PITTSBURGH (AP) β Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor is retiring after a 12-year career that included a pair of Super Bowl victories. The 34-year-old Taylor became a free agent last month and says he couldn’t envision playing for another team. He finishes his career with 17 interceptions, including three in the playoffs.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) β Kansas City right fielder Alex Rios is out indefinitely after being hit by a pitch in Minnesota yesterday. The team says Rios has a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his left hand. He hit .321 with one homer and eight RBIs to help the Royals get off to a 7-0 start, their best in 12 years.
CHICAGO (AP) β Chicago Blackhawks star right wing Patrick Kane is expected to be in the lineup for their playoff opener against Nashville after head coach Joel Quenneville (KWEHN’-vihl) confirmed the forward is ready to return following today’s practice. Kane received medical clearance to play yesterday, two months after breaking his collarbone. He was tied for the league lead with 64 points at the time of the injury.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) β Arkansas forward and SEC Player of the Year Bobby Portis says he is declaring for the NBA draft after his standout sophomore season. The 6-foot-11 Portis averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season, leading the Razorbacks to a 27-9 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.
NEW YORK (AP) β Next season’s NBA schedule will include the Boston Celtics taking on the Sacramento Kings in Mexico City on Dec. 3. It will be the league’s third regular-season game in Mexico, where 22 NBA games have been played overall. The NBA is also planning two preseason games in China between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers.
