newyorkpost--2020-02-13--CNN chief Jeff Zucker selling $17.5M NYC apartment amid divorce

She could be bounced from her shot at the Olympics ... .

CNN head Jeff Zucker is selling his New York City apartment on the Upper East Side for $17.5 million.
The 54-year-old and his wife, Caryn Nathanson, purchased the 11-room apartment in 2007 for $12.3 million from the late actress Kitty Carlisle Hart.
In 2018, the Zuckers announced that they had decided to split. “Together, we have made the difficult decision to separate, but do so as friends committed to our kids. They remain our sole focus,” they said in a joint statement to the New York Post.
Now they are moving on from their luxe apartment as well.
With five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, the “impeccably” renovated and move-in ready abode is accessed by a private elevator.
From the grand entrance gallery, the layout opens to a spacious light-filled living room with large windows.
The adjacent dining room features silk velvet walls, a fireplace and a chandelier. The large unit also features a library, office and den.
The chef’s kitchen has two eating areas and is equipped with high-end appliances. In addition, the home boasts 11-foot ceilings, three working fireplaces and Venetian plaster.
Located on Madison Avenue, the 1908 building is steps from Central Park. With just 10 stories, each of the 26 units is roomy. The pet-friendly building offers door attendants, a gym and storage.
Before becoming the president of CNN Worldwide in 2013, Zucker served as president and CEO of NBC Universal. He currently oversees CNN, CNN International, HLN and CNN Digital.
Lisa Tarnopol Deslauriers with Warburg Realty Partnership holds the listing.


newyorkpost--2020-02-13--Jewish teen ping pong ace can’t go to Olympic trials on sabbath

She could be bounced from her shot at the Olympics .
An Orthodox Jewish teen from Long Island made it all the way to the Olympic trials for ping pong — and now she likely can ’ t compete because it falls during Saturday sabbath , she and her family said .
Nationally ranked Estee Ackerman , 18 , is heartbroken that USA Table Tennis honchos won ’ t let her arrange tournament matches later this month around the religious observance hours , she told The Post .
“ I ’ m really disappointed .
I ’ d like them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my dream , ” Ackerman , who hails from West Hempstead , told The Post .
“ I ’ m training day and night.
” In January , Ackerman ’ s father , Glenn , contacted the table tennis organization about the four-day tournament in Santa Monica , Calif. later this month , requesting that they schedule games on Thursday , Friday before sundown , and Sunday .
But a tournament director turned him down , saying it ’ s too hard to coordinate the with the other players in her bracket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post .
“ When I inquired with the tournament referee they felt it wouldn ’ t be feasible to reschedule all the matches since we will be using a round robin with crossovers , ” USA Table Tennis High-Performance Director Sean O ’ Neill responded in an email .
USA Table Tennis has until Friday to reverse the decision before the Saturday registration deadline .
Ackerman — who has won multiple gold medals at the U.S. Table Tennis championships , and is ranked 33 in the country — is crushed that she can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m confused why they won ’ t work with me , ” she said .
“ I ’ m serious and dedicated .
I enjoy the toughest of the toughest competition.
” She added , “ I would love to go to Tokyo [ for the Olympics ] this summer .
I think I should get the opportunity to try out.
” “ We want her make the [ Olympic ] team and go on to win a medal for the US , which has never won a medal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ She ’ s playing hard — and we think she deserves a chance.
” In Dec. 2018 , the teenage ping pong phenom defeated two-time Olympian Lily Yip to win first place in the women ’ s division at the U.S. Open in December 2018 .
She has been playing since age 8 and currently trains four times a week in Israel , where she is studying abroad .

She could be bounced from her shot at the Olympics.
An Orthodox Jewish teen from Long Island made it all the way to the Olympic trials for ping pong — and now she likely can’t compete because it falls during Saturday sabbath, she and her family said.
Nationally ranked Estee Ackerman, 18, is heartbroken that USA Table Tennis honchos won’t let her arrange tournament matches later this month around the religious observance hours, she told The Post.
“I’m really disappointed. I’d like them to give me the opportunity to go for my dream,” Ackerman, who hails from West Hempstead, told The Post. “I’m training day and night.”
In January, Ackerman’s father, Glenn, contacted the table tennis organization about the four-day tournament in Santa Monica, Calif. later this month, requesting that they schedule games on Thursday, Friday before sundown, and Sunday.
But a tournament director turned him down, saying it’s too hard to coordinate the with the other players in her bracket, according to emails obtained by The Post.
“When I inquired with the tournament referee they felt it wouldn’t be feasible to reschedule all the matches since we will be using a round robin with crossovers,” USA Table Tennis High-Performance Director Sean O’Neill responded in an email.
USA Table Tennis has until Friday to reverse the decision before the Saturday registration deadline.
Ackerman — who has won multiple gold medals at the U.S. Table Tennis championships, and is ranked 33 in the country — is crushed that she can’t go, she said.
“I’m confused why they won’t work with me,” she said. “I’m serious and dedicated. I enjoy the toughest of the toughest competition.”
She added, “I would love to go to Tokyo [for the Olympics] this summer. I think I should get the opportunity to try out.”
“We want her make the [Olympic] team and go on to win a medal for the US, which has never won a medal in table tennis,” Glenn Ackerman said. “She’s playing hard — and we think she deserves a chance.”
In Dec. 2018, the teenage ping pong phenom defeated two-time Olympian Lily Yip to win first place in the women’s division at the U.S. Open in December 2018.
She has been playing since age 8 and currently trains four times a week in Israel, where she is studying abroad.
O’Neill didn’t return request for comment Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--My legs were cut off by a train and now I’m back for more

Watch the death-defying moment a double amputee in Mumbai , India , flexed his upper body strength — by dangling @ @ @ @ @ speeding train .
In 2015 , Dev Mishra lost both legs after someone pushed him @ @ @ @ @ tracks .
Naturally , his friends and family were upset to find out the 22-year-old @ @ @ @ @ on a train , no less .
“ I did that to show myself that @ @ @ @ @ and push the limits , ” Mishra revealed .
“ I have promised never to @ @ @ @ @

Watch the death-defying moment a double amputee in Mumbai, India, flexed his upper body strength — by dangling his body outside of a speeding train. In 2015, Dev Mishra lost both legs after someone pushed him from behind onto the train tracks.
Naturally, his friends and family were upset to find out the 22-year-old performed this dangerous stunt — on a train, no less. “I did that to show myself that I can overcome my disability and push the limits,” Mishra revealed. “I have promised never to repeat it again.”
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newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Why Yankees aren’t worried about new bullpen rule

TAMPA — Entering his third season as Yankees manager , Aaron ...

TAMPA — Yankees manager Aaron Boone was unfazed by MLB’s new rule that a reliever must pitch to a minimum of three batters or until the end of the inning.
“For us, I don’t think much changes, especially during the regular season,’’ Boone said Thursday as his team worked out for the first time this spring. “I don’t like to use our high-leverage guys when they get up and in because we don’t pitch guys three days in a row or four [games] in five days. Unless it’s a unique situation, we’re not doing that for a hitter.”
With a bullpen filled with relievers such as Adam Ottavino, Chad Green, Zack Britton, Tommy Kahnle and Aroldis Chapman, who are suited to getting both right and left-handed hitters out, Boone is confident the change will help his team.
“I feel like, more so than most clubs, we’re equipped to transition to this rule seamlessly,’’ Boone said. “There’s gonna be a game that it comes up where it’s not ideal and that’s something we’ll all have to adjust to, but overall, I feel it’s something that will benefit us.”
That may prove to be more challenging in the playoffs, but, Boone said, “everyone is dealing with the same set of rules.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Mets’ Marcus Stroman declines to rip Astros again for scandal

PORT ST. LUCIE — If the Mets were to affix ...

PORT ST. LUCIE — Marcus Stroman may have strong feelings about the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing, but he’s finished discussing it.
“I spoke on it already,” the Mets right-hander said Thursday. “I am not addressing it any more. I spoke of it on Twitter, said exactly what I had to and meant every word. That’s where I am going to leave it.”
Last month, Stroman was among the players most critical of the Astros, following MLB’s report saying the team used electronic surveillance to steal catchers’ signs in 2017, when he pitched for the Blue Jays.
“S–t makes sense now,” Stroman wrote on Twitter in January. “I remember how these guys were laying off some of my nasty pitches. Relaying all my signs in live speed to the batter. Ruining the integrity of the game. These dudes were all about the camera and social media. Now, they’re all quiet! Lol.”
J.D. Davis and Jake Marisnick, both of whom are on the Mets, played for the Astros in 2017. Marisnick doubled off of Stroman during a three-run inning on Aug. 6, 2017.
Carlos Beltran, who was named in MLB’s report on the matter, departed the Mets as manager after only 77 days and was replaced by Luis Rojas.
Seth Lugo may not get the shot at the Mets’ starting rotation he craves this spring, but said he will continue to view himself as a starter who is working in the bullpen.
“As far as the way I pitch I am going to keep that mindset, but I am not going to be built up like [a starter] so I won’t be training like it this spring,” Lugo said. “But mindset is still on it.”
Lugo emerged as the Mets’ most dependable reliever last season, but says he wasn’t entirely satisfied with his work, which included closer’s duties later in the season.
“I tend to remember the bad outings more than the good outings, so I can still think of quite a few I wish I could have back,” Lugo said. “Hopefully I clean them up this year.”
New manager Luis Rojas said he isn’t fretting over the new three-batter minimum rule for relievers. The exception to the rule would be if a reliever gets the final out or outs in an inning.
Lefty Justin Wilson’s success against right-handers and Edwin Diaz’s past strength facing left-handers are among the reasons the manager is optimistic.
“I think this rule applies very well for our bullpen,” Rojas said. “We talked about different scenarios, so we are very familiar with the rule already. We brought it up in different game simulations, as a staff. And we felt pretty good about the guys in our bullpen and the guys on our staff.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Aaron Boone not running away from Yankees’ title aspirations

TAMPA — Here on the calm side of the Sunshine ...

TAMPA — Entering his third season as Yankees manager, Aaron Boone didn’t shy away from what was at stake as his team worked out for the first time this spring on Thursday.
“It’s an exciting day,’’ Boone said. “We have, obviously, big expectations and we embrace those expectations. We look forward to the long process now of trying to chase a championship. Those foundational pieces really start to get laid in earnest today.”
Position players don’t report until next week, but pitchers and catchers started their work Thursday.
“It was good to see guys as a group, as a team on the back field, working on their defensive things, on the pitchers’ fielding practice,’’ Boone said. “To see a number of guys throwing their first pens.’’
And Boone also gave his first message to the team.
“Aaron, this morning, talked about bringing energy and bringing a positive vibe and focus into the clubhouse,’’ new arrival Gerrit Cole said. “So, essentially, I think he’s really calling on all of us to be leaders in that sense.’’
Boone called the possibility of MLB adopting a new playoff system, which would increase the amount of teams qualifying from five in each league to seven, “interesting.’’
“Not to ride the fence too much, but I’m not sure how I feel,’’ the manager said. “I’m open to it. If you go back over the course of history, I think a lot of people balked initially at the first wild card and the second wild card.’’
The new system, which is under consideration to begin in 2022, would involve the team with the best record in each league getting a bye to avoid a best-of-three wild-card round.
“I think it is important to protect the integrity of our season because the 162 is so meaningful,’’ Boone said. “In our sport, more than others, it’s special to get to the postseason. If there’s some way to continue to reward teams that have excellent regular seasons, I’m OK with that.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Man accused of slapping teen Trump supporter during New Hampshire primary

A New Hampshire voter allegedly slapped a 15-year-old Trump supporter after leaving a polling place during the Granite State ’ s primary on Tuesday , a report said .
The suspect , 34-year-old Patrick Bradley , confronted the teen — who was wearing a “ Make America Great Again ” hat at a campaign tent for President Trump — after voting at Windham High School and smacked him across the face , Fox News reported .
Bradley then allegedly hit two adults who tried to intervene in the scuffle , according to the report .
He ’ s also accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The boy ’ s mother told the news station all her son did was wish Bradley a good night to trigger the alleged assault .
“ My son was standing outside on the sidewalk and he said ‘ have a nice night , ’ he said it to everyone .
But this man was triggered , ” his mother , Cathy Campbell , told Fox .
“ He said ‘ f—k you ’ to him and wound up his hand as fast as he could and slapped him across the face.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges and held on $ 5,000 bail , according to the report .

A New Hampshire voter allegedly slapped a 15-year-old President Trump supporter after leaving a polling place during the Granite State’s primary on Tuesday, a report said.
The suspect, 34-year-old Patrick Bradley, confronted the teen — who was wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat at a campaign tent for Trump — after voting at Windham High School and smacked him across the face, Fox News reported.
Bradley then allegedly hit two adults who tried to intervene in the scuffle, according to the report. He’s also accused of trying to destroy the tent.
The boy’s mother told the news station all her son did to trigger the alleged assault was wish Bradley a good night.
“My son was standing outside on the sidewalk and he said ‘Have a nice night,’ he said it to everyone. But this man was triggered,” his mother, Cathy Campbell, told Fox.
“He said ‘F—k you’ to him and wound up his hand as fast as he could and slapped him across the face.”
Bradley was hit with assault and disorderly conduct charges and held on $5,000 bail, according to the report.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--David Quinn: Rangers ‘missed’ flu-ridden Marc Staal

ST. PAUL , Minn. — A simple question turned into coach David Quinn gushing about how important defenseman Marc Staal is to his Rangers .
Staal missed the team ’ s 4-3 shootout win over the Wild on Thursday night with the flu , and Quinn extended his explanation of how Staal felt worse and worse as the day went on into a testament of how good the veteran defenseman has been of late .
“ We missed him , ” Quinn said .
“ Since I ’ ve been here , he ’ s [ recently ] been playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have guys that do what he does consistently , with his size and his physicality .
His puck movement has been really good .
He ’ s been really good for us and we missed him.
” Coming in for Staal was Brendan Smith , who had been a healthy scratch for the past four games and played his first full game at defense all season .
Smith had morphed into a fourth-line winger , and he had killed penalties as a defenseman before he lost that role to rookie Ryan Lindgren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place next to Tony DeAngelo , Smith played a season-high 17:55 , including 2:19 while a man down , earning himself the Broadway Hat .
“ Smitty did a good job , ” Quinn said .
“ I really liked Smitty ’ s game .
I was happy for him.
” Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist , giving him a team-leading 76 points in his historic first season on Broadway .
The Russian winger became the first Ranger to reach the 75-point mark in a season since Marian Gaborik in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1995-96 ) and Jaromir Jagr ( 2005-06 ) as the only Rangers in the past 40 years to reach 75 or more points in the team ’ s first 56 games .
Quinn challenged a Matt Dumba goal at 7:38 of the second period because of goalie interference on Ryan Hartman and won , getting the goal overturned and keeping the deficit at 2-1 .
“ Originally I wasn ’ t [ going to challenge ] , ” Quinn said .
“ Then I watched it one more [ time ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to be goalie interference.
’ ” Quinn is now 2-for-4 on challenges this season , including 1-for-2 on goalie interference calls .
He was 1-for-4 on challenges last season , his first behind the Rangers bench .

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A simple question turned into coach David Quinn gushing about how important defenseman Marc Staal is to his Rangers.
Staal missed the team’s 4-3 shootout win over the Wild on Thursday night with the flu, and Quinn extended his explanation of how Staal felt worse and worse as the day went on into a testament of how good the veteran defenseman has been of late.
“We missed him,” Quinn said. “Since I’ve been here, he’s [recently] been playing very good hockey. We don’t have guys that do what he does consistently, with his size and his physicality. His puck movement has been really good. He’s been really good for us and we missed him.”
Coming in for Staal was Brendan Smith, who had been a healthy scratch for the past four games and played his first full game at defense all season. Smith had morphed into a fourth-line winger, and he had killed penalties as a defenseman before he lost that role to rookie Ryan Lindgren.
Going directly into Staal’s place next to Tony DeAngelo, Smith played a season-high 17:55, including 2:19 while a man down, earning himself the Broadway Hat.
“Smitty did a good job,” Quinn said. “I really liked Smitty’s game. I was happy for him.”
Artemi Panarin had a goal and an assist, giving him a team-leading 76 points in his historic first season on Broadway. The Russian winger became the first Ranger to reach the 75-point mark in a season since Marian Gaborik in 2011-12. He also joined Mark Messier (1995-96) and Jaromir Jagr (2005-06) as the only Rangers in the past 40 years to reach 75 or more points in the team’s first 56 games.
Quinn challenged a Matt Dumba goal at 7:38 of the second period because of goalie interference on Ryan Hartman and won, getting the goal overturned and keeping the deficit at 2-1.
“Originally I wasn’t [going to challenge],” Quinn said. “Then I watched it one more [time], and [thought], ‘This has to be goalie interference.’”
Quinn is now 2-for-4 on challenges this season, including 1-for-2 on goalie interference calls. He was 1-for-4 on challenges last season, his first behind the Rangers bench.
Rangers winger Kaapo Kakko turned 19 years old on Thursday.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--2 Ohio State football players plead not guilty to rape

COLUMBUS , Ohio — Two former Ohio State football players pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that they held a woman against her will and raped her this month .
Defensive backs Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint — who were kicked off the team Wednesday after they were charged — made an initial appearance in Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus , and their respective attorneys entered pleas of not guilty .
Judge Cynthia Ebner set bond at $ 100,000 for Riep and $ 75,000 for Wint and ordered that the men not have contact with the accuser or each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to discuss her on social media .
The case now will go to a grand jury , which will decide whether the men should be indicted .
Wint ’ s attorney , Sam Shamansky , declared his client innocent , pointing out that Columbus police waited seven days to arrest him .
“ Were my client some stone-cold rapist , kidnapper , he wouldn ’ t have been on the street for seven minutes , not to mention seven days , ” Shamansky said .
“ This case is so full of reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reality is , my kid ’ s innocent.
” The woman told police that on Feb. 4 she started having consensual sex with Riep before Wint came into the room and both forced her into sex .
After several minutes , they stopped and Riep told the woman that she needed to say what happened was “ consensual on a video recording while laughing at her , ” according to police .
Riep then told the woman she needed to shower before he drove her back to her home .
Officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording .
Shamansky , one of the highest-profile defense lawyers in Columbus , said Wint cooperated fully with police before Shamansky began representing him and has expressed his willingness to take a lie-detector test .
“ I ’ m curious whether his alleged victim is willing to do the same .
I ’ m guessing the answer is no , ” Shamanksy said .
Riep ’ s attorney , Karl Schneider , said the young man is cooperating with investigators and is “ sad and depressed ” about Ohio State ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both were rising seniors and expected to compete for playing time in Ohio State ’ s defensive backfield .
In dismissing the players from the team , Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in a statement that “ it is clear they did not live up to our standards and my expectations.
” The program has mostly avoided major off-the-field trouble as Day begins his second year at the helm .
Last season , All-American defensive end Chase Young was suspended for two games after accepting a personal loan in violation of NCAA @ @

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two former Ohio State football players pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that they held a woman against her will and raped her this month.
Defensive backs Amir Riep and Jahsen Wint — who were kicked off the team Wednesday after they were charged — made an initial appearance in Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, and their respective attorneys entered pleas of not guilty.
Judge Cynthia Ebner set bond at $100,000 for Riep and $75,000 for Wint and ordered that the men not have contact with the accuser or each other. They also were ordered not to discuss her on social media.
The case now will go to a grand jury, which will decide whether the men should be indicted.
Wint’s attorney, Sam Shamansky, declared his client innocent, pointing out that Columbus police waited seven days to arrest him.
“Were my client some stone-cold rapist, kidnapper, he wouldn’t have been on the street for seven minutes, not to mention seven days,” Shamansky said. “This case is so full of reasonable doubt it’s beyond belief. The reality is, my kid’s innocent.”
The woman told police that on Feb. 4 she started having consensual sex with Riep before Wint came into the room and both forced her into sex.
After several minutes, they stopped and Riep told the woman that she needed to say what happened was “consensual on a video recording while laughing at her,” according to police. Riep then told the woman she needed to shower before he drove her back to her home.
Officials said in court that police have the video recording.
Shamansky, one of the highest-profile defense lawyers in Columbus, said Wint cooperated fully with police before Shamansky began representing him and has expressed his willingness to take a lie-detector test.
“I’m curious whether his alleged victim is willing to do the same. I’m guessing the answer is no,” Shamanksy said.
Riep’s attorney, Karl Schneider, said the young man is cooperating with investigators and is “sad and depressed” about Ohio State’s decision to release him.
Riep and Wint both were rising seniors and expected to compete for playing time in Ohio State’s defensive backfield.
In dismissing the players from the team, Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in a statement that “it is clear they did not live up to our standards and my expectations.”
The program has mostly avoided major off-the-field trouble as Day begins his second year at the helm. Last season, All-American defensive end Chase Young was suspended for two games after accepting a personal loan in violation of NCAA rules.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--First days as Phillies manager ‘fabulous’ for Joe Girardi

CLEARWATER , Fla. — The man who got fired only days ...

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Joe Girardi said he was “a little worried” Thursday.
He had a tee time later in the afternoon with an important playing partner — Phillies owner John Middleton.
“I don’t know about the golf game I’m going to play today,” Girardi said with a chuckle.
Perhaps he would have had more time to prepare the past two years. The tradeoff, however, is just fine with him.
Girardi is back where he wants to be: tracing the backfields of a spring training complex, watching bullpen sessions and managing a baseball team, more than two years after getting fired by the Yankees.
“From the day that I signed, I’ve loved it,” the new Phillies manager said. “I’ve loved putting the uniform back on, I’ve loved being in the clubhouse and talking to players and creating fun situations and seeing people laugh and seeing people have success and watching young players do their thing and have success. So these first two days have been magnificent.
“Now saying that, there are still things, like I don’t know how to get certain places and I get lost when I’m going places. But this has been fabulous.”
The 55-year-old Girardi was hired in October to replace Gabe Kapler and help get the Phillies back to the playoffs, which they have not reached since 2011. His experience and success were a major selling point. He managed in the postseason in six of his 10 seasons with the Yankees, including winning the World Series in 2009 — against the Phillies.
The Mets interviewed Girardi for their managerial opening — their first one of the offseason, that is — but they did not see him as the right fit, sources told The Post’s Mike Puma. There were questions about whether he would mesh with general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
Instead, Girardi landed in Philadelphia and his new GM, Matt Klentak, offered rave reviews two days into spring training.
“The thing that jumps out to me more than anything about Joe is just how comfortable he is,” Klentak said Thursday. “Whether he’s talking to players in a morning meeting, walking through the clubhouse [or] walking around the fields in the back, he looks like a guy that’s done this for 10 years in a big market. He knows what he’s doing. He’s very comfortable. He’s very confident. He works very well with the other coaches.”
That includes Rob Thomson, who was on Girardi’s staff for all 10 seasons in The Bronx, four of them as bench coach. Thomson is now entering his third season as the Phillies’ bench coach, reunited with his former boss.
“I think he’s really excited being here,” Thomson said. “He’s had a couple years off, so he’s refreshed. It’s great for him to be back in the game because he’s a great manager and a great baseball man. He deserves to be back.”
Girardi’s track record has not been lost on his new clubhouse.
“I love Joe,” former Met Zack Wheeler said. “I’m sure he had tons of opportunities to go elsewhere. I’m sure anybody would have taken him. But the Phillies took him and that’s one of the reasons I signed here. I’d heard nothing but good things about Joe. Obviously his résumé backs up his personality. Both of those combined, you really can’t beat it.”
Girardi has also come back to the game with a different perspective after sitting at home the past two seasons, aside from some analyst work for Fox Sports and MLB Network.
“You really realize how much you miss it,” Girardi said. “It does give you a different perspective and as you get older, your perspective in life changes a little bit too. So I’m cherishing every minute of this. I know we’re going to have good days and bad days. But the bad days are teaching tools. I’m really fortunate.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Atlanta DA weighing murder probe into James Brown’s 2006 death

Click to email this to a friend ( Opens in new window ) Click to share on Twitter ( Opens @ @ @ @ @ to share on Facebook ( Opens in new window ) ATLANTA — A prosecutor in @ @ @ @ @ open a formal investigation after meeting with a woman who says she has evidence legendary @ @ @ @ @ death was caused by another person , his spokesman said .
Brown , known as @ @ @ @ @ was 73 when he died of heart failure on Christmas day in 2006 in Atlanta @ @ @ @ @ after being hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia .
A woman named Jacque Hollander contacted Fulton @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office to request a meeting , claiming Brown ’ s death was caused @ @ @ @ @ to the prosecutor ’ s spokesman Chris Hopper .
Howard met with Hollander on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ materials she said related to Brown ’ s death .
Howard will look at the @ @ @ @ @ decide whether to open an investigation , Hopper said .

ATLANTA — A prosecutor in Atlanta will decide whether to open a formal investigation after meeting with a woman who says she has evidence that legendary singer James Brown’s death was caused by another person, his spokesman said.
Brown, known as the Godfather of Soul, was 73 when he died of heart failure on Christmas Day 2006 in Atlanta, less than two days after being hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia.
A woman named Jacque Hollander contacted Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard’s office to request a meeting, claiming Brown’s death was caused by another person, according to the prosecutor’s spokesman Chris Hopper. Howard met with Hollander on Wednesday and accepted a bin of materials she said related to Brown’s death.
Howard will look at the materials Hollander brought and will decide whether to open an investigation, Hopper said.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Jayson Tatum pours in 39 to lead Celtics to 2 OT win over Clippers

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum didn ’ t want to smile .
But sometimes the moment calls for it .
The Celtics were trailing 124-123 in the final minute of overtime in their back-and-forth slugfest with the Clippers and Tatum found himself defended by Landry Shamet and Montrezl Harrell .
Tatum hesitated , sidestepped Shamet , then spun around Harrell for a layup .
As the crowd cheered around him , Tatum led out a loud yell , flexing his arms .
The play didn ’ t win the game and gave Tatum just two of the 39 points he scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win on Thursday night .
But it ’ s the latest sign that the first-time All-Star is getting more comfortable as a go-to player .
“ I did get a little excited , ” Tatum said .
“ I try to be as calm as I can and try to keep a poker face and move on to the next play .
But basketball is a game of emotions and the crowd was into it.
” Marcus Smart added 31 points and Gordon Hayward finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds .
Kemba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tatum and Smart combined for 16 of Boston ’ s 27 points in the overtime periods .
The Celtics have won seven straight at home and eight of their last nine overall .
The Clippers played most of the game without Paul George , who left in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain .
Lou Williams led Los Angeles with 35 points .
Kawhi Leonard had 28 points and 11 rebounds , and Harrell finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds .
George played 15 minutes , scoring four points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locker room .
The first meeting between the teams on Nov. 20 was also decided in overtime .
The Clippers held on for a 107-104 win .
The Celtics took a 134-130 lead in the second OT on a driving layup by Smart and another by Tatum .
“ He ’ s more assertive , ” Leonard said of Tatum .
“ They are trusting him and he is trusting himself.
” Harrell got a dunk on the Clippers ’ next trip up the floor .
But Hayward responded with a 3 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tatum was called for an offensive foul , but Hayward blocked a runner by Williams off his body to force the turnover with 55 seconds left .
Hayward hit four free throws in the final minute to help close it out .
Tatum said he left the court feeling relief .
“ I ’ m just happy we won , ” he said .
“ That would have been tough playing that hard as a team and not coming out with a victory.
” The All-Star break comes at a perfect time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get healthy .
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley missed his fourth straight game with a sore right groin .
The Celtics played without Jaylen Brown , who has a left calf contusion .
Smart started in place of Brown and scored the Celtics ’ first 10 points , digging them out of an early 7-0 deficit .
Smart and Tatum combined for 24 of Boston ’ s 30 first-quarter points .
It helped offset a 15-point opening period by Leonard .
Boston limited Leonard to two points in the second quarter but had no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had 16 points in the first half on 5-of-5 shooting from the field .
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he likes his team ’ s position heading into the break .
“ We ’ re good , ” Rivers said .
“ We ’ ve had a first half of the season where basically we ’ ve had more starting lineups than anybody in the league .
Our record ’ s pretty solid .
We got ta get healthy .
That ’ s the key for us .
We got ta get @ @ @

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum didn’t want to smile. But sometimes the moment calls for it.
The Celtics were trailing 124-123 in the final minute of overtime in their back-and-forth slugfest with the Clippers and Tatum found himself defended by Landry Shamet and Montrezl Harrell. Tatum hesitated, sidestepped Shamet, then spun around Harrell for a layup. As the crowd cheered around him, Tatum led out a loud yell, flexing his arms.
The play didn’t win the game and gave Tatum just two of the 39 points he scored in Boston’s thrilling 141-133 double-overtime win on Thursday night. But it’s the latest sign that the first-time All-Star is getting more comfortable as a go-to player.
“I did get a little excited,” Tatum said. “I try to be as calm as I can and try to keep a poker face and move on to the next play. But basketball is a game of emotions and the crowd was into it.”
Marcus Smart added 31 points and Gordon Hayward finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Kemba Walker had 19 points and nine rebounds. Tatum and Smart combined for 16 of Boston’s 27 points in the overtime periods.
The Celtics have won seven straight at home and eight of their last nine overall.
The Clippers played most of the game without Paul George, who left in the second quarter with a left hamstring strain. Lou Williams led Los Angeles with 35 points. Kawhi Leonard had 28 points and 11 rebounds, and Harrell finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
George played 15 minutes, scoring four points on 2-of-7 shooting before heading to the locker room.
The first meeting between the teams on Nov. 20 was also decided in overtime. The Clippers held on for a 107-104 win.
The Celtics took a 134-130 lead in the second OT on a driving layup by Smart and another by Tatum.
“He’s more assertive,” Leonard said of Tatum. “They are trusting him and he is trusting himself.”
Harrell got a dunk on the Clippers’ next trip up the floor. But Hayward responded with a 3 to increase Boston’s lead to 137-132.
Tatum was called for an offensive foul, but Hayward blocked a runner by Williams off his body to force the turnover with 55 seconds left.
Hayward hit four free throws in the final minute to help close it out.
Tatum said he left the court feeling relief.
“I’m just happy we won,” he said. “That would have been tough playing that hard as a team and not coming out with a victory.”
The All-Star break comes at a perfect time for both teams as they try to get healthy.
Clippers guard Patrick Beverley missed his fourth straight game with a sore right groin. The Celtics played without Jaylen Brown, who has a left calf contusion.
Smart started in place of Brown and scored the Celtics’ first 10 points, digging them out of an early 7-0 deficit. Smart and Tatum combined for 24 of Boston’s 30 first-quarter points. It helped offset a 15-point opening period by Leonard.
Boston limited Leonard to two points in the second quarter but had no answers on the inside for Harrell, who had 16 points in the first half on 5-of-5 shooting from the field.
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said he likes his team’s position heading into the break.
“We’re good,” Rivers said. “We’ve had a first half of the season where basically we’ve had more starting lineups than anybody in the league. Our record’s pretty solid. We gotta get healthy. That’s the key for us. We gotta get healthy.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Thunder edge Pelicans despite Zion Williamson’s heroics

NEW ORLEANS — The veteran savvy of Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul helped Oklahoma City withstand the latest stirring performance by Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson .
Gallinari scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter , Paul had 14 points and 12 assists , and the Thunder beat New Orleans 123-118 on Thursday night .
“ Down the stretch , that ’ s when we feel like we ’ re at our best , ” Paul said .
“ It was Gallo tonight .
He was killer.
” Williamson set his new single-game scoring mark with 32 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game scoring more than 30 , but Gallinari ’ s clutch shooting kept the Pelicans at bay .
New Orleans , which trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter , rallied behind Williamson ’ s dominant inside play to take several slim leads inside the final six minutes .
But after Lonzo Ball ’ s corner 3 gave the Pelicans a 111-110 lead , Gallinari hit a fall-away in the paint and followed up by rattling in a 3 .
He added free throws and a left-wing pull-up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 121-115 with 30 seconds left .
“ They just have a way of hanging in games and closing them , ” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said .
“ They made plays down the stretch and we just didn ’ t. ” Dennis Schroder scored 22 points for the Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 17 points .
Thunder center Steven Adams capped his 11-point , 11-rebound , three-block night with a clutch jumper in the paint that made it 119-114 .
“ We had a lot of guys step up in different moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We found a way to make enough plays there at the end.
” JJ Redick scored 24 points for the Pelicans , who saw their three-game winning streak snapped in a compelling , highlight-filled contest that saw 22 lead changes and 12 ties .
Both teams shot better than 48 % , but New Orleans was done in by 17 turnovers that the Thunder converted into 24 points .
Oklahoma City committed just nine turnovers .
“ With a leader like Chris Paul , he ’ s facilitating their offense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just had self-inflicted turnovers , ” said Williamson , who committed three turnovers .
For much of the game , Williamson delighted the crowd on both ends of the floor .
He rejected Abdel Nader ’ s floater in the paint with a volleyball-style spike out of play .
His dunks included one on a putback and another on an alley-oop feed from Frank Jackson .
Paul had nine of his assists in the opening two quarters , the last of those coming in a rather unusual way .
Paul unloaded the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final seconds of the half , and Adams hurled the ball right into the hoop from 56 feet .
The shot , which gave the Thunder a 66-58 lead , was the first 3-pointer of Adams ’ career .
He celebrated it with a brief , smiling shimmy before jogging with teammates toward the tunnel to the locker room .

NEW ORLEANS — The veteran savvy of Danilo Gallinari and Chris Paul helped Oklahoma City withstand the latest stirring performance by Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson.
Gallinari scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Paul had 14 points and 12 assists, and the Thunder beat New Orleans 123-118 on Thursday night.
“Down the stretch, that’s when we feel like we’re at our best,” Paul said. “It was Gallo tonight. He was killer.”
Williamson set his new single-game scoring mark with 32 points for New Orleans, his second straight game scoring more than 30, but Gallinari’s clutch shooting kept the Pelicans at bay.
New Orleans, which trailed by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, rallied behind Williamson’s dominant inside play to take several slim leads inside the final six minutes.
But after Lonzo Ball’s corner 3 gave the Pelicans a 111-110 lead, Gallinari hit a fall-away in the paint and followed up by rattling in a 3. He added free throws and a left-wing pull-up in the final minutes, the last making it 121-115 with 30 seconds left.
“They just have a way of hanging in games and closing them,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said. “They made plays down the stretch and we just didn’t.”
Dennis Schroder scored 22 points for the Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 17 points. Thunder center Steven Adams capped his 11-point, 11-rebound, three-block night with a clutch jumper in the paint that made it 119-114.
“We had a lot of guys step up in different moments,” Thunder coach Billy Donvan said. “We found a way to make enough plays there at the end.”
JJ Redick scored 24 points for the Pelicans, who saw their three-game winning streak snapped in a compelling, highlight-filled contest that saw 22 lead changes and 12 ties.
Both teams shot better than 48%, but New Orleans was done in by 17 turnovers that the Thunder converted into 24 points. Oklahoma City committed just nine turnovers.
“With a leader like Chris Paul, he’s facilitating their offense and they were hitting shots, and we just had self-inflicted turnovers,” said Williamson, who committed three turnovers.
For much of the game, Williamson delighted the crowd on both ends of the floor. He rejected Abdel Nader’s floater in the paint with a volleyball-style spike out of play. His dunks included one on a putback and another on an alley-oop feed from Frank Jackson.
Paul had nine of his assists in the opening two quarters, the last of those coming in a rather unusual way. Paul unloaded the ball to Adams in the back court in the final seconds of the half, and Adams hurled the ball right into the hoop from 56 feet.
The shot, which gave the Thunder a 66-58 lead, was the first 3-pointer of Adams’ career. He celebrated it with a brief, smiling shimmy before jogging with teammates toward the tunnel to the locker room.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Alabama lawmaker introduces ‘vasectomy bill’ in response to abortion ban

An Alabama state lawmaker introduced a bill on Thursday that would require men to get a vasectomy after their 50th @ @ @ @ @ she said , that will “ neutralize ” abortion restrictions in the state .
State @ @ @ @ @ bill , which would also require all men in the state to undergo the procedure @ @ @ @ @ Men would be required to pay for the operation , the bill states .
“ @ @ @ @ @ are no restrictions on the reproductive rights of men , ” the bill says .
@ @ @ @ @ that the bill was in response to a proposed near-total ban on abortion in the @ @ @ @ @ by a federal court in 2019 .
“ The Vasectomy bill is to help with @ @ @ @ @ is to neutralize the abortion ban bill , ” Hollis wrote in the tweet .
@ @ @ @ @ always on the women .
It takes 2 to tangle .
This will help prevent @ @ @ @ @ of unwanted children , ” she added .

An Alabama state lawmaker introduced a bill on Thursday that would require men to get a vasectomy after their 50th birthday — a measure, she said, that will “neutralize” abortion restrictions in the state.
State Rep. Rolanda Hollis sponsored the bill, which would also require all men in the state to undergo the procedure after their third child. Men would be required to pay for the operation, the bill states.
“Under existing law, there are no restrictions on the reproductive rights of men,” the bill says.
Rep. Hollis said on Twitter that the bill was in response to a proposed near-total ban on abortion in the state that was struck down by a federal court in 2019.
“The Vasectomy bill is to help with the reproductive system. This is to neutralize the abortion ban bill,” Hollis wrote in the tweet.
“The responsibility is not always on the women. It takes 2 to tangle. This will help prevent pregnancy as well as abortion of unwanted children,” she added.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--MLB Network’s Jim Thome on Astros’ next steps, plus Yankees and Mets

Hall of Famer and MLB Network analyst Jim Thome talks with The Post’s Justin Terranova about the Astros’ mindset, the Mets’ NL East chances and Gerrit Cole’s dominance.
Q: What is the message inside the Astros’ clubhouse if they are to overcome the situation they put themselves in?
A: They brought in Dusty Baker, and that is obviously the first step with his reputation for getting players to come together. They have to preach honesty and integrity to the game and treating it with respect. … Players [on other teams] care. Once they hit spring training and go through this long grind, they want a fair shake. I am competing against you, you’re competing against me. It’s hard to say if they’ll continue to be upset as the season goes on.
Q: What are the challenges Luis Rojas faces with this quick turnaround?
A: Any time first-year managers come aboard, there’s a lot of things you have to get adjusted to. It’s just being who you are. They thought very highly of him. He’s an organizational guy who has now stepped into this situation. But he also is a guy that knows the system very well and knows the nooks and crannies of each player. That can be a big positive. He’s a great baseball man and has great energy
Q: Where do you put the Mets in the NL East?
A: With the firepower these teams have in a division like this, how you start the season is huge. Sometimes in April-May, it can set the tone of where you are going to go. I like the Mets. This is going to be a dogfight. They have an MVP-type first baseman [Pete Alonso], speed, some veterans on that club. It’s an exciting team because offensively they can swing it and their bullpen is really, really good. When you have that rotation and adding [Rick] Porcello and [Michael] Wacha, that’s a rotation a lot of teams in baseball would love to have.
Q: How has Cole become one of the best pitchers in baseball?
A: Let’s start with his velocity. When you throw 96-99 mph and can maintain that with the breaking ball that he has, he just controls the game. He controls the outer-half, the middle and the inside. That’s why right now he is the one guy people look to and say, “If we have to win a game, it’s going to be him.” When you add that to a great franchise, I think as a player that raises the bar very high. I am sure he has a lot of emotion coming to spring training
Q: Is it jarring to see a team with the financial clout of the Red Sox trade away a player like Mookie Betts?
A: It’s hard to speculate on that without knowing what their thought process was. They could be setting themselves up for something else, we truly don’t now at this point. … If you were a Red Sox fan and they just eliminated Mookie Betts, that’s hard. I love the kid. He’s not only a fabulous player, but a good person. So, you do get attached. That can be tough for the fans and the organization.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Man destroys would-be thief with shopping cart in Walmart parking lot

A vigilante shopper stopped a thief in his tracks by rolling his cart directly into the robber as he ran @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia , a report said .
The good Samaritan can be seen on surveillance @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta as he launches his shopping cart straight into the path of the shoplifter , @ @ @ @ @ to the ground .
“ He was able to help us take him into custody @ @ @ @ @ the offender , ” Sgt .
Chris Hyatt of Peachtree City Police told the outlet @ @ @ @ @ lot then helped the shopper put the items back into his cart after the daring @ @ @ @ @ 41-year-old Marcus Smith , was charged with felony shoplifting and obstruction .
Peachtree police warned @ @ @ @ @ into their own hands .
“ Don ’ t do anything that you aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ would put you or others in harm ’ s way , ” Hyatt said .

A vigilante shopper stopped a thief in his tracks by rolling his cart directly into the robber as he ran through a Walmart parking lot in Georgia, a report said.
The good Samaritan can be seen on surveillance video obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta as he launches his shopping cart straight into the path of the shoplifter, causing the man to tumble to the ground.
“He was able to help us take him into custody without injury to anyone, including the offender,” Sgt. Chris Hyatt of the Peachtree City police told the outlet.
Others in the parking lot helped the shopper put the items back into his cart after the daring capture.
The suspect, 41-year-old Marcus Smith, was charged with felony shoplifting and obstruction.
Peachtree police warned citizens about taking criminal matters into their own hands.
“Don’t do anything that you aren’t comfortable with or that would put you or others in harm’s way,” Hyatt said.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Andrew Yang thinks New York City should adopt a universal basic income

Days after dropping his presidential bid , Andew Yang — who ’ s been rumored as a potential New York @ @ @ @ @ he thinks the Big Apple should adopt a universal basic income .
The 45-year-old entrepreneur @ @ @ @ @ possible 2021 run for mayor , told the New York Times that the city “ @ @ @ @ @ basic income.
” “ To me , that seems obvious , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ Schenectady , NY , staked much of his presidential campaign on promoting a universal basic @ @ @ @ @ .
Known as the “ freedom dividend , ” Yang ’ s proposal would have @ @ @ @ @ than 18 with $ 1,000 a month .
When questioned about getting any “ feelers @ @ @ @ @ , Yang , without elaborating , told The Times , “ people have been reaching @ @ @ @ @ the future.
” “ We ’ re looking at different ways forward , ” he @ @

Days after dropping his presidential bid, Andew Yang — who’s been rumored as a potential New York City mayoral candidate — said he thinks the Big Apple should adopt a universal basic income.
The 45-year-old entrepreneur, without ruling out a possible 2021 run for mayor, told the New York Times that the city “should do a large-scale universal basic income.”
“To me, that seems obvious,” he said.
Yang, a native of Schenectady, NY, staked much of his presidential campaign on promoting a universal basic income on the national level.
Known as the “freedom dividend,” Yang’s proposal would have provided every American adult older than 18 with $1,000 a month.
When questioned about getting any “feelers” for a mayoral run, Yang, without elaborating, told The Times, “people have been reaching out with various questions about the future.”
“We’re looking at different ways forward,” he said.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--More minutes not in Knicks’ plan to develop struggling youngsters

Kevin Knox walked briskly and silently out of the locker room late Wednesday as reporters were let in .
Following the 114-96 Garden loss to the Wizards in the Knicks ’ finale before All-Star Weekend , Knox wasn ’ t of a mind to see if anyone wanted to talk to him .
It was a departure from last February , when Knox and Dennis Smith Jr. left the locker room in Atlanta and took a short car ride with team staffers to Charlotte , N.C. Knox was participating in the Rising Stars Challenge , Smith in the dunk contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shining emblems of a major issue at hand : Is Knicks interim coach Mike Miller going to give more minutes to the young lottery picks after the All-Star break , even if their play is subpar ?
Miller usually doesn ’ t show negative emotion , but he appeared agitated when asked for a second time Wednesday night whether he needs to play veterans less and youngsters more .
Against Washington , Knox , their 2018 lottery pick , played 10 minutes and barely touched the ball , making his lone shot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 2017 lottery pick obtained in the Kristaps Porzingis trade , was a disaster — four turnovers in six minutes .
Miller ’ s angry glare at the questioner spoke volumes .
Miller ’ s take — one he has repeated — is player development can take place without dishing out major minutes .
Miller , who is trying to save his job with an improved record , said developing players and attempting to win are not mutually exclusive .
Miller ’ s stance may soon become irrelevant .
Ownership and management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season last week when they fired president Steve Mills and traded the team ’ s best player , Marcus Morris , for draft picks .
( Mills wanted to keep Morris ) .
Acting president Scott Perry has not ordered any edict to start Knox or Smith .
That may not be the case when agent-turned-incoming president Leon Rose officially takes over .
Miller said they haven ’ t spoken .
“ As we approach this , this is all about development , ’ ’ Miller said Wednesday .
“ That will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these guys get better just if they get 10 more minutes in a game .
There are a lot of things that go into the development to make these guys better .
Just having minutes isn ’ t the end all .
I think there are other ways and other factors.
’ ’ It ’ s a slippery slope as many of their prospects are underperforming .
Miller is hell-bent on rolling with players who are effective .
Frank Ntilikina has been OK but being is outperformed by starting point guard Elfrid Payton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steals and nine assists Wednesday .
“ They certainly need experience , ” Miller said .
“ Experience is maybe the best teacher at times .
They are getting experience as they go through it .
We are going to continue every day to work on development and get guys better and move forward .
As we do that , it puts us in a position where you have a chance to win games , too.
” If you say we ’ re focused on development that doesn ’ t mean you aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second-year center Mitchell Robinson , and rookie starting shooting guard RJ Barrett are getting their minutes .
Robinson has shown some progress from his rookie year but hasn ’ t had the breakthrough of adding a low-post , mid-range or 3-point game .
Barrett is headed to the Rising Stars partly because he ’ s on the World Team as a Canadian .
The third pick of the draft was left off this week ’ s top-10 list of the Rookie Challenge .
Barrett ’ s all-important effective field-goal percentage ( an analytic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is just 43 percent , ranking him a pitiful 303rd in the NBA .
Robinson won ’ t be going to the Rising Stars but is fouling less , protecting the rim with swagger even if he ’ s not always involved offensively .
“ It was a roller coaster , ’ ’ Robinson said of his season to date .
“ I had some good games , had terrible games .
I have to find a way to [ be ] consistent through the whole thing.
’ ’ Knicks new branding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he got reprimanded by team brass , said the club needs a new coaching staff to “ help develop those younger players .
Ultimately getting a coach in there and a coaching staff that ’ s going to help develop a team .
That ’ s what I expect to happen.
’ ’ Is it any wonder Miller is sensitive to the notion of not doing enough for the prospects even as his record , 13-20 , is a lot stronger than David Fizdale ’ s ( 4-18 ) .
The Knicks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday versus Indiana , leaving Miller time to further contemplate the issue .

Kevin Knox walked briskly and silently out of the locker room late Wednesday as reporters were let in. Following the 114-96 Garden loss to the Wizards in the Knicks’ finale before All-Star Weekend, Knox wasn’t of a mind to see if anyone wanted to talk to him.
It was a departure from last February, when Knox and Dennis Smith Jr. left the locker room in Atlanta and took a short car ride with team staffers to Charlotte, N.C. Knox was participating in the Rising Stars Challenge, Smith in the dunk contest.
Knox and Smith have become the shining emblems of a major issue at hand: Is Knicks interim coach Mike Miller going to give more minutes to the young lottery picks after the All-Star break, even if their play is subpar?
Miller usually doesn’t show negative emotion, but he appeared agitated when asked for a second time Wednesday night whether he needs to play veterans less and youngsters more.
Against Washington, Knox, their 2018 lottery pick, played 10 minutes and barely touched the ball, making his lone shot, continuing his season of regression.
Smith, a 2017 lottery pick obtained in the Kristaps Porzingis trade, was a disaster — four turnovers in six minutes.
Miller’s angry glare at the questioner spoke volumes. Miller’s take — one he has repeated — is player development can take place without dishing out major minutes. Miller, who is trying to save his job with an improved record, said developing players and attempting to win are not mutually exclusive.
No tank you.
Miller’s stance may soon become irrelevant. Ownership and management essentially threw in the towel on the season last week when they fired president Steve Mills and traded the team’s best player, Marcus Morris, for draft picks. (Mills wanted to keep Morris.)
Acting president Scott Perry has not ordered any edict to start Knox or Smith. That may not be the case when agent-turned-incoming president Leon Rose officially takes over. Miller said they haven’t spoken.
“As we approach this, this is all about development,’’ Miller said Wednesday. “That will never change. It’s about how these guys get better just if they get 10 more minutes in a game. There are a lot of things that go into the development to make these guys better. Just having minutes isn’t the end-all. I think there are other ways and other factors.’’
It’s a slippery slope as many of their prospects are underperforming. Miller is hell-bent on rolling with players who are effective. Frank Ntilikina has been OK but is being outperformed by starting point guard Elfrid Payton, who scored 19 points with five steals and nine assists Wednesday.
“They certainly need experience,” Miller said. “Experience is maybe the best teacher at times. They are getting experience as they go through it. We are going to continue every day to work on development and get guys better and move forward. As we do that, it puts us in a position where you have a chance to win games, too. If you say we’re focused on development, that doesn’t mean you aren’t trying to win games.”
Second-year center Mitchell Robinson and rookie starting shooting guard RJ Barrett are getting their minutes.
Robinson has shown some progress from his rookie year but hasn’t had the breakthrough of adding a low-post, mid-range or 3-point game. Barrett is headed to the Rising Stars partly because he’s on the World Team as a Canadian.
The third pick of the draft was left off this week’s top-10 list of the Rookie Challenge. Barrett’s all-important effective field-goal percentage (an analytic that puts extra weight on 3-point shots) is just 43 percent, ranking him a pitiful 303rd in the NBA.
Robinson won’t be going to the Rising Stars but is fouling less, protecting the rim with swagger even if he’s not always involved offensively.
“It was a roller coaster,’’ Robinson said of his season to date. “I had some good games, had terrible games. I have to find a way to [be] consistent through the whole thing.’’
The Knicks’ new branding consultant Steve Stoute, in remarks for which he got reprimanded by team brass, said the club needs a new coaching staff to “help develop those younger players. Ultimately getting a coach in there and a coaching staff that’s going to help develop a team. That’s what I expect to happen.’’
Is it any wonder Miller is sensitive to the notion of not doing enough for the prospects even as his record, 13-20, is a lot stronger than David Fizdale’s (4-18).
The Knicks don’t play against until next Friday versus Indiana, leaving Miller time to further contemplate the issue.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--San Bernardino middle school teacher possible first victim of ‘serial-killing gang’

Police in California believe four unsolved fatal shootings over the last six months are part of the same gang-related spree — beginning with the murder of a middle school teacher in August .
Nancy Magaña , 25 , was sitting in her parked pickup truck with her boyfriend and 5-year-old son Aug. 17 when two men walked up to the driver ’ s side window and shot her , San Bernardino police said Wednesday .
Police released surveillance footage showing the suspects ’ light-colored sedan driving near Magaña ’ s truck , which was stopped in the parking lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were exchanged between Magaña and [ the people in ] that vehicle , ” Sgt .
Al Tello said at a press conference .
“ She was just sitting there with her boyfriend.
” Nearly a month later on Sept. 14 , a 21-year-old man driving a red Toyota Camry with his 2-year-old daughter was shot by men in a light-colored sedan , causing him to crash into a guard rail .
He survived in critical condition .
His daughter died .
Then on Jan. 19 , Lemon Hamilton , 24 , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A short time later , another person who had apparently fled the scene showed up at a hospital .
Police believe that , in that case , there was a shootout with a group of unidentified men .
Two days later , police found Israel De La Torre , 24 , dead on the ground beside his car .
Daniel Melendrez , 33 , was found dead a couple of blocks away , likely trying to flee the scene , cops said .
Surveillance footage showed a group of men in a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their getaway ride once the murder was committed .
A common thread between the shootings was that they all happened west of the 215 Freeway , an area with a lot of gang activity , according to The Press-Enterprise .
Police said the attacks are believed to be gang-related .
Some of the victims were randomly chosen while other may have been known to their attackers .

Police in California believe four unsolved fatal shootings over the last six months are part of the same gang-related spree — beginning with the murder of a middle school teacher in August.
Nancy Magaña, 25, was sitting in her parked pickup truck with her boyfriend and 5-year-old son Aug. 17 when two men walked up to the driver’s window and shot her, San Bernardino police said Wednesday.
Police released surveillance footage showing the suspects’ light-colored sedan driving near Magaña’s truck, which was stopped in the parking lot of a local park.
“No words were exchanged between Magaña and [the people in] that vehicle,” Sgt. Al Tello said at a press conference.
“She was just sitting there with her boyfriend.”
Nearly a month later, on Sept. 14, a 21-year-old man driving a red Toyota Camry with his 2-year-old daughter was shot by men in a light-colored sedan, causing him to crash into a guardrail. He survived in critical condition. His daughter died.
Then on Jan. 19, Lemon Hamilton, 24, was found lying shot in the street. A short time later, another person who had apparently fled the scene showed up at a hospital.
Police believe that, in that case, there was a shootout with a group of unidentified men.
Two days later, police found Israel De La Torre, 24, dead on the ground beside his car. Daniel Melendrez, 33, was found dead a couple of blocks away, likely trying to flee the scene, cops said.
Surveillance footage showed a group of men in a car dropping off the killers and then serving as their getaway ride once the murder was committed.
A common thread between the shootings was that they all happened west of the 215 Freeway, an area with a lot of gang activity, according to the Press-Enterprise.
Police said the attacks are believed to be gang-related. Some of the victims were randomly chosen while others may have been known to their attackers.


newyorkpost--2020-02-13--Orlando Bloom misspells son Flynn’s name in new Morse code tattoo

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 post shared by Orlando Bloom ( @ orlandobloom ) on Feb 11 , 2020 at 12:17pm PST Always remember to dot your … Ls ?
Orlando Bloom , 43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spell out the name of his son Flynn in Morse code on Tuesday — but fans quickly noticed a misspelling in the permanent ink .
“ New # tattoo can you guess who ?
” Bloom wrote in the Instagram caption .
The art , however , skips a dot to improperly spell out F-R-Y-N-N. Hungarian artist Balazs Bercsenyi , pictured in the photo with Bloom , created the tattoo for the “ Lord of the Rings ” star .
“ Former Legolas and the Hungarian tattooed Frodo , ” Bercsenyi commented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same photo .
Bercsenyi has also inked other celebrities including model Eniko Mihalik and Marquita Pring .
“ A beautiful reminder for @ orlandobloom of his son , ” Bercsenyi wrote in his own post on Instagram .
“ And yes , a dot is missing , we know , it will be fixed : ) ” The tattoo also includes the date and time of Flynn ’ s birth : Jan. 6 , 2011 , at 9:03 a.m. Flynn is Bloom ’ s child with ex-wife Miranda Kerr — who welcomed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October .
Bloom , who is engaged to singer Katy Perry , currently stars in the Amazon Prime neo-noir fantasy show “ Carnival Row .
”

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A post shared by Orlando Bloom (@orlandobloom) on Feb 11, 2020 at 12:17pm PST
Always remember to dot your … Ls?
Orlando Bloom, 43, showed off his new tattoo intended to spell out the name of his son Flynn in Morse code on Tuesday — but fans quickly noticed a misspelling in the permanent ink.
“New #tattoo can you guess who?” Bloom wrote in the Instagram caption.
The art, however, skips a dot to improperly spell out F-R-Y-N-N.
“F=.._ L=._.. Y= _._ _ N= _.(they forgot a (.), R=._.,” one commenter wrote.
Hungarian artist Balazs Bercsenyi, pictured in the photo with Bloom, created the tattoo for the “Lord of the Rings” star.
“Former Legolas and the Hungarian tattooed Frodo,” Bercsenyi commented on his own post — sharing the same photo.
Bercsenyi has also inked other celebrities including model Eniko Mihalik and Marquita Pring.
“A beautiful reminder for @orlandobloom of his son,” Bercsenyi wrote in his own post on Instagram. “And yes, a dot is missing, we know, it will be fixed :)”
The tattoo also includes the date and time of Flynn’s birth: Jan. 6, 2011, at 9:03 a.m.
Flynn is Bloom’s child with ex-wife Miranda Kerr — who welcomed her second son with Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel in October.
Bloom, who is engaged to singer Katy Perry, currently stars in the Amazon Prime neo-noir fantasy show “Carnival Row.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-13--Myles Garrett doubles down on Mason Rudolph racial slur claim

Myles Garrett ’ s indefinite suspension is officially over .
The Browns confirmed ...

Myles Garrett isn’t backing down from his claim Mason Rudolph used a racial slur before a brawl that included Garrett hitting the Steelers quarterback over the head with his own helmet in November.
“He called me the N-word,” Garrett told “Outside The Lines” during an interview that aired Thursday night on ESPN. “He called me a ‘stupid N-word.’”
The Browns defensive end was reinstated by the NFL on Wednesday after being handed an indefinite suspension for ripping off Rudolph’s helmet and striking him with it. It led to Garrett missing six games, losing more than $1 million in salary and getting a $45,623 fine.
Garrett first made the claim Rudolph used a racial slur during the appeal hearing for his suspension in late November, but said he never meant for the allegation to become public. Then Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said at the time he believed Garrett’s account of the brawl. Rudolph has denied using any kind of slur, calling it “totally untrue,” and the NFL said it found no evidence the quarterback used a slur.
Garrett sees things differently.
During the ESPN interview, he blamed Rudolph for starting the fight, claiming he “sparked something” that Garrett “tried to let go” and “walk away from.” Things continued to escalate.
“But once he came back, it kind of reignited the situation,” Garrett said. “And not only have you escalated things past what they needed to be with such little time in the game left, now you’re trying to re-engage and start a fight again. It’s definitely not entirely his fault, it’s definitely both parties doing something that we shouldn’t have been doing.
“I don’t say the N-word, whether it’s with ‘a’ [or] ‘er.’ To me personally, just shouldn’t be said, and whether it’s by family, friends, anyone. I don’t want to use it because I don’t want [people to] find that appropriate around me for anyone to use.”
The incident resulted in 33 players disciplined by the NFL and fines combining for $732,422, including $250,000 to each franchise.


newyorkpost--2020-02-13--Kobe Bryant’s death adds gravitas to Brooks Koepka tribute

PACIFIC PALISADES , Calif. — Brooks Koepka never met Kobe Bryant .
But he hatched an idea last fall — one he had no clue would lead to anything with meaning this deep .
Koepka , wanting to honor Bryant during this week ’ s Genesis Invitational , approached Nike , one of his chief sponsors , about designing a pair of golf shoes in purple and gold in tribute to the longtime Laker , whom he described as one of the most “ impactful ’ ’ athletes in his life .
“ I had sat down with Nike last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ’ Koepka said Thursday after shooting a 2-under 69 in the opening round at Riviera Country Club .
“ I was always a big Kobe fan .
He was very impactful on my life .
I never met him , but it was something we wanted to do .
We came up with the idea [ for the shoes ] back then … and it was crazy.
’ ’ Koepka , who was playing in the Middle East when Bryant , his daughter and seven others perished in that Jan. 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he woke up around midnight to take his girlfriend , Jena Sims , to the airport and she told him the “ quite shocking ” news .
“ I didn ’ t believe it , ’ ’ Koepka said .
“ I was half asleep , 12:30 in the morning [ in the Middle East ] .
I saw my phone was going off a lot , to say the least .
Then Jena said that Kobe died .
I didn ’ t really believe it at first , just kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
You ’ re like , ‘ Is it true ?
Is it not ?
Is it rumor ?
’ “ I texted a rep from Nike and I said , ‘ We ’ ve got to do something ; I ’ ve got to do something my next time in L.A. ’ I completely forgot about the shoes [ that already had been designed ] , so it was kind of a surreal moment thinking that I was already doing something five months in advance and then this happened .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never met , and that was the first time.
’ ’ Koepka , who just lost his No .
1 world ranking to Rory McIlroy this week , said he was “ kind of hoping ’ ’ to be giving Bryant a pair of the shoes so “ he could kind of see the impact he had on my life.
’ ’ “ Hopefully , [ I ’ ll ] get these off for charity and raise money for everybody that was involved in the crash , ’ ’ Koepka said of the @ @

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Brooks Koepka never met Kobe Bryant. But he hatched an idea last fall — one he had no clue would lead to anything with meaning this deep.
Koepka, wanting to honor Bryant during this week’s Genesis Invitational, approached Nike, one of his chief sponsors, about designing a pair of golf shoes in purple and gold in tribute to the longtime Laker, whom he described as one of the most “impactful’’ athletes in his life.
“I had sat down with Nike last fall, I think it was October,’’ Koepka said Thursday after shooting a 2-under 69 in the opening round at Riviera Country Club. “I was always a big Kobe fan. He was very impactful on my life. I never met him, but it was something we wanted to do. We came up with the idea [for the shoes] back then … and it was crazy.’’
Koepka, who was playing in the Middle East when Bryant, his daughter and seven others perished in that Jan. 26 helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., said he woke up around midnight to take his girlfriend, Jena Sims, to the airport and she told him the “quite shocking” news.
“I didn’t believe it,’’ Koepka said. “I was half asleep, 12:30 in the morning [in the Middle East]. I saw my phone was going off a lot, to say the least. Then Jena said that Kobe died. I didn’t really believe it at first, just kind of didn’t know what was going on. You’re like, ‘Is it true? Is it not? Is it rumor?’
“I texted a rep from Nike and I said, ‘We’ve got to do something; I’ve got to do something my next time in L.A.’ I completely forgot about the shoes [that already had been designed], so it was kind of a surreal moment thinking that I was already doing something five months in advance and then this happened. I’ve never cried over anybody I never met, and that was the first time.’’
Koepka, who just lost his No. 1 world ranking to Rory McIlroy this week, said he was “kind of hoping’’ to be giving Bryant a pair of the shoes so “he could kind of see the impact he had on my life.’’
“Hopefully, [I’ll] get these off for charity and raise money for everybody that was involved in the crash,’’ Koepka said of the shoes.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Stormy Daniels says jury found Michael Avenatti’s ‘true character’

Porn star Stormy Daniels said Friday ’ s guilty verdict involving her former lawyer , Michael Avenatti , shows that the Manhattan jury “ found his true character.
” “ Sadly , it appears what Michael Avenatti did to me was just the tip of an iceberg of deceit , ” wrote Daniels , a former client of Avenatti who claims he stole $ 300,000 from her and forged her signature , on Instagram .
“ I am not surprised his dishonesty has been revealed on a grand scale , ” she said , after Avenatti was found guilty on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 25 million from sports-apparel giant Nike .
“ His arrogant , fraudulent and overly aggressive behavior became so pervasive that the jury found his true character , ” she added of the lawyer , whose case was tried in Manhattan federal court .
Daniels fueled Avenatti ’ s rise to fame when she hired the loudmouth lawyer to represent her in failed lawsuits alleging she was paid hush money by President Donald Trump over an alleged affair she had with him before his presidency .
The pair fell out when Avenatti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she earned from writing her memoir , “ Full Disclosure.
” He is now facing criminal charges related to that case , with a trial date set for April 21 .
While Daniels wrote Avenatti ’ s Nike conviction Friday was “ just , ” she added that she couldn ’ t help but feel regretful she ’ d trusted him .
“ I do feel sad for his children and foolish for believing his lies for so long , ” Daniels wrote .
A jury convicted Avenatti of attempted extortion , honest-services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications .
He faces up to 42 years in prison over the verdict , but still has Daniels ’ case — plus another criminal matter in California — to deal with .

Porn star Stormy Daniels said Friday’s guilty verdict involving her former lawyer, Michael Avenatti, shows that the Manhattan jury “found his true character.”
“Sadly, it appears what Michael Avenatti did to me was just the tip of an iceberg of deceit,” wrote Daniels, a former client of Avenatti who claims he stole $300,000 from her and forged her signature, on Instagram.
“I am not surprised his dishonesty has been revealed on a grand scale,” she said, after Avenatti was found guilty on all counts for trying to extort up to $25 million from sports-apparel giant Nike.
“His arrogant, fraudulent and overly aggressive behavior became so pervasive that the jury found his true character,” she added of the lawyer, whose case was tried in Manhattan federal court.
Daniels fueled Avenatti’s rise to fame when she hired the loudmouth lawyer to represent her in failed lawsuits alleging she was paid hush money by President Donald Trump over an alleged affair she had with him before his presidency.
The pair fell out when Avenatti allegedly forged her signature and stole money she earned from writing her memoir, “Full Disclosure.”
He is now facing criminal charges related to that case, with a trial date set for April 21.
While Daniels wrote Avenatti’s Nike conviction Friday was “just,” she added that she couldn’t help but feel regretful she’d trusted him.
“I do feel sad for his children and foolish for believing his lies for so long,” Daniels wrote.
A jury convicted Avenatti of attempted extortion, honest-services fraud and the related use of interstate communications. He faces up to 42 years in prison over the verdict, but still has Daniels’ case — plus another criminal matter in California — to deal with.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--‘Kinky’ Italian sausage ‘Wheel of Fortune’ puzzle goes awry

“ Wheel of Fortune ” viewers were doubled over in laughter during Thursday night ’ s episode after one of its puzzles revealed a risqué message .
Contestant Adam Goodell scored $ 2,450 and advanced to the bonus round for solving the puzzle , “ Brushing up on my Italian sausage ” — a phrase that got much more attention than the player who guessed it .
Those watching at home immediately took to Twitter to express their disbelief over the solved puzzle , which was dubbed “ kinky ” and “ hilarious.
” “ Yeah , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # ohvannapickmealetter , ” one user wrote , sharing a photo of his television screen with the proof .
“ I found the ‘ Brushing up on my Italian sausage ’ puzzle on # WheelofFortune tonight hilarious for some reason !
” another commented .
Others found it hard to believe the family-friendly game show let it slide .
“ Bruh what intern must made the puzzle ‘ brushing up on my Italian sausage ’ I ’ m dead , ” one social media user said .
Another tweeted : “ ‘ Brushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of the most lurid-sounding # WheelofFortune puzzles ever.
” “ So apparently the solution to a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune yesterday was ‘ Brushing Up On My Italian Sausage ’ …and I think the jokes write themselves , ” another user wrote with several laughing face emojis .
Host Pat Sajak even joined in on the laughter .
After the scandalous puzzle was revealed , he provided a smirk and quickly said , “ Uh…it ’ s a grilling expression.
” This is far from the first time the popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewership .
Just last month the audience was captivated after one contestant ’ s guess during the game ’ s Bonus Round had the crowd erupting in laughter .
Contestant Marie Leo was tasked with solving , “ —–NG -A– ” and in a matter of seconds she blurted out , “ Chasing Tail.
” Realizing her flub , the contestant immediately said , “ No , ” before her time ran out .
The answer was revealed to be “ Kicking Back .
”

“Wheel of Fortune” viewers were doubled over in laughter during Thursday night’s episode after one of its puzzles revealed a risqué message.
Contestant Adam Goodell scored $2,450 and advanced to the bonus round for solving the puzzle, “Brushing up on my Italian sausage” — a phrase that got much more attention than the player who guessed it.
Those watching at home immediately took to Twitter to express their disbelief over the solved puzzle, which was dubbed “kinky” and “hilarious.”
“Yeah, I don’t know about this one #wheeloffortune #ohvannapickmealetter,” one user wrote, sharing a photo of his television screen with the proof.
“I found the ‘Brushing up on my Italian sausage’ puzzle on #WheelofFortune tonight hilarious for some reason!” another commented.
Others found it hard to believe the family-friendly game show let it slide.
“Bruh what intern must made the puzzle ‘brushing up on my Italian sausage’ I’m dead,” one social media user said.
Another tweeted: “‘Brushing up on my Italian sausage’ may be one of the most lurid-sounding #WheelofFortune puzzles ever.”
“So apparently the solution to a puzzle on Wheel of Fortune yesterday was ‘Brushing Up On My Italian Sausage’…and I think the jokes write themselves,” another user wrote with several laughing face emojis.
“That doesn’t sound right,” pointed out another.
Host Pat Sajak even joined in on the laughter. After the scandalous puzzle was revealed, he provided a smirk and quickly said, “Uh…it’s a grilling expression.”
This is far from the first time the popular game show has drawn giggles from the viewership. Just last month the audience was captivated after one contestant’s guess during the game’s Bonus Round had the crowd erupting in laughter.
Contestant Marie Leo was tasked with solving, “—–NG -A–” and in a matter of seconds she blurted out, “Chasing Tail.”
Realizing her flub, the contestant immediately said, “No,” before her time ran out. The answer was revealed to be “Kicking Back.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--Yankees’ Brian Cashman rips Astros owner: Sign-stealing did impact game

A day after Crane , the Astros ’ owner , claimed his club ’ s illegal sign-stealing program “ didn ’ t impact the game , ” Cashman , whose Yankees lost to the Astros in the 2017 ALCS , clapped back .
“ I definitely think it had an effect on things , without question , ” Cashman said Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field .
“ Certainly the Houston Astros were dealing with a distinct advantage more so than their opponents .
That ’ s a fact .
I don ’ t think anybody can disagree with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked if sign-stealing affects competition , Cashman was just as direct .
“ Yes .
No question about it , or you wouldn ’ t be doing it , ” Cashman said .
The Yankees have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Astros in two of the past three years .
Major League Baseball has only found that the Astros cheated in 2017 , using electronics to steal signs , though there is suspicion they were at it again in 2019 .
That conspiracy theory has been fueled by the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rip off his jersey — perhaps as not to reveal a buzzer or other device underneath — after he hit a walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman to clinch the ALCS last October .
The Astros have denied the claim and MLB said its investigation into it did not find anything .
Cashman said he had “ no idea ” what may have gone on , but believes the truth will come out if something was awry .
Cashman said all of the talk about the Astros ’ sign-stealing has created “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dealing with ” as spring trainings open across Florida and Arizona .
But as he addressed it for the first time with reporters ( he only previously spoke to YES Network about it ) , he admitted frustration .
“ What has happened in the past , obviously we ’ re upset , ” Cashman said .
“ Our ownership ’ s upset .
Our front office is upset .
Our players that were with us in ’ 17 especially were upset , and understandably so .
There ’ s nothing we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and going forward.
” Many Yankees from the 2017 team said they have felt cheated out of a pennant after the Astros won all four home games in that year ’ s ALCS .
Cashman did not go that far , instead multiple times emphasizing the need to move forward and focus on the present .
“ At this stage , for the best of our industry , I ’ ll acknowledge we had many conversations with Major League Baseball over the last number of years about suspicions , but having suspicions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different things , ” Cashman said .
“ If it wasn ’ t for Mike Fiers , no one maybe ever would have known.
” It was Fiers who became the first player to speak on the record ( with The Athletic ) about the Astros ’ illegal sign-stealing program in 2017 .
That prompted MLB to investigate the issue that many teams had long suspected .
Asked if he was satisfied any potential cheating by the 2019 Astros with buzzers or devices had been investigated sufficiently , Cashman stood by the commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baseball and their security detail , their hands are full constantly with a lot of speculation and a lot of complaints , ” he said .
“ It really wasn ’ t until the whistleblower came out that you could ever put any meat on the bones .
Many teams in the game were pointing fingers .
Pointing fingers are one thing , but having evidence and proof is another , so it ’ s just a very challenging circumstance .
I ’ m satisfied that the powers that be are doing everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create that environment of fair play .
”

TAMPA — Brian Cashman is calling Jim Crane’s bluff.
A day after Crane, the Astros’ owner, claimed his club’s illegal sign-stealing program “didn’t impact the game,” Cashman, whose Yankees lost to the Astros in the 2017 ALCS, clapped back.
“I definitely think it had an effect on things, without question,” Cashman said Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “Certainly the Houston Astros were dealing with a distinct advantage more so than their opponents. That’s a fact. I don’t think anybody can disagree with that, even though they may try.”
Asked if sign-stealing affects competition, Cashman was just as direct.
“Yes. No question about it, or you wouldn’t be doing it,” Cashman said.
The Yankees have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Astros in two of the past three years. Major League Baseball has only found that the Astros cheated in 2017, using electronics to steal signs, though there is suspicion they were at it again in 2019. That conspiracy theory has been fueled by the video of Jose Altuve telling his teammates not to rip off his jersey — perhaps as not to reveal a buzzer or other device underneath — after he hit a walk-off home run against Aroldis Chapman to clinch the ALCS last October.
The Astros have denied the claim and MLB said its investigation into it did not find anything. Cashman said he had “no idea” what may have gone on, but believes the truth will come out if something was awry.
Cashman said all of the talk about the Astros’ sign-stealing has created “an unhealthy dynamic for our game to be dealing with” as spring trainings open across Florida and Arizona. But as he addressed it for the first time with reporters (he only previously spoke to YES Network about it), he admitted frustration.
“What has happened in the past, obviously we’re upset,” Cashman said. “Our ownership’s upset. Our front office is upset. Our players that were with us in ’17 especially were upset, and understandably so. There’s nothing we can do about that at this stage and going forward.”
Many Yankees from the 2017 team said they have felt cheated out of a pennant after the Astros won all four home games in that year’s ALCS. Cashman did not go that far, instead multiple times emphasizing the need to move forward and focus on the present.
“At this stage, for the best of our industry, I’ll acknowledge we had many conversations with Major League Baseball over the last number of years about suspicions, but having suspicions and being able to prove it are two different things,” Cashman said. “If it wasn’t for Mike Fiers, no one maybe ever would have known.”
It was Fiers who became the first player to speak on the record (with The Athletic) about the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing program in 2017. That prompted MLB to investigate the issue that many teams had long suspected.
Asked if he was satisfied any potential cheating by the 2019 Astros with buzzers or devices had been investigated sufficiently, Cashman stood by the commissioner.
“Rob Manfred and Major League Baseball and their security detail, their hands are full constantly with a lot of speculation and a lot of complaints,” he said. “It really wasn’t until the whistleblower came out that you could ever put any meat on the bones. Many teams in the game were pointing fingers. Pointing fingers are one thing, but having evidence and proof is another, so it’s just a very challenging circumstance. I’m satisfied that the powers that be are doing everything in their power in real time to create that environment of fair play.”


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--The best Valentine’s Day weekend sales at Bloomingdale’s, Zales, and more

It ’ s Valentine ’ s Day weekend , meaning there are some great deals to be found on last-minute @ @ @ @ @ yourself .
And whether you ’ re looking for flowers , beauty products , or @ @ @ @ @ ve rounded up some of the best savings you can find this weekend .
Sephora @ @ @ @ @ up to 50 % off , Anthropologie clearance items are an extra 50 % off @ @ @ @ @ s iconic Clear The Rack sale is packed with deals .
There is even a @ @ @ @ @ the food delivery service Freshly .
So take a look at our V-Day sales roundup @ @ @ @ @ these must-have deals .

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
The day of love is finally here, and that means it’s time to pop open the wine and indulge in the chocolate.
Whether you are spending Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner, your best gal pals or your furry friend — no matter what, you’ll love these sweet deals currently available online.
We found sales and deals from top brands such as J. Crew, lululemon, Coach Outlet, Kate Spade and more.
Snag a new sweater, a discounted pair of jeans or even a gift basket to send as a post-Valentine’s Day gift.
Go ahead, treat yourself or a loved one to these can’t-beat deals we found down below.
Happy Valentine’s day shopping!
Searching for a sweet deal on women’s clothing? Then take 50% off select women’s sale sweaters and shoes with code SALETIME. While you’re at it, take advantage of discounts across men’s and kid’s apparel, too.
Everyone loves lululemon, and now, you can shop the brand’s We Made Too Much section to save on tops, bottoms and more.
Take advantage of CHI’s Valentine’s Day sale and save 25% off sitewide with code XOXOCHI. You can also earn 2x the points while you’re at it.
Snuggle up this V-Day and save up to 25% off sitewide. No code needed.
If stories are your one true love, then get three free months of Audible Premium now. Want to know all of the details? Check out our write up here.
Audible
There’s nothing like a good mattress deal, and right now, you can save up to 40% on select mattresses and up to 50% off select bedding.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a new tote or wallet, the Coach Outlet has you covered. Get free shipping on all orders over $50.
Use code DOUBLEUP and take an extra 20% off of coveted clothing styles.
Goldbelly’s annual NY Bagel Sale is going on now, so score up to 30% off and make your tummy happy.
Looking for trending fashion staples and must-have home and beauty? Then save 25% off fashion selects and 15% off home and beauty with code LOVE22.
Verishop
Discover the love of Tushy by scoring 14% off bidets with code IFARTYOU.
Whether they’re for you or a loved one, take 10% off flowers sitewide. Code AFF is already applied.
Right now, you can score 20-50% off men’s, women’s and kid’s V-Day picks as well as score an additional 20% off with code VDAY.
For a limited time, score up to 50% off bedding, 40% off bath, 25% off storage essentials and 20% off sitewide when you choose in-store pickup.
Looking for something tasty? Then take advantage of the Harry & David Buy One Get One 50% Off sale when you buy any delicious gift.
Henry & David
If you didn’t know, Aerie has the best undies. Check out our roundup of the best women’s underwear to prove it. Better yet, get 10 undies for only $38.
Speaking of the best of the best, American Eagle houses the softest and comfiest tees of all time. So go ahead and score 30% off all T-shirts now.
Fill you space with balancing aromas and save 20% off when you bundle astrology candles.
Amazon just added some new products to their Daily Deals section. Hurry on over to save on an Amazon Fire TV Stick, tablets and more.
For a limited time, you can save 75% off everything today. We know, it’s a pretty mind-blowing deal.
Kate Spade
Enjoy the glitz and glam by saving up to 50% off rings, earrings, necklaces and more.
Get all things beautiful by scoring 20% off gifts with code LOVE20.
Is there anything more perfect than Victoria’s Secret for Valentine’s Day? We don’t think so — score seven pairs of panties for $35.
The original weighted blanket can be yours. Simply shop select styles and land 30% off.
For one day only, you can get a free sapphire necklace with any purchase over $500. Yes, please!
Brilliant Earth
This Valentine’s Day, score 30% off boots, dresses, pants and more.
Make the kiddo in your life feel extra special by saving up to 60% off sale items. You can also enjoy 10% off your first order over $75 with code HELLO10.
Say hello to better sleep when you save $450 off top-tier mattresses.
Perfect for both him and her, score an extra 40% off sale styles. The discount will automatically be applied at checkout.
If gorgeous hair is your Valentine, then save $20 when you purchase two At-Home Keratin Treatment Kits.
Gussi
Speaking of hair, add some extra spunk to your ‘do and enjoy up to 50% off sitewide.
QVC houses everything from fashion to food, and right now, you can land $10 off your first order with code SURPRISE.
Unleash your fashionista, and take 20% off everything with code FEB20.
Take advantage of Gigi Pip’s Buy One Get One 50% off sale right now. Shop away, as the entire site is included in the promotion.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.


newyorkpost--2020-02-14--The best Nordstrom Rack ‘Clear the Rack’ sales during Presidents’ Day weekend

Nordstrom Rack has launched its semi-annual Clear the Rack sale , meaning it ’ s time to score some amazing @ @ @ @ @ shoes , accessories and more .
During the sale , you can take an extra @ @ @ @ @ items .
There are great savings on items like a Champion anorak jacket or these @ @ @ @ @ And this Thacker Hannah crossbody bag will be a chic addition to any outfit .
@ @ @ @ @ on home goods , pet accessories and holiday decorations .
We ’ ve gathered our @ @ @ @ @ .
So you better make some room in that online cart for all your amazing @ @

When it comes to show-stopping glam, Diorshow is stars' go-to — and right now, you can score a product set worth $93 for just $62.