Welcome to Thursday's Morning Mashup. For the latest news, start at our WEEI.com home page or click here for the top stories from our news wire. https://weei.stats.com/multisport/front.asp
THURSDAY'S BROADCAST HIGHLIGHTS:MLB: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 12:30 p.m. (MLB Network)MLB: Baltimore at Chi. White Sox, 3:30 p.m. (MLB Network)MLB: Houston at Cleveland, 6 p.m. (MLB Network)MLB: Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m. (NESN, WEEI-FM 93.7)MLB: Kansas City at Texas, 9 p.m. (MLB Network)NBA: Golden State at Houston, 9 p.m. (TNT)
AROUND THE WEB:
-- After the NFL announced a new kneeling policy (or anti-kneeling policy) for the league on Wednesday banning players from taking a knee during the pregame national anthem and many players quickly reacted to the change.
#TheFightContinues pic.twitter.com/TX9IBDxRev
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) May 23, 2018"Freedom of speech does not exist for NFL players now, we get fined for protesting for something we believe in, FINE ME!!!! You can't change my opinion, and can't stop my protest I have a right as an American to protest when I feel there is injustice in this country," Dawuane Smoot tweeted.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 23, 2018"I've always taken that time anyway to pray, and I've always respected the flag, so that really has nothing to do with me," Jarvis Landry said.
Tough detail here, but see how I put the word "and" between "demonstrating" and "taking real action." Real action I'm referring to could be pushing for legislative change in our criminal justice system, meeting with community leaders, police + donating hard earned money to causes https://t.co/ElY2BuTxM1
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) May 23, 2018"I'm glad they came to an agreement in some form or another," Dak Prescott said. "I'll be out there standing."
"To make a decision that strong, you would hope that the players have input on it. But obviously not," Tyrod Taylor said. "So we have to deal with it as players, for good or a bad thing. At the end of the day they call the shots, make the rules, so that's what we have to abide by. I think the main thing out of all of it is that each ball club is having open communication with the players and ownership about the issues that are going on in the community and trying to change it. I know that (the Browns) and even the team that I came from in Buffalo, they have been proactive about the situation and trying to do things in the community. So I think that should be the focus now and hopefully it is moving forward."
"Appropriate respect for flag and anthem" implies that guys were being disrespectful towards it. Which is an opinion. Most people who believe that ignore the responses from the players and more importantly why men chose to protest. https://t.co/j7nyw2Lkai
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) May 23, 2018Colin Kaepernick retweeted a story about the policy change but has yet to comment on the move.
-- The fiance of the late Aaron Hernandez announced on Wednesday she is pregnant.
Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez said in an Instagram post she is expecting a daughter 13 months after Hernandez committed suicide in his jail cell.
A post shared by Shay (@shayjhernandez) on May 22, 2018 at 6:01am PDT
"Many of you have had speculated that I may be expecting another miracle which is very accurate , I wanted to take time and process and post when I was ready to," the caption reads. "I wanted to have a moment for myself alone with my daughter ... we are beyond excited about the new addition and chapter we will soon begin . I couldn't be a luckier woman to have such a perfect little girl that's prepared to become the best big sister , and even more blessed to welcome another babygirl to our home . BabyG we are very excited to meet you !!! Mommy and sissy will continue to wait patiently for your arrival. I thank everyone for the continued support and appreciate the respect for our privacy that has been shown."
She made no mention of the paternity.
Jenkins-Hernandez and the former Patriots tight end welcomed daughter Avielle in 2012 and they became engaged later that year.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "He looked a little tired to me, yes. You've got to be ready to play now. No concerns." -- Ty Lue, on LeBron James looking fatigued during the Cavs' Game 5 loss to the Celtics Wednesday night
