Vikings co-Owner Mark Wilf said that team ownership "supports the NFL’s new national anthem policy, which gives players the option to stay in the locker room for the anthem but mandates they stand if they take the field." In Minneapolis, Ben Goessling notes Wilf "did not say whether the Vikings would be OK if a player chose to stay in the locker room." He added that the team has "consulted with players on social justice issues and could announce some new initiatives in the coming weeks" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/18).
SNOOZE FEST? In Ottawa, Steve Simmons asked "how dull is NHL free agency going to be" if both Islanders C John Tavares and Capitals D John Carlson stay with their respective clubs? Tavares staying with the Isles "now seems likely," while Carlson remaining in DC is "less likely." Simmons: "I don’t know if tracking where [Maple Leafs C] Tyler Bozak and [Red Wings D] Mike Green are going to sign is going to keep me up at night" (OTTAWA SUN, 6/17).
BREAKING BARRIERS: In Indianapolis, Jim Ayello notes IndyCar CEO Mark Miles has "long desired to spread the series’ reach beyond" U.S. borders, but the event that "appeared closest to making that dream a reality remains out of reach." Discussing a proposed road course race in Mexico City, Miles said there is "no new news." He added, "It’s out there sort of simmering but not boiling" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 6/16).
