The Rock Chalkboard

KU basketball adds contest vs. UTEP to 2020-21 schedule
The Jayhawks (17-8, 11-6 Big 12) have had one game canceled this year, which came in non-conference play against Tarleton State. At the time, a reported positive test in the Tarleton State program caused the game to be called off, giving the Jayhawks the flexibility to add another game down the stretch.

Bill Self begins term as NABC President
Self has served on the NABC Board of Directors since 2007, and is also a current member of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Oversight Committee.

KU basketball's Norm Roberts explains decision to add UTEP game
"I know [Self] had been talking to various schools on what he wanted to do," Roberts said. "You know, we were going to be off for such a long period of time. Coach wants to keep our guys in a decent rhythm going into the Big 12 Tournament. And UTEP has got a terrific program, a great young coach in [Rodney] Terry, who we know. And so it'll be a good opportunity for us to play another game."

Jacobe Chester has strong connection with Kansas coaches, 2021 signee
“I always felt it’s been great,” Chester told Phog.net of his relationship with KU. “I’ve been able to talk to Coach Miles. I’ve been able to talk to Coach Jackson, Coach Jones. They’re all really great people.”

Eraser Dust

Sources -- Bronny James undergoes knee surgery after tearing meniscus
James, the son of the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James, told followers on Twitch this week that he had suffered a knee injury. James is a sophomore at Sierra Canyon School, which hasn't played any official games this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has plans to play a spring basketball season.

Sources -- NBA investigating bigotry allegation against Utah Jazz vice president Dennis Lindsey
The Utah Jazz are cooperating with an NBA investigation into former guard Elijah Millsap's allegation that executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey made bigoted comments during a 2015 end-of-season meeting, the team announced Thursday.

Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving happy to push discussion for Kobe Bryant as NBA's logo
"We want to set a standard and precedent, like this is excellence," Irving said Thursday, after the Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 129-92. "Kobe Bryant. Logo. Yes. Needs to happen. I don't care what anyone says."

Ex-USA Gymnastics coach John Geddert kills himself after felony charges, including human trafficking, sexual assault
Former USA Olympic gymnastics coach John Geddert died by suicide Thursday, hours after he was charged with two dozen crimes stemming from allegations that he physically, emotionally and sexually abused gymnasts under his care.

Tiger Woods transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles
Tiger Woods has been transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following the single-vehicle crash Tuesday that left him with serious leg injuries, according to a statement released Thursday.

Eraser Dust

Millions in revenue could be lost if Montana's marijuana program is delayed
Mercer's bill to delay the recreational program is scheduled for a hearing in the House Business and Labor Committee on Friday. As of Tuesday, there have been eight bills introduced into the Legislature seeking to amend the recreational marijuana law.

Senate parliamentarian rules Democrats cannot include minimum wage hike in COVID-19 economic relief bill - CBS News
The Senate parliamentarian ruled Thursday that Democrats can't include the $15 per hour minimum wage hike in the COVID-19 economic relief package. It's a major setback for Democrats such as Senator Bernie Sanders, who had argued it could be included even in the budget reconciliation process.

President Biden approves US airstrike in Syria
U.S. airstrike in Syria targeted facilities belonging to a powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, killing one of their militiamen and wounding a number of others, an Iraqi militia official said Friday.

Covid forces Russian diplomats to leave North Korea by hand-pushed railcar
Eight Russian diplomats and their families became unlikely social media sensations Friday after crossing the border home from North Korea by hand-pushed railcar.