Nashville police are "investigating a misdemeanor assault complaint" made by a man named MATTHEW HAVEL who claims ESPN NFL analyst REX RYAN "grabbed him by the neck" Sunday at a Margaritaville restaurant near Bridgestone Arena. Havel "told police the incident was unprovoked." The Nashville police department said that "no arrests have been made and no charges are presently outstanding" (AP, 6/7).
WHAT'S COOKIN: Chef BOBBY FLAY has purchased a 25% stake in Belmont Stakes hopeful J Boys Echo ahead of Saturday's race, with the other 75% belonging to the Albaugh Family Stable. In '16, Flay "bought an interest in Creator just before the colt won the Belmont by a nose." J Boys Echo finished 15th in the Kentucky Derby (AP, 6/7). Meanwhile, the NYRA yesterday announced its new 17-member board, which included Flay (BIZJOURNALS.com, 6/7).
NAMES: Roc Nation Sports will "represent its first coach, agreeing to a deal" with the Browns' HUE JACKSON. The 4-year-old firm has "amassed an impressive roster of clients," but "previously had not ventured into the coaching business" (ESPN.com, 6/7)....The American Association for Access, Equity & Diversity will honor the D-backs with the Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award for achievements in promoting diversity in the work force (D-backs)....Home-schooled NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver NOAH GRAGSON will receive his high school diploma ahead of Friday's Rattlesnake 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. TMS President EDDIE GOSSAGE will oversee the ceremony (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/8).
