WATCH VIDEO: Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan trade; Carmelo Anthony may reach Rockets; Tiger Woods; the Brooklyn Nets split with Jeremy Lin; NY Mets mess

In this episode of What's The 411Sports, Keisha Wilson and Mike McDonald are talking about the NFL's lack of leadership; the Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan trade; Carmelo Anthony leaving the Hawks and the Rockets is his predicted landing spot; Tiger Woods had a great comeback at the British Open; the fallout from the Brooklyn Nets trading Jeremy Lin; and the mess that is the NY Mets.with drama coming from Yoenis Cespedes, and the head, foot, and mouth disease contracted by pitcher Noah Syndergaard, which has many people scratching their heads.

Lonzo Ball shows he has skills; Boucek joins Hammon in NBA ranks; Katie Smith has Liberty; Brooklyn Nets lose Lin for season; and; Knicks not winning yet

POPPIN'

Colin Kaepernick Files Grievance Against NFL

As we know, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL citing that NFL owners colluded to keep him out of the NFL for kneeling during the National Anthem.

However, some are saying that this case could be bigger than people realized. Various sources seem to think that not only could he end up getting his job back, but he could end up terminating the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement ahead of its scheduled 2021 expiration date:

Article 69, Section 2 of the CBA allows for the agreement to be terminated prematurely in the event of proof of collusion.

Under Article 17, Section 16(c) of the CBA, termination can arise from only one incident of collusion involving only one player if there is clear and convincing evidence of a violation.

Jerry Jones Didn’t Stand for National Anthem

It turns out Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not stand for the National Anthem during his first Cowboys game as an owner. Jones sat during the anthem with Liz Taylor, which prompted a fan to write this note:

“JEERS: To Jerry Jones and Liz Taylor, who were the only two people at last Sunday’s Cowboys-Redskins game not standing when the national anthem was played.

Riding out in a cart just before the anthem began was bad enough, but sitting while it was played was more than many of us could handle.

Jerry, please note that in Texas, we stand for the national anthem.

P.S.: Tom [Landry] always took off his hat.”

Lonzo Ball Gives Better Show with Game 2

Lonzo Ball had a terrible regular season NBA debut against the L.A. Clippers, but he redeemed himself in his second regular-season NBA game against the Phoenix Suns.

Ball flirted with a triple-double, scoring 29 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists while drilling four or more 3-pointers in the process.

QUICK HITS

• Chris Long of the Philadelphia Eagles is donating entire salary to boost racial equality in education
• ESPN sportscaster Jemele Hill is back from suspension and she’s not mad at ESPN.
• Kevin Durant admits: “A couple years ago, I didn't really know how to play team defense that well. More and more, I'm learning about team defense and making multiple efforts.”
• In separate incidents, Pelicans’ DeMarcus Cousins and Celtics’ Kyrie Irving were both fined $25,000 for coarse language aimed at a fan
• The Sacramento Kings hired Jenny Boucek as assistant player development coach. Boucek is now the second active female assistant coach in the NBA, along with Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Spurs.
• And, the NY Liberty hired Katie Smith to be its new head coach

Shahid “Shan” Khan Goes off on Donald Trump, Again

Speaking to USA Today, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan doubles down on his recent critique of Donald Trump overall, Trump’s attacks on people of color, and finally the league. Khan said:

“Let’s get real. The attacks on Muslims, the attacks on minorities, the attacks on Jews.

I think the NFL doesn’t even come close to that on the level of being offensive.

Here, it’s about money, or messing with — trying to soil a league or a brand that he’s jealous of.”

Khan goes on to respond to whether or not he regrets contributing to Trump’s inauguration fund.

“I have no regrets in life. This ugly, toxic side sours the whole experience.”

 NIKE Connect Jerseys Didn’t Hold Up to Rigors of NBA

Nike is in its first year of a jersey deal with the NBA, and on opening night, arguably their biggest endorser — LeBron James — had his Nike jersey split down the middle of his back.

It might be taken as a fluke if it had only happened to LeBron.

However, in a preseason game, half the back of Lakers’ Tyler Ennis’ jersey had come apart.

Photo of the Week

Our Photo of the Week is a photo of LaVar Ball giving his son, Lonzo, some fatherly advice.

NY SPORTS REPORT

Yankees Fans Disappointed In ALCS Outcome

The NY Yankees could not get past the Houston Astros, so no trip to the World Series this season.

The Astros go on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB World Series. The first game is in Los Angeles tonight.

The New York Mets Get a New Manager

In the wake of Terry Collins exiting as NY Mets manager to work in the front office, the Mets signed Mickey Calloway as its new manager.

Calloway was a pitching coach for the Cleveland Indians and he received a warm welcome from Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard.

Calloway comes from a family that reveres baseball, he is named after Mickey Mantle and his brother Casey is named after Casey Stengel.

Brooklyn Nets Guard Jeremy Lin Out for Season

The Brooklyn Nets received another wake-up call during Game 1 of the regular NBA season when team leader Jeremy Lin went down with a ruptured tendon in his right knee. Lin had surgery to repair his ruptured patella tendon and will be out for the rest of the season.

 New York Knicks on a Losing Skid

Last week, we talked about how most NY Knicks fans were trying to reconcile in their minds that the Knicks are in rebuild mode and nothing says rebuild more when your team has yet to win a game.

Thus far, Kristaps Porzingas is performing well as the leader of the team, but the true measurement of leadership is how well Kristaps will be able to hold up under pressure from game losses.

With three consecutive losses so far, many Knicks fans are expressing their sorrow that Carmelo Anthony is no longer with the team. Anthony currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

OFF TOPIC

D.L. Hughley Names the Three Most Hated Black Men in America

In a TMZ interview at LAX, comedian D.L. HUGHLEY said:

“The three most hated Black men in America are Barack Obama, Colin Kaepernick, and O.J.

And two of them never were accused of murder.

They hate Colin Kaepernick right now more than they hate O.J.”

LeBron James Give his Children a Lesson in Racism

In an interview with GQ magazine, Lebron James said he told his kids about the n-Word incident on their home in Brentwood, California. He used it as a teachable moment telling them:

“When y’all go out in public and y’all start driving or y’all start moving around, be respectful to cops, as much as you can.

When you get pulled over, call your mom or dad, put it on speakerphone, and put your phone underneath the seat. But be respectful the whole time.”

NY Yankees making a push for the World Series; Michael Jordan is not a fan of the NBA super team structure

 Episode Synopsis

In What’s The 411Sports Episode 100, co-hosts Keisha Wilson, and Mike McDonald of What’s The 411Sports are talking about:

Roger Goodell’s meeting with NFL players and owners,

Michael Jordan;

NY Yankees’ push for the MLB World Series;

Ezekial Elliot is headed back to court;

Kijuana Nige outs cocaine-using Miami Dolphins line coach Chris Foerster, and more.

WHAT’S POPPIN

NFL Commissioner Sends Letter to NFL Owners

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to all 32 NFL club presidents and owners to put the National Anthem on the agenda for the NFL’s Fall Meeting.

Is Roger Goodell is up to the task of turning this issue around?

Michael Jordan Doesn’t Like Super Teams

NBA icon Michael Jordan is not happy with the state of the NBA. He thinks the super team setup is hurtful and will get in the way of the NBA’s growth.

Is Michael Jordan delusional or does he have a point?

Shad Khan Outs NFL Owners

In an interview with Crain’s Chicago Business, Shahid "Shad" Khan, one of several NFL owners that donated one million dollars to Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is calling out his NFL peers and Donald Trump. Khan said Trump is dividing Americans and conflating First Amendment rights with patriotism.

Ezekial Elliot Loses Federal Appeal, for now?

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekial Elliot is in limbo for now. A federal appeals court has lifted an injunction that blocked a six-game suspension for Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott. As expected, the NFL re-enacted its six-game punishment for Elliot over domestic violence allegations. However, the NFL Players Association has filed a petition with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals asking for a full review of Elliott's case.

Quick BITES

Kyrie Irving loves Boston
Richard Sherman is a real-life Shermie doll for a little girl in hospital

A Miami Dolphins Coach Fired Over Cocaine Use

As revenge over National Anthem protests, a Las Vegas-based model, Kijuana Nige, outs Miami Dolphins offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, who videotaped himself snorting cocaine in his office. Once the video became public Foerster and the Dolphins parted ways.

The NBA and Nike Are Back Together Again

Nike is now the official apparel partner of the NBA.

At the NBA store in NYC, the NBA and Nike introduced the NBA “connected jerseys”.

NY SPORTS REPORT

NY Yankees are Trying to Get Past Houston Astros

This week in sports it’s all about the NY Yankees.

The Yankees are making a run against the Houston Astros to move on to get to the World Series.

Can the Yanks do it?

Brooklyn Nets Get a Wakeup Call

The Brooklyn Nets received a wake-up call when they played their last preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Sixers Joel Embiid exploited the Nets weakness on defense and on the frontcourt.

New York Knicks in Rebuild Mode

Most Knicks fans are trying to reconcile in their minds that the Knicks are in rebuild mode.

However, deep down inside, fans still want the Knicks to have a winning season.

If the Knicks have a losing season, is head coach Jeff Hornacek's job on the line?

NBA players, Sean “Diddy” Combs and others stand behind NFL players; Brooklyn Nets Players look forward to new season; Time for safety nets at MLB stadiums

WHAT'S POPPIN'

Donald Trump Uses NFL to Boost his Ratings

Donald Trump injected himself into the NFL players’ protest against rogue police officers killing innocent Black men. Trump said at a campaign rally in Alabama that owners should fire players who kneel during the national anthem and that fans should consider walking out in protest “when somebody disrespects our flag.” Trump’s comments touched off a firestorm.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell didn’t hesitate to give Trump serious pushback, stating:

“Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players.”

DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association tweeted: “We will never back down. We no longer can afford to stick to sports.”

A good number of NFL players took exception to Trump attempting to deny their US Constitutional right to free speech, and being called “sons of bitches”. NBA players and others are standing up, even Sean “Diddy” Combs commented.

Donald Trump Disinvites Golden State Warriors

Speaking of Donald Trump, he rescinded his invitation to the Golden State Warriors to visit the White House because Stephen Curry was hesitating and ultimately decided he did not want to go. “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!,” Trump tweeted. Based on the current climate, the UNC Men’s Basketball team decided its players won’t be visiting the White House either.

Carmelo Anthony Has Left the Building

It took a minute, but a deal that worked for all the parties involved finally got done. Carmelo Anthony is no longer a player for the New York Knicks; he is now signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony joins Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and company.

QUICK HITS

• Aaron Hernandez’s attorney says the late football player had extreme CTE and his suing the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of his daughter
• Floyd Mayweather told TMZ Sports that he has yet to cash his checks from the Pacquiao and McGregor fights.
• Carmelo Anthony set up a relief fund for Puerto Rico and he pledged 50 thousand dollars.
• The New York Yankees clinched a wild card playoff spot.

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE

Is it time for Major League Baseball to install safety nets at its stadiums

Will fans ever forgive Kevin Durant for his fake Twitter account?

Brooklyn Nets Media Day 2017

With Carmelo Anthony gone, the face of the Knicks is now Kristaps Porzingas

OFF TOPIC

Co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and Jay-Z’s business partner, Damon “Dame” Dash, is currently selling his coveted sneaker collection on eBay. Hosted on Shoezeum’s eBay shop, the collection is packed with some of the most coveted items from what many would consider to be the golden years of sneaker culture.

Closer Jeurys Familia blows game in the ninth inning

New York Mets reached a one-game National League wildcard playoff against the San Francisco Giants.

All the Mets had to do was win one game to go one to the multiple game playoffs, the NL Division Series. Instead, the Mets lost to the Giants 3-0, at Citi Field.

So, no chance for a World Series appearance in 2016.

How did it happen?

Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, aka Thor, pitched seven shutout innings.

Syndergaard was so good, he pitched two hits and striking out a postseason career-high 10 batters.

And, what did closer Jeurys Familia do with a 0-0 tie game?

Familia gave up a three-run home run in the top of the ninth to San Francisco Giants third baseman Conor Gillaspie, and that was all she wrote.

Well, there’s always next year.

We salute the Met’s 2016 season and look forward 2017.

Can the Cubs go all the way to the World Series?

In the AL, both Texas and Boston are on the verge of being swept.

Meanwhile, the Cubs and Nationals have jumped out to early leads in the NL playoffs.

With the Cubs being the heavy favorite, will this finally be their year?

VIDEO: Jason Schott gives his predictions for the 2nd half of the Major League Baseball season for the Mets and Yankees

Do you agree with Jason Schott's report?

WATCH VIDEO: Commissioner Goodell and Cameron Maybin in 411 Dog House

The young guns of The What's The 411Sports team are discussing who's in the dog house this week. Bianca Peart put NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the 411 Doghouse for suspending Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for only two games for a domestic violence charge.

Greg Alcala put Cameron Maybin of the San Diego Padres in the dog house for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy.

The New Face of New York Baseball

Now that New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has retired, who will be the face of New York baseball? Will it be Matt Harvey, Masahiro Tanaka, Curtis Granderson, CC Sabathia, Didi Gregorius, or minor league baseball player, Aaron Judge?

Major League Baseball is entering a new era. Former MLB Commissioner Allan Huber "Bud" Selig has exited the stage and entering the spotlight is Rob Manfred. Today, the newly minted MLB Commissioner Manfred wrote a letter to Major League Baseball fans.

Here is Major League Baseball Commissioner Manfred in his own words:

Dear Fans:

On the night of August 14, 2014, I left a Baltimore hotel after being elected Commissioner of Baseball. As I began to reply to the overwhelming number of congratulatory messages coming in, it hit me that I'd just been entrusted to protect the integrity of our National Pastime and to set a course that allows this great game to continue to flourish -- now and in the years to come. Needless to say, I was deeply honored by the trust the owners placed in me.

Today is my first day as Commissioner, and I am incredibly excited to get to work. I am grateful to Commissioner Selig for his expertise and friendship. His leadership set a direction that led to historic success.

The mission before us is clear: To honor the game's history while welcoming new people to our great sport -- people who will one day pass their love of baseball down through the generations. That is what our parents and grandparents did for us, and it is what we are doing for our own children. Baseball is a game firmly rooted in childhood experiences, and its vitality and growth rely heavily on giving young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to play and watch baseball.

This notion that baseball is the game of children is central to my core goals as Commissioner. Maybe that is because my own Little League experience in upstate Rome, New York was such an important part of my childhood. I will never forget my intense dedication to that club and to my teammates -- each of whom I can still name to this day -- and being part of a perfect game.

My top priority is to bring more people into our game -- at all levels and from all communities. Specifically, I plan to make the game more accessible to those in underserved areas, especially in the urban areas where fields and infrastructure are harder to find. Giving more kids the opportunity to play will inspire a new generation to fall in love with baseball just as we did when we were kids. Expanding Little League, RBI and other youth baseball programs will also help sustain a steady and wide talent pool from which our clubs can draw great players and create lifelong fans.

As Commissioner, I will draw closer connections between youth baseball and MLB. I want to inspire children's interest in baseball and help parents and coaches foster that passion. In the coming years, MLB will work with college, high school, amateur and youth baseball programs to help grow our game and to ensure that the best players and talent have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. I call it "One Baseball" -- a partnership between all professional and amateur groups involved in our game.
Our children can look at MLB today and find a wave of new stars worthy of emulating both on and off the field. Players like Andrew McCutchen, Buster Posey, Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Trout and aces Madison Bumgarner,Felix Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw have powerful stories to tell -- and MLB will tell them across every platform. We will continue to internationalize our game and to celebrate the fact that we have the most diverse rosters in the world. Our mission is to build upon this recent success by creating opportunities for the next wave of baseball talent. We also must continue to nurture inclusive environments for all the contributors to our game and our loyal fans.

Another priority for me is to continue to modernize the game without interfering with its history and traditions. Last season's expanded instant replay improved the game's quality and addressed concerns shared by fans and players. We made a dramatic change without altering the game's fundamentals. I look forward to tapping into the power of technology to consider additional advancements that will continue to heighten the excitement of the game, improve the pace of play and attract more young people to the game.
The Major League Clubs have bestowed an extraordinary opportunity upon me. My pledge is to work every single day to honor their faith in me and your love of this game.
Sincerely,

Robert D. Manfred, Jr.
Commissioner of Baseball

MLB pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring 2015 training on February 19, woo-hoo!!!