Legendary American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is among those in mourning following Wednesday night's tragic plane crash in Washington D.C.
Kerrigan, who won a pair of Olympic medals during her career in the 1990s, is a member of the Skating Club of Boston, where several figure skaters who were on the American Airlines flight that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter trained. In total, more than 60 people on board both flights were killed in the crash.
Speaking at the Skating Club of Boston Thursday, an emotional Kerrigan said she personally knew some of the victims and sent her support to all of those affected.
"We’ve been through tragedies before as Americans, as people, and we are strong," Kerrigan said, via TMZ Sports. "I guess it’s how we respond to it, and my response is to be with people I care about and love, and I needed support."
"We just wish them well and the families the courage and the strength to make the next steps," she added. "I don't know how you look at people who go through tragedies, and you wonder how they do it. I don't know, but we're so strong."
Among those killed in the crash were several skaters returning from a developmental camp, as well as Yevgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former Russian world champions who became figure skating coaches.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic air accident in Washington DC," said Thomas Brach, chairman of the International Olympic Committee. "On behalf of the IOC, and personally, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those affected, which we understand may include Olympians, young athletes, and their support staff. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."
Six members of the Skating Club of Boston were also among those who lost their lives, per the club's executive director Doug Zeghibe.
We would once again like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of all who were involved.
More must-reads:
The longtime former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins is in a serious contract dispute with his new team, the Buffalo Sabres. Nobody appears happy to stay with the Buffalo Sabres organization. Most of the talented players on the team were included in trade or free agency rumors, and now, Timmins doesn't appear too excited to sign with the team. Indeed, the Restricted Free Agent, who was traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Sabres earlier this offseason for Connor Clifton and a second-round pick, isn't close to reaching a deal in Buffalo. With arbitration hearings set to take place over the coming days, Timmins and the Sabres are likely to meet for that reason soon. Unless a deal is reached before then, the hearing will take place on August 2nd. The Ontario native is coming off a rocky season, where he played 51 games for the Leafs and 17 more in Pittsburgh after being traded. In those 68 games, the 26-year-old defenseman tallied 15 points, including three goals. After seeing three players around the NHL reach deals before their hearing date, some fans hoped to see the Sabres and Timmins sign a contract soon, but multiple reports confirmed that there hasn't been any 'traction' between both camps. As of now, five more players are scheduled to have salary hearings. Here's the full list, per PuckPedia: Arvid Soderblom (Chicago Blackhawks) - July 28 Maksim Tsyplakov (New York Islanders) - July 29 Dylan Samberg (Winnipeg Jets) - July 30 Conor Timmins (Buffalo Sabres) - August 2 Nicholas Robertson (Toronto Maple Leafs) - August 3 Jayden Struble (Montreal Canadiens) - August 3 It'll be interesting to see what kind of contract Timmins would get in a hearing, or if a deal will be reached before the date. With the Sabres' reputation, it's not surprising to see that he appears reluctant to sign in Buffalo. Hopefully for their fans, massive changes will be done to the team to make sure they can attract top talent and convince them to stay with the team.
The New York Yankees have been busy making moves as the trade deadline looms, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. Fresh off the addition of Ryan McMahon to bolster their lineup, the Yankees are shaking things up once again. This time, it’s not about who they’ve brought in, but rather who they’ve decided to part ways with, and it involves a familiar name who spent just a single season in pinstripes. Jack Curry reported on the trade on X saying, “The Yankees have traded Carlos Carrasco to the Braves for a PTBNL [player to be named later] or cash.” Given that the trade took place a few days before the deadline and just hours before a series opener at home against the division rival Tampa Bay Rays, fans had a lot to say. One fan said, "HAL WASNT LYING! THEYRE EXTREMELY ACTIVE." Another fan added, "CASH CONSIDERATIONS IS ON FIRE THIS TRADE DEADLINE!!!!" "CASHMAN YOU BEAST," said a fan. Another fan commented, "Gonna be the new Jessie Chavez" "Weird trade," said a fan not convinced with the move. Another fan said, "what does this look like? a NURSING HOME?! bffr." The Yankees picked up Carrasco on a minor-league deal back in February, and thanks to early injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil, he found himself in the Opening Day rotation. Unfortunately, things didn’t go smoothly. Carrasco struggled in his eight appearances (six starts) with New York, posting a 5.91 ERA and recording 25 strikeouts over 32 innings. He was designated for assignment on May 6 and sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre two days later. He got a brief recall on June 1 but was quickly designated again on June 3, staying in the organization since then. In Triple-A, though, he turned things around, putting up a solid 3.27 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) over 52 1/3 innings. While the Yankees are still in the hunt for veteran pitching, Carrasco wasn’t viewed as a big-league option for them. Instead, he now heads to Atlanta, where he’ll have a real shot at earning a rotation spot. Across his MLB career with the Cleveland Guardians, New York Mets and Yankees, Carrasco has a 4.18 ERA in 332 games (283 starts).
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders detailed the medical issue he has battled throughout the offseason in a Monday news conference. The coach, who turns 58 on Aug. 9, wasn't with his team during summer camp in June. The Pro Football Hall of Famer revealed it was because he had previously been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The tumor was discovered during a routine vascular scan. Sanders' doctor, Janet Kukreja, said her team removed his bladder and used parts of his intestine to create a new one. The cancer is now gone, and he will continue to coach this season. "The process wasn't easy," Sanders said of the doctors giving him multiple options to treat the cancer. Sanders said he was aware of the surgery before the NFL Draft in April. However, he told his sons, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo, that he just had a foot issue. The coach explained he didn't want his sons to have more to worry about as they prepare for their NFL careers. "I wanted them to focus on making the team and not focused on Dad," Deion Sanders said. "So they really don't know. My daughters do and this joker right here. Much love to my son, [Deion Sanders Jr.], who [didn't] leave my side since we found what was taking place." Deion Sanders said he's still adjusting to changes after the surgery. The coach has a catheter and said Colorado will have a porta-potty on the sideline, just in case he needs to use the bathroom during practices or games. Deion Sanders made a will in May, according to a clip posted to Deion Sanders Jr.'s YouTube channel on Sunday. The coach, though, isn't letting the fear of death weigh on his mind. "I've got too much life in me to be thinking about death — we gotta win a darn championship," he said. Deion Sanders' health is still a concern. He has had 14 surgeries (including the removal of his bladder) since 2021. For now, he appears eager to return to coaching after overcoming one of the biggest medical problems of his life.
The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran Starting Pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the New York Yankees on Monday. New York received cash in the transaction. The veteran starting pitcher, 38, was not at the top of his game in The Bronx. He was 2-2 with a 5.91 ERA. Carrasco pitched better in AAA with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Will he regain his form as a member of the Atlanta Braves? How Will Carrasco Fit With the Atlanta Braves? This season has not gone according to plan for the Atlanta Braves. They are in fourth place in the National League East. Atlanta entered the year with playoff aspirations and has fallen short. Carrasco will help shore up an injury-riddled pitching staff. Starting Pitchers Grant Holmes, Chris Sale, and Spencer Schwellenbach are all currently on the IL. The injuries on the mound have hurt the team’s statistics. They are 20th in team ERA, 12th in opposing batting average, and 16th in WHIP. If the Braves do not get their pitchers back, a terrible season will only get worse. Final Thoughts It is unclear what role Carrasco will have with the Atlanta Braves. Whenever he gets called up, he will look to pitch well. If he does not, his MLB career could be nearing its expiration date.
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!