Nashville forward Austin Watson has been suspended without pay for the entire preseason and first 27 games of the regular season for domestic abuse.
Commissioner Gary Bettman handed down the suspension Wednesday after an investigation and a hearing with Watson last week. Watson pleaded no contest in July to a charge of domestic assault stemming from an incident in June, and the NHL found Watson engaged in unacceptable off-ice conduct.
The NHL Players Association announced Wednesday it will be filing an appeal on Watson's behalf.
NBA
Westbrook has knee surgery
Oklahoma Thunder All-Star guard Russell Westbrook underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Wednesday, putting his availability for the season opener against the Warriors in doubt.
The team says Westbrook decided after suffering from inflammation in the knee this past weekend that he'd have the procedure. He'll be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, close to the season opener at Golden State on Oct. 16.
college football
Iowa State finds replacement foe
Iowa State has found a replacement for its canceled opener. The Cyclones said they will host Incarnate Word on Dec. 1 — unless Iowa State qualifies for the Big 12 title game or Incarnate Word reaches the FCS playoffs.
The Cyclones opener against South Dakota State was canceled after one quarter because of lightning.
... South Carolina canceled Saturday's game against Marshall and second-ranked Clemson pushed up the start time of its game at home against Georgia Southern to 2:30 p.m. because of Hurricane Florence.
