Sports briefs
Pitt’s Whitehead
to enter draft
Pitt safety Jordan Whitehead announced Monday that he will enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
“After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to begin preparing for the next step in my career and enter the 2018 NFL Draft,” Whitehead said via Twitter. “It has been an honor and a privilege to play for this university, Coach (Pat Narduzzi) and this coaching staff for the past three years. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but feel I am ready to take the next step in achieving my dreams.”
The former ACC Rookie of the Year and three-time All-ACC player will be one of the top underclassmen at the safety position in the draft. He is the second Pitt player to declare for the NFL a year early, joining wide receiver Quadree Henderson.
Whitehead had one interception and 60 tackles in nine games this season. He was an all-purpose player for the Panthers, returning kicks and playing on offense as a running back. had 22 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown this year.
Rodgers not yet cleared to return
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy was cautious. His players seemed hopeful.
Green Bay might be getting quarterback Aaron Rodgers back soon from a collarbone injury.
But the final decision rests with the team doctor, with the help of other experts, on whether the two-time NFL MVP is healthy enough to return for the Packers’ game this weekend against Carolina.
McCarthy said there was no timeline for when medical staff will decide on potentially clearing Rodgers after the quarterback had tests and scans on his surgically repaired collarbone Monday.
“It’s in the evaluation process … I’d like to know as soon as possible,” McCarthy said. “Frankly it’s best for Aaron to know as soon as possible. He’s the one that has to get ready, and obviously in his mind he’s ready to go if you watch him practice and the conversations with him.”
But the franchise quarterback was still waiting for medical clearance.
McCarthy said “this is a medical decision and team doctor (Pat) McKenzie is obviously in touch with a number of different medical experts and they’re evaluating the information.”
Rodgers could be eligible to be activated for Sunday, which would be eight weeks after going on injured reserve following his injury on Oct. 15 at Minnesota.
Meadows sets
2018 schedule
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will offer 195 live race cards in 2018 – matching the total for 2017 – highlighted by the 52nd edition of the $500,000 Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids on July 28.
The Meadows generally will offer live racing each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday with first post at 1:05 p.m. The season kicks off Jan. 2 and continues throughout the year with brief breaks in April/May, July/August and September.
Adios Week begins July 21 with eliminations for the Pace for the Orchids and includes a week of Grand Circuit harness racing action plus a variety of special events. The Adios Day card will begin at noon.
In the NHL
Jason Spezza scored in the shootout, and the Dallas Stars snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the New York Rangers 2-1 Monday night.
- Jaroslav Halak made 31 saves after getting a vote of confidence from his coach, and the New York Islanders beat the Washington Capitals 3-1 to snap a five-game winless streak.
Brock Nelson, Andrew Ladd and John Tavares scored goals for the Islanders, who built a 3-0 lead early in the second period and ended Washington’s four-game winning streak.