Montador's death at just 35 years old led to his family filing suit against the NHL in '15GETTY IMAGES
The NHL has alleged in a new court filing that it is "not to blame for any of the injuries of health problems suffered" by late former NHLer STEVE MONTADOR, whose family filed suit against the league after his death in '15. In a 26-page document filed June 28, the NHL "insists it isn't to blame for Montador's death." The league also "alleged it should not face liability from being sued for promoting violence because 'such conduct is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution'" (TSN.ca, 7/2).
THE GOOD STUFF: Nationals P MAX SCHERZER's recent "dominant stretch," has "benefited the local homeless animal population." Scherzer and his wife, ERICA, have encouraged fans to "pledge a donation for every strikeout," with all proceeds going to "benefit the DC-based Humane Rescue Alliance." Scherzer's campaign has "raised more than $17,000 to date" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 7/2)....Austin-based soccer and educational program Upper Ninety "received a $25,000 grant" from the 4ATX Foundation, the charitable arm of expansion MLS club Austin FC. The funds will "help with the formation of after-school programs" at four local schools this year (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 7/3).
NAMES: Univ. of Nebraska AD BILL MOOS has had an "eventful 20 months on the job," and last week, the school's BOR awarded him the 5%, $50,000 "raise described in his contract." Moos' "base salary" is now $1.05M (OMAHA.com, 6/28)....KEVIN DURANT and his business manager, RICH KLEIMAN, had "lunch at Cipriani Downtown Saturday, Sunday and Monday" in N.Y. Meanwhile, new Nets' teammate KYRIE IRVING was "spotted partying at 10ak in Chelsea with teammates" (NYPOST.com, 7/2).
