Craig Sager was remembered prior to TNT's doubleheader last night, with the net's Casey Stern saying, “Our hearts are still absolutely breaking as we lost our buddy today. ... His fight was inspiring beyond words.” Stern: “Memories of Craig Sager, his work, his friendship and yes, those one of a kind suits, will fill our minds and bring a smile to our faces.” Following Stern’s opening remarks, a video tribute narrated by Ernie Johnson was aired. Johnson: “For many, he was the guy with the crazy outfits. But it wasn't so much for shock as perhaps a look into his soul. Bold and colorful, yet smooth and coordinated.”

After the video, Charles Barkley in the studio said, “I felt like I lost a brother today.” Shaquille O’Neal added, “We lost a brother and a friend.” Stern said, “Being in this seat tonight, much as I'm honored to be here, doesn't feel even right for me. It's tough because I was writing down some of the words: Father, husband, mentor, example, benchmark, teacher, inspiration, hero. Craig Sager.” The broadcast then switched to the Bulls-Bucks call, with play-by-play host Brian Anderson saying, “We've had a lot of discussion about how to handle this game here tonight and I think one thing that we should do is celebrate the life and tell some stories and watch a little basketball (“Bulls-Bucks,” TNT, 12/15).

Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who previously served as a TNT analyst, before tip-off of Knicks-Warriors "addressed the crowd at Oracle Arena from mid-court with both teams on the court." Kerr: "Nobody had more zest for life and passion and joy the way he lived" ("Knicks-Warriors," TNT, 12/15).

Steve Kerr and Oracle Arena honor Craig Sager before the game #SagerStrong https://t.co/UmQqEtAaHH

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 16, 2016

MLS outlined its next round of expansion yesterday, with plans to announce the league’s 25th and 26th clubs in late ‘17. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the two will begin play by the ’20 season, with two additional teams joining at a yet-to-be determined date, bringing the league to 28. The league has set a Jan. 31 deadline for expansion applications, as well as a $150M expansion fee. Garber noted that 10 markets have publicly expressed interest to date; Charlotte, Cincinnati, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Sacramento, St. Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Tampa/St. Petersburg. For more see today's DAILY.

Univ. of Minnesota football players "announced that they are boycotting all football activities" -- even the Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl, if need be -- in protest of the school’s decision to "suspend 10 teammates as a result of a September sexual assault allegation." Those 10 suspended players "stood directly behind seniors Drew Wolitarsky, Mitch Leidner and Duke Anyanwu ... as Wolitarsky read from a typed, two-page statement, laying out the players’ demands." Wolitarsky said that the players "want an apology" from UM President Eric Kaler and AD Mark Coyle. UM football coach Tracy Claeys "expressed support for his players" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/16).

Sources said that if UM boycotts the National Funding Holiday Bowl, Northern Illinois "would be the replacement team based on the Huskies' APR." The NCAA's Football Oversight Committee "would have to officially approve the Huskies replacing Minnesota, if the Gophers decided not to play" (ESPN.com, 12/16).

IMG College has extended its multimedia rights and licensing agreements with Air Force through '26, adding another seven years onto the deal, the company said today. As part of the extension, Air Force and IMG College have agreed to the installation of an auxiliary 50-foot videoboard at Falcon Stadium. The multimedia rights extension adds to an agreement that dates back to '11 and includes IMG College’s exclusive representation and management of the Air Force IMG Radio Network, in-venue signage and promotions, video board features, retail promotions utilizing Air Force Athletics logos, corporate hospitality, gameday promotions, digital solutions and endorsements for coaches.

The new 50-foot auxiliary videoboard in Falcon Stadium complements the academy’s additional investment in an 80-foot videoboard and 220 feet of end-zone ribbon boards, which were installed in '16.

A St. Petersburg City Council committee yesterday "unanimously approved a ban on smokeless tobacco" at Tropicana Field. The Rays have already said that they "support ridding Rays games" of the product. If the council "gives final approval to the proposed ordinance," the ban applies not just at Tropicana Field, "but any organized athletic event in the city or at rec centers, parks, even private golf courses." With a pending statewide law in California that "would affect five teams, 12 major-league cities are slated to sign on to the ban." In addition, MLB's new CBA "bans new players from using smokeless tobacco" (TAMPABAY.com, 12/15).

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority today will consider a proposal in which MSFA members "could no longer bring family and friends into two free luxury suites" at U.S. Bank Stadium. This comes in "response to the public outcry over the practice." But MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen said that the proposal is "not an admission of wrongdoing but a response to 'all the interest and consternation and concern' about friends and family attending games." She added that she and MSFA Exec Dir Ted Mondale are "proposing the change to 'restore public confidence'" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/14).

Warriors G Stephen Curry last night during warmups wore a pair of his Under Armour Curry 3 shoes featuring "graffiti tribute to the victims of Oakland's Ghost Ship fire." Curry announced on social media that the shoes, "along with a second custom pair, will both be auctioned off to benefit the Oakland Fire Relief fund." The money raised from the shoes will be "added to the team's donation of $75,000, which was announced last week" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/16).

The Seahawks' all-neon green Color Rush uniforms captured the attention of sports fans and the media during last night's "TNF" game against the Rams. The Portland OREGONIAN's Eder Campuzano wrote, "Pick any television show or cartoon that aired on the network in the '90s and you could recall that brilliant shade of green" (OREGONLIVE.com, 12/15).  MSNBC's Louis Burgdorf said, "No, that's not the glare on your television screen" ("Way Too Early," MSNBC, 12/16). Fox Sports' Mike Joy on Twitter wrote, "Set up new Sony big screen. #TNF came up on it… I thought the TV was completely wrecked in transit! Nope, was just new #SeahawksUniforms." The Wall Street Journal's Joe Flint tweeted, "Did Dr. Seuss dress the Seahawks tonight?" Golf Digest's Jim Moriarty tweeted, "It's a good thing this game isn't being played in London. The Seahawks would be mistaken for traffic cones there" (TWITTER.com, 12/15).

The 10th Anniversary of the Sports Business Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at the N.Y. Marriott Marquis at Times Square. Entries are now being accepted in 17 categories. Visit the event page to make your bid to share the stage with the best in sports business at the SBAs.

DEADLINE: Friday, Jan. 13.

The "latest buzz among sports bankers" is that the Marlins "can be had" for $1.7B (FORBES.com, 12/15).

Houston city officials today will unveil a $175M makeover to east downtown that is "intended to leave a good impression on Super Bowl LI visitors." Friday's unveiling by Houston First and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee also will "celebrate the 51-day countdown to Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/16).

The Univ. of Florida's O'Connell Center today will hold fall commencement, giving students and parents a "first glimpse" at the venue's $64.5M renovation. The "first sporting event at the renovated arena will take place Dec. 21" when the men's basketball team hosts Arkansas-Little Rock (GAINESVILLE SUN, 12/16). 

Warriors F Kevin Durant yesterday released an app called DurantEmpoji that "features a variety of KDs doing different things" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 12/15).

“Everything” – Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, on what he likes about the new NBA CBA (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/16).

“Nothing has changed on our end. Everyone’s roles are the same, positions are the same, titles are the same” – NHL Panthers President & CEO Matthew Caldwell, on the team’s command structure (USA TODAY, 12/16).

“I have no plans for the Cup right now. My focus is to keep winning championships wherever I’m at. That will only help me with my opportunities for the future” – NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Daniel Suarez, on whether he wants to move to the sport’s next level (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 12/16).

The WALL STREET JOURNAL writes, "Many of the casual users who flocked to daily fantasy when it was introduced have been driven away by low returns and a spate of negative headlines." In response, DraftKings and FanDuel have "revamped their games and their marketing," and many in sports are hoping the industry can "pull off this shift toward more casual users, because they believe the games help drive engagement."

ESPN.com shares the story of 11-year-old Anthony Skipper, who suffered "brain damage due to lack of oxygen" after suffering a seizure in the bathtub. La La Anthony, wife of Knicks F Carmelo Anthony, has since formed a relationship with Skipper and his family, and while he is unable to speak, the "affection he feels toward La La and Carmelo still shines through."

Also: 

• With 62.5% of FBS teams playing in a bowl game, the system "has run amok."
• Building an NHL-caliber hockey rink at Busch Stadium is "no small task."
• With their shift toward analytics, the D-backs hope to "do more than just catch up."

1 thing I learned this season: Average Joe #CFB fan has no idea what cost of attendance is.

— John Hayes (@johnP_hayes) December 16, 2016

nfl worth it? in 3 of 5 "highlights," player suffered concussion. of course announcer called it "concussion-like" symptoms

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 16, 2016

Just taking time this morning to read the obits and tributes to Craig Sager who brought so much sheer fun to every arena every night...

— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) December 16, 2016

Want to be a #FIFA referee who also works a Corporate job? Number of weekends I was home since Feb. 1. 2016 - Three. #WorkLife #RefLife pic.twitter.com/51njFiUdf5

— Corey Rockwell (@coreyrock) December 15, 2016

The Maple Leafs, the city of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and Rogers officials will unveil plans for festivities coinciding with the '17 Scotiabank NHL Centennial Classic.

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy!” category was “New York City TV.”

“In 2010, in its fourth season, this TV show shifted its primary setting to 6th Avenue, two blocks west.”

TBS’ Conan O’Brien said, “Controversial Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte said his wife is expecting. Lochte said he doesn't care if it's a boy or a girl, as long as it's dumb. That's the only thing” (“Conan,” TBS, 12/15).

NBC’s Jimmy Fallon said, “This week, Donald Trump met with former NFL stars Ray Lewis and Jim Brown at Trump Tower. When asked if he'd offer them a cabinet position, Trump said, ‘Only if OJ turns it down’” (“The Tonight Show,” NBC, 12/15).

“What is ‘Mad Men?’”