In Detroit, Justin Rogers in a front-page piece reports the Lions and coach Matt Patricia "will not face discipline from the NFL regarding a 1996 sexual assault allegation against the coach." The NFL in a statement said, "The Lions handled the interview process in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner and fully and appropriately complied with all applicable employment laws." The league clarified that the incident is "not subject to the personal conduct policy since the allegations occurred well before Patricia was employed by an NFL team" (DETROIT NEWS, 5/22).
INTO THE WILD: In Minneapolis, Sarah McLellan reports the Wild appointed Predators Assistant GM Paul Fenton yesterday as the "third GM in franchise history." Fenton "spent the past 20 seasons with the Predators, including the past 12" as assistant GM. During that time, Fenton "helped develop a dynamic core for Nashville through effective drafting, shrewd trades and key free-agent signings." Fenton also "will take on the role" of Alternate Governor (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/22).
CONTRADICTORY DECISION? In N.Y., Phil Mushnick wrote the Mets "fired two longtime, highly regarded and well-liked game-day employees" after a female employee "recorded them sharing what they thought they discreetly and privately shared as a dirty joke." Mushnick: "In an absurd but now common and selective overreaction, the two were canned because they were judged to have created a sexually unsafe workplace -- as if [Mets Owner] Fred or [Mets COO] Jeff Wilpon have never told a naughty joke in private. Did you hear the one about the team owner who fell for two Ponzi schemes?" Yet the Mets for the second time "will honor Queens native 50 Cent" (N.Y. POST, 5/20).
