Royce White sets eyes toward UFC belt
Royce White, former NBA player, plans to transition into the mixed martial arts world. White told ESPN, “I’m one of the best athletes in the world. Among the NBA community, part of my appeal as a draft prospect was my unique size, athleticism, vision and that I probably have one of the 10 biggest set of hands in the NBA. I think all of those things will translate beautifully to the UFC.” White plans to compete for the UFC belt in the future.
Georgia Tech’s MaChelle Joseph leaves basketball team
MaChelle Joseph, Georgia Tech’s women’s basketball coach, was placed on leave “for what the school says is a ‘pending personnel matter’,” according to ESPN. Assistant coach Mark Simons is to serve as the acting coach for the Yellow Jackets’ next game in Miami. Joseph has the highest wins to loss ratio in Georgia Tech’s history, with 311-198. This was her 16th season at Georgia Tech.
Aaron Hicks makes seven-year, $70 million deal with the Yankees
The New York Yankees signed their largest contract extension since the re-signing of Derek Jeter for $189 million 10-year deal in 2001. According to the New York Times, “Hicks was scheduled to make six million in 2019, his final year before free agency. With his new deal, he will make eight million this season and then see a raise to nearly $10 million a year for the next six [years].” Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager, called Hicks an underrated and valuable player.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar auctions NBA memorabilia
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former NBA player and Hall of Fame inductee, is putting four of his NBA championship rings along with other memorabilia up for auction. According to the New York Times, “The rings up for bid are the ones he won with the Los Angeles in 1980, ‘85, ‘87 and ‘88.” Autographed and game-used items will also be auctioned. Part of the money raised will go towards Abdul-Jabbar’s Skyhook Foundation.
