Steelers Chair Dan Rooney, one of the “the most powerful and beloved owners in sports," died yesterday at the age of 84. A "powerful voice in the NFL for decades, often out of the public eye, he helped settle two players’ strikes." He also "fought to give more opportunities for minority coaches to ascend in the NFL, an effort that prompted the adoption of what is known as the Rooney Rule." He was elected to the Pro Football HOF in '00 (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 4/14). Rooney is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia, as well as "seven children, 20 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four brothers" (L.A. TIMES, 4/14).

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland, Pa.  There will also be a "gathering for family and friends" Monday at the PNC Champions Club at Heinz Field (POST-GAZETTE.com, 4/13). The Pro Football HOF this weekend "will fly its flag at half-staff" (NFL.com, 4/13).

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue perhaps summed it up best last night by saying, “Dan Rooney was an extraordinary man of faith, conviction, reason and peace. He loved his family, his Steelers and his Pittsburgh. His values were of America, Ireland and his Church. He was an inspiration to millions throughout America, and in many other lands. He was at home on mean streets, in lockerrooms and chapels, with Presidents, Popes, poets and visionaries. Few have served so many so well. Dan was my mentor, role model, indispensable supporter and great friend during five decades. In the NFL, he is irreplaceable” (THE DAILY). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Few men have contributed so much to the National Football League. ... He was one of the finest men in the history of our game" (NFL).

One of Rooney’s closets friends, Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson stated, “Dan was a cornerstone of the National Football League and leaves a lasting mark on the game he loved both on and off the field" (WASHINGTON POST, 4/14). Giants President & CEO John Mara: "Dan Rooney was one of the greatest owners in all of professional sports. … He leaves a legacy on our sport that will last for generations" (TRIBLIVE.com, 4/13). Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones: "He was a steward and a guardian for the growth and popularity of the NFL, because he loved the game so much" (Cowboys).

President Obama, who appointed Rooney ambassador to Ireland, said in a statement, "He was a great friend to the people of Pittsburgh, a model citizen, and someone who represented the United States with dignity and grace on the world stage" (NFL.com, 4/13). One of the most memorable quotes we remember came from Steelers great Joe Greene, when he introduced Rooney before his HOF induction. Greene: "Dan has always lead with humility. When things go as planned, Dan is in the background. When things don't go as planned, he's in the forefront" (THE DAILY).

Today we lost a great one! I wouldn't be a Steeler if it wasn't for Mr Rooney! We will miss you dearly! Love you DMR! -- Ben pic.twitter.com/94jtHKKeFO

— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) April 13, 2017

NFL Senior VP/Officiating Dean Blandino is leaving the league to "spend more time with his family and explore other opportunities." Blandino has held the Senior VP position since '13 and "has overseen several changes in the way the game has been officiated, with an emphasis on player safety." He joined the NFL in '94 as an intern. He left the NFL in '09 to "form his own company," then returned in '12 (AP, 4/14).

Charter's Spectrum cable service and some Fox stations, including several RSNs, "staved off a blackout of sporting events" for "one more night." The parties yesterday afternoon announced another 24-hour extension in their ongoing carriage dispute. The "same thing occurred on Wednesday." If the dispute "isn't settled" today, many "sporting events on regional Fox networks might not be shown on Spectrum" (KANSASCITY.com, 4/13).

AEG Facilities President Bob Newman on Thursday "clarified his company’s plans" to seek about $250M in public bonding from the city of Seattle in its KeyArena renovation proposal. Newman said that the bonding is "only a suggestion being made to the city." He added that his Seattle Partners group – a joint venture between AEG and Hudson Pacific Properties – is "open to going with 100 percent private funding" on its $520M renovation plan if turned down. But Newman added that the "proposed funding mechanism is 'risk free'’ and a 'win-win’' for his group and the city if it chooses to participate" (SEATTLETIMES.com, 4/13).

Knicks President Phil Jackson's "disinclination to talk with New York writers is slated to end" today at the team's training center, where he is "scheduled to dissect the club's fourth consecutive losing season." Jackson "will speak after conducting exit interviews with the players" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/14). The N.Y. POST goes with the headline, "Phil Jackson Must Answer These 12 Pressing Knicks Questions."

Baseball returned "at last to Hartford" last night with the Double-A Eastern League Hartford Yard Goats hosting their first game at the new $71M Dunkin' Donuts Park, where "some 6,850 filled the stands and the concourses." After the 7-2 loss to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Yard Goats manager Jerry Weinstein said, "The whole spectacle, first game in the new ballpark, was great. The fans were just great, the ceremony was fabulous" (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/14). Scores of fans "donned Yard Goats attire, evidence of marketing by the team to build a brand over a year" when the club was "forced to play all their games on the road." Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said that the "city will now turn to the land" around the ballpark (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/14).

There was a "small group of protesters outside the stadium, touring handmade signs railing against the money spent on building Dunkin' Donuts Park" (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/14).

The Mariners yesterday unveiled a life-size statue of Baseball HOFer Ken Griffey Jr. outside Safeco Field before a "small contingent" of team management, former MLBers and Griffey's family. Mariners President Kevin Mather said that the seven-foot bronze statue is "the 'final piece' of Safeco Field, a tribute to the franchise's only player representative" in the HOF (SEATTLEPI.com, 4/13). Griffey said, "It's nice. It looks like me. Good extension, eyesight in the right spot, looking up, not high" (MLB.com, 4/13).

The statue was created by sculptor Lou Cella. Griffey was "sincerely and genuinely humbled." This was a "wonderful idea by the Mariners that was executed well," and "fans are going to love it" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 4/14). Among the first visitors to the new monument was rapper Snoop Dogg, who "got wind of the statue and made his way over to Safeco" (MLB.com, 4/13).

Meanwhile, the Dodgers on Saturday will unveil a statue of Jackie Robinson on the "70th anniversary of the day he broke baseball's color barrier." Jackie's daughter, Sharon Robinson, said that she "expects about 200 friends and family members – including her 94-year-old mother, Rachel – to attend the unveiling and ceremony on baseball’s annual Jackie Robinson Day." The team's "first stadium statue" will be located near the reserve level entrances at Dodger Stadium, "along the left-field line." Dodgers Senior VP/Planning & Development Janet Marie Smith said, "It's where the most number of fans enter, but it's also a very ceremonial place" (L.A. TIMES, 4/12).

The NCAA D-I Council today in Indianapolis is expected to vote on a "comprehensive package of football recruiting reforms." The Big Ten "wants to expand the window of time high school football prospects can take official visits to campuses," allowing high school juniors to visit in April, May and June. The SEC and "other leagues in the South are reluctant to sign off on the change." But the conferences "appear to have found consensus" on other recruiting reforms (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/14).

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum last night opened an exhibit to honor A.J. Foyt, IndyCar's "winningest driver." More than 100 people, "including Foyt family members and former Foyt drivers," attended the event to "marvel at the legendary cars, trophies and memorabilia from Foyt's historic and versatile career." The exhibit is open to the public starting today (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/14).

A Golden Boy Promotions TV spot to be released today promoting the Canelo Alvarez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. boxing match "takes a jab" at President Trump. The 45-second ad for the May 6 fight at T-Mobile Arena "has the fighters racing through the Mexican desert and breaking through what appears to be an impenetrable wall." Golden Boy CEO Oscar De La Hoya said, "The message of this ad is simple: Not every Mexican is what President Trump has labeled them" (LAS VEGAS SUN, 4/14).

Sources said that Boston College President William Leahy has "been presented a list" with three names for AD, and he will "presumably look over the files of those three names over the weekend" (TMGCOLLEGESPORTS.com, 4/13).

Lions President Rod Wood during the team's new uniform unveiling last night "revealed something even more important to all NFL fans" – that the '17 NFL regular-season schedule "will come out in a week" (ESPN.com, 4/13).

The Minnesota Ballpark Authority yesterday voted to "restrict use of its Target Field suite primarily to 501(c)(3) charities and occasionally commissioners themselves" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/14).

WNBA President Lisa Borders during the league's Draft on Thursday night announced picks from a DJ booth at Samsung 837 in Manhattan, "creating a party-like atmosphere although there wasn't the traditional podium and stage for players" (AP, 4/13).

Aspire Group has inked a multiyear deal with Coastal Carolina, giving the collegiate sports marketing group its 11th new client of the year to date (Aspire).

The Orioles yesterday "received a shipment of T-shirts" from the Capitals, who opened their first-round playoff series against the Maple Leafs. Several players "wore the shirts during pregame" against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre (BALTIMORESUN.com, 4/13).

Serie A club AC Milan has been sold to a Chinese-led consortium for US$786M in "what marks the biggest-ever Far East investment in a European club" (INDEPENDENT.co.uk, 4/13).

"I anticipate that there are many stars that understand how unique this Los Angeles Laker platform is. I am fully convinced we will have one or more than one come. To put a timetable on it, I can’t do that" – Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, on turning the Lakers' roster into one that can compete for an NBA title (L.A. TIMES, 4/14).

"If we get the top-three pick, we might have the Ball family come in here talking crazy. It’s kind of hard when you got a Ball family and a Swaggy P talking crazy. Kind of too much" – Lakers G Nick Young, on the team possibly drafting former UCLA G Lonzo Ball (LATIMES.com, 4/13).

"It's like we're being watched in a zoo" – Cubs P Justin Grimm, on the new bullpens at Wrigley field featuring windows for passing fans to watch players (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/14).

The BOSTON GLOBE writes Nike is "going to extraordinary lengths to concoct ideal running conditions for a try at a sub-two-hour marathon." The runners Nike sponsors "will wear a prototype shoe that Nike says improves running performance through technology." The shoes have also "generated questions over whether they comply with the rules of the sport." Meanwhile, Adidas said it is “very important” that the two-hour barrier be broken in its shoes.

Also:

• Former NFL Oilers "tried lame-duck approach Raiders are attempting."
• NBA regular season ended with 76ers-Knicks, a "battle of losing philosophies."
• Even Mike Trout's agent was drafted higher than the Angels CF was.
• Papa Johns founder needs to clarify his criticism of Univ. of Louisville athletics.
• Lions uniform redesign was a personal passion for Nike's Steve McClard.
• Column: San Antonio better off having not landed Marlins in relocation bid.

.@SJSUAthletics Adidas deal added to @PDXBIZJournal database. Pays $750,000 in gear first year, $550,000 thereafter: https://t.co/rir0fI1vm4

— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) April 13, 2017

A.J. Foyt is undergoing stem cell treatments in Mexico. I have this vision of Wolverine walking out of Alkali Lake and snarling. @IndyCar

— brant james (@brantjames) April 14, 2017

You could not know Dan Rooney and not be very sad today. Universal admiration is hard to find, but he found it.

— Joe Banner (@JoeBanner13) April 13, 2017

Dan Snyder close to selling most of his Red Zebra radio signals, including WTEM's 92.7 and 94.3, to Radio One. More https://t.co/oLPFV4G0Wo

— DCRTV (@DCRTV) April 14, 2017

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Boston Univ. will host "What's Next In Sports?" The second annual conference is created and hosted by veteran sports reporter Andrea Kremer. Speakers/panelists include Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, NFL Network's Brian Billick, former Olympian Dara Torres and HBO Sports' Bill Simmons. See a full agenda and list of panelists.

Patriots WR Julian Edleman on Saturday will participate in a meet-and-greet with fans at the Puma store at Assembly Row in Sommerville, Mass., to promote his Ignite Limitless JE11 sneaker.

FS Southeast's coverage of the Braves' home opener at new SunTrust Park begins at 4:30pm ET with three hours of live pregame coverage, including the debut of "Chopcast Live!" at 4:30pm and a two-hour edition of "Braves Live!" from the show's new set at The Battery Atlanta. The net will also cover pregame ceremonies. See more on the Braves' home opener in THE DAILY.

Brewers announcer Bob Uecker will guest star on Disney Junior's "Puppy Dog Pals." In one of the premiere back-to-back episodes airing at 10:30am, Uecker will provide the voice of a baseball announcer.

Last night’s “Final Jeopardy” category was “International Symbols.”

“Now representing an organization, it was formally adopted in Article 7 of the 1864 Geneva Convention.”

Actor Tony Goldwyn was a guest on ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and host Jimmy Kimmel said Goldwyn's show "Scandal" is "particularly popular among NBA players." Goldwyn: “I'm such an idiot. I was at a restaurant waiting for people to arrive and a really nice guy comes up to me and he said, ‘Hey, Tony, I'm a big fan and my wife loves you. We just love your show, we never miss it. Would you mind taking a picture with her?’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, of course, sure.’ So we chat a little bit and I take a picture and they go into dinner. And my friend who I was with, he was like, ‘You know who that was, don't you?’ I said, ‘No, who was that?’ It was [Clippers G] Chris Paul!" Goldwyn added, "I realized who I had just not recognized. So he went on – it wasn't your show, maybe it was ‘Ellen’ or something like that – and he was talking about being a ‘Scandal’ fan. He said, ‘Yeah, I met Tony Goldwyn, but I don't think he knew who I was’” (“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC, 4/13).

$600,000 – Annual savings to the Univ. of New Mexico, which yesterday "discontinued" its men's and women's ski teams (ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL, 4/14).

“What is The Red Cross?”