Morning News Links - Simpson gets suspended and more Saints scandals
NFL
New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis responds, via email, to the allegations that he had the ability to eavesdrop on opposing team coaches during games. "It just didn't happen," Loomis said. [Fox Sports]
Former Saints head coach Jim Haslett says he has no knowledge of any eavesdropping device within the organization. "To my knowledge this concept was never discussed or utilized." [ProFootballTalk]
Former Bengals WR, and current free agent, Jerome Simpson has been suspended three games by the NFL under the substance abuse policy. [ESPN]
The wife of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has been arrested on a domestic violence charge. Sanders says on his twitter account that his wife jumped him in his room. [TMZ] [Twitter]
The NY Jets have told QB Tim Tebow that they plan to use him on special teams as the punt protector. [ESPN]
Two New Jersey state troopers have been suspended without pay for escorting a convoy of speeding luxury cars, including one driven by 49ers RB Brandon Jacobs. [The Morning Call]
NHL
Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville says that Raffi Torres' hit on Marian Hossa was the "turning point" in the series. [Chicago Sun-Times]
NY Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist speaks out about the Senators final goal last night. "Someone wants them back in the game, obviously, because there's no other explanation," Lundqvist said. [NY Post]
Senators Chris Neil comments on his battle with Rangers Michael Del Zotto, "I'm sure I'll catch him with his head down one of these times." [Twitter]
Team Canada is looking to add two forwards and two defencemen to their World Championship roster. [TSN]
NBA
OKC Thunder guard James Harden is listed as day-to-day with a concussion, following an elbow to the head from LA Lakers forward Metta World Peace. Harden will be re-evaluated today. [ESPN]
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says, "Good riddance" in reference to the Nets playing their last game in the state before moving to Brooklyn. [ESPN]
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford says he will return from his pectoral injury, in a limited fashion, for the first round of the playoffs. [ProBasketballTalk]
Ray Allen's playoff availability is in question after he revealed that he is dealing with bone spurs in his injured ankle. Allen has missed seven straight games. [CSN New England]
The NBPA's executive committee voted 8-0 to have Derek Fisher resign as the president of the union, but Fisher, who has two years left on his contract, says he will not step down. Chris Paul has been named as a possible replacement when Fisher's reign comes to an end. [USA Today]
There is speculation that Jason Kidd could return to the Nets in Brooklyn for the 2012-13 season. [NY Times]
Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu says he hopes to return from a fractured cheekbone in time for the first round of the playoffs. [Orlando Sentinel]
MLB
There will likely be no written explanation as to why Ryan Braun's drug suspension was overturned, despite the labor contracts stating that a written decision must be given within 30 days of an arbitrator's ruling. [ESPN]
Free agent designated hitter Hideki Matsui is expected to sign a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. [YES Network]
The Atlanta Braves have demoted All-Star pitcher Jair Jurrjens to the minors. Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A on Monday after managing just three innings pitched in his fourth start. Jurrjens had fallen to 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA. [San Francisco Chronicle]
Toronto Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos got some good news when the MRI on his shoulder showed no structural damage. He is on a no-throwing program for 10-14 days. [The Score]
