Date: 01/21/2015 05:00 AM
AP-NW–1st SportsMinute/277
Here is the latest Washington, Oregon and Alaska sports news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Trail Blazers All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge won’t play in Wednesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns because of a left thumb injury. Aldridge hurt his thumb in the second quarter of the Blazers’ 98-95 victory against the Sacramento Kings on Monday night.
SEATTLE (AP) – Playing baseball in Seattle just became more energy efficient, after the Mariners announced they have become the first major league team to install LED lights to illuminate the playing field. The Mariners announced the lighting change Tuesday. The replacement of the previous metal halide fixtures was completed this month and the new stadium lighting will be in use during the club’s annual FanFest this weekend.
NEW YORK (AP) – Bill Vinovich will be the referee for the Super Bowl, heading a seven-man crew that includes four officials working the title game for the first time. The NFL made the announcement Tuesday. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks play Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona. Vinovich, umpire Bill Schuster, head linesman Dana McKenzie and back judge Terrence Miles will be working their first Super Bowl. The crew also includes line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Bob Waggoner and side judge Tom Hill.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots are brushing off and even finding humor in questions about whether they used under-inflated footballs in the game that put them in the Super Bowl. The NFL hasn’t indicated how long its investigation will last. That raises the possibility that it could extend into next week when the Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will be in Arizona preparing for the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
