Nets G and NBPA VP JERRY STACKHOUSE said it is “highly unlikely" he will play next season. He then “anticipates having a role" with the NBPA. Stackhouse on Friday said, “I think this is an opportune time to kind of step to the forefront to do something with the union.” He figures his role after this season “would include helping the union select an executive director and keeping players updated on the process” (FOXSPORTSFLORIDA.com, 3/29).
BARACK & BRACKETS: PRESIDENT OBAMA watched the Syracuse-Marquette game on Saturday at the Verizon Center and “sat with REGGIE LOVE," his former personal aide and a former Duke basketball player. At least “one other friend," MARTY NESBITT, also sat with Obama, as well as NCAA President MARK EMMERT (AP, 3/30). SI.com’s Pete Thamel tweeted, “Obama in the house in DC. Sitting with Mark Emmert. Boos when Emmert shown on big screen. Cheers for just Obama” (TWITTER.com, 3/30). MULTICHANNEL NEWS’ Mike Reynolds tweeted, “Turner Sports Chief DAVID LEVY watching his alma mater Syracuse play Marquette in Verizon Center suite w/ Commander in Chief Barack Obama” (TWITTER.com, 3/30). Meanwhile, Redskins QB ROBERT GRIFFIN III said Obama spoke to him about “protecting myself” in a face-to-face meeting (WASHINGTONTIMES.com, 3/30).
NAMES: Basketball HOFer JOHN THOMPSON “donated funds in order to keep a Northwest D.C. Boys & Girls Club open, at least temporarily” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 3/29)….Patriots TE ROB GRONKOWSKI and LB DANE FLETCHER, Bruins G TUUKKA RASK and LW SHAWN THORNTON last week attended a fundraiser for children’s cancer charity St. Baldrick’s Foundation (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/30).
