First Call: Bud Dupree health update; Joe Haden claps back at talk of release; T.J. McConnell triple-double
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Thursday’s “First Call” shows us a feisty Steeler. Bud Dupree is optimistic about his health. And T.J. McConnell sets an NBA record.
Also, another Robert Morris hockey player is up for a national award. And a former Pirate had a big hit against the Buccos in spring training.
Haden not havin’ it
Monday on 93.7 The Fan, NFL insider John Clayton said that next week could be a “bloodbath” across the NFL because of the expected low salary cap number. So look for lots of veteran free agents to get cut.
In terms of the Steelers, Clayton told the PM Team that Joe Haden could be a salary cap casualty “because they can’t have him (at) over 13 million bucks.”
Haden disagreed on Twitter.
I predict they don’t. https://t.co/pZ9QOgXf71
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) March 4, 2021
I believe that’s what the kids call a “clapback.” Right, Chase Claypool? Am I doing that right?
Clayton wasn’t done.
“I think Vince Williams could be in trouble … but I don’t think there’s going to be too many Steelers because the big thing right now is redoing contracts and freeing up cap room.”
True. And that’s something that could happen for both of those players here in Pittsburgh as well. Haden is currently at $15.7 million against the cap. Williams is at $7 million.
Williams had nothing to say on Twitter and hasn’t since Jan. 21.
Dupree on target
Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree is coming off the franchise tag. And is doing so after an ACL surgery.
But Dupree told ESPN.com he expects to be ready for training camp, wherever he lands in free agency.
Jeremy Fowler reports that Dupree is “expecting to be a full participant in an NFL training camp based on positive feedback from his doctors.”
Dupree injured the knee versus the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 2. Dupree finished with 19.5 sacks over 2019 and 2020 combined.
T.J. triple double
Former WPIAL star T.J. McConnell tallied a unique NBA triple-double Wednesday night. And he set a record along the way.
The Indiana Pacers guard totaled 16 points, 13 assists and a franchise-record 10 steals as his team beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-111.
The Chartiers Valley product had nine steals in the first half alone. That’s an NBA record.
McConnell also went 8 of 8 from the field in 36 minutes off the bench.
a night for the record books
» 16 PTS
» 13 AST
» 10 STL (franchise-record)
» 8-8 FG@TJMcConnell is the first player in #NBA history to record a triple-double with steals off the bench pic.twitter.com/qq6TLo8Ca9— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 4, 2021
Indiana rallied from a 19-point deficit in the third quarter to end its four-game losing streak.
Tampa talent
The Pirates lost 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays in a six-inning spring training game Wednesday.
Former Pirate Austin Meadows homered off of James Marvel.
Another @austin_meadows spring training home run pic.twitter.com/X5bqMNR79e
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 3, 2021
That was Meadows’ second home run of the spring. Brian Goodwin and Troy Stokes Jr. were the only players with hits for the Pirates. Starter Steven Brault pitched a scoreless inning for the Pirates, allowing one walk.
Jenny, Jenny! Who can I turn to?
Robert Morris University senior defenseman Nick Jenny has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2021 Senior CLASS Award.
CLASS stands for “Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School.” It focuses on the total idea of being a student-athlete. The goal is to encourage students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
Student-athlete nominees must be classified as a NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.
Jenny has been an important blueliner throughout his four years in Moon Township, ranking first overall in total defensive scoring in Atlantic Hockey this year with 18 points in 21 games.
Off the ice, Jenny is on the Dean’s List and an All-American Scholar. He’s also a volunteer with the Arctic Foxes Youth Hockey Program.
Nationwide fan voting begins immediately to help select the winner. Fans can submit votes online.
Another Colonial, goalie Dyllan Lubbesmeyer, was recently nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award.