Date: 01/23/2013 05:29 AM
NW–SportsMinute/282
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has introduced the first part of his four-step plan to keep the Kings in California’s capital city, telling Seattle residents “don’t celebrate too early.” Johnson said yesterday that he has 19 local investors who have pledged at least $1 million each to buy the NBA franchise. He said the major partner he hopes to anchor the last-ditch deal to save the Kings from moving to Seattle “will be revealed soon.” The mayor’s announcement came a day after the Maloof family announced it has signed an agreement to sell the Kings to a Seattle group led by investor Chris Hansen.
SEATTLE (AP) – Ken Griffey Jr. will be inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame as its seventh member. The Mariners announced the induction yesterday. The ceremony will take place Aug. 10 before the Mariners face the Milwaukee Brewers. Griffey spent 13 of his 22 seasons in the majors with the Mariners. He was drafted by Seattle in 1987 and made his debut at the major league level two years later. He finished with 630 home runs and was a 13-time All-Star and the 1997 American League MVP.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – The Vancouver Canucks are going with goalie Cory Schneider when they host the Calgary Flames today. Schneider started Vancouver’s season opener on Saturday against Anaheim, but was pulled after allowing five goals on 14 shots. Roberto Luongo (loh-AHN’-goh) played the rest of that game and then started the Canucks’ 3-2 shootout loss to Edmonton on Sunday. Luongo, the Canucks’ former No. 1 goalie, is on the trading block after being displaced by Schneider.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.