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Deadspin | Canadian team signs Yasiel Puig, despite potential prison sentence looming  Cincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after a pitch in the first inning of an MLB baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, July 26, 2019, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Colorado Rockies At Cincinnati Reds July 26   The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League signed former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig for the 2026 season.  How long his tenure with the team will last is up to Judge Dolly M. Gee in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Puig is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 following his February conviction on one count each of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials in connection with an investigation into illegal sports gambling.  Law enforcement was looking into a Southern California illegal bookmaking operation with which Puig placed hundreds of bets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California said Puig lost nearly  million, which he never paid, for unsuccessful bets on football, basketball and tennis.  The 35-year-old Puig faces up to 15 years in prison, though the sentence could be much lighter.  Puig’s issues did not stop the Maple Leafs from signing what the Toronto Star said was the largest contract in league history, though numbers were not divulged.  Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein told the newspaper that Puig is an A-plus addition.  “We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein said. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB, so we can’t believe our good fortune.”   Puig became an overnight sensation when, as a charismatic rookie outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he hit .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in 104 games after his June 3 promotion from the minor leagues. Despite missing the first two months of the season, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting to the late Jose Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins.  Puig was an All-Star in 2014, but by 2018, the Dodgers were ready to part with him after tiring of his on-field antics and off-field trouble. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019, and that team quickly flipped him to Cleveland, with pitcher Trevor Bauer changing cities as part of the trade.  In 2020, Puig was ready to sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves, but the deal was off when he tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, he has played in a variety of countries, including Korea, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.  In the major leagues, the Cuban defector hit .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBIs and 79 stolen bases.  Puig is expected to be in the lineup for the Maple Leafs when they open the season on May 10.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Canadian #team #signs #Yasiel #Puig #potential #prison #sentence #looming

Deadspin | Canadian team signs Yasiel Puig, despite potential prison sentence looming
Deadspin | Canadian team signs Yasiel Puig, despite potential prison sentence looming  Cincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after a pitch in the first inning of an MLB baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, July 26, 2019, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Colorado Rockies At Cincinnati Reds July 26   The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League signed former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig for the 2026 season.  How long his tenure with the team will last is up to Judge Dolly M. Gee in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Puig is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 following his February conviction on one count each of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials in connection with an investigation into illegal sports gambling.  Law enforcement was looking into a Southern California illegal bookmaking operation with which Puig placed hundreds of bets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California said Puig lost nearly  million, which he never paid, for unsuccessful bets on football, basketball and tennis.  The 35-year-old Puig faces up to 15 years in prison, though the sentence could be much lighter.  Puig’s issues did not stop the Maple Leafs from signing what the Toronto Star said was the largest contract in league history, though numbers were not divulged.  Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein told the newspaper that Puig is an A-plus addition.  “We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein said. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB, so we can’t believe our good fortune.”   Puig became an overnight sensation when, as a charismatic rookie outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he hit .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in 104 games after his June 3 promotion from the minor leagues. Despite missing the first two months of the season, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting to the late Jose Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins.  Puig was an All-Star in 2014, but by 2018, the Dodgers were ready to part with him after tiring of his on-field antics and off-field trouble. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019, and that team quickly flipped him to Cleveland, with pitcher Trevor Bauer changing cities as part of the trade.  In 2020, Puig was ready to sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves, but the deal was off when he tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, he has played in a variety of countries, including Korea, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.  In the major leagues, the Cuban defector hit .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBIs and 79 stolen bases.  Puig is expected to be in the lineup for the Maple Leafs when they open the season on May 10.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Canadian #team #signs #Yasiel #Puig #potential #prison #sentence #loomingCincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after a pitch in the first inning of an MLB baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, July 26, 2019, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Colorado Rockies At Cincinnati Reds July 26

The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League signed former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig for the 2026 season.

How long his tenure with the team will last is up to Judge Dolly M. Gee in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Puig is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 following his February conviction on one count each of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials in connection with an investigation into illegal sports gambling.

Law enforcement was looking into a Southern California illegal bookmaking operation with which Puig placed hundreds of bets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California said Puig lost nearly $1 million, which he never paid, for unsuccessful bets on football, basketball and tennis.

The 35-year-old Puig faces up to 15 years in prison, though the sentence could be much lighter.

Puig’s issues did not stop the Maple Leafs from signing what the Toronto Star said was the largest contract in league history, though numbers were not divulged.

Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein told the newspaper that Puig is an A-plus addition.


“We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein said. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB, so we can’t believe our good fortune.”

Puig became an overnight sensation when, as a charismatic rookie outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he hit .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in 104 games after his June 3 promotion from the minor leagues. Despite missing the first two months of the season, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting to the late Jose Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins.

Puig was an All-Star in 2014, but by 2018, the Dodgers were ready to part with him after tiring of his on-field antics and off-field trouble. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019, and that team quickly flipped him to Cleveland, with pitcher Trevor Bauer changing cities as part of the trade.

In 2020, Puig was ready to sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves, but the deal was off when he tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, he has played in a variety of countries, including Korea, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

In the major leagues, the Cuban defector hit .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBIs and 79 stolen bases.

Puig is expected to be in the lineup for the Maple Leafs when they open the season on May 10.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canadian #team #signs #Yasiel #Puig #potential #prison #sentence #looming

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after a pitch in the first inning of an MLB baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, July 26, 2019, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Colorado Rockies At Cincinnati Reds July 26

The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League signed former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig for the 2026 season.

How long his tenure with the team will last is up to Judge Dolly M. Gee in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles. Puig is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 following his February conviction on one count each of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials in connection with an investigation into illegal sports gambling.

Law enforcement was looking into a Southern California illegal bookmaking operation with which Puig placed hundreds of bets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California said Puig lost nearly $1 million, which he never paid, for unsuccessful bets on football, basketball and tennis.

The 35-year-old Puig faces up to 15 years in prison, though the sentence could be much lighter.

Puig’s issues did not stop the Maple Leafs from signing what the Toronto Star said was the largest contract in league history, though numbers were not divulged.

Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein told the newspaper that Puig is an A-plus addition.

“We think he’s the most exciting player in men’s baseball who’s not playing in MLB right now,” Stein said. “And we think he’s better than a lot of guys who are in MLB, so we can’t believe our good fortune.”

Puig became an overnight sensation when, as a charismatic rookie outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, he hit .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in 104 games after his June 3 promotion from the minor leagues. Despite missing the first two months of the season, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting to the late Jose Fernandez, a pitcher for the Miami Marlins.

Puig was an All-Star in 2014, but by 2018, the Dodgers were ready to part with him after tiring of his on-field antics and off-field trouble. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2019, and that team quickly flipped him to Cleveland, with pitcher Trevor Bauer changing cities as part of the trade.

In 2020, Puig was ready to sign as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves, but the deal was off when he tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, he has played in a variety of countries, including Korea, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

In the major leagues, the Cuban defector hit .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBIs and 79 stolen bases.

Puig is expected to be in the lineup for the Maple Leafs when they open the season on May 10.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Canadian #team #signs #Yasiel #Puig #potential #prison #sentence #looming

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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