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SALT LAKE CITY — Three more stories from the world of sports in today’s From Left Field.
1. Walker celebrates shot prematurely
Kemba Walker is having himself a good season. He’s averaging 22.3 points, 5.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Charlotte Hornets. He’s playing well enough for the team to even (amazingly) create a “Kemba Walker Texas Ranger” video to promote his chances of making the NBA All-Star game.
On Thursday, he had one of his more unfortunate mishaps of the season.
In Charlotte’s game against the Miami Heat, Walker launched a 3-point attempt, turned around and did a little shimmy believe he had made the shot. He didn’t.
Luckily for him, he was able to dance it off. Walker scored a game-high 22 points as the Hornets defeated the Heat 91-82.
2. Hoops player nearly gets away with infiltrating opposing huddle
Auburn trailed Georgia 92-81 with 1:39 left to play Thursday when Auburn’s T.J. Dunans almost got away with the perfect trick to gain an advantage in trying to cut the Tigers’ deficit.
Dunans casually walked over to the huddle and began looking at what play Georgia was scheming defensively as the Bulldogs were shooting free throws. He was even welcomed with open arms by the opposing team until one of Georgia’s assistant coaches noticed it and got the referee’s help.
Had it even worked, it likely wouldn’t have made any difference. Sure enough, Auburn lost 96-84. Dunans scored 6 points off the bench, despite the valiant last-ditch effort.
However, it’s surprising how easy it was.
3. Football player gets suspended from bowl game for interesting offense
Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle didn’t play in the Belk Bowl Thursday because Charlotte police cited him for shoplifting — at a Belk department store.
According to the Associated Press, players for both teams got $450 gift cards to spend at the store Tuesday. But police allege the player tried to shoplift eight items worth $260.
Arkansas appeared to be fine without Sprinkle Thursday, leading Virginia Tech 24-0 at halftime of the game. However, the Hokies scored 35 straight points to win 35-24.
