DETROIT – The day after the MLB All-Star game is a 24-hour period that historically turns into a cleaning day around the Sports Office. Widely known as the slowest sports day of the year, it is a day to catch up on some rest if you consider yourself a big sports fan.
The Tigers were well-represented in the All-Star game. Players like Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Max Scherzer, Torii Hunter and Jhonny Peralta were ever-present during the game. Although he didn't play, Justin Verlander also stole some camera time from the dugout.
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Most expected these images to hold us over until Friday, when MLB action resumes, but Wednesday offered a few interesting headlines.
Early Wednesday afternoon, news came that the University of Michigan had extended Basketball Head Coach John Beilein's contract through 2018-19. The extension gave both the University and Beilein a feeling of long-term security, while bumping the coach's annual salary up to $2.45-million per season; a significant raise from the $1.8-million he pulled down last season.
The news made Wolverines fans ecstatic.
In 2007, Beilein inherited a team that hadn't made the NCAA tournament since 1998 and transformed them into a title contender in 6 seasons. The 2013-14 season will be an interesting year for the Michigan basketball team, as they return from a trip to the National Championship Game in Atlanta.
Floor general Trey Burke is now in Utah playing for the Jazz, and shooting guard Tim Hardaway, Jr. is in New York, hoping Carmelo Anthony will let him get off some NBA shots. John Beilein's job, much like it was last year, is to steer a young group back to the final game of the year.
Wednesday afternoon, sad news came out of Detroit that a career may have been cut short by concussions.
The Lions released running back Jahvid Best after a lost season, in which Best was sidelined for all 16 games. Prior to that, Best missed 10 games in 2011. For a guy as talented and likeable as any athlete, this hit fans like a punch in the gut.
Many expected this news, but hoped for a miraculous recovery.
"My time as a member of the Lions was a very special time in my life," said Best in a team-issued statement. Jahvid showed flashes of greatness in a shortened career in Detroit.
Best hasn't closed the door on football yet; but if he does, much like the career of Billy Simms, it will come to an end much sooner than deserved.
Baseball is back Friday, so until then, enjoy your rest.