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The sports world is mourning tonight after the San Francisco 49ers confirmed the sudden passing of former All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith at just thirty-six years old. Smith was one of the most explosive pass rushers of his generation, but his career was repeatedly derailed by off-field legal troubles. No cause of death has been disclosed, and the entire football community is feeling this one deeply.
Shifting to the diamond, and a scary moment in San Diego where Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts took a pitch directly to the head and had to leave the game for precautionary reasons. Then, with the Padres up big in the ninth, reliever Ron Marinaccio hit Orioles star Gunnar Henderson, and that was enough to get him ejected. A rough finish to what should have been a comfortable night.
And in New York, Jalen Brunson is speaking out after the Knicks' playoff run has been clouded by fan misconduct, with several arrests and incidents reported around Madison Square Garden. Brunson, measured but direct, told NBC News that throwing objects and verbal abuse have no place in the game. He said he loves the fans, but New York has got to be better.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
