NHL Labor Talks to Resume Friday

Both the NHL and the NHLPA announced plans to meet on Friday to resume labor talks. The two sides in the NHL’s most recent labor dispute have not formally met since September 12. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly also announced that when the talks resume, the focus will be on more non-economic issues. Prior negotiations have focused on things like the salary cap and dividing revenue between players and owners. The two sides have disagreed on these economic issues so much that absolutely no progress has been made in negotiations, so maybe the fact that they have decided to tackle other issues first is a reassuring sign. If the players and owners find some common ground on other issues, it could lead to smoother talks on the tough issues.

Jet’s Revis Stricken With Torn ACL

New York Jets cornerback Darelle Revis is most likely done for the season with a tear in his left ACL. Revis was injured in the third quarter of a Jets win over Miami on Sunday, in what was only his first game back from a concussion he sustained on opening day. While not officially ruled out for the season, he will have to wait up to three weeks before getting surgery, from which it usually takes six to nine months to recover. 2010 first round draft pick Kyle Wilson will be filling Revis’ role for the time being. The loss of Revis, one of the best cornerbacks in the league, will be a huge blow to a Jets team that has come out of the gate strong with a 2-1 record.

Manchester United Captain Vidic Out For Two Months

Nemanja Vidic, captain of Premier League team Manchester United, will miss two months following surgery on his right meniscus (knee).  Vidic had missed five months last season after rupturing a cruciate ligament in the same knee. Vidic, a native of Serbia, has been a staple of Manchester United’s defense since he joined the team in 2006, and became captain in 2011. With the recent loss of Vidic, combined with those of Phil Jones (knee) and Chris Smalling (broken metatarsal), Manchester United’s defense will be hurting for a central defender.

Venues Chosen for 2013 World Baseball Classic

World Baseball Classic, Inc., has unveiled the locations that will host the 2013 World Baseball Classic. The first round will open with Pool A playing in Fukuoka, Japan, Pool B playing in Taichung, Taiwan, Pool C playing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Pool D playing in Phoenix, Arizona. While Japan, America, and Puerto Rico are all regular hosts, this will be the first time the World Classic will be played on Taiwanese soil. For the second round, Pool A will play in Tokyo, and Pool B will play in Miami at Marlins Park. The Championship round will take place at AT&T Park in San Francisco.