ESPN, Bill Simmons part ways (Yahoo Sports)

NEW YORK (AP) — ESPN says that it is parting ways with Bill Simmons, one of its top personalities who created the Grantland website and was instrumental in the network’s documentary series.

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Bill Simmons is leaving ESPN

McIlroy shows boring way never hurts at TPC Sawgrass (Yahoo Sports)

Rory McIlroy finally figured out that playing conservatively would be the best way to attack the TPC Sawgrass. McIlroy pieced together a 3-under 69 Thursday that left him two shots behind a four-way tie for the lead. Tiger Woods hit a tee shot into water he didn’t know existed. Jordan Spieth was 40 yards from the green and hit a wedge three straight times before getting there.

Blackhawks finish sweep to reach conference finals – again (Yahoo Sports)

For the fifth time in the last seven seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks have reached the Western Conference finals. Stellar saves by Corey Crawford, another timely goal by Patrick Kane and a composed finish despite a frenzied attempt by Minnesota to send Game 4 into overtime all helped the Blackhawks complete a sweep of the Wild in their second-round playoff series with a 4-3 victory on Thursday night. Jason Pominville and

Brady needs more time to digest deflated footballs report (Yahoo Sports)

Tom Brady knows how to buy time when he’s under pressure – on and off the field. One day after a report from an NFL-hired investigator concluded Brady probably knew that New England Patriots employees had a role in deflating footballs, he said Thursday night he needs more time to process the 243-page report. He wasn’t shy about saying that the scandal hasn’t detracted from the 28-24 Super Bowl win

Price, Canadiens beat Lightning, avoid elimination (Yahoo Sports)

Carey Price and company are headed back to Montreal. The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming with them. Price stopped 22 shots, Max Pacioretty had a short-handed goal and two assists, and the Canadiens beat the Lighting 6-2 on Thursday night to stay alive in their second-round playoff series. Throughout this series I think we’ve deserved better than we’ve received, but that’s out of our control.” Pacioretty and Andrei Markov scored