until 2014.Van Ert also claims the officials violated her pri

MINNEAPOLIS -- Oklahoma City isnt just a place where Thunder star Kevin Durant lives these days. Its home. So as he watched the horrifying images Monday as a tornado ripped through suburban Moore, the emotions came bubbling to the surface and so did the need to help. Durant pledged $1 million for tornado relief through his foundation on Tuesday, eager to help a devastated area begin to rebuild. "As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was tough to see," said Durant, who was in Minneapolis to watch longtime friend Monica Wright play a preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. "I call Oklahoma City my home. I go through Moore all the time. Its unfortunate. Were going to come together as a city like we always do and were going to bounce back." Durant has been in Oklahoma City for five years now, ever since the Seattle SuperSonics moved there in 2008. Hes become a fixture in the community, in addition to establishing himself as one of the very best players in the NBA. He said he was hoping to return home Wednesday to try and lift the spirits of an area reeling from the deaths of some two dozen people, including children. "Just to get to the hospital, see some kids," Durant said. "Something. Just something to give some hope. Playing for the Thunder, we mean so much to the state. So many people support us and I just want to go back and support those people." The American Red Cross said the gift from Durants foundation is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. The Thunder also announced a $1 million donation, as did the NBA and players union. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastation that has occurred within our community this week," Thunder chairman Clay Bennett said in a statement issued by the team. "We are focusing Thunder resources to help where we can in the relief efforts and to support the organizations that are on the ground assisting those affected by this weeks storms. Even with so much loss, the strength and resiliency of this community have once again been on display, and we will continue to work together as our community and state recover from this disaster." When Durant initially heard reports of a tornado near Oklahoma City, he didnt pay them much mind. A veteran of the area now, he knows twisters can be a regular occurrence this time of year. It quickly became apparent that this one was different, and Durant could barely watch it all unfold. "It hit so close to home," he said. "It was tough to see." And it made the Thunders early exit from the playoffs sting that much more. With Russell Westbrook out because of a knee injury, the Thunder were beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semifinals, a disappointing finish for a team that advanced to the NBA Finals a year ago. "I wish I couldve done a better job for my team to stay in the playoffs because of course basketball and sporting events bring everyone together," Durant said. "It takes your mind off it for a few hours." The Thunder boast one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in the league. Durant averaged 30.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the playoffs, but the rest of his teammates struggled to step up and fill Westbrooks void. "Theres some part of me wishing I couldve played better for my team to stay in the playoffs," Durant said. "Hopefully they get back on their feet. Its so tough. Praying for the families. Im feeling for them." Davinson Sanchez Hotspur Jersey . 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That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. A woman who was involved in an extramarital affair with former Wisconsin mens basketball coach Bo Ryan has filed a federal lawsuit against several top university officials, alleging defamation, invasion of privacy and deprivation of due process.Details of the lawsuit were first reported by the Wisconsin State Journal.The complaint, filed in federal court in Madison on Wednesday by Robin Van Ert, claims that the university conducted a sham investigation after Van Ert brought them allegations that Ryan misused school resources during their affair, from 2009 until 2014.Van Ert also claims the officials violated her privacy rights by publicly revealing her identity when they released a 2015 email in which Van Ert detailed the affair and accused Ryan of misconduct.The complaint states, in part: As a direct and proximate result of defendants actions, Van Ert has suffered severe emotional and physical distress and illness, loss of privacy, harm to her reputation, loss of business and has incurred substantial damages and legal fees.ddddddddddddVan Ert, 42, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees.The lawsuit is against Chancellor Rebecca Blank, athletic director Barry Alvarez and six other school officials. Ryan is not being sued.University spokesman John Lucas, who also is named as a defendant, declined to comment on the suit Wednesday.Ryan, who retired abruptly in December, was cleared by Wisconsin in March after the schools investigation concluded there was insufficient basis to warrant any punishment.Ryan acknowledged the affair with Van Ert, though he told ESPN in March that the affair was absolutely unrelated to his retirement.? ' ' '