The Wisconsin Badgers news this week has almost all been around former players, players now playing in the pros, whether overseas or in American professional sports. There's a lot going on around some of our favorite former players. Let's start with TJ Watt.
TJ Watt is in a standoff with the Pittsburgh Steelers over contract
TJ Watt did not report to the mandatory minicamp at the Steelers facility. This isn't a surprise as he's been in an ongoing battle over his contract with Pittsburgh. He's waiting for a new contract to be worked out, one that pays according to his ability to be one of the NFL's top pass rushers. Ian Rapoport calls the two sides "not close."
Nigel Hayes-Davis could be returning to the NBA?
Former hoops star Nigel Hayes-Davis just won the Euro League Championship with Final Four MVP honors. He had an incredible year playing for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul. Now, there are reports that the Boston Celtics are considering bringing him back to the NBA. The same report mentions that the top Celtics scout was in Turkey scouting Hayes-Davis.
This could be big news for a player that bounced around the NBA but ultimately found a home and a star role in the Euro League. This will be an interesting story to keep an eye on.
2 Former Badgers are in the Stanley Cup Finals but only one has seen action
The Badgers have multiple players in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals: Trent Frederic and Ty Emberson. However, Emberson is buried on the depth chart and hasn't played in over a month. Frederic is averaging around seven minutes a game in the Stanley Cup Finals. Both players play for the Edmonton Oilers, who are down 2-1 to the Florida Panthers. The next game is tonight, and the Oilers will be looking to tie it back up. Tune in to see, hopefully, both players, but for sure, Frederic.
Russell Wilson is impressing New York Giants fans
One final former Badger story is that Wilson is lighting up the OTAs for the New York Giants, and fans are gushing about it. Check out the video and response from New York fans here.