Canfield’s Hammond commits to Ashland

Canfield’s Hammond commits to Ashland

Canfield

Canfield senior Alec Hammond signed his letter or intent to attend Ashland University to play baseball for the Eagles.

A pitcher and first baseman for the Cardinals, Alec is a two year letter-winner at Canfield. This year, he leads the team in ERA and opponent batting average, while earning the highest fielding percentage. He hit .325 as a junior.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Alec has earned a 3.3 GPA at Canfield and has been active in a host of extra-curricular activities.

3 found not guilty in stabbing of Steelers OL

PITTSBURGH

A jury has found three men not guilty in connection with the stabbing and attempted carjacking of Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Mike Adams last year.

The Allegheny County jury on Wednesday returned not guilty verdicts on all charges against Dquay Means and Michael Paranay. Jerrell Whitlock was found not guilty of all charges except for a count of flight to avoid apprehension.

Prosecutors argued that Adams was stabbed during an attempted carjacking in June, but defense attorneys said a fight began after Adams knocked food out of Paranay’s hands. Adams, a 6-foot-7, 325-pound offensive lineman, was hospitalized for four days.

Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni resigns

LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni has resigned after less than two seasons on the job.

Lakers spokesman John Black confirmed D’Antoni’s resignation Wednesday night. D’Antoni went 67-87 after taking over the Lakers early in the 2012-13 season, replacing the fired Mike Brown.

The injury-plagued Lakers were 27-55 this season, their worst campaign in more than 50 years. Los Angeles missed the playoffs for only the third time in 38 years. D’Antoni had one year left on his contract, but wanted the Lakers to pick up his option year for 2015-16 to have any chance of success. The Lakers apparently refused, leading to D’Antoni’s resignation.

Famous bidders lining up for LA Clippers

LOS ANGELES

If Donald Sterling is compelled to sell the Los Angeles Clippers, the list of potential buyers will have more stars than the team’s roster.

Oprah Winfrey leads the list of wealthy luminaries who announced their interest in purchasing the club shortly after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the league for life.

Winfrey’s spokesperson confirmed Wednesday she is already in discussions with record-label mogul David Geffen and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison to pool their vast resources for a bid.

They won’t be alone, either. Music mogul Sean Combs tweeted his interest in going after the Clippers, and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants to form a group to buy the team.

Celebrities ranging from Matt Damon to Oscar De La Hoya expressed interest in joining an ownership group.

Atletico beats Chelsea 3-1, plays Real in final

LONDON

Atletico Madrid overpowered Chelsea 3-1 Wednesday night on goals by Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa and Arda Turan, advancing to the first one-city Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Following a 0-0 tie in Spain last week, former Atletico star Fernando Torres put Chelsea in front in the 36th minute. Adrian Lopez tied the score in the 44th, giving Atletico a critical away goal. Costa converted a penalty kick in the 60th, and Turan scored in the 70th.

Real and Atletico will meet at Lisbon on May 24 in the first Champions League final that is a city derby. Real is seeking a record 10th title in Europe’s top club competition. Atletico lost a replay to Bayern in 1974, its only previous appearance in the European final.

Staff/wire reports