May Sports Highlights
Tiger Woods Withdraws from PGA Championship
Tiger Woods entered the PGA Championship, his second event since his devastating car accident in February 2021. After cutting, Woods struggled to a 79 in the third round, including five straight bogeys. Injuries and fatigue were clearly showing on his face. The 79 was Woods’ worst round in his career in the PGA Championship. Woods would not commit to another major this season following the round, stating he is “sore and will do some work and see how it goes.”
MLB, MLBPA agree to Extend 14-Pitcher Limit
In the 2019-2020 offseason, the 13-pitcher Limit was agreed to. After the lockout this past winter led to a shortened Spring Training, teams were allowed to expand rosters. The Limit was initially 13 pitchers to be implemented on May 2, which would then be extended to May 30. However, the league and player’s union agreed to extend the 14-pitcher Limit to June 19 since many teams struggle with the overworked or injured pitching staff.
Colin Kaepernick Works Out with Raiders
Colin Kaepernick last played in the NFL in 2016, during which time he was kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice. On Wednesday, he was back on the field, working out with the Las Vegas Raiders. It was Kaepernick’s first time visiting any NFL team since 2017. So far, the Raiders have been the only team to give Kaepernick an opportunity. It remains to be seen if the 34-year-old Kaepernick gets more opportunities and returns to the NFL, whether with the Raiders or another team.
Nikola Jokic Wins Second Straight MVP
After a race that has been hotly debated for months, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic won his second straight NBA MVP award. Last season, he became the first center since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000 to win the prize. Jokic joined LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Steph Curry as the only active players to win back-to-back. He joined Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Moses Malone as the only center to win in consecutive years.
Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid finished second in the voting for the second-straight year. Antetokounmpo finished third.