Mar 5, 2019 3 min read

PSAC wrestling changes

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference has been informed its four member institutions sponsoring wrestling at the Division I level will no longer participate in the league’s annual tournament, PSAC commissioner Steve Murray said Tuesday. The decision made by Bloomsburg, Clarion, Edinboro and Lock Haven follows those institutions’ acceptance into the Mid-American Conference beginning in the 2019-20 season.

“We are excited to learn of the opportunity for those schools to continue their outstanding wrestling traditions in a highly competitive league within our region,” Murray said. “We are truly appreciative of all their contributions, having established a tremendous tradition for our conference and the collegiate competition throughout Pennsylvania. However, we understand a new affiliation will require dedication to a more demanding league schedule and preparation for opportunities outside of our league tournament. We wish them all the best.”

The PSAC has undergone several changes in recent years, including the addition of Division II wrestling programs at Gannon, Mercyhurst, Pitt-Johnstown and Seton Hill. The league plans to continue honoring annual team champions as those schools will remain in competition against existing Division II programs at East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Millersville and Shippensburg to form an eight-team league beginning in 2019.

Mets hire

ESPN’s Mendoza

Jessica Mendoza has been hired as a baseball operations adviser for the New York Mets while remaining a broadcaster for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.” The move is part of an increasing number of television commentators who also work for teams.

The Mets said Tuesday she will be involved in player evaluation, roster construction, technological advancement and health and performance.

Mendoza, a member of the U.S. Olympic softball team in 2004 and 2008, did not address any potential conflict of interest – working for a team while simultaneously commentating on all clubs. Before Sunday night games, managers routinely give private briefings to the ESPN broadcasters.

New York’s statement quoted Mendoza as saying she will try to “balance both tasks moving forward.” ESPN says it will be “fully transparent” about her relationship with the Mets.

Giants to part

ways with Collins

The New York Giants apparently have decided not to put a franchise tag on three-time Pro Bowl safety Landon Collins.

The Giants’ leading tackler in each of his four seasons with the team, Collins on Tuesday thanked the organization for four “great years” in a tweet and said he was looking forward to the next chapter of his football career.

Collins’ tweet came less than three hours before the NFL deadline for teams to put a franchise tag on an unrestricted free agent. The tag would have cost the Giants $11.15 million against their 2019 salary cap and general manager Dave Gettleman gave indications at the NFL combine last week that the price was steep.

The 25-year-old Collins started 59 games with the Giants and had 437 tackles, four sacks and eight interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He was also a leader in the locker room.

Teams can begin signing free agents at 4 p.m. March 13, a week from Wednesday.