In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin noted NBA Kings Managing Partner Vivek Ranadive on Friday apologized for his comments in a USA Today article that drew an "angry rebuttal in Deadspin" from former GM Geoff Petrie. Ranadive said, "I wanted to sincerely apologize to Geoff Petrie and his team. I meant no disrespect. I have the utmost respect for what they have done for the franchise and what they have accomplished." Voisin wrote "hopefully he learned something from the recent dust-up." As the Kings "approach a new era, a new arena, and an almost unrecognizable downtown," Ranadive does "not need to keep reminding everyone that he heads the group that saved the Kings and is transforming downtown" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 10/16).
HOW 'BOUT A COMEBACK? In Boston, Nick Cafardo wrote Padres ownership might consider Red Sox Preisdent & CEO Emeritus Larry Lucchino "for a return engagement." The Padres have had 10 CEOs since Lucchino left the franchise in '01. He also "still has a home in La Jolla" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/16).
CORNER KICK: ESPN.com's Christina Kelly noted NYC FC on Sunday will host a video game competition titled, "FIFA 17: Best in the City Challenge," featuring "online qualifiers that culminate in an offline Round of 16 at Yankee Stadium." This is the "first time a North American soccer club has dipped its toes into competitive gaming, and it's not shy about embracing the venture." All participants "must play as NYCFC in their matches, both online and offline." Finalists will "win perks like tickets to Yankee Stadium's Delta 360 Suite right behind home plate and passes to a meet-and-greet session with the team" (ESPN.com, 10/16).
