Clark out of ASG

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark is out of All-Star weekend.

The Indiana Fever guard injured her right groin on Tuesday night in the final minute of the team’s win over the Connecticut Sun. She said Thursday in a message posted on X that she had to rest her body.

“I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game,” Clark said in the message posted by the Fever. “I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action and I’m looking forward to helping (Liberty coach Sandy Brondello) coach our team to a win.”

Clark was supposed to compete in a loaded 3-point contest Friday night and is captain of one of the All-Star teams. The second-year guard was the leading vote getter from the fans and has been a huge reason the league has had a boon in attendance and ratings over the last two seasons.

Surgery pioneer dies

NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. David Altchek, who performed more than 2,000 Tommy John surgeries and was the New York Mets longtime medical director, died Thursday. He was 68.

His death was announced by the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he was co-chief emeritus. Altchek told associates last year he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

He was the Mets head team physician from 1991-2001 and medical director from 2005-24, physician of the U.S. Davis Cup team from 1999-2003 and North American medical director of the ATP Tour. Altchek was co-chief of HSS’s sports medicine and shoulder service from 2005-14.

“While Dr. Altchek’s intelligence and innovations certainly benefited his patients — and sports medicine in general — his biggest impact was his warm, friendly, caring personality,” said Glenn S. Fleisig, biomechanics research director of the American Sports Medicine Institute. “Colleagues, friends, and patients all loved David and are thankful for the time we had with him.”

A son of orthopedic surgeon Martin Altchek, David attended Middletown High School in New York, received his undergraduate degree at Columbia and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in 1982. He interned at The New York Hospital and became a resident at HSS, where he had a fellowship under Dr. Russell Warren, HSS’s surgeon in chief from 1993-03 and a longtime team physician of the New York Giants.

WNBA union gets ready for CBA battle

INDIANAPOLIS — Backed by what they said was their largest attendance ever for collective bargaining negotiations, WNBA players met with the league Thursday with the sides far apart in discussions for a new deal.

All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese were among about 40 players, most wearing business suits, who took part in the first face-to-face meeting featuring players since December. The two sides met for a couple of hours.

“I’m encouraged, you know, I’m just so inspired by the amount of players that showed up, the engagement that was there,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said. “That’s really what it’s all about. Because the more that happens, the more that we’re going to be able to get things done. I think today we’re going to be able to use this conversation to start rolling the ball on things.”

Players opted out of the current CBA last October and are seeking a better revenue sharing model, increased salaries, improved benefits, and a softer salary cap. All of those will help many of the younger players down the road like Reese.

“It was something that was very informative for me. First time being able to see and hear, the wording, from both sides,” Reese said.

Barstool links up with Fox Sports

Fox Sports is joining forces with Barstool Sports.

Barstool Sports’ programming will appear on Fox Sports 1 while founder Dave Portnoy will appear on Fox Sports “Big Noon Kickoff” college football show. The partnership was announced Thursday afternoon.

“(Barstool owner and founder) Dave (Portnoy) has built a one-of-a-kind brand that connects with a new generation of sports fans — authentic, bold, and original. Their unique voice and loyal fanbase makes them a natural fit for our evolving multiplatform content strategy,” Fox Sports CEO and executive producer Eric Shanks said in a statement.

Portnoy graduated from Michigan, which could lead to some interesting interactions with former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.

“Nobody has been there to defend the Kings of the Conference. That ends today,” Portnoy said in a video posted to Twitter/X.

“Big Noon Kickoff” will begin the season in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 29 when defending national champion Ohio State hosts Texas. The show also features host Rob Stone and analysts Brady Quinn, Matt Leinart, Mark Ingram and Chris “The Bear” Fallica.

The “Barstool College Football Show” — which will air on Saturday’s from 9-9:45 a.m. — will also be streamed across Fox’s digital platforms, including Tubi.

Other Barstool personalities will also make appearances on “Big Noon Kickoff,” including Dan “Big Cat” Katz. Barstool will also contribute to Fox’s college basketball coverage and possibly horse racing.

Barstool will have a live two-hour weekday morning show on FS1 with the launch date to be announced later.

FS1 has a need for studio programming after cancelling three shows earlier this week.

“In our two-decade history, we’ve never had the chance to work with so much talent and resources. We can’t wait to collab and bring our voice to FOX Sports’ airwaves,” Portnoy said in a statement.

Barstool’s addition gives Fox Sports what it hopes will be its answer to Pat McAfee as well as possible inroads with the age 18-34 demographic.

Barstool previously had a relationship with ESPN, but its program was canceled after one episode in 2017 after the network received criticism both inside and outside the company.

Portnoy founded Barstool in 2004 but Penn Gaming acquired majority stake in 2023 after being an investor since 2020. Portnoy bought Barstool back later that year for $1 after Penn Gaming rebranded Barstool Sportsbook as ESPN Bet.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports