SPORTS DIGEST ||Former Phantoms get shot at Team USA

Former Phantoms get shot at Team USA

YOUNGSTOWN

Providence College defenseman Michael Callahan, who helped the Youngstown Phantoms advance to last spring’s USHL Finals, is on the preliminary roster for the U.S. National Junior Team in preparation for the 2019 World Junior Championship.

In June, Callahan was drafted in the fifth round of the NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes.

Earlier this year, Callahan skated in 22 regular-season games for the Phantoms after being acquired in a mid-season trade from Central Illinois.

In 15 games with the Friars, he has one goal, four assists and a+6 rating.

Also on the preliminary roster is Callahan’s Providence teammate Jay O’Brien who played four games with the Phantoms in 2016-17.

O’Brien was taken 19th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the recent draft.

The 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship will be held from Dec. 25-Jan. 5 in Vancouver.

Training camp will be Dec. 15-17 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Wash.

Cavs’ Thompson fined $15,000

NEW YORK

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been fined $15,000 for making an “inappropriate gesture” to a spectator.

The NBA announced the punishment Thursday.

Thompson’s action came at the end of the Cavaliers’ 99-97 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday at the Barclays Center.

Thompson finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Foster’s ex-girlfriend details allegations

WASHINGTON

Reuben Foster’s ex-girlfriend told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he slapped her and pushed her during an incident in Tampa, Fla., that led to his arrest for domestic violence.

Elissa Ennis said in the interview televised Thursday that Foster abused her three times, most recently last month in Tampa. The 24-year-old Foster was charged with one count of first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence.

The San Francisco 49ers released Foster after the incident, and the Washington Redskins claimed the second-year linebacker off waivers.

Foster was put on the NFL’s Commissioner Exempt list, which means he cannot play or practice.

Ennis said when Washington signed Foster she was shocked and thought, “I can’t believe somebody picked him up” so soon.

A Redskins spokesman declined comment and referred to the team’s statement made after claiming Foster that acknowledged the severity of the allegations.

Cubs reliever Morrow to miss start of season

CHICAGO

Closer Brandon Morrow likely will miss the start of the season for the Chicago Cubs following arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last month.

Chicago president of baseball operations Theo Epstein revealed Thursday that Morrow’s operation took place on Nov. 6. The Cubs waited to make an announcement because Morrow’s recovery will impact how they fill out the bullpen.

“That’s why we weren’t broadcasting it,” a smiling Epstein said. “We’ll have to set things up a little bit differently the first few weeks of the season.

“And it kind of underscores the need for depth and late-game options early in the year. I think for him, it will be a positive. It will completely address the issues that were bothering him last year. ... It can really help him be strong late in the season as well.”

Chicago also hired Tommy Hottovy as pitching coach to replace the departed Jim Hickey.

Morrow led Chicago with 22 saves and had a 1.47 ERA in 35 games after signing a $21 million, two-year contract as a free agent. His final appearance was on July 15, with the Cubs ultimately shutting him down because of a bone bruise in his right elbow.

Staff/wire report