Report: Simon suspended 22 games (Sportsnet.ca)

New York Islanders forward Chris Simon has reportedly been suspended 22 games for his role in slashing New York Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg on Thursday. The suspension includes the rest of the regular season and seven playoff games.

The NHL is denying the report.

Arizona Cardinals assistant arrested for soliciting prostitution (East Valley Tribune)

When the head coach is away, the mice will play.  In this case, it’s assistant coach Richie Anderson, who was arrested for solicitation of a hooker on Thursday evening.

From the article:

Cardinals wide receivers coach Richie Anderson, hired in January as part of new head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s staff, was arrested Thursday night for soliciting a prostitute.

Anderson is accused of propositioning a female officer posing as a prostitute at Pointe South Mountain resort, 7777 S. Pointe Parkway in Phoenix, during an undercover sting operation by Phoenix police.

(Publisher’s note: We will not be updating the site much over the weekend unless we happen to be near a computer for some major sports story that occurs.  While we’re away, feel free to browse some of our original content listed under the “Featured” or “Featured Commentary” topic headings on the right side.  Or, check out our AL Central preview.  If worst comes to worst, go outside and get some sun.)

News and notes while rolling out of bed…

Pittsburgh’s arena negotiation details kept quiet (Pittburgh Trib-Review) Talk of a possible uptown arena leave little details for public consumption in hopes of stemming false rumors. Or something like that.

Sixers GM King: Cheeks will return (AP/Yahoo! Sports) Not that we have any say in all of this, but they should fire GM Billy King.

N.Y. doc pleads guilty to illegally prescribing steroids (AP/USA Today) First link in Orlando, Fla. pharmacy goes down.

Rich Hill earns rotation spot in Chicago (MLB.com) Fuzzy Cubbie Nation happy with the news, wonder where they can get Mark Prior Iowa Cubs jersey.

Newly retired Plummer talks about life after the game (AP/ESPN) Not going to play in Tampa. Won’t be playing in Houston with former coach Gary Kubiak. No desire to suit up for the ghost of Al Davis in Oakland. Strong desire to play…handball?

EW.com’s entertainment notes (EW.com) An infusion of pop-culture never hurt anyone — Maggie Gyllenhaall in talks to co-star in Batman sequel, The Dark Knight; lead singer for the band Boston passes on; Disney/Pixar revving up Toy Story 3.