NHL, players union resume bargaining talks
NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- NHL officials and player union representatives Monday resumed collective bargaining negotiations in New York to end the 2-month-old lockout.
The two sides, meeting for the first time since Nov. 11, conferred for a little less than 2 hours in the meeting before adjourning the session at NHL headquarters.
Hopes for a deal that could allow the delayed 2012-13 season to get under way by Dec. 1 faded after league owners and the NHL Players Association broke off talks last week.
Reports indicate the players have proposed accepting a cut in their share of the league's revenue pie but remain opposed to NHL demands to crack down on "back-loaded" long-term contracts deemed to be evading the salary cap.
News that the negotiations would resume came after NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last week floated the idea of the sides taking a two-week break.
All games through Nov. 30 have officially been canceled, as has the Winter Classic, which was set for Jan. 1 in Ann Arbor, Mich., between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
Padres renew manager Black for 2 years
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- San Diego Manager Bud Black will be back behind the Padres' bench for two more years after the team exercised club options for 2013 and 2014 Monday.
General Manager Josh Byrnes said Black, who has compiled a 464-509 record in six at the helm, has the Padres headed in the right direction after they went 49-37 over the final 86 games of the year.
"Buddy has a keen insight into team dynamics and creates a great environment for the players and coaching staff," Byrnes said. "He is a gifted leader with a terrific mind for the game and a genuine interest and curiosity related to all areas of our organization."
The 2010 National League Manager of the Year has not been able to take the Padres into the post-season during his tenure, however, guiding them to an overall 76-86 record in 2012.
"I am extremely proud to be part of this organization, and I'm excited to continue working with ownership and our baseball operations team toward achieving our ultimate goal: bringing a championship to the great city and fans of San Diego," Black said.
Lions send disgruntled receiver Young home
DETROIT, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Disgruntled Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young has been sent home, head Coach Jim Schwartz said Monday.
Young -- who caught only one pass in six tries during Sunday's Detroit loss to Green Bay -- openly sulked on the field when quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't throw to him and has complained of his role on the team, The Detroit News reported.
The mercurial receiver was placed on the inactive list for the Lions' Thanksgiving Day contest against the Houston Texans after managing only seven catches for 79 yards over the last three games.
"When you play a game like football, it's a team sport and players have obligations to the team," Schwartz said. "Titus hasn't done a good job of fulfilling those obligations this week and recently."
While Schwartz didn't suspend Young, the coach said he will have to earn his way back into the starting lineup.
"His behavior on Sunday was unacceptable and it hurt the team, particularly on offense," he told the News.
Broncos' McGahee out with knee injury
DENVER, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Denver running back Willis McGahee could miss 6-8 weeks with a torn ligament in his right knee.
McGahee, who was injured Sunday against San Diego, has rushed for 731 yards and four scores this season, and racked up another 221 yards on 26 receptions.
The Denver Post reported an MRI taken Monday revealed the tear of the medial collateral ligament.
The 31-year-old had 1,199 rushing yards and five total touchdowns on 249 attempts last season.
Rookie Ronnie Hillman is expected to share McGahee's playing time with Lance Ball.
