From Junior Seau’s death to Jered Weaver’s no-hitter, Wednesday in sport spanned emotional spectrum

CLEVELAND - Tears flowed from the eyes of both Luisa Seau and Jered Weaver Wednesday.

The reasons for them could not have been any more different.

Wednesday’s sports happenings encapsulated the spectrum of emotions that make them so compelling to watch, from the highest of highs to lowest of lows and everything in between.

It began with despair. Legendary NFL linebacker Junior Seau was found shot dead in his Oceanside, California home. Police said they believe it was suicide.

Seau was 43 years old.

Following his death, Seau’s mother, Luisa, was distraught, crying out "take me instead." Former teammates, coaches and friends were shocked. It was painful to watch, utterly tragic.

A few hours later, it was tension that reigned supreme in the NHL playoffs.

The Rangers and Capitals battled for more than four hours in D.C., captivating with pucks off pipes, players sprawling on the ice to stop shots and goalies making incredible saves.

In the third overtime, Marian Gaborik delivered the Rangers a 2-1 series lead with a game-winning goal.

Just past midnight ET that goal seemed to be the capper for early risers’ self-imposed sleep deprivation.

Not so fast.

On the other coast, Angels pitcher Jered Weaver was trying to reach a baseball milestone, three outs away from no-hitting the Minnesota Twins.

Weaver retired the side in the ninth, an Alexi Casilla flyout to outfielder Tori Hunter finishing off his no-hit feat.

It was jubilation, Angels teammates mobbing a tearful Weaver on the mound, mom and dad on the field in Anaheim embracing their son.

Hours earlier, Luisa Seau found out she would never get to hug her son again.

Tragedy, tension, triumph – Wednesday was an emotional rollercoaster in the world of sports.