Welcome to Thursday’s Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire.
THURSDAY’S BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS:
NFL: Buccaneers at Rams, 8:25 p.m. (NFL Network; WEEI-FM)
NBA: Thunder at Cavaliers, 8 p.m. (TNT)
NBA: Rockets at Lakers, 10:30 p.m. (TNT)
College basketball: West Virginia at Marshall, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)
AROUND THE WEB:
— Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, speaking to the media Wednesday about his battle with alcoholism while at a charity event at Yankee Stadium, said he’s in the “early stages” of his recovery but optimistic he can continue stay sober with the held of family and friends.
“I’m always going to be recovering,” Sabathia said. “But I have the support of my family, my organization, my team, friends, so I feel pretty good about where I’m at.”
Sabathia left the team on Oct. 5, a day before the Yankees‘ wild card loss to the Astros. While the timing was difficult, Sabathia said he needed to go public with his problem and get immediate help.
“I think that was the biggest thing, is that it’s not a secret anymore,” Sabathia said. “I’m able to get help with different people. I think if people see my personality change or things changing, then they’ll be able to help me.”
Manager Joe Girardi agreed.
“I think that’s important,” Girardi said. “I don’t think anyone wants to carry a weight around. If you’re hiding something it’s difficult to go through life. Hopefully it allows him to be more effective.”
The 35-year-old left-hander, who has two years remaining on his five-year, $122 million contract, appeared lighter than he looked at the end of the season and said he’s been healthy this offseason. He’s coming of his worst career year, as he went 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA while battling injuries.
— U.S. women’s soccer legend Abby Wambach was feted as she played her final game — Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to China in New Orleans that ended the Americans’ decade-plus run without a loss on home soil.
“Tonight is a celebration,” Wambach said. “The result, obviously, is annoying. It would be better if we had won, but the reality is I played in so many games. This result doesn’t shape or determine or define my career.”
Wambach, the all-time scoring leader (men or women) in international play with 184 goals — subbed out in the 72nd minute, kicking off her cleats and hugging each teammate as the crowd chanted her name.
“I love this team,” the 35-year-old said in postgame remarks to the crowd of 33,000. “It has been my pleasure and my honor to represent you all, the fans, for as long as I’ve been able to. … The future is so bright. These women are going to kill it.”
— Brian McNamee, Roger Clemens‘ former trainer, was arrested Monday morning on Long Island for driving while his ability was impaired by drugs and alcohol, the New York Daily News reported, citing a Long Beach Police arrest report.
McNamee 48, also was cited for driving with a suspended license after crashing into another vehicle. He was released on $2,500 bail.
Early this year McNamee reached a settlement in his defamation lawsuit against Clemens, who has steadfastly denied McNamee’s claims that the former pitcher used steroids.
ON THIS DAY TRIVIA (answer below): On Dec. 17, 1966, which Patriot rushed for 78 yards in a 38-28 road loss to the Jets, giving him 1,458 yards on the season?
QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t think about it much. I’ve got a lot [to think about]. This is a tough week. I’ve got a lot of football stuff to think about. Hopefully, we can go out and beat the Titans. That’d be the most important thing for me.” — Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, dismissing questions about his support for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump
STAT OF THE DAY: 10-1 — The Celtics‘ record on the second night of a back-to-back when that game is on the road, as they lost for the first time in such situations with Wednesday’s 119-116 loss to the Pistons
‘NET RESULTS (mobile users, check the website to see the videos): Pistons forward Andre Drummond drills a halfcourt shot at the first-half buzzer against the Celtics.
Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis records seven blocks in a win over the Timberwolves.
N.C. State guard Cat Barber hits a fallaway 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 76-73 victory over High Point.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Jim Nance, who would go on to be named AFL MVP that season
SOOTHING SOUNDS: Former Temptations lead singer Eddie Kendricks, who died in 1992, was born on this day in 1939.