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Tony’s Take: Relegation is the future of college football
As the sports world braces for more information and movement following the move of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, one has to wonder what the future holds when it comes to college football.
It seems more and more likely as if we are heading towards superconferences in college football, which will further the chasm between the haves and the have-nots. Right now, Mountain West or WAC teams are not on the same level as teams in the Big 12 and Pac-12, and then another gap follows before the SEC and Big Ten. As those conferences continue to poach the Texas’s and USC’s of the world, it will become harder and harder to justify having Vanderbilt or Northwestern joining that upper crust of college football. One way to level the playing field could be to implement a relegation-type system
Relegation has been used very successfully in the English soccer leagues for many years and I believe it should be the future of college football as well. The basic premise of relegation is to have different tiers to your league in order for like-competition to compete together with the hopes of moving to the next tier. The English Premier League, for example, holds the most prestige and offers the most opportunity for money — this would be the SEC/Big Ten tier in my future setup. Here’s how I see it breaking down:
Power Five tier: Top 65 teams in Division I college football
Group of Five tier: Bottom (or next) 65 teams in Division I college football
For each tier, there would be their own playoff structure and championship. The top 10 teams from the Group of Five tier would move up while the bottom 10 of the Power Five would move down. This would allow teams to compete with teams more closely aligned with their talent levels and will give them an actual shot at a championship.
College football traditions will be lost upon USC and UCLA's Pac-12 exit, says Trojans Wire
Money coming from TV markets will be the ultimate decider of where teams are initially placed. But this will force teams to “earn” their place in college football in order to keep the luxuries that come with being in that upper tier. As of now, bolstered by its history and TV market, Colorado would most likely place in the Power Five tier, but CU would have to take a major step forward from its recent history to hold that spot.
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2022-07-06T21:15:12Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Tony’s Take: Relegation is the future of college football
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https://sports.yahoo.com/tony-relegation-future-college-football-201503730.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/tony-relegation-future-college-football-201503730.html?src=rss
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has his first tattoo, and it’s nothing if not interesting and mysterious.
“There’s a deep and meaningful story and connection to absolutely each element of this art piece, and I’ll share a little more about that one day,” Rodgers wrote on his official Instagram account.
The ink appears to be on the underside of Rodgers’ left forearm. It features a number of mysterious designs, including a pair of lions and various astrological signs.
Here’s the tattoo:
Let us know what you think of the future Hall of Famer’s tattoo in the comments below!
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2022-07-06T22:27:55Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers QB Aaron Rodgers shows off elaborate new tattoo
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https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-shows-210212256.html?src=rss
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This 4-star safety recruit set to make 3rd Gainesville visit this month
Billy Napier has managed to get another four-star defensive back recruit on campus during the last weekend in July.
Jordan Castell, the 6-foot-2-inch, 195-pound safety out of West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida, will be in Gainesville for the July 30 cookout the Gators are hosting for recruits. Castell told 247’s Blake Alderman that he could potentially be in attendance for the Gators’ Friday Night Lights recruiting event the night before as well.
Friday Night Lights is an annual recruiting event hosted by Florida football where recruits can work with coaches under the lights of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
This visit will be the third for Castell since the Gators offered him earlier this year. He took an unofficial visit in the spring and an official visit in June. Florida co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Patrick Toney and cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond are spearheading Castell’s recruitment, and it seems to be paying dividends.
Castell told Alderman that both coaches have played a large part in his recruitment, highlighting Raymond’s prior experience in developing high-level talent and how both coaches want to see Castell play all over the secondary.
Castell is expected to announce his decision on October 1st with Alabama and Tennessee listed as the other finalists, with the Gators currently in the lead for Castell’s signature.
Castell is currently listed as the No. 15 Safety in the country, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.
In the latest trading session, FNF Group (FNF) closed at $37.78, marking a +0.24% move from the previous day.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FNLC) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To US$0.34
The First Bancorp, Inc. ( NASDAQ:FNLC ) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend on the 22nd of July to...
New York, NY, July 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SCWorx Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), announced that it has entered into a common stock purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an institutional investor (the “Institutional Investor” or “Investor”). Under the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase Agreement, SCWorx will have the right, but not the obligation, to issue and sell to the Investor up to $5 million of SCWorx common stock from time-to-time over the
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2022-07-06T23:01:05Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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This 4-star safety recruit set to make 3rd Gainesville visit this month
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https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-safety-recruit-set-213502025.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-safety-recruit-set-213502025.html?src=rss
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USC and UCLA recently announced their departure from the Pac-12 and will be making the switch to the Big Ten. It was the most recent move in a series of shocking conference realignment moves.
In the summer of 2021, it was reported that Texas and Oklahoma would be joining the SEC, which took the collegiate sports world by storm. However, the ripple effect caused by Texas and Oklahoma continues to grow. Many expect seismic changes to come as a result of the two Southern California schools departing.
The SEC and Big Ten are headed toward becoming superconferences of 20 or more members while the Big 12, Pac-12 and ACC scramble to figure out their future. So as conferences continue to expand, how does the SEC continue to be proactive rather than reactive?
Here are five programs the SEC should add to continue to strengthen the conference.
Honorable Mention: Notre Dame
I think everyone recognizes that the Fighting Irish will be a member of the ACC or Big Ten, but that doesn’t mean the SEC shouldn’t try. Notre Dame, as an independent, has the biggest collegiate following in football. However, times are changing and the Irish will get to choose which conference it goes to based on how the contracts compare and the SEC will certainly have a word.
Honorable Mention: Oklahoma State
Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Like Notre Dame, I don’t imagine this is a move Oklahoma State will commit to, but it is a call worth making if you are the SEC. Oklahoma State has had some very financially-sound boosters such as T. Boone Pickens. It would also push the SEC to continue expanding west. Oklahoma State has outstanding athletic programs outside of just football such as wrestling and basketball.
The SEC will begin to pick off the members of the ACC based off of geography, and tapping into the Washington D.C market isn’t something the SEC is afraid of doing. Virginia Tech is annually a top-25 football program, as well as a very sound academic institution. There are some in-conferene ties too, as legendary former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer is the father of current South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer.
Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
[autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and Mack Brown meet again. The former Longhorn legend has his Tar Heels reaching new program heights as they continue to recruit at a high level and compete for competitive bowl games. Aside from football, Chapel Hill is one of the best college campuses in America with a blue-blood basketball program. Like Virginia Tech, they are also an outstanding institution.
The SEC would love to add one of the elite football programs such as Clemson to turn the conference into an all-star conference. Geographically, South Carolina falls in the SEC as it already has the Gamecocks, so it would be an easy move and a beneficial one for both parties.
This is the ultimate buy stock low move. “The U” has been down for the past decade or so, but with Mario Cristobal at the helm and an outstanding staff around him, this program will be top 10 annually in the very near future. Miami is one of the most unique programs ever, but also one of the best. Some of the best players in the country come out of Miami. Recruiting has already seen a boost for the Hurricanes, moving to the SEC would make it an even easier sell to prospects.
Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
The best possible addition for the SEC would be bringing the Florida State. The Seminoles have won a national title in almost every decade and they are one of the most distinguishable sports brands in all of collegiate athletics. Geographically, it makes sense for both parties. The Seminoles may not currently be as strong in football, but various other Florida State sports are already nationally competitive
RADA expects revenue of approximately $22.5 million for the second quarter of 2022; In light of the Company’s pending merger with Leonardo DRS, RADA is withdrawing its full year 2022 revenue guidance NETANYA, Israel, July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: RADA, TASE: RADA), a leading global provider of advanced software-defined tactical radars for the maneuver force, today provided a financial update for year 2022. Revenues for the second quarter of 2022 are e
EUGENE, Ore., July 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcimoto, Inc.® (NASDAQ: FUV), makers of rightsized, outrageously fun, ultra-efficient electric vehicles for moving people and stuff, announced that that the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2022 Annual Meeting”), on July 1, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. PDT was convened and adjourned, without any business being conducted, due to lack of the required quorum. A quorum consists of a majority of the shares entitled to vote. There were fewer tha
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2022-07-06T23:01:11Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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5 teams SEC should look to add now that the dust has settled
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July 23 is when four-star offensive tackle Payton Kirkland plans on making his commitment but that isn’t stopping the in-state recruit from scheduling another visit to the University of Florida at the end of the month.
Kirkland told Gators Online that he plans on attending UF’s recruiting cookout on July 30 and could be there for the team’s Friday Night Lights camp the day before.
“I might go up to just chill that night, to be honest, and then go to the cookout,” Kirkland said.
In addition to Florida, Kirkland is considering Alabama, Miami, Michigan State and Oklahoma. The Hurricanes have been on a tear lately landing two of the top recruits on Florida’s board, five-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and four-star quarterback Jaden Rashada, among others. Both recruits have outright said they want Kirkland in Coral Gables, but the Gators are the leaders for now, at least according to the experts.
On3’s recruiting prediction machine has Florida leading the pack with a 68.6% chance to land the Orlando-area tackle. Michigan State is well behind the orange and blue at No. 2 with 23% odds. ‘Bama is the only finalist being counted out at this point after Nick Saban and Co. failed to get him on campus for an official visit with higher-rated recruits on the board.
Michigan State might be in a position to take the lead in the coming days, but this is not a recruit Florida wants to lose, especially after five (going on six) visits.
Kirkland is ranked No. 295 nationally on the On3 consensus and is No. 24 among offensive tackles. UF plans to use him as an impact left tackle if he ends up picking the Gators.
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2022-07-06T23:01:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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In-state 4-star defensive lineman planning on dropping by in late July
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https://sports.yahoo.com/state-4-star-defensive-lineman-205047647.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/state-4-star-defensive-lineman-205047647.html?src=rss
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Here’s where Billy Napier landed in CBS Sports’ SEC head coach rankings
Florida Gators head football coach Billy Napier comes in at number eight in CBS Sports’ latest ranking of SEC coaches.
The first-year Gators coach is coming off a successful four-year stint as head coach at Louisiana, going 40-12 and winning the Sun Belt West division in all four seasons. He led the Ragin’ Cajuns to a Sun Belt conference championship in 2021, reaching as high as 19th in the College Football Playoff rankings and as high as 15th in the AP poll. He has two Sun Belt Coach of the Year awards (2019 & 2021) and has won at least ten games for three straight seasons (2019-2021).
Due to his accolades at his prior stop, the expectations in Gainesville are very high for Napier. In his introductory press conference, Napier preached patience with the fans, saying that he was building an “army of people” to help revamp the Florida football program, from top to bottom.
Napier had 59 days from when he was hired to the end of the 2022 recruiting cycle. The Gators finished the 2022 recruiting cycle ranked 20th nationally and 9th in the SEC.
It’s understandable why a first-time SEC head coach who has only four seasons of head coaching experience would be ranked in the bottom half of SEC coaches. National championship-winning coaches such as Kirby Smart, and Nick Saban (whom Napier learned from during two different stints as an Alabama assistant) are the flag bearers in the SEC. It’ll be up to Napier and the Gators to see if his ranking can rise this time next season.
Napier will look to make his Gators coaching debut against the Utah Utes on Saturday, September, 3 at 7 p.m. EDT on ESPN.
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2022-07-06T23:01:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Here’s where Billy Napier landed in CBS Sports’ SEC head coach rankings
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-billy-napier-landed-cbs-211250797.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-billy-napier-landed-cbs-211250797.html?src=rss
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Quaker State 400 Cheat Sheet
As if the drivers didn’t need even more incentive to throw caution to the win in a desperate bid to make the playoffs, Tyler Reddick won at Road America last week and moved the playoff bubble again. There are now only three spots open for winless drivers – the same as we has at the end of 26 races in in 2021 – but with eight races to go in 2022 and four of those considered wild cards, it’s going to get frantic.
The Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway may well be the biggest wild card of all after its recent reconfiguration to resemble a smaller version of the established carburetor-restricted superspeedways.
All three road course races went to first time winners. Pack racing at Daytona International Speedway saw one of the other five new winners crowned and Austin Dillon was almost a 14th unique winner on the season with his second-place finish to William Byron at Talladega Superspeedway. Martin Truex Jr. was also among the top five in that race. Likewise, Daytona had three drivers, (Ryan Blaney, Aric Almirola, and Bubba Wallace), finish inside the top five who have not yet won this season and Corey LaJoie was fifth at Atlanta.
Each those drivers believe they can win this week. Each of them will be willing to take risks to make that happen.
About 38 percent of the full-time drivers have won so far in the first 18 races of 2022, but that leaves almost two-thirds of the field available to lay claim to the 14th slot. Wallace already has a plate win to his credit. So does Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Michael McDowell, and Justin Haley, so they know how to get in position for those final laps. This year is not like last year and assumptions should not be made based on what happened then. Several teams that thought they could get away with consistent points’ performances, will find themselves on the outside looking in.
Wallace's Talladega win was no fluke and he proved as much by finishing second in the Daytona 500. If he wants to be a part of the 2022 playoffs, he'll need to get his second career win. (88)
This could be an opportunity race for Blaney. He's still seeking his first win of 2022 and last year he won at Daytona in a similar form of racing. He also has wins on plate tracks in 2019 and 2020. (75)
Elliott is the only driver with a perfect record of top-10s in pack races this year and he's coming off back-to-back top-fives at Nashville and Road America. (72)
Harvick has not won on a plate track since 2010, but he's rarely had this much incentive to do so with a playoff spot on the line in addition to his current winless streak. (27)
It's becoming increasingly obvious that if Keselowski wants to be a part of the 2022 championship hunt, he is probably going to need to draw a No. 1 finish on a carburetor-restricted superspeedways. (35)
McDowell has been known as a solid dark horse on plate tracks. He has four top-10s in the last seven races on this track type and is even a greater threat because he's been running well nearly every week. (53)
7. Austin Dillon
Now that his teammate Tyler Reddick has a win, Dillon will be even more determined to join him in the playoffs. He came close at Talladega this spring with a second-place finish to William Byron. (33)
8. Corey LaJoie
LaJoie will be one of the best values this week. He tends to fly under the radar, but has swept the top 15 in pack races and has eight top-20s in 18 races in 2022. (78)
In the past two seasons, Busch earned top-fives at Talladega and Atlanta on carburetor-restricted superspeedway tracks. All but one of his remaining attempts ended 22nd or better. (9)
Chastain led only a single lap at Talladega in route to Victory Lane and would not be this highly regarded if not for a second-place finish in the first Atlanta race this year. (38)
Haley's only Cup win came on this track type in 2019 in the rain shortened the Coke Zero 400. He's finished 11th and 12th in his last two efforts, so he has a knack for staying out of trouble on the carburetor-restricted superspeedways. (18)
Briscoe's third-place finish in the Daytona 500 was his high-water mark, but he has also scored top-15s in three of his seven pack racing attempts. (25)
13. Martin Truex, Jr.
Truex is only two positions above the cutline, but unless there are two new winners he's still playoff eligible. He has not yet won on a carburetor-restricted superspeedway in his career, but he came close twice with two runner-up finishes at Daytona. (44)
A ninth at Atlanta is only the second time in the past three seasons that Logano finished inside the top 10 in a pack race, but his most recent win on this track type was in 2018 at Talladega. (67)
Cindric hopes lightning will strike twice after winning the 2022 Daytona 500. He finished outside the top 20 in his next two plate races, so that has not been the case so far. (64)
From the end of 2019 through the first plate race of 2021, Hamlin had six consecutive top-10s. In six races since then, he's earned only one more. (4)
Nearly half of the field is going to treat this like an opportunity race and that could produce some fireworks. Almirola finished fifth this spring in the Daytona 500, so he has as good a shot as anyone. (82)
Busch is coming off perhaps his worst race of the season at Road America. In three pack racing starts, he has a pair of top-10s to his credit, however, so he should rebound quickly. (7)
On balance, Larson has not had very good luck in pack races with five of his last seven ending 20th or worse. Save him for another track type. (22)
Jones won the 2018 Daytona 2 race in a similar style of racing and has earned sporadic top-10s on this track type since. He has two such finishes in the last two seasons and a pair of top-15s. (41)
As wild cards go, this is not Bell's best shot. He won't wait for something good to happen at Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course or Watkins Glen International, though; he's going to try and ride with the lead pack for most of the Quaker State 400. (50)
Custer showed a lot of promise on this type of track last year with three top-15s in four races. In 2022, he's failed to finish that well with a best of 20th in the Daytona 500. (86)
Byron's win in the first Atlanta race this year and a second at Talladega in 2021 suggests he will be a solid value this week. Four sub-25th-place finishes in the past two seasons tell a different story. (15)
In his last four attempts with this style of racing, Buescher has alternated a top-10 finish with one outside the top 15. His Atlanta 1 result was seventh. (46)
Suarez's fourth-place finish in Atlanta 1 was one of the early signs that he would have a breakthrough season. Now that he has the Sonoma win, the rest of the regular season is gravy - unless we get four more winners. (11)
With a 10th-place finish in the first Atlanta race and a ninth at Talladega this season, Bowman has some momentum on his side, but his odds are drug down by three 30-something results in 2021's pack races. (70)
McLeod is not going to anchor your roster, but he has shown consistency in the past two seasons with the majority of his results in the mid-20s and a top-10 in last year's Daytona 2 race. (87)
Given the right circumstances, Bilicki can be a good value this week. He finished 10th in the second Daytona race last year and was 16th at Atlanta this spring. (89)
Ware finished 17th in this year's Daytona 500 with a similar style of racing, but the remainder of his pack racing results ended in the 20s. (90)
For a while, Stenhouse was considered one of the best plate racers in the field. He has not cracked the top 15 in the last two seasons, however, and even failed to get a top-25 this year. (61)
Reddick's win last week at Road America means there are only three spots available for non-winners in the playoffs. There is still a lot of racing in the regular season, but the pressure is off the No. 8 team for a few weeks. (30)
Dillon came close to cracking the top 10 in the Daytona 500; anything can happen in a pack racing lottery. His last two efforts were in the mid-30s, however. (80)
In his last two attempts in this style of racing, Gilliland finished 27th at Atlanta and Talladega. He'll need a lot of luck or attrition to get a top-20. (84)
Gragson will need to keep his temper in check at Atlanta because the consequences of spinning someone out in a pack racing event can be even more devastating than on a road course. (47)
Burton's best pack racing attempt ended in a 20th last year at Talladega and he was 25th this year in Atlanta 1. There is reason to be hopeful he will exceed our expectations. (57)
In Rick Ware's No. 15, this will be Smithley's first pack-racing start of 2022 so we need to evaluate him before handicapping him higher. (91)
Cheat Sheet: QuikTrip 500 [Atlanta 1]
Geico 500 [Talladega 1]
Daytona 500 [Daytona 1]
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2022-07-06T23:04:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Quaker State 400 Cheat Sheet
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https://sports.yahoo.com/quaker-state-400-cheat-sheet-201942340.html?src=rss
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Why RG3 believes 49ers' Lance pick was Shanahan's growth moment originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev. — Robert Griffin III sees a lot of significance in Kyle Shanahan's decision to turn the offense over to the first dual-threat quarterback he has coached in a decade.
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance appears ready to take over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback this season. The 49ers traded up to No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Lance, who sat for one season behind Jimmy Garoppolo.
Lance threw 28 touchdown passes without an interception while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns in his only season as the starter at North Dakota State.
Griffin played his first two NFL two seasons for Shanahan, who was Washington's offensive coordinator. Shanahan adapted his offense to account for Griffin’s running ability. Griffin was NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 before injuries derailed his career.
But most of Shanahan’s success as a coach has come with such pocket quarterbacks as Matt Schaub, Matt Ryan and Garoppolo. The selection of Lance shows that, perhaps, Shanahan is willing to step outside of his comfort zone.
“I think Kyle Shanahan is realizing his own kryptonite was his control,” Griffin said. “And maybe he needs alleviate that a little bit, and he’s got a guy in Trey Lance who is extremely smart, extremely athletic and has a very strong arm.
“He can run both systems. He can run what I ran and he can run what Jimmy Garoppolo runs, and that’s what the 49ers need.”
RELATED: What Panthers trading for Mayfield means for Jimmy G, 49ers
Griffin believes Lance will be able to run the 49ers’ offense as Shanahan teaches. But Lance will have the added element of bailing the team out of a disadvantage situations with his running ability and strong arm, Griffin said.
“I think that’s what’s going to take the Niners over the hump and give them the opportunity to win the Super Bowl — not just get to the Super Bowl,” Griffin said. “I don’t know when that’s going to happen because we’re not going to know the truth about who Trey Lance is for another two or three years.
“I was excited to see him (Shanahan) go out and draft Trey Lance because I know that is the X-factor that he’s been missing.”
Griffin cited the Super Bowl in which the Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 second-half lead against the New England Patriots. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator of the Falcons.
“And it’s not anyone in particular’s fault," Griffin said, "but I do believe having a dynamic playmaker at the quarterback position will take Kyle Shanahan to the places he wants to be."
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2022-07-06T23:56:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Why Trey Lance pick was Kyle Shanahan's growth moment to Robert Griffin III
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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday reassured the wife of detained WNBA player Brittney Griner, who is on trial in Russia, that he is working to win Griner's freedom as soon as possible, the White House said. Cherelle Griner, who has criticized the way her wife's case has been handled, said later that she was “grateful” for the outreach but would keep up the public pressure.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. aviation system is expected to "remain challenged this summer and beyond" and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs more air traffic control staff, a senior United Airlines executive said on Wednesday. The FAA responded to United Wednesday, saying on July 3 and 4 "there were no FAA staffing-related delays at all, yet airlines still canceled over 1,100 flights, a quarter of which were United Airlines flights." Summer travelers face mounting flight cancellations as demand rises and the industry tries to rebuild staff levels after thousands of workers left during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Biden continues efforts to mitigate inflation’s impact on oil prices, as AFG Investments Chief U.S. Policy Strategist Greg Valliere weighs in on his approaches. Segment originally aired on July 5, 2022.
CLEVELAND (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden touted plans to bolster pension plans for millions of Americans on a visit to Ohio to woo working class voters frustrated by inflation. While Ohio's urban areas favor Biden's Democrats, the president has tried to chip away at Republican dominance in rural areas with repeated visits and appeals to unionized workers in the state. The trip on Wednesday was his fourth to Ohio as president.
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2022-07-07T01:25:02Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Biden tells Griner's wife he's working to get her home
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https://sports.yahoo.com/biden-tells-griners-wife-hes-164106248.html?src=rss
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While the UNC basketball program hasn’t been overly aggressive in extending offers to the class of 2024, it hasn’t stopped prospects from wanting the Tar Heels to get involved.
That is the same case for 2024 Virginia prospect Eli DeLaurier. He is the younger brother of Javin DeLaurier who played at Duke from 2016-20.
Eli DeLaurier is a three-star prospect who currently holds offers from Mississippi, West Virginia, Texas A&M and George Washington among others.
But, the Tar Heels are a program that has DeLaurier’s eye and are a program that he wants to visit according to Rivals national analyst Travis Graf.
“I don’t have any visits coming up, but I’d like to visit North Carolina, Virginia, Dayton and Marquette, but I’m not leaning toward anybody yet.”
DeLaurier averaged 7.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season for Miller School (Va.).
Since the contact period started for the class of 2024, DeLaurier has also heard from programs such as Illinois, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Kansas State, VCU and others.
It’s not clear if Hubert Davis and North Carolina are going to be active in his recruitment, but it is interesting that someone with clear duke ties is looking elsewhere.
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2022-07-07T02:02:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2024 prospect with Duke ties wants to visit UNC
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Mike Neighbors has Arkansas basketball on the rise.
The Razorbacks may have fallen in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last year as No. 7 seed, but Arkansas will return a roster filled with McDonald’s All-Americans and a transfer from Connecticut who is likely to slot right into the lineup.
Now, as of Wednesday, the Razorbacks have any idea of their path back to the NCAA Tournament as the SEC released the league opponent schedule for women’s basketball.
Arkansas will get a pair of games against Missouri, LSU and Vanderbilt, plus travel to Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State and South Carolina. The Hogs will host Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M at Bud Walton Arena.
Arkansas finished last season tied for eighth in the SEC with a 7-9 league record. Dates and times for the games will be announced later. The Razorbacks will also play Northern Arizona, Clemson and Kansas State during nonconference in November.
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2022-07-07T02:02:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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SEC basketball scheduled released for Arkansas
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When speaking with the media following one of Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp sessions, Duvernay was asked about how his role as a returner could help him as a wideout. He talked about how it could allow the coaches to put more trust in him, which hopefully would allow him to earn more opportunities as a wide receiver.
“I think it will just continue to allow the coaches to gain trust in me, believe in me, see what I can do in other units, as a dynamic player with the ball in my hands. And hopefully, that just leads to more and more as a receiver.”
Duvernay showed the ability to create big plays and flip field position numerous times last year. As a returner in 2021, Duvernay led the league in yards per punt return with 13.8, totaling 360 yards on 26 runbacks. He also averaged 24.1 yards per kick return, running back 28 kickoffs for 676 yards.
He has also showed flashes as a wide receiver, accumulating 53 catches for 473 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons. He is a dynamic athlete, and that should continue to serve him well as he enters his third year in the NFL.
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2022-07-07T04:31:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ravens WR Devin Duvernay discusses how role as returner could help him as pass catcher
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-wr-devin-duvernay-discusses-035955298.html?src=rss
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At this pace, a Buffaloes’ reunion with the Big 12 is becoming more and more hopeful. We’ve seen multiple encouraging reports that, simultaneously, are signaling an even bigger downfall for the Pac-12.
Not many people in college football have a better pulse on the game than Fox Sports Analyst Joel Klatt, who was a Big 12 QB back in the early 2000s for the Colorado. BuffZone’s Brian Howell recently spoke with Klatt and was able to secure some valuable insight into CU’s unique predicament.
Klatt said that Colorado has been “proactive” in dealing with the situation and he predicts the Buffs will probably land in the Big 12. The Pac-12’s Four Corners schools (CU, Utah, Arizona and Arizona State) also have an “urgency” to leave the conference, Klatt believes.
In total, his take on college football’s current climate wasn’t very optimistic for the Pac-12 (h/t BuffZone):
“I think that keeping the Pac-12 afloat is a fool’s errand. Whether it’s the Pac-12 absorbing the Big 12, or the Big 12 absorbing the Pac-12, or the three of them – the ACC, Big 12 and the Pac-12 – making two conferences, it’s going to four, max: Two that are going to rule the whole thing and two that are going to be left behind.”
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2022-07-07T04:45:25Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Joel Klatt sees Colorado landing in the Big 12
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https://sports.yahoo.com/joel-klatt-sees-colorado-landing-013625219.html?src=rss
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The Power Five conferences are looking more and more like a “Power Two” these days with the SEC getting Oklahoma and Texas and the Big Ten getting USC and UCLA.
For better or worse, this appears to be the new world order, and it begs the question: With the Big Ten and SEC the clear top dogs, who will be left to stand with them when this realignment craziness subsides?
If the ACC loses Miami and Clemson, that’s a massive problem. If Miami leaves, Florida State will likely follow, most likely to the SEC. Clemson is already considered an SEC program in all but name. If the conference holds on to North Carolina and Duke, it could be alright, but if it loses the Hurricanes, that’s a backbreaker.
The Pac-12 isn’t looking much better.
Let’s just say it: If Oregon leaves, the Pac-12 is as good as dead. According to Sports Illustrated, Oregon booster and Nike co-founder Phil Knight wants the Ducks in the Big Ten.
However, there’s another conference that wants Oregon.
According to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports, the Big 12 is trying to bring six teams from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. Oregon is among those six, along with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.
After being viewed as unstable after the OU-Texas move was announced, the Big 12 appears to be the most ambitious of the three Power Five conferences hit by realignment in recent years. It already has four schools coming in 2023, and if it can get all of the six programs it wants from the Pac-12, the Big 12 would have 18 teams, spanning from coast to coast.
That would secure the future of the Big 12, leaving the Pac-12 on life support. Who does the Pac-12 get to replace those schools?
The Pac-12 is set to renegotiate its media rights deal, so we’ll see if it can get its schools to stay where they are.
This is an ever-changing situation that seems to be the new norm of collegiate athletics in 2022. The SEC and Big Ten have reshaped the college football landscape. The ACC will have to worry about the Big Ten and the SEC poaching teams. The Big 12 looks to be solidifying its future while the Pac-12 may not have much of a future left if the Big 12 successfully raids it.
A year ago, it looked like the Big 12 would be the Power Five conference to take a back seat, but with their additions of the BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF along with the reported attempted additions of the Pac-12 schools, the Big 12 looks to have a long, bright future ahead of itself.
Do the Mets and Jacob deGrom have a long-term future together? | SNY MLB Insider
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino discusses the state of the relationship between Jacob deGrom and the Mets, and explains how things may play out through the rest of 2022, as deGrom’s contract opt out looms in the offseason. For more Andy Martino: https://sny.tv/tags/andy-martino About Andy Martino: As SNY's MLB Insider, Andy Martino covers the Mets and the Yankees for SNY and SNY.tv. He appears regularly on SNY's sports and entertainment news shows including "Baseball Night in New York."
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2022-07-07T04:45:31Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Who’s most likely to survive latest round of conference realignment? Big 12, Pac-12 or ACC?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/most-likely-survive-latest-round-120019796.html?src=rss
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We all knew it was going to happen sometime soon.
Sabrina Ionescu became just the second WNBA player with three career triple-doubles and the first with 30 or more points. Her 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists helped the New York Liberty to a 116-107 win at Las Vegas Wednesday night.
She also became the first WNBA player to record three triple-doubles in the regular season. Sheryl Swoopes recorded the feat twice in the regular season and once in the playoffs.
This performance is coming off Ionescu being named the Player of the Month for June where she led the Liberty to a 7-4 record. Overall, New York is 8-12.
Last month, the former Oregon great averaged 19.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 34.1percent from the three-point line, and 97.7 percent from the free-throw line.
THE FIRST 30-POINT TRIPLE-DOUBLE IN @WNBA HISTORY 🤩@sabrina_i20 powers the Liberty over the Aces in historic fashion! pic.twitter.com/Qm6eu2ymF9
4-star QB Avery Johnson's commitment shows Oregon's all-in pursuit of Dante Moore
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2022-07-07T05:13:03Z
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Sabrina Ionescu makes WNBA history with first 30-point triple-double
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Tulane QB Pratt Among Darkhorses to Watch
Tulane knew it was time for a quarterback change late in the first quarter of 2020’s matchup against Southern Miss, and that decision paid off.
This marked Michael Pratt’s college debut in which he passed for 142 yards and two touchdowns, also recording a rushing touchdown, ultimately helping to turn the tide after the Golden Eagles got out to a 14-0 lead in less than five minutes to put Tulane in a bad position very early.
While the Oklahoma game in which Pratt completed 61.4% of his passes with 296 passing yard is largely looked at as a major turning point in Pratt’s career, it only showcased the things Tulane head coach Willie Fritz knew to be true of his quarterback from the start.
“I think as soon as we turned it over to him, he showed what he could be,” Fritz said. “The moment just wasn't too big for him. That was probably what I noticed. He's just excited to be out there and perform, and play.”
It wasn’t long after the victory that Pratt became one of the most intriguing freshman quarterbacks in the nation, helping guide the Green Wave to five wins in a 10-game COVID season while showcasing what he could do both through the air and on the ground adequately despite the not-so-ideal circumstances.
Despite some of the shortcomings from some of those around him, the legend of Pratt lived on until it was overshadowed by quarterbacks in much better situations, which has become an unfortunate norm across college football.
So many quarterbacks are looked over by the national media because of numbers, but the stat sheet may be the least telling indicator of a quarterback’s talent.
The fact Pratt has never touched a 60% completion rate in a single season in addition to the small school stigma is a reason why several have passed over him. That’s something he’s self-aware of and that he believes will improve in the upcoming season.
“I think the film shows for itself. You know, statistics sometimes can be varied by different circumstances,” Pratt said.
“But that's something that we're definitely looking to get up. I think the system that we're in that Coach Svoboda brings, I think it's going to be a lot of high percentage passes, we're going to take what's there, we're not going to try to do too much with the ball, we got, you know, a great running back in Tyjae Spears back, and we’ve got Cam Carroll, we also have some really good weapons at receiver,” Pratt said. “So I think that being able to effectively run the ball is going to open up our pass game and vice versa. So I think that you know, the numbers are going to add up because of that.”
Pratt finished the 2021 season with a 57.6% completion rate, 2,381 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions over 11 games. The completion percentage from 2021 and 2020 (55.1%) would imply a quarterback had severe accuracy issues if depth of quarterback analysis was as shallow as just the numbers. However, this doesn’t factor in a thin supporting cast with several drops, an offensive line that had major issues or injuries that can notably alter a quarterback’s upper and lower-body mechanics, which is where true accuracy stems from.
Pratt was sacked 33 times in 2021, with one reported concussion while he took a number of nasty hits that would suggest he played the better part of the season badly injured.
“Just last season, he got beat up early in the year,” Fritz said. “It was hard for him… he just didn't get the practice reps that we wanted to get in during a week.”
Between that and second-team quarterback Justin Ibieta tearing his labrum, Tulane faced a tough situation at quarterback last year.
“There were weeks where he practiced very little. And he still went out there and played," Fritz said. "So we were kind of just week to week. He's had a fantastic spring and great summer. Part of our job is to make sure that we do a good job protecting them, both in the pass game protections and him being understanding of where to go with it so he's not holding it too long.”
Mechanically though, when he’s healthy, Pratt is a put-together quarterback who hasn’t been negatively affected by his baseball background.
“I think [his mechanics are] good,” Fritz said. “I think completion percentage is probably - people overrate that sometimes. A lot of times has to do with the offensive line or protection or getting receivers running the routes precisely.”
“We give a point for an accurate throw, or the receiver's able to continue in stride with the ball. That's what you'd like, every time we call it keeping him a runner," Fritz said. "Where you throw the football to him, he completes it, but the receiver had to make an outstanding effort to catch the ball, you know, we don't give that any points. And when it's inaccurate, and it's not where it's supposed to be, that's obviously a minus… Regardless if the ball's completed or not, that's how we're trying to look at it, just to really see what the accuracy is with the quarterback. So, but it is important - don't let me act like it isn't important, but just I think there's other ways to gauge accuracy.”
In just his second season, Pratt showed he was mentally ahead of where a lot of other quarterbacks with his experience level tend to be on top of what he brings physically and athletically.
“That's the one thing that's hard to really decipher, is, how does a guy go through his reads, progressions,” Fritz said. “How quickly he sees what the coverage is and where he's gonna go with the ball… all those kinds of things. I think Michael does a superb job of that. He's really smart, both as a student and also as a football player, and it's a big key.”
With the way the NFL is trending, mobility – or at least some level of it – has become a point of emphasis for several teams. There’s the sense the trend is beginning to move away some from the Lamar Jackson-esque runners, shifting more to quarterbacks who are established passers from the pocket with the ability to make throws outside of it, evade pressure and make plays with their legs when called upon.
Pratt checks all of those boxes.
“I've had guys that have had average arm strength, and you know, maybe not the greatest athlete in the world, but they're really smart, and knew where to go with the ball… oftentimes before the ball is even snapped. He does an excellent job of that… Physically, he's gotten a lot bigger. When he came to our place, he was about 180 pounds, now he's 210-215, 6-foot-3. Runs well, a legit 4.6 [40-yard dash] guy. So physically, he's got the tools. Then reading coverages and defenses, that's something that you know, it takes a lot of reps.”
Pratt echoed that mentally, saying he feels he’s understanding the game at the college level better.
“I think the biggest thing going into year three is my knowledge of the game and how it slows down,” Pratt said. “That was a big difference between year one and year two, just the knowledge of the game and film study and knowing what to expect from the defense, which I think makes a huge difference.”
Just as important as what is put together on the field – if not more important – are a quarterback’s intangibles and ability to rally a team. That’s a quality Pratt possesses as well as anyone. The Green Wave may have finished out the season with a 2-10 overall record last season, but they’ve got high morale heading into 2022 and Pratt’s infectiously confident mindset plays a role in that.
Offensive tackle Joey Claybrook says his relationship with Pratt is the closest he’s ever been to a quarterback and that the relationship-building element he brings to the table makes a massive difference. Between a work ethic Claybrook says is matched by few and a commitment to making sure he’s close with his teammates, there’s a high level of closeness and earned respect.
“When he first got here and started playing, you know, he plays so hard and works so hard that - there's something about the fact that you just want to block harder for him because of how hard he's playing, and the energy that he puts off,” Claybrook said. “The energy that he brings is extremely important and it drives the whole team.”
The switch never really turns off for Pratt, even in the face of adversity and in a season filled with as many low points as 2021 saw. And that goes for the offseason, too.
“Last weekend we had a team event, last Friday night - and he worked the Manning Passing Academy all weekend,” Claybrook daid. “He came, showed up for the team event, did the event, got an IV, and then drove back to Nichols for the Saturday part of the Passing Academy. That just speaks a lot about him and how hard he works.”
Regardless of what he goes up against, Pratt has never hit a wall or any obstacle he can’t overcome.
“He wasn't burned out and he doesn't get screwed up,” Fritz said. “He doesn't play calm. He's a very excitable guy, he's fired up and into it all the time. But it's in a good way, you know, it's not where he's panicking in any way shape or form.”
That mentality is present at all times, whether it’s in a spring practice or in the heat of the moment with the potential to upset the No. 2 team in the nation in the season-opener.
“He's started a lot of games, practiced a bunch – and he loves practicing. I mean, he's one of the best practice guys I've ever had, you know, particularly at that position,” Fritz said. “The quality I think he's best at is - he's just an incredible leader. He’s into it all the time. He's friends with all the guys on the team - offense, defense, specialists. Always offering an encouraging word. He's a servant leader. He's always trying to do whatever he can to help other people.”
Pratt has a chance to really put himself on the map in 2022 even with a stacked quarterback class and Tulane has an opportunity to take a big step forward.
The Green Wave have a different coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Chip Long among those departing.
“I don't know how much we'll be different schematically. It seems like everybody does a lot of stuff nowadays. You know, call it what you call it, and how you do it might be slightly different. So I don't think it's gonna be much different schematically. Everybody's gonna have, you know, quick game, drop back game, a play action game, RPO game, and your run game with the quarterback as well. You also gotta have a good running attack where you're not just - where everybody in the stadium knows exactly what you're doing.”
Having Svoboda could very well prove advantageous after the predictability of some of Long’s calls offensively. In addition to an OC change, Pratt is confident in the bolstered offensive roster of players around him, which includes one of his high school teammates that he’s already established chemistry with, in addition to Notre Dame transfer Lawrence Keys, who should be in for a breakout season sooner rather than later.
“We got a couple really good transfers,” Pratt said. “We got DeaJaun McDougle, who I played high school football with, obviously [star running back] Tyjae Spears will be back which will be huge for us. And then Ashaad Clayton, who brings a lot to the table with his speed and physicality. And I think the two receivers and the running back we brought in, just really upped the competition. And that's what we've seen throughout the spring and throughout summer practice and whatnot, is that everybody's just working harder. I think the guys are pushing themselves and there's more leadership within those rooms. So I think they're all just getting better because of each other.”
Going into an offense in which some things will be similar while different in the midst one of change there are some things that remain constant. One of those is that Fritz couldn’t be more confident in who he has taking the snaps for him heading into the 2022 season.
“I think Michael is going to have a big year. We're excited about it. He's healthy, he's ready. Tulane's had some great quarterbacks over the years and he certainly can be another one to join that club.”
Scott Barrett’s brief turn as a blindside flanker is over and he will return to lock in the All Blacks team that will face Ireland in Saturday’s second test at Dunedin. Barrett’s positional shift again is partly necessitated by injury. Veteran lock Sam Whitelock has been diagnosed with a delayed onset concussion and Barrett takes his place in the second row where he will partner Brodie Retallick.
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2022-07-07T07:01:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Tulane QB Pratt Among Darkhorses to Watch
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Discussions with Manchester City over 27-year-old Ake are ‘thought to be more advanced’
Euro 2022 will be lit up by one of the brightest stars in women's football thanks to Ada Hegerberg's decision to end a self-imposed exile from international duty with Norway.
The women clashed as amateurs in 2012, and now they are set for an undisputed title fight in September
PSG replace Mauricio Pochettino with Christophe Galtier
The former Nice manager has signed a two-year contract
Alexander Canario's dreams of playing at Wrigley Field depend on him developing his skills like a salsa band develops its sound.
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2022-07-07T11:09:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Cristiano Ronaldo: The favourites to sign Manchester United star if he leaves this summer
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Brayan Bello's first big-league appearance is in the books.
The Boston Red Sox' top pitching prospect made his much-anticipated MLB debut Wednesday vs. the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. He pitched four innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two.
Bello's first MLB strikeout came on a 97 mph fastball to Francisco Mejia in the second inning.
The hard-throwing right-hander allowed one run in the first inning and three in the third. He finished with 79 pitches, 45 of them for strikes. It wasn't a dominant outing as we've seen from him in the minors, but there were glimpses of his electric stuff as he hovered around 96 and 97 mph with his sinkers and four-seam fastballs.
Manager Alex Cora has not yet indicated whether Bello will stick around with the major-league club, but the expectation is he will be sent back down to get more experience in Triple-A Worcester. Regardless of the rocky debut, it undoubtedly was a night the youngster won't forget.
How High Is The Time Lord's Ceiling?
Matt Stroup breaks down the Celtics roster with NBC Sports Boston reporter Chris Forsberg, and talks Summer League/free agency with Brad Stonebraker. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
Benintendi was on base four times, scored three runs and drove in a run.
Boston has to be considered a contender thanks to the team's talent level and ability to add salary via trade.
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2022-07-07T11:10:34Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How Red Sox prospect Brayan Bello performed in MLB debut
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https://sports.yahoo.com/red-sox-prospect-brayan-bello-004100254.html?src=rss
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Warriors sign Memphis' Lester Quinones to two-way contract
Voters are becoming disillusioned by Democrats’ calls to storm the polls following Roe v. Wade’s demise, arguing the party’s failure to prepare for the moment means it could face an unpleasant fate in November. Almost from the moment the Supreme Court announced it was ending the constitutional right to an abortion, Democrats began working to…
After striking out his first four times up, Victor Caratini delivered the big blow for the Brewers in a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Kennedy Chandler agreed to a four-year, $7.1 million contract on Tuesday, with $4.94 million guaranteed.
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2022-07-07T11:10:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Warriors sign first-round pick Patrick Baldwin Jr. to rookie contract
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Entering contract year, Sanders lands on list of most important Eagles originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
This is an important year for Miles Sanders.
The 25-year-old running back has had some great moments in the NFL and has been a productive running back when healthy. But he’s really struggled to stay on the field.
Just last season, Sanders missed several games because of injury and in the last two seasons, he’s missed nine total regular season games. So as he enters a contract season, there’s a lot of money on the line.
That’s the bad news about Sanders: He hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
But the good news about Sanders is that he’s been a productive runner when he’s out there. In 2021, he had 137 carries for 754 yards, a career-high average of 5.5 yards per attempt, up from his 5.3 YPC average in 2020.
Among running backs with 100+ carries in 2021, just one averaged more yards per carry: Rashaad Penny (6.3). And the other players who also averaged 5.5 were Tony Pollard, Nick Chubb and Jonathan Taylor. That’s good company.
Over the last two years, among players with 150+ carries, Sanders’ YPC average of 5.4 is second in the NFL behind Chubb (5.6) and just ahead of Taylor (5.3).
Still, Sanders was not happy with his 2021 season.
“Just the type of year I had last year, I wasn’t anywhere near satisfied how I played or my availability too,” he said this spring. “All that stuff means a lot to me, so just being the top guy in the running back room, I’ve just got to hold a standard and just keep going with that standard, and that’s being healthy and being able to produce. I didn’t like the way the season went personally for me.”
The Eagles really shifted toward a heavy running attack about halfway through last season, but they did it out of necessity. They want to be better passing the football in 2022 and the addition of A.J. Brown ought to help them get there. But that doesn’t mean they are going to abandon the run. And when they do need to run, Sanders is still the top guy in that rotation.
Could the Eagles get by for a game or two with Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell? Sure. But their best option is still a healthy Sanders.
There’s a chance the Eagles will try to give Sanders an extension during the season like they did with members of the 2018 draft class last year. It might not be easy to figure out how much Sanders is worth, but they view him as a guy they’d like to keep around.
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2022-07-07T11:26:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles 2022 season: Miles Sanders on list of most important players
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Next up at No. 20 is wide receiver Velus Jones Jr., who has the potential to become an immediate playmaker as a rookie for the Bears.
Jones saved his best for last with the Tennessee Volunteers with the best season of his college career in 2021, where he was among the nation’s most improved players. Jones emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Vols on offense and continued his success on special teams returning punts and kickoffs. He became one of the nation’s best run-after-the-catch receivers, where his 4.31 speed was on display.
Last season, Jones appeared in 13 games, including nine starts, where he hauled in 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. As a return specialist, Jones returned 23 kickoffs for 628 yards (27.3 YPR) and one touchdown, as well as 18 punts for 272 yards (15.1 YPR). Jones was the only player in the nation with over 800-plus receiving yards, 600-plus kickoff return yards and 200-plus punt return yards. And it certainly left an impression on the Bears.
The Bears have been the subject of criticism about their wide receivers room this offseason, and the addition of Jones has the potential to be a long-term solution to those concerns. Chicago selected Jones in the third round of the NFL draft, where they raved about his potential to flourish as a playmaker at the pro level. Jones’ speed, playmaking ability and character resonated with general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, who made Jones the lone wide receiver drafted by the Bears.
Given Chicago has a relatively unproven receiving corp, Jones has the chance to become an immediate contributor as a rookie — be it on offense and/or special teams. The team hasn’t wasted time playing him at multiple receiver positions, where the goal is to find opportunities for Jones to get the ball in his hands and make plays. There’s Jones’ added value on special teams, where he should be considered a favorite for punt returner.
Jones has already impressed this offseason, which had Mooney singing his praises as a potential playmaker in this offense. But there’s also required patience when it comes to rookies, who need some time to acclimate to the NFL. Still, it definitely sounds like Jones is expected to be a big part of this Bears team in 2022.
Big question: Can Jones be a playmaker as a rookie?
Outside of Darnell Mooney, there aren’t any proven commodities at the wide receiver position for Chicago. Which is why the Bears are banking on their new additions to help quarterback Justin Fields. Byron Pringle has experience at the NFL level as someone who climbed his way up the depth chart in Kansas City. There’s no doubt that Jones is going to be part of this offense. But the question is whether or not he can become an immediate playmaker as a rookie in an underwhelming and unproven receiving corp.
Mooney is the top guy following the departure of Allen Robinson in free agency, which means he’s going to be the subject of double teams. That’ll open up guys like Pringle and Jones, who will have no shortage of opportunities to make plays for Fields. While Jones is on the older side for a rookie — which he contends has its benefits — it’s also difficult to expect immediate success from a third-round rookie. That’s not to say Jones won’t develop into a playmaker for the Bears. But there’s pressure on him to do so as a rookie.
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2022-07-07T13:35:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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30 Most Important Bears of 2022: No. 20 Velus Jones Jr.
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The Indianapolis Colts haven’t truly begun their scouting for the 2023 NFL draft, but it is expected to be a big one for the organization.
Our friends over at Draft Wire recently released a two-round mock draft, and the Colts wound up with a new quarterback and cornerback with their two selections.
Though the Colts have potential for three selections in the first two rounds, it’s difficult to project the conditional third-round pick turning into a second until we know more about Carson Wentz’s situation with the Washington Commanders.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the two players the Colts selected in Draft Wire’s latest mock:
Round 1 | No. 21 overall | QB Will Levis | Kentucky
Levis has been getting a lot of hype recently as a late-round pick on the first day of the draft. Though he has a limited body of work, his build and potential have analysts predicting he may shoot up draft boards.
Here’s what Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling had to say about the selection:
In 13 games for the Wildcats in 2021, Levis completed 66% of his passes for 2,826 yards, 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Round 2 | No. 53 overall | CB Jaylon Jones | Texas A&M
Jones brings intriguing size to the secondary and will be entering his third season with the Aggies. In 19 career games, Jones has three interceptions and 10 passes defended.
Though Stephon Gilmore, Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers are all expected to be under contract through the 2023 season, depth will be needed when the draft comes around next year.
Jones has the potential to shoot up draft boards more with a strong season in 2022.
Malcolm Brogdon played a career-low 36 games last season, and T.J. Warren didn't play at all. Both are no longer with the Pacers.
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2022-07-07T13:36:04Z
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Colts add new QB, CB in latest Draft Wire mock draft
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Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich enters his fifth season leading a roster that seems primed to compete for a playoff spot during the 2022 campaign.
Though the Colts have made the playoffs just twice during his tenure, there have been some pretty extreme circumstances contributing to that fact. Even so, Reich has earned respect around the league as a strong leader and smart playcaller.
In CBS Sports’ head coach rankings, Reich was placed at No. 12 in the middle tier labeled “the guys,” which was described as the following: “Some of these coaches are past their prime. Some of them are approaching it. At the end of the day, they represent the majority of head coaches and the middle tier — proven or respected as competitors but not necessarily title contenders.”
Here’s what CBS Sports had to say about placing Reich at No. 12 among NFL head coaches:
Season: 5th with Colts and as HC
Almost. That’s been the operative word of Reich’s tenure. Andrew Luck almost looked like he’d stick around as his QB. Philip Rivers almost led a surprise playoff run two years later. Carson Wentz almost led a playoff run under his watch. The common thread, of course, is the QB shuffle, which he’s navigated as gracefully as possible. Now linked up with Matt Ryan, the floor once again feels relatively high. The question is whether Reich and his occasionally conservative tendencies can get over the hump with a team built on older-school staples like the ground game and defense.
The expectation is that the Colts will be a more consistent team than they were during the 2021 season. They have more stable play at the quarterback position while the improvements made to the pass rush should lead to fewer fourth-quarter collapses.
Reich won’t make it into that next tier until the Colts make a deeper run into the playoffs at some point during his tenure. That could be as soon as this season, but a lot would have to go right for the Colts in order to make a deep run.
Regardless, the Colts have a strong situation when it comes to their head coach. Maybe Matt Ryan can help be the key to a deeper playoff run for Indy.
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2022-07-07T13:36:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ Frank Reich ranked in middle tier of NFL HCs
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When it comes to cornerbacks currently in the NFL, Jalen Ramsey is as good as it gets. He’s been a premier defender since he was a rookie in 2016, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting before becoming a first-team All-Pro in 2017.
He’s only gotten better with the Rams, too, earning All-Pro selections in each of the last two seasons. In addition to being a phenomenal athlete, Ramsey is versatile, instinctual in coverage and might be the best tackling corner in football.
All that adds up to him being ranked as the top outside cornerback in the NFL for the second straight year, according to Touchdown Wire. Ramsey came in at No. 1 on Mark Schofield’s list, beating out Jaire Alexander once again.
Ramsey does everything for the Rams. He covers the opposing team’s top receiver, he plays zone and man coverage, he lines up in the slot and he blitzes off the edge. If he wanted to, he could probably play every position on defense except the D-line.
Entering his second year in Raheem Morris’ defense, he’ll probably be even better in 2022, which is a scary thought for offenses set to face the Rams this season.
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2022-07-07T13:36:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jalen Ramsey ranked as No. 1 outside CB in NFL for 2nd straight year
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After years of searching for quality linebacker play, the Raiders finally got it last season with Denzel Perryman. The veteran linebacker was acquired before the season began and he had a monster year in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Perryman started 15 games for the Raiders and led the team in tackles with 154. He was all over the field and finally provided some stability at linebacker for the franchise. He earned the first Pro Bowl nod of his career at the age of 29.
But where does Perryman rank among the rest of the linebackers in the NFL going into the 2022 season?
In a recent article by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, he spoke with over 50 NFL coaches, executives and scouts and had them rank the top linebackers in the league. While Perryman didn’t rank inside the top 10, he was named an honorable mention. Here is what one AFC scout had to say about the Pro Bowl linebacker:
“He’s always been super instinctive. Not great against the pass but can do everything else.”
Perryman is entering the final year of his contract for the Raiders, but they don’t appear to be in any rush to give him an extension. It’s likely the new coaching staff wants to see how he fits into the defense, but Perryman is a great bet to lead the Raiders in tackles again this season.
While he’s not quite an elite linebacker, he’s one of the most reliable and consistent players in the NFL. And after years of inconsistent linebacker play, Perryman is exactly what this team needed.
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2022-07-07T13:36:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders LB Denzel Perryman ranked among best linebackers by NFL scouts
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Keeping it going, we move into the top 15 in our countdown of the top 25 Raiders players.
15. RB Kenyan Drake
He’s been seemingly underutilized on this Raiders roster. That being said, despite having relatively fresh legs, he hasn’t really blown the doors off things when he’s gotten the ball in his hands.
He managed a passable four yards per carry and a total of three touchdowns (one receiving). He averaged four yards per carry in 2020 as well but had ten rushing touchdowns. He must prove this season he’s more than just an overpriced luxury item.
When the Raiders knew they were going to land Chandler Jones, they looked to get something in return for Yannick Ngakoue. What they got was Rock Ya-Sin in a trade with the Colts. The former second-round pick has appeared in 41 games and started 29 in the past three seasons in Indianapolis.
The former Jim Thorpe Award winner comes with large expectations heading into his second season in the NFL. He was one of just two safeties in last year’s draft to be a full-time rookie starter.
12. RB Josh Jacobs
Staying healthy has been an issue for Jacobs. But even despite being banged up a lot, he tends to play his best football as the season goes along. He’s one of the best backs in the league in terms of breaking tackles. Where he lacks is in his breakaway speed.
Last season he put a career-low 872 yards rushing (four yards per carry), but a career-high as a receiver with 54 catches for 348 yards. Mostly, if you think 12th on the roster seems low for Jacobs, don’t blame him, blame the talent atop the roster.
11. P AJ Cole
The Raiders’ only first-team All-Pro. He averaged 50 yards per punt. Only one Raiders punter has ever done that — Shane Lechler. Also like Lechler, Cole did an outstanding job as the team’s holder.
Former NFL defensive tackle Brandon Bair never found the end zone during his 21 games over two seasons. He never made a Pro Bowl. He never won a Super Bowl. But Bair became a hero in life, rescuing a truck driver last year after the man’s semi was struck by a train. It has earned [more]
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2022-07-07T13:36:29Z
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Ranking the top 25 players on Raiders roster: 11-15
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2023 three-star offensive tackle Naquil Betrand backed off of his pledge to Colorado this week, reopened his recruitment and named a new top-six.
Betrand had been committed to Colorado since March of this year, but the offensive tackle’s stock quickly rose and it did not take long for him to receive interest from other major college programs.
Betrand hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he attends Northeast High School.
The 6-foot-7, 310 pound offensive tackle ranks as the nation’s No. 879 overall player and as the No. 77 ranked offensive tackle, per 247Sports.
Betrand’s new top-six includes Georgia, Texas A&M, Syracuse, Auburn, Kentucky and Penn State.
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2022-07-07T14:58:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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OT decommits from Colorado, includes Georgia in new top six
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Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty Thursday in a Russian court to a drugs charge, according to Reuters.
"I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said in court. "I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare."
ESPN's T.J. Quinn also reported that a source said Griner told the court she accidentally packed the vape cartridges containing hashish oil that were allegedly found in her luggage by Russian officials when she was arrested in February.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a tweet that members of the U.S. Embassy in Russia attended the hearing and "delivered to her a letter from President Biden."
"We will not relent until Brittney, Paul Whelan, and all other wrongfully detained Americans are reunited with their loved ones," Blinken stated in the tweet.
Griner faces up to 10 years in prison. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Bringing Griner home 'a priority' for the U.S.
Griner has been behind bars since Feb. 17 when she flew into a Moscow airport and Russian customs officials allegedly found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She has been under investigation for the large-scale transportation of drugs.
The United States government deemed Griner "wrongfully detained" by the Russian government, but steps to bring the WNBA star home have not been publicly disclosed. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that Griner's release "is a priority for this president" a day after Griner sent a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden.
While the guilty plea does mean Griner could face jail time, it potentially signals the next phase in any negotiations for her release. Quinn reported that "there was recognition that [Griner] will have to admit guilt before Russia agrees to a deal to send her home. Pleading now, it was thought, would get that out of the way and possibly help move negotiations forward."
Those negotiations could potentially involve Whelan, too. A former Marine who was sentenced in a Moscow court to 16 years on spying charges, Whelan has been detained in Russia since December, 2018.
Russian state media has reported that the Kremlin is seeking the release of Viktor Bout, a notorious arms trafficker known as the "Merchant of Death." Bout flooded fierce conflicts in Africa and the Middle East with weapons, U.S. authorities say. He was arrested in a 2008 sting operation in Thailand, extradited to the United States and eventually sentenced to 25 years for conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, delivery of anti-aircraft missiles and providing aid to a terrorist organization.
Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges months since being detained in Russia. (REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina)
Jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner on Thursday pleaded guilty to drug possession during her trial in Moscow but said she had no intention of committing a crime. Representatives for Griner confirmed to The Associated Press that the WNBA star pleaded guilty to drug possession charges. Russian news reports quoted Griner as saying through an interpreter at the court hearing that she had acted unintentionally because she was packing in haste.
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2022-07-07T15:14:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WNBA: Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drugs charges in Russia
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CHANTILLY, Va., July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UltiSat, a global provider of critical communications solutions, announced that it has partnered with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, to provide satellite communications services in support of the humanitarian relief mission in the Tongogora refugee camp in Zimbabwe. In March 2019, tropical cyclone Idai hit the southern hemisphere, including Zimbabwe. Heavy rains and strong winds caused flash flooding, and over 6,000 camp occupants were
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2022-07-07T15:34:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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9 reasons to be pumped about the 2022 NFL season
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The New York Giants are in line to face the recently traded Baker Mayfield in their regular season home opener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 on Sept 18.
Mayfield was traded to the Panthers on Wednesday from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in 2024. The deal is pending a physical.
Mayfield, the first overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft, has been in limbo ever since the Browns traded for Houston’s Deshaun Watson this offseason.
Mayfield was drafted by the Browns one spot ahead of the Giants’ selection of Saquon Barkley. Mayfield finished second to Barkley in the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
There is a good chance that Mayfield will breeze past the Panthers’ current quarterback group of Sam Darnold, P..J. Walker and rookie Matt Corral.
From the Panthers:
“Mayfield joins Sam Darnold, PJ Walker, and rookie Matt Corral on the depth chart. Coaches have said throughout the offseason that if they had to play a game now, Darnold would start, but this deal obviously changes that, as it creates a competitive situation in training camp. Regardless of the circumstances of his departure from Cleveland, Mayfield has shown he can lead a team to the playoffs. That made it worth the chance for the Panthers, to see if they can get back to the postseason for the first time since 2017.”
As stated, there is plenty of time for Mayfield to learn the offense and gain the trust of the coaches in time to become their starter early on this season.
Week Two’s game versus the Panthers also marks the return of former head coach Ben McAdoo, who is now Carolina’s offensive coordinator.
Baker Mayfield’s rocky run with Cleveland officially ended Wednesday when the Browns traded the divisive quarterback and former No. 1 overall draft pick to the Carolina Panthers, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.
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2022-07-07T15:35:05Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Giants slated to face Panthers’ Baker Mayfield in Week 2
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The Cleveland Browns seemed to knock it out of the park in the 2021 NFL draft with CB Greg Newsome II and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Newsome gets a lot of attention as Denzel Ward’s bookend with the thought that he could see the Pro Bowl for the first time in his second year in the league.
Owusu-Koramoah is just as exciting of a prospect for the Browns. A player that was potentially the team’s selection in the first round, “JOK” fell to them in the second round and gave the team a one-two punch of defenders in one draft.
The Notre Dame product played in 14 games last year, starting 10. He had 76 tackles, four passes defended, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. That well-rounded box score came after missing time early due to COVID-19 restrictions and missing time later due to a freak weight room accident.
As our Touchdown Wire site is doing, we discussed John Johnson III falling out of their safety rankings here, ESPN is currently running their lists of top players at each position. While Anthony Walker Jr. and Owusu-Koramoah didn’t make their top 10 list (insider, $), Cleveland’s second-year man did get noted in the honorable mention section:
The rookie had a strong season with 57 tackles, two forced fumbles and a 76.5 Pro Football Focus grade. “I really liked what I saw when I studied him,” an AFC personnel director said. “He’ll be a top-10 linebacker by the end of next year.”
With Myles Garrett, JOK, Ward, Newsome and Johnson, the Browns have elite talent at all levels of their defense. Most of it, like Owusu-Koramoah, is young and still developing.
The 2021 Browns draft could be a defining time for the team’s defense for years to come.
In this 30-second ad— Gov. Newsom gets right to it…
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2022-07-07T15:35:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Owusu-Koramoah gets honorable mention among top linebackers
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His stunning All-Pro season with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 wasn’t enough to propel De’Vondre Campbell into the top 10 of off-ball linebackers, at least in the eyes of a subsection of the NFL.
In a poll of 50 NFL executives, coaches and players conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Campbell failed to make the top 10 and was nothing more than an honorable mention at the linebacker position.
Powered by an incredible first season in Green Bay, Campbell earned 18 of 50 All-Pro votes and was one of three linebackers named first-team All-Pro.
In 2021, Campbell finished with the top overall grade at Pro Football Focus among full-time off-ball linebackers. He was seventh among NFL players in total tackles and first among linebackers in missed tackle percentage, and he created several big plays late in games that helped secure wins for the Packers.
Green Bay signed Campbell to a one-year deal in June of last year. A productive starter in both Atlanta and Arizona, Campbell finally turned into a star for the Packers, and the team rewarded him with a new $50 million deal.
It appears Campbell is suffering from the same problem that kept Rashan Gary out of the top 10 among edge rushers: The NFL, for the most part, wants to see a player perform at a high level for more than just a single season before crowning them as one of the league’s elite players.
Another terrific season in the middle of Joe Barry’s defense would be impossible to ignore. Campbell’s return to Green Bay provides a legitimate opportunity to solidify himself as one of the NFL’s best veteran linebackers during the 2022 season. He thrived as a free-flowing linebacker in Barry’s scheme, and now he’ll get to play behind a deep and talented defensive line with a rangy young linebacker (Quay Walker) next to him.
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2022-07-07T15:35:37Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers’ De’Vondre Campbell lands outside top 10 of linebackers in ESPN poll
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At the top of the list has to be wide receiver, where this franchise is about as blessed as any in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, it is the Seahawks’ biggest strength this year.
“Seattle’s roster is not in good shape, but D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett remain one of the best receiver duos in the league, and there are some intriguing players behind them in Dee Eskridge and Bo Melton. Throwing the ball Lockett’s way has resulted in a passer rating of 124.8 in his NFL career, while Metcalf is one of the game’s most devastating weapons against man coverage.”
The Seahawks also have a few other rare athletes that PFF didn’t metion, including rookie Dareke Yong – whose relative athletic score is a near-perfect 9.93. There’s also multiple quality depth options like Cody Thompson, who wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal says had the best spring of this bunch. Add it all up and there may only be a handful of NFL teams who have a deeper group of pass-catchers than this one.
PFF got vague when it came to naming Seattle’s biggest weakness. They could have gone with the simple and correct answer, which is quarterback. Instead, they chose “everything else.”
“When you take Russell Wilson off the Seahawks roster, you realize just how bad the situation had become and what the team required of him to drag them to the playoffs every season. The departure of Bobby Wagner removes yet another quality player from the group, leaving Seattle with one of the worst rosters in the league and one of the worst quarterback situations to go along with it.”
Wilson was carrying this team the last few years and nobody but a homer would call this a strong roster overall. However, it’s not fair to call the whole team bad because they lost Wilson and Bobby Wagner. Remember, most of last year’s key pieces have returned outside of those two plus left tackle Duane Brown and cornerback D.J. Reed.
In addition to wide receiver, this roster remains loaded at safety, running back and defensive tackle. They also have some promising young cornerbacks and a perfectly decent starting pair of linebackers, who PFF ranked No. 8 in the NFL.
That said, in general PFF seems to be more down on these Seahawks than most analysts. Not too long ago they put them dead-last in their power rankings. A more recent league-wide ranking that included input from ESPN had them moving up to No. 29.
Either way, that’s too low for a team with this much talent. While it’s hard to see this team making the playoffs, they’re not bad enough to be in line for a top-five overall pick in next year’s draft.
Summary Medical Devices sector report, “Clot Management Devices Pipeline Report including Stages of Development, Segments, Region and Countries, Regulatory Path and Key Companies, 2022 Update" provides comprehensive information about the Clot Management Devices pipeline products with comparative analysis of the products at various stages of development and information about the clinical trials which are in progress.New York, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the releas
BUENOS AIRES (AP) — The Women’s Copa America soccer tournament starts Friday in Colombia at a time when the sport is clearly evolving in South America but at significantly different speeds and opportunities for players. Ten teams are split into two groups with two countries advancing from each group to the knockout stage. The final
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2022-07-07T15:35:49Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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PFF pinpoints Seahawks’ biggest strength going into 2022 season
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The New England Patriots are ready for training camp later this month — and Bill Belichick is surely exploring the ins and outs of his roster to look for the strengths and weaknesses.
We figured we’d do the same on the Patriots Wire podcast. For this week’s abbreviated episode, Ryan O’Leary and I dove into the positions that we felt were still spots of need. (And for what’s it’s worth, I don’t think the Patriots will address that position of need.) Then we looked at the positions where New England is strongest. Join us for another great episode. We’ve got plenty of good information for you on the state of the Patriots roster.
Any thoughts or qualms? Hit us in the comment section. Or give me a shout on Twitter @McKennanalysis
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2022-07-07T15:35:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Podcast: Patriots’ best and worst position groups ahead of training camp
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The Chicago Bears have undergone plenty of change along the defensive line this offseason, including at defensive end following Khalil Mack being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers.
But the Bears still have Robert Quinn, who’s coming off one of his best seasons where he set a franchise single-season sack record. While there’s been speculation about Quinn’s future heading into the 2022 season, he remains the top guy off the edge for Chicago.
The question is who will start opposite Quinn: third-year pro Trevis Gipson or newcomer Al-Quadin Muhammad? No doubt both will see their fair share of reps given Matt Eberflus employs a rotation along the defensive line to keep fresh legs.
But it begs the question: Who will have more sacks this season, Gipson or Muhammad? We’ll make the case for each, and you can vote below.
Case for Gipson
Gipson is coming off an impressive second year, where he stepped up following Khalil Mack’s season-ending foot surgery. Gipson totaled seven sacks, 39 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, seven QB hits, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 16 games with nine starts. Now, Gipson is entering his third season with even more confidence, especially as he makes the transition back to his natural defensive end position. While Gipson will have to earn the starting job, he’s certainly the favorite right now. Unlike Muhammad, who missed the offseason program, Gipson has been getting starters reps throughout, where he’s had a chance to show he can be a viable asset as a starter off the edge. He’s also already shown, after last year, that he can be a reliable starter who produces.
What they said: “That’s not something that just comes naturally to everyone. He has good awareness that when you’re an edge rusher, that if guys get high in the pocket, he can come back inside. Or if he has the edge, then he can turn it on high where then he can affect that quarterback and also go for the ball.” — Bears defensive line coach Travis Smith
Case for Muhammad
Muhammad comes to the Bears with a knowledge of Matt Eberflus’ defense, which gives him an edge as someone coming in to compete for a starting job. Muhammad spent the last four seasons playing for Eberflus in Indianapolis, where he emerged as a full-time starter in 2021. Last season, Muhammad totaled six sacks, 48 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, 13 quarterback hits and one forced fumble. Now, he has an opportunity to continue his growth under Eberflus in Chicago. While Muhammad missed the offseason program, it doesn’t serve to hurt him as much as it might other newcomers given Muhammad’s experience in this defense. While Muhammad served mostly as a rotational piece during his career, he showed last season that he can be a solid starter off the edge.
What they said: “If you’re not playing at a fast pace, you’re not running to the ball, punching at the ball, stripping at the ball, just 11 guys to the ball, you’re not going to play. I bought into that immediately and I train that way during the offseason. I train that way. Getting to the ball is always on my mind.” — Bears defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad
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2022-07-07T15:36:02Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Poll: More sacks for Bears in 2022, Trevis Gipson or Al-Quadin Muhammad?
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Von Miller’s free agency saga was one of the biggest offseason storylines for Rams fans to follow. He expressed plenty of interest in returning to Los Angeles after getting traded by the Broncos last November, but that plan never came to fruition.
Instead, he signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the Bills, joining his third NFL team. Essentially, it’s a three-year deal worth $51.4 million guaranteed, but he said recently that he plans to play out the full length of the contract.
The Rams were certainly in the running to re-sign Miller, and the offer they had on the table was a good one. According to The Athletic, their offer would’ve paid Miller more annually on a three-year contract than the Bills’ deal, but it only came with two years guaranteed instead of three.
Miller is making $20 million per year with the Bills, so the Rams’ offer would’ve had to exceed that number. It’s surprising that they would’ve even gone that high, knowing they’d have to pay Aaron Donald more, too, but they were clearly motivated to bring him back. They just couldn’t match the Bills’ guaranteed money and their offer was for three years, not six.
Now, the Rams are left with a void at outside linebacker that they’ll attempt to fill with Terrell Lewis and Justin Hollins. It’s a sizable drop-off, but at least they still have Donald and Leonard Floyd.
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2022-07-07T15:36:14Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Report: Rams offered Von Miller more per year than Bills but only guaranteed 2 years
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Check out the final high school baseball stat leaders for the Wichita Falls area in the 2022 season.
Sox On 35th’s Mid-Season Top 30 White Sox Prospects: 15-1
After reviewing the #30-16 prospects in the system yesterday, we reveal our top 15 prospects within the minors at the midpoint of the year.
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2022-07-07T15:36:21Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Third Chicago Bears player arrested in Texas on gun and weapon charges
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Trying to rebound from the loss, Dallas turned their attention to trying to acquire free agent Von Miller, two-time Super Bowl champion and Texas A&M alum. Miller was interested in signing with the Cowboys to return home, only the offer wasn’t close to what it would take. According to Miller, Dallas offered the same deal it offered Gregory, five years for $70 million according to an in-depth piece in The Athletic. That paled in comparison to the deal Miller signed with the Buffalo Bills, six years for $121 million.
Miller says Dallas then offered him the same contract they had negotiated with Gregory — a reported five-year, $70 million deal with two years guaranteed.
According to Miller, he actually few into Buffalo to turn the Bills down, but they were able to convince him that was the place the free agent needed to be.
Dallas is well known to not be willing to pay outsiders, a ton of money, but offering Miller the same amount they were offering Gregory seems ridiculous. Miller has only missed more than two games in a year once in his career. Gregory only has one season in which he’s missed two games or less.
Miller has nine seasons with at least eight sacks, including 9.5 in 2021. Gregory matched his career high of six in 2021. The age factor certainly plays a part, as Miller’s deal with Buffalo caused a ton of jaws to hit the floor.
It isn’t seen as a wise investment, until fans remember Jerry Jones’ own words that the investments that have worked out for him have all been seen as overpays at the time.
Dallas wins Homegrown Legends tournament bracket by an eyelash
Jennifer Lopez Says It's the Summer of Booty
Phoenix will play five games at the NBA Summer League from July 7-17 at UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center and Cox Pavilion In Las Vegas.
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2022-07-07T15:36:27Z
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Von Miller reveals just how short Cowboys’ offer was to bring him home
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Brian Kelly stands near the top of the SEC coaching rankings heading into 2022
The collection of coaching talent currently in the Southeastern Conference is astounding, and it only got better this offseason when LSU hired coach Brian Kelly — the third-winningest active head coach in the FBS — away from Notre Dame, where he had spent 12 seasons.
Kelly came to compete against the best and, ultimately, capture an elusive national championship. Though coaching the Tigers will present a challenge the likes of which he hasn’t faced so far in his coaching career, his track record speaks for itself.
It’s for that reason that, heading into 2022, Kelly is considered one of the best coaches in the league. According to CBS Sports’ Barrett Sallee, he ranks No. 4 in the league this fall — and No. 7 nationally.
Sallee has Kelly listed behind Alabama’s Nick Saban, Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, which seems fair given the fact that each of those three has won a national title, with Saban and Smart representing the previous two champions.
Fisher’s last and only title came in 2013, and he hasn’t quite delivered so far in the league after jumping from Florida State in 2018. But with a lot of talent congregating in College Station, the Aggies should be formidable in the near future.
Still, Kelly isn’t your typical first-year head coach in the SEC, and thanks to his pedigree, he brings high expectations with him to the bayou from South Bend.
LSU's Brian Kelly ranks among the 10 best coaches
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2022-07-07T16:45:22Z
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Brian Kelly stands near the top of the SEC coaching rankings heading into 2022
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Eric R. Holder Jr., who was accused of fatally shooting Nipsey Hussle outside of his clothing store in 2019, was found guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday, Complex reports.
Ons Jabeur's steady progress from year to year — up the tennis rankings, through the draws of various tournaments and, now, at Wimbledon — has carried her to a Grand Slam singles final, the first African woman and Arab woman to make it that far in the professional era. The No. 3-seeded Jabeur, a 27-year-old from Tunisia, got past her good friend Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in an up-and-down semifinal at a sun-splashed Centre Court on Thursday. On Saturday, she will face another player making her major final debut, No. 17 seed Elena Rybakina, for the championship.
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2022-07-07T17:26:12Z
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WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russia
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When the Chicago Bears broke for the summer ahead of training camp, head coach Matt Eberflus’ message was simple: Come back in shape and stay safe this summer.
Unfortunately, that message hasn’t resonated with everyone as wide receiver David Moore was arrested in Texas on drug and weapon charges on July 4, according to local Texas outlet KXII.
Per the outlet, Moore posted a $5,000 bond and was released from Cooke County Jail on Monday.
All new addition to the roster by the new front office.https://t.co/AIrMBkRTXP pic.twitter.com/RCbsoGAOSx
This offseason, Moore signed a one-year deal with the Bears after spending last year with the Packers and Broncos as a primarily special teams contributor. Moore, a former seventh-round pick by Seattle, found success early in his career. From 2018-20, Moore logged 1,163 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns with the Seahawks. Now with Chicago, Moore was competing for a valuable roster spot in an unproven wide receiver room.
Moore is the third Bears player to be arrested this offseason — all new additions to the roster. Wide receiver Byron Pringle was charged with reckless driving and driving on a suspended license in late April. Most recently, linebacker Matthew Adams was arrested and charged with weapons offenses.
The Bears have yet to comment on Moore’s arrest.
Brett Favre likes easy money. And with the networks paying out plenty of cash for big-name former players, why shouldn’t Favre get in on the action? It’s no surprise, then, that the 52-year-old Hall of Famer told TMZ.com that he’s open to a broadcasting career, more than a decade after his paying career ended. “I [more]
Continuing our countdown of the 25 most important Eagles with No. 12: Running back Miles Sanders. By Dave Zangaro
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2022-07-07T17:29:58Z
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Bears WR David Moore arrested on drug and weapon charges
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With all the movement around the Buffalo Bills this offseason, Football Outsiders (via ESPN) decided to remind us that Devin Singletary is still a valuable asset in the team’s backfield.
The Bills added multiple pieces to help quarterback Josh Allen in 2022. Depth was added behind Dawson Knox at tight end in OJ Howard. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder will help fill Cole Beasley’s shoes in the slot.
But the biggest of all these moves was using a second-round pick at the 2022 NFL draft on running back James Cook.
That’s a round where a prospect is expected to make some contributions as a rookie. That has caused some to be excited about Cook’s abilities, particularly in the passing game.
But Singletary still remains the most-likely option at the top of Buffalo’s backfield heading toward training camp. Not only does he have experience, Singletary turned it on toward the end of last season, cementing himself as the team’s best rusher.
Here’s what Football Outsiders added to the Singletary equation:
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2022-07-07T17:30:11Z
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Bills’ Devin Singletary named team’s ‘most underrated player’
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Former Georgia Bulldogs star cornerback Eric Stokes is entering into his second season in the NFL. Stokes helped the Green Bay Packers have the top seed in the NFC last season.
During his rookie season, Stokes started 14 games and recorded 55 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and intercepted a pass.
Stokes is a part of a cornerback duo with 2020 Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander. Both players are former first round picks. Unfortunately, the duo did not play many games together in 2021 because Alexander was injured for much of the season and only played in four games.
Jaire Alexander recorded 41 pass deflections, four interceptions, and over 160 tackles over his first three seasons in the NFL. The pairing should be fun to watch and will help Green Bay have one of the top defenses in the NFL in 2022.
Hopefully both Alexander and Stokes can stay healthy throughout the 2022 NFL season. The 33rd Team considers the duo to be in the NFL’s top tier of cornerback pairings.
Former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens standout Samari Rolle thinks Stokes is a key reason why the Packers have the top cornerback duo in the NFL.
I think Green Bay is the best overall with Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes only going into his second season and (Rasul) Douglas looked like a different player being coached by Jerry Gray.
Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes are hoping the Packers will be one of the NFC’s top pass defenses defenses in 2022. Green Bay has spent three consecutive first round picks on former Georgia Bulldog defenders. Georgia fans will have to keep an eye on the Packers’ defense this season.
Which second year corner will have more INTs in '22-23? - Powered By PickUp
5-star RB Richard Young releases top-three, discusses Georgia football
There have been a lot of Batmen on the big screen over the decades, and all of them have had a Batmobile. And, just like the actors that have inhabited the Batsuit, the Batmobiles in live-action movies from 1966’s Batman to 2022’s The Batman have had their own style and character. Some Batmobiles, admittedly, are better than others, though almost all of them have had some memorable moments on film. With Michael Keaton’s Batman and Batman Returns along with Val Kilmer’s Batman Forever and George
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2022-07-07T17:30:30Z
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Eric Stokes key part of one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos
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The New England Patriots don’t typically expect their rookies to step immediately into a starting role. They don’t typically give rookies snaps on the first team, even when they are the first-round pick. When the Patriots drafted Cole Strange at 29th overall in the 2022 NFL draft, Bill Belichick said what he always says about rookies.
“He’s got a long way to go like every player does when he comes into the NFL, but look forward to working with him,” the Patriots coach said of Strange on April 29.
Every rookie has “a long way to go,” according to Belichick. But it seems Strange is not like every other rookie. During the offseason program, he had been practicing with the first-team offense. He has barely missed a snap while quarterback Mac Jones has been under center during organized team activities and minicamp.
The message is clear: Strange will be the starting left guard.
It’s worth acknowledging that the rookie has an unimpeded path to a starting role — in part because it hasn’t been well-discussed. The Patriots made news by flipping Trent Brown to left tackle and Isaiah Wynn to right. That was the biggest news item this offseason on the offensive line, which — more or less — will feature four new starters (when you consider Brown and Wynn are flipping positions). It will be Brown (LT), Strange (LG), David Andrews (C), Michael Owenu (RG) and Wynn (RT). The Patriots traded away Shaq Mason and watched Ted Karras walk in free agency. They were the team’s starters at guard for the majority of the 2021 season.
When the Patriots drafted a position of need in the first round — especially going after a player many perceived to be a reach — they tipped their hand to the fact that Strange would be their Day 1 starter. And from every indication on the football field, the Patriots have confirmed as much. They expect Strange to start and barring unforeseen circumstances, that’s just what he’ll do.
The 6 most memorable moments from Rob Gronkowski's incredible career
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2022-07-07T17:31:08Z
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There’s little doubt: Cole Strange will be a Day 1 starter for the Patriots
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On Wednesday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers acquired former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns for a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2024. After the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in March, Mayfield's time in Ohio had run its course. It took a while, but the former Heisman Trophy winner now has a new home in the NFL.
The trade has been met with mixed reactions. In a vacuum, it's a solid move for the Panthers. Mayfield is certainly an upgrade over Sam Darnold. It's been a roller coaster of a start to the career of Mayfield, as he helped turn the Browns from a team that went 1-31 in the two years before he arrived into a team that competed on a weekly basis and even won a road playoff game during his tenure. He's had stretches such as the second half of his rookie year and the second half of 2020 where he's played at a top-10 level. He's also had abysmal stretches, such as his sophomore season under Freddie Kitchens and last year's injury-riddled deterioration. Four coaches in four seasons in Cleveland certainly didn't help Mayfield, but a lot of people around the NFL world also feel like he held back a very talented roster.
The conventional wisdom is that Mayfield improves the Panthers for 2022, but the question becomes just how much? Even during the best stretches of Mayfield's career, he's been above average, but not elite. Oddsmakers seem to agree that Mayfield makes the Panthers slightly better, but the odds still suggest Carolina will be one of the worst teams in the league.
Mayfield moved Carolina's odds slightly
No position in sports impacts a team more than a quarterback impacts an NFL team. Therefore, any time a starting quarterback changes teams, we can expect the NFL futures odds to react quickly. The Panthers situation was no different after they acquired Baker Mayfield.
The Panthers were 150-to-1 to win the Super Bowl on Wednesday morning. After acquiring Mayfield, the Panthers are now down to 125-to-1 to win the Super Bowl. Originally, they were tied for the third-worst odds with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, they're tied for the fourth-worst odds with the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions. While better, it's certainly not the company you'd like to keep.
The odds for the Panthers to win the NFC South also improved slightly. Entering the day, they were 12-to-1 to win the division. After the trade, they moved down to 10-to-1. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are -300 favorites to win the division while the New Orleans Saints have the second best odds at +375. The Atlanta Falcons bring up the rear at 20-to-1.
Baker Mayfield is now a Carolina Panther. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
If you were wondering how many wins oddsmakers think Baker Mayfield is worth compared to Sam Darnold, the answer is one. Carolina opened with a win total of 5.5, but that moved to 6.5 after the trade. Carolina is an intriguing over bet. Remember, it opened the 2021 season 3-0 before Christian McCaffrey got hurt and Sam Darnold subsequently turned into a pumpkin. A healthier McCaffrey, better quarterback play from Mayfield and other improvements such as Ikem Ekwonu on the offensive line could lead to a surprisingly competitive season from the Panthers.
Will the Panthers make the playoffs? Oddsmakers don't think so, but they do think Carolina has a better chance with Mayfield than it did without. Carolina was +500 to make the playoffs before the trade. Those odds moved down to +450 once the Panthers acquired Mayfield. According to the odds, there's just over an 18% chance we see Baker Mayfield and the Panthers in the postseason next year.
Mayfield's award odds shift as well
For the majority of the offseason, it was unclear where Baker Mayfield would play this upcoming season. There was even concern that the quarterback carousel had filled up and he'd be left without a starting job all together. Well, now that we know he has a home and a very clear path to a starting job, it's no surprise that his odds have moved in the awards markets.
Mayfield opened at 100-to-1 to win NFL MVP in 2022. At that price, he was in the same tier as quarterbacks Daniel Jones, Zach Wilson, and Ryan Tannehill. After the trade, Mayfield moved to 80-to-1 to win NFL MVP. Those are the same odds as Carson Wentz, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence. An MVP-caliber season for Mayfield is certainly unlikely, but he's a quarterback so he has a fighting chance.
While Mayfield winning MVP would take a miracle, there is an award where Mayfield has a legitimate chance of making some noise. Mayfield opened at 16-to-1 to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year. After the trade, he moved down to 10-to-1 odds. Those are currently the fifth-best odds, tied with new teammate Christian McCaffrey. Derrick Henry is a +350 favorite to win the award.
Mayfield played most of the 2021 season hurt, and his on-field play suffered to say the least. He required offseason surgery to fix a torn labrum in his shoulder. Mayfield has also been the butt of a lot of jokes this offseason, mainly having to do with Odell Beckham Jr.'s resurgence in Los Angeles after he left Mayfield and the Browns. If Mayfield has a healthy 2022 season, plays at a level similar to the one he played at in 2020 and makes the Panthers competitive, he'll be in the mix for Comeback Player of the Year.
Week 1 revenge spot
Sometimes, it feels like the NFL might just be scripted reality television.
With Baker Mayfield now a member of the Carolina Panthers, a first look at his new team's schedule should excite NFL fans across the league. Carolina's Week 1 opponent? The Cleveland Browns.
There might not be a player in the league who has a bigger chip on their shoulder than Baker Mayfield. He walked on at Texas Tech, left there and again walked on at Oklahoma in college. He then won a Heisman Trophy and finished as a finalist another time. We know all about his antics in college, whether it's planting a flag at Ohio State or crotch-grabbing against Kansas. Mayfield has a distinct edge and it's the main reason the Browns took him with the No. 1 overall pick.
Some players will try to downplay the "revenge spot" angle and treat it like any other game. Anyone that has followed Baker Mayfield's career since college knows that is not his style. Maybe he won't get into it publicly, but internally, you know he'll be motivated to make a statement against his old team.
When the Week 1 odds were originally posted in April, the Browns opened as 4.5-point road favorites against the Panthers. Over the course of the offseason, that number has been dropping as a Deshaun Watson suspension looks increasingly likely. On Wednesday morning, the Browns were just 2.5-point favorites against the Panthers.
With Mayfield now expected to start for the Panthers and no longer an option for the Browns in Week 1, the line for the Week 1 matchup has moved again. While the game is still off the board at BetMGM, across the industry the Browns are now just 1-point favorites against Carolina. It's a 3.5-point move since the opening number, the largest of any Week 1 game.
With Jacoby Brissett against an amped-up Baker Mayfield as the likely quarterback matchup, the Panthers might be an appealing bet to a lot of people in Week 1 as a short home underdog. Either way, NFL fans will be looking forward to this one.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's endorsement of Karrin Taylor Robson for governor sets this swing state up for a showdown between Ducey and Donald Trump.
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2022-07-07T17:31:20Z
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NFL betting: Just how much does Baker Mayfield move the needle for Carolina?
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It’s never too early to start looking ahead to the 2023 NFL draft.
For Texas Longhorns fans in particular, they’re anxious to get the ball rolling since the team failed to have a single player selected throughout the 2022 NFL draft.
That is expected to drastically change for the upcoming draft. Not only is star running back Bijan Robinson viewed as the top player at his position for the 2023 NFL draft, there are also several other likely eligible draft selections on the roster. Jahleel Billingsley, DeMarvion Overshown and Jordan Whittington among others are just a few names to keep an eye on.
Our colleague Luke Easterling over at the Draft Wire recently released his early two-round 2023 NFL mock draft. Robinson came off the board in the first round, while Overshown made an appearance in the second round.
Easterling projected Robinson to be selected by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 26 overall pick.
Overshown was also slated to the Miami Dolphins, but with the No. 48 overall selection in the second round.
Both players are key leaders for Texas this upcoming season. Robinson is a legitimate Heisman contender and one of the most complete running back prospects in history, while Overshown needs a more consistent year at linebacker to maintain and/or improve his draft stock.
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Where Texas RB Bijan Robinson lands in latest 2023 NFL mock draft
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One former Alabama player didn’t hold back when speaking on Texas’ matchup with the Tide in September. Former Alabama and current Texas Longhorns running back Keilan Robinson recently spoke about their matchup on a Twitter space that he hosted. Here is what Robinson said:
“Ain’t no chip on our shoulder, it’s just a … it might be a chip (because) it’s Texas, because you there’s a few people that might be trying to count us out, but knowing what I know, seeing what I see every day being here and being there, I know we can beat them boys. We just got to do what we got to do.”
Robinson spent just one season at Alabama in 2019 before sitting out the following season due to COVID-19. In that one season, he had 39 carries for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Soon after Alabam won the 2020 national championship, he elected to transfer to Texas and re-unite with several former Alabama coaches and players.
He wasn’t the only former member of the Crimson Tide to head to the Texas. Alabama lost numerous players and coaches to the Longhorns once former Tide offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian left for Texas.
Since then, there has been tension between the two programs. Robinson and former Alabama wide receiver Agiye Hall have both had things to say about the program after transferring.
When speaking with 247Sports’ Chip Brown, Hall had this to say:
One thing that really stood out is the culture. Bama fans — they’re not really loving, if I could say — even when you leave. Texas fans are like a family. They love you unconditionally.”
This Week 2 contest will mean something special. It will likely be one of many matchups to come as the Longhorns are slated to join the SEC in the coming years. This game will likely determine how each team’s season will go. It is shaping to be a game for the centuries.
'I know we can beat them boys': Former Alabama football player Keilan Robinson discusses Tide versus Longhorns Week 2 matchup https://t.co/AMqxfFZWcb
— CBS 42 (@CBS_42) July 6, 2022
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2022-07-07T18:32:06Z
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Former Alabama RB makes bold statement regarding Texas’ Week 2 matchup against Tide
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Arkansas Football has had plenty of success on the recruiting trail for the 2023 cycle, especially in the metro Atlanta area.
To this point, Arkansas has a total of 20 commitments for the 2023 recruiting cycle, with four of those being from the state of Georgia, the most of any state that houses a Razorback commit.
It appears that Arkansas looks to keep building a pipeline to the Peach State, as a highly-rated defensive tackle for the 2024 class has Arkansas on his radar.
Champ Thompson, a four-star defensive tackle from Norcross, Georgia, recently revealed his top 10 college choices, and Arkansas makes the list.
Thompson is rated as the No. 30 prospect from the state of Georgia for the class of 2024, and the No. 14 defensive lineman in the country according to On3’s composite rankings.
During his sophomore season for Meadowcreek High School, Thompson made 32 stops, six of those being for loss.
According to 247sports, Arkansas was one of the first programs to reach out to Thompson in his recruitment. The Razorbacks extended an offer last summer, being the fourth program to do so. Since Arkansas’ offer, Thompson has fielded seven offers.
Joining Arkansas in Thompson’s top 10 are Alabama, Clemson, Texas, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Miami.
After that crushing midseason finale, Better Call Saul returns for its last batch of episodes on July 11. And as we prepare to bid adieu to the good (and very, very bad) characters on the show—and, for now, the citizenry of the Gilligan Universe in general—some major questions loom. For instance: How exactly will Carol Burnett figure into her “favorite show”? These are the other big ones we most hope Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould, and the rest of the Saul crew tackle before the August 15 series fi
Trapped upside down inside his mangled car, Zhou Guanyu felt something leaking. Zhou, a 23-year-old Chinese driver for Alfa Romeo, on Thursday matter-of-factly explained his agonizing wait to be freed from his car following a terrifying first-lap crash at last Sunday's British Grand Prix. With thoughts of fire racing through his mind, Zhou said he also held his head to stop it bumping against the side, but didn’t know much else about his position.
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2022-07-07T18:32:12Z
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Four-star DL from Georgia lists Arkansas in top 10
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The University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium is known across the nation as one of the most aesthetically pleasing venues in all of college football. Designed by the MIT-trained architect Thomas Atwood, Sanford Stadium was built with its beautiful surrounding views in mind.
But don’t be fooled by the symmetry Sanford Stadium offers, combined with the natural beauty and scenic campus views. When the Dawgs host a big-time opponent on a fall Saturday, it’s tough to find a more hostile environment than in Athens, Georgia.
As the start of the 2022 college football season draws near, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford put together his list of the nine most intimidating stadiums across the nation. Sure enough, Sanford Stadium was on the list, checking in at No. 4.
Nov 21, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; A general view of the stadium during the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia has won 12 straight games at home, the second-longest streak in the SEC (Alabama, 13). More than 92,000 strong packed Sanford Stadium earlier this spring for the program’s first national championship celebration in 41 years following Georgia’s win over Alabama in the title game. It was a long time coming for a championship-starved fanbase at one of the nation’s most dominant programs. The Bulldogs are especially tough to beat at home under Kirby Smart with the last loss coming during the 2019 season in upset fashion to South Carolina, two weeks after Georgia had beaten seventh-ranked Notre Dame at night. Georgia’s 2022 home schedule includes a rivalry showdown with Auburn early and a late-season affair with Tennessee that could decide the SEC East.
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2022-07-07T18:32:19Z
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Georgia’s Sanford Stadium among most intimidating venues in college football
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When it comes to college football venues, there are some that are more terrorizing than others. There is a multitude of reasons for the intimidation factor such as the student section, stadium size, and overall atmosphere.
As the start of the 2022 college football season draws near, 247Sports’ Brad Crawford put together his list of the nine most intimidating stadiums across the nation. Sure enough, Ohio Stadium was on the list.
How to watch, stream, listen to Ohio State vs. Tulsa - Buckeyes Wire
This is not always the loudest stadium in the country, but it’s going to be especially lively this season when you consider the sheer number of quality opponents who are coming to Ohio Stadium. One of the preseason favorites to win the national title in 2022, the Buckeyes host Notre Dame in the season opener, the first of five consecutive home games for the nation’s No. 2 team (according to most way-too-early poll projections). Ohio State takes on Wisconsin in Week 4, hosts Iowa on Oct. 22 and entertains Michigan with payback on its mind to close it out in November. That’s four contests against top 25 competition this fall for the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.
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2022-07-07T18:32:31Z
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Ohio Stadium is among the most intimidating venues in college football
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49ers' Williams has great reaction to joining Madden NFL's 99 Club originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Welcome to the 99 Club, Trent Williams.
The San Francisco 49ers star tackle will have a 99 overall rating in "Madden NFL 23," making him the first offensive lineman in the history of the EA Sports video game franchise to earn the elusive rating.
Awesome stuff.
Williams is no stranger to making history at his position. The former No. 4 overall pick became the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history when he inked a six-year, $138.06 million deal with the 49ers last offseason. Now, in addition to signing the richest contract among O-linemen, he owns the highest Madden rating as well.
Fans can play as the 49ers with a 99-overall-rated Williams when "Madden NFL 23" is released on Friday, Aug. 19.
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2022-07-07T19:20:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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49ers' Trent Williams has great reaction to joining Madden NFL's 99 Club
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https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-trent-williams-great-reaction-180356019.html?src=rss
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The Baltimore Ravens are widely regarded as a team that drafts well by using a multitude of different strategies. They are able to secure talent by drafting for need, but also by taking the best player available to them on their board at the time of their selection, effectively stacking depth on depth.
When grading each NFL team’s 2017 draft haul, Maurice Moten of Bleacher Report gave Baltimore a solid grade of a B+, discussing some of the best picks that the team had as they developed into starting caliber players over the course of their first few seasons in the league.
“Aside from two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the Baltimore Ravens’ top 2017 picks needed time to develop into first-stringers…In 2021, Tyus Bowser became a full-time starter, recording 59 tackles, eight for loss, seven sacks and 26 pressures. After two years in a backup role, Chuck Clark has started in most of the games at safety.”
Moten also talked about some of the selections that didn’t quite pan out for the team from their 2017 draft class, but said that they get a lot of credit for drafting three defensive starters.
“On the flip side, the Ravens saw Chris Wormley break out after they traded him to a division rival in the Pittsburgh Steelers two years ago. In 2021, he had his best pro campaign, logging 51 tackles, six for loss, seven sacks and 18 pressures…Tim Williams and Jermaine Eluemunor each played fewer than 20 games with the Ravens. Nico Siragusa has logged zero NFL regular-season snaps…Overall, Baltimore gets a lot of credit for finding three starters on defense—one of them a top playmaker among the league’s cornerbacks.”
Humphrey and Clark have been staples in the Ravens’ secondary, while Bowser has turned into one of the most versatile players on the Baltimore defense. While players such as Wormley, Williams, Eluemunor and Siragusa didn’t quite work out for the team, they were still able to secure top-end talent at multiple points in the draft, making the class a decently good one all things considered.
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2022-07-07T19:20:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bleacher Report grades Ravens’ 2017 NFL draft haul
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bleacher-report-grades-ravens-2017-184136863.html?src=rss
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Touchdown Wire kicked off their annual top positional lists, but the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to have a player make the cut.
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar has named the top safeties, slot defenders and outside cornerbacks in the league thus far. Kansas City has been noticeably absent from the list, save for former Chiefs DB Tyrann Mathieu. It’s not all that surprising to see a largely revamped safety group left off that particular list, but it feels like there are some corners on the roster that are worthy of recognition among the top in the league. At the very least the team has two players worthy of an honorable mention, which they didn’t receive.
Let’s start with the team’s longest-tenured veteran, former sixth-round draft pick Rashad Fenton. Among cornerbacks with at least 500 defensive snaps last season, Fenton had the sixth-best overall grade in the league from Pro Football Focus. He was the only Chiefs cornerback to not allow a touchdown in coverage during the regular season last year, also allowing less than 70% of passes to be completed in his coverage. He was also the Chiefs’ top-ranked corner in ANYA/CS (Adjusted Net Yards Allowed per Coverage Snap) last season, which is a statistic developed to better quantify cornerback play. He came in No. 25 overall among 78 qualifying cornerbacks.
Then there is L’Jarius Sneed, who has emerged as the top cornerback from the 2020 NFL draft class as a fourth-round pick. He burst onto the scene as a rookie playing outside corner, recording interceptions in his first two career games. Injury stifled his rookie campaign, but when he came back he’d begin playing both nickel and outside cornerback. Last season, which was a tough one for Sneed personally due to the loss of his older brother, Sneed recorded the second-most defensive stops of any cornerback in the NFL. That’s all while missing a few games too.
Rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie hasn’t played a snap in the NFL, so he wouldn’t have qualified for Touchdown Wire’s list. Regardless, he was statistically one of the best cornerbacks in college football last season. He allowed just 16 catches on 36 targets for 111 yards and no touchdowns surrendered on the year. He actually hasn’t surrendered a touchdown since 2019 and has only allowed two receptions of more than 20 yards in his entire college career. People will try to discredit McDuffie for his size, but that didn’t seem to make any difference over three seasons with the Washington Huskies.
Maybe the Chiefs don’t have any outside or slot cornerbacks worthy of being recognized on a list of the top-12 players heading into the 2022 season. While Fenton and Sneed might have some statistics that make them worthy, they don’t have the longevity, name recognition or accolades to match.
That said, this group is hardly one to be slept on. These three players, along with others on the roster, are fully capable of putting up performances that could establish each as a top cornerback in the league. It’s just a matter of putting it together once the new season begins.
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2022-07-07T19:20:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Is the Chiefs’ cornerback group being slept on heading into 2022?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-cornerback-group-being-slept-184559395.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-cornerback-group-being-slept-184559395.html?src=rss
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Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver David Moore, now a member of the Chicago Bears, was arrested in his hometown of Gainesville, Texas Monday on drug and weapons charges.
He was later released on a $5000 bond.
TMZ Sports provided more details on the incident:
“According to the Gainesville Police Dept., officers found Moore asleep in the driver’s seat of a 2018 Ford F250 at the local fast-food joint at around 11:18 PM on July 3,” TMZ reports. “Cops say they were able to make contact with Moore – and claim he smelled of weed during questioning. An ensuing search, police say, revealed he had ‘a package of THC edible candies along with three pistols’ in his car.”Moore was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of weapons.”
Moore was originally selected by the Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft and played four years in Seattle. Moore spent time with the Broncos and Packers before signing with the Bears this offseason.
This story is continuing to develop.
Jailyn Logan-Bledsoe, 18, was shot in the head in Oak Park last month. The suspects allegedly then fled in her car.
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2022-07-07T19:20:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Seahawks WR David Moore arrested on drug and weapons charges
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https://sports.yahoo.com/former-seahawks-wr-david-moore-183834624.html?src=rss
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Quarterback isn’t a position of need for the Rams. Not with Matthew Stafford under contract through the 2026 season. He’ll most likely be their starter for the next five years, and possibly beyond that if he wants to play into his late-30s and early-40s.
But the backup quarterback spot isn’t one the Rams have invested much into. They have two undrafted rookies backing up Stafford, adding John Wolford and Bryce Perkins in the last few years.
If they’re not confident in either player’s ability to step in should Stafford go down, they should explore other options. Granted, there’s nothing to suggest they aren’t confident in Wolford, seeing the way he played briefly in place of Jared Goff in 2020, but they’ve also kept Perkins around as insurance.
P.J. Walker could be a solid player to add to the backup quarterback competition this summer. After the Panthers acquired Baker Mayfield, they could see Walker as expendable, since Sam Darnold is also on the roster. Walker is also a former undrafted free agent, spending three years with the Colts from 2017-2019 before making a name for himself in the XFL with the Houston Roughnecks in 2020. That landed him an opportunity with the Panthers the last two years, making two starts but throwing just two touchdowns and eight interceptions.
The book isn’t shut on Walker’s NFL prospects, though. He’s an athletic quarterback who showed promise in college and the XFL. And Justin Melo of The Draft Network sees the Rams as a team that should consider trading for him, noting his ties to Rams offensive assistant Jake Peetz, who was Walker’s quarterbacks coach in 2020.
Here’s part of what Melo wrote.
The Los Angeles Rams may feature the most concerning situation at backup quarterback across the entire league. Rams General Manager Les Snead rosters John Wolford and Bryce Perkins behind starter Matthew Stafford. Wolford has 42 career passing attempts under his belt, two of which were intercepted (he’s never thrown a regular-season touchdown). In 2021, Wolford went 1-of-4 with one turnover. Perkins has never attempted an official NFL pass after entering the league as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft. Perkins had an up-and-down college career while playing for three different programs (Arizona State, Arizona Western, and Virginia).
Acquiring Walker wouldn’t require anything more than a seventh-round pick, and the Rams could probably even get away with making it a seventh-rounder several years down the line. Or, they could wait things out and hope the Panthers cut Walker before the season begins and attempt to snag him off the waiver wire.
In all likelihood, the Rams are going to roll with Wolford and Perkins behind Stafford. But Walker fits the mold of an athletic, mobile backup quarterback that Sean McVay has an appreciation for.
Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin has become the latest wideout to get huge money. We’ve gotten a look at the details of the contract McLaurin signed earlier this week. Here’s the full breakdown, per a source with knowledge of the terms: 1. Signing bonus: $28 million. 2. 2022 base salary: $1.054 million. 3. 2022 per-game roster [more]
Fantasy Football Rankings 2022: Running backs
How will the running back position shake out in 2022 fantasy drafts?
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2022-07-07T19:21:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Should Rams explore a trade for P.J. Walker to join backup QB competition?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-explore-trade-p-j-182439400.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-explore-trade-p-j-182439400.html?src=rss
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https://t.co/bKITw1FSbD
Yes Studios has unveiled the new trailer for the highly anticipated fourth season of “Fauda,” which will launch July 13 on Yes TV in Israel and will be available on Netflix worldwide. The plot of the new season involves Hezbollah activists from Lebanon and Palestinian militants in the West Bank, and new cast members include […]
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2022-07-07T19:21:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Why Seahawks could take a downward swing this season
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https://sports.yahoo.com/why-seahawks-could-downward-swing-180046996.html?src=rss
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That’s where Pittman was slotted, though, in CBS Sports analyst Barrett Sallee’s power rankings of the league’s 14 coaches. It’s a step up of four spots from Sallee’s placing of Pittman last year and it ranks Pittman 22nd overall in FBS.
Harsin was ranked seventh in the SEC last year and is 48th overall this year.
Arkansas travels to Auburn on October 29.
Drinkwitz was ranked 10th in the SEC last year. He is ranked 46th overall this year.
Arkansas travels to Missouri on November 25.
Beamer was ranked 14th in the SEC last year. He is ranked 41st overall this year.
Arkansas hosts South Carolina on September 10.
Mississippi State coach Mike Leach looks downfield at his players during the second half of the team’s NCAA college football game against Tennessee State, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Starkville, Miss. Mississippi State won 55-10. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Leach was ranked ninth in the SEC last year. He ranked 26th overall this year.
Arkansas travels to Mississippi State on October 8.
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Sam Pittman of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts during the fist half of a game against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Kiffin was ranked eighth in the SEC last year. He is ranked 18th overall this year.
Arkansas hosts Ole Miss on November 19.
Kelly was not ranked in the SEC last year as this is his first year coaching at LSU. He is ranked seventh overall this year.
Arkansas hosts LSU on November 12.
Fisher was ranked second in the SEC last year. He is ranked fifth overall this year.
Arkansas travels to Arlington, Texas, to play Texas A&M on September 24.
Saban was ranked first in the SEC last year. He is ranked first overall this year.
Arkansas hosts Alabama on October 1.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs signed a four-year contract extension this offseason that increased the likelihood that he will spend the rest of his playing days in Buffalo, but it also lessened the chance that he’ll get to realize another of his football dreams. Diggs has never played on the same team as his brother Trevon, [more]
There’s also a $15 million road plan in the works to help ease traffic at the site on Interstate 10 in Pass Christian. Here’s what you need to know.
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2022-07-07T20:08:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Sam Pittman is the seventh best coach in SEC? That’s what Barrett Sallee says at CBS
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https://sports.yahoo.com/sam-pittman-seventh-best-coach-174547491.html?src=rss
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The Miami Dolphins’ offseason is weeks away from coming to an end, as training camp is set to start at the end of July. From there, the team will be practicing on campus against each other and other teams before the start of the regular season.
This gives us some time to talk about the state of the roster before the first camp of the Mike McDaniel era begins. After discussing quarterbacks and running backs earlier in the week, today we’ll take a look at a wide receiver group that has certainly gotten a lot better since Miami last took the field.
Miami sent five picks to Kansas City in exchange for Hill before giving him an extension worth $120 million, so he’s obviously a big part of their plans on offense. Hill’s versatility and superstar playmaking ability should allow him to easily slide into the top receiver role and bring the offense to the next level.
Waddle had an impressive rookie season in 2021, as he broke the NFL’s rookie record for receptions and Miami’s rookie record for receiving yards. He has some similar traits to Hill, but being able to use two of them on the field at the same time will be a treat for McDaniel and company.
He’s the clear-cut second-best receiver out there, but with Hill’s acquisition, his numbers probably won’t reach the heights that they did in 2021, and that’s OK.
The Dolphins’ secret weapon this season could be Wilson. The former Boise State wideout took a bit of a step last year with the Dallas Cowboys with Amari Cooper, Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup all missing time at different points in the season.
Now, in Miami, he’s expected to slide in as the third receiver and put up some similar numbers that he did in 2021 (45 receptions for 602 yards and six touchdowns). With all of the other weapons on the field, Wilson may just be able to sneak away from some of the opposing teams’ coverages.
Ezukanma was selected in the fourth round of this year’s draft out of Texas Tech, and he joins a room coached by a former Red Raider in Wes Welker. He led his team in 2021 in receiving, recording 48 catches for 706 yards and four touchdowns while providing a bit on the ground as well.
With the three names ahead of him on the depth chart and his raw athleticism that needs to be refined a bit, his first year in the league will likely be a learning year, for the most part. If the Dolphins get 25 catches out of him in 2022, that would be a great season.
Bowden probably has the widest range of outcomes in 2022. Since entering the league in 2020, he’s played in just 10 games, all of which came in his rookie season. If he can get healthy for the season, the sky is the limit for what he can do athletically.
Some have said he could be Miami’s Deebo Samuel while others believe there’s a chance he doesn’t make the roster. The prospects of what Bowden can be are really all over the place.
Like Bowden, Williams has yet to live up to his potential due to some injuries in his career. Miami opted to re-sign him as a restricted free agent this offseason, despite the fact that he’s played in just eight games in each of his first three seasons.
Williams should be a big target for Tua Tagovailoa to feel comfortable throwing to in any part of the field, especially the red zone. However, that hasn’t happened yet. If he doesn’t prove that he belongs on the field, there’s a real chance that Williams doesn’t make the roster.
Sherfield got the opportunity to work under McDaniel last season with the 49ers, and he found the end zone for just the second time in his career. His special teams contributions could mean a fair amount to this coaching staff, but he has an uphill battle to make the roster.
Cracraft was one of the first signings that the Dolphins made after hiring McDaniel this offseason. The wideout has credited his head coach for being an extremely bright and relatable guy who can get the best out of his players.
Since entering the league in 2018, Cracraft has been a fringe roster piece in Denver, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Maybe that familiarity with the system helps him out, but it’s more likely that he’ll end up on the practice squad or with another team.
As an undrafted free agent this year, Sanders has a lot he needs to do if he wants to stick around in Miami. If he can show off the speed and prove that he can stay healthy, he might have a shot.
Core signed with the Dolphins practice squad back in November 2021. He was never called up to the active roster. He’s a long shot to make the roster, but he could wind up back on the practice squad again.
Back in January, the Dolphins signed Dedmon after a successful few seasons in the Candian Football League. Dedmon led the CFL in return touchdowns, punt return average and kick return average in 2021. If Miami wants to keep the return duties away from Hill, Waddle and Jevon Holland, they might keep Dedmon around.
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2022-07-07T21:08:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 Dolphins positional preview: Depth is a key difference at WR
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-dolphins-positional-preview-depth-200822250.html?src=rss
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Building a competitive football team under the salary cap is a delicate process for NFL general managers like Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers. He must structure contracts to create bargains year-to-year, especially with an MVP quarterback taking up a big chunk of the cap and future cap.
A bargain can be considered any player with a cap hit lower than the expected contributions to a team that year.
Here are the eight best salary cap bargains for the Packers in 2022:
Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) celebrates his 55-yard interception return
A breakout star for the Packers in 2021, Douglas returned to Green Bay on a three-year deal. With a low base salary and a $5.3 million signing bonus spread out over three years, the Packers were able to keep Douglas’ cap hit under $4 million in 2022 – a steal for a starting corner who intercepted five passes last season. Forty-nine cornerbacks have a higher cap hit this season.
Percent of cap: 1.0
Position rank: 39th among edge rushers
The power of a rookie contract. Gary, one of the best young edge rushers in football and a headliner of the Packers defense, will take up roughly one percent of the team’s cap in 2022. The Packers won’t have this benefit for long; with another terrific season, Gary is likely to cash in big on a new deal next summer.
The Packers made Alexander the highest-paid defensive back ever, but the structure of his new deal was specifically designed to lower his cap hit in 2022. Now, Green Bay will have a top-three cornerback in the NFL taking up a small fraction of the team’s cap this year. Alexander’s cap hit will balloon over $20 million starting in 2023.
LG Jon Runyan Jr.
Position rank: 55th among LGs
Runyan was excellent as a first-year starter at left guard, and he’s capable of ascending into the upper tier of starting guards with another step forward in 2022. This season, he’ll cost the Packers less than $1 million on the cap. Even among only left guards, he’s not in the top 50 for 2022 cap hits. A sixth-round pick in 2019, Runyan is a huge bargain as a strong starter on the offensive line.
Position rank: 19th among ILBs
Much like Rasul Douglas, the Packers kept Campbell after a breakout 2021 season with a team-friendly deal that is light on the front end. Campbell, an All-Pro last season, isn’t even in the top 15 of cap hits among off-ball linebackers in 2022. The strategy for Campbell’s $50 million deal was a familiar one: Low base salary in Year 1, and a signing bonus spread over many years.
2022 salary cap hit: $28,533,568
Position rank: 5th among QBs
How can Rodgers be a bargain after signing a market-altering new deal? Here’s how: Rodgers, the back-to-back MVP, ranks only fifth among quarterbacks in cap hit, and he’s a full $10 million under the top cap hit at the position (Ryan Tannehill). In 2022, Rodgers’ cap hit for the Packers is almost identical to Carson Wentz’s hit in Washington. His base salary is just over $1 million. Not bad for the game’s best player.
The Packers think Stokes is about to become a star. The 2021 first-round pick was excellent as a rookie, and he’s going into Year 2 with a chance to play alongside Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas in a talent-filled secondary. Having a young, ascending talent on a rookie deal and at a premium position is a huge asset for the Packers.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Dillon, who led the Packers in rushing last season and created over 1,000 total yards, won’t even account for a full percentage point of the team’s salary cap in 2022. Although Aaron Jones is still the top gun at running back, Dillon is going to play a huge role in the offense this season. Over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns are possible. And the cap charge for the production will be almost negligible.
(AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
DL Kenny Clark: The Pro Bowl interior defender has a cap hit under $10 million in 2022.
OL Elgton Jenkins: He would have made this list without his injury. He’ll count around $5 million on the cap in 2022, but he’s expected to miss a chunk of the season.
TE Robert Tonyan: If he can come back and give the Packers a legit weapon in the passing game, he’ll be a huge bargain with a cap hit under $3 million.
C Josh Myers: The Packers’ starting center has a cap hit of about $1.2 million in 2022.
Ukraine repels enemy assault on Slovyansk axis, fighting continues near Mazanivka
Russia's invasion forces are trying to improve the tactical position of their units on the Slovyansk axis in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine’s General Staff reported in its Facebook update on July 6.
Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., said claims that she would harm her grandchildren were "absolutely ridiculous."
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2022-07-07T21:08:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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8 best salary cap bargains for Packers this season
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https://sports.yahoo.com/8-best-salary-cap-bargains-194922448.html?src=rss
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After the trade for Indiana's Malcolm Brogdon, many are starting to wonder if he might have always been Danny Ainge's natural successor.
The former Little Cyclone is like a "pit bull" defensively, says Gabe Kalscheur
The executive director of the nonprofit Advocates for Minor Leaguers has recommended that Congress enact legislation nullifying Major League Baseball's antitrust exemption as it applies to minor league players. Harry Marino on Wednesday asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to pursue a “Minor League Curt Flood Act” in response to a letter from the four-member committee, chaired by Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat. The letter sent by the committee on June 28 asked the advocacy group about the effect of baseball's 100-year-old antitrust exemption on working conditions in the minor leagues.
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2022-07-07T21:08:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Aaron Rodgers sees something in Samori Toure, Packers’ seventh-round WR
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https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-rodgers-sees-something-samori-195449240.html?src=rss
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"I've got Jameis Winston as the comeback player of the year."@salaams_from_68 is fired up for Jameis Winston and the Saints this upcoming NFL season. pic.twitter.com/uEklgCOGlC
Harris, a former NFL offensive tackle who has protected the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Alex Smith and Peyton Manning recently shared why he’s “fired up” about Winston’s return:
“I’ve got Jameis Winston as the Comeback Player of the Year. Last season, the Saints had over nine starters at different times on the (injured reserve list), and two of them were quarterbacks. So this was a championship-now team. They have a championship focus this year. Plus, they (add Jarvis Landry). They secure Michael Thomas long-term. I think Jameis Winston could be playing in that NFC Championship, they could even be hosting that game. So, look for Jameis Winston to have an amazing season after that surgery and the talent that’s around him. Plus a defense that even got improved. I really like the Saints and what Jameis Winston has as an opportunity.”
Winston certainly has the cast of characters around him to help support his revenge tour throughout the 2022 season. The Saints invested a lot to make sure they snagged wideout Chris Olave in this year’s draft in addition to the return of Thomas and addition of Landry. The question will be whether or not the absence of Sean Payton will factor in negatively to Winston’s progress.
He certainly looked good with his 14 touchdown passes to only 3 interceptions last year while not lacking in any big time throws. Last year, Winston ranked second in the NFL amongst qualifying passers (more than 100 dropbacks) in Pro Football Focus’ “Big Time Throw” metric. The rate measures accurately thrown passes downfield and in tight windows. Sure, Winston did not get to throw a ton of passes last year, but the quality of those he did let loose speak in his favor. Not to mention a defense that looks ready to put the ball back in his hands as often as possible.
The next level will be to see if Winston’s 2022 success translates in additional awards across the team. A great year by the former first-overall selection could translate into end-of-year recognition for receivers like Olave and Thomas. The last five quarterbacks to play a full season and win the comeback player award averaged over 4,600 passing yards, 36 touchdowns thrown and fewer than 14 interceptions surrendered. If Winston is able to hit around those marks, it’s not out of the question to assume he won’t be the one accepting an award at next year’s awards ceremony.
Driver abseils to safety in China's raging floodwaters
STORY: A driver abseiled from a marooned vehicle to safety, residents formed a human chain to transport students from an inundated school, and families were rescued using an excavator across Henan province on Tuesday (July 5).Village houses and farmlands were inundated by floodwater in Shaoguan city in Guangdong province. Over a thousand people were relocated, according to CCTV.In recent weeks, historic rainfall and flooding in southern China have destroyed property, paralysed traffic and disrupted the daily lives of millions. Extreme weather including unusually heavy flooding is expected to continue in China through August, forecasters predicted last week.
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2022-07-07T21:08:40Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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CBS Sports predicts Jameis Winston for Comeback Player of the Year
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https://sports.yahoo.com/cbs-sports-predicts-jameis-winston-201052189.html?src=rss
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The Draft Wire, known as the central hub for everything NFL draft for the USA TODAY Sports Network, released their latest 1st and 2nd round mock draft for the 2023 NFL draft, which will be taking over our lives as sports writers faster than a Dallas Cowboys fan can say “this is our year!”
As the 2022 college football season gets closer and closer as we’re officially in the midst of July, The Texas A&M football squad is preparing for summer and fall camp, position battles (most notably at quarterback), with an eye on focusing on the various game challenges they will face, and looking to prove the doubters wrong while fielding one of the most talented rosters in program history on a weekly basis.
Speaking of talent, the mock draft includes two Aggies going in the second round, with junior corner/safety, Antonio Johnson being selected 38th overall by the Detroit Lions, and junior cornerback, Jaylon Jones being selected 53rd overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
Both selections coming no later than the 2nd round isn’t a surprise, due to the fact that Texas A&M has one of the deepest defensive back groups in the country this coming season, yet Antonio Johnson, who is presently thought of as one of the best defensive draft prospects in the entire class by a number of media outlets being left out of the first round will bring on some warranted skepticism.
Overall, both Antonio Johnson and Jaylon Jones are big-time athletes with great arm length, and speed, and excel in both man and zone coverage, with the potential to become “plug and play” draft picks with any team that has the opportunity to select them.
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2022-07-07T21:08:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Draft Wire’s newest 2023 NFL mock draft includes two Aggies selected early
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https://sports.yahoo.com/draft-wire-newest-2023-nfl-200033614.html?src=rss
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Former NFL player and coach
Douglass Morgan’s credentials include being the former Nevada Gaming Control Board chairwoman. Giving her the bonafides to handle this job.
“It’s a great and historic day to be a Raider,” said Mark Davis when he announced Douglass Morgan as the team’s new president.
She is not the first female president in NFL history. That title went to, of course, one-time Raiders president Amy Trask.
Trask and Douglass Morgan are the first in a long line of firsts by the Raiders, including the first ever latino NFL head coach, not to mention the first ever latino Super Bowl winning head coach — Tom Flores — and the first ever black NFL head coach — Art Shell.
Going back farther than that, Al Davis was well known for taking on players who were deemed misfits elsewhere and judging players solely on who was the best player, regardless of their race or cultural background.
And in the case of Trask, gender. His son Mark Davis has carried that torch to hire Sandra Douglass Morgan.
In the wake of Universal/Illumination Entertainment’s Minions: The Rise of Gru beating its $80M four-day projection by 54% at $125M, tentpole fever at the domestic box office isn’t stopping as Disney/Marvel’s Thor: Love and Thunder is looking at a $140M-$160M start in U.S./Canada and another $150M abroad for a global debut around $300M. Oscar-winning filmmaker […]
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will deliver a third successive half-point interest rate hike on Wednesday and a fourth next month in its most aggressive policy tightening on record to control soaring inflation, a Reuters poll found. A front-runner in withdrawing pandemic-era stimulus among its peers, the RBNZ will extend its hawkish stride to curb the highest inflation in three decades, at 6.9%, despite growing risks of an economic downturn. Economists have brought forward their rate hike expectations for the sixth Reuters poll in a row, and a majority, 15 of 22, now expect the official cash rate (OCR) to reach 3.50% or higher by the end of this year, broadly in line with market pricing.
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2022-07-07T21:09:14Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders hire NFL’s first ever black female team president
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Ravens, Justin Houston agree to one-year deal originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
LaJoie aims to throw a Hail Mary and steal one at Atlanta
The last time NASCAR visited Atlanta Motor Speedway, Corey LaJoie was celebrating a top-five finish shortly after sliding across the infield grass with a split-second flight thrown in for good measure. Well, maybe not celebrating. But he was certainly relishing his best finish of the year five races into the 2022 campaign. “I wasn’t spraying […]
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2022-07-07T21:09:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ravens, Justin Houston agree to one-year deal
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-justin-houston-agree-one-192820078.html?src=rss
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The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game is this weekend at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, home of the 2021 champion Chicago Sky. The All-Star weekend will feature a 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge on Saturday and the All-Star Game on Sunday. The All-Star Game will be broadcast on ABC at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. The two teams are captained by Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart and Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson. Here are all the details you need to know.
The game will be 1 p.m. ET Sunday and will be broadcast on ABC.
All-Star weekend is in Chicago for the first time. The game and 3-Point and Skills Challenge will be held at Wintrust Arena where the Sky play.
When are the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge?
The events leading up to the All-Star Game will be held at 3 p.m. ET Saturday. They will be broadcast on ESPN.
A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, who played on Team USA together at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be the captains of the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
How will WNBA honor Brittney Griner during All-Star weekend?
Brittney Griner was named an honorary All-Star and starter by commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Griner remains detained in Russia after pleading guilty to drug charges on Thursday.
“During each season of Brittney’s career in which there has been an All-Star Game, she has been selected as an All-Star,” Engelbert said in a statement. “It is not difficult to imagine that if BG were here with us this season, she would once again be selected and would, no doubt, show off her incredible talents. So, it is only fitting that she be named as an honorary starter today and we continue to work on her safe return to the U.S.”
Griner has been selected to seven All-Star games in her career. Team courts have a decal with her initials and number in them and players continue to put a spotlight on what the U.S. government has labeled her "wrongful detainment."
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2022-07-07T21:13:13Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 WNBA All-Star Game: Location, date, rosters, 3-Point Contest participants, TV channel, how to watch
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-wnba-all-star-game-location-date-rosters-3-point-contest-skills-challenge-participants-tv-channel-how-to-watch-210551144.html?src=rss
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A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Derek Chauvin to 21 years in prison for violating George Floyd’s civil rights, telling the former Minneapolis police officer that what he did was “simply wrong” and “offensive.” U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson sharply criticized Chauvin for his actions on May 25, 2020, when the white officer pinned Floyd to the pavement outside a Minneapolis corner store for more than nine minutes as the Black man lay dying. “I really don’t know why you did what you did,” Magnuson said.
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2022-07-07T21:13:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WNBA's Griner pleads guilty at her drug trial in Russia
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He confirmed the news with Swamp247, stating via text message, “Home is where the heart is,” along with a fingers-crossed emoji. The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound signal-caller had been set to play in Happy Valley this coming fall but had a change of heart after a visit to Gainesville to compete in the 7-on-7 tournament, which appears to have been the pivotal point in his final decision.
Stokes is currently ranked No. 397 overall and No. 22 at his position nationally with a four-star rating, according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus has him at Nos. 539 and 29, respectively, with a three-star rating. The Gators won out for his commitment despite having held just a 10.5% chance of landing him per On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, against the Nittany Lions’ 66.3%. The USF Bulls were the third wheel in this one, having had a 9% chance before Thursday.
Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson received a contract extension, per reports
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2022-07-07T21:48:14Z
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Florida flips this 4-star quarterback from Penn State, gets commitment
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In May, legendary Florida broadcaster Mick Hubert called his last game after 33 years with the orange and blue. His retirement meant that the University of Florida now had to find its fourth “Voice of the Gators” in 82 years. That’s where ESPN Radio broadcaster Sean Kelley comes in.
The University Athletic Association announced Kelley as Hubert’s replacement on Wednesday and his resume certainly lives up to the standards set by the three men before him. Kelley has done play-by-play for the Tiger (Missouri) Radio Network, Tulane University (football, basketball and baseball) and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Kelley joined ESPN Radio in 2019 as its lead play-by-play announcer on national college football. He also called several college basketball and NBA games, including Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. His first assignment for the industry leader was Florida football’s 24-20 win over Miami in the 2019 season opener.
.@SeanKelleyLive behind the 🎙#GoGators pic.twitter.com/cpxkPN6Jue
Kelley’s first game with UF will be the football season opener against Utah. He’s expected to call primarily football and men’s basketball games with other social interactions planned (podcasts, social media, etc.).
While he wasn’t looking to move on from ESPN, Kelley made it clear that the Florida job was too good to pass up. He’ll still be working events for ESPN Radio whenever UF’s schedule allows it, too.
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2022-07-07T21:48:33Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Meet the new ‘Voice of the Gators’ Sean Kelley
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Tom Christie
UCLA versus USC, at Memorial Coliseum, last year. In 2024 both teams will exit the Pac-12 Conference for the Big 10. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
What with Russia's onslaught on Ukraine, the Supreme Court's onslaught on liberality, the GOP's onslaught on truth and democracy and the never-ending onslaught of senseless gun violence, last month gave new meaning to the term June gloom. For many of us, sport remains a great escape from all that. A salve. And then on June 30 came the kicker: USC and UCLA would depart the Pac-12 Conference for the Big Ten in 2024.
"That can't be right, " I texted a friend and fellow UCLA fan. "No way."
Just like that, some 100 years of tradition — a word used a lot by both universities — was out the window, essentially destroying the Pac-12 for the other 10 member universities, including UCLA's big sister, Cal. No more regular, meaningful competition with Stanford, Oregon and Washington, Utah or the Arizona schools. Really?
The powers that be, namely, USC and UCLA's respective athletic directors, Mike Bohn and Martin Jarmond, claim the move will provide "student athletes" with better start times for football games and thus more national TV exposure.
As for the fans, what fans? Trojan and Bruin fans may be scattered everywhere, but the vast majority are in Southern California. Who among them is going to fly to New Jersey for a Rutgers football game, let alone a swim meet or a gymnastics competition? Maybe those few boosters who have private jets, that's who.
Welcome to yet another episode of “Follow the Money,” this one all about the millions the Big Ten's TV deal allows it to parcel out among its member schools annually. By one estimate, the deal could be worth $1 billion in 2024, with a per-school take of more than $60 million on average. As opposed to a little more than $30 million offered by the Pac-12 in the last year before the pandemic. That extra $30 million-plus is a lot of "resources," as Jarmond put it, and UCLA wants you to know that its real motivation was altruistic, keeping “non-revenue” sports on campus. Uh-huh.
And then there's the power play, on a shrinking playing field. The Southeastern Conference has been running away with college football in recent years, and the Big Ten has pumped a lot of iron to stay level. While they're trading blows, the ground is shaking and shifting beneath everyone else. Just last year, Texas and Oklahoma bolted from the Big 12 to join the SEC, providing a paradigm for someone at USC.
According to The Times, that someone was apparently none other than Rick Caruso, the shopping-mall-developer-cum-politician who until February happened to be chairman of USC's board of trustees. That would be the same Caruso who was a lifelong Republican until he decided he wanted to be mayor of Democratic L.A. Evidently, he's not averse to switching loyalties.
Bohn, meanwhile, was born in the Midwest and grew up Midwest adjacent, in Colorado. He has had more ladder-climbing AD jobs than you can shake a USC drum major's sword at. At the University of Colorado, he was instrumental in bringing the Buffalos into the Pac-12. Bohn giveth and he taketh away. He's an empire builder — his own.
Lest we forget, where there are winners, there must be losers. Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News, who first reported the conference-switch story, says he thinks it's the beginning of the end for major college football programs at Cal and Stanford in the Bay Area. "Fox and ESPN will pay for the football programs that generate ratings and are most likely to land in prime TV windows," Wilner said in a Q and A published in the Mercury News. "Neither Bay Area team clears those bars."
What may it all portend? "At some point in the near future," Wilner added, "college athletes likely will be declared employees, or pseudo-employees, and receive compensation from the schools for their services. There’s no chance Stanford would ever do that, and we doubt Cal would take the plunge. On both campuses, the faculty would revolt like it’s Paris in 1789."
How Iowa City High School senior pitcher Cade Obermueller is catching attention from MLB scouts, just like his dad did.
More than 50 members of Johnson's government walked out, saying he was no longer fit to govern following a string of scandals.
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2022-07-07T21:48:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Op-Ed: USC and UCLA won ugly when they defected to the Big Ten
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You may know him from The Godfather, or you may know him from Elf, but it seems like most people cherished the work of James Caan. The legendary actor, and former Michigan State football player, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, July 7.
Caan went to school at MSU for two years, and played football for the Spartans under the tutelage of Duffy Daugherty in 1956 where he was a quarterback. He then left East Lansing to attend Hofstra University in New York, where he met Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather.
Looking at the most famous Michigan State alumni
More Michigan State!
Actor James Caan of 'The Godfather' and 'Elf' Dies at 82
Actor James Caan died on July 6, his family confirms. The actor, known for his work in the Godfather, Elf and Misery, was 82. Fans are pouring out tributes
James Caan, who got an Oscar nomination for his role in "The Godfather," has died at the age of 82.
Latino pioneers Raúl Yzaguirre and Julieta García honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom
Two Latinos, Raúl Yzaguirre and Julieta García will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their pioneering work in civil rights and higher education.
James Caan, Oscar-nominated screen actor, has passed away at the age of 82, his family shared in a...
One mighty swing from Aaron Judge and an Aaron Hicks grand slam helped the New York Yankees beat Pittsburg Pirates.
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2022-07-07T22:00:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Beloved actor, former Michigan State football player James Caan passes away at age 82
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“Obviously that’s my guy,” Embiid said. “That’s my brother. It’s tough, but I’m so proud of him. He’s playing at an unreal level right now. He’s something else right now, and I’m proud of him for being at this level and carrying them, and what he’s been able to do. ... They have a great team, great guys overall, and obviously great coaching and a great front office, so a lot of credit to them.
"P.J. Tucker is one of the most respected and relentless competitors in our game and is the type of competitor our fans will love and embrace,” Morey said. “We’re excited to add his leadership, toughness, defensive versatility and championship pedigree to our roster. P.J. wants to deliver an NBA title to Philadelphia and his work ethic and mentality make him an impactful addition to our team and city."
In 2021, House told KPRC’s Ari Alexander that No. 4 is significant to him because his grandma and family are from the Freedmen’s Town area in Houston's Fourth Ward. House said the number “empowers me to be me.”
Talked to Danuel House today, who tells me DEFINITIVELY that he will not be giving up No. 4
House says it's important to him because his family has deep roots in Freedman's Town and the Fourth Ward of Houston.
"...(the number 4) empowers me to be me..." pic.twitter.com/IBUfaqkCET
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) September 3, 2021
"for the House for the team!" 🹠pic.twitter.com/A0DDuE7zCV
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2022-07-07T22:01:11Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jimmy Butler not thrilled that P.J. Tucker left Heat to join Sixers, Joel Embiid
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Dave Alpern, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, left no words minced: The team intends to have Kyle Busch back in the No. 18 Toyota for the 2023 Cup Series season along with Ty Gibbs back in the Xfinity Series.
What muddies those plans is the lack of signed contracts midway through the 2022 season.
RELATED: Atlanta weekend schedule | Cup points standings
Busch, the only active multi-time Cup champion on the circuit, is losing longtime sponsor Mars, Inc. at the end of the season. In a Thursday teleconference, Alpern noted the search for the two-time titlist’s replacement sponsor remains ongoing.
“We’ve been pretty consistent since the end of last season, which is we want Kyle to be in the (No.) 18 car and that’s our plan,” Alpern said. “We’re still working on sponsorship, and as much interest as there is in our sport, these take a long time. And admittedly, this one’s taking a little longer than we thought. It’s not for lack of interest. It’s just trying to get everything put together. So those will probably happen in parallel. And, again, we’re hoping to get something decided here in the very near future.”
Those discussions persist while Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, continues to impress in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he has amassed four wins this year, equalling last year’s total in two less series starts. Perhaps his most impressive triumph came July 2 at Road America, where he executed a clean, late pass on defending Cup champion Kyle Larson to claim the victory.
“Obviously, Ty’s done really, really, really good,” Alpern said. “This last weekend, I gotta be honest, was exciting to see him race against a Cup champion. Look, there’s a lot of interest in Ty for a number of reasons. He’s a great driver. He’s a great kid. It’s been fun. So I think the timetable for us is to continue. We don’t want to push him too fast. There are no specific plans beyond this year in reference to a Cup race or whatever. We’re just kind of trying to play out the year and see if he can go win or can compete for an Xfinity championship this year. And he’s got four wins and he’s doing really well.”
Asked more directly if the program’s intent is to keep Gibbs in the second-tiered Xfinity Series for 2023, Alpern said: “Yes, that would be the plan. That is Plan A.”
The only apparent opening for a Plan B — moving Gibbs to Cup — would be the No. 18 Toyota, which Busch has operated since 2008 and where he’s earned 56 of his 60 career Cup wins.
Alpern indicated no concern in getting Busch re-signed with the proper partners in place.
But for now, the dotted line sits blank.
“We have every intention (of re-signing Busch),” Alpern said. “Pro sports — look, things happen. Carl Edwards retired on the week of Christmas one year, so trying to speculate what’s going to happen? Things happen. But the plan is we feel confident there’ll be a good partner on that car for next year.
MORE: Ty Gibbs on Stacking Pennies
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2022-07-07T22:01:17Z
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Joe Gibbs Racing president offers update on Busch contract, Gibbs' status
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“I might have, I might not have been eavesdropping, but I heard Phil talking about it with Bones, and he said, ‘I’ll meet you here at the parking lot at 5:00,”’ Leonard said. “So I stored that away and told Davis and Fred Couples about it. I said, ‘Do you guys want to go watch?’ And Fred said, ‘I wouldn’t miss this for the world.'”
Moscow-born Elena Rybakina will attempt to reach a first Wimbledon final on Thursday, counting her blessings that she escaped the tournament ban handed out to her Russian compatriots.
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2022-07-07T22:01:30Z
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Justin Leonard dishes on the night Phil Mickelson threw BP at a Double-A game (and bet players they couldn’t homer off him)
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The 2022-23 NBA season is still three months away, but for the next 10 days, NBA fans will get a first look at the players recently drafted and how they'll fit with the team. There have already been two stops to Summer League in California and Utah, but all 30 teams will be in Las Vegas for the tournament, starting Thursday night. The Sacramento Kings won the whole thing last year, and they'll be a team to watch after drafting Iowa forward Keegan Murray with the No. 4 pick over Jaden Ivey.
Here's everything you need to know heading into Las Vegas Summer League.
In his Summer League debut in Salt Lake City, Holmgren posted 23 points, six blocks (a SLC Summer League record), four assists and seven rebounds. He's made an early statement and all eyes will on Holmgren in Vegas as he faces tougher competition. There are glimpses of a strong team chemistry forming with Josh Giddey and Holmgren in the pick-and-pop and Holmgren running the lane in transition. There are still critics out there who doubt Holmgren's game can translate to the NBA with his 7-foot, 195-pound frame, but he's proven he can play at an elite level every step in his career and many will be tuned in to see if he can do the same thing in Las Vegas.
Banchero was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft and there's always added pressure to perform right away, especially in the first couple of games at Summer League. The 6-foot-10 forward is comfortable with the ball in his hands and is always looking to run the floor off a missed shot. Banchero won't be playing alongside the same backcourt he will during the season with Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz all absent but look for him to be the primary ball handler in transition and be the do-it-all player for the Magic in Las Vegas.
Sharpe went No. 7 to the Trail Blazers and was the biggest mystery in the draft. He didn't play a single game at Kentucky, after joining the team midseason in January. Despite his time off, Sharpe is still a dynamic shooting guard who loves to play above the rim and is a consistent shooter from behind the arc. Sharpe could surprise a lot of people and show fans why he was the No. 1 player coming out of high school.
"I feel like I'm a great player and people are going to expect a lot out of me," Banchero told Yahoo Sports on draft night. "It's kind of been like that always so it's nothing I'm not used to. I'm also just going to let the game come to me. That's what I've been doing my whole life so I don't plan on changing anything."
Sharpe has not played a game since last October and he'll have a lot to prove his first game. There's no better test or matchup to kick off his NBA career than going head-to-head with No. 5 pick Ivey. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard out of Purdue was the top guard in this draft class. Both players love to get out in transition and finish above the rim and there will be no shortage of impressive dunks and finishes in this game.
This won't be a direct head-to-head matchup with No. 1 pick Banchero vs. No. 4 pick Murray, but it will give Murray a chance to continue to prove why he deserved to be a top-five pick. In his Summer League debut in California, Murray put up 26 points (10-for-14 from the field) and added eight rebounds. Last season, during his sophomore year at Iowa, Murray led the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 23.5 points per game.
Anytime one of the big three from the draft — Banchero, Holmgren, Smith Jr. — steps onto the court and plays, people will be tuned in. When it's two out of the three squaring off, the arena is going to be packed. Holmgren and Smith Jr. haven't played against one another since the fall of their senior year in high school and both of their games cater to the NBA spacing on the floor.
This will be a second look at Sharpe and he'll be facing the eighth pick in the draft, Dyson Daniels. Daniels played one season in the G League for the G League Ignite and grew two inches from the start of the season, now standing as a 6-foot-8 combo guard. Daniels is a great secondary ball handler off the wing and reads the defense well of the pick-and-roll option. Anytime Sharpe steps on the court, fans and NBA personnel will be watching to see if he's consistent and worth the hype of a top-10 pick who hasn't played in nine months.
Thomas was a breakout player at last year's Summer League and saw some rotational minutes with the Nets sporadically through the season. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving most likely leaving Brooklyn, the opportunity for a bigger role is available and Thomas could be that guy to step in and step up in his second year.
This duo were lottery picks last season and were NBA champions at 19 and 20 years old. There were glimpses of Moody's outside shooting during the season and Warriors fans got a taste of what Kuminga could bring offensively off the wing. With Gary Payton II gone, both Kuminga and Moody could have bigger roles next season. Coming into Summer League with an NBA title under their belts, expect both players to play with a lot of confidence.
Primo was the 12th pick in the 2021 NBA draft and the Spurs stashed him in the G League to work on his development this past season. This could be Primo's breakout year and this Summer League Spurs team is going to be a fun to watch with Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley making their NBA debuts.
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2022-07-07T22:01:42Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Las Vegas Summer League primer: NBA rookies and second-year players to watch, best games
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Shohei Ohtani won the AL MVP in 2021, so MLB fans know the level of player we're dealing with. However, we might still not be fully appreciating what we are watching and just how incredible it really is.
On Wednesday, Ohtani threw seven innings of two-hit baseball while striking out ten. He gave up a run, but it was unearned. He also had a huge two-RBI hit that gave the Angels the lead in the 5th inning. He added a stolen base as well. Since the RBI became an official stat in 1920, Ohtani is the first player in MLB history to strike out ten batters as a pitcher while contributing two RBIs and a stolen base. It feels like every week, Ohtani does something that hasn't been done in baseball history.
As the reigning MVP, Ohtani is in the picture once again this year. Ohtani is +260 to win AL MVP; only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees has better odds. However, there's another award that Ohtani has a realistic shot at this year and the betting market is beginning to take notice.
In early June, Shohei Ohtani gave up eight hits and four runs over three innings against the New York Yankees. His ERA ballooned up to 3.99 and his AL Cy Young odds dropped all the way down to 40-to-1. While he was doing fine at the plate as a hitter, his pitching wasn't getting much attention.
However, in his last five starts, Ohtani has gone 33.2 innings while giving up just one earned run. Over his last four starts, he hasn't given up an earned run. He's got 46 strikeouts in his last five starts and has 34 over his last three starts.
Over the last 50 years, only 4 pitchers have had 3 straight starts with 0 ER and 10-plus SO:
10 SO, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 unearned run in 7 innings vs. the Marlins tonight. Also a stolen base and the key two-out, two-run single.
As Ohtani's dominant stretch has unfolded, his odds at BetMGM to win AL Cy Young have continued to decrease. Here's how his odds have changed over the course of the last few weeks:
Shohei Ohtani is a realistic contender to win both the MVP and the Cy Young. The odds suggest he's more likely to win MVP than the Cy Young, but does that make it a better bet?
You can make the case that Ohtani should win the MVP every year because of how dominant he is both at the plate and on the mound. It's hard to say that anyone in the sport is more valuable than someone with the potential to hit 40 home runs while pitching to an ERA in the mid-2s.
However, let's be honest. MVP voters are humans and they get bored. If they didn't, LeBron James would have a lot more NBA MVPs during his career. It's also hard to ignore the season Aaron Judge is having on a Yankees team that is off to a historic start. There's plenty of attention and storylines there, between the pending free agency, the New York factor and the Yankees' performance as a team. If the season ended now, it's hard to envision anyone but Judge winning the award.
Ohtani is +900 to win the Cy Young which are already much better odds than his MVP odds. While the odds suggest he's less likely to win, he's also not dealing with competition at the level that Judge provides in the MVP race.
Shane McClanahan is the current AL Cy Young favorite, but he's a young pitcher and this is his first full season. Justin Verlander is right behind McClanahan, but he's an older pitcher returning from two years away from the sport due to injury. These are the types of pitchers that have a higher chance of running into fatigue and faltering a bit, or even having their innings watched and limited by their teams.
Ohtani is a media darling as well, so if his numbers are comparable to other Cy Young contenders, he might get the benefit of the doubt from a lot of voters. If I had to pick between betting Ohtani to win the Cy Young or the MVP right now at their current odds, I'd probably lean towards the +900 on Ohtani to win the Cy Young.
Fantasy Baseball: What you need to know from Tuesday's MLB action
Fantasy baseball analyst Dalton Del Don recaps last night's highlight-worthy fantasy moments.
The Red Sox starting pitcher melted down after pitching in the minor-league game.
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2022-07-07T22:01:55Z
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MLB betting: Shohei Ohtani's Cy Young odds continue to drop
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https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-betting-shohei-ohtanis-cy-young-odds-continue-to-drop-182202507.html?src=rss
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Swazi-Canadian basketball coach (born 1980)
Report: Warriors promote Mahlalela to fill Brown vacancy originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Jama Mahlalela will move to Brown’s spot at the front of the bench next season, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing sources. Brown, of course, left after the Warriors’ championship season to become the head coach of the Kings.
Mahlalela was hired before the 2021-22 season as the team’s director of player development and also currently is serving as Golden State’s coach for the Las Vegas Summer League. Under his tutelage, Warriors youngsters Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody all showed flashes of stardom during the season and are poised to take another leap in the 2022-23 campaign.
James Wiseman, the former No. 2 overall pick who missed the entire season due to injury complications, also will be someone Mahlalela surely will be continuing to work with extensively in his new role.
Mahlalela started his career with the Toronto Raptors in 2006 and worked in a variety of roles within the organization before becoming an assistant coach there during the 2013-14 season.
Mahlalela will lead the young Warriors in their first Las Vegas Summer League game on Friday at 5 p.m.
The Grizzlies are keeping their team happy and together.
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2022-07-07T22:02:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NBA rumors: Warriors promote Jama Mahlalela to fill Mike Brown vacancy
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https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-rumors-warriors-promote-jama-173035885.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-rumors-warriors-promote-jama-173035885.html?src=rss
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MILWAUKEE (AP) Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis says his new contract won't change the blue-collar approach that helped him earn the big payday.
''My mindset is always going to be that someone is trying to take my spot and I have to go hard each and every day to show why I'm worth what I'm worth,'' Portis said Thursday.
Chants of ''Bobby! Bobby!'' occurred regularly at Fiserv Forum in 2021 as Portis helped the Bucks win their first NBA title in half a century. They continued this past season as Portis averaged 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 28.2 minutes to set career highs in all three categories.
''I'm never really secure,'' Portis said. ''I'm always the underdog mindset, any day, anything can change. Just because they love you today, they might not love you tomorrow. That's always been my mindset in this league.''
''I'll always feel like I've got something to prove,'' Portis said. ''Obviously I'm happy that I got a chance to build generational wealth for my family, but (there's) still a lot of work left to do and there's not time or need to celebrate.''
It was delayed by two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but loanDepot park is going to be center stage in one of baseball’s signature events.
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2022-07-07T22:02:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Portis eager to prove his worth after getting big contract
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https://sports.yahoo.com/portis-eager-prove-worth-getting-195958015.html?src=rss
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The club also offered full refunds to Centre Court ticket-holders, but only if they contacted them before midnight on Thursday night. This was a late decision, highlighting the lack of preparation for a development that was hardly unanticipated, given Nadal’s parlous physical state on Wednesday night.
Instead of Nadal v Kyrgios – which Kyrgios had ironically predicted would be “the most-watched match of all time – spectators will be offered the two semi-finals in the ladies’ doubles, featuring top seeds Elise Mertens and Shuai Zhang in one match, and second seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in the other.
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2022-07-07T22:02:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Rafael Nadal pulls out of Wimbledon semi-final against Nick Kyrgios due to injury
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The long-anticipated dismantling of the Chicago Blackhawks’ roster has begun with the team trading Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. For Ottawa, the Senators add a two-time 40-goal scorer to their young and up-and-coming roster in a trade announced hours before the start of the NHL draft in Montreal. The Blackhawks, by comparison, acquired three draft picks, including the seventh overall selection, and gained payroll flexibility with the 24-year-old expected to attract a hefty raise once his current deal expires after the 2022-23 season.
After rumors of interest in Alex DeBrincat, the Devils lost on the Blackhawks star after a trade to the Ottawa Senators.
Wild director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett is thrilled that the 2022 NHL Draft will be conducted in person. Since joining the Wild in July 2020, smack dab in the middle of the pandemic, Brackett has yet to stand on stage during the first round of the summer spectacle. That will change Thursday night in Montreal. With the Wild sitting on the No. 19 pick and No. 24 picks, Brackett will run ...
The jump comes despite losing two of three games to the AL Central leader, the Twins.
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2022-07-07T22:02:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Blackhawks trade Alex DeBrincat to Ottawa Senators, land No. 7 overall pick in 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-blackhawks-trading-alex-debrincat-201500933.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-blackhawks-trading-alex-debrincat-201500933.html?src=rss
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Whit Merrifield, Hunter Dozier and Emmanuel Rivera all homered as the Kansas City Royals roughed up Cristian Javier early and held on for a 7-4 win over Houston on Wednesday night, ending the Astros' major league-best eight-game winning streak. Javier (6-4) had allowed one hit in 14 innings over his last two starts, which included seven innings of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees on June 25.
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2022-07-07T22:03:10Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Verlander gets MLB-leading 11th win as Astros down KC 5-2
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Draymond proud, but sad to see Warriors' free agents leave originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
It was a bittersweet week for the Warriors, who saw multiple fan-favorites depart in free agency.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica each all signed elsewhere, ending their tenures with Golden State on the highest note possible, by winning a championship.
On the latest episode of "The Draymond Green Show," the Warriors forward addressed each one of his former teammates' moves, disappointed to see them leave, but ultimately thrilled for their next opportunities.
"Number one, I want to say congratulations to Gary Payton II -- GP2," Green said. "Well deserved, man. At 29 years old, a guy that has continued to grind and grind and grind. I was looking at GP's Wikipedia a few days ago and just looking at the teams he's been on ... and never quit.
"Extremely happy for him. Not happy to see him go, but always happy to see guys get their money ... so to see GP get what he's due, I thought that was absolutely amazing, I'm happy for GP. Congrats. CHAMP."
Porter Jr., who signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, will be closer to his wife's family, which Draymond understands and has nothing but love for the veteran forward.
"I thought that was huge for Otto, I'm very happy for Otto," Green added. "Congratulations, champ. Otto's wife ... being from Toronto, had an opportunity to be in her hometown, I think that's amazing. For Otto to come to the Warriors and re-establish his career the way he did and help us win a championship, we will definitely miss him, his shooting, his length, his competitive nature that he brought to us all year. But get your money, it's all love, congrats my brother. Looking forward to Otto continuing to do great things."
Toscano-Anderson, just like Payton II, will be staying out west. The Oakland native signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing him to play alongside LeBron James in a city with strong Mexican-American support, something that Draymond believes is something JTA can capitalize on.
"My brother Juan Toscano-Anderson headed to the Los Angeles Lakers," Green explained. "I think that is an incredible move by him, I think that's an incredible move by his agent and here's why. Number one, I think the Lakers need those types of guys, the Juan-type of guys that will get in, get it out the mud and do all the dirty work. I think that's big for them from that standpoint. On the flipside, Juan as a Mexican-American, as we all know there is a huge Mexican population in Los Angeles, so how can he then capitalize on that front? Juan has done plenty of things in Mexico to help the community, how can he continue to bridge that gap with the Mexican fanbase and the Mexican community in Los Angeles?"
Of all the teammates that left in free agency, Bjelica deciding to leave the Warriors and the NBA and play in Turkey appears to be the move that stung Draymond the most.
"I'm a little hurt by this one, I had an opportunity to create a really great relationship with Beli and one that, quite frankly, will last further than him or myself playing basketball," Draymond added. "But for Beli, I think this was more of a family move than necessarily a business move. Beli has two young children and to be closer to his family ... it sucks for us, it definitely sucks for us, because I thought his versatility and what he brought to the floor for us, another playmaker on the court and then obviously the way he stretches the floor, I thought that was really good for us. And to lose him, I think that one stung a little bit. Nonetheless, extremely happy for him, he's back closer to his family, which I understand how important that is having a family of my own."
When the Warriors began their offseason, they wanted to retain as many of their role players as possible. They re-signed center Kevon Looney but ended up losing a lot of valuable talent off the bench.
First and foremost, Draymond always will be happy for any and all teammates that pursue a more lucrative opportunity, but certainly, each and every one of these departures have to sting a little bit.
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2022-07-07T22:03:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Warriors' free-agent departures leaves Draymond Green with bittersweet feeling
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The Orioles control the 2022 MLB Draft, holding the league's first overall pick for the second time in five years.
Here's everything you need to know before the draft.
The order of the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft was determined by inverting the 2021 regular season standings. The lottery system put in place by MLB's new Collective Bargaining Agreement won't go into effect until the 2023 draft.
**The Los Angeles Dodgers don't have a first-round pick as a penalty for exceeding the competitive balance tax. Their first selection was moved back 10 slots from No. 30 to 40th overall, first pick of the second round.
If that name sounds familiar, it's because Druw Jones is the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. The 18-year-old carries all five tools just like his father did and plays stellar defense in center field, just like his father did. While not a slam dunk to go to the cost-conscious Orioles at No. 1 overall, it would be a shock to see Jones still be on the board after the top three.
The top college player available in this year's draft isn't coming out of the SEC or ACC, but rather the Big Sky where Brooks Lee made a name for himself at Cal Poly. With his dad as head coach, Lee dominated his conference to the tune of 25 home runs and a 1.073 OPS while walking just as often as he struck out. He also showed his skills could play on
Kansas City could go several directions at No. 9, from a high upside high school outfielder to picking the first pitcher selected in the July 17-19 draft.
Cade Cavalli and Darren Baker will have the chance to showcase their talents at the All-Star Futures Game in Los Angeles.
Austin Riley and William Contreras both crushed home runs in the Braves' 7-1 victory over the Cardinals
Somerset Patriots shortstop Anthony Volpe will represent the New York Yankees in the Futures Game as part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star week.
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2022-07-07T22:03:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 MLB Draft: Draft order, top prospects, how to watch
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-2021-mlb-draft-prospects-223408522.html?src=rss
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Brittney Zamora
Brittney Zamora is one of NASCAR‘s most dynamic rising stars. As a second-generation driver and one of the inaugural participants in the Busch Light Accelerate Her program, Zamora is just starting to rev her engine on her speedy path to success.
From early on, Zamora was encouraged by her family to pursue motorsports and follow her dream to become one of the all-time top drivers in NASCAR. Throughout her career, she has won various championships, broken track records and received a multitude of awards ranging from Rookie of the Year to the prestigious NASCAR Wendall Scott Trailblazer Award. Zamora currently races the No. 25 Pro Late Model for Rackley W.A.R., and is competing full-time in the Show Me The Money series at the Montgomery Motor Speedway.
By joining forces with Busch Light through the Accelerate Her program, Zamora aims to break the stereotypes that many women face in a male-dominated sport. She recalls having trouble securing meaningful brand support at the beginning of her career and facing more obstacles than her competitors. Ultimately, this pushed her to become an even stronger competitor, making a name for herself on and off the track.
“Throughout my career, I‘ve struggled with exposure due to a lack of brand support, so having a brand like Busch Light that is so prominent in NASCAR backing me is huge,” Zamora said. “This support from Busch Light is helping to set me up for success in a way that I haven‘t before. I‘m excited to continue growing with this support and establish a long-lasting relationship with one of the biggest supporters of NASCAR — Busch Light.”
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2022-07-07T22:05:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Accelerate Her driver profile: Brittney Zamora
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https://sports.yahoo.com/accelerate-her-driver-profile-brittney-164822226.html?src=rss
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Danny Bohn’s family has a long history at New Jersey’s Wall Stadium Speedway.
His grandfather, Parker Bohn, and father, Eddie Bohn, were both winners at the historic third-mile, high-banked paved oval long before the youngest member of the Bohn racing family turned laps at the track.
This Saturday, the Bohn name returns to Wall Stadium Speedway as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour rolls into town for the first time since 2019. Bohn, who will pilot the No. 65 Modified owned by Scott Brannick, is among those on the entry list for Saturday’s Jersey Shore 150.
The last time Bohn raced with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour also happens to be the last time the Tour visited Wall Stadium Speedway. Bohn started ninth and finished 27th at the track in 2019.
That event represents one of Bohn’s three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts, which is surprising given Bohn made a name for himself racing Modifieds. He just didn’t do it in the Northeast.
RELATED: Wall entry list | Race preview
Bohn’s career skyrocketed once he began racing in the Southeast. In 2014, he did something few Northern drivers in history have ever done: win a track championship at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
He hasn’t stopped winning at Bowman Gray. Despite branching out into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series the last few years, Bohn has made a point to continue racing at Bowman Gray as often as he can.
In fact, he opened the 2022 season at Bowman Gray Stadium in winning fashion by dominating the Hayes Jewelers 200 on April 23. It was his first victory in the track’s biggest race and was his 16th overall at the flat quarter-mile oval.
Now the question is whether Bohn can translate the success he’s enjoyed in the Southeast into a winning drive Saturday night at Wall Stadium Speedway.
He’s enjoyed success at Wall Stadium Speedway before. He won the track’s annual Turkey Derby event in 2006 and claimed a pair of Modified track championships at Wall Stadium Speedway early in his career.
Bohn could hardly be considered the favorite to win the Jersey Shore 150, but he shouldn’t be counted out, either.
Jersey Shore 150 marks season halfway point
The Jersey Shore 150 at Wall Stadium Speedway will officially mark the halfway point of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.
Through seven events this year, Ron Silk has utilized consistency to secure his spot at the top of the Tour standings.
Despite being winless thus far this year, Silk has not finished outside the top 10. That, combined with four top-five finishes, has given him an 18-point advantage in the standings ahead of his closest pursuer, Eric Goodale, who has one top-five and five top-10 finishes so far.
However, behind the top two, there are several other contenders lurking.
Jon McKennedy and Tommy Catalano are tied for third in the standings, 22 points off the pace set by Silk. McKennedy and Catalano each have a runner-up finish this year, but neither have managed to find Victory Lane.
The biggest threat to Silk’s position may very well be the man who sits fifth in the standings. That man is three-time and defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore, who is 33 points behind Silk despite having two wins this season.
Bonsignore’s victories, which came at Richmond Raceway and Monadnock Speedway, have helped him make up a deficit created by poor finishes at New Smyrna Speedway and Riverhead Raceway earlier this year.
With half of the season left, anything could happen.
Dave Sapienza driver of the #36 SAP Enterprises during the Duel at the Dog 200 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Monadnock Speedway on June 19, 2022 in Winchester, New Hampshire. (Nick Grace/NASCAR)
Sapienza returns to Wall in search of improvement
Dave Sapienza had a good race the last time the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour visited Wall Stadium Speedway in 2019.
Sapienza, a native of Riverhead, New York, finished fifth that day. It represents one of only nine top-five finishes that Sapienza has earned through 95 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour starts.
With any luck, Sapienza will be able to make it an even 10 by the time Saturday night is over.
Sapienza has struggled for speed this season. Despite sitting ninth in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour standings, Sapienza has failed to register one top-10 finish in seven starts this year.
He has been, however, consistent in the finishes he has achieved. His best finish of the season is 13th at Lee USA Speedway, and he has finished no worse than 18th all year.
Perhaps he’ll be able to turn that consistency into a strong run in the Jersey Shore 150 on Saturday evening.
Two drivers, Anthony Sesley and Jack Ely, will be making their NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour debuts Saturday night at Wall Stadium Speedway.
In addition to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Jersey Shore 150, Wall Stadium Speedway will also hold races for three weekly divisions Saturday. The Sportsman, Factory Stock and Legend Car division will also be in action.
Andrew Krause, who is the defending Wall Stadium Speedway Modified division champion, is scheduled to compete Saturday. His family has operated Wall Stadium Speedway since 2011.
Wondering if you can get a tattoo while pregnant? We asked ob-gyns and a dermatologist if getting a tattoo while pregnant is safe.
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2022-07-07T22:05:25Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NOTEBOOK: Danny Bohn returns home to New Jersey to race at Wall Stadium Speedway
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Moore, 27, signed a one-year $1.035 million deal with Chicago after spending the 2021 season bouncing between the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers – mostly on those team's respective practice squads. He previously played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks from 2017-2020 after being taken in the seventh round out of East Central University. Moore has caught a career 78 receptions for 1,163 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Moore's arrest signals a startling trend for the Bears, who recently overhauled their coaching staff and front office. Moore is the third Bears player to be arrested this offseason after receiver Byron Pringle and linebacker Matthew Adams. Pringle was arrested for reckless driving and driving on a suspended license on April 23, while Adams was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm without a state license on June 24.
The Bears haven't commented on Moore's arrest yet.
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2022-07-07T22:48:22Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NFL: Bears WR David Moore arrested on drug and weapons charges
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 12-person committee has trimmed their list of senior candidates down to 25 semifinalists for the 2023 class.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Otis Taylor has officially made it through to the semifinalist round of voting. He joins Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Mark Clayton, Roger Craig, LaVern Dilweg, Randy Gradishar, Lester Hayes, Chris Hinton, Chuck Howley, Cecil Isbell, Joe Jacoby, Billie “White Shoes” Johnson, Mike Kenn, Joe Klecko, Bob Kuechenberg, George Kunz, Jim Marshall, Clay Matthews Jr., Eddie Meador, Stanley Morgan, Tommy Nobis, Ken Riley, Sterling Sharpe, and Everson Walls. To qualify as a senior candidate, you must have last played professional football no later than the 1996 season.
Taylor, who played with the Chiefs/Dallas Texans from 1965-1975, was one of the most dominant receivers of his era. He recorded 410 receptions for 7,306 averaging 17.8 yards per reception over the course of his career. He had size and speed that would be considered prototypical for a receiver, even in today’s NFL. He was quite accomplished, finishing his career as a 1966 AFL All-Star, 1967 AFL receiving touchdown leader (11), 1971 NFL receiving yards leader (1,110), 1971 Pro Bowler, 1971 First-Team All-Pro, 1972 Pro Bowler, 1972 First-Team All-Pro and a Super Bowl IV champion.
The next wave of voting to select 12 finalists will occur on July 27. From there a total of up to three players from that group of finalists will be selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, giving Taylor his best chance at enshrinement.
As one of 25 senior semifinalists, former Chiefs great Otis Taylor has a fresh chance to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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2022-07-07T22:48:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs WR Otis Taylor makes it through to Hall of Fame senior semifinalist round
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Colin Cowherd is predicting the arrival of Kevin O’Connell as the new head coach will do wonders for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
It’s a team with a bevy of talent that failed to make it to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. And now, they’re plucking a branch from the Sean McVay coaching tree in hopes that O’Connell can bring some of the same magic McVay delivered to the Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams.
Cowherd is all-in on a turnaround season for the Vikings so much that he’s picking them to be the most improved team in the NFL this season.
“Half the teams that made the playoffs last year will not make the playoffs this year,” Cowherd said on Tuesday’s edition of The Herd with Colin Cowherd. “I think the Minnesota Vikings will be the most improved team in the league with an offensive head coach.”
This isn’t the first time Cowherd has sung the Vikings’ praises.
Back in June, he went on record and predicted them to double their win total this season, which would mean he’s picking them to win 16 games.
Of course, there’s always a chance that he thought they won less than eight games when he made that statement, or maybe he really does believe the Vikings are going to tie the 2007 New England Patriots for most regular season wins in NFL history.
But one thing is for sure: The FOX Sports commentator sees good things in the near future for a Vikings team that desperately needs it.
Duffer Brothers Say ‘Stranger Things' Spin-Off Is '1,000% Different’ From Original Series
During an appearance on Josh Horowitz's 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, the Duffer Brothers opened up about a possible 'Stranger Things' spin-off.
247sports recently broke down each SEC program's strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2022-23 season. What are Auburn's areas of concern?
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2022-07-07T22:48:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colin Cowherd predicts Vikings will be NFL’s most improved team
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And he’s seen some serious competition through two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson spoke about the best defenders he’s run against in the pros during an interview with the Ringer NFL Show podcast, naming two cornerbacks as the toughest matchups he’s seen so far: Los Angeles Rams superstar Jalen Ramsey and the New Orleans Saints’ Marshon Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler.
“Jalen Ramsey, of course, is a top-tier cornerback. His ability to be long and to be aggressive. That’s definitely one of the three things that is so difficult to get by him,” Jefferson said, continuing, “Marshon Lattimore is also a difficult corner to go up against. He’s twitchy, he’s fast and you can’t really beat him off the ball too much. So it’s all technical.”
Play-by-play charting from Pro Football Focus found that Jefferson was thrown to 8 times during his 2020 meeting with Lattimore, snagging 4 receptions for 55 yards in Lattimore’s coverage. Lattimore broke up two passes and kept him out of the end zone. That’s a nice day of work against such a special talent — Jefferson is already averaging 5.9 receptions for 91.4 receiving yards per game in his young career. The Saints pass defense as a whole limited Jefferson to 5 catches and 85 yards during Minnesota’s 52-33 defeat.
New Orleans will be counting on more dominant performances from Lattimore in the future, including an early-season rematch with Jefferson (in London on Oct. 2, during Week 4). With a veteran free agents Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye stepping in at safety, and a couple of young corners competing to start opposite Lattimore in Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor, he’s now the longest-tenured starter in the secondary, with 80 games played for the Saints (7 in the postseason). Next-most is C.J. Gardner-Johnson, with 46 appearances (3 playoff games).
So Lattimore has more to worry about than just stopping the elite receivers lining up against him each Sunday. That seniority he’s inherited following Marcus Williams’ departure and Malcolm Jenkins’ retirement is going to lead to younger teammates looking to him for leadership. It’s a new challenge, maybe, but Lattimore has shown us he can tackle new changes before. It’ll be fascinating to see this next stage of his career unfold.
Every game on the New Orleans Saints' 2022 schedule
Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh joined the Studio 44 podcast where he spoke to cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
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2022-07-07T22:48:47Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Justin Jefferson puts Marshon Lattimore among his toughest opponents in the NFL
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“We talked to a number of qualified candidates, but one person kept coming to the top of the list,” said Mark Davis Thursday from Allegiant Stadium.
Davis was speaking of new team president Sandra Douglass Morgan.
Douglass Morgan makes headlines for being the first black female team president in NFL history. But make no mistake, she is highly qualified for the position. Hence the reason, as Mark Davis said, her name seemed to stay at the top of the list throughout the process.
What you hope for in such a person is first and foremost their credentials. What makes them qualified to hold this position.
Her resume is pretty extensive, actually.
“I have served on the Nevada state athletic commission and most recently I was chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board,” said Douglass Morgan.
“I’ve been an attorney for 20 years, but I have led and managed very large teams managing, you know, budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars. I’ve had the honor of serving on boards of public companies that have market capitalization of over billions of dollars. So I think my business acumen will definitely benefit the Raiders.”
Her ties to the gaming world would have raised some eyebrows just a few years ago, the NFL has softened on their previously firm stance against gaming since allowing the Raiders to come to town.
You simply can’t hold the gambling industry at an arm’s length once you allow a team to call the gambling capital of the world its home.
After that, there are things that would be considered bonuses. Things like ties to the area — which Mark Davis said was not a criteria, but a “positive” or familiarity with the NFL in particular — both of which she has.
“I’ve lived in Las Vegas for over 40 years,” she continued. “My father is a Air Force veteran and retired at Nellis. I attended preschool here and did all of my schooling here and graduated from El Dorado High School.”
“I think my community contacts here will assist a lot of our stakeholders and partners I’ve had to deal with maybe in a different role as a regulator, but just as important here with the Raiders.”
As for the NFL, she has a close relationship to it. She’s literally married to former NFL player — Don Morgan, former Nevada safety who played four seasons in the NFL for the Vikings and Cardinals.
“Football has long been in my family,” Douglass Morgan added. “My husband is an NFL veteran. He was a strong safety for two teams I won’t mention because we’re all a part of the Raider Nation today.”
So, yeah, this is an historic hire. But I’m reminded of each time Amy Trask has been asked about her thoughts on being the first ever female Executive in NFL history, including the time I asked her. She always says something to the effect of that she just wants people to be hired based on their qualifications, regardless of race, gender, or otherwise.
It would appear that was the case here.
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2022-07-07T22:49:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders new president Sandra Douglass Morgan has strong resume, ties to Las Vegas and NFL
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https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-president-sandra-douglass-morgan-205758626.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-president-sandra-douglass-morgan-205758626.html?src=rss
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed arguably the biggest steal of the entire 2019 NFL draft when they grabbed wide receiver Chris Godwin out of Penn State in the third round.
Godwin quickly established himself as one of the most complete pass-catchers in the NFL, and has become the focal point of Tampa Bay’s passing game.
Even though his 2021 campaign was cut short by a season-ending knee injury in Week 15, Godwin still made a huge impact on the Bucs last season, and he was rewarded with a three-year contract extension back in March.
Check out all of Godwin’s best plays from last season:
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2022-07-07T22:49:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WATCH: Chris Godwin’s top plays from 2021
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-chris-godwin-top-plays-220639241.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-chris-godwin-top-plays-220639241.html?src=rss
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Taking a running back in the first round of the NFL draft has become rare and risky business, but after one season, the Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have nailed their selection in last year’s first round.
After an impressive career at Alabama, Najee Harris hit the ground running at the pro level, rushing for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns, while proving to be just as dangerous as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
The No. 24 overall pick quickly became the engine that powered the Steelers offense, and that’s likely to continue in 2022.
Relive Harris’ impressive rookie campaign with this awesome highlight reel:
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2022-07-07T22:49:12Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WATCH: Top plays from Najee Harris’ rookie season
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-top-plays-najee-harris-215824337.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-top-plays-najee-harris-215824337.html?src=rss
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STORY: "Tonight I ask for your help in continuing to fight for BG's safe and quick return home," Griner's wife Cherelle told fans.
"Let's make sure this administration knows they have our support to do whatever is necessary and that we are not ever going to be quiet until she's home safely. Thank you for your love, your voices, and for your prayers. We are BG."
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed cannabis oil vape cartridges. She could face up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. President Joe Biden told the basketball player's wife in a call on Wednesday that he was working to secure Brittney's release as soon as possible, describing her detention as "intolerable."
The two-time Olympic gold medallist sent Biden a letter this week, telling him she was "terrified (she) might be here forever."
Tim Allen finally spoke out last week about debate surrounding his absence from the recent animated film Lightyear, and it turns out that Tom Hanks, his compatriot in the Toy Story movies, has some thoughts on the matter as well. Hanks, the voice of Buzz Lightyear’s best pal Woody in four previous Pixar films, expressed […]
Trinity Christian running back Treyaun Webb committed to play college football for the University of Florida, a Gators addition for the 2023 class.
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2022-07-07T23:09:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Fans chant 'bring her home!' at rally for Griner's return
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https://sports.yahoo.com/fans-chant-bring-her-home-211138265.html?src=rss
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STORY: WNBA star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drugs charge in a Russian court on Thursday but denied she had intentionally broken the law.
Speaking quietly in English which was then translated into Russian - Griner told the judge (quote) “I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law.”
"I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.”
Griner, who had been playing for a Russian basketball club during the off-season, was arrested at a Moscow airport in February when a search of her luggage allegedly revealed cannabis oil vape cartridges.
On Thursday, Griner’s lawyers spoke to reporters outside of the court:
Lawyer Alexander Boykov: "She admitted that it was hers (the cannabis oil) but said that it was unintentionally brought to Russia because she was in a hurry and she was packing. It was just by accident that it ended up in her luggage." (flash)
Lawyer Marina Blagovolina: "We are, of course, hoping for leniency from the court. (REPORTER ASKING WHY) Taking into account the circumstances of the case, of who our defendant is. We think that pleading guilty should be taken into account."
Earlier this week, in a handwritten note, Griner appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden directly to step up U.S. efforts to bring her home.
Elizabeth Rood, an official from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, said she delivered a letter to her from Biden before the hearing:
“I was able to share with Ms. Griner a letter from President Biden and Ms. Griner was able to read that letter. I would like again to emphasize the commitment of the United States government at the very highest levels to bring home safely Ms. Griner and all U.S. citizens wrongfully detained."
Back in the U.S., hundreds of fans on Wednesday rallied in support of Griner inside the arena where her Arizona basketball team, the Phoenix Mercury, plays.
Many wore BG shirts and held signs, chanting: (upsot: “Bring her home, bring her home….”)
Russian authorities say there is no basis to consider Griner's detention illegal and that her case is not political despite Moscow's fraught relations with United States.
Moscow's Deputy Foreign Minister said on Thursday that it was difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested Washington stop talking about the fate of Griner.
In Russia, a narcotics charge – like Griner’s - carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court after authorities found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage in February. Griner’s guilty plea comes as the U.S. government becomes more involved in her trial. NBC News' Matt Bodner reports.
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2022-07-07T23:09:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Griner admits drugs charge but denies intent
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https://sports.yahoo.com/griner-admits-drugs-charge-denies-212326505.html?src=rss
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Could the Mountain West add teams?
Big 12, Pac-12 have interest in the MW?
The Mountain West is not really a player in the current round of expansion which was sparked by USC and UCLA shocked the world by announcing it is joining the Big Ten.
The league is actually in a good spot and shouldn’t be too worried about losing members, at least not yet in the early stages.
At this point in realignment, it is the top college football teams looking to move up even more, and the other formerly P5 teams are hoping for survival to retain relevance.
Commissioner Craig Thompson joined KOA to discuss this realignment and what the Mountain West is doing.
Mountain West commish Craig Thompson on KOA this morning:
▫️ “there could be some Big 12 schools, there could be some Pac-12 schools that would be interested” in MW
▫️Has fielded calls from FCS and other G5 schools but says “I don’t know if that’s in our best interest” right now https://t.co/C5nWP4bCfB
— Kevin Lytle (@Kevin_Lytle) July 7, 2022
Thompson went on to first pump up the league saying they didn’t go to the AAC, but that answer is a bit more complicated but he is doing his job in saying the league is together.
“We solidified ourselves. Some of our institutions had an opportunity to leave a year ago and join the American and opted to stay, and I think that was a smart move,” Thompson said.
Joining an AAC without UCF, Cincinnati, or Houston is a big drop off compared to the current Mountain West, so it was a smart move to not join that conference.
Where Thompson gets a bit frisky in his interview with KOA is that he is getting calls from the Pac-12 and Big 12 programs.
“I think we’re not necessarily going to wait and see, but there could be some Big 12 schools, there could be some Pac-12 schools that would be interested in the Mountain West Conference,” Thompson said. “There’s always a host of institutions either currently in the FCS or others, that we get constant phone calls. I think I probably fielded three or four calls from institutions this week saying, ‘hey, don’t forget about us if you’re looking to expand’. But I don’t know that that’s in our best interest at this very moment.”
Listen to “07-07-22 Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson on NCAA conference realignment” on Spreaker.
The latter comments of the Mountain West adding other Group of Five or FCS programs makes a lot of sense.
As for Big 12 and Pac-12 schools being interested in the Mountain West is basically a back up plan in a worst-case scenario for those schools.
Teams from those leagues are looking at their options in case either the Big 12 and Pac-12 merge and teams are left out, one of the two absorb the others, or the Big Ten comes in and grabs more teams.
The schools that are likely calling the Mountain West from the Pac-12 are Oregon State and Washington State. Those two are the most likely going to be left out if there is a combination of conferences. Cal is a hard maybe as they are academic elites and may not want to be part of the Mountain West, and Stanford is a no-go.
From the Big 12, it is probably Kansas State and Iowa State, and a distant third is Kansas as they want their basketball team to be part of a major conference on the hardwood.
Thompson and the Mountain West are doing what they can and that is staying pat and listening to conversations. The league is probably not going to be picked off so they can wait and help find homes for the potentially wayward teams looking for a home.
Mountain West Football: First Look At The Idaho State Bengals
The 2022 NHL Draft is set to commence in Montreal. Heres a look at every first-round pick that has been selected.
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2022-07-07T23:22:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Craig Thompson Says Big 12, Pac-12 Teams Could Have Interest In Mountain West
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https://sports.yahoo.com/craig-thompson-says-big-12-221936690.html?src=rss
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Oklahoma misses out on in-state EDGE as four-star Bai Jobe commits to Michigan State
Oklahoma simply can’t win them all. As much as the Sooners may want to, they won’t get every major in-state recruit. That’s the case as the Sooners lose another in-state talent to an out-of-state school.
In this instance, 2023 four-star EDGE Bai Jobe committed to the Michigan State Spartans over the Sooners, Crimson Tide, and a few others.
Jobe, the number one player in the state of Oklahoma plays at Community Christian School in Norman, Okla. His proximity to Norman made it easier for the Sooners to recruit him but ultimately Jobe wanted to get away and spread his wings elsewhere. He becomes the highest-rated recruit in Michigan State’s class, according to the 247Sports Composite, which ranks him No. 64 overall and No. 9 at his position..
Oklahoma will rebound and land the No. 3 player in the state of Oklahoma, athlete Jacobe Johnson, a top 100 player nationally.
Projections overwhelmingly favor the Sooners here. Barring anything unforeseen, the Sooners will only bring two of the top ten players in the state out of the 2023 class. A number they’d likely like to increase as they begin to take aim at the 2024 class.
Adepoju Adebawore and Tausili Akana look like the most likely candidates to be added to the Sooners recruiting class next at the edge position, and as the dust settles on the Bai Jobe’s recruitment that’s where defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis will focus his efforts.
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2022-07-07T23:22:29Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Oklahoma misses out on in-state EDGE as four-star Bai Jobe commits to Michigan State
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https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-misses-state-edge-four-225908981.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-misses-state-edge-four-225908981.html?src=rss
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But what if Penn State still desires a quarterback in 2023 too? The good news is there are still quarterbacks out there to be claimed. The bad news is most of the ones with a Penn State offer are already committed elsewhere.
There are two quarterbacks with a Penn State offer on the table, but neither is expected to end up in Happy Valley. Dante Moore, a five-star option from Michigan, is set to announce his college decision on Friday. Moore is expected to choose from the final candidates of Orgeon, Texas A&M, Michigan, and Notre Dame. Don’t count on any last-second surprises here.
The other offer belongs to Dylan Lonergan, a four-star quarterback from Georgia who is set to announce his decision next week. Alabama is the expected favorite to secure Lonergan’s commitment. Despite Lonergan being a Penn State legacy (his father was Dan Lonergan, a backup to Todd Blackledge in the Class of 1982), it is not expected the Nittany Lions will be able to make a late surge at the final hour. South Carolina and Stanford are also reportedly in the mix, and the Buckeyes are floating out there as well.
So what about any other potential targets?
Among the other quarterbacks that have supposedly been on the radar is Parker Leise, a three-star recruit from IMG Academy. Leise has been flying under the radar during this recruiting cycle, so he could be a player that could quickly latch on to Penn State if the Nittany Lions go all-in on pursuing his commitment.
Leise has received scholarship offers from Kansas, Miami OH, Toledo, and Butler. This may not be the kind of offer list that suggests Penn State is going to make a run, but a player from IMG Academy is always going to be worth keeping an eye on.
But given the current landscape of quarterbacks in the Class of 2023, it may be a bit late to make any serious noise at the posiiton now for the Class of 2023. Instead, Penn State may focus its energy in the Class of 2024 for a top-rated quarterback to join the program. That would appear to make the most sense at this point as Allar is viewed as the next starting quarterback for the program and could be in that role for a couple of seasons.
But if Penn State loses another quarterback to the transfer portal, such as Christian Veileux, the urgency to signa quarterback in the Class of 2024 will be rising. OF course, Penn State could always look back into the transfer portal to try filling the depth chart a bit if needed. Penn State attempted to do that in 2021 but cam eup empty, and they may have paid the price for it.
For now, it may be most likely Penn State skips on a big name quarterback in the Class of 2023 and hoeps to land a big prize in the Class of 2024.
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
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2022-07-07T23:22:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Where does Penn State go for QB in Class of 2023 after latest flip?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-penn-state-qb-223048807.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/where-does-penn-state-qb-223048807.html?src=rss
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MONTREAL — Steve Yzerman’s first-round picks already have had a beneficial impact on the Detroit Red Wings, and today offers an opportunity to continue that trend.
The Montreal Canadiens selected JJuraj Slafkovsky with the No. 1 pick. The New Jersey Devils selected Simon Nemec at No. 2. The Arizona Coyotes chose USNTDP product Logan Cooley at No. 3. Shane Wright, who had been projected to go first overall, went at No. 4 to the Seattle Kraken. The Philadelphia Flyers took Cutter Gauthier at No. 5.
After two years of being run virtually because of the pandemic, the draft was held in person for the first time since 2019 in Vancouver, when Yzerman used his No. 6 pick on defenseman, Moritz Seider, who had been projected to go in the mid-teens.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings updates from 2022 NHL draft in Montreal
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2022-07-08T00:15:02Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Detroit Red Wings live updates from 2022 NHL draft: What Steve Yzerman will do
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https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-red-wings-live-updates-210106065.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-red-wings-live-updates-210106065.html?src=rss
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Michigan football’s recruiting class got much stronger after keeping the in-state product at home.
The 2023 West Bloomfield (Michigan) four-star interior offensive lineman, Amir Herring, announced his decision to commit to the Wolverines over Nebraska, Missouri, and Boston College on Thursday evening. He also held offers from Arkansas, Michigan State, Ole Miss, and Penn State among others.
Herring is a 6-foot-3 300-pound interior lineman that is projected to play guard — or center having some experience there — at the collegiate level. According to 247Sports composite, he is the 283rd-ranked player in the country and the 13th-best interior lineman. He is also the No. 4 recruit in the state of Michigan.
Allen Trieu, who’s a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, compares Herring to Lamont Gaillard from the Arizona Cardinals. Here’s Trieu’s evaluation:
Michigan now has nine recruits verbally committed for the 2023 cycle with Herring in the fold. He is the first offensive lineman that has committed to the maize and blue in the class.
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2022-07-08T00:58:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Michigan football lands four-star offensive lineman
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https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-lands-four-star-230520436.html?src=rss
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Marvin Harrison Jr.
There is plenty of hype around the quarterback of the Ohio State Buckeyes and for good reason. C.J. Stroud was among the Heisman finalists a season ago and should be among the nation’s best once again. Alongside Stroud in the backfield, you will find one of the top backs in the country, TreyVeon Henderson.
However, as much praise as that duo is receiving the wideouts could be among the best in the country. After watching Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave leave for the NFL, there shouldn’t be much concern in terms of production. This year it will be about Marvin Harrison Jr and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The latter had a monster game against the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl.
He finished with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and 9 touchdowns. Against the Utes, Smith-Njigba hauled in 15 passes for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. He will be a name to look out for on the Biletnikoff watch list. Recently, the Buckeyes duo was named the top group in the country by 247Sports.
Ohio State football single-game and mini-plan tickets to go on sale
Production projection: 156 catches, 2,527 yards, 27 TDs
The word: By now, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a household name and preseason Heisman candidate after January’s record-setting Rose Bowl performance. And after losing Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson as first-round NFL Draft selections, the next great pass-catcher for the Buckeyes will be Marvin Harrison Jr. His reps were minimal last fall due to Ohio State’s expansive talent in the wide receiver room, but Harrison could easily surpass the 60-catch, 1,000-yard total this season.
“Those guys are driven,” Buckeyes strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti said this spring of Ohio State’s wideouts. “They’re in here at 5 o’clock in the morning on their own, running routes, catching jugs. Like they do so much, you have to like give them a plan. ‘You can’t come back and run routes after practice. You can’t. You’re not gonna hold up. You’ve got to do this, this, this and this.’ But that’s fun. That’s fun to be around those guys because they’re always looking to get better. ‘How can I do more? What can I do extra?'”
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2022-07-08T00:58:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ohio State has the best wide receiver duo according to 247Sports
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ohio-state-best-wide-receiver-170825047.html?src=rss
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For Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns, it was all over but the physical. Well, now the physical is over.
As first reported by Joseph Person of The Athletic, Mayfield has completed and passed his entry physical with the Carolina Panthers. That now, of course, makes Wednesday’s trade officially official.
Usually, these types of procedures are pretty cut and dried. But Mayfield, who underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in January, wasn’t exactly certain to get the green light on Thursday.
Luckily for all parties, however, that was the case—as the fifth-year passer has apparently been cleared to go. So say hello to Baker and goodbye to a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick, Carolina Panthers fans.
Person also went on to note that Mayfield’s reworked contract should be finalized by next week. The former No. 1 overall pick’s new deal—one previously worth a guaranteed $18.8 million—will see the Browns pay $10.5 million, the Panthers pay approximately $5 million and Mayfield waive the remaining $3.5 million (recoverable in incentives) from his base salary.
'Thor: Love and Thunder' Rated Second-Lowest 'Thor' Film on Rotten Tomatoes
Following the massive success of Spider-Man: No Way Home last holiday season, Taika...
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2022-07-08T02:07:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Baker Mayfield passes physical, officially completes trade to Panthers
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https://sports.yahoo.com/baker-mayfield-passes-physical-officially-011038412.html?src=rss
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