Leadoff with Lee 3.2.16

By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- Major League Baseball suspended newly acquired New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman for 30 games. The unpaid suspension is the first under the league's new domestic violence policy and the second disciplinary action taken against an accused player.  Chapman wasn't charged, but Manfred did say that the use of a gun contributed to the severity of the punishment. Aroldis Chapman won't appeal his suspension, because a deal was reached between the league and Chapman's agent and also including the MLB Players Association. "The MLBPA supports Mr. Chapman's decision to forgo his right to an appeal."

- The Rockets reached a buyout settlement with the point guard Ty Lawson Tuesday pending approval from the NBA. The Rockets acquired Lawson from the Nuggets in an offseason trade last year.He finished third in the NBA in assists with 9.6 per game last season. Early suitors for Lawson include the Cavs and Heat.

- I don't know who this was meant for but it's obvious "King James" is upset with someone...

It's ok to know you've made a mistake. Cause we all do at times. Just be ready to live with whatever that comes with it and be with.....

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016

those who will protect you at all cost!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016

- Sam Bradford and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a two-year contract worth $36M including $26M guaranteed. Bradford was drafted by the St.Louis Rams with the number 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. For his career he has thrown for 14,790 yards, 78 touchdowns and 80 interceptions.

- The Washington Redskins place non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins, giving him 2,923 percent raise. After not being able to finalize a long term deal the Skins slapped the tag on him and he is due to make $19.9M for the 2016 season. Since the non-exclusive tag was placed on him Cousins is free to negotiate with any other team and maybe signed. The Redskins can match the offer or decline, if the offer is declined Washington will receive two first round picks in return.

- After battling back from Hodgkin's lymphoma to the Pro-Bowl the Kansas City Chiefs applied the non-exclusive franchise tag safety Eric Berry. The non-exclusive franchise tag for safeties sits at $10.8M. The sides have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term deal.

Other Notables to receive franchise tag:

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens Kicker
Cordy Glenn, Buffalo Bills Offensive Tackle
Von Miller, Denver Broncos Outside Linebacker
Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers Cornerback
Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears Wide Receiver
Trumaine Johnson, Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver
Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins Defensive End (Transition Tag)
Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets Defensive End

- The Buffalo Bills have released defensive end Mario Williams who was unhappy with the defensive scheme he was playing in with Rex Ryan. Williams suggested that he’d take a pay cut in order to stay in Buffalo, but the Bills have decided to just move on without him. The move will save the Bills $12.9M under the cap while leaving $7 million in dead money.



- Key upcoming NFL dates: