First Call: Steelers talk with WR; Le'Veon Bell staying with Jets?; Zamboni goalie honored
Wednesday’s “First Call” is packed.
The Steelers talked with a high-profile wide receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine. A radio host in Cleveland got suspended for ripping Baker Mayfield. “Zamboni Goalie” David Ayers was honored in Carolina. Le’Veon Bell may be staying in New York after all. And all of the local college basketball teams need to get in gear.
One of many
You’ll see a lot of names thrown around as prospects on the Steelers draft radar over the next few weeks.
Even though the Steelers don’t have a first-round pick.
Here’s a guy they might like at wide receiver in the second round or beyond.
Or maybe for a trade up?
It’s TCU’s Jalen Reagor. Mark Lane of Texans Wire and WAAF radio says that the Steelers had a formal interview with him at the combine.
#TCU WR Jalen Reagor says he had a formal meeting with the #Steelers last night.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) February 25, 2020
NFL.com projects Reagor (5-foot-11, 206 pounds) as a starter within his first two seasons as a pro. He had 2,248 yards receiving and 24 total touchdowns in three years with the Horned Frogs.
He returns punts and kicks, too.
CBSSports.com lists Reagor as the seventh-best receiver and the 43rd pick overall.
The Steelers draft 49th.
Hoops need to get hot
All of the local college basketball teams need to heat up.
Starting Wednesday night.
Pitt hosts Syracuse at the Petersen Events Center at 7 p.m. The Panthers have lost four in a row.
At the same time, Duquesne tips off in Western New York against St. Bonaventure. The Dukes have lost two in a row and three of four. The Dukes are 18-8 overall. The Bonnies are 18-9.
Penn State also has a 7 p.m. tip against Rutgers. The Nittany Lions are coming off back-to-back losses to Indiana and Illinois.
After a loss to Texas on Monday, the West Virginia Mountaineers have fallen in five of their last six games. They don’t play again until Saturday when they host Oklahoma.
Even Robert Morris is struggling in the NEC of late. The Colonials have won just once in their last four tries. Andy Toole’s team next plays at home against St. Francis (PA) in the regular-season finale.
Is this thing on?
ESPN Cleveland has suspended on-air personality Tony Grossi.
Thinking his microphone was off during a break, Grossi referred to quarterback Baker Mayfield as a “(expletive) midget.”
Grossi later apologized.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) February 25, 2020
This isn’t the first time that there has been static between Grossi and Mayfield.
Now we can expect more.
There’s been no response from Mayfield as of yet.
Another round?
It appears there will be a second season in New York for Le’Veon Bell after all.
The former Steelers running back signed with the Jets last March. But after a bust of a first season, there had been some talk that the Jets may try to trade his $52.5 million contact with three more years left.
But Jets general manager Joe Douglas spoke at the combine. And according to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, the GM said, “There hasn’t been talk about him going anywhere. We’re excited about Le’Veon. We’re excited to have him here.”
Bell only had 789 yards rushing, a 3.2 yards-per-carry average, and three rushing touchdowns. Those were career-low totals for a full season.
David’s day
The “Zamboni Goalie” had a night of appreciation from his temporary team Tuesday.
The Carolina Hurricanes honored David Ayers before their home game against the Dallas Stars.
He’s the Zamboni driver and hockey rink manager who played the role of emergency goalie for the ‘Canes in a 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night.
Ayers stopped the last eight shots he saw after allowing goals on the first two attempts by Toronto.
For his efforts, Carolina put together this tribute video.
Dave Ayres: a part of #Canes history forever pic.twitter.com/7bmRlhYlWo
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 26, 2020
Ayers got to sound the pregame “Hurricane Siren.”
Davey got PNC going as the @VectorSecurity Siren Sounder! pic.twitter.com/xVYpN7mufz
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) February 26, 2020
The arena also funneled funds to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of Ayers. Ayers received a kidney transplant from his mother years ago.
Storm Brew is donating $1 for every $5 16oz Storm Brew sold at the game tonight to the Carolinas Division of @nkf. #rndbrewing #stormbrew #canes #letsgocanes #officialbeer #davidayresday pic.twitter.com/YYC8ODXgUo
— Jordan Martinook (@Martyman17) February 25, 2020
The ‘Canes could’ve used a little more Ayers magic Tuesday. They lost to Dallas 4-1.
Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.
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