, the Isles’ No. 12 pick in 2018, has been filling in amid injuries since making the team out of training camp.
“I just got a pass from [Ryan Pulock] on the wall and I just tried to throw it down there,” Dobson, 20, said following the 8-2 win. “I’m not sure what it hit but it ended up in the back of the net. It’ll be a weird one to remember.”
Dobson, who had registered three assists in 17 games before Tuesday’s victory, said he was just happy to be contributing to a win. He agreed that getting his first goal out of the way was a “monkey off his back” and would likely strengthen his confidence.
“I think everybody knows what I think of Noah,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “I think he’s very poised. He’s growing and he’s getting confident. He’ll give a lot of credit to the guys around him who have helped him through the first two, three months. He’s an intelligent young man and he’s going to be a big piece of our future for sure.”
Casey Cizikas sat out for the second straight game after taking a shot to the groin against Boston two games ago.
Trotz inserted Otto Koivula into Cizikas’ usual fourth-line role, next to Matt Martin and Leo Komarov, for Tuesday’s win. The 21-year-old Fin recorded one hit and one giveaway in 13:39 of ice time.
Koivula was called up Monday night after recording a hat trick for the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers over the weekend. He’s now skated in seven NHL games since the Islanders drafted him 120th overall in 2016.
Pulock played in his 172nd consecutive game, a streak that started in December 2017.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Yankees ‘overhauling’ plan to prevent another injury crisis

In the wake of the great Bronx injury epidemic of ...

The Yankees endured a season in which they saw 30 different players head to the injured list for a record 2,433 days lost, and the man in charge of changing that reality, Eric Cressey, has begun his work in his new role.
Cressey, officially named by the team as director of player health and performance on Tuesday, will head to Tampa on Wednesday for the first of five visits to the Yankees’ complex before the start of the regular season.
“We’re in the process of overhauling how we assess players,’’ Cressey said during a conference call.
Cressey, 38, co-founded Cressey Sports Performance, which has facilities in Massachusetts and Florida, and has worked with pitchers such as Max Scherzer, Corey Kluber and Noah Syndergaard. He will continue to head up his practice, meaning his time actually with the team will be somewhat limited.
He said he’d be at Yankee Stadium at least once per homestand, as well as at Fenway Park. It was at Fenway last summer that Cressey made his first real connection with the organization.
Previous director of strength and conditioning Matt Krause was dismissed, as The Post first reported last month, and longtime head athletic trainer Steve Donohue, who began working for the Yankees organization in 1979 and joined the big-league club in 1986, will assume an emeritus role. Tim Lentych will assume the role of head athletic trainer.
“The challenges will be just the sheer number of bodies,’’ Cressey said of his work with the 40-man roster, as well as the effort to implement his systems throughout the minor league teams. “We’re gonna work really hard to roll this out at a high level on the major league side. The goal also, is not just there, but to outlay it for 200-plus minor league players.’’
The Yankees hope it results in fewer injuries and rehab setbacks, such as the one that limited Luis Severino to a dozen regular-season innings last season after injuries to his shoulder and lat.
During Severino’s recovery, GM Brian Cashman said he was going through a “CSI: The Bronx” process of determining what issues the organization had with injuries.
“I’ve gone through the process and I’ll leave it at that,’’ Cashman said in June while the team was in London. “We always evaluate our processes. If there [are] gaps or problems or mistakes made by us, then they are dealt with.”
So far, Cressey said he and his group have been in touch with J.A. Happ and Adam Ottavino, as well as some rehabbing pitchers, and with Gary Sanchez, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres and Luke Voit.
He’s also heard from Giancarlo Stanton, whose 2019 was derailed by a multitude of injuries.
Cressey said he tries to marry new technology and techniques and will “lean on Steve [Donohue] for getting adjusted to the world of professional baseball.’’
As for remaining with his business, Cressey said he wondered about that himself, but noted the precedent set by hitting coaches, as well as Kyle Boddy, who still runs his Driveline Baseball even as he works for the Reds.
The Yankees also announced their coaching staff under third-year manager Aaron Boone. New pitching coach Matt Blake, who worked with Cressey in Massachusetts, is the most prominent addition, replacing Larry Rothschild, who is now with San Diego.


newyorkpost--2020-01-15--Nets owner and GM know they are going to be a ‘tax team’

From the moment the Nets added Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant , the assumption was they were bound for luxury-tax territory , and everything they ’ ve done backed up that assumption .
Now , both owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks have acknowledged that fait accompli .
“ Absolutely .
I think the fans expect that we win a championship .
And the good thing is I believe that we do have the pieces in place , ” Tsai said in an interview broadcast on YES Network .
“ Now we have some injuries and people are coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place to perhaps go all the way , so I ’ m absolutely comfortable that if we pay the luxury tax that ’ s fine.
” “ We ’ re going to be a tax team , ” Marks told ESPN before the Nets ’ 118-107 loss to the Jazz on Tuesday night .
“ We are married to that .
There ’ s a limited amount of times and ways you can continue to add to your team .
You better do it now .
You ’ re gearing up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5.5 million under the cap threshold , that ’ s going to change .
With next season ’ s threshold expected to be roughly $ 143 million , they ’ re ostensibly project to be at $ 139.6 million .
That ’ s picking up the options on Garrett Temple and Theo Pinson , but that ’ s before giving a contract to free agent-to-be Joe Harris , who is respected by both the coaching staff and the front office , and likely due a notable raise .
After coach Kenny Atkinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Kevin Durant ’ s rehab , the star forward chatted with fans about his recovery .
Durant took part in a Twitter Q & A with fans on his Boardroom platform Tuesday , and naturally he was asked about his Achilles injury .
“ It gets better everyday , but its good to have patience , ” Durant tweeted .
Durant ruptured his Achilles in June playing for Golden State in the NBA Finals .
When asked what has been the hardest thing about the recovery process , he implied the monotony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Just the everyday grind , some days i get irritated by how slow the process is , some days i miss playing , some days i want to do more than im allowed , ” he wrote .
“ Then theres the physical side , lifting weights and getting used to movement after 6 months off… ” Jarrett Allen had just eight points and two boards , all too timid against Rudy Gobert .
“ It ’ s a great challenge for Jarrett , ” Atkinson said .
“ He did a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much more aggressive .
If you don ’ t meet Rudy with aggressiveness — you ’ re kind of thinking about it or hesitating — he ’ s going to block you out , he ’ s going to block your shot .
“ The more aggressive player has the advantage , the more aggressive team has the advantage .
That was Utah across the board , just got to call it what it is .
”

From the moment the Nets added Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the assumption was they were bound for luxury-tax territory, and everything they’ve done backed up that assumption. Now, both owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks have acknowledged that fait accompli.
“Absolutely. I think the fans expect that we win a championship. And the good thing is I believe that we do have the pieces in place,” Tsai said in an interview broadcast on YES Network.
“Now we have some injuries and people are coming back. But the fundamental pieces are in place to perhaps go all the way, so I’m absolutely comfortable that if we pay the luxury tax that’s fine.”
Marks went a step further.
“We’re going to be a tax team,” Marks told ESPN before the Nets’ 118-107 loss to the Jazz on Tuesday night. “We are married to that. There’s a limited amount of times and ways you can continue to add to your team. You better do it now. You’re gearing up for a run.”
While the Nets are $5.5 million under the cap threshold, that’s going to change. With next season’s threshold expected to be roughly $143 million, they’re projected to be at $139.6 million. That’s picking up the options on Garrett Temple and Theo Pinson, but that’s before giving a contract to free agent-to-be Joe Harris, who is respected by both the coaching staff and the front office, and likely due a notable raise.
After coach Kenny Atkinson and agent/business partner Rich Kleiman spoke glowingly about Kevin Durant’s rehab, the star forward chatted with fans about his recovery.
Durant took part in a Twitter Q&A with fans on his Boardroom platform Tuesday, and naturally he was asked about his Achilles injury.
“It gets better everyday, but [it’s] good to have patience,” Durant tweeted.
Durant ruptured his Achilles in June playing for Golden State in the NBA Finals. When asked what has been the hardest thing about the recovery process, he implied the monotony and being away from the game.
“Just the everyday grind, some days i get irritated by how slow the process is, some days i miss playing, some days i want to do more than im allowed,” he wrote. “Then [there’s] the physical side, lifting weights and getting used to movement after 6 months off…”
Jarrett Allen had just eight points and two boards, all too timid against Rudy Gobert.
“It’s a great challenge for Jarrett,” Atkinson said. “He did a great job in Utah; he was much more aggressive. If you don’t meet Rudy with aggressiveness — you’re kind of thinking about it or hesitating — he’s going to block you out, he’s going to block your shot.
“The more aggressive player has the advantage, the more aggressive team has the advantage. That was Utah across the board, just got to call it what it is.”