Morning News Links
MLB
Sources within the New York Yankees clubhouse believe Mariano Rivera could return from his torn ACL this season. [CBS Sports]
Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said he would like to return to Minnesota where he began his career, if the Angels do not re-sign him this winter. [Minneapolis Star-Tribune]
The LA Dodgers have agreed to terms with OF Bobby Abreu. He will be a part-time outfielder and pinch hitter. [CBS Sports]
Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos is hopeful that he can return within the next two weeks. [MLB.com]
NHL
Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock commented on his team after they dropped Game 3 vs LA: "They’re the hammer, we're the nail. We’ve just got to move the nail around a couple times here." [NHL.com]
Despite their apologies to the team, the Nashville Predators appear to be choosing to keep Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn out of the lineup for Game 4. Radulov said "They don't want to change the lineup." [Arizona Republic]
Flyers centre Sean Couturier avoided major injury after being cut by a skate blade in Game 3 vs. New Jersey. [RDS]
The Philadelphia Flyers would make re-signing defenceman Matt Carle a priority over re-signing Jaromir Jagr this offseason. [Philadelphia Inquirer]
The Phoenix Coyotes are close to being sold to an owner who intends to keep the team in Phoenix. [ESPN]
NBA
Jason Kidd (seen above being presented the NBA's sportsmanship award) plans to retire this summer, if he doesn't receive a contract over the veteran's minimum. [SI.com]
Adrian Wojnarowski says the New York Knicks need to lure Phil Jackson out of retirement with a massive contract. [Yahoo! Sports]
Atlanta Hawks wingman Jerry Stackhouse predicts that the Miami Heat will win the NBA championship, despite the fact that his Hawks are still in the playoffs. [Jerry's Blog]
ESPN's Bill Simmons was forced to withdraw his MVP vote, after it was discovered he placed a bet on LeBron James to win the award and also voted for James. [Business Insider]
Jeremy Lin has been ruled out for the Knicks' Game 4 tilt with Miami. Coach Mike Woodson also said Amar'e Stoudemire is doubtful to play. [Newsday]
Kentucky and Indiana will end their 42-year rivalry in men's basketball because the two sides couldn't agree on the venue to play at. [CBS Sports]
The Orlando Magic have called a press conference, where it is expected they will announce Ryan Anderson has won the league's Most Improved Player award. [ESPN]
17 international players have declared for the NBA draft, including potential 1st-round pick Evan Fournier of France. [Pro Basketball Talk]
NFL
Police are looking to charge Deion Sanders with criminal mischief relating to a scuffle between Deion and his wife. [ESPN]
The family of Junior Seau have decided to get his brain examined for signs of concussions. [LA Times]
Retired QB Kurt Warner said despite all the things football has given him, he would not let his kids play due to safety concerns. [Pro Football Talk]
The NFL players association is appealing the suspensions given to the 4 Saints players for their role in the bounty scandal. [ESPN]
