All the players are in town, the timed runs have been completed, and now it is time to get down to work.  The Steelers will hold their first practice this afternoon.  The practice with out pads starts at 2:55.  The gates open at St. Vincent College at noon. Off the top, the team got an apology from RB Le’Vion Bell for causing a distraction. Bell is facing a four game suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy. Back and ready for action is center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey missed the entire 2015 season due to a broken ankle with compications in the pre-season.  The first pre-season game is Friday August 12th against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field.

Injuries have forced the Pirates to dip into their Triple A affiliate to fill out the roster for the series with the Brewers. Left hand pitcher Steven Brault will start tonight. There will have to be a roster move to make room for Brault.  Jammison Tallion will start Saturday night.  After being blown out by the Mariners, Francisco  Liriano will start Sunday afternoon. Tonight’s starter for the Brewers Junior Guerra is 6-3, however he has lost his last three starts.  Saturdays pitcher Matt Garza is 1-4 and lost to Pirates last weekend. The Brewers have yet to name a starter for Sunday’s game.

The NBA Champion Cleveland Cavilers have reward their coach.  Tyronn Lue has agreed to a five year deal worth 35-million dollars.  The first four years are guaranteed.  Lue was put in a difficult situation when the Cavilers fired  David Blatt in January.  He got the team to focus and lead the Cavilers to  Cleveland’s first Championship since 1964.

The Penguins will hold their annual Fanfest  August 27-28 at the Consol Energy Center. The event will be divided into four session. It will have  youth games , interactive displays, and autograph sessions with current players.  The only thing missing will be the Stanley Cup.  It has a previous engagement.  The cost is ten dollars.  Tickets go on sale Wednesday at 10 AM via Ticketmaster.

The Pirates are back home for a weekend series against the Chicago Cubs. The third place Pirates are eight and a half games behind the first place Cubs.  It will be Francisco Lirriano pitching for the Pirates.  Jake Arieata will pitch for the Cubs. The Pirates have won seven of their last eight.  At one point in early June, The Cubs were 27 games over 500. In their last 20-games, they are 7-13. Airtime for tonight’s game is  6:40 on WBVP-WMBA.

The Penguins signed a unrestricted free agent.  Garret Wilson agreed to a one year two way contract. The fourth round pick by the Florida Panthers in 2009.  The 25 year old Wilson appeared in 29-games for the Panthers with no points and 24-penalty minutes.  The signing is 575-thousand against the salary cap

Today’s sports report examines last night’s Pirates victory, roster shake-ups in the NHL, and the largest contract signing in NFL history. As heard on Noonday, 6/30/16.

Today’s sports report covers the Bucs’ current slump, the Indians’ hot streak, and the remembrances of two great sports icons. As heard on Noonday.