The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Hey, go easy on Sidney Crosby. At least that's the message from Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero.

Crosby recently passed on an invitation to appear on the "The Late Show with David Letterman" and has been taking some criticism for the snub.

The NHL superstar led Canada to the Olympic gold medal with an overtime goal against the United States. Crosby was invited to read Letterman's Top 10 list on March 4 when the Penguins were in New York to play the Rangers.

Shero came to the defense of his team's captain. He says it should be noted how much traveling and playing Crosby has done since the Olympics and the many interviews he's had.