1955: A suspension led to a riot. NHL president Colin Campbell suspended Montreal’s Maurice “The Rocket” Richard for striking a Boston Bruins player with his stick. A day after the suspension was announced, fans in Montreal rioted.
1985: Jail time for a former pitcher. Two-time Cy Young winner Denny McLain was convicted on charges of embezzlement and drug trafficking. He was sentenced to 23 years, but the conviction was overturned in 1987.
2014: They just won it. The Florida men’s basketball team edged out Kentucky 61–60 to take the SEC championship. The Gators ultimately made it to the Final Four of the national tournament.
Birthdays in the sports world today . . . Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure is 75. Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson is 45. Ex–Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is 37. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is 32, and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. is 27.