Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic has emergency appendectomy
The Chicago Bulls announced that Mirotic underwent an emergency appendectomy after being diagnosed with acute appendicitis. As a result, he will be out until, at least, after the All-Star game on Feb. 14. Mirotic was supposed to participate in the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend for the second year in a row; however, he will have to sit out. Mirotic will miss at least eight games while he recuperates.
Cheerleaders to receive nearly $324,000 from New York Jets in lawsuit
The Jets agreed to pay almost $324,000 to cheerleaders in a class-action lawsuit over wages. The 52 cheerleaders said they received $150 per game and uniforms but had to pay for all other expenses, including transportation, hair care and makeup. The women will receive $2,559 if they worked either the 2012 season or the 2013 season and $5,913 if they worked both seasons.
Anaheim Ducks’ Shawn Horcoff suspended for PED violation
Horcoff is suspended for 20 games without pay for violating terms in the NHL’s performance-enhancing substances program. Horcoff said he tried a treatment to heal faster from an injury he suffered last year and acknowledged his mistake. He said, “Although I was unaware that this treatment was not permitted under NHL rules, that is no excuse whatsoever… I should have done my research… I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I am sorry.” Horcoff is the third NHL player to be suspended, after Toronto Maple Leafs’ Carter Ashton and Buffalo Sabres’ Zenon Konopka in 2014. Horcoff will lose more than $350,000.
Blake Griffin reportedly breaks hand during fight, out for at least one month
Clippers’ forward Blake Griffin will be out for four to six weeks with a broken bone in his hand. ESPN reported that Griffin broke his hand when he hit a Clippers’ equipment staff member, Matias Testi, during an argument at a restaurant in Toronto. Griffin reportedly punched Testi several times, and after Testi went outside, Griffin pursued him and punched him again. Griffin apologized in a tweet, saying he is “working with the team on a resolution and getting back in the game as soon as possible.” He has been out since late December with a quad injury.
