The Blue Jackets yesterday drew an "estimated crowd of 5,500 for a scrimmage at Nationwide Arena" as they await their second-round Stanley Cup Playoffs opponent. The scrimmage was "open to the public and free to attend." The first 50 people were "given free 'It's Time' playoff T-shirts" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 4/23).
The NFL and several league sponsors this morning will "host a ceremony" at two Nashville schools to plant 40 trees. The planting follows a "major controversy last month over the removal of cherry trees downtown to make way for an enormous NFL Draft stage" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 4/23).
Indiana lawmakers have "finalized legislation that would find ways to pay for the deals to keep" the Pacers in town and to "build a new soccer stadium" for the USL Indy Eleven. The state Senate will vote as soon as this morning to accept the bill (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/23).
New Jersey gambling regulators have fined online platform PokerStars $10,000 for taking bets on college basketball teams in "violation of the state’s sports betting law" (AP, 4/22).
The Texans' logo has been "added to the back of the jerseys just above each player's name" for the upcoming NFL season (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/23).
