Hot Button: Wentz activated off COVID list, will not get vaccine ... Tebow gets new ESPN gig ... Canadiens first-rounder suspended by OHL

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Hot Button is a 'round-the-clock feature that covers anything across the scope of sports. We're here to bring you everything hot: News items, highlights, takes — everything but hot meals — whether local, national or international. Better yet, it’s interactive. Share your thoughts in comments, and even post your own links to interesting, safe-for-work sports stories.

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WENTZ ACTIVATED BUT
WILL NOT GET VACCINATED

Thursday, September 2: Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was activated off the COVID-19 reserve list Thursday, after being isolated for five days through a close contact determination. Wentz tested negative and was asymptomatic for five consecutive days, allowing him to be activated and return to Colts facilities. 

However, despite the close contact isolation, Wentz told reporters Thursday he will not get vaccinated:

Vaccinated players do not have to isolate as close contacts, so it is no small decision for Wentz, who could again land on the COVID-19 reserve list as a close contact at any time.

My take: There are several prominent athletes and former athletes who will not get vaccinated. Just this week, John Smoltz and Al Leiter had their MLB Network assignments modified because tey refuse the vaccine, Nationals executive and former four-time All-Star catcher Bob Boone, age 73, resigned after the vaccine was mandated for all Nationals staff, and now Wentz. Smoltz, Leiter and Boone are all in risk categories based on their ages and Wentz is QB1, so each has incentive to get it, but no dice. — Bob

TEBOW JOINS ESPN
ON 'FIRST TAKE'

Thursday, September 2: Tim Tebow is never down for long. After failing to catch on with the Jaguars as a tight end, he's going to co-host ESPN's "First Take" opposite Stephen A. Smith. He has previously worked as a college football analyst for the network and will continue in that capacity on certain broadcasts whie appearing regularly on the ESPN-affiliated SEC Network.

Tebow,  attempted a return to the national football League with his former college head coach, Urban Meyer in Jacksonville, changing positions, but was released in the first round of cuts.

My take: Anyone find this the oddest pairing on television? Can't see Tebow being confrontational enough to get two words in on Stephen A., but I won't be watching anyway. — Bob

HABS PICK MAILLOUX
SUSPENDED BY OHL

Thursday, September 2: Logan Mailloux, the Canadiens' controversial first-round pick in 2021, was suspended by the Ontario Hockey League Thursday for sexual misconduct in Sweden in 2020, for which he was fined by Swedish authorities. The suspension is indefinite but Mailloux can apply for reinstatement beginning January 1.

The London Knights forward, 18, took a photo of himself having sexual relations with a Swedish teen, then shared it with his teammates on social media without the girl's consent. She reported it to local authorities, resulting in the fine for defamation and invasion of privacy. The OHL said his conduct "violated the league's expectation of the appropriate conduct ... "

Mailloux requested not to be drafted this year, but Montreal and general manager Marc Bergevin took him 31st overall in the first round, angering the fan base on several fronts: He was not rated that high by scouting services; he requested not to be drafted; and, he had obvious character flaws.

My take: This suspension was coming, no surprise there, though the indefinite nature is a bit surprising.  Mailloux is drafted, so if the suspension continues too long, he can work with the Habs to turn pro. — Bob 

METS INTERIM GM SCOTT
ARRESTED FOR DUI

Wednesday, September 1: The Mets cannot seem to avoid controversy. Just days after team president Sandy Alderson took Javy Baez and other players to task for giving a "thumbs down" gesture to booing fans, interim general manager Zack Scott was arrested in White Plains, N.Y. for driving under the influence.

Scott was sleeping on the side of the road one block from the police station when he was awoken by authorities. Asked to do a breathalyzer and blood test, Scott refused, then failed a field sobriety test. According to the New York Post, Scott was at owner Steve Cohen's house for a fundraiser just hours before. The team issued a statement expressing their disappointment in Scott's arrest and he will not travel with the team to its upcoming five-game road series against the Naitonals, beginning Friday, as they investigate the matter.

Scott is in the job because general manager Jared Porter, Cohen's first hire as owner, was fired in January after it was revealed he had sent dozens of unwanted sexually-explicit images to a female reporter while he was an assistant with the Cubs. Porter also subsequently harassed the reporter. Months later, Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway was suspended by Major League Baseball through the end of 2022 for inappropriate sexual conduct, including sexually-explicit photos, with female reporters while he was manager of the Mets in 2018 and 2019. The reporters allege they complained to the Mets' human resources department, but the team did nothing.

My take: This seems like Cohen hasn't settled things down, but he actually had nothing to do with the Callaway matter, immediately fired Porter when the facts came out from his time in Chicago, "fired" the longtime head of human resources — technically a resignation, pressured management to fire the hitting coach after a recent team-wide slump (which they did), and had Alderson immediately quash the "thumbs down" thing, so Scott should feel a bit nervous about keeping his job beyond this season, if not losing it sooner. — Bob

Update: The Mets have placed Scott on indefinite leave.

PGA, UNHAPPY WITH 'BROOKSIE'
TAUNT, AMENDS CODE OF CONDUCT

Wednesday, September 1: The chants and taunts of "Brooksie" directed at Bryson DeChambeau at the BMW Championship last weekend, one of which almost caused a post-match confrontation between DeChambeau and a spectator, has motivated The PGA Tour to amended it's spectator code of conduct for those in attendance at events, including being escorted from the grounds for violating the new rules. "Brooksie" is an allusion to DeChambeau's fellow tour member Brooks Koepka — the two have been engaged in a well-documented feud since the 2021 PGA Championship. Some spectator's now taunt DeChambeau with "Brooksie" at tee boxes or after he makes a mistake.

Citing an increase in disrespect from spectators since they've returned to events during the pandemic, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said Tuesday that this is not about specific players or incidences, and is an attempt to root out "a few bad actors" at events. "The barometer we are all using is the word `respect,'" Monahan said, "And to me, when you hear `Brooksie' yelled or you hear any expression yelled, is that respectful or disrespectful? To me, at this point, it's disrespectful. And that's the kind of behavior that we're not going to tolerate going forward.''

My take: Not about a specific player or incident? Riiiight. Regardless, golf spectators have taken on a more aggressive, often annoying, vocal presence at events ("Ba ba booey!" Ugh.). Some would argue this is good for the staid sport, while others complain it violates the long tradition of respecting all golfers on the course. Should fans at PGA events be able to taunt a player with another player's name when there's no vulgarity, or have they gone too far? — Bob

TOP MLB ANALYSTS NOT
ALLOWED IN MLB STUDIOS

Wednesday, September 1: MLB Network analysts John Smoltz and Al Leiter have been banned from the network's studios because they are unvaccinated. arrangements have been made for them to resume their duties from remote locations and modifications will be made for Smoltz to be on location for color commentary in the playoffs this October.

Smoltz, 54, and Leiter, 55, apparently refused the vaccine after MLB Networks mandated it for all employees.

My take: It's now tougher for the league to convince the unvaccinated in the game, and perhaps some outside of it, to get jabbed when a Hall of Fame pitcher and two-time All-Star, prominent MLB faces, refuse it. So it goes. — Bob

BILLS NEW STADIUM PROPOSAL
REDUCES SEATING TO 60,000

Tuesday, August 31: The Associated Press reports through an anonymous source that the Bills have filed a formal proposal to the State of New York and Erie County to build a 60,000-seat, open-air stadium in Orchard Park, across the street from their existing home, Highmark Stadium, at a cost of $1.4 billion. There wold be 60 luxury suites and the construction timeline is no later than Week 1 in 2027. The proposal would extend the lease at Highmark, set to expire in 2023, until the new stadium is finished.

Unlike previous proposals in the development phase, Pegula Sports and Entertainment has offered to pay up to half of the cost of a new stadium. Originally, ownership refused to pay any costs, proposing taxpayers pay the full cost of a $1.6 billion proposal.

The Bills have an advocate in the governor's mansion, as new Governor Kathy Hochul is a Buffalo native and Bills fan.

My take: This will get done now that the Pegulas will foot half the bill. I'd imagine the state and county combining to float a $700 million bond over 30 years, using portions of revenues combined with a moderate tax to pay it off. It's a terrible location, though. — Bob

PATRIOTS CUT NEWTON, TURN
OFFENSE OVER TO ROOKIE JONES

Tuesday, August 31: The Patriots stunned many fans and followers by cutting quarterback Cam Newton Tuesday, deciding to go with rookie Mac Jones, whom they drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Newton, the National Football League's most valuable player in 2015 was entering his second season with New England, which signed him in 2020 to replace Tom Brady. He struggled last season, going 7-8 with a quarterback rating of 82.9, with 8 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, though he added 12 rushing touchdowns. He was playing this season on a one-year, $5.1-million contract with $3 million guaranteed.

The Patriots had Jones rated at the top of a talented quarterback class and now seem committed to beginning the post-Brady era, a player to whom he's drawn strong comparisons. Jones played well this summer, ranked by Pro Football Focus as the No. 2 preseason quarterback, finishing strong Sunday, going 10 of 14 for 156 yards and a touchdown. Newton also played well in the preseason, but the competition was considered very close, close enough for the Patriots to move forward with Jones. 12-year veteran Brian Hoyer will serve as the primary backup, unless another veteran is signed. Jarrett Stidham, who was the No. 2 quarterback last season, is currently out with an injury.

My take: That was something of a surprise, if only because the Patriots have gone all-in on Jones, not keeping Newton as insurance at an affordable rate, plus having to pay out the guarantee. However, the move does clear $2 million in cap space ahead of final cuts at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Where will Cam land? — Bob

'BISHOP SYCAMORE' GOT NATIONAL
GAME, NOT A REAL SCHOOL

Tuesday, August 31: Facts are continuing to evolve around a high school named Bishop Sycamore from Ohio, which played a nationally televised game last weekend on an ESPN network against IMG Academy, the No. 2-ranked prep school in the nation. Bishop Sycamore was clearly outclassed and lost 58-0. Initially, the broadcasters of the game complained the rosters they were given by Bishop Sycamore were riddled with incorrect names and missing players, then they began complaining about the level of competition — Bishop Sycamore claimed to be one of the top teams in the country to get the game against IMG — and worried about the health of the players.

However, the story has evolved into a real mystery, because Bishop Sycamore might not be a real school at all, with its listed official address now confirmed as a residential duplex, with another listed address a university library. Media investigations into the team's roster find several players college-aged and playing under aliases with fake scouting profiles. The head coach allegedly has an active arrest warrant. No one can figure out how ESPN was duped into scheduling this school, which lied in its representation to the network about having top college prospects on the roster, though certainly not his guy who graduated in 2019, yet played last season:

My take: How does the network make this kind of mistake? How can no research have been done into this school? How can they just accept a random schooI's claim it's a top program? How could other top high school in the country schedule this team without any research? I sure hope ESPN goes meta. This would be an epic "30 for 30" documentary. — Bob

BOSTON YOUTH HOCKEY
PAYS TRIBUTE TO HAYES

Monday, August 30: A funeral for Jimmy Hayes was held Monday and the local youth hockey clubs and individual kids came out in force to pay tribute to one of Boston's own, lining up and down the street to provide raised sticks along the funeral procession route:

Hayes died suddenly on August 23 at age 31. No cause of death has been determined. The Dorchester native played seven National Hockey League seasons, including two for his hometown Bruins.

My take: Such a tragedy, leaving behind a wife and two young kids. Went right back to the neighborhood after his playing days. A fitting and well-earned tribute. — Bob

SAINTS PRACTICING IN
TEXAS AFTER HURRICANE 

Monday, August 30: The Saints are practicing at the Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas after Hurricane Ida ravaged the New Orleans area Sunday, leaving the city without power. In anticipation of the storm, the team had already moved players, staff and family members to northern Texas to avoid disruption in preparation for the 2021 season. The Saints will practice through Wednesday then give the players a short break until Monday, when they will return to practice ahead of their season opener against the Packers, scheduled to be played in the Caesars Superdome on September 12. 

There is no word on whether the Superdome will be available to use by that date. In 2005, the stadium was used as shelter and supplies distribution, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The Saints spent that season playing all home games at Louisiana State University's stadium in Baton Rouge — one was held at Giants Stadium.

My take: It will be few days until the full devastation of Ida is known, but the city seems in better condition than in 2005 after Katrina. Here's hoping that wonderful city recovers much quicker this time and that the only refuge they'll seek in the Superdome is cheering for their football team.

ALDERSON TAKES PLAYERS
TO TASK FOR FAN GESTURES

Monday, August 30: Mets players began using a 'thumbs down' gesture Sunday, which infielder Javier Baez, acquired in a deadline trade, confirmed was a rebuke to fans who boo the team. Baez said "When we don’t get success, we’re going to get booed, so they’re going to get booed when we have success," adding, "If we win together, then we’ve got to lose together, and the fans are a big part of it. They’ve got to be better."

Team president Sandy Alderson called the gesture exhibited by a few players "unacceptable" and specifically condemned Baez's comments and that fans had every right to be frustrated, stating, “The Mets will not tolerate any player gesture that is unprofessional in its meaning or is directed in a negative way toward our fans.” Later, he said the fans had very right to be unhappy with the team's play of late, which has seen them fall from first place in the National League East to seven games out of the last wild-card spot. He also confirmed that he will publicly address players and staff on the matter.

My take: That's about the dumbest thing I've ever seen or heard. Who's in charge of that clubhouse? One of the leaders among the players should have stood up and put an end to this idiocy before it started. Ridiculous. Imagine the booing they're going to get now. — Bob

OSAKA OPENS UP ABOUT ROOT
OF PERSONAL STRUGGLES

Sunday, August 29: Tennis star Naomi Osaka shared the basis of her personal struggles on social media Sunday. In a post thanking people for their continued support since she withdrew from the French Open for mental health reasons, Osaka shared she is "extremely self-deprecating" and that "I constantly tell my self that I suck ...," while adding that she is "going to try and celebrate myself and my accomplishments more." She also encouraged all of her supporters to celebrate even the little victories in life. Read the full message here. 

Osaka was much maligned for her stance on post-match interviews and her withdrawal from the French Open, but has gotten more praise than not for raising awareness of mental health with athletes. Simone Biles cited Osaka during her recent struggles at the Tokyo Olympics.

My take: Good for her. I know many successful people in my life who struggle with this exact problem — high achievers who feel incompetent. This drives them, but they never enjoy their success. Kudos to Osaka for raising awareness and attempting to help others through her own struggles. — Bob

MICHGAN BEATS OHIO
FOR LLWS TITLE

Sunday, August 29: Michigan's Taylor North Little League defeated Ohio's Hamilton West Side, 5-2, Sunday to win the Little League World Series, the first title for a Michigan team since 1959. Michigan pitcher Gavin Ulin loaded the bases and walked in a run in the bottom fo the sixth to bring Ohio's winning run to the plate:

Jackson Surma had four RBIs for Michigan. Hawaii beat South Dakota in Saturday's consolation game. There was no international draw this year because of COVID-19.

My take: Great tournament and great play throughout by all the teams. Very entertaining games. Maybe Jim Harbaugh can call Taylor North's coach and get a few tips on how to beat an Ohio team in a big game. — Bob

SOURCES: DOBBINS KNEE 
INJURY TO END SEASON

Sunday, August 29: According to multiple media sources, Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins will miss the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL in his left knee, confirmed by an MRI Sunday. Dobbins was carted off the field Saturday night after a hit to the knee by a Washington defender on a screen pass in the preseason game's first series, causing a hyperextension which made him unable to place any pressure on the leg:

The team had hoped it might be a lesser injury that would only cost Dobbins four to six games, but now they will be without their top back this season. Dobbins worked his way into the feature back role in Baltimore's offense in 2020, after they drafted him in the second round out of Ohio State, rushing for 805 yards and nine touchdowns and averaging 6.0 yards per carry. At present, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill are the top two backs on the Ravens' depth chart, though Hill is battling an injury of his own — Hill is expected to be ready for the season opener.

My take: Tough loss for the Ravens. Dobbins was the reason they made that late push into the playoffs last season. Edwards is a good back but they're going to need another veteran in the room — rumors swirled about Todd Gurley immediately after the injury happened. How about this one: It wouldn't be a bad idea for Baltimore to kick the tires on free agent Le'Veon Bell. Fits the offense and there are a few miles left on those legs. What do you think: Lev Bell in purple and black? — Bob

KANE DIVORCE GETTING
UGLIER BY THE DAY

Sunday, August 29: Sharks forward Evander Kane filed for and received a temporary restraining order against his wife, whom he claims punched him in the face multiple times and swung their young daughter at him during an argument, which is alleged to have been over Kane's new girlfriend.

Anna Kane, who is currently pregnant with the couple's second child, filed for divorce on July 16, and made shocking claims that Kane had thrown National Hockey League games and gambled on NHL contests, including games in which he played. The NHL is currently investigating those claims. Evander Kane has been broiled in financial trouble for over a year, filing for bankruptcy protection and threatening to sit out playing in the NHL to minimize his assets. Kane did play last season and 22 goals ad 27 assists in 56 games for San Jose.

My take: The only thing I could think of while writing this is how gross it would be to cover people's private lives for a living, like TMZ which originally broke this restraining order story. It's relevant news, but I kinda feel gross putting it out there. That said, Kane's life is a hot mess right now. — Bob

CANES PUT OFFER ON KOTKANIEMI
AFTER HABS DID SAME TO AHO

Sunday, August 29: In what seems like payback, the Hurricanes put an offer sheet in on Canadiens restricted free agent forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi for one-year and $6.1 million, two years after Montreal did the same to Carolina forward Sebastian Aho for 5 years and $42.27 million. As an extra dig, the Hurricanes added a $20 signing bonus — you read that right — which just happens to be Aho's uniform number. In these instances, the player's current team has to match the offer or the player goes to the new team with mandatory draft picks sent in return. The Hurricanes matched the offer and retained Aho, but teams frown on the practice as it creates a situation where another team dictates payroll. For Kotkaniemi, the Hurricanes would have to send the Canadiens a first- and third-round draft pick should they not match the offer.

Kotkaniemi, 21, had five goals and 15 assists in 56 games in 2020-21, and has a career 22 goals and 40 assists in 171 NHL games over three National Hockey League seasons. However, he has a career Corsi For percentage of 59.4, so he's strong in puck possession. He also has nine goals and three assist in 19 playoff games.

My take: This seems like a major overvalue of Kotkaniemi. On one hand, he's only 21 and can still grow as a player. On the other, $6 million for that level of production? Nah. He's a $3-$4 million player right now.  Still, the Habs may not have a choice but to match, considering the crapshoot that is the NHL Draft and the fact that due to the recent success of the Canes, those would be mid- to late-round picks. If you're Marc Bergevin, do you sign Kotkaniemi for more than he's worth or not match and take the picks? — Bob

MCKENZIE DECIDES TO GET
VACCINE AFTER NFL FINE

Saturday, August 28: Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie has gotten the first jab of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, two days after being fined $14,650, along with fellow receiver Cole Beasley, for breaking mask protocols at Bills facilities. McKenzie shared the picture of his vaccination card in an Instagram story.

McKenzie shared the letter he received of his fine from the National Football League on Twitter, commenting one the dollar amount and adding "Pray for me." He is on a one-year deal, making just under $1.3 million, with $300,000 guaranteed.

My take: Roger Goodell is twirling his metaphorical mustache. This was exactly how the unvaccinated consequence system was supposed to work — issue a consequence to a player and they get the vaccine.  It's also a tale of the "haves" and "have nots." McKenzie's only guaranteed $300K and $15K is a lot to someone in that situation. — Bob 

MINSHEW TRADED TO EAGLES
AFTER LOSING JOB TO LAWRENCE

Saturday, August 28: The Eagles have traded for quarterback Gardner Minshew II, sending a conditional sixth-round 2022 draft pick to the Jaguars in exchange. Minshew, the starter in Jacksonville for the last two seasons, lost the starting job to 2021's top-overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence in preseason, but head coach Urban Meyer said that Minshew was still in competition for the No. 2 job with fifth-year veteran C.J. Beathard, who's had a strong preseason, though against lesser competition in second halves.

Minshew's standing doesn't improve in Philadelphia. He will be the third quarterback, behind starter Jalen Hurts and veteran backup Joe Flacco. The Eagles released fifth-year veteran Nick Mullins to make room for Minshew.

My take: What a roller coaster for "Uncle Rico." Two years ago, he stormed onto the scene as an unheralded sixth-round pick out of Washington State and had a 6-6 record on a bad Jaguars team, throwing 21 touchdown passes and just seven picks. Now he's trying to stay in the league, following a 1-7 season in 2020 on an even worse Jags team, but still putting up good numbers (16 TDs, 5 INTs in 8 games). His career passer rating is 93.1 over 23 NFL games. I'm not on the Minshew bandwagon, but he's better much than Beathard. Another head-scratcher from Meyer. — Bob

WISNIEWSKI LEAVES NFL
FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Friday, August 27: Former Steelers guard Stefen Wisniewski announced Friday his retirement from the National Football League after 10 seasons and intends to become a pastor.

The Pittsburgh native, who graduated from Central Catholic and Penn State, was drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2011 draft and later won consecutive Super Bowls with the Eagles and Chiefs. He also played one season for the Jagaurs. The Steelers signed him to a two-year deal in March 2020, but later released him — he played one game for Pittsburgh — re-signing with the Chiefs. He was an unsigned free agent until his retirement announcement.

My take: "Local kid makes good" is always a nice story and kudos for him — he gets to do something else he loves and gets to keep his wits and his knees as he ages, while showing off two Super Bowl rings. — Bob 

WINSTON WINS BATTLE WITH
HILL, WILL START WEEK 1

Friday, August 27: ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Sean Payton will announce Jameis Winston as the Saints starter for Week 1 of the National Football League season, beating out Taysom Hill for the job in preseason.

Many speculated that Hill had the inside edge because he, not No 2 quarterback Winston, replaced Drew Brees while Brees was injured last season. Hill was also signed to a large contract with voidable years this offseason, while Winston is on a one-year, $12 million deal. However, in this preseason, Winston has gone 16 of 22 for 219 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against the Ravens and Jaguars, while Hill was 19 of 32 for an identical 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Winston has not started a game since December 29, 2019, while he was quarterback of the Buccaneers, a feast-or-famine season in which he threw for over 5,000 yards but had a league-high 30 interceptions — including an NFL-record seven pick-sixes — and 33 touchdowns.

My take: This is nothing more than Payton wanting to use Hill as the Swiss-army-knife in the offense, though Winston has looked OK in the preseason and has protected the ball. It will be interesting to see how Winston does in a more refined offense than Bruce Arians designed for him in Tampa, plus having a good running game and backfield receiving game with Alvin Kamara should help. Can Winston hold up to the pressure of following the future-Hall-of-Famer Brees? — Bob