Names in the News

The NHL is urging the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to force Hockey HOFer and author KEN DRYDEN to “hand over ‘critically important’ information” related to the death of former NHLer STEVE MONTADOR. The NHL and its BOG want Dryden to “make available all the documents, audio or video recordings and other important material in his possession connected to the book he wrote on Montador.” Dryden’s book was published in 2017, just over two years after Montador’s death at the age of 35. Dryden makes the case the NHL “needs to change its rules in order to help reduce the risks of brain injuries to players” (TORONTO STAR, 6/27).

ESPYS TIME: Former NFLer STEVE GLEASON has been selected to receive the 2024 Arthur Ashe Courage Award at this year's ESPYs. Gleason, 47, was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 and alongside his wife, MICHEL, founded the nonprofit organization Team Gleason following his diagnosis. Team Gleason's mission is to “improve life for others living with ALS by providing technology, equipment and support services.” It was also announced Thursday that Univ. of South Carolina women's basketball coach DAWN STALEY will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and Duke of Sussex PRINCE HARRY will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service (ESPN.com, 6/27).

NAMES: Late college football coach MIKE LEACH, who died in 2022, is one of five inductees set to enter the Washington State Univ. HOF in September. The other members include former track and field star ALISSA BROOKS-JOHNSON, former soccer player MICAELA CASTAIN, former basketball player DON COLLINSand former football player DEWAYNE PATTERSON -- who will all be inducted on Sept. 6 (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/27)....Baseball HOFer WILLIE MAYS will be “remembered, honored and cherished” July 8 when the Giants open their Oracle Park doors to the public for a celebration of life. Gates will open at 3pm PT, and the two-hour celebration will begin at 4pm. There will be no charge and no registration needed. The Giants said that they will acknowledge Mays’ “tremendous talent, keen intellect, remarkable showmanship and boundless joy” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/27)....Former T’Wolves administration staffer SOMAK SARKAR agreed Wednesday to plead guilty in connection with the theft on Feb. 3 of the hard drive of EVP/Basketball Operations SACHIN GUPTA. The hard drive contained roughly 5,700 files that held employment, player contracts and other strategic information (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/27).