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With NFL training camps opening all across the league, the NFL Network is teasing their ‘Top 100 Players of 2022’ list, with dates and times for fans to start preparing for this preseason.
Per the NFL communications, current NFL players have voted to determine the Top 100 players in the NFL for the 12th consecutive year.
Premiering on Sunday, August 14, the Top 100 Players of 2022 will air during three consecutive weekends in August immediately following live preseason games on NFL Network.
Beginning Sunday, August 14 with No. 100-51 revealed over the course of five hours starting at 8:00 PM ET. The countdown continues on Sunday, August 21 with No. 50-31 revealed over the course of two hours starting at 4:30 PM ET, and No. 30-21 revealed in one hour starting at 11:00 PM ET. The series concludes on Sunday, August 28 with a three-hour finale revealing the top 20 players starting at 8:00 PM ET.
The Top 100 Players of 2022 Episode Schedule
Sunday, August 14 No. 100-51 8:00 PM ET
Sunday, August 21 No. 50-31 4:30 PM ET
Sunday, August 21 No. 30-21 11:00 PM ET
Sunday, August 28 No. 20-1 8:00 PM ET
The finale will occur on August 28, with players No. 20-1 being revealed, followed by a reaction show on NFL Network.
In 2021, the Eagles had Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Graham make the list.
5 things to watch out for during Eagles' first padded practice of training camp | 2022-08-02T15:55:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL Network set to unveil ‘The Top 100 Players of 2022’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-network-set-unveil-top-151927737.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-network-set-unveil-top-151927737.html?src=rss |
NFL Network's Steve Smith believes Detroit Lions are on the verge of doing some really special things. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network
Jennifer Lopez Is As Sculpted As Ever On Stage, Because Of Course She Is
Jennifer Lopez, 53, is fresh off a getaway with her new husband and she's totally bringing it during a performance in Capri. J.Lo's a big fan of complex carbs.
Geneva, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a cruel escalation, and just two days after previous attacks on Baha’is across Iran, up to 200 Iranian government and local agents have sealed off the village of Roushankouh, in Mazandaran province, where a large number of Baha’is live, and are using heavy earthmoving equipment to demolish their homes. Roads into and out of the village have been blocked. Anyone who tried to challenge the agents were arrested and handcuffed. Agents have confiscated the | 2022-08-02T15:56:30Z | sports.yahoo.com | Smith: Lions 'are on the verge of doing some really special things' | https://sports.yahoo.com/smith-lions-verge-doing-really-145133956.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/smith-lions-verge-doing-really-145133956.html?src=rss |
The Cleveland Browns almost have clarity for the 2022 NFL season. QB Deshaun Watson was suspended by Judge Sue Robinson on Monday for six games. For the team, that stretch of games may be the best stretch of six games for them to be missing their starting quarterback.
Jacoby Brissett could be able to lead the way to a winning record or at least a .500 one during that time.
Clarity comes fully once the NFL decides whether or not they will appeal. If they do not by the Thursday deadline, six games is locked in and everyone moves forward. If they do appeal, an increased punishment is likely but clarity awaits that decision.
If the aftermath of the Watson decision, USA Today has updated their prediction (subscriber, $) for Cleveland’s season. Before Robinson’s decision, the prediction was that the Browns would finish last in the AFC North with a losing record.
After Robinson’s decision, the prediction is much more positive:
Cleveland Browns (10-7): His case may not be fully resolved given the league can still appeal Robinson’s ruling, yet the chips seems to be falling in his new team’s favor. Watson is scheduled to return Week 7 at Baltimore – tall order – but he’ll have the benefit of a Week 9 bye to reacclimate as he knocks off rust accrued from a nearly two-year absence from regular-season rigors. The Browns’ Nov. 27 home date with the Bucs now appears more favorable with DE Myles Garrett and Co. working against Tampa Bay’s increasingly depleted O-line.
While 10-7 may not be good enough to make the playoffs, the six-game suspension lifts the team’s hopes especially since Watson can return to practice in Week 4.
Predictions are a fun part of the ramp-up to the regular season. At least today, one major publication was forced to change theirs in reaction to the suspension decision Monday. That would likely change again if the NFL appeals and increases the length of the suspension.
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Michael Keaton has a reputation for saying no. He’s not sure how it began — but he’s aware of it. In fact, he nearly said no to “Dopesick.” When his agent first told him about the project, he didn’t think he’d have time since he had a commitment out of the country. Then he was […] | 2022-08-02T15:57:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | USA Today updates Browns prediction after Watson suspension | https://sports.yahoo.com/usa-today-updates-browns-prediction-141944533.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/usa-today-updates-browns-prediction-141944533.html?src=rss |
Amed Rosario homered early and singled in the winning run in the 11th inning for his third hit of the game as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Monday night. Rosario hit a line drive past a diving Christian Walker at first base and into right field to score rookie Will Benson from third, setting off a celebration behind the mound. “I’m not sure they check your age when you’re in the batter’s box in the 10th inning,” manager Terry Francona said.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday accused the Taliban of violating the Doha Agreement by sheltering al Qaeda’s top leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. | 2022-08-02T15:57:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Where Commanders rank among most valuable NFL franchises in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-commanders-rank-among-most-145045708.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/where-commanders-rank-among-most-145045708.html?src=rss |
I'm not sure how you can profess to be "light-years ahead of probably every other team in structure, in planning, in how we’re going to go about things" and complain about the rules governing the structure and planning that all NBA franchises are subject to, but Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob is sure trying.
Lacob will have you believe it's "very unfair" that the Warriors have to pay escalating taxes in order to keep a championship team together, when his unique ability to rage against that system is the very thing that turned his ownership group's $450 million investment into a $5.6 billion valuation in the span of 12 years.
The Warriors were coming off a championship and finishing a record-breaking 73-win regular season when Lacob delivered his infamous "light-years" diatribe, and three months later, a one-time 35% spike in the salary cap made it possible for the Warriors to sign Kevin Durant and form the greatest team in basketball history.
(The reason for that cap spike? A nine-year, $24 billion television deal that earned teams an average of $800 million to split between team owners and players. The next TV deal is expected to triple in 2025.)
In between, his team blew a 3-1 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals, but that did not prevent the Warriors from drawing at least $359 million in revenue from a roster with a $100 million payroll the following season. That figure rose every year until March 2020, when Lacob informed us that Forbes' $474 million estimate of Golden State's revenue — a record-setting figure — was actually "understated."
"We have much more revenue than the [New York] Knicks and [Los Angeles] Lakers," Lacob boasted, referencing two teams that also print money every season because they exist in the league's largest media markets.
That was the first season the Warriors opened their doors at Chase Center, an arena that secured a record $2 billion in "contractually obligated income" before construction was finished. Their own estimates pegged annual basketball-related revenue at $700 million. They did not hit that mark in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Warriors laid off 1,720 part-time employees and 10% of their full-time staff, but that figure is estimated closer to $800 million for this past season — another record for the NBA industry.
Not to worry, the Warriors offset any pandemic losses by selling a 5% stake in the team for $275 million.
How much did the Warriors really lose?
Losses can also benefit billionaire owners who use them as tax write-offs against other earnings. There are even ways to disguise gains as losses. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has reportedly claimed $700 million in losses, even though Forbes lists their profits at more than $200 million since he purchased the team for $2 billion in 2014. The Clippers are the only team paying more luxury taxes than the Warriors.
It is not unlike how Sony wrote off the $3.2 billion that Warriors co-owner Peter Guber allegedly cost them, and then the company invested $275 million into his next venture. (The story of how Guber made a fortune alongside disgraced former business partner Jon Peters is as wild as it gets in the entertainment industry. Neither Guber nor Lacob are free from the scandals that have followed their powerful peers in recent years.)
Sports franchises are not philanthropic ventures for billionaires, even if they can be charitable. They are cash cows. There are reasons why Lacob has "a standing offer" to purchased the Oakland A's and why Guber has ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Football Club. Follow the money.
Forbes' estimates are not a full picture of what the Warriors generate beyond basketball. Chase Center sits on an 11-acre plot of oceanfront commercial and residential real estate that the team also owns in the country's second-highest rental market. That includes a $1 billion, 20-year lease on Uber's headquarters.
As team president Brandon Schneider told CNBC, "Disney started as a theme park. The Warriors started as a basketball team. Look at what Disney has become, and look at what the Warriors are becoming."
It turns out moving the Warriors from Oakland, where the Warriors tried sticking the city's taxpayers with $45 million in decades-old debt on renovations done to the publicly owned Oracle Arena, to San Francisco was a wise investment, even if it cost Lacob's ownership group $1.4 billion to build the new complex. The people of Oakland, who sustained the franchise when they were bad enough to draft Stephen Curry with the ninth overall draft pick in 2009, might think it unfair for the team to relocate solely for greater profit margins.
The Warriors paid $170 million in luxury taxes this past season because their payroll exceeded the NBA's $137 million threshold by $38 million. The bulk of that is due to the $32 million salary for Andrew Wiggins, whose contributions to Golden State's Finals victory were second only to Curry's. The reason the Warriors were able to acquire Wiggins is because they traded Durant for D'Angelo Russell and Russell for Wiggins.
The entire reason for having a luxury tax is to encourage parity and discourage a championship team from adding one of the 15 greatest players in history. Or, at the very least, it rewards with a fat check the non-taxpaying teams that essentially subsidize a big-market owner's ability to buck the system and still profit.
Golden State Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber were presented the Larry O'Brien trophy when the team's players won the 2022 NBA Finals. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Why Joe Lacob's luxury tax criticism has holes
Golden State's ownership group has profited $448 million in the years since signing Durant, according to Forbes' "understated" figures. That includes a $44 million loss during a season played mostly in an empty arena and excludes the hundreds of millions of dollars that Lacob and company brought home last season.
It would have cost the Warriors in excess of $400 million to retain everyone from their title team, and that number could rise north of $500 million in the near future if they reward Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson with contract extensions that will run into the second half of this decade, when Curry will pull a $60 million salary at age 37. It is prohibitive to keep a dynasty together, which is the point.
"Those numbers are not even remotely possible," Lacob told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami, bizarrely scapegoating the league office instead of conceding the primary reason he would not match the $41 million paid to Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. this summer — that they would have significantly eaten into his ownership group's profit for a marginal roster upgrade. "They’re just not. I’m already in trouble with the rest of the league. We are in trouble for being where we are. In fact, in Vegas there’ll be a board of governors meeting. They’re not happy. It’s not just us. Other teams are going into the luxury tax now as well.
"You know, we kind of blew a hole in the system, and it’s not a good look from the league’s perspective. They don’t want to see it happen. And there are limits," he added, intimating that the league would cap his spending, not his investors. "I’m not going to say what they are, but there are limits to what you can do."
Those limits can be stretched when your team generates $800 million in revenue. It is possible for Golden State to pay $400 million to $500 million to the players who are responsible for that cash influx. It's just not practical.
It is unwise to pay max salaries (or close to them) five years from now for Green and Thompson, both of whom experienced a decline amid athleticism and injury concerns at the age of 32 this past season. It is also easier to blame the luxury tax rather than tell a fan favorite and one of the pillars of your dynasty that he is no longer worth a max investment, especially when you are speaking to another of those aging pillars.
"The truth is, we're only $40 million more than the luxury tax," Lacob told Andre Iguodala on his "Point Forward" podcast. "Now, that's not small, but it's not a massive number. We're $200 million over in total because most of that is this incredible penal luxury tax. And what I consider to be unfair and I'm going to say it on this podcast and I hope it gets back to whoever is listening ... and obviously it's self-serving for me to say this, but I think it's a very unfair system because ... all top eight players are all drafted by this team."
That is not true, of course. Wiggins was not drafted by the Warriors, and he is the direct result of signing Durant in 2016. Golden State is not guaranteed three of its championships without them. The Warriors are only "light-years ahead" because they capitalized on an anomalistic cap spike, and now they're paying for it. They built a dynasty and profited immensely from it, and we're really supposed to feel sorry for them?
Weird how Lacob was singing a different tune a few years ago, when he told Kawakami, “We can do whatever we want [financially]. And you should expect that that’s not going to be a reason this team ... doesn’t stay great going forward. We have the capital to pay our players what they deserve. And we will."
You want to pay Green and Thompson for past performance because they made you an enormous amount of money? Go ahead. That's your prerogative. It's also going to cost you exponentially to add layers of expenditures on top of them, like re-signing Wiggins and Poole to combined salaries of $60 million annually.
Lacob has some decisions to make from the comfort of his $20 million mansion in Atherton, America's wealthiest zip code. Or maybe he's spending the summer at the $20 million second home he just bought in Malibu. He has come a long way from his hometown of New Bedford, a blue-collar port city in Massachusetts he called "crappy." "I have no interest in going," he once told Ethan Strauss, "and I don't want to be near it."
When billionaires are complaining about taxes, the system is working as designed. If anything is unfair, it's that the Warriors can push that system to a ludicrous degree, rake in nine figures and still ask for a bailout.
Reverend Al Sharpton: Celtics’ Bill Russell took his celebrity status to the causes
The Celtics great pioneered the role of athletes using their platform for greater causes than sport.
Tuesday's going to be an extra hot day in Sioux Falls, according to the NWS. Here's what you need to know.
Greenville High football WR Tyler Brown could've gone to an Ivy League school but chose Minnesota. He's No. 11 on the 2022 864Huddle Dandy Dozen list. | 2022-08-02T16:16:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Don't cry for Joe Lacob and the Warriors' ownership group | https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-cry-for-joe-lacob-and-the-golden-state-warriors-ownership-group-153523633.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dont-cry-for-joe-lacob-and-the-golden-state-warriors-ownership-group-153523633.html?src=rss |
The Twins swung a deadline-day trade for Baltimore Orioles reliever Jorge López, a source confirmed, bolstering a bullpen that has been badly in need of help.
López, a first-time all-star this season, has a 1.68 earned-run average and has converted 19 of 23 save opportunities this season.
The 29-year-old’s breakout season came after a full-time move to the bullpen. López started 25 games for the Orioles last season of his 33 appearances, posting a 6.07 earned-run average. In parts of six seasons heading into this year, his career ERA was north of 6. But since converting full time to relief, he has struck out 54 batters in 48 1/3 innings and quickly moved into the closer’s role for the Orioles.
López gives the Twins another late-inning arm to slot in alongside Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, one who is controlled through the 2024 season.
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Subsidies from the Mexican government to combat rising inflation in the country have cost some 575 billion pesos ($28.04 billion) this year, officials said on Tuesday, adding that these have helped ease the pain of ordinary people. The majority of that money, totaling 430 billion pesos, has gone to subsidizing gasoline prices, officials said, speaking alongside Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at his regular news conference. Another 73 billion pesos went toward domestic energy subsidies, which the government increased after the war in Ukraine drove up prices on the world market. | 2022-08-02T16:16:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Twins land Orioles closer Jorge López in deadline-day deal | https://sports.yahoo.com/twins-land-orioles-closer-jorge-151200443.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/twins-land-orioles-closer-jorge-151200443.html?src=rss |
Christian Vazquez said it himself: Major League Baseball is a "business" where players can switch teams at a moment's notice.
But the human side of the game was on display Monday night when the Red Sox catcher found out he was being traded to the Houston Astros for a pair of prospects. Reporters in Houston captured teammates consoling Vazquez ahead of Monday night's Red Sox-Astros game as they prepared to part with the longest-tenured member of the organization.
On Tuesday, Vazquez took to Instagram to send his official goodbye to the Red Sox, whom he called his "extended family," and their fans. (Check out Vazquez's post here.)
"There are a lot of mixed feelings as I am writing this," Vazquez wrote in the caption. "It has been a 15 years that we have spent together. Starting back in 2008 when I was drafted by the Red Sox and I left home at 17. Going through the minors and finally making it to the big show in 2014, with all of you behind me. Then in 2015 getting Tommy John and healing from that. To 2018, the great season, when I and you became WORLD CHAMPIONS. Red Sox Nation has been with me all the way.
"You have seen me grow up as a person and as a player. I went through all the minor league teams, from the extended rookie season, Lowell Spinners, Greenville Drive, Salem Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs, and the Pawtucket Red Sox, and I have so much to be grateful for. The coaches, clubhouse staff, trainers, and teammates who became my family during my time in all of the Red Sox teams, I am forever grateful, for you helped me when I was away from my family and I felt supported by you.
Vazquez was set to be a free agent after this season and turns 32 in August, so it made business sense to deal him ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline. But the move may have caused some emotion in the Red Sox clubhouse after the team lost one of its most well-liked players. | 2022-08-02T16:57:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Christian Vazquez reacts to Red Sox trade in emotional Instagram post | https://sports.yahoo.com/christian-vazquez-reacts-red-sox-160000298.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/christian-vazquez-reacts-red-sox-160000298.html?src=rss |
This offseason has been one filled with news for the Miami Dolphins, and it all started with the firing of head coach Brian Flores which led to the filing of a lawsuit and accusations made by Flores against his former team and others.
There had been an ongoing investing led by former U.S. attorney and SEC chair Mary Jo White into claims of tampering and tanking.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins would be stripped of their 2023 first-round draft pick and 2024 third-round pick for violating the integrity of the game. Owner Stephen Ross has also been suspended through October 17 and fined $1.5 million. Vice Chairman Bruce Beal is barred from attending league meetings for the remainder of the season and has been fined $500,000.
Through the investigation, the NFL announced that the Dolphins had “impermissible communications” with quarterback Tom Brady while he was under contract with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as Don Yee, the agent for former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton prior to his announcement to retire.
However, the investigation was not able to substantiate the claims made by Flores regarding tanking in the 2019 season, his first as head coach of the Dolphins. They did say, “On a number of occasions during the 2019 season, Mr. ROss expressed his belief that the Dolphins’ position in the upcoming draft should take priority over the team’s win-loss record.” | 2022-08-02T16:57:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins stripped of draft picks, Stephen Ross suspended for violations | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-stripped-draft-picks-stephen-155608887.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-stripped-draft-picks-stephen-155608887.html?src=rss |
The San Diego Padres made a huge statement in their bid to reach the World Series by agreeing on a deal to land the trade deadline's biggest prize – All-Star outfielder Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals, according to two baseball officials with direct knowledge of the deal.
The Nationals will receive a package that includes first baseman Eric Hosmer, left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, shortstop C.J. Abrams, outfielders Robert Hassell III and James Wood and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana. The Padres will all receive first baseman Josh Bell, one of the top players available this trade season, in the deal
Hosmer, a 32-year-old veteran, has a no-trade clause and will have to approve the deal. He's due $13 million a year from 2023-2025.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Juan Soto traded: Padres acquire All-Star outfielder from Nationals | 2022-08-02T16:57:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Padres to acquire superstar Juan Soto from Nationals in MLB trade deadline blockbuster | https://sports.yahoo.com/padres-acquire-superstar-juan-soto-160945991.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/padres-acquire-superstar-juan-soto-160945991.html?src=rss |
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has announced a new executive leadership structure that will take effect on Sept. 1.
RELATED: Stewart-Haas Racing team page
In that role, Frood will assist in the transition of Brian McKinley from vice president of sales to chief commercial officer for SHR, as well as facilitate the expanded responsibilities of Greg Zipadelli, who becomes SHR‘s chief competition officer after serving as vice president of competition since 2012. Joe Custer, currently co-president, will continue in his leadership role, and all members of the executive team will maintain its fiduciary oversight for SHR co-owners Stewart and Gene Haas.
“I‘m honored to have had the opportunity to work for Tony and Gene, and humbled to have been in the trenches with such committed and impressive colleagues at Stewart-Haas Racing,” Frood said. “SHR is filled with individuals who are self-motivated and passionate in our collective pursuits of success. It‘s why we‘ve accomplished so much together. My 14 years here have been some of the most satisfying of my professional career and I‘ll be forever grateful.
“Becoming commissioner of the National Lacrosse League is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I appreciate the support everyone has provided me at Stewart-Haas Racing as I embark on this new chapter. I‘ll look forward to maintaining a meaningful connection with the organization in my advisory role. Brian McKinley and Greg Zipadelli have the experience, acumen and drive to absorb the elevated responsibilities of Stewart-Haas Racing and position it for continued success in the years to come.”
Frood‘s original passion is lacrosse. The Elbridge, New York, native was captain of the Brown University lacrosse team, which during his time with the Brown Bears won two Ivy League titles (1994 and 1995) and made an appearance in the 1994 NCAA Final Four. Frood has continued his involvement in the sport, where he has been a club and high school coach for more than a decade.
“Brett is the type of person that puts 100 percent effort into any project,” said Stewart, who recruited Frood 18 years ago upon his graduation from Harvard Business School. “No job is too big, but no job is beneath him, either. He‘s negotiated multi-million dollar contracts and then the next day has stood in the mud at Eldora Speedway to hang sponsor banners. He‘s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get dirty. That‘s just how he is. I‘m lucky to have him and SHR is in a great place because of him.
“I know his passion for lacrosse, and being commissioner of the National Lacrosse League is a dream job for him. They‘re getting one of the most trustworthy, detail-oriented people I‘ve ever met. And thankfully for us, we‘ll still have an opportunity to leverage his expertise from a different vantage point.
“Obviously, I think a lot of Greg Zipadelli. We won two championships together and a lot of races. He brought the same determination that made us so successful together on the race track to Stewart-Haas Racing.
“Brian McKinley joined SHR two years ago and in his short time here has already made a big impact. He‘s helped secure new partnerships and made strong bonds with partners who have been a part of our race team for years. Brian has earned this opportunity and I know that between him and Zippy, we‘re well positioned for continued success.”
Zipadelli was Stewart‘s crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series for 10 years, beginning with his rookie season in 1999. It was a pairing that delivered two championships (2002 and 2005) and 33 victories, and as SHR transitioned from a two-car team to a three-car organization in 2012, Stewart hand-picked Zipadelli to lead SHR‘s competition department. Today, SHR fields four cars in the NASCAR Cup Series and one in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The Country Music Association's three-hour “CMA Fest" ABC TV special airs Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. CT.
Ferrari shipped 3,455 units in the quarter, driven by by higher shipments of its Portofino M and F8 models, which can cost around $300,000 before any customizations. | 2022-08-02T16:58:04Z | sports.yahoo.com | Stewart-Haas Racing announces new executive leadership structure | https://sports.yahoo.com/stewart-haas-racing-announces-executive-084924997.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/stewart-haas-racing-announces-executive-084924997.html?src=rss |
The 2022 college football campaign is merely a month away which means it is time for preseason awards watch lists. Around the country, various organizations have submitted their rosters of top players at each of their respective positions to keep an eye on this coming fall.
The Florida Gators are usually well-represented on these lists and this season is no exception. Over the past week, the names of Orange and Blue athletes have trickled out, headlined by starting quarterback Anthony Richardson’s inclusion for the prestigious Maxwell Award, which is issued to the best overall player on the collegiate gridiron, as well as a handful of others.
Take a look below at the eight Florida football players who earned spots on eight preseason watch lists along with an official description of the award from the presenters themselves. Not only will the Gator Nation be watching these players closely but also the committees that assign these superlative honors.
Anthony Richardson - Maxwell Award
The Maxwell Award is presented to the best player in college football. The award is named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a Swarthmore College football player, coach, and sportswriter. The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 by his friend, Bert Bell, to present awards in his name to promote football safety. The Maxwell Award was founded in 1937.
Anthony Richardson named to the Maxwell Award watch list
Brenton Cox Jr. - Chuck Bednarik Award
The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented to the best defensive player in college football. The award is named after Chuck Bednarik, who was a 2x NFL Champion and 10x 1st Team All-Pro Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949-1962. Chuck was the last player in NFL history to play both ways of the ball full time. Chuck is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. The Chuck Bednarik Award was established in 1995.
Nay’Quan Wright - Doak Walker Award & Wuerffel Trophy
The prestigious Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to recognize the nation’s premier running back for his accomplishments on the field, achievement in the classroom and citizenship in the community.
It is the only major collegiate football award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.
Honoring college football’s most impactful leaders in community service, The Wuerffel Trophy is presented to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. National voters consider nominees from over 100 major universities. The Wuerffel Trophy brothers support each other’s efforts around the country.
Named for Danny Wuerffel, 1996 National Championship winning quarterback of the University of Florida Gators – who is renowned for his commitment to service and leadership – The Wuerffel Trophy is the premier major college football award that places the majority of its voting emphasis on Community Service.
Kingsley Eguakun - Rimington Trophy
UAA Communications/Hannah White
The Rimington Trophy is proud to release its 2022 preseason Watchlist. This year, the Trophy committee worked with Pro Football Focus (PFF) to narrow down its list to the top 40 centers. PFF grades every player on every play of every game on how well they execute their given assignment. That play-by-play grading allowed the Trophy committee to create a watchlist based both on nominations from the schools and data provided by PFF. Once the season begins, schools will be able to nominate their centers for late addition based on in-season merit.
Florida offensive lineman makes Rimington Trophy watch list
Ventrell Miller - Butkus Award
Ventrell Miller Gators
Instituted in 1985, The Butkus Award is one of the elite individual honors in college football. In 2008, The Butkus Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, took stewardship of the award to fully realize the original purpose of honoring athletic achievement and service to the community while honoring the nation’s best high school, college, and professional linebackers. An independent Butkus Award Selection Committee comprised of 51 experts, including professional, college and high school scouts, and prominent sports journalists, conduct the selection process.
This Gator named to Butkus Award preseason watch list
Gervon Dexter - Outland Trophy
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.
These 2 Gators named to Outland Trophy preseason watch list
O’Cyrus Torrence - Outland Trophy
UAA Communications/Isabella Marley
The Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since.
Marco Ortiz - Patrick Mannelly Award
Long snappers don’t make the cover of the program. They’re rarely asked to sign autographs. You don’t typically see them being interviewed before the game. But long snappers aren’t driven by these things. Quiet, selfless, focused and courageous, the long snapper is content to trade conventional superstardom for the opportunity to do one job very well.
The Patrick Mannelly Award presented by Zebra Technologies is a new vehicle through which football’s unsung workhorses can finally bask in the warm glow of appreciation. Now we celebrate the best long snappers in college football. And in doing so, we honor the long snapper in all of us. | 2022-08-02T17:04:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | These Gators named to 2022 preseason awards watch lists | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-named-2022-preseason-awards-150745280.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-named-2022-preseason-awards-150745280.html?src=rss |
During his first stint with Rutgers football, head coach Greg Schiano put an emphasis on his special teams unit. With a team that was lacking talent on offense and defense, Schiano saw special teams as a way to help his team stay competitive.
Blocked kicks. Blocked punts. Clutch kicking. Big returns. Rutgers football was known for having dominant special teams play. And it helped give a significant boost to a team that had some early struggles in the old Big East.
And now, Schiano is trying to get his team back to that level and special teams is once again leading the way.
Last week at the Big Ten’s annual football media days, Schiano was asked about his special teams and the impact of having an All-American punter in Adam Korsak. Schiano underscored the importance of the unit as he enters his third season of a rebuild of Rutgers football.
“I think it makes a big difference in any league. I think special teams are critical right now. I don’t subscribe to the theory — you hear a lot of people say it’s a third, a third, and a third. That’s not true. Special teams plays cover about 22 percent of the game, but the fact of the matter is they cover the most real estate of any play in the game when you add them all up. So I think they’re critically important,” Schiano told reporters at the Big Ten media day.
“I think we put a great deal of importance on it in our program. Anywhere I’ve ever been, that’s probably the biggest thing is we spend a lot of time on it. We’re willing to play our starters, our best players on it, and I do think that certainly teams — I don’t think all the special teams are created equal either. I think certain teams are a little more important than others, and you’ll see guys, starting linebackers, starting tight ends, starting running backs on those teams.”
Last season, Rutgers football ranked No. 54 in the nation as a special teams unit.
Rutgers has two of the best at their respective positions in the nation on their special teams unit. Wide receiver Aron Cruickshank was an electric returner before an injury shelved him for the second half of the season.
Punter Adam Korsak, set to enter his sixth season at Rutgers, was a Second-Team All-American selection by the Associated Press.
O/U: 5.5 REG season wins for Rutgers in 2022-23? - Powered By PickUp | 2022-08-02T17:04:12Z | sports.yahoo.com | Greg Schiano looking for Rutgers football special teams to be dominant once again | https://sports.yahoo.com/greg-schiano-looking-rutgers-football-101208655.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/greg-schiano-looking-rutgers-football-101208655.html?src=rss |
LSU may not be receiving a ton of hype heading into the first season under head coach Brian Kelly, but it returns an intriguing roster that could be better than many are giving it credit for.
One player whose abilities no one doubts is Kayshon Boutte, the junior receiver who was off to an incredible start in 2021 before a broken ankle ended his campaign after six games. Boutte is back and, if healthy, is expected to be one of the nation’s top pass-catchers.
Pro Football Focus agrees, naming Boutte as a preseason First Team All-American alongside Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba and USC’s Jordan Addison. All three players are seen as likely first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft.
Boutte is the only LSU player among the First, Second and Third Teams, but one other Tigers player did crack the honorable mention list: cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse, a transfer from Oklahoma State who many expect to be one of the SEC’s top defensive backs after a successful stint with a Cowboys defense that was one of the nation’s best last fall.
An interesting absence is edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who was named to the preseason All-SEC First Team by the media but doesn’t appear on any of PFF’s lists.
Regardless, LSU has an intriguing veteran core on the roster, and despite all the departures during the offseason, Kelly has done a fantastic job of replenishing the roster. Returning star players like Boutte certainly helps, and he brought in a talented transfer class that features Bernard-Converse and several other likely starters. | 2022-08-02T17:04:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Kayshon Boutte, Jarrick Bernard-Converse among PFF preseason All-Americans | https://sports.yahoo.com/kayshon-boutte-jarrick-bernard-converse-151140595.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/kayshon-boutte-jarrick-bernard-converse-151140595.html?src=rss |
49ers have come long way under Shanahan-Lynch leadership originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers were in such a state of disrepair at the end of the 2016 season, then-head-coaching candidate Kyle Shanahan did not hold back when explaining to CEO Jed York just how little talent was on the team.
Shanahan’s blunt message, though jarring, did not exactly surprise York during the interview process.
York already knew.
Ultimately, the rebuilding that was needed was seen as such a long-term project that York hired Shanahan and general manager John Lynch to eye-popping six-year contracts.
That was seen as a huge level of commitment for an organization that had already cycled through consecutive one-and-done head coaches Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly with former general manager Trent Baalke.
Then, on the first day of free agency in March 2017, the new 49ers welcomed in a seven-member class of veterans to officially begin the remodel.
As the Shanahan-Lynch regime enters its sixth season, only two of that original group remain.
“(You’re) making me emotional, man,” Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk said when asked to reflect on the journey since that day.
“That was a long time ago. It is crazy to think about us being up here six years ago. I think the only ones left in that group are outside of John and Kyle are me and Robbie (Gould).”
Wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, quarterback Brian Hoyer, tight end Logan Paulson and linebacker Malcolm Smith joined Juszczyk and Gould on the stage inside Levi's Stadium for the introductory press conference for the entire group.
“I remember in that time I felt like a freshman in college and I felt like we were starting a new program," Juszczyk said. "And that’s really what it was. We’d basically cleared house. It was all new players, all new coaches.”
The 49ers’ front office and coaching staff have made their share of mistakes in five seasons, but the results are undeniable. The 49ers went from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the NFL’s top four teams in two of the past three seasons.
“Honestly, I have a huge sense of pride for where I’m at now from that moment because I feel like we succeeded in a lot of the goals we set out and the culture that we built, the winning mentality,” Juszczyk said. “The wins that we have had, going to the Super Bowl, going to the NFC Championship, I’m just extremely proud of what we’ve built and how now when new people coming into the program.”
Juszczyk said there is now an expectation when new players come to the organization. Those players are held accountable for building on what has already been established.
“I think we’ve really accomplished the things we set out to do and now we have one more goal and that’s to go get a Super Bowl,” Juszczyk said.
This season begins a whole new era -- one that will likely define this generation of the 49ers franchise.
Te results will start to be seen from the biggest gamble of the Shanahan-Lynch era — and one of the boldest moves in franchise history.
Quarterback Trey Lance, 22, officially takes over for Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers’ starter. The 49ers traded first-round picks in 2021, ’22 and ’23, plus a third-rounder, to move up to No. 3 overall to select Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft.
As the 49ers begin the final season of the original contracts for Shanahan and Lynch, the coach said he is feeling more optimistic about his team than at any point previously. He believes this is the perfect time to integrate a talented, unproven young quarterback.
“I feel as good about our roster as I have,” Shanahan said. “I love our team right now. Like when I just sit and go through our positions some of the young guys that we’ve added, some of the young guys in the last couple years who have quickly become some of our better players and leaders, I think our team’s in a great spot to turn it over to a quarterback who hasn’t played before.”
The 49ers accomplished one of the final pieces of the offseason to-do list when All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel was signed to a contract extension through the 2025 season. Such cornerstones as Samuel, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Charvarius Ward, Arik Armstead, Trent Williams and Lance figure to be around for a while.
“Especially this organization, they’re always going to take care of the players,” Williams said on Monday upon the completion of the lucrative contract extension with Samuel. “I didn’t really have a doubt.”
The 49ers have star power, for sure. But what really impresses Williams, a nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle, is the quality of some of the lesser-known players who have made their marks on the roster, too.
“The team just keeps getting better,” Williams said. “The front office, man, is amazing — the guys they continue to bring in. They might sign somebody you never heard of, and when they get here, you understand why they signed them. That’s a nuance of the business that gets lost.” | 2022-08-02T17:29:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | 49ers have come long way under Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch leadership | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-come-long-way-under-154036111.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-come-long-way-under-154036111.html?src=rss |
The Chicago Bears have been without star linebacker Roquan Smith for the first two weeks of training camp as he remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Tthe bigger concern is the status of contract negotiations between Smith and the team. Smith is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and he’s gearing up for a big pay day.
But according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, both sides are still far apart when it comes to hammering out an extension.
“They definitely got a ways to go when it comes to a long term deal,” Breer said on NBC Sports Chicago’s Unfiltered with David Kaplan.
While Smith is unable to practice due to being on the PUP list, the expectation was he wasn’t going to participate given the uncertainty of his contract situation.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “Smith has not yet received an offer he would remotely consider, thus he’ll wait.”
When looking at some of the other big contract extensions going down around the NFL, the hope is Smith and the Bears come to terms sooner rather than later. | 2022-08-02T17:30:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Albert Breer on Bears LB Roquan Smith contract extension: ‘They definitely got a ways to go’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/albert-breer-bears-lb-roquan-171903098.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/albert-breer-bears-lb-roquan-171903098.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were punished by the NFL on Tuesday for their findings during the investigation into claims made by former head coach Brian Flores regarding tampering.
The team was docked two draft picks, the owner was fined $1.5 million and suspended and the vice chairman was fined $500,000 and suspended as well.
Former U.S. attorney and SEC chair Mary Jo White, who led the team’s investigation, found that the Dolphins had been guilty of tampering with both Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton while they were both under contract.
However, they could not substantiate the claims that Flores made regarding tanking during 2019, his first season with the team.
Following the release of the findings, Flores released the following statement, voicing his displeasure:
I am thankful that the NFL’s investigator found my factual allegations against Stephen Ross are true. At the same time, I am disappointed to learn that the investigator minimized Mr. Ross’s offers and pressure to tank games especially when I wrote and submitted a letter at the time to Dolphins executives documenting my serious concerns regarding this subject at the time which the investiagtor has in her possession. While the investigator found that the Dolphins had engaged in imperimissible tampering of “unprecedented scope and severity,” Mr. Ross will avoid any meaningful consequence. There is nothing more important when it comes to the game of football itself than the integrity of the game. When the integrity of the game is called intro question, fans suffer, and football suffers. | 2022-08-02T17:30:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Here’s Brian Flores’ statement after NFL penalizes Dolphins | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-flores-statement-nfl-penalizes-170844763.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-flores-statement-nfl-penalizes-170844763.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins are being stripped of their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and their third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, as a result of the NFL’s investigation into tampering allegations against the team.
The investigation revealed that the Dolphins engaged in tampering with both Tom Brady and Sean Payton, with Brady being involved multiple times, during both his tenure with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Dolphins will still have one first-round pick in next year’s draft, due to a previous trade with the San Francisco 49ers.
President Joe Biden continued to test positive for COVID-19 Tuesday but is feeling "well," according to a memo from Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's physician. O'Connor added that Biden "will continue his strict isolation measures" and "will continue to conduct the business of the American people from the Executive Residence."
Earlier this morning, Hollywood hitmaker Diane Warren asked what seemed a simple question on Twitter: “How can there be 24 writers on one song?” But nothing on Twitter is ever simple. Shortly after Warren’s tweet appeared, Beyoncé fans began replying en masse. It seems the song “Alien Superstar” on her just-released album Renaissance has exactly 24 writers. […] | 2022-08-02T17:30:49Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins lose 1st-round pick in 2023, 3rd-round pick in 2024 for tampering | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-1st-round-pick-155426993.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-1st-round-pick-155426993.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins have had more than their share of controversy in recent months. There’s former head coach Brian Flores’ claims against the team, in which Flores says that the Dolphins engaged in racist hiring practices, and that Flores was told to “tank” games so that the team would have more favorable draft positions in future years.
There are also claims that the Dolphins reached out to quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton in ways that violated the NFL’s rules against tampering.
After a six-month investigation led by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White and, a team of lawyers from the Debevoise law firm, the NFL has leveled serious penalties against the Dolphins franchise.
A Texas man who participated in the January 6, 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol was sentenced Monday to seven years in prison, the longest sentence so far imposed.
EXCLUSIVE: Everybody Still Hates Chris, a reimagined animated version of Chris Rock’s beloved autobiographical family comedy Everybody Hates Chris, has received a straight-to-series order by MTV Entertainment. It will be windowed globally across streamer Paramount+ and sibling linear network Comedy Central. Rock is back as narrator and executive producer of the new series, which, like […] | 2022-08-02T17:30:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins lose 2023 first-round pick, owner Stephen Ross suspended, for tampering | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-2023-first-round-160156909.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-2023-first-round-160156909.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins have lost multiple draft picks as a result of the NFL’s investigation into allegations of tampering.
Miami is forfeiting their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and their third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, after the league found impermissible communications between the Dolphins and both Tom Brady and Sean Payton.
The investigation claims that the Dolphins had contact with Brady during multiple periods, including when he was under contract with the New England Patriots, as well as more recently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Those findings indicate that discussions involved Brady as a potential part-owner of the Dolphins, as well as the possibility of him also playing for the team.
Payton retired as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, and remains out of the NFL for the time being.
After leading the Bucs to a Super Bowl win and back-to-back playoff appearances, Brady is back in Tampa Bay for a third season in 2023 after a brief retirement earlier this offseason. | 2022-08-02T17:31:02Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins lose multiple draft picks for tampering with Tom Brady, Sean Payton | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-multiple-draft-picks-160411435.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-lose-multiple-draft-picks-160411435.html?src=rss |
The findings from that investigation, which was led by former U.S. attorney and SEC chair Mary Jo White, were released on Tuesday. They found that Miami had been in contact with both Brady and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton’s agent, Don Yee, while the two were still under contract with their respective teams.
As a result, the league stripped Miami of their 2023 first-round selection and 2024 third-round selection. They also suspended Ross until October 17 and fined him $1.5 million as well as suspended Dolphins Vice Chairman Bruce Beal from league meetings through the end of the season and fined him $500,000.
In response, the Dolphins released a statement on behalf of Ross.
The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores other allegations. As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious and defamatory, and this issue is now put to rest. With regards to tampering I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment. However, I will accept the outcome because the most important thing is that there be no distractions for our team as we bgin an exiciting and winning season. I will not allow anything to get in the way of that. | 2022-08-02T17:31:08Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins owner Stephen Ross releases statement in response to suspension, loss of picks | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-stephen-ross-releases-165148878.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-stephen-ross-releases-165148878.html?src=rss |
Dolphins stripped of 2023 NFL Draft first-round pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Ross will be suspended through Oct. 17 and cannot be at the team's facilities or represent the team at any event. He was also fined $1.5 million and the team lost its first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and its third round pick in the 2024 Draft.
Ross will be eligible to return for Miami's Oct. 23 game at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which can be seen on NBC's Sunday Night Football.
Marilyn Monroe's estate is on board with the casting of Ana de Armas. The Cuban-born actress recieved backlash for her accent showing through in her first trailer for the film. | 2022-08-02T17:31:14Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins owner suspended, team loses draft picks after NFL's tampering investigation | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-suspended-team-loses-162944605.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-suspended-team-loses-162944605.html?src=rss |
NFL RECORD PROJECTIONS: Can Dolphins reach playoffs in 2022?
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on January 3, 2016.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami Dolphins hit with huge penalties for tampering with Tom Brady
Hear from MCC Head Football Coach Rich Pruzinsky on the first day of practice
Newly-hired head coach Rich Pruzinsky talks about what he is most excited about for the Hustlers season. | 2022-08-02T17:31:27Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins stripped of draft picks, owner suspended for tampering with Tom Brady, Sean Payton | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-stripped-draft-picks-owner-164259397.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-stripped-draft-picks-owner-164259397.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins were guilty of tampering in an attempt to add quarterback Tom Brady on multiple occasions and while Brady was on multiple different teams over a four-year span, according to an NFL investigation. The Dolphins will lose a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.
The investigation followed coach Brian Flores’ accusations of tampering — and of owner Stephen Ross offering a per-game sum for tanking in hopes of improving the team’s draft position under Flores. The NFL claimed that Ross’ offer of payment was “not intended to be taken seriously.”
The Dolphins met with Brady during his tenure in New England from Aug. 2019 and into the postseason from that 2019 season (and into the 2020 calendar year). Brady then met with Dolphins staffers in 2021 and 2022 with both sides exploring becoming a player-owner with the team.
"The investigators found tampering violations of unprecedented scope and severity. I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and star player, to the potential detriment of multiple other clubs, over a period of years.” https://t.co/Fln0tyStOU
In the Dolphins’ second attempt to bring aboard Brady, Miami also reached out to Sean Payton’s camp in an attempt to add him as a head coach. The Dolphins made contact with Payton, who was retired, without working through the New Orleans Saints, who had him under contract prior to retirement. Again, that’s tampering.
The NFL’s investigation comes in the wake of Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension, with the quarterback facing over 20 accusations of sexual harassment and assault in civil lawsuits. | 2022-08-02T17:31:39Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins tampered with Tom Brady during his Patriots and Bucs tenures | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tampered-tom-brady-during-164001973.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tampered-tom-brady-during-164001973.html?src=rss |
The Atlanta Falcons suffered their first major training camp injury on Tuesday when defensive tackle Vincent Taylor ruptured his Achilles, head coach Arthur Smith revealed after practice.
Taylor, who suffered a non-contact injury, is dealing with his second Achilles tear in as two seasons. In 2021, he suffered a similar injury in the Houston Texans’ season-opening matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
For the Falcons, it’s another man down on the interior of their defensive line. A few weeks ago, veteran Eddie Goldman signed as a free agent, only to retire 13 days later. Since then, Atlanta has signed DT Darrion Daniels, but you can expect the team to make another signing at the nose tackle position.
Taylor, 28, was drafted in the sixth round by the Miami Dolphins in 2017. Over the pat five seasons, the former Oklahoma State standout has appeared in 40 games for the Texans, Browns, Bills and Dolphins.
All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. QUEBEC CITY, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: HEO) – Please note that an error has crept into the press release issued earlier this morning. H2O Innovation Inc. (“H2O Innovation” or the “Corporation”) is proud to announce that it has recently extended two Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contracts and has been awarded new projects in Texas. These renewals and contracts, with a total value of $18.3 M (and not $9.0 M, like previous | 2022-08-02T17:31:46Z | sports.yahoo.com | Falcons DT Vincent Taylor ruptures Achilles in non-contact injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-dt-vincent-taylor-ruptures-160019249.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/falcons-dt-vincent-taylor-ruptures-160019249.html?src=rss |
In the wake of an investigation by the NFL into allegations of tanking and tampering by the Miami Dolphins, the league docked the organization a pair of draft picks and suspended owner Stephen Ross until October 17, 2022, among other discipline. The investigation was set in motion by allegations raised by former head coach Brian Flores.
Following the NFL’s imposition of discipline, the former head coach and his attorneys released statements. In his, the former head coach stated he was “thankful” that the NFL’s investigator found that his factual allegations were true, but Flores also noted his “disappointment” to see that the behavior he alleged from Ross was minimized:
…I am disappointed to learn that the investigator minimized Mr. Ross’s offers and and pressure to tank games especially when I wrote and submitted a latter at the time to Dolphins executives documenting my serious concerns regarding this subject at the time which the investigator has in her possession.
In addition, Flores’ attorneys released a statement “vehemently” disagreeing with the NFL’s conclusions, but also noting that the investigator “confirmed the accuracy of the factual allegations made by Mr. Flores.”
From Brian Flores and his attorneys following the NFL’s ruling on the #Dolphins tampering and tanking case. pic.twitter.com/FR3lyBvXt9
The former head coach filed suit against the NFL and several teams alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices, and that lawsuit is ongoing. | 2022-08-02T17:31:52Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores: “Mr. Ross will avoid any meaningful consequence.” | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-dolphins-head-coach-brian-171240673.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-dolphins-head-coach-brian-171240673.html?src=rss |
Premium cable network EPIX announced the second season of their franchise show, “NFL Icons,” on Tuesday — and there’s a former Ohio State football great that will be a part of the series brought to you by NFL Films.
Former Buckeye receiver Cris Carter, who played for the Buckeyes from 1984 through 1986, will be the focus of one of the eight episodes. The Carter episode will air on Saturday, October 22, at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT. According to a release, the production will have content that you would only expect from NFL Films.
“The feature has lots of Buckeye stories from when Cris attended Ohio State and excelled for the Buckeyes,” read a release. “The relationship with Earle Bruce is a thread throughout.
“Wide receiver Cris Carter’s winding road from a childhood in Middletown, Ohio to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton – including stops as a celebrated Ohio State Buckeye, through adversity with the Philadelphia Eagles and redemption with the Minnesota Vikings.”
Carter will forever be remembered as one of the best to play the wide receiver position in the scarlet and gray, and marrying his story up with the storytelling and wide range of archived video the folks at NFL Films possess should be well worth a watch.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter celebrates in the end zone after catching a 14-yard pass from quarterback Brad Johnson for a touchdown in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints in Minneapolis, Sunday, Nov. 8, 1998. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)
The series will be narrated by award-winning broadcaster Rich Eisen and will have exclusive interviews, video, mic’d up moments, and off-the-field content you won’t see anywhere else. The first episode of the series will be a feature of the late, great, John Madden on Sept. 10, at 10 p.m. EDT/PDT.
“We are thrilled to present Season Two of NFL Icons on EPIX,“ said Michael Wright, president of EPIX. “Our partners at NFL Films are incomparable storytellers, with unprecedented access and insight into their uniquely American subject. The NFL Icons franchise, narrated by the incomparable Rich Eisen, is a celebration of those players and coaches who have helped define what is best about the league. NFL ICONS is a great addition to EPIX’s growing list of acclaimed and entertaining docuseries.”
To get you ready for the next season of the series, take a look at a teaser provided by the folks at EPIX.
“NFL Icons,” Season Two on EPIX, will consist of episodes focusing on the following NFL Hall of Famers:
Walter Payton (Sept. 17)
Jimmy Johnson (Sept. 24)
Steve Young (Oct. 1)
Ray Lewis (Oct. 8)
Troy Aikman (Oct. 15)
Cris Carter (Oct. 22)
Tony Dungy (Oct. 29)
So set your DVR, or tune in to EPIX to have an exclusive look at many of the NFL’s icons we’ve come accustomed to watching through the history of the NFL, including — and most especially — former OSU great Cris Carter.
Face of the Position: Wide Receiver
Ohio State football: Face of the wide receiver position | Buckeyes Wire | 2022-08-02T17:31:58Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Ohio State wide receiver Cris Carter to appear in ‘NFL Icons’ docuseries by NFL Films | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-ohio-state-wide-receiver-171128560.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-ohio-state-wide-receiver-171128560.html?src=rss |
There have been a lot of rumors that have followed the Miami Dolphins over the last year. From talk of Deshaun Watson coming to Miami to discussions about Sean Payton potentially being the next head coach, the aqua and orange have been the center of the news.
On Tuesday, the NFL released its findings from the investigations into the claims from former head coach Brian Flores regarding tampering and tanking during his tenure.
In their release, the NFL found that Dolphins Vice Chairman Bruce Beal had been in communication with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during both his time with New England and with Tampa Bay.
The Dolphins had impermissible communications with quaterback Tom Brady in 2019-20, while he was under contrasct to the New England Patriots. Those communications began as early as August 2019 and continued throguhout the 2019 season and post-season. These numberous and detailed discussions were conducted by Mr. Beal, who in turn kept Mr. Ross and other Dolphins executives informed of his discussions with Mr. Brady.
The Dolphins again had impermissible communications with both Mr. Brady and his agent during and after the 2021 season, while he was under contract to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those dicsussion begans no later than early December 2021 and focused on Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive, although at times they also included the possibility of his playing for the Dolphins. Both Messrs. Ross and Beal were active participants in these disuissions.
These findings, along with the conversations with Payton’s agent, resulted in Miami losing multiple draft selections, as well as Ross and Beal being suspended and fined.
General manager Chris Grier had been asked about Brady and the Dolphins back in March and said that he didn’t have any conversations with the quarterback or the Buccaneers.
While the team has been consistent in their outward support for Tua Tagovailoa, Brady has been in their plans. | 2022-08-02T17:32:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL finds Dolphins talked to Tom Brady as early as 2019, again in 2021 | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-finds-dolphins-talked-tom-163632270.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-finds-dolphins-talked-tom-163632270.html?src=rss |
After an investigation into the Miami Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross for allegations of tampering, the NFL announced on Tuesday that the league’s investigation “conclusively established violations of the Anti-Tampering Policy” on three different occasions.
The NFL conducted an investigation into two subjects. First, whether the Dolphins violated NFL rules prohibiting tampering with a player and a coach under contract to other clubs. Second, the NFL examined whether, during the 2019 season, the team intentionally lost games to improve the team’s draft position, and whether owner Stephen Ross offered financial incentives to coaches to lose games.
According to the investigation, the NFL found that the Dolphins had “impermissible communications” with quarterback Tom Brady in 2019 and 2020 when he was under contract with the New England Patriots. According to the NFL’s statement, the communications “began as early as August 2019 and continued throughout the 2019 season.”
The NFL also found that the Dolphins “again had impermissible communications with both Mr. Brady and his agent during and after the 2021 season, while he was under contract to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.” During these discussions, the focus was on “Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive, although at times they also included the possibility of playing for the Dolphins.”
The third instance of tampering involved coach Sean Payton. According to the league, in 2022 the Dolphins “had impermissible communications with Don Yee, the agent for New Orleans Saints’ head coach Sean Payton, about having Mr. Payton serve as Miami’s head coach.” The NFL found that the Dolphins “did not seek consent from New Orleans to have these discussions, which occurred before Coach Payton announced his decision to retire as head coach of the Saints.”
The discipline imposed by the league on the organization is as follows:
The Dolphins will forfeit their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, and their third-round selection in 2024.
Owner Stephen Ross is suspended through October 17, 2022. During this time he may not be present at the facility nor can he represent the club at any team or league event. Furthermore, he cannot attend any League meeting prior to the 2023 Annual Meeting, is removed from all committees indefinitely, and is fined $1.5 million.
Bruce Beal, the team’s Vice Chairman and Limited Partner, is fined $500,000 and may not attend any League meeting this season.
In the statement, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated the following:
The NFL also investigated claims raised by former head coach Brian Flores. On those allegations, the league found that the Dolphins “did not intentionally lose games during the 2019 season.” Furthermore, the league found that no one, including Ross, instructed Flores to lose games. However, the NFL’s investigation did confirm that comments were made by the owner expressing “his belief that the Dolphins’ position in the upcoming 2020 draft should take priority over the team’s win-loss record.”
The NFL also investigated a comment regarding an alleged offer by Ross to Flores of $100,000 to lose games. The league found that “there are differing recollections about the wording, timing and context. However phrased, such a comment was not intended or taken to be a serious offer, nor was the subject pursued in any respect by Mr. Ross or anyone else at the club.”
With respect to the tanking allegations, Commissioner Goodell stated the following:
Every club is expected to make a good faith effort to win every game. The integrity of the game, and public confidence in professional football, demand no less. An owner or senior executive must understand the weight that his or her words carry, and the risk that a comment will be taken seriously and acted upon, even if that is not the intent or expectation…Coach Flores is to be commended for not allowing any comment about the relative importance of draft position to affect his commitment to win throughout the season.
British Airway's latest move comes three weeks after Heathrow started limiting the number of passengers who can fly out from the facility each day. | 2022-08-02T17:33:06Z | sports.yahoo.com | What the NFL found in their investigation of the Miami Dolphins: “Violations of unprecedented scope and severity” | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-suspends-miami-dolphins-owner-160528073.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-suspends-miami-dolphins-owner-160528073.html?src=rss |
The NFL finally handed down its sentence following a six-month-long investigation into the Miami Dolphins' alleged tampering with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton this past offseason, as well as team owner Stephen Ross allegedly financially incentivizing tanking to former head coach Brian Flores.
The league announced the Dolphins must forfeit their first-round pick in the 2023 draft as well as their third-round pick in the 2024 draft. Ross was also fined $1.5 million, suspended through Oct. 17 (the first six weeks of the season), indefinitely removed from all league committees and uninvited from all league meetings until next offseason.
Vice Chairman Bruce Beal was also fined $500,000 and isn't allowed to attend any league meetings for the rest of the season.
In Flores' lawsuit against the team after Miami fired him this past offseason, he claimed Ross offered him $100,000 for every loss during the 2019 season
NFL: Dolphins engaged in tampering but didn't tank
The NFL's investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White, found that Ross and the Dolphins violated league rules against tampering with a player under contract with another club. However, the investigation found "no evidence" of tanking during the 2019 season.
The investigation determined the Dolphins, led by Beal, began communicating with Brady as early as 2019 when he was still a member of the New England Patriots. The Dolphins continued those talks during the 2021 season when he played for the Buccaneers, where discussions "focused on Mr. Brady becoming a limited partner in the Dolphins and possibly serving as a football executive, although at times they also included the possibility of his playing for the Dolphins," per the NFL.
Miami also spoke with Payton's agent Don Yee (who also represents Brady) in January, per the investigation, while he was head coach of the Saints and before he stepped down at the end of January. The Dolphins allegedly did not ask the Saints for permission to talk with Payton about becoming the team's head coach until after he announced his resignation, a request the Saints denied.
"The investigators found tampering violations of unprecedented scope and severity," NFL commissioner Goodell said in a statement. "I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and star player, to the potential detriment of multiple other clubs, over a period of several years. Similarly, I know of no prior instance in which ownership was so directly involved in the violations."
As for tanking, the NFL investigation acknowledged that Ross "expressed his belief that the Dolphins' position in the upcoming 2020 draft should take priority over the team's win-loss record" but that no such effort was made to intentionally lose games. The league cited the Dolphins' wins over the Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of the season which worsened Miami's draft position. As for Flores' allegations that Ross offered to pay him to lose games in 2019, the league found "differing recollections about the wording, timing, and context" of that conversation.
"However phrased, such a comment was not intended or taken to be a serious offer, nor was the subject pursued in any respect by Mr. Ross or anyone else at the club," per the NFL.
Goodell added in a statement that owners and senior executives shouldn't make comments like Ross allegedly did.
Ross disagrees with punishment, calls Flores allegations 'false'
Ross released a statement following the announcement by the NFL, where he said he felt vindicated for the tanking allegations but disagreed with the punishment for the tampering charges. It finally puts to bed (in the eyes of the league, at league) two of the biggest black marks against the Dolphins this offseason.
Flores 'disappointed' in NFL's assessment of his allegations
It didn't take long for Flores to respond to the NFL's investigation.
Flores, who is now a defensive coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, still has an active lawsuit against the Dolphins, the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos. Flores released a statement where he appreciated the NFL's acknowledgment of his allegations but was "disappointed" that the allegations were "minimized."
Flores' attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis, also said in a statement that the punishment was "inadequate and disheartening" despite the validation of Flores' claims. They called this investigation the "first step" in Flores' allegations being "substantiated."
The Miami Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross are in a lot of trouble with the NFL. (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
MLB trade deadline 2022: Padres strike deal for Juan Soto, but Eric Hosmer no-trade clause creates complications | 2022-08-02T17:33:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL docks 1st-round pick from Dolphins, suspends owner Stephen Ross after Tom Brady tampering investigation | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-takes-first-round-pick-from-dolphins-issues-suspensions-after-tom-brady-tampering-investigation-160447378.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-takes-first-round-pick-from-dolphins-issues-suspensions-after-tom-brady-tampering-investigation-160447378.html?src=rss |
An injury suffered during Monday’s practice is keeping Green Bay Packers rookie center Cole Schneider out of Tuesday’s padded practice.
Schneider, who went down during a team drill on Monday, has an ankle injury, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
The severity of the injury is unknown. Coach Matt LaFleur did not make mention of the issue before Tuesday’s practice.
Schneider (6-3, 309) is an undrafted free agent from UCF who is fighting for a roster spot along the interior of the offensive line. He started 47 games at UCF – 46 at guard, and one at center – and was a three-time all-conference selection.
Missing practice time – especially now that the Packers are in pads – could hurt Schneider’s chances of making the team, but he’s always been an ideal practice squad candidate.
The Packers are in pads for the first time on Tuesday. | 2022-08-02T17:33:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Packers rookie Cole Schneider missing practice due to new ankle injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rookie-cole-schneider-missing-161420528.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rookie-cole-schneider-missing-161420528.html?src=rss |
The NFL is finally back as the Raiders will play in the first preseason game of the year. They’ll take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Thursday.
Both teams are expected to exercise an abundance of caution when it comes to playing their starters and key role players. That means that both Derek Carr and Trevor Lawrence are not expected to take any snaps. Still, there will be dozens of players on the field in Canton that will be competing for jobs and snaps for this upcoming season.
When: Thursday, August 4 at 8:00 p.m. E.T.
Where: Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
1 pending free agent each NFL team should bring back in 2022 | 2022-08-02T17:33:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raiders vs. Jaguars: Time, TV schedule, odds, streaming, how to watch | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-vs-jaguars-time-tv-162334362.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raiders-vs-jaguars-time-tv-162334362.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans solidified two positions with the selection of Texas A&M guard Kenyon Green.
The Texans solved the question of what happens to former 2019 first-rounder Tytus Howard, who had been bouncing inside and out. The Alabama State product will play at right tackle, a position where he has had success throughout his 37 games as a pro.
The Texans also found a reliable offensive lineman to play inside in Green. The former Humble Atascocita High School product will take over one of the guard spots and give the Texans adequate bulk upfront to kickstart their run game and provide adequate protection for second-year quarterback Davis Mills.
According to coach Lovie Smith, who met with reporters after the fourth day of training camp practice Tuesday at Houston Methodist Training Center, Green is coming along at the pace rookies typically do.
“I would say normal rookie progression,” said Smith. “He needs to get in there. First, it’s about getting in football playing conditions. He’s working on that, but now we’ll continue to let him go with the ones, too. We know he’s going to play for us. It’s just about getting him looks, as many looks as we possibly can and that’s what we’re doing.”
The Texans got their first padded work in on Monday in their third practice of training camp. Houston has seven more practices until they get to hit other players on Aug. 13 in the preseason opener at the New Orleans Saints. | 2022-08-02T17:34:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans coach Lovie Smith says G Kenyon Green has had ‘normal rookie progression’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-171429175.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-says-171429175.html?src=rss |
Well, it’s been a busy week for the NFL, and we haven’t even gotten to Thursday’s Hall of Fame game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders. On Monday, former federal judge Sue L. Robinson levied a six-game suspension against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson related to multiple accusations of sexual assault. The decision satisfied almost nobody for all kinds of reasons (we were especially gobsmaeked by Judge Robinson’s definition of “non-violent sexual conduct), but that’s something the NFL can appeal if it so chooses.
A little more than 24 hours later, the six-month investigation into the Miami Dolphins’ alleged tampering with both Tom Brady and Sean Payton, and whether Dolphins owner Stephen Ross exhorted his then-head coach Brian Flores to intentionally lose games for more favorable draft picks, came to a conclusion.
Former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White and, a team of lawyers from the Debevoise law firm, deduced that the team indeed had impermissible contact with both Brady and Payton, through there was no reported proof of any “tanking.” The investigation did not go into Flores’ accusations of racist hiring practices, most likely because Flores’ lawsuit is still live.
In any event, the Dolphins didn’t just lose their 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick in the fallout. Ross was also suspended until October 17, 2022. Per the league, Ross “may not be present at the Dolphins’ facility and may not represent the club at any team or NFL event. He may not attend any League meeting prior to the Annual Meeting in 2023, is removed from all League committees indefinitely, and fined $1.5 million.”
What’s interesting about the timing of these two suspensions is that Ross’ is exactly one day longer than Watson’s. Watson’s six-game suspension closes after the Browns play the New England Patriots (oh, sweet scandal irony) on Sunday, October, 16.
The NFL may get a lot of things wrong, but it rarely does things without a point. In this case, it could be that punishing Ross in this specific manner, and making note of the “unprecedented scope” of the tampering, sets the league up to go after a longer suspension of Watson on appeal, due to the unprecedented number of Watson’s alleged violations against the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. In her ruling, Judge Robinson spoke quite a bit to precedent, and more specifically, to “standards of fairness and consistency of treatment among players similarly situated.”
Thus, the six-game suspension, when the sheer number of Watson’s alleged violations would seem to engender a much more severe punishment. We know that the NFL wanted Watson suspended for at least the entire 2022 season, with conditions to his reinstatement in 2023. In settlement talks with the NFLPA, the league was willing to go as low as 12 games.
In the end, Watson’s representatives chose to bet on the ruling of an independent arbiter, and at first glance, they bet right. But the Ross suspension could well lead to the NFL’s right and ability to step into legal definitions of “unprecedented” that could lead to a much longer Watson suspension.
Stay tuned to see what comes of that. In the meantime, it’s been a week, NFL — and it’s only Tuesday. | 2022-08-02T17:34:34Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why Stephen Ross’ suspension is one day longer than Deshaun Watson’s | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-stephen-ross-suspension-one-165424218.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/why-stephen-ross-suspension-one-165424218.html?src=rss |
Some Pac-12 schools are high on some lists of possible expansion candidates for the Big 12 Conference.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Big 12 expansion rankings: Best fits in college conference realignment
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is learning the NCAA's issues in real time and during a period of sweeping change and uncertainty. While Monday is Yormark's first day working full-time out of the Big 12 office, leaving behind Jay-Z's Roc Nation, the ex-CEO of the NBA's Brooklyn Nets has been steadily involved in conference matters since landing his first job in college athletics. A day later, conference realignment became a pressing issue again when Southern California and UCLA said they would be leaving the Pac-12 in 2024 to join the Big Ten.
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton became the latest notable stakeholder to join the Denver Broncos ownership group. | 2022-08-02T18:30:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ranking Big 12 expansion candidates: Best fits to join conference amid college realignment | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-big-12-expansion-candidates-143813540.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-big-12-expansion-candidates-143813540.html?src=rss |
The Florida Gators coaching staff got a chance to work with plenty of the top recruits in the class of 2024 at the team’s Friday Night Lights camp, and one of the more prominent names to stop by the Swamp was four-star safety Jaylen Heyward.
The Gators offered Heyward a scholarship following his first unofficial visit to the school in March, but a big part of his decision will be which coaching staff he believes can develop him the best and prepare him for a hopeful NFL career. Heyward received the coaching he desired on Friday, according to his interview with 247Sports, and it almost had him staying in town an extra day.
“They (Florida) showed me a good time,” Heyward said. “I wanted to stay for the cookout but I had to go to FSU the next day. A big part of my visit there was camping at Friday Night Lights. It was good to see what Coach PT (Patrick Toney) and Coach (Corey) Raymond had to show me in just the little bit of time I had with them.”
Toney has been Heyward’s main contact at UF but defensive analyst Jamar Chaney and tight ends coach William Peagler are also helping recruit him. Those efforts are paying off, and Billy Napier‘s obvious mission to keep the best in the state of Florida at home sits well with Heyward.
“I love the way they are recruiting me. I feel like the last staff didn’t do a good job recruiting in-state, but the way Coach Napier is recruiting everything now, he wants to make sure everyone stays home at Florida. I think he’s doing an amazing job with that and I like it. He’s trying to bring the culture back to The Swamp.”
Where will 🏠 be?👀 @Reel1sRecruits pic.twitter.com/WjAvwlCHUb
— Jaylen “Ap” Heyward (@Jayasii) July 10, 2022
Heyward cut his list down to 12 schools back in June and a few are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee and UCF have done well so far, but he says the real test will be who reaches out on September 1 when coaches can contact him. He hopes to make his decision by next summer.
Heyward is ranked No. 44 in the class of 2024 on the 247Sports composite and is No. 5 among safeties in the class. He’s being recruited as a defensive back and worked on the outside more during FNL, so he could become a cornerback for UF if he chooses to commit. | 2022-08-02T18:52:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2024 top-100 recruit enjoys first participating in Friday Night Lights | https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-top-100-recruit-enjoys-173918496.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-top-100-recruit-enjoys-173918496.html?src=rss |
Billy Napier and his staff made a huge impression on a plethora of top prep prospects over the weekend as Florida football hosted its annual Friday Night Lights and team cookout events to close out the month of July. In attendance was 2023 four-star linebacker Karmelo Overton out of Ozark (Alabama) Carroll, who came away from his second-ever visit to the Swamp quite impressed with what he saw.
The biggest mark made on the 6-foot, 200-pound rising senior so far comes courtesy of inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman, who has led the way in the student-athlete’s recruitment. According to Swamp247’s Blake Alderman, a close connection has been forged between the two.
“I love the man,” he admitted. “I feel like the bond and the connection is all there. Personally, I am really excited to keep things going with him. He’s kind of like an uncle figure that you’ve never had. He’s always checking on me and making sure I am good. We have talked a lot since the first time I was there back in June. He thinks I could be a guy to play some MIKE and WILL. He said he thinks I can be an all-around player. They think I can fit whatever style they would want me to do.”
The linebacker’s overall opinion of the program put together by Napier and Co. also exudes positive vibes, as noted in his comments on his most recent visit.
“It felt real comfortable and real welcoming. They had a family reunion type vibe on campus with their cookout. I didn’t know a majority of the recruits there, but at the cookout, they split us into teams and we did little events. It was a way to make connections. We had a scavenger hunt, we made tik-toks, and then there was like trivia. I felt like we had the best group out there.”
However, despite all of the feel-good talk, the blue-chip prospect has yet to receive an offer from Florida. There appears to be some interest but a scholarship has yet to be extended.
“I know the interest from them is there,” he noted when queried about offer-talk. “I think I am a guy they are watching, but I think things will just work themselves out. I know they don’t have any linebackers, so maybe that is a chance for me. I really like everything about them. At camp and the cookout, they had some of the players there and I was talking to them. They were all real cool. There is just something about The Swamp. It’s just a different feeling.”
While he has yet to make any official visits, he is eyeing a stop-in for the season-opener against the Utah Utes. Otherwise, the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Arizona State Sun Devils are the only other programs he is reportedly in extensive contact with.
Overton is assigned a four-star rating and ranked No. 358 overall and No. 28 at his position in his class nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus rates him as a three-star prospect and has him at Nos. 428 and 41, respectively. The South Alabama Jaguars are in the lead for his commitment according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine with a 42.7% chance of landing him while the Arkansas Razorbacks are second at 37.4%. | 2022-08-02T18:52:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4-star linebacker ‘felt real comfortable’ during recent Florida visit | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-linebacker-felt-real-174525537.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-linebacker-felt-real-174525537.html?src=rss |
This 5-star 2024 recruit praises Florida’s cornerbacks coach
Eight months later and that hire is already paying dividends. The top cornerback and No. 2 overall player in the 2024 class, Desmond Ricks, told Sports Illustrated’s Zach Goodall that the sole reason why he chose to visit Florida during July’s one-week window of in-person recruiting was to spend one-on-one time with Raymond.
Raymond has a history of recruiting elite defensive backs to his institutions and an even better history of developing them to be NFL-level talents. He spent the last decade of his career at his alma mater LSU where he produced seven first-team All-Americans and 14 NFL draft picks, including three first-rounders.
The IMG Academy standout was all business at last weekend’s visit, spending time with Raymond and Napier. The weekend marked Ricks’ second visit to Gainesville this season, where he was able to see the Heavener Football Training Center near completion, which has come along drastically since his first visit back in January.
If the Gators are going to land one of the best players in the 2024 class, they’ll need to show Ricks what they can do to develop him into the player he wants to be. They’ll have to fight off top programs such as Alabama, LSU, and Miami — all programs that Ricks intends to visit this fall.
One-on-one time with the best defensive backs developer in the nation is a great start to what could be the biggest singing to date in the Billy Napier era.
With his position versatility and overall skills, Thomas should at least contribute in a rotational role this season. | 2022-08-02T18:52:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | This 5-star 2024 recruit praises Florida’s cornerbacks coach | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-2024-recruit-praises-183035008.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/5-star-2024-recruit-praises-183035008.html?src=rss |
Texas A&M Defensive back Antonio Johnson is on quite the offseason crusade, previously receiving preseason award nominations for the Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe awards. On Monday, he was honorably selected to the Bednarik Award Watchlist, which is given to the most outstanding defensive player during the college football season.
Aggie fans, Texas A&M media, and NFL scouts all cohesively recognize just how talented, athletic, and instinctively gifted Johnson is on the gridiron, yet some are still in the process of getting to know the junior defensive back, and just what he’s bringing back to the A&M defense that’s in need of a generational playmaker in order to succeed within the always grueling SEC schedule.
As a member of the talented 2020 recruiting class for the Aggies, while being ranked as the 4th safety prospect in the country, Johnson began to show his true potential starting at the nickel corner role during the 2021 season in Mike Elko’s defense (now the head coach for Duke). Johnson tallied 79 tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 8.5 tackles for loss on the year, and is coming back as a proven starter in his second straight season, with many predicting that he will shift into the safety position in order to take full advantage of his defensive versatility.
Getting a chance to work hands-on with the Florida coaching staff could help the Gators' chances at landing 4-star defensive back Jaylen Lawrence. | 2022-08-02T18:52:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Aggies Defensive back Antonio Johnson named to Bednarik Watchlist | https://sports.yahoo.com/aggies-defensive-back-antonio-johnson-173510136.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/aggies-defensive-back-antonio-johnson-173510136.html?src=rss |
Florida football is coming off its biggest recruiting event of the summer having conducted its Friday Night Lights and team cookout events last weekend. The affairs brought many of the top prep prospects across three classes to the Swamp as Billy Napier and Co. rolled out the red carpet for the burgeoning teenagers.
Among those in attendance was four-star defensive lineman Kelby Collins out of Gardendale (Alabama), who got a second taste of the new staff’s cooking after an official visit back in June. According to Swamp247’s Blake Alderman, the Gators made a solid impression upon the 6-foot-5-inch, 280-pound trench warrior during his recent stop.
“It was real good,” Collins said. “I got a chance to get close with some of the other recruits there. I was glad I got down there. Really the biggest highlight for me was getting down and hanging with the recruits. I got to see the new facility they have. They should be moving into it in the next couple of weeks, but it looks crazy.”
Co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Sean Spencer has spearheaded the recruitment of the rising senior, while assistant for college personnel and on-campus recruiting Chase Clark, along with co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Patrick Toney, and defensive line graduate assistant Kali James have also made significant contributions to the effort. Together, they have constructed a vision for how Collins’ talents would be best utilized in Gainesville.
“They want me to be a defensive end for them, but they also want to move me around. They said I can move inside on the defensive line or even move outside and stand up. They want me to play all over. I am feeling like a priority for them. I like the fact they want me to be versatile like that. I feel like it makes it better for me in the long run. They tell me they need me there. They just stress it bad how they need me.”
Despite the positivity conveyed in the young recruit’s words, he still has a tough choice ahead of him and has not yet set a firm decision date. Florida is also fighting against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, South Carolina Gamecocks and Oklahoma Sooners for the defensive lineman’s commitment. However, he does expect that decision to be made sometime soon.
“Hopefully in the next few weeks,” he predicted. “I just am looking at these relationships, how early I can play, and just the place I feel at home the most.”
Collins is ranked No. 70 overall and No. 6 at his position in his class nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus has him at Nos. 60 and 7, respectively. The Tide are out in front of the other schools on On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine with an 89.9% chance of landing him, while the ‘Dawgs are second at 3.3% and Gators third at 2.4%.
5-star DL was in town for Florida's Friday Night Lights
College Football News predicts every Tennessee football game in 2022.
The Gators received some recruiting help from their quarterback in the class of 2023 over the weekend, and it seems to have paid off nicely. | 2022-08-02T18:52:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | This blue-chip defensive lineman close to making his decision | https://sports.yahoo.com/blue-chip-defensive-lineman-close-165636975.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/blue-chip-defensive-lineman-close-165636975.html?src=rss |
Brown trolling Titans shows 49ers' patience with Deebo paid off originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers delivered their long-awaited promise of keeping Deebo Samuel as the star wide receiver officially signed a three-year contract extension Monday.
It wasn’t the cleanest path to the extension. The offseason was full of drama, highlighted by a trade request from a disgruntled Samuel and the wide receiver deleting all references of the 49ers on his social media accounts.
But the 49ers endured it all, looked into a potential trade at the 2022 NFL Draft and when no offer peaked their interest, they took a deep breath, hung on to Samuel and got him signed before the first day of padded practice at training camp.
Entering the offseason, fellow star wideout A.J. Brown was in a similar situation to Samuel. It unfolded much differently.
Brown, selected 15 picks after Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, was entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Tennessee Titans. He reportedly demanded $80 million guaranteed from the Titans ahead of this year’s draft and when that wasn’t met, requested a trade.
Brown was more than worthy of an expensive extension after notching back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons his first two years in the league. He would have crossed that milestone again last year had he not missed four games due to injury.
But unlike the 49ers, the Titans moved quickly. Tennessee obliged with Browns' trade request and shipped the star receiver to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 18 overall pick and a third-round pick on draft night.
That first-round selection ended up being the Titans' replacement for Brown -- Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks.
Shortly after the news of Samuel's contract extension was reported, Brown referenced his displeasure with the Titans in a tweet, appearing to put blame on the organization for why he is no longer catching passes from Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee.
Brown shares an agent with Samuel and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. All three received new contracts this offseason -- Samuel with the 49ers, Brown's four-year extension worth $100 with the Eagles and Metcalf's three-year, $72 million contract with the Seahawks. Terry McLaurin, a third-round pick in 2019, landed a three-year extension worth up to $70 million.
Brown was the only one to find a new home this offseason.
While the Titans unloaded Brown on Philadelphia, leaving a 1,000-yard void in their offense, San Francisco remained patient and ensured Samuel would be staying in the Bay, giving quarterback Trey Lance stability as he takes over under center. | 2022-08-02T19:01:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | AJ Brown trolling Titans shows 49ers' patience with Deebo Samuel paid off | https://sports.yahoo.com/aj-brown-trolling-titans-shows-175007024.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/aj-brown-trolling-titans-shows-175007024.html?src=rss |
Brian Flores didn’t wait long before issuing a statement after the Miami Dolphins were found guilty of illegal tampering with quarterback Tom Brady, according to an NFL investigation. Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Dolphins on Feb. 1 alleging — among other things — that Miami tried to bribe him to intentionally lose games during his tenure with the Dolphins.
The results of the investigation concluded that while the Dolphins did engage in illegal tampering with Brady while he was still under contract, they did not make an effort to intentionally lose games for the sake of a higher draft pick. Flores was clearly not pleased with the final result of the NFL’s investigation.
“I am thankful that the NFL’s investigator found my factual allegations against Stephen Ross are true,” Flores wrote Tuesday. “At the same time, I am disappointed to learn that the investigator minimized Mr. Ross’s offers and pressure to tank games especially when I wrote and submitted a letter at the time to Dolphins executives documenting my serious concerns regarding this subject at the time which the investigator has in her possession. While the investigator found that the Dolphins had engaged in impermissible tampering of ‘unprecedented scope and severity,’ Mr. Ross will avoid any meaningful consequence. There is nothing more important when it comes to the game of football itself than the integrity of the game. When the integrity of the game is called intro question, fans suffer, and football suffers.”
In Flores’ lawsuit, he alleged that owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss so that the Dolphins could improve their draft position. The NFL investigation found Ross’ comments about intentionally losing were “not intended to be taken seriously.”
For the tampering scandal, the Dolphins have been stripped of their 2023 first-round and 2024 third-round NFL draft picks. The NFL is fining Ross $1.5 million as a result of the investigation. He will serve a suspension. | 2022-08-02T19:01:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brian Flores explains what he was ‘disappointed to learn’ following Dolphins tampering scandal | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-flores-explains-disappointed-learn-182017832.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brian-flores-explains-disappointed-learn-182017832.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick appeared to suffer a right leg injury during Tuesday’s practice session and was carted off the field.
Patrick made a leaping catch during team drills and then “went down after making first cut,” according to The Denver Post‘s Ryan O’Halloran. The team gathered around Patrick after the injury before the cart came out.
After being carted from the field to the team’s facility, Patrick did not put weight on his right leg “as he was helped into trainer’s room,” according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Patrick, 28, is entering his fifth season with the Broncos. He’s emerged as one of the team’s top receivers over the last two years, catching 104 passes for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns from 2021-2022. Patrick just signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with Denver last November.
The Broncos won’t know the severity of Patrick’s injury until after the receiver undergoes testing. While Patrick is sidelined, Denver’s remaining top receivers will be Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler.
Broncos add F1 driver Lewis Hamilton to ownership group
Lewis Hamilton, the top driver in F1, is now a co-owner of the Broncos. | 2022-08-02T19:01:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos WR Tim Patrick carted off practice field | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-tim-patrick-carted-172238078.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-tim-patrick-carted-172238078.html?src=rss |
But when the wide-eyed rookies come out of a meeting with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn these days, it’s Vander Esch who they’re increasingly looking to for guidance on how to do things the right way. The professional way. The Cowboy way.
Fresh off signing a one-year contract in March that will keep in him in Dallas for a fifth season, Vander Esch sat down with Cowboys Wire for a one-on-one conversation about his new role as a locker room mentor, his expectations for the team this year, which players he feels will take the next leap, how a new offseason regimen has gotten him in the best shape of his life, and how an off-the-field partnership is making him an even better leader on the field.
Reliving the past, but not for long
Jan 16, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) reacts after a tackles against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a longstanding sports cliché that a hard loss should be put in the rearview quickly, banished to the past forever. We’re moving on. Not dwelling on our mistakes. Looking ahead.
The Cowboys started 2022 training camp, though, by rewinding the tape on the last game of the 2021 campaign. But it wasn’t the game film of their heartbreaking 23-17 playoff loss to San Francisco that the coaches cued up for a team viewing party.
It was the postgame press conferences, the ones where the team’s most vocal representatives stood at a hot mic and talked about the hollow and disappointing end to what had once been a very promising season.
“It really makes you remember that feeling,” Vander Esch explained of the exercise, “remember how it all went down. Obviously, you never want that to happen. You don’t want that to happen again. It kind of brought back those emotions.”
But rather than infect Oxnard with that bad taste all over again, the linebacker said it served as excellent motivation for the players, both the ones who had been there and the new faces who’ve been added for the next chapter.
“Everybody handled it extremely well, like, let’s really start this thing off right this season and just keep grinding and take it day by day and game by game and not get too far ahead of ourselves, not look too far in the future. Live in the moment now… and whoever we’re playing this week, that’s who we’re going to go crush.”
Building on DQ's foundation
Jun 8, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) runs through a drill during voluntary Organized Team Activities at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
In 2018, it was all new to Vander Esch, a first-round draft pick out of Boise State. By 2020, he had a new coaching staff and new schemes… but no real training camp due to COVID. Then 2021 brought him his third defensive coordinator in four seasons in Dan Quinn.
Vander Esch is thrilled to not have yet another learning curve to deal with this summer. And he believes that continuity will only help a unit that saw exponential improvement last season.
“I think we picked up right where we left off, instead of having to start over and go with a new coaching staff,” he said. “We have the same system. Being able to have familiar faces in the room leading our defense- our D-coordinator and defensive coaches- we’re way ahead of where we were last year at this time. I’m seeing extremely positive, promising things, and I’m excited at what we’re doing. Just pumped to get this thing going.”
Vander Esch in particular seemed to get more comfortable as 2021 went on. He logged 10 tackles in Week 17 of the season, snagged an interception in the regular-season finale (his first since his rookie campaign), and led the entire defense in tackles in the wild card loss to the 49ers.
Working in a scheme he knows well certainly helps.
“This is a system that I’m familiar with, pretty much my whole life,” he shared. “This was a major blessing, having DQ come in and bring the system in that I’m most used to. So really, it was easy to learn it then, and now it’s even better: being able to communicate it and just be confident and focus on other things.”
Leading the way by following Lee's example
Dallas Cowboys linebackers Sean Lee (50) and Leighton Vander Esch (55) sit on the bench during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
One of those “other things” is helping along the younger members of the Cowboys defense, and the LB unit in particular. The team has drafted four linebackers in the past two years and brought in several others from elsewhere.
He’s played in just 55 games, but Vander Esch leads the corps by a ton in experience.
“I take pride in my intelligence and my knowledge that I can hand to them, hand to those young guys, help them in any questions that they have or if they’re struggling in certain areas,” he said. “I take pride in that, being someone that they can come to about the game, knowing what I’m talking about and being able to show them how to do things the right way.”
If that sounds a little bit familiar, there’s good reason. Vander Esch had an awfully good teacher himself when he came aboard in Dallas. And he freely admits he now finds himself channeling his inner Sean Lee.
“Absolutely. I still think back, I keep in contact with Sean,” Vander Esch told Cowboys Wire. “I actually talked to him a couple days ago, and I just told him how much I miss him and miss having him around the room. I always remind him how much he taught me, and I feel like I’m constantly reminding myself and explaining things in ways that he would explain things to me, because I know how much it helped me. He was an amazing person, an amazing football player to have in our room, and I miss him every day.”
Living a real-life cowboy code
Much of Vander Esch’s public persona is based on his upbringing in the Idaho wilderness: hunting, fishing, even feeding wild bears by hand (as seen this offseason via social media).
That lifestyle has led him to a partnership with Polaris, the off-road vehicle and snowmobile manufacturer. It’s a natural fit for the real-life outdoorsman.
And it led him to spend a day in May shooting a YouTube series titled Cowboy Code. In it, Vander Esch and his wife Maddy- a competitive rodeo athlete- team up with roping champion Tyson Durfey and world-class barrel racer Lisa Lockhart to learn a different set of ropes on the ranch. (Part 2 of the series goes live on Aug. 9.)
“It was one of the best days I’ve ever had in my life,” the linebacker gushed.
And while Vander Esch got hands-on lessons in riding and roping and being a cowboy off the field, he says the experience of filming all day with two of Texas’s most iconic rodeo stars showed some real parallels with how he tries to conduct himself in his own line of work on the gridiron.
“It reminds you of how awesome the Western culture is, just how down-to-earth everybody is in that lifestyle. Everybody wants to see everybody succeed, and anybody that needs help, they’re right there to help them. I think that’s part of the cowboy code: treating people the right way and what we talk about in the episodes,” he reflected. “It’s reminding you why you do what you do, being a great person: your morals, your values, and the life that you live, being able to share that with somebody and being able to affect somebody else’s life in a positive way.”
Vander Esch gets a loud and personalized reminder of the impact he’s had on Cowboys fans each and every gameday. Even going into his fifth season, he says hearing the home crowd do his signature “wolf howl” is still magical to him.
“That’s what it’s all about: all the fans, the way they fill that stadium and the way they get place rocking on gameday. That’s special,” the ‘Wolf Hunter’ says, “and there’s no other atmosphere like it around the NFL. To have their support and to hear that during the game when you make a big play, it’s awesome. It’s a unique experience when you’re down there on the field to hear that go off and everybody howling and cheering and having a good time.”
Fine-tuning the machine
Jul 28, 2022; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) participates in drills at training camp at River Ridge Fields in Oxnard, CA. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The months since the postseason ended weren’t spent just riding around the ranch for Vander Esch.
“I spent the majority of this whole offseason just training as hard as I possibly could,” the 6-foot-4-inch Vander Esch told us. “I trained harder than any [offseason] and kind of changed up my regimen a lot this offseason, and I think it’s really helped me lean out a little bit and lose a little bit of weight. I just feel more comfortable in my body, being able to run around and get back to flying around and having fun.”
He explained that he often put in two workouts- plus a run- per day over the past several months to make sure he’s in prime shape. Head coach Mike McCarthy said in June of the linebacker, “This is the best he’s looked in my time with him.”
That conditioning will help Vander Esch as he tries to stay healthy for every game of the upcoming season.
“It’s gone extremely well,” he pointed out, “and I think it’s all paying off.”
He played in all 17 games in 2021 after missing considerable time the two years prior due to injuries.
“The NFL season is just extremely long,” he admitted. “So you’ve got to do what you can to fight through that. You kind of get to a point now where you almost enjoy being sore because you know you’re doing something that’s worth it. When I wake up in the morning and I’m sore after a game, that’s what I love. I embrace that and then get my body to go do it again for the whole next week.”
Finding his new place among the stars
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Leighton Vander Esch #55 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a tackle during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Vander Esch has never been the main attraction in the Dallas linebacking corps. Whether he was alongside Sean Lee or Jaylon Smith, or even now Micah Parsons, the Idaho native has always been best as part of an ensemble.
“We’re all young,” he says of this year’s group. “It’s sort of weird being the old guy in the room. We’ve got a good crew that just loves playing ball. It’s definitely a different dynamic with how young we are.”
But now as one of the defensive leaders- he was calling plays for the unit as recently as last week in practice- he’s looking out for the whole unit, too.
“I think the coaches are doing an extremely good job utilizing us in the areas that are our strengths,” he explained. “Really, there are a lot of different strengths that we all have, so you can play us all pretty much wherever, and I think that’s what make this defensive unit special. We have so many guys that can play so many different positions.”
And he says opposing teams will have to worry about far more than just the Cowboys’ obvious A-list superstars.
“I think DA [defensive end Dorance Armstrong]’s going to have a big year for us. He just comes to work every single day, he grinds. He doesn’t say much, but he’s super fun to be around, and he works extremely hard. I think he’s going to be big for us, filling in Randy’s spot. He’s done everything he needs to do to get to this point.”
And as for the Dallas offense, Vander Esch can already attest to one of the young studs he’s gone up against in practice.
“Tyler [Smith, rookie offensive lineman]. I think he’s going to shock a lot of people with how good he is. He’s sneaky good. Like, really, really good.”
And with Vander Esch applying his real-life cowboy code to his football team and riding herd on an up-and-coming defense, he’s hoping to lasso some lofty goals this season, for both himself and the Cowboys.
“I want to have a big year. Obviously play my role and just be an extremely vocal leader, be consistent. Obviously, I want to have an All-Pro season and help this defense go chase that Super Bowl,” he says. “That’s the ultimate goal, is to go get that Super Bowl ring and bring that trophy home to Dallas. We’re going to do everything we can make sure that happens.”
Season 4 debuts September 15th on FX. “All Hell Breaks Loose” in Official Trailer for Atlanta’s Final Season: Watch Wren Graves | 2022-08-02T19:01:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cowboys Wire 1-on-1: Leighton Vander Esch brings real-life cowboy code to Dallas defense as team leader in ’22 | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-wire-1-1-leighton-172037786.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cowboys-wire-1-1-leighton-172037786.html?src=rss |
One sure way to deflect criticism when pressed on any statement, no matter how odious, is to insist that you were only joking Whether you’re a first-grade kid or the President of the United States (there are times when it’s tough to tell the difference), it’s an easy out, albeit with variable effectiveness.
In the case of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, the accusations made against him by former head coach Brian Flores regarding “tanking” (intentionally losing games) for more favorable future draft picks, the NFL decided after a six-month investigation by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White and, a team of lawyers from the Debevoise law firm, that those accusations were without merit. The accusations regarding the Dolphins tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton, however, had merit, and the team has been punished accordingly.
Ross, never one to avoid pressing his luck in the worst possible fashion, immediately went hard with a statement.
Yeah, well, about all that. When you read the NFL’s statement on the tanking allegations closely, it’s clear that it was discussed. From that statement:
“Every club is expected to make a good faith effort to win every game,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the statement. “The integrity of the game, and public confidence in professional football, demand no less. An owner or senior executive must understand the weight that his or her words carry, and the risk that a comment will be taken seriously and acted upon, even if that is not the intent or expectation.
The NFL would rather poke itself in its collective eye with something sharp than fall to any admission about the integrity of the on-field product, and thus, we revert to the “I was just kidding” defense. This was laid out by White and her team, and acknowledged by Goodell, and that was the seeming end of it.
Flores, now the senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had this to say in his own statement:
In February, Flores filed a class-action claim against the Dolphins, claiming racist hiring practices, and he also dropped this bombshell via his legal team:
In January 2022, Mr. Flores, who spent three years as the Head Coach of Defendant Miami Dolphins, Ltd. (the “Dolphins” or “Miami”), found himself without a job. He was fired by the Dolphins after leading the team to its first back-to-back winning seasons since 2003. The purported basis for his termination was alleged poor collaboration. In reality, the writing had been on the wall since Mr. Flores’ first season as Head Coach of the Dolphins, when he refused his owner’s directive to “tank” for the first pick in the draft. Indeed, during the 2019 season, Miami’s owner, Stephen Ross, told Mr. Flores that he would pay him $100,000 for every loss, and the team’s General Manager, Chris Grier, told Mr. Flores that “Steve” was “mad” that Mr. Flores’ success in winning games that year was “compromising [the team’s] draft position.”
Not too different in scope than “One such comment is a claimed offer by Mr. Ross to pay Coach Flores $100,000 to lose games, as to which there are differing recollections about the wording, timing, and context. However phrased, such a comment was not intended or taken to be a serious offer, nor was the subject pursued in any respect by Mr. Ross or anyone else at the club” from the White report.
The NFL is claiming differences in tone and context in this matter, when the truth is, every side has agreed that there were these discussions — thata team owner “expressed his belief that the Dolphins’ position in the upcoming 2020 draft should take priority over the team’s win-loss record.” There is no way to slice and dice such a statement in a way that does not cast serious aspersions upon a team’s intent to win at all times.
Ross’ insistence that he and the Dolphins have been cleared of “all of Brian Flores (sic) allegations” is especially egregious, because the White investigation didn’t even step into the scope of Flores shredding the NFL’s allegedly racist hiring practices. One assumes that the NFL did not include any such investigation in the report, if there has been such an internal investigation, because Flores’ lawsuit is ongoing. In June, the league filed a claim to have Flores’ lawsuit moved to arbitration, which would ostensibly allow the league to avoid a expanded and public discovery process.
At this point, it’s easy to imagine that everyone over at 345 Park Avenue is thinking, the less discovery, the better.
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"I don’t wanna fight anyone in the UK on the street for them coming after my accent," said Henry. | 2022-08-02T19:02:28Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins’ ‘Just kidding!’ defense against tanking allegations is as egregious as it is arrogant | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-just-kidding-defense-against-180315867.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-just-kidding-defense-against-180315867.html?src=rss |
Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton’s scheme is run heavy, and the running backs and tight ends figure to be a key part of the Houston Texans’ offense in 2022.
However, it isn’t just the running backs’ ability to carry the ball that will be key for the offense. According to coach Lovie Smith, the Texans are also looking for their running backs to play a part in the passing game.
“Running backs just in general, we have six that we’re going to play, that we’re playing a lot,” Smith told reporters after the fourth day of training camp practice Tuesday at Houston Methodist Training Center. “They will sort it out. But if you play running back for us, you need to be able to catch the ball on the outside. You need to be able to split out, matchups. It’s a lot easier for a wide receiver or a running back to maneuver in an open field as opposed to coming out of the backfield. That will be a big part of what we’ll be doing.”
David Johnson was the most prolific running back for Houston in the passing game last year as he caught 32 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. Houston won’t have Johnson’s services in 2022, which means there may be more opportunities for Rex Burkhead, who caught 25 passes for 186 yards last year.
Fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce generated 13 rushing touchdowns on 100 carries for Florida, but he was also productive in the passing game with 19 catches for 216 yards and three touchdowns.
One of Dare Ogunbowale’s best seasons as a pass-catching back was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 when he caught 35 passes for 286 yards.
Darius Anderson has been a practice squad member of the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Texans since 2020, but in his final year at TCU, he caught 22 passes for 128 yards.
Royce Freeman’s best season was with the Denver Broncos in 2019 when he hauled in 43 receptions for 256 yards and a touchdown.
In addition to getting the run game going, if the Texans are able to have their backs contribute in the passing game, it should keep the offense diverse and not allow the defense to easily stifle the Texans’ drives. | 2022-08-02T19:03:56Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans coach Lovie Smith expects running backs to contribute in passing game | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-expects-180608794.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-coach-lovie-smith-expects-180608794.html?src=rss |
The team made the announcement Tuesday, two days after Reddick‘s victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
“As a kid growing up in this sport, getting the chance to run a NASCAR Cup Series car is the ultimate dream, especially with a team like Richard Childress Racing that has so much history and success,” Hill said in a team release. “I‘m so thankful that Richard Childress and everyone at RCR have so much faith in me. It will be a learning weekend, for sure, but I‘ve had success at Michigan International Speedway in the past and can‘t wait to take on the track‘s wide, sweeping corners in a NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet.”
Bennett Transportation & Logistics will back Hill‘s entry for his first start in NASCAR‘s top level.
The 28-year-old Hill is a new face in the RCR stable, joining the team for the 2022 season in its No. 21 NASCAR Xfinity Series program. The ascension came after Hill spent four years in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
The Georgia native won his first race with the Childress stable in February at the Daytona opener. He also won at Atlanta and currently sits sixth in the standings, having notched two wins, eight top-five finishes and 13 top 10s in 20 races this year.
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Hill previously won eight Truck Series races during a full-time stint from 2018-21, including a four-win 2019 for team owner Shigeaki Hattori. One of his 2019 victories came at Michigan.
“I want to learn how aggressive all the drivers are on the race track, the moves they make and how they create passes,” Hill said in a Zoom teleconference Tuesday. “I think there‘s gonna be a different view of what I‘ve seen on the Truck side and Xfinity side.”
The No. 33 was last used in the NASCAR Cup Series last season, with Austin Cindric making six starts before joining the Team Penske camp full time this year.
Clint Bowyer drove the number full time for RCR from 2009-2011, notching three wins during that stretch.
“Austin Hill has shown talent in every Series he‘s raced in during his career, so I couldn‘t be more excited to have him behind the wheel of a Cup Series car,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “He‘s having a strong season in the Xfinity Series, and I know he will be just as competitive and eager to learn behind the wheel of a Cup Series car.”
Where does Hill finish in Cup Series debut? - Powered By PickUp
We asked the four candidates six questions about issues facing Wisconsin — including the always controversial question of where "up north" begins. | 2022-08-02T19:18:36Z | sports.yahoo.com | Austin Hill set for Cup Series debut at Michigan in No. 33 RCR Chevrolet | https://sports.yahoo.com/austin-hill-set-cup-series-090114077.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/austin-hill-set-cup-series-090114077.html?src=rss |
RCR tabs Austin Hill for Cup debut at Michigan Winning ways have Richard Childress smiling again Chances dwindling for drivers to earn a spot in the playoff grid
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Robbie Faggart wraps up another Summer Shootout season at Charlotte Motor Speedway
One constant during the Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the past decade has been the presence of veteran Robbie Faggart. A two-time champion of the Masters division, Faggart has served as a veteran presence amongst the young group of drivers, all of whom are attempting to follow the same path as NASCAR Cup […] | 2022-08-02T19:18:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dale Earnhardt Jr. will race at North Wilkesboro Speedway | https://sports.yahoo.com/dale-earnhardt-jr-race-north-145708681.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dale-earnhardt-jr-race-north-145708681.html?src=rss |
Homecoming week for Brad Keselowski comes with some recent signs of encouragement — “a little bit of an upswing,” as he puts it. His first year on the driver-slash-ownership side with RFK Racing has had its share of wild swings with some hits and misses mixed in.
Back in his native state for Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 (3 p.m. ET, USA, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM) at Michigan International Speedway, Keselowski says he hopes to give the home crowd reason to cheer — both for his No. 6 Ford and the No. 17 Mustang of teammate Chris Buescher. Tuesday, he indicated he’s making progress in re-establishing the organization’s place among the NASCAR Cup Series’ perennial powers, but that he also has personal goals for adding to his own legacy behind the wheel.
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“We seem to be getting better every week, and the team’s starting to click and we’re starting to figure out some of the missing pieces,” Keselowski said, noting the speed he and Buescher had last weekend on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. “Michigan is gonna probably be a tough race for us, but I’m looking at Richmond, Watkins Glen, Daytona, and I think we have reason for a lot of optimism and hope. So, we’re gonna give it all we got, and I’m in this for the long haul. I’m 38 years old, and statistically, I’m still a few years from my prime, and I want to keep pushing as hard as I can to get this company to where RFK — both cars, the 6 and the 17 — can win races and contend for championships.
“So we’re heading the right direction, and I think it’ll bear fruit with a little patience. So I appreciate the fans that are sticking with me as we’re turning a new leaf.”
The newness remains, barely more than a year after the announcement in July 2021 that Keselowski would join forces with Hall of Famer Jack Roush’s group. The organization’s name change came later, and RFK Racing made its first on-track splash with a sweep of this year’s Daytona 500 qualifying races.
The splashes have had fewer ripples since, and both drivers need wins to shoehorn their way into the Cup Series Playoffs. Buescher managed to snag his first career pole position earlier this season, but has just six top-10 finishes so far. Keselowski’s total is half that, and his place in the Cup Series standings received a jolt in March with a 100-point penalty for modifications to a single-source part for the Next Gen car model that debuted this year.
That punishment stood alone until a recent spate of infractions emerged after last month’s race at Pocono Raceway, where the top finishing Joe Gibbs Racing entries of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were disqualified. Days later, Michael McDowell’s Front Row Motorsports No. 34 team was added to the offenders’ list with its own 100-point deduction.
Keselowski said he had “a little bit of sense of relief” that the penalties to those teams were treated with similar severity to his team’s case. While he said he had a general understanding of NASCAR’s position with rules enforcement, he advocated for wider, sweeping sanctions for teams that play outside the rule book’s boundaries.
“The reality is that the garage is going through a reset with respect to kind of cutting out the games, and that’s a good thing for us as a sport,” Keselowski said. “I personally think the sport needs more penalties, and that NASCAR needs to be handing them out like candy right now to get control of the garage. Because, you know, we’ve been playing a lot of games for a lot of years, and the games have to stop. The games cost a lot of money. … And so looking at that, the easiest way for NASCAR to stop those expenses is to stop the games.”
MORE: Power Rankings post-Indy
After his team’s own brush with the long arm of NASCAR law, Keselowski said he clamped down. Engineering home-grown parts at great expense was out.
“I know after our issues at Atlanta, we went through our entire company and said no more games,” Keselowski said. “Nothing goes on in these cars, period. And it’s a rapid culture shift and there’s a lot of people inside our own company that didn’t like it, but the reality is NASCAR is setting precedents that needed to be set, that we support being set, that are important to the future of our industry and its viability.”
As for the more immediate outlook, this weekend’s event at Michigan holds extra importance to the sport’s manufacturers, but also to the Rochester Hills-raised Keselowski. The driver-owner is 0-for-24 in Cup Series races held at the 2-mile track, and the prospects for finally scratching the win column there are marked by variables.
Sunday’s 400-miler is the first Michigan race for the Next Gen model, and a Goodyear test there earlier this year prompted a change in approach from the tire supplier. Mix those factors with limited track time in Saturday’s preliminaries and there’s uncertainty aplenty.
“I would say this is about as wild card as a wild card can get this weekend,” Keselowski said. “I don’t know what to tell you to expect with the new car, different tires, very little practice. The one test session there was with a limited amount of cars didn’t go that smoothly so we’ll have to see. I don’t know what to expect. It could be complete and utter chaos. It could be the best race ever. It could be somewhere in between. I don’t know. I think that’s in some ways part of the fun of Next Gen is the complete uncertainty every week, what’s going to happen.”
Where will Keselowski finish in Michigan? - Powered By PickUp
JetBlue stock slips on earnings loss
Yahoo Finance Live anchors discuss second-quarter earnings for JetBlue. | 2022-08-02T19:18:55Z | sports.yahoo.com | Keselowski bullish on RFK Racing's rebuilding efforts: 'I'm in this for the long haul' | https://sports.yahoo.com/keselowski-bullish-rfk-racings-rebuilding-133344595.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/keselowski-bullish-rfk-racings-rebuilding-133344595.html?src=rss |
The Kansas City Chiefs held their second padded training camp practice of the year on Tuesday at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.
This practice was a bit longer and more intense than the first padded practice, as players got a chance to crank up the intensity a bit more than before. The day featured a big-time piece returning to practice and some exciting plays on the defensive side of the ball. We also learned a bit more about where the team stands at some key positions on defense and special teams.
Here’s a look at four of the things we’re taking away from the team’s second padded practice.
Orlando Brown Jr. makes his return to practice
The Chiefs welcomed back their starting left tackle on Tuesday. Orlando Brown Jr. ended his holdout and officially rejoined the team for practice. He wasn’t a full participant and left practice early, but that was planned by the team as they get him acclimated after not participating during the voluntary offseason workout program.
“I was excited to get out there and get some live reps, man,” Brown told reporters. “Obviously, I’ve been doing a ton of stuff, training on my own and stuff like that. It felt good to get out there with the guys.
“I missed a lot of ball up until this point. I miss the locker room, the coaches, everyone here in the building and I know how important this five-day stretch is to Coach Reid and everybody here in Kansas City. It didn’t feel right, sitting at home, missing out on this. It’s just something that I wanted to be a part of, man. I was brought here to help win Super Bowls and this week is very important to our progression.”
Brown Jr.’s first action in camp wasn’t exactly the most encouraging. He participated in individual work, 9-on-7 drills, and 1-on-1 drills. He struggled in this 1-on-1 repetition against Mike Danna, though these drills were never exactly his strong suit.
Chiefs LT Orlando Brown’s first rep in 1 on 1’s pic.twitter.com/DU2jKEJFto
— Steve Walls (@SteveWallsKC) August 2, 2022
That said, Brown Jr. showed up to training camp looking slimmer and he said all of the right things during his post-practice press conference. It’s clear that he values being viewed as a leader. It’s also clear that participating in these practices was something that was important to him.
Linebackers very active in the run game on Tuesday
The Chiefs’ linebacker group probably were the biggest defensive stars for Kansas City during Tuesday’s practice. A trio of players had standout plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Rookie LB Leo Chenal delivered to RB Ronald Jones what was by all accounts, one of the most crushing hits during training camp so far. He was someone who was really excited for the pads to come on and he’s been plugging some holes on defense so far. His performance has been so impressive through two practices that he seems to be earning more and more time with the first-team defense.
Chenal wasn’t the only player to get in on the fun, though. Willie Gay Jr. came crashing through the line of scrimmage to tackle rookie RB Isiah Pacheco for a big loss during team drills. Jermaine Carter Jr. also had a similar play where he met Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the backfield and brought him down for a big loss.
Uncle Dave is rebuilding the special teams group
The Chiefs have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time when it comes to identifying special teams contributors. Dave Toub spoke to the media on Tuesday, explaining that he’s basically starting from scratch with the number of contributors he lost last season.
“You know we lost like six guys,” Toub said. “On special teams, I lost like six four-phase players. So we’ve got to replace them with guys.”
Toub identified eight players who can potentially replace some of those snaps that the team lost. At the same time, he explained that the evaluation process is ongoing and will persist through the final preseason game. The team doesn’t have any live special teams periods for kick and punt coverage during training camp practices. Those specific periods and the players participating need to be evaluated by the team during the course of the preseason.
Jaylen Watson gets run with the first team defense
On Tuesday, the Chiefs changed up their starting rotation at cornerback just a little bit. Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams had been the two rookies getting snaps with the first team defense to this point, but Jaylen Watson got involved in place of Williams during the latest practice. He had an up-and-down day working against some tougher competition.
On one play against WR Mecole Hardman, he went to jam him at the line of scrimmage and missed. On another play during team period, Watson broke up a Patrick Mahomes pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster where he looked like he belonged. Overall, it seems like Kansas City is still working through their cornerback depth and trying to find the right combination of players. | 2022-08-02T20:32:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | 4 takeaways from Day 6 of Chiefs training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-day-6-chiefs-195653783.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/4-takeaways-day-6-chiefs-195653783.html?src=rss |
Still, Hutchinson's first training camp has come with challenges. With two days worth of practice in full pads under his belt, the former Michigan football// standout has been tested. Most of the time, he's passed with flying colors. Other times, there's been a learning curve.
"(That) was something he hadn't seen before," Campbell said. "He's not even thinking about (Hockenson). He's thinking about (how) his rear's up in the air and he's going to his best rush against (Peni Sewell), and all of sudden, it's like 'Whoa.' But, he's not the first one that's happened to as a young guy.
Tyler Mahle, who won't be a free agent until after the 2023 season, had a 5-7 record and a 4.40 ERA in 19 starts this year. | 2022-08-02T20:33:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Detroit Lions' T.J. Hockenson delivers 'welcome to the NFL' moment for Aidan Hutchinson | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-t-j-hockenson-195921222.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/detroit-lions-t-j-hockenson-195921222.html?src=rss |
Following a six-month investigation, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has been suspended and fined $1.5 million for tampering. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)
The league's investigation found the Dolphins did not intentionally lose games during the 2019 season but that the team had impermissible communication with Brady and his and Payton's agent, Don Yee. The league announced the findings of the investigation on Tuesday.
The investigation concluded that the Dolphins violated the league's antitampering policy on three separate occasions. The Dolphins had impermissible communications with Brady as early as August 2019 through the 2020 postseason, while he was under contract to the New England Patriots.
Regarding Flores' allegations that the Dolphins wanted him to “tank” games to secure the top draft pick, investigators said the team didn't intentionally lose and neither Ross nor anyone from the team instructed Flores to lose on purpose. | 2022-08-02T20:33:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Dolphins owner suspended, fined $1.5 million for tampering with Tom Brady, Sean Payton | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-suspended-fined-1-200920259.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-owner-suspended-fined-1-200920259.html?src=rss |
Graham's advice for Sanders in contract year with Eagles originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Brandon Graham has been there before. Heck, now in his 13th season with the Eagles, Graham has been pretty much everywhere before.
Graham played in 2015 without a contract beyond the end of the season, and he did the same thing in 2019.
He ended up re-signing with the Eagles both times, but no player wants to go through that sort of thing.
And B.G. knows how difficult it can be to focus on the present when the future is so uncertain.
You can get caught up worrying about your next contract. You can drive yourself crazy wondering if your current team wants you back. You can find yourself staying up nights wondering if you’ll have to start over in another city.
All these things are understandable, and they’re all distractions that can prevent you from doing your job as well as possible.
Miles Sanders is in that position now. His four-year rookie contract is up after this season, and nobody knows what’s next for the Eagles’ starting running back.
Sanders has said he isn't thinking about the contract — and he is having a very impressive training camp — but Graham's words of wisdom on how to handle this situation are still important.
“You know what, I think it’s just go play,” B.G. said after practice Tuesday. “Go play every day. Take it one day at a time, what’s coming to you is going to come to you, just make sure you don’t do nothing drastic in a temporary situation because those emotions you feel when you hear some of the guys talk about you or uneasy on what your future looks like as an Eagle, you can’t worry about that.
“Because the only thing it’s going to do is turn into a negative if you’re worrying about something you can’t control.”
The Eagles have a number of other prominent players who aren’t signed beyond this year — Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, Jason Kelce, James Bradberry, Isaac Seumalo, Boston Scott, Kyzir White, T.J. Edwards, Anthony Harris, Zach Pascal and Graham himself, among others.
But Sanders seems different, maybe because he’s a young player who was drafted here and because he’s such an emotional guy. He got snippy after reports surfaced that he was practicing with the second team — which he was — and talked over the weekend about not getting the respect that he deserves.
Now, none of that necessarily means he's distracted by his contract status, but any energy that's not being devoted to football is probably wasted energy.
Graham’s advice is to move on.
“With Miles — or whoever is on their contract year — just go out and be your best you,” he said. “Put your best foot forward because what’s coming to you going to come to you and if it’s meant for you it’s going to happen, you’ve just got to make sure you do all you can.
“Put your work in, do your regimen of things and stay off social media if you’re not mature enough to handle what comes with some people that talk.”
Revered in Philadelphia, Dick Vermeil quit coaching and left town before returning to the NFL and completing his Hall of Fame resume in other cities. Vermeil won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams and later coached the Kansas City Chiefs. “The more I was around people in Philadelphia, the more I was given the opportunity to connect with them,” Vermeil said. | 2022-08-02T20:33:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Eagles training camp 2022: Brandon Graham's advice for Miles Sanders | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-brandon-195300622.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-training-camp-2022-brandon-195300622.html?src=rss |
Patriots sign two more safeties to 2022 training camp roster originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
NFL teams still have two weeks until rosters have to be trimmed down from 90 players to 85, so there's plenty of time to bring guys into training camp and assess their fit.
The Patriots reportedly have added safeties Brad Hawkins and Jalen Elliott to their camp roster, ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Tuesday morning.
Hawkins and Elliott were in New England for free agent tryouts earlier in the week.
Hawkins, who's listed at 6-foot-1 and 221 pounds, is a rookie out of Michigan. He tallied 60 tackles, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 14 games for the Wolverines last season.
Elliott was a captain for Notre Dame in 2019 and has spent time on the Detroit Lions' active roster and practice squad over the last two seasons. He played in eight games for the Lions in 2021.
The San Diego Padres acquired superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in one of baseball's biggest deals at the trade deadline, vaulting their postseason chances by adding one of the game's best young hitters. The Padres also obtained first baseman Josh Bell while sending a haul of players to Washington that included rookie left-hander MacKenzie Gore, first baseman/DH Luke Voit and prospects James Wood, C.J. Abrams, Robert Hassell III and Jarlin Susana. | 2022-08-02T20:34:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots sign two more safeties to 2022 training camp roster | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-sign-two-more-safeties-193544580.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-sign-two-more-safeties-193544580.html?src=rss |
Following the departure of Darious Williams in free agency earlier this offseason, the Los Angeles Rams had an inexperienced cornerback group behind Jalen Ramsey. But during the 2022 NFL draft, the Rams traded for a familiar face in Troy Hill, whose maturity has impressed Raheem Morris in training camp thus far.
“He’s a real calming figure, another calming figure in that room. He’s poised. He’s a pro. I just complimented him today on how well he’s matured in the National Football League, coming from where he came from coming into this league, how he got here, going through the growing pains of a young player and maturing and watching how mature he is now, how he moves,” Morris said. “He’s an example. When you have those kind of stories as a credit to the guys that coached him before. Whether it be (Ejiro) Evero, whether it be Aubrey (Pleasant), whether it be (Jonathan) Cooley or whether it be any of the guys that’s coached him in that room or any of the coaches that he had. That’s certainly a credit to what he’s been able to do in his career.”
Hill began his career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015 as an undrafted cornerback out of Oregon. After a one-year stint with the Bengals, Hill would spend five seasons with the Rams through the 2020 campaign.
Back in 2016, Hill was arrested for a DUI, prompting the Rams to release him. Los Angeles would proceed to re-sign him to their practice squad after his release, giving him another opportunity. Then, before the 2017 season began, Hill was suspended two games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Hill would put his past mistakes behind him in 2020 with the Rams, putting together his best season, tallying 77 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions in 16 starts. His performance in 2020 would lead to him signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2021, but he’ll now be returning to Los Angeles to provide versatility alongside Ramsey.
Even though Morris hasn’t gotten a chance to coach Hill until this year, he’s been impressed with the growth that he’s shown since entering the league in 2015. While Hill should bring solid production to the cornerback position, Morris is excited to add his leadership and professional traits to the locker room.
PATRICK TONEY: Appreciate y'all having me. Q. First question, Trey Dean has always been a guy with tremendous ability, but it just seems that it's never been harnessed. What have you seen from Trey Dean starting in spring practice and then in the development in these months since then? | 2022-08-02T20:34:38Z | sports.yahoo.com | Raheem Morris praises Troy Hill for how much he’s matured in the NFL | https://sports.yahoo.com/raheem-morris-praises-troy-hill-193049452.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/raheem-morris-praises-troy-hill-193049452.html?src=rss |
The 2021 campaign was both promising and frustrating for Jonathan Greenard.
The former 2020 third-round pick from Florida transitioned from playing as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme to a down lineman in Lovie Smith’s Tampa 2 with a 4-3 base. As a defensive end, Greenard flourished with 8.0 sacks in his second season.
However, those sacks came in 12 games; the Houston Texans’ leading sacker missed five games on the year. Certainly Greenard would have been able to generate more sacks in those missing contests and become the first Houston defender since J.J. Watt in 2018 to record double-digit sacks.
Greenard also would have been one of 18 defenders last season to record double-digit sacks. Consider that only three of the 17 who did so failed to make the Pro Bowl.
The missed opportunities for Greenard were frustrating, especially as he recovered from offseason foot surgery.
“I had to let it go because at the end of the day I was just trying to make sure that — I don’t like living with regrets because if I sat down and thought about that, it would be pointless,” Greenard told reporters after the fourth day of training camp Tuesday at Houston Methodist Training Center. ‘I have a season to worry about next year.”
Greenard’s third season is pivotal as it is the penultimate year of his contract. The Texans and Greenard cannot discuss contract negotiations until the end of the season. Greenard can give himself decent leverage for contract talks if he has double-digit sacks and a Pro Bowl selection to bring to the negotiating table.
“I’m going it continue to work on myself and what I can handle, what I can control,” said Greenard. “My number one goal is making it through 17 games and being there for my team every single game.”
Greenard is anything but injury prone. In his rookie season, he played 13 games out of 16 and logged one start. | 2022-08-02T20:34:57Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans DE Jonathan Greenard let go of missed opportunities in 2021 | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jonathan-greenard-let-missed-200130272.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-jonathan-greenard-let-missed-200130272.html?src=rss |
Tom Brady and Sean Payton are not subject to discipline for tampering originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
The NFL’s suspension and $1.5 million fine of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has significant ramifications for Brian Flores’ race discrimination lawsuit against the NFL. The league’s decision came in response to investigative findings made by former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White, and the suspension will sideline the billionaire owner through Oct. 17. White, a […] | 2022-08-02T20:35:09Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tom Brady and Sean Payton are not subject to discipline for tampering | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-sean-payton-not-193736509.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tom-brady-sean-payton-not-193736509.html?src=rss |
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills is drawing attention through the first four days of training camp.
The Texans are giving the former 2021 third-rounder from Stanford a shot to win the starting quarterback job and lead the team under center for the 2022 campaign. Mills will get to determine by his own play whether or not the Texans keep searching for answers at field general.
Mills joined “Good Morning Football” on NFL Network Tuesday to talk about training camp thus far and some of the storylines surrounding the team. Mills’ mustache was still present, which means no decision has been made yet on when to shave it.
Here are the highlights from the interview.
Why should we be talking about Davis Mills and what he can do down the stretch for the Texans?
davis-mills-texans-offense-change-identities-couple-times
“Just extremely confident how I ended last year,” Mills said. “I thought we ended up playing our best football near the end of last season. Tried to carry that momentum into this season. Got valuable time in with my receivers, tight ends, and pass-catchers. I think we kind of hit the stride running throughout training camp and OTAs. We’re really fired up for what we can do this year.”
What can you tell us about Lovie Smith? Why do you have his vote as captain? What makes him a perfect fit for the Texans?
texans-kamu-grugier-hill-lovie-smith-same-ole-head-coach
“It’s been awesome having Lovie step up into the new role as head coach,” Mills said. “That was last season. As the quarterback, you don’t really crossover too much with the defensive coordinator, so, it’s nice being able to get more time with Lovie. I think his resume shows from the past how much success he’s had. I think our team fully trusts and believes in him. I’m excited for what he can do and lead us to this upcoming season.”
Do you have memories of Lovie Smith when he coached the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006?
“I do,” said Mills. “I think they played the [Indianapolis] Colts. I was at my friend’s house for a birthday party and there was a cake, I believe, where there was half Colts and half Bears for his Super Bowl party, and I think I chose the Bears at that time. But that’s funny. I have memories from that Super Bowl cake.”
Can you talk about the vibes in Houston? How does this year feel different?
“It feels a lot different,” Mills said. “Obviously, I mean, the team kind of had a sense of what we were able to do at the end of last season, and we brought in some new pieces this offseason that are able to contribute in a big way. I think we have a lot of leaders in the locker room who have stepped up and changed the vibe and leading everyone in the right direction. So, I mean, everyone is extremely optimistic and confident, and we’re ready, biting at the bit to go out there on Sundays for our first chance.”
How has CB Derek Stingley looked?
“I mean, he came in and put his head down and is ready to work,” Mills said. “It’s tough, especially as a rookie, to be drafted that high and all those expectations. But I think he’s handled it in an amazing way. He just comes down. I think what I’ve heard from a lot of the DB room he asked a ton of questions and is trying to get better each and every day. I mean, I’m excited to see what he can do. He’s already proved a lot. He has a ton of talent. I’m waiting to see show out at this next level.”
How much responsibility comes with the role of being 'the guy' in year two?
davis-mills-acknowledges-texans-belief-stresses-prove-it
“I mean, it’s a huge responsibility,” said Mills. “You got a lot of people counting on you. It’s also very humbling. I mean, I’ve been dreaming about this position and being in this position since I was six years old as a kid when I started playing football. So, I’m very grateful for that, but I got a lot of teammates counting on me and I’m trying to do my best every single day to get to work and show them that I’m in the position and they can count on me.”
Is there anyone in the locker room that helped you when you were a rookie?
texans-training-camp-davis-mills-drag-route-brandin-cooks
“The main one I can think of is Brandin Cooks,” Mills said. “He’s always been an amazing leader and he’s always been one of those guys who when people say he’s a true pro’s pro, they’re talking about Brandin. He comes in every day with the same demeanor and has a routine where he’s never going to let one thing be the blame for how he’s going to play. He’s just going to go out there and put everything to his best ability to become the best player he is. He’s allowing that to rub off on different players in the rest of our locker room, and I think he’s been a great part of how I’ve transitioned into the NFL and ready for this role.”
Who was the QB you idolized growing up?
nfl-week-4-texans-100-colts
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
“I think growing up it was a combination of three guys,” Mills said. “It was Andrew Luck, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers. And I think all of them had small pieces of their game that I was trying to emulate and trying to pick apart their best features and try to piece them together to see what I could add to myself and what I could do to go out there and become a better player. But I think the main one was probably Andrew Luck, and it was probably one of the reasons I ended up choosing Stanford for college.” | 2022-08-02T20:35:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | WATCH: Texans QB Davis Mills joins ‘Good Morning Football’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-191350159.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-texans-qb-davis-mills-191350159.html?src=rss |
The Athletic’s G. Allen Taylor published what the Gators need in order to finish in the top 10 nationally in the 2023 recruiting class.
The Gators got some much-needed recruiting momentum after a fantastic weekend that saw four different four-stars announce their commitment to the Orange and Blue, launching the Gators to No. 12 nationally on 247Sports and No. 13 nationally on On3.
In order for Billy Napier to show the fan base that this new era of Florida football will place an emphasis on recruiting, he’ll have to keep this momentum going into the fall and the early signing period in December.
Taylor sorted the players Florida needs to launch into that top-10 stratospheres based on position. The list of players is as follows.
Defensive Line (Need: 2)
Kelby Collins (Gardendale, Alabama), four-star, No. 71
Jordan Hall (Jacksonville, Florida), four-star, No. 120
Will Norman (Bradenton, Florida), four-star, No. 143
Kamran James (Orlando, Florida), four-star, No. 188
Offensive Line (Need: 2)
OT Monroe Freeling (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina), four-star, No. 62
OT Caden James (New Orleans, Louisiana), three-star, No. 407
OT Zalance Heard (Monroe, Louisiana), four-star, No. 60
Linebacker (Need: 2)
Kaveion Keys (Richmond, Virginia), four-star, No. 315
Stanquan Clark (Miami, Florida), four-star, No. 318
Malik Bryant (Orlando, Florida), four-star, No. 61 [Miami commit]
Grayson Howard (Jacksonville, Florida), four-star, No. 221 [South Carolina commit]
Jaden Robinson (Lake City, Florida), four-star, No. 379 [South Carolina commit]
Cornerback (Need: 1)
Cormani McClain (Lakeland, Florida), five-star, No. 3
Dijon Johnson (Tampa, Florida), four-star, No. 93
EDGE (Need: 1)
Jaquavious Russaw (Montgomery, Alabama), five-star, No. 26
Samuel M’Pemba (Bradenton, Florida), five-star, No. 25
Daniel Harris (Melbourne, Florida), three-star, No. 434
Keon Keeley (Tampa, Florida), five-star, No. 8 [Notre Dame commit]
Safety (Need: 1)
Bryce Thornton (Alpharetta, Georgia), three-star, No. 494
Running Back (Need: 1)
Cedric Baxter (Orlando, Florida), four-star, No. 48
Christopher Johnson (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), four-star, No. 376
Parker Jenkins (Houston, Texas), four-star, No. 388
Mark Fletcher (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), four-star, No. 232
Wide Receiver (Need:0)
Daquayvious Sorey (Chipley, Florida), four-star, No. 229
It’s important to note that the recruits listed are all players that the Gators are devoting their attention too, not just players Taylor thinks they should go after. Most notably, the quarterback position is absent from the list. That’s because there are six quarterbacks on the roster, all of which are either freshman or sophomores.
If Napier wants to set the tone for his program’s future by having his first full recruiting cycle result in a top ten finish, he’ll need to take his already great recruiting class and make it even better.
MLB trade deadline 2022: Juan Soto traded to Padres, Twins add pitching, latest rumors and news | 2022-08-02T20:35:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | What Florida needs for a top-10 2023 recruiting class, per The Athletic | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-needs-top-10-2023-195653893.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-needs-top-10-2023-195653893.html?src=rss |
A little more than four months after Brandon Drury signed with the Cincinnati Reds on a minor league contract, he was on the verge of being traded to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday for 18-year-old shortstop prospect Victor Acosta, a source confirmed to The Enquirer.
He was a prime trade candidate because he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Reds General Manager Nick Krall said Monday contract extension talks weren't on the table, which made it even more likely he would be traded.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Brandon Drury (22) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a go-ahead solo home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, July 31, 2022, Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Now Drury will join a Padres lineup that added Juan Soto in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Nationals earlier Tuesday.
Acosta is ranked No. 11 in the Padres' farm system by Baseball America, signing for $1.8 million as an international free agent. Listed at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, the switch-hitter is batting .243 with two homers, three doubles and 11 RBI in 32 games in the rookie-level complex league. He has a .346 on-base percentage with 16 walks to 30 strikeouts, and he's stolen five bases in 12 attempts.
Baseball America wrote in its scouting report: "Acosta has a loud mix of tools and athleticism to dream on. Though he’s 5-foot-11, he has plenty of twitch and strength in his compact build." He's viewed as a fast runner with a chance to be an above-average hitter with above-average power, and he has the arm to remain at shortstop.
He made the Reds’ Opening Day roster because Donovan Solano injured his hamstring during spring training. He delivered the game-deciding home run in the Reds’ season-opening win over the Atlanta Braves and never looked back.
Drury transformed into a player who hit in the second-hole of the Reds' lineup and nearly made the All-Star team. Tuesday's trade represents one of Krall's biggest roster building wins of the season, turning a minor league signing into a legitimate prospect.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds trade Brandon Drury to Padres for shortstop prospect | 2022-08-02T21:33:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cincinnati Reds trade infielder Brandon Drury to Padres for prospect Victor Acosta | https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-infielder-brandon-205057632.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-infielder-brandon-205057632.html?src=rss |
With two of the best pitchers available on the trade market, the Cincinnati Reds opted to boost their farm system. The Reds traded right-handed starting pitcher Tyler Mahle to the Minnesota Twins for a group of three prospects Tuesday afternoon.
The prospects include infielder Spencer Steer, left-hander Steven Hajjar and third baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Steer is the headliner, rated No. 4 in the Twins' organization by Baseball America. Hajjar is rated No. 11 and Encarnacion-Strand is ranked No. 14.
Brandon Drury trade: Reds trade infielder to Padres for prospect Victor Acosta
Steer had a .269 batting average and a .361 on-base percentage in 83 games between Double-A and Triple-A this year with 23 doubles, 20 homers and 62 RBI. The 24-year-old has experience at shortstop, third base and second base, and he’s known for his contact-oriented approach with 42 walks to 66 strikeouts.
Hajjar, a 21-year-old listed at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, had a 2.47 ERA in 12 starts at Single-A with 71 strikeouts and 22 walks in 43 2/3 innings. Opposing hitters have a .168 batting average against him.
Encarnacion-Strand, 22, was batting .302 with 25 doubles, 25 homers and 85 RBI in 87 games between High-A and Double-A. He's a 6-foot, 224-pound right-handed hitter with a .374 on-base percentage.
As a result from the Gray and Mahle trades, the Reds picked up the Twins' first-round pick (Petty), second-round pick (Hajjar) and fourth-round pick (Encarnacion-Strand) from the 2021 MLB Draft. | 2022-08-02T21:33:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cincinnati Reds trade pitcher Tyler Mahle to Minnesota Twins for three prospects | https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-pitcher-tyler-200107407.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cincinnati-reds-trade-pitcher-tyler-200107407.html?src=rss |
Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick suffered a season-ending ACL injury during Tuesday’s practice, KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis first reported on Twitter. That report has since been confirmed by multiple media outlets.
Patrick suffered the non-contact injury after making a catch at practice. He is now set to be placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for the entire 2022 season.
Patrick just signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with Denver last fall after catching 104 passes for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns from 2021-2022. He emerged as one of the team’s most reliable receivers over the last two seasons.
Patrick had been set to serve as the team’s No. 2 receiver this season across from Courtland Sutton.
With Patrick sidelined, the Broncos’ remaining top receivers are Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and Montrell Washington. The list of receivers competing for the final WR spots on the roster includes Kendall Hinton, Tyrie Cleveland, Seth Williams and Brandon Johnson.
The 19 Most Underrated Netflix Shows, from ‘Midnight Mass’ to ‘Daybreak’
Even though Batgirl is in the final stages of post-production, Deadline has confirmed that Warner Bros. and DC Films will not be releasing the movie on any platform, including theatrically. This falls in line with the mandate put down by the new WB regime to cut back on the feature films premiering on the streamer […] | 2022-08-02T22:04:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffers season-ending ACL injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-tim-patrick-suffered-205710676.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/broncos-wr-tim-patrick-suffered-205710676.html?src=rss |
Deebo Samuel loves 49ers, will leave tumultuous offseason behind him
Deebo 'happy' with 49ers, leaving tumultuous offseason in past originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- It might have taken a while to get here, but now all is right between versatile All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the 49ers.
The 49ers and Samuel on Monday finalized a contract extension through the 2025 season. The deal is scheduled to pay him more than $70 million with a signing bonus of $24 million.
“Besides the money, I just love the game,” Samuel said in his first Q&A session with reporters since the end of last season. “I love being out here. I love this team, coaching staff, and what we have here as an organization.”
Those feelings did not always appear to be the case this offseason.
Samuel removed all references to the 49ers from his social media accounts early in the offseason. That was the first indication Samuel was experiencing discontent with the organization.
At some point, Samuel requested a trade. The news broke just a week before the NFL Draft. But when the first round of the draft came and went, it became apparent that Samuel was going nowhere.
Samuel dispelled one assumption that was often repeated during the offseason months. He said he never had a problem being used in a multi-faceted role.
In the 49ers’ playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, Samuel approached coach Kyle Shanahan and requested to have his number called on a run play after a turnover. On the next play, he took the ball 26 yards for a touchdown.
Several weeks later, at the Pro Bowl, Samuel told sideline reporter Lisa Salters that he likes the “wide back” role because he can get the football in his hands more often.
When asked Monday whether any of his issues with the team stemmed from wanting fewer touches while lined up in the backfield, Samuel answered, “That’s false.”
He continued, “There were a lot of things that came out that I wanted to speak on, but at the end of the day, I wasn’t allowed to. You can turn on the tape. Go back to the Cowboys game; it kind of shows what kind of player I am. Also, you can turn on the Pro Bowl tape what I said about being a wide back. I don’t mind doing whatever it takes for this team to win.”
Samuel caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season. After injuries in the 49ers’ backfield created a void, Samuel stepped in and rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.
“I’m a team-first player,” Samuel said. “I remember Kyle coming to me and, ‘Yo, Deebo, you mind running the ball a little bit this week?’ I was like, ‘You know me, at the end of the day, it’s whatever it takes.’ I’m pretty good with the ball in my hands, and he figured out ways to do it.
“We just excelled and week-by-week, it just got better.”
Samuel now has the security of a multi-year contract. He is paid among the top receivers in the league.
But there was a time around the NFL Draft when it seemed like it could have gone either way.
“Do I regret requesting a trade?” said Samuel, repeating a question asked of him.
“At the end of the day, this is a business and we came to a decision. I’m here, and I’m happy to be here, and it is what it is.” | 2022-08-02T22:04:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel loves 49ers, will leave tumultuous offseason behind him | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-loves-49ers-leave-205631160.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-loves-49ers-leave-205631160.html?src=rss |
Deebo Samuel didn’t mince words in his press conference Tuesday. The recently-extended wide receiver was asked about offseason reports that his trade request came as a result of displeasure with his role. His response was straightforward.
“That’s false,” Samuel said. “There’s a lot of things that came out that I want to speak on, but at the end of the day I wasn’t allowed to. I mean, you can turn on the tape and go back to the Cowboys game. It kind of shows what kind of player I am. And also, I mean, you can go turn on the Pro Bowl tape and like, what I said about being a wideback, I don’t mind doing whatever it takes for this team to win.”
In that Cowboys game Samuel told head coach Kyle Shanahan he wanted the ball after an interception by cornerback K’Waun Williams. Shanahan called a handoff to Samuel on the next play and the receiver took in for a touchdown.
Then in an interview at the Pro Bowl told Lisa Salters he liked playing wideback because, “I can get the ball. That’s what I really like, the ball in my hands all the time.”
There’s no stipulations restricting usage in Samuel’s contract, and neither Shanahan nor general manager John Lynch have indicated usage was ever an issue in contract talks. The 49ers will reward Samuel for rushing production via incentives in his deal, but there’s no reason to believe the contract was contingent on those $650,000 per year.
Samuel last season posted 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, including 365 rushing yards on 59 carries with eight touchdowns on the ground. It was the most unique season by a wide receiver in history, and the 49ers and Samuel both seem ready for him to replicate those numbers in 2022.
49ers don't need RB role from Deebo Samuel to maximize value
How does Arkansas replace a top talent in Jaylin Williams? Eric Musselman has a few ideas. | 2022-08-02T22:04:48Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel on reports he was unhappy with his role: ‘That’s false’ | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-reports-unhappy-role-213010205.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-reports-unhappy-role-213010205.html?src=rss |
After suffering a non-contact injury at training camp on Tuesday, an MRI confirmed that Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick suffered a torn ACL that will cost him the 2022 season.
Mike Klis, who covers the Broncos for 9 News in Denver, reported on the result of the MRI Tuesday afternoon:
This is now the third Broncos receiver to suffer a torn ACL in recent years. Courtland Sutton suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, and K.J. Hamler tore an ACL in Week 3 of the 2021 campaign. Hamler recently opened up about his mental health struggles in the aftermath of his injury and losing his grandmother late last year.
The Capitals revamped their goaltending. How much of an improvement was it?
(all amounts in US dollars, unless otherwise noted) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (“Ero” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. Management will host a conference call tomorrow, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the results. Dial-in details for the call can be found near the end of this press release. HIGHLIG | 2022-08-02T22:05:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Denver Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffers torn ACL | https://sports.yahoo.com/denver-broncos-wr-tim-patrick-210450083.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/denver-broncos-wr-tim-patrick-210450083.html?src=rss |
So, it is true.
While he was trying to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back to the Super Bowl last season, Tom Brady was also having private discussions with the Miami Dolphins about life after the 2021 football season.
Those discussions centered around Brady potentially becoming part-owner of the franchise, but also included the possibility of him playing for the team.
This all according to an investigation by the NFL, which found the Dolphins to have violated the league’s tampering rules by having “impermissible” contact with both Brady and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, in an effort to lure both to the franchise.
Miami’s attempts to do so failed, and instead earned them a laundry list of penalties, which where handed down by the league Tuesday. Among other things, the Dolphins have been docked their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and their third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
While it would be understandable for Bucs fans to be miffed at Brady for spending valuable time and energy late last season having discussions with another NFL team, especially considering their early playoff exit, this doesn’t look like a case of the GOAT cheating on his team.
Brady has long been preparing for life after football, as is evidenced by the growth of his many business ventures in recent years, and his increased public presence as an ambassador for his brands. Much like his potential move to the booth for Fox Sports whenever he happens to retire, the fact that Brady was discussing the potential to own a piece of an NFL franchise whenever he hung up his cleats shouldn’t come as some nefarious shock.
As to the idea that Brady might end up playing for the Dolphins after becoming part of the ownership group, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington broke down why that idea was extremely far-fetched:
Because of the potential salary cap implications, I'd previously dug into this at one point with the NFL. They told me for Brady to own part of the team — and also play for the team — it would have needed to go to a vote of all owners.
Per the league: "Current policy stipulates that a current player or coach could have a financial interest in his or her club but only under an agreement affirmed by a vote of the 32 teams. Among the considerations could be salary cap implications."
In other words… imagine this: Brady buys a piece of the team. He comes out of retirement and wiggles out of Bucs contract. Next? Kraft… Glazers… the AFC East owners… all have to vote to allow him to play in Miami. Now THAT would be an owners' meeting worth attending.
Considering all those factors, it seems much more plausible that the idea of Brady being an owner/player for the Dolphins was a pie-in-the-sky dream for the team, instead of a reality the quarterback himself was pushing for, let alone something that ever would have become a reality.
It makes plenty of sense that the Dolphins would have wanted Brady to be their quarterback, while being part-owner. It makes far less sense that Brady wouldn’t have realized how unrealistic of a scenario that was, and instead was merely putting more potential ducks in a row in terms of his post-playing business life.
Back in June, Brady was asked about the rumors that he had been in contact with the Dolphins, and while he didn’t specifically deny anything, he made it clear that any “conversations” that were had pertained to his plans after football, rather than any plans to keep playing elsewhere (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine):
Tom Brady was asked in June if he ever had conversations with the Dolphins about joining their organization in any capacity. He did not deny it but reaffirmed his commitment to the Bucs. pic.twitter.com/HLbQjlEWQf
So, while it makes for a more juicy story to think that Brady was just fed up with Bruce Arians and wanted to go play somewhere else, the reality still appears to be that Brady was interested in an ownership role with the Dolphins after his playing days were over.
And while the Dolphins might have had delusions of grandeur regarding his potential to be their quarterback, that would have been nearly impossible to pull off, and there’s still no hard evidence that Brady was even interested in that kind of scenario.
We’ll never know what would have happened, but Bucs fans can at least rest easy knowing that here in reality, Brady is still their quarterback for at least one more year, giving them another legitimate shot at the Lombardi Trophy.
Meanwhile, for what feels like the millionth time, the Dolphins came for Tom Brady and lost. | 2022-08-02T22:05:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | What Dolphins’ tampering case says (and doesn’t say) about Tom Brady, Bucs | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tampering-case-says-doesn-214710160.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dolphins-tampering-case-says-doesn-214710160.html?src=rss |
Like the audacity of throwing anyone under the bus you deem to be in your way as you accumulate obscene amounts of wealth.
The audacity of selling yourself as a champion of racial equality while hosting big-money fundraisers for the most outwardly racist president in decades.
The audacity of smearing anyone else in an effort to keep your own hide clean.
The audacity of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
On Tuesday, the NFL announced the findings of its six-month investigation into allegations of tampering and tanking, both levied by former Miami head coach Brian Flores as part of his groundbreaking class-action suit against the Dolphins and the NFL, and the findings were not pretty.
In a statement, the league confirmed that Ross and his vice chairman, Bruce Beal, tampered with Tom Brady not once but twice — throughout the 2019 season, when Brady was still under contract with the New England Patriots and then again in early 2022 when Brady was contracted with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFL found they also engaged in talks with head coach Sean Payton while he was still with the New Orleans Saints.
A quote from commissioner Roger Goodell said they were “tampering violations of an unprecedented scale. I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and a star player, to the potential detriment of multiple other clubs, over a period of several years. Similarly, I know of no prior instance in which ownership was so directly involved in the violations.”
For a group that fiercely protects its own (maybe you’ve heard of Daniel Snyder and the numerous allegations against him), Goodell’s words are significant.
As for the tanking charge? The NFL did Ross a massive favor, which is no big surprise. Because again, he’s a team owner.
After writing that yes, Ross repeatedly said that the Dolphins’ 2020 draft position should take precedence over its 2019 win-loss record, and that yes, Ross may have offered Flores $100,000 per loss as Flores claimed, the NFL said it wasn’t intended to be a serious offer.
A mere joke. A ha-ha. A little funny from Ross, because who doesn’t joke about giving people money to fail?
Thanks to Ross’ actions, Miami has been docked its 2023 first-round draft pick, a third-round pick in 2024, and Ross is suspended from the team until mid-October.
And yet — and yet! — what did the statement attributed to Ross and distributed by the Dolphins after this announcement say?
Did it say “I’m sorry for embarrassing the team’s fans”? Did it say “In pursuit of winning, I clearly went too far”?
Stephen Ross had the audacity to try to smear the Black guy. Again.
Regardless of how team owner Stephen Ross characterized it, Brian Flores refused to let his Miami Dolphins perform like they were more worried about draft position than winning. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
“The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues related to tanking and all of Brian Flores’ other allegations,” it began. “As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious and defamatory.”
"Malicious," you say?
Like firing the winningest coach your franchise has had under your ownership, and then making sure to tell the media he was “very difficult to work with” as you kicked him out the door? And then on Tuesday roping that same man into your statement when you were punished for your many misdeeds?
That sounds "malicious."
In fact, Mr. Ross, it was Flores’ integrity that probably kept you from getting in even more trouble.
In Goodell’s own words, “Coach Flores is to be commended for not allowing any comments about the relative importance of draft position to affect his commitment to win throughout the season.”
Lest anyone forget, the 2019 Dolphins lost their first two games by a combined score of 102-10, dropped to 0-7 by Halloween and still finished 5-11.
Brian Flores saved your tail, Mr. Ross.
He refused to lose games on purpose. He refused to be part of your campaign to sign Brady when it was clearly tampering and against league rules. Flores is smart enough to know that had Miami been caught in the moment, you, Mr. Ross, would have likely had the audacity to blame him for it, and we see now that almost certainly would have been the case.
You know what else takes audacity? Refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement that will pay you millions in exchange for your silence, and filing a lawsuit against one of the most popular institutions in the country to expose its institutionalized racism because you refuse to just go along and be the polite Black man they want you to be, showing up for interviews when you know you have no chance of getting the job in the hopes that some day maybe it will be real and you’ll get the chance you’ve long since earned.
That kind of audacity also requires integrity. Brian Flores has it. Even Roger Goodell recognized it.
Stephen Ross, as he showed on Tuesday, certainly does not. | 2022-08-02T22:05:32Z | sports.yahoo.com | Instead of further lambasting Brian Flores, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross should be thanking him | https://sports.yahoo.com/instead-of-further-lambasting-brian-flores-dolphins-owner-stephen-ross-should-be-thanking-him-215233562.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/instead-of-further-lambasting-brian-flores-dolphins-owner-stephen-ross-should-be-thanking-him-215233562.html?src=rss |
The NFL comes at you quick. In 2017, Carson Wentz was having an MVP-level season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He then suffered a gruesome injury that knocked him out for the rest of the season. The Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl without Wentz and he was never able to regain his footing in Philadelphia. His play slipped and a few years later, he was out of town. After a failed season with the Colts last year, Wentz is now on his third team in three years.
The Washington Commanders have been looking for an answer at the quarterback position for years. Their desperation has led them to Wentz. Both parties need each other. Washington would love average or better play at the quarterback position. Wentz would love to be a part of a franchise that actually wants him long term. Wentz might be running out of opportunities if this one doesn't work out.
In 2020, seven wins was enough for Washington to win the NFC East. They won seven games again last season, but it wasn't nearly enough to compete with the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. While the record might have been the same, it was obvious the team was a bit off. The defense was nowhere near as good. Currently injured Chase Young should be ready to go a few weeks into the season. On the offensive side, Wentz should be an upgrade to Taylor Heinicke.
Washington should be competitive, but they certainly have their issues and question marks. Yahoo's Frank Schwab ranks them 23rd in his preseason power rankings. That's a ranking that suggests that while the team isn't a tire-fire, the playoffs would be a surprise and successful season. The betting market seems to agree with that kind of outlook.
Washington is an underdog to make the playoffs
The Washington Commanders went 7-10 in 2021. It was the second straight season the organization won seven games. Miraculously, that was enough to win the division in 2020, but that miracle didn't repeat itself last season. Seven wins looks a lot less ugly and feels a lot less disappointing when it leads to a division crown.
Despite back-to-back seven win seasons, oddsmakers have set Washington's win-total for this upcoming season at 8.5 wins. This line is up from earlier in the offseason, when Washington opened with a win total of 7.5 games. While the win total might feel a little high, 65% of bets and 64% of the money is backing Washington to win nine or more games this season.
Washington is currently a +150 underdog to make the playoffs in 2022. Those odds suggest the Commanders make the playoffs 40% of the time. While that number might not be as high as you want it to be, it's certainly not a small probability. According to the betting odds, the Commanders will compete with teams like the Vikings (-105 to make the playoffs), Cardinals (+120) and New Orleans (+135) to make the playoffs in the NFC. Washington is +325 to be a wild card team, which seems like the most likely path for the Commanders.
The Commanders are +500 to win the NFC East. Those are the third best odds in the division behind the Cowboys and Eagles. Washington is a +160 underdog to finish in a top-2 spot in the division. According to the betting odds, the Commanders are the team most likely to finish third in the NFC East.
Commanders are a Super Bowl long shot
The Washington Commanders are 66-to-1 to win the Super Bowl in 2022. Those are the 22nd best odds in football. Washington might be one of the last teams on the list before you get to "lighting your money on fire" territory.
At 66-to-1, the Commanders are just behind teams like the Raiders, Vikings, Patriots and Saints. They're ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's not the most ideal company, but these are teams that either made the playoffs last year or are expected to compete for the playoffs this upcoming season. The price feels about right for Washington.
The Commanders are 30-to-1 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Those odds are just behind Minnesota and New Orleans and ahead of the Giants and Bears.
Washington player awards and props
What do the awards markets and listed player props think about some of Washington's top players?
It was just five years ago that Carson Wentz looked like he was going to run away with the MVP for the Eagles. But as we discussed, things change quickly. In his first year with the Commanders, Wentz is 80-to-1 to win NFL MVP. Those are the same odds as Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields. Whether it's mental or physical, Wentz hasn't been able to replicate 2017. However, we've seen him do it which will always add some kind of mystique or appeal to Wentz.
Wentz is 50-to-1 to lead the league in passing yards and 66-to-1 to lead the league in passing touchdowns. He finished 18th and 10th in those two categories last year, respectively. Wentz is 25-to-1 to lead the league in interceptions. He had just seven last season.
The over/under for passing yards for Wentz this season is set at 3549.5 yards. Wentz beat this number by just 14 yards last season. Overall, he's gone over in three of six seasons during his career. His touchdown number is set at 23.5 passing touchdowns. He threw 27 last season.
Carson Wentz is on his third NFL team in three years. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, it looks like Chase Young might not be quite ready to start this upcoming season. He might just miss a week or two, but there's also been talk about him opening the season on the PUP list, which would require a four-game absence. However, despite the health concerns, the betting market is high on the third-year edge rusher out of Ohio State.
Chase Young is 25-to-1 to win defensive player of the year. Those odds are tied with Khalil Mack for seventh best odds. He's 40-to-1 to lead the league in sacks, and his over/under for sacks is set at eight. It's very hard to bet those numbers without knowing how many games he will miss at the start. His injury has also made him a contender for comeback player of the year. Young is 16-to-1 to win Comeback Player of the Year, tied for the ninth best odds with J.K. Dobbins.
Terry McLaurin was paid this past offseason, and Washington is expecting a big year from their No. 1 receiver. He's 50-to-1 to lead the league in receiving yards, tied for the 23rd best odds with names like Amari Cooper and Michael Pittman Jr. McLaurin's reception prop is set at 74.5 receptions. He had 77 last year, and his career average is 74. His over/under for receiving yards is set at 999.5 yards. He had 1053 yards last season and has eclipsed 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. His receiving touchdown line is set at 6.5 touchdowns. He had five last season and has 16 scores over three seasons.
Despite bringing back J.D. McKissic and drafting Brian Robinson, it appears that Antonio Gibson will enter the season as the No. 1 option in the Washington backfield. He's 16-to-1 to lead the league in rushing yards, tied for the seventh best odds with Najee Harris. He finished sixth last season. Gibson's over/under for rushing yards is set at 799.5. He eclipsed 1,000 last season.
Other Commanders odds
Jahan Dotson is 18-to-1 to win offensive rookie of the year. The first-round pick out of Penn State has the 14th best odds, just behind Cowboys' receiver Jalen Tolbert and Bills' running back James Cook. For his rookie season, Dotson has over/unders of 49.5 receptions, 599.5 receiving yards and 3.5 touchdowns.
Ron Rivera is 35-to-1 to win NFL coach of the year. Those odds are tied for 25th best with Andy Reid and Kliff Kingsbury.
Washington opens the season as a favorite
We're a little over a month away from the start of the NFL season. The Washington Commanders open the season as a 3.5-point home favorite against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's certainly a winnable game for the Commanders to open the season, but I'm sure Jaguars players and fans feel the same way looking at Washington.
If I had to pick a side in this game, I'm taking more than a field goal with the Jaguars. The Jaguars should be improved with Doug Pederson at the helm and I'm not sure much separates these teams. Washington is probably the slightly better team, but laying 3.5-points here seems heavy. | 2022-08-02T22:06:10Z | sports.yahoo.com | NFL betting, odds: Can Carson Wentz bring Washington back to the playoffs? | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-odds-can-carson-wentz-bring-washington-back-to-the-playoffs-212631786.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-betting-odds-can-carson-wentz-bring-washington-back-to-the-playoffs-212631786.html?src=rss |
The New England Patriots have a deep tight end room with Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith headlining the unit. However, another piece of the room has stood out to coach Bill Belichick.
Tight end Devin Asiasi has caught the eye of his coach.
The former UCLA product and 2020 third-round pick has remained a piece of the tight end room despite the personnel changing quite significantly during his Patriots career. He is having a strong camp, as he heads into his third professional season.
On Tuesday, Asiasi caught every pass that was thrown in his direction from quarterback Bailey Zappe. It was another productive day for him as he has continued to improve. His improvement is something that has not been lost on Belichick.
“Devin’s made a lot of improvement; I think he’s made a good jump this year as well,” Belichick said, via the Providence Journal’s Mark Daniels. “He’s put in a lot of time, a lot of hard work, and I think that’s been reflected in what we’ve seen in the offseason program, and spring practice, and so far in training camp. Physically, looks good. Mentally, the experience that he’s gained and confidence he’s gained – you can see that.
Although Henry was able to stay healthy last season, injuries have nagged the tight end throughout the course of his career. And Smith hasn’t been a perfect fit in New England to this point. Past them, it’s wide open. Asiasi has a chance to break out and seize the TE3 spot on this roster.
Mac Jones says he's feeling 'shot in the heart' amid Patriots offensive struggles
The first ship to carry Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea since Russia invaded Ukraine five months ago left the port of Odesa for Lebanon on Monday under a safe passage deal described as a glimmer of hope in a worsening global food crisis. The sailing was made possible after Turkey and the United Nations brokered a grain and fertiliser export agreement between Russia and Ukraine last month - a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has become a drawn-out war of attrition. The Sierra Leone-flagged ship Razoni will head to the port of Tripoli, Lebanon, after transiting Turkey's Bosphorus Strait linking the Black Sea, which is dominated by Russia's navy, to the Mediterranean. | 2022-08-02T22:06:41Z | sports.yahoo.com | Patriots coach Bill Belichick pleased with improving TE Devin Asiasi | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-coach-bill-belichick-pleased-211758243.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-coach-bill-belichick-pleased-211758243.html?src=rss |
It’s a tough break for a young player. Monday, 22, was a long shot to make the roster behind players like Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Maye, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, J.T. Gray, and Bryce Thompson, but he would likely have competed for a spot on the practice squad. Other safeties on the depth chart include veterans Justin Evans and Daniel Sorensen.
If this is indeed a season-ending knee injury, at best he’ll be hoping to take a redshirt year and return for a second shot in 2023. That’s a lot of adversity for someone to take on so early in their pro career. Hopefully he’s able to make a full and clean recovery. | 2022-08-02T22:07:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Saints fear ‘significant knee injury’ for rookie safety Smoke Monday | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-saints-fear-significant-knee-211627649.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-saints-fear-significant-knee-211627649.html?src=rss |
Apparently unable to add another bat, the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday made a last-minute move to supplement their bullpen once more.
More: Trade to Padres brings out a range of emotions for Josh Hader, who grew up with the Brewers
More: Working late into the night, the Brewers add another bullpen piece in right-handed pitcher Matt Bush
The acquisition of the right-handed Rosenthal is interesting in that he hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2020 and had only signed with the Giants on July 21.
Oft-injured, Rosenthal has in fact totaled just 45 appearances with four different organizations in the major leagues since 2017.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers reportedly acquire right-handed reliever Trevor Rosenthal
Boise State College Football Preview 2022: Team breakdown, season prediction, keys to the campaign, and what you need to know
The first-place New York Mets acquired Darin Ruf from the San Francisco Giants for J.D. Davis and three pitching prospects in an exchange of right-handed bats ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Left-handers Thomas Szapucki and Nick Zwack also went to the Giants along with right-hander Nick Zwack. Ruf has hammered left-handed pitching this season and throughout his career, something Davis was unable to do in his part-time role primarily at designated hitter this year. | 2022-08-02T23:03:15Z | sports.yahoo.com | Brewers reportedly acquire right-handed reliever Trevor Rosenthal from the Giants | https://sports.yahoo.com/brewers-reportedly-acquire-handed-reliever-213945242.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/brewers-reportedly-acquire-handed-reliever-213945242.html?src=rss |
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired right-handed pitcher Mitch White and infield prospect Alex De Jesus from the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday. Toronto is sending minor-league pitchers Nick Frasso and Moises Brito to Los Angeles in return.
White offers some depth for a Blue Jays rotation that has a major question mark at the back end with Yusei Kikuchi currently occupying the fifth spot. Should Kikuchi's struggles continue, White could step in as a replacement. He could also provide length in the bullpen, similar to the role Ross Stripling used to occupy.
A second-round draft pick in 2016, White features a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball and sinker. He doesn't generate a lot of strikeouts but has been able to avoid giving up hard contact.
De Jesus is a shortstop prospect who was playing in high-A with the Dodgers. He is slashing .272/.386/.447 with 11 home runs across two minor-league levels in 2022. The 20-year-old was ranked as the 19th-best prospect in the Dodgers' system, per MLB Pipeline.
Frasso, 23, was a fourth-round pick of the Blue Jays in 2020. The right-hander has put together an impressive 2022 campaign thus far, registering a 0.74 ERA with a 14.0 K/9 rate in 10 starts across single-A and high-A.
Brito is a left-hander who signed with Toronto as an international free agent in June. The 20-year-old was pitching in the Dominican Summer League, owning a 1.86 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 12 games.
Angels pitcher Noah Syndergaard reportedly was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. Earlier, the Angels sent Brandon Marsh to the Phillies. | 2022-08-02T23:03:47Z | sports.yahoo.com | Blue Jays acquire pitcher Mitch White from Dodgers at MLB trade deadline | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-blue-jays-acquire-pitcher-mitch-white-from-dodgers-215650202.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-blue-jays-acquire-pitcher-mitch-white-from-dodgers-215650202.html?src=rss |
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield from the Kansas City Royals ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline in exchange for Samad Taylor and Max Castillo.
New #BlueJays Whit Merrifield leads the AL with 913 hits & 166 SB since the start of the 2017 season. And his 193 doubles ranks 3rd. Speed & versatile on D. Solid pickup #NextLevel
— Scott Carson 🇨🇦 (@KOAS1963) August 2, 2022
Merrifield is more than just a rental addition, as he has at least one more year of control following this season. He's under contract for $2.75 million in 2023, which can increase by $4 million if he spends less than 110 days on the injured list. He then has an $18 million mutual option for 2024 with a $500,000 buyout.
Whit Merrifield's solo home run
Whit Merrifield crushes a solo home run down the left-field line, increasing the Royals' lead to 2-0 in the top of the 6th inning | 2022-08-02T23:03:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | Blue Jays acquire two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield from Royals | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-blue-jays-acquire-two-time-all-star-whit-merrifield-from-royals-220934971.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-blue-jays-acquire-two-time-all-star-whit-merrifield-from-royals-220934971.html?src=rss |
The Miami Dolphins got a whole lot of trouble dropped on their plate on Tuesday, one day after the NFL news relating to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson hit the headlines.
After a six-month investigation led by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White and, a team of lawyers from the Debevoise law firm, the league has leveled serious penalties against the Dolphins franchise.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins would be stripped of their 2023 first-round draft pick and 2024 third-round pick for violating the integrity of the game. In addition, owner Stephen Ross has been suspended through Oct. 17 and fined $1.5 million. Vice Chairman Bruce Beal is barred from attending league meetings for the remainder of the season and has been fined $500,000.
The news relates to Miami’s involvement in illegally attempting to recruit quarterback Tom Brady and former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton to the team on different occasions. The term used by the NFL was “impermissible communications.”
The kicker: the Dolphins never ended up landing Brady or Payton.
The investigation did not substantiate the claims made by former Miami coach Brian Flores regarding tanking in the 2019 season, his first as head coach of the Dolphins. The probe, however, did find that “on a number of occasions during the 2019 season, Ross expressed his belief that the Dolphins’ position in the upcoming draft should take priority.
Flores, who also opened a lawsuit against the Dolphins relating to racist hiring practices, alleged that Ross offered him $100,000 per loss as an incentive.
While Miami does lose their own 2023 first-round pick, the team does hold the one formerly owned by the San Francisco 49ers. | 2022-08-02T23:35:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | AFC East news: Dolphins owner suspended, team losing first-round pick | https://sports.yahoo.com/afc-east-news-dolphins-owner-221635806.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/afc-east-news-dolphins-owner-221635806.html?src=rss |
Deebo, Lance building chemistry as pair excites 49ers crowd originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- Signing autographs. Dancing on the sideline.
And catching passes.
After participating in a small number of plays during Monday’s 11-on-11 team drills, Samuel’s second day on the practice field saw him much more involved.
Coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of easing San Francisco’s star wide receiver back into action after he signed his multimillion-dollar contract extension to start the week, and 49ers fans packing the stands at Tuesday’s practice received a small reminder of what the franchise is paying for.
Samuel took a majority of his 17 practice reps with the first team -- 13 with Trey Lance under center and another four with Nate Sudfeld throwing passes -- after spending a majority of his time with the second team on Monday. On Tuesday, he was targeted four times during 11-on-11s and came up with three receptions compared to two the day before.
His first catch of the day came on a 20-yard pass across the middle from Sudfeld. The ball was a bit behind Samuel, but he was able to get his hands on it and bring it in. Sudfeld targeted Samuel again later in the drill but threw the ball too far behind him for the wideout to adjust.
The crowd roared when Lance connected with Samuel for the first time during camp with a bubble screen pass, and the second-year quarterback found his WR1 again soon after with a sharp pass across the middle.
The 20-yard gain provided fans with a glimpse of what’s to come this season as Samuel and Lance continue to build chemistry, and the energy among the 49ers Faithful was palpable as they took in the duo for the first time this year.
After missing out on the first four days of practice while he negotiated with the 49ers on his new extension, Samuel said he and Lance are taking things one day at a time.
“It’s getting better by day,” Samuel said Tuesday after practice, speaking publicly for the first time since reaching his new deal with the 49ers. “I wasn’t able to spend a lot of time with him as I wanted to, but it’s not hard … to be out there with Trey. He’s willing to learn, and I’m willing to learn as well.
“We’re just coming together as one and figuring it out.”
It hasn’t been easy for Lance during camp as he goes up against a top San Francisco defense, but Samuel already shared a word of advice for the young quarterback as he takes over the offense.
Though Lance is getting “smarter” with every passing practice, Samuel said, any struggles he has faced in camp should be taken with a grain of salt.
“I don’t think he actually realizes that we probably have -- well, we do have the best defense in the league,” Samuel said, “and it’s going to be hard to complete a ball. Nothing’s going to be on time right now in practice because our D-line is amazing. But we’re figuring out ways to figure it out.”
The pair showed what they were capable of with Lance under center last season. In the 49ers' 23-7 win over the Houston Texans, he connected with Samuel on a 45-yard touchdown pass. And a pair of touchdowns between them were a bright spot in the team's 28-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, with Lance finding Samuel first on a 76-yard touchdown pass, then later on an eight-yard score.
While no Lance-to-Samuel deep balls were on display Tuesday, they found ways to move the ball despite the stellar defense they were going up against thanks to some lightning-quick footwork and passes. And now that No. 5 has the team’s top offensive weapon easing back into things, their connection can only improve as the season approaches.
A young fan’s cry of, “I love you Deebo!” during practice Tuesday was symbolic of what the “wide back” means to both the 49ers organization and those who root for the team.
And Samuel’s wave and smile in response to the small child showed just how happy he is to be back. | 2022-08-02T23:35:29Z | sports.yahoo.com | Deebo Samuel, Trey Lance building chemistry during 49ers training camp | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-trey-lance-building-215611959.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/deebo-samuel-trey-lance-building-215611959.html?src=rss |
A former Auburn safety and NFL rookie may have to wait a little bit longer for his NFL debut.
Smoke Monday, who was signed as an undrafted free agent for the Saints over the offseason, suffered what NFL reporter Mike Garafolo referred to as a “significant” knee injury in training camp on Tuesday. The unfortunate event occurs on the heels of recently signed safety Tyrann Mathieu leaving training camp for personal reasons.
Monday was poised to make his NFL debut after being projected as a late-round pick, but he eventually went undrafted and signed with New Orleans. Monday was impressing in camp and especially garnered the phrase of Mathieu, who praised his work ethic over the offseason.
In his last year at Auburn, Monday boasted 64 tackles, one interception and six pass deflections. It isn’t known exactly what injury Monday suffered, but we’re likely to know more in the coming days.
Smoke Monday's outlook for the 2022 NFL Draft
Watch Kim Kardashian Transform Into A Minion | 2022-08-02T23:35:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Former Auburn safety suffers “significant” knee injury | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-auburn-safety-suffers-significant-230052691.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/former-auburn-safety-suffers-significant-230052691.html?src=rss |
The Florida Gators were one of 13 Division I college football teams that had their average points per game decrease by more than 10 in 2021, but ESPN thinks UF is primed to bounce back under first-year head coach Billy Napier.
In a breakdown of teams likely to improve in 2022, ESPN’s Bill Connelly has the Gators improving by 2.9 points per game (11.0 to 13.9) and finishing 23rd overall in SP+ with a 7-5 record. That’s a far cry from the Gators’ monstrous average of 23.9 points per game in 2020, when the team ranked sixth in SP+.
But improvement takes time, especially when Dan Mullen left Napier a rather empty talent cupboard. Connelly notes the Gators still have plenty of players brimming with potential that could make things go right.
As is always the case when a coach takes over a job in which their predecessor was fired, there are potential stumbling blocks in Gainesville. The skill corps is very thin outside of receiver Justin Shorter and transfers Montrell Johnson (Louisiana) and Ricky Pearsall (Arizona State), and the defense wasn’t nearly disruptive enough last fall. But quarterback Anthony Richardson has flashed immense potential, key defenders Ventrell Miller (linebacker) and Jaydon Hill (cornerback) return from injury, and the schedule includes only a couple of truly likely losses (vs. Georgia, at Texas A&M).
As it stands, the Gators have a 69% chance of improving their record, and Richardson reaching his full potential (or maybe even just some of it) would increase that number by a lot.
Florida isn’t expected to bounce back nearly as strongly as some other programs, such as USC, but the Gators should be better than last year. | 2022-08-02T23:48:19Z | sports.yahoo.com | Florida among teams most likely to rebound in 2022 season, per ESPN | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-among-teams-most-likely-222410159.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-among-teams-most-likely-222410159.html?src=rss |
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) New Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has taken significant steps to help create bonds on a team with many new pieces.
''I have been around a lot of different quarterbacks and no quarterback has ever done that before,'' Oklahoma running back Eric Gray said Thursday at the team's media day. ''No quarterback has ever tried to organize and get all the guys together ... That's definitely good camaraderie for the team.''
''I think people here have gone through a whirlwind,'' Gabriel said. ''The school. The fans. I've gone through a whirlwind personally. But we kind of have that calm storm. Normality. Everyone is back to normal. New coaches. New team like every year. But now it's just going to grind and now we're finally here.''
''I think the thing that he's done is he's been exactly who he is,'' Lebby said. ''He's been very intentional on creating relationships and making sure everybody in the locker room knows who he is as a person. He's done a great job of that.''
''I think getting to know one another - that is so critical for any organization, but especially a football team,'' Roof said. ''Because when you get to know one another and watch each other specifically work, then you can respect a guy. You can fight for that man.''
''Yeah, there is a newness,'' he said. ''Every day gets a little bit better. But certainly as you go through Year 1 of most staffs, but you know what, you're always learning. If you're not learning, you're falling behind, whether it's Year 36 or Year 2. So that part of it, we're trying to learn every day.'' | 2022-08-02T23:48:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel builds connections with new team | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-qb-dillon-gabriel-builds-214644782.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/oklahoma-qb-dillon-gabriel-builds-214644782.html?src=rss |
SAN FRANCISCO -- What was your favorite part about Trevor Rosenthal's tenure in orange and black?
Twelve days after the Giants signed the veteran right-hander to help fix the back end of their bullpen, they traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for outfield prospect Tristan Peters. Rosenthal never pitched for the Giants and never even really got close, having spent the last two weeks rehabbing a hamstring strain at the team's facility in Arizona.
Peters, listed as the Brewers' 19th-ranked prospect by MLB.com and 26th by Baseball America, has played 90 games for High-A Wisconsin this season, batting .306/.386/.485 with seven home runs and 13 stolen bases. The 22-year-old was a seventh-round pick by Milwaukee last summer out of Southern Illinois.
The Giants signed Rosenthal on July 21 in hopes that he could team up with Camilo Doval at the back end of their bullpen down the stretch, but they have lost nine of 12 games since that point, and Rosenthal became part of a mild sell-off before Tuesday's trade deadline.
Corbin Burnes takes the mound for the Brewers against the Pirates in the first game of the series Tuesday night. | 2022-08-03T00:34:20Z | sports.yahoo.com | Giants trade Trevor Rosenthal to Brewers, ending brief tenure with team | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-trade-trevor-rosenthal-brewers-223025188.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/giants-trade-trevor-rosenthal-brewers-223025188.html?src=rss |
Twins Padres Baseball
The San Diego Padres rallied to beat the Colorado Rockies 13-5 in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday, hours after obtaining superstar Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals in one of the biggest trades in baseball history. The crowd of 23,828 at Petco Park applauded loudly when an image of Soto and Josh Bell, who also came from the Nats, was shown on the video board early in the game. An offense that will benefit greatly from the addition of Soto, a generational talent who is only 23, came to life after the Padres fell behind 3-0. | 2022-08-03T00:34:45Z | sports.yahoo.com | Red Sox get Hosmer from Padres; keep Martinez, Bogaerts | https://sports.yahoo.com/padres-deal-hosmer-red-sox-223336866.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/padres-deal-hosmer-red-sox-223336866.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals have locked in their starting left tackle for another three seasons. The team announced it signed tackle D.J. Humphries to a contract extension through the 2025 season.
Humphries, the Cardinals’ first-round pick in 2015 and starting left tackle since 2017, was entering the final season of a three-year deal he signed in 2020.
Humphries enters his eighth season with the team and played in the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season. After missing a lot of games early in his career due to injury, he has missed only one game in the last three seasons and that was when he tested positive for COVID-19.
Humphries was due to make $14 million in salary in 2022 and had the team’s largest cap hit at more than $19 million.
The cap number will surely come down.
He and center Rodney Hudson are the only starting offensive linemen under contract beyond this season. | 2022-08-03T01:06:35Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals LT D.J. Humphries gets contract extension through 2025 | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-lt-d-j-humphries-233827422.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-lt-d-j-humphries-233827422.html?src=rss |
Bosa expects 'smooth' contract talks with 49ers when time comes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers signed wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a massive three-year contract extension with the 49ers earlier this week, but they’re far from done negotiating deals for marquee players on their team.
Now the franchise will shift to edge rusher Nick Bosa, whose contract expires after the 2023 season. With extension discussions on the horizon, the 24-year-old believes the process will be smooth.
“I have a lot of faith that when the time comes, it will be smooth,” Bosa said after Monday’s practice to The Mercury News’ Cam Inman.
Players who San Francisco has drafted and developed, such as George Kittle, Fred Warner, and now Deebo Samuel, have all received contract extensions from the franchise.
Bosa, of course, is the most important player on the 49ers’ defense. Last season, the edge rusher recorded a career-high 15.5 sacks. Only Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett (16.0), Chicago Bears’ Robert Quinn (18.5), and Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt (22.5) got to the quarterback more than Bosa.
Despite the 49ers' pass rusher being eligible for a new deal, he likely wil wait until the offseason. General manager John Lynch stated on Tuesday that they have a process of how they go about discussing extension deals with their players.
Regarding the contact, Bosa will be looking to earn a salary similar to some of the better pass rushers in the league. Watt earns $28 million annually, while Bosa's brother, Joey Bosa, makes $27 million per year with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Should Bosa have another monster season as he did in 2022, the former Ohio State product could be circling a number that could make him the highest-paid pass rusher in the NFL.
He'll play a former UFC fighter-turned-bouncer. Jake Gyllenhaal to Star in Road House Remake Eddie Fu | 2022-08-03T01:07:00Z | sports.yahoo.com | Nick Bosa expects 'smooth' 49ers contract talks when time comes | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-expects-smooth-49ers-230337460.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-bosa-expects-smooth-49ers-230337460.html?src=rss |
Jackson awestruck by 49ers teammates he once used in Madden originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA -- A year ago, 49ers rookie Drake Jackson was preparing for another season of college football at the University of Southern California.
He was probably playing a lot of Madden, too.
Now, in his first training camp as an NFL defensive end, San Francisco’s top pick of the 2022 draft is working alongside athletes he once used in the popular video game.
“Ah man, I’m loving it. It’s so fun, I’m not going to lie,” Jackson said of camp after practice on Tuesday.
His favorite part?
“Probably how many All-Stars I’m playing with,” he said. “It’s just pretty tight to be able to look around and be playing with people I played in Madden and actually used, personally.”
And now when Jackson turns on his gaming console to play some virtual football, there’s a familiar face on the screen.
“It’s pretty crazy just to be able to actually play Madden with [the 49ers] and be in there.”
Jackson earned an overall rating of 69 in Madden NFL 23, and he’s lucky enough to play with three 49ers who are in the top 10 at their position in the game: Left tackle Trent Williams (99), linebacker Fred Warner (94) and fellow edge rusher Nick Bosa (87).
The 21-year-old has tried to take away everything he can from Bosa’s game during camp, he said, and is cultivating a relationship with the elder defensive lineman.
“During practice, I go after him. I try to see what I can from him to try to mimic it a little bit,” Jackson said. “But that’s Nick Bosa, so you know, I can’t really be like him. I’ve got to do it on my own, so definitely trying to get things off of him and put them in my way.”
During camp on Tuesday, Jackson had a pair of would-be sacks going up against the second- and third-team offense. He said he has been dealing with stomach problems over the last week, but it hasn't hindered him from giving his all at camp.
And while it's clear he's learning plenty from playing alongside Bosa, the rookie is also benefiting from the little time he has lined up opposite Williams so far in camp. In the one drive he faced off against Williams, Jackson made sure he was “100 percent.”
“If you don’t know where you’re supposed to be on him, he will flatten you,” Jackson said. “So it’s kind of like, you better be on your stuff when you’re coming against him. And also, it’s only going to make me better because I’m going against the best tackle in the league. I don’t think there’s anyone like him.”
It’s rare that a rookie has the opportunity to step into a defense as talented as the 49ers’, but it’s clear Jackson is making the most of his surroundings.
And as he tries to beat Williams in practice and learn everything he can from Bosa, maybe the three can bond even further over a game of Madden. | 2022-08-03T01:07:13Z | sports.yahoo.com | Rookie Drake Jackson in awe of 49ers teammates he once used in Madden | https://sports.yahoo.com/rookie-drake-jackson-awe-49ers-234125101.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/rookie-drake-jackson-awe-49ers-234125101.html?src=rss |
Bryan Clauson
A strong contingent of drivers with connections to NASCAR’s national series will be competing in this week’s BC39 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The annual USAC Midget event, which honors the late Bryan Clauson, is held on the quarter-mile dirt track located inside Turn 3 of the historic IMS oval.
Once again this year, the BC39 will feature champions from all over the motorsports world with NASCAR, USAC, World of Outlaws, Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions and more represented.
The entry list includes the names of champions and race winners in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Take a look below at the list of drivers with NASCAR connections that will be competing in the race.
RELATED: Watch the BC39 live on FloRacing
Kyle Larson looks over the track during the 2022 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 15, 2022. (Nick Oxford/NASCAR)
The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion is also the most recent winner of the BC39. One year ago, Larson prevailed in a thrilling battle with open-wheel stars Justin Grant and Thomas Meseruall to score the $15,000 victory. In addition to his 2021 BC39 win, Larson has won the last two runnings of the Stoops Pursuit race held on Wednesday night.
Briscoe, the driver of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing car in the NASCAR Cup Series, has yet to miss the BC39 in the three years it’s been held. After failing to qualify in 2018, he finished 24th in 2019 before recording a career-best finish of 11th one year ago. After securing his first NASCAR Cup Series win earlier this year at Phoenix Raceway, Briscoe has been busy on his “Chase’n Dirt Tour” racing MIdgets, Sprint Cars and Dirt Late Models throughout the year.
Stenhouse returns to the BC39 after missing last year’s version of the event. The full-time driver of the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing car on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit finished 11th in the inaugural BC39 before recording his best finish of seventh in 2019. This time around, Stenhouse will be driving the No. 08 car for Dave Mac Dalby Motorsports.
AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 06: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Honey Nut Cheerios Chevrolet, walks the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 06, 2021 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion will make his USAC Midget debut at the BC39. Creed, who currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Richard Childress Racing, has made a handful of dirt starts in recent years. He’s competed in Dirt Late Models, UMP Modifieds and Micro Sprints, most notably at Millbridge Speedway in North Carolina.
While Newman no longer competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, he’s a very familiar name to NASCAR fans. He’s also a familiar face at the BC39 after competing in last year’s event. This year, Newman competed full-time with the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) and collected a victory at Stafford Motor Speedway. In addition to driving SRX cars, he’s also raced Midgets, Pavement Sprint Cars, Tour-type Modifieds and USAC Silver Crown cars this season. Now, he’ll return to a Dirt Midget for the first time since January’s Chili Bowl Nationals.
Yeley, who experienced success on dirt before beginning his NASCAR career, returns to the BC39 after attempting all three previous versions of the race. He has failed to qualify in his three previous attempts. In 2003, Yeley claimed the USAC Triple Crown championship after winning the USAC National Midget, USAC National Sprint Car and USAC Silver Crown championships in the same year. On the NASCAR circuit, he has made 342 NASCAR Cup Series starts and 369 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts.
Dillon Welch
While Welch isn’t known primarily for driving a race car, he’s a well-known personality within the NASCAR world. He returns to the BC39 after missing last year’s event. Welch, the son of FOX Sports NASCAR broadcaster Vince Welch, has created a path of his own in the broadcast industry as a reporter for NBC Sports and MRN Radio. He’s also the co-host of the Loudpedal Podcast on FloRacing. Behind the wheel, Welch has experienced success while racing a limited schedule. In January, he qualified for the A-Main at the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals.
Rookie revival: Cindric, Burton, Gilliland savor top-five outcomes at Indy
SPEEDWAY, Ind. — As far as top rookie performances go, it’s hard to top Austin Cindric’s rousing victory in the season-opening Daytona 500. But Sunday marked a meaningful day for all three Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidates with top-five finishes all around at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Cindric led the way in […] | 2022-08-03T01:10:50Z | sports.yahoo.com | Here are the NASCAR drivers racing in the BC39 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2022 | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-drivers-racing-bc39-indianapolis-170240039.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/nascar-drivers-racing-bc39-indianapolis-170240039.html?src=rss |
American basketball player/coach
Steve Clifford’s staff is complete, and it includes a bevy of familiar names.
Clifford, the Charlotte Hornets’ new coach, has tabbed Tyrone Corbin, Bob Beyer, Rex Walters, Bruce Kruetzer and Brian O’Connor to be a part of his second stint with the organization, league sources told The Charlotte Observer on Tuesday. Clifford also retained Jay Hernandez, Nick Friedman, Norman Richardson and Marlon Garnett, per sources.
Corbin, 59, will serve as Clifford’s lead assistant coach, sitting next to him on the bench. The Columbia, S.C., native was on Clifford’s staff in Orlando from 2018-21. He offers up a combined 16 years of experience as an assistant and head coach.
Beyer, 60, coached under Clifford from 2013-14 during his initial tenure in Charlotte and boasts a decade and a half of coaching experience. He comes to the Hornets after his last stop in New Orleans, where he was with the Pelicans in 2020-21.
Walters, 52, was also with the Pelicans, most recently from 2020-21. He’s been around the NBA and coaching ranks for a while, compiling a combined 18 years as an assistant in the league and the collegiate ranks following a 10-year playing career.
Kruetzer, 72, is marking his second tour of duty with the Hornets, returning to the fold after being with the franchise from 2015-18 with Clifford. He comes to Charlotte from Orlando, where he was an assistant with the Magic from 2018-22.
O’Connor’s duties include various tasks in the team’s video department and other aspects centering around the coaching staff. He returns to the organization he interned with in 2016-17 after he spent the past five years in Washington, D.C., with Georgetown on coach Patrick Ewing’s staff as the director of video operations.
Hernandez, originally hired as the team’s player development coach under former coach James Borrego, will be back for his fifth season. Garnett, who works closely with LaMelo Ball, is headed for his second year. The return of Friedman, who was brought on board in 2020-21, and Richardson should also provide some stability in player development for a team that likely will have to improve from within to reach their aspirations of making the playoffs in 2022-23.
Class of 2024 UNC basketball recruiting target Drake Powell has set his official visit for August 23rd.
Newest additions to Concord Mills + Hornets finalize coaching staff
Read today’s edition of the Afternoon Observer. | 2022-08-03T02:20:24Z | sports.yahoo.com | The Charlotte Hornets’ coaching staff is set. Here’s who will assist Steve Clifford | https://sports.yahoo.com/charlotte-hornets-coaching-staff-set-161500240.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/charlotte-hornets-coaching-staff-set-161500240.html?src=rss |
The Houston Texans liked what they saw from their workout of Chester Rogers and decided to add him to the roster.
According to Aaron Wilson from the Pro Football Network, the Texans signed the former Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans wideout on Tuesday.
The Texans had a need at slot receiver when second-round pick John Metchie was diagnosed with leukemia in the days leading up to the start of training camp.
Rogers was with the Titans from 2020-21 and didn’t see any time on the active roster until last year. The former 2016 undrafted free agent from Grambling State caught 30 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown through 16 games and two starts.
In his four seasons with the Colts, Rogers generated 111 catches for 1,221 yards and five touchdowns through 53 games, 22 of which he started.
The Jaguars play a football game for the first time since beating the Colts on Jan. 9. What are the goals on Thursday against the Raiders? | 2022-08-03T02:38:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | Report: Texans sign former Colts, Titans WR Chester Rogers | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-texans-sign-former-colts-013524584.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/report-texans-sign-former-colts-013524584.html?src=rss |
Florham Park, New Jersey, with a population of about 12,000, is always buzzing this time of year when the New York Jets roll into town for training camp.
Florham Park is now also home to the “Florham Park strangler”, according to head coach Robert Saleh. That’s the nickname he gave to second-year linebacker Jamien Sherwood when discussing the reserve linebacker group.
“We have a nickname for Sherwood: He’s the Florham Park strangler,” Saleh said, via Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. “He’s got these long arms, and when he gets his paws on you it’s over.”
Sherwood, the Jets’ fifth-round pick in 2021 out of Auburn who transitioned from safety, is working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered last October during the Jets’ Week 7 loss to the New England Patriots. Before the injury, Sherwood had made four starts as a rookie, including a start at middle linebacker in that Patriots game, in place of the injured C.J. Mosley.
“He’s one of the guys who’s going to be a staple here,” Saleh said after that Patriots game. “He studies his butt off. As for his size, he is going to get bigger when he gets a full NFL offseason and meal plan. He has the ability to uncoil and tackle people, one of the best in the draft. He doesn’t give up many leaky yards. Let’s just say that and he’s only going to get better.”
The Jets have talked up Sherwood numerous times since he landed in New York, and this latest buzz continues to show Sherwood’s progress from his injury and how impressed the Jets continue to be with him. | 2022-08-03T02:38:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Robert Saleh: LB Jamien Sherwood is the “Florham Park strangler” | https://sports.yahoo.com/robert-saleh-lb-jamien-sherwood-013503039.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/robert-saleh-lb-jamien-sherwood-013503039.html?src=rss |
The all-time list of NASCAR Cup Series winners starts with Richard Petty (200 wins) and includes more than 60 drivers who won just a single time at NASCAR’s top level. Below is the list of all-time winners, in order, in the NASCAR Cup Series. Last update: After Race 22 of 2022 season (Indianapolis Motor Speedway […] | 2022-08-03T02:57:11Z | sports.yahoo.com | Stefanie Dolson with an Assist vs. Los Angeles Sparks | https://sports.yahoo.com/stefanie-dolson-assist-vs-los-012549779.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/stefanie-dolson-assist-vs-los-012549779.html?src=rss |
The Braves have acquired closer Raisel Iglesias in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels, according to ESPN.
Atlanta will send pitchers Jesse Chavez and Tucker Davidson to the Angels in exchange for Iglesias.
The Braves have unquestionably improved the back of their bullpen with the acquisition of Iglesias.
Iglesias, 32, has had an up and down season in Los Angeles, with a 4.04 ERA to go along with his 16 saves. However, in his career with the Angels and Cincinnati Reds, Iglesias has been a solid closer, with 156 career saves.
The Cuban Iglesias tied his career high in saves with 34 in 2021.
Alongside closer Kenley Jansen, Iglesias is another guy on the Atlanta roster who is comfortable pitching late in the game.
Iglesias is under contract through 2025.
Jacob deGrom dazzled in his first major league start in more than a year, allowing one run on three hits and striking out six in five innings before a bullpen meltdown cost the New York Mets in a 5-1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. Sidelined for the second half of last season by an elbow injury and shut down late in spring training because of a stress reaction in his right scapula, deGrom got a standing ovation from a crowd full of Mets fans prior to his first game back in almost 13 months. Serenaded with applause when he delivered a 99 mph fastball on his first meaningful pitch since July 7, 2021, deGrom threw 46 of 59 for strikes before coming out of the game around the time the team planned for. | 2022-08-03T03:35:22Z | sports.yahoo.com | Braves acquire closer Raisel Iglesias in trade with Los Angeles Angels | https://sports.yahoo.com/braves-acquire-closer-raisel-iglesias-232635848.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/braves-acquire-closer-raisel-iglesias-232635848.html?src=rss |
Dougherty Valley (CA) High School 2023 guard Ryan Beasley was the San Francisco Chronicle's co-Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Player of the Year, was fourth in the state in scoring at 30.6 points per game (per MaxPreps), led his team to the North Coast Section Division I finals then led his West Coast Elite-NorCal team to the Under Armour Association championship game, yet only one Pac-12 school is seriously recruiting him. “Yeah, it's crazy, right,” said Dougherty Valley head coach Mike Hansen. You look at small guards in the PAC-12, Damon Stoudamire, the list goes on and on.
Oneil Cruz's three-run homer
Oneil Cruz hammers a three-run home run to center field, tying the game at 3 in the bottom of the 6th inning | 2022-08-03T03:35:53Z | sports.yahoo.com | MLB Trade Deadline: Why Cubs kept Willson Contreras, Ian Happ | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-why-cubs-013915012.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-trade-deadline-why-cubs-013915012.html?src=rss |
With the game coming up, it was somewhat of a walkthrough day for the team, who are now on Day 8 of training camp. As expected, Jags coach Doug Pederson had a chat with the media beforehand to update the fans on where the team stands heading into Thursday’s game.
That said, a lot of Day 8’s takeaways came from Pederson himself, but some things happened on the field that was worth taking note of. Here are some of the nuggets we were able to gather along the way as the team will have Wednesday off to travel:
Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne won't play Thursday
One of the first things Pederson informed the media of was the game day status of Trevor Lawrence, who will be withheld from Thursday’s game. The reason for that is because Pederson feels good about where the second-year quarterback is as he’s received a lot of practice reps throughout Week 1 and 2 of camp. With that being the case, it seems there is no reason to risk injury as the Jags will have three more preseason games to get the young quarterback reps in.
Pederson also said the team would be holding Travis Etienne out as he’s coming off a Lisfranc injury. While he’s been 100% at camp, the veteran head coach simply is being smart with Etienne, who has been a big-time star in camp and figures to be a key player for the offense.
In general, it seems like the Jags could hold out a majority of their starters Thursday as Pederson said he wanted to get a lot of young players on the field a few days ago. That’s a wise move for a young team like the Jags, who have a lot of young drafted and undrafted selections worth evaluating.
Jake Luton will get the start at QB vs. Las Vegas
Aug 17, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Jake Luton (6) passes the ball during training camp at Dream Finders Homes Practice Complex. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Not only will Lawrence be sidelined Thursday, but so will No. 2 quarterback C.J. Beathard (recovering from a groin injury). That means Jake Luton will get the start, and he also should get a lot of reps as he’s one of the two quarterbacks who will play Thursday.
Luton met with the media after practice Tuesday and said his goal was to simply go out on the field and execute.
“I’m just want to go out there and execute,” Luton said. “I think this camp we’ve done a lot of good things, and we’ll go out there and put our best foot forward. I just want to move the ball around, get the ball in my guy’s hands, and just help the offense be in the best position we can to just execute. Go out and score points. I think that the bottom line is just execution.”
While he’s only been in the league for three seasons, Luton isn’t new to starting. As a rookie, he started three games for the Jags, who had major quarterback issues in 2020. He went 60-of-110 (54.5%) in the process for 624 yards, two touchdowns, and six picks. As for his preseason stats, he’s played in two games and has a 77.4% completion rate (24-of-31) for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
Thursday’s game presents a grand opportunity for Luton, and if he can execute and put up points for the Jags, it certainly would make things more interesting for the QB2 spot.
Snoop Conner continues to gain momentum heading into first game
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Snoop Conner (24) on the field during Monday morning’s training camp session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held training camp Monday, August 1, 2022, at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville Knight Campus practice fields on Atlantic Blvd. [Florida Times-Union]
On Monday, rookie running back Snoop Conner had a solid day of practice on his birthday. However, on Tuesday, Conner picked up where he left off, though the practice was a scaled-down session.
According to News4Jax’s Jamal St. Cyr, Conner showed some good vision on Tuesday. With his first game coming up, the rookie understands that a gran opportunity is ahead for him, and he could be the starting running back on Thursday as Etienne and James Robinson won’t play.
The Jags drafted Conner in the fifth round of April’s draft after trading up to the 188th selection (from No. 198). That means they have a plan for him, and he could prove that he’s ready for it with a strong first game.
Pederson spoke highly of rookie Luke Fortner
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson talks with offensive linemen (79) Luke Fortner, (77) Nick Ford and (61) C.J. Wright during Friday’s Rookie Minicamp session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first Rookie Minicamp on the turf of TIAA Bank Field Friday afternoon, May 13, 2022. Among those in attendance were the team’s 2022 draft picks. [Florida Times-Union]
One of the players Pederson was asked about was rookie offensive lineman Luke Fortner. He said the rookie was “unbelievable” and added that he’s going to only get better as things slow down for him.
"This guy's unbelievable."
Coach Pederson on @lukefortner79's camp so far pic.twitter.com/Td3xYykMdq
Fortner has taken all of the reps with the starters at center, so all signs point to him being the guy there in the regular season. As Pederson mentioned, the position can be somewhat hard to learn for a rookie, but that’s the great part about getting him the reps early in the preseason.
Fortner, who played collegiate football at Kentucky, was the first pick in the third round of April’s draft. When looking at the film there is a lot to like about his game like his high football IQ, agility, and the competition level he faced in the Southeastern Conference. Now, fans will get to hopefully see all of that on Thursday, when it seems like he could be a starter.
For the fans, watching Fortner will understandably be exciting, as he’s set to play a key role in protecting Lawrence eventually. Additionally, with the Jags moving on from longtime center Brandon Linder, Thursday’s game will be the start of a new era as the hope is that Fortner is the team’s long-term guy in the middle.
Pederson says both Jamal Agnew and James Robinson are getting closer to 100%
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jamal Agnew (39) puts on his helmet during the Jaguars minicamp session at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Jki 061522 Jagswednesdayrookieminicamp 05 [Florida Times-Union]
Two players fans are eagerly waiting to see back on the field this regular season is Robinson and receiver Jamal Agnew, both of whom are playmakers for the team and will be coming off major injuries. As fans are aware, Robinson tore his Achilles in December and Agnew sustained a gruesome hip injury in November. That put both players in a situation where they’ve been gradually recovering this offseason, but things seem to be heading in a positive direction for them.
On Tuesday, Pederson provided an update on both and said they are getting closer to 100%. In Agnew’s case, Pederson even said the veteran could get some meaningful time on the field next week as the team prepares for the Cleveland Browns.
As for Robinson, Pederson says he’s reaching a point where they can ramp things up a bit, but are still looking to make sure he’s good in the minds of the doctors.
“He’s getting closer,” Pederson said. “We’re at that part of his rehab where it’s time to kind of push through just a little bit. It’s good to see him back out there. But again, making sure that he’s 100% comfortable. We’re comfortable with the docs, really with both of those guys, before we cut them loose.”
This is great news to hear for the offensive and special teams units. Robinson has been the biggest source of offense for the Jags since he joined them, and Agnew is one of the best returners in football. Agnew could also bolster the receivers corps as he brings speed and good hands to the unit, too.
Jacksonville Jaguars to start 3rd-string QB Luton in Hall of Fame game
“Monday Night Raw” saw its linear ratings rise this week as the post-Vince McMahon era of WWE begins. Monday’s show on USA Network drew an average audience of 2.3 million viewers and a 0.6 rating in the key adults 18-49 demographic, according to Nielsen figures. That represents a two-year viewership high for “Raw” and an […] | 2022-08-03T04:09:05Z | sports.yahoo.com | 2022 Jaguars training camp: 5 takeaways from Day 8 | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-jaguars-training-camp-5-023130413.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-jaguars-training-camp-5-023130413.html?src=rss |
The Arizona Cardinals announced a three-year contract extension with starting left tackle D.J Humphries, which keeps him under contract and as quarterback Kyler Murray’s blindside protector through the 2025 season.
We now know some of the numbers of the contract.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the extension is worth $66.8 million with $34 million in guaranteed money,
He will be paid $21 million in 2022.
In terms of contract value, because it is a three-year extension, technically the per-year average is a little less than $22.3 million, which would give him the third-highest per-year average among offensive linemen.
San Francisco’s Trent Williams is atop the list with an average of just more than $23 million, followed by Green Bay’s David Bakhtiari’s average of $23 million. Humphries is followed by Houston’s Laremy Tunsil, who has an average of $22 million.
He was due to make $14 million in salary in 2022. He will be paid $21 million between any signing bonus and salary this season now, and his cap hit will surely go down.
It was scheduled to be more than $19 million, the highest number on the team. That number will likely decrease, as much of the $21 million he will be paid will come in the way of a signing bonus, which prorates for cap purposes over the life of the contract. | 2022-08-03T04:09:18Z | sports.yahoo.com | Cardinals LT D.J. Humphries’ new deal worth nearly $67M | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-lt-d-j-humphries-023543369.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-lt-d-j-humphries-023543369.html?src=rss |
Texans QB Davis Mills says it is ‘humbling’ to have coach Lovie Smith vote for him as a team captain
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills is getting plenty of support from the organization.
The Texans did not draft a quarterback, nor did they sign anyone who can realistically compete with Mills for the job. Houston has also given their former 2021 third-round pick all of the first-team reps throughout the offseason program and through four days of training camp.
Coach Lovie Smith showed more support for Mills on the first day of camp when he told reporters that he would vote for the Stanford product as one of their team captains when the time came.
Mills joined “In The Loop” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Aug. 1 to talk about what it meant to have Smith on his side so early into training camp.
“It’s pretty cool,” Mills said. “Obviously it’s humbling. I think I still have a lot to prove and a lot to work everyday we come out here on the field. Got to prove it to my teammates. Got to prove it to myself. But I’m here to work and get better each and every day. So, again, I think the leadership role comes with being a quarterback. You got to step up into that role and lead the team and I feel very confident and comfortable doing that. I’m ready to roll with that.”
Although Mills’ 2-9 record from last season casts doubts on his ability to lead Houston to anything other than another four-win campaign, he went 2-3 over the final five games with a 9-2 touchdown to interception ratio and a 102.4 passer rating. Houston also took the Tennessee Titans to the wire in Week 18, a game the Titans needed to secure home-field advantage, with a close 28-25 loss at NRG Stadium.
“I think I really took the momentum from the last couple of games last season when we really started playing some of our best football, I took it into the offseason and I showed up at OTAs and really at the start of this camp,” said Mills. “And I really carried on that momentum. I think we’ve been playing really well as an offensive unit so far. I’m excited to go out and put up some points in preseason and once we kickoff the season versus the [Indianapolis] Colts at home.”
If the Texans avoid any voter remorse when it comes to Mills as team captain, it would solve the quarterback situation at least throughout the remainder of Mills’ rookie contract, which is up after the 2024 season. | 2022-08-03T04:09:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Texans QB Davis Mills says it is ‘humbling’ to have coach Lovie Smith vote for him as a team captain | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-says-033237223.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/texans-qb-davis-mills-says-033237223.html?src=rss |
Not only is the winner the best player at his position, but he also best reflects Lombardi’s character. The Irish undoubtedly are happy that they will go into the season with four chances to net the sixth Lombardi Award in program history. Manti Te'o was the Irish’s last winner in 2012, so they definitely are overdue for another one.
The award can be presented to a lineman on either side of the ball, and since tight ends also can be blockers, they are eligible for the award, too. Keep that in mind as we look at the Irish players on the list:
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Jayson Ademilola #57 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Started all 13 games in 2021 while recording 49 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey (7) during an NCAA football game against Purdue on Saturday, Sept.18, 2021, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Robert Franklin)
Foskey led the Irish with 11 sacks in 2021.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 01: Michael Mayer #87 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Mayer also is on the watch lists for the Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Biletnikoff Award and Walter Camp Award.
Patterson also is on the watch lists for the Rimington Award and Outland Trophy. | 2022-08-03T04:39:37Z | sports.yahoo.com | Four Notre Dame linemen named to Lombardi Award watch list | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-notre-dame-linemen-named-030004266.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/four-notre-dame-linemen-named-030004266.html?src=rss |
Zaidi defends Giants' mixed message trade deadline approach originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO -- As expected, Tuesday was an emotional day at Oracle Park. But it was not at all for the reasons that most predicted.
The Giants did end up sending four veterans out before Major League Baseball's trade deadline, but they held Carlos Rodón, their co-ace and the best pitcher available as 3 p.m. PT approached on Tuesday, and they also held Joc Pederson and Wilmer Flores. They traded backup catcher Curt Casali, lefty-masher Darin Ruf, and pitchers Matt Boyd and Trevor Rosenthal, both of whom are on the IL and unlikely to pitch until September.
"We talked about being open on anything and everything," Zaidi said. "I think that's kind of how every organization approaches the deadline, but the present really matters to us. For most of the season we've been in a playoff spot and obviously we've had a bad couple of weeks that's kind of put us on the fringes of the race, but we know (that) a hot two weeks can turn it around just like a bad two weeks put us in this position.
"I think the prudent thing was for us to be open to anything, but we have some really good players who we think can help us have a really good last two months and we weren't going to make trades just for the sake of making them. They have to make sense for us, short term and long term."
Zaidi did not want to go into details of conversations he had with other teams, although some around the game felt that Rodón's opt-out clause likely complicated things for the Giants. If a team were to trade for him and then watch him get hurt, he could opt back in for next year and leave his new team on the hook for more than $20 million. That likely made it harder for the Giants to get what they would perceive as fair value.
"In the end, nothing made sense for us," Zaidi said.
"With the impact he's had on our team, it wasn't something we could seriously consider," Zaidi said.
The Giants entered deadline day having lost nine of 12 since the All-Star break and Zaidi acknowledged that they "have got a bit of a road to climb." They are 4 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot in the NL and the two teams directly ahead of them got better.
The Giants did trade four players, but they're hopeful that J.D. Davis, acquired in the Ruf deal, adds some more flexibility to the roster. Brandon Crawford could return Thursday and Joc Pederson and Thairo Estrada are both expected to be back when eligible over the next week. They hope to get Evan Longoria back soon, as well.
Ultimately, the Giants are counting on internal improvements. And they feel comfortable in the fact that they didn't subtract much.
"We're always juggling the present and the future, whether it's a trade discussion, whether it's playing time decisions, that tradeoff is sort of constantly at the forefront," Zaidi said. "I think we carefully thought through that with different scenarios. It's certainly possible that we made some of those deals that were more future-oriented, it's just nothing lined up that made sense." | 2022-08-03T05:07:43Z | sports.yahoo.com | Farhan Zaidi defends Giants' mixed message 2022 MLB trade deadline approach | https://sports.yahoo.com/farhan-zaidi-defends-giants-mixed-014734343.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/farhan-zaidi-defends-giants-mixed-014734343.html?src=rss |
Courtney Vandersloot with a 2-pointer vs. Dallas Wings
Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) with a 2-pointer vs. Dallas Wings, 08/02/2022
See Photos From J-Hope’s History-Making Lollapalooza Performance
J-Hope‘s performance at Lollapalooza on Sunday (July 31) made history, as he was the first ever South Korean artist to headline a main stage at a major American music festival. The BTS member took to stage solo without group members Jin, Suga, RM, Jimin, V or Jung Kook by his side, but made a major […] | 2022-08-03T05:27:23Z | sports.yahoo.com | Courtney Vandersloot with a 2-pointer vs. Dallas Wings | https://sports.yahoo.com/courtney-vandersloot-2-pointer-vs-033347812.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/courtney-vandersloot-2-pointer-vs-033347812.html?src=rss |
Captain Munnerlyn
Former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman wasn’t known to be much of a free agent shopper. In fact, he even kidded about his penny pinching on one occasion back in 2015—stating he had to go bargain hunting at the “dollar store” the offseason prior.
But that thriftiness actually brought (or bought) the franchise its best free agent deal of the past nine years—at least according to Pro Football Focus.
Salary cap analyst Brad Spielberger recently dove all the way back to 2013 to find each team’s best value signing. And for Gettleman and the Panthers, theirs came from that very offseason the “Hogfather” was alluding to—in the form of cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.
“Munnerlyn signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Panthers in 2013,” Spielberger writes. “He generated .488 wins above replacement, which carried a value of $12,004,800. That season, Munnerlyn earned the best PFF grade (79.5) of his eventual 10-year career.”
Munnerlyn, a University of South Carolina product, initially joined the organization as a seventh-round pick out of the 2009 NFL draft. He’d go on to ink that one-year pact when his rookie deal expired after the 2012 campaign.
The freshly-compensated defender proceeded to return two interceptions for scores that season, all while notching career-highs in tackles (74), tackles for a loss (four), sacks (3.0) and quarterback hits (five). His efforts helped the Panthers, who finished with a 12-4 mark and an NFC South division crown, allow the second-fewest yards and second-fewest points in the league.
Even more money would come Munnerlyn’s way, as he promptly earned himself a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. And when that was up, his biggest payday came on a four-year, $17.5 million agreement with, ironically enough, Gettleman and the Panthers in 2017. | 2022-08-03T05:40:25Z | sports.yahoo.com | PFF names Panthers’ best value free agent contract since 2013 | https://sports.yahoo.com/pff-names-panthers-best-value-040015903.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/pff-names-panthers-best-value-040015903.html?src=rss |
The Baltimore Ravens drafted 11 very talented players during the 2022 draft, making sure they drafted not only for need, but also brought in some of the best players available on their board. All three phases were addressed by Baltimore, which made it a balanced draft class overall.
The Ravens had signed most of their rookie class, but there was one outstanding member who hadn’t agreed to terms yet in outside linebacker David Ojabo. However, on Tuesday night it was announced by the team that the second round pick signed his rookie contract, meaning Baltimore now has their entire 2022 rookie class under contract.
The best free agent value the Panthers have gotten from the past nine years, according to PFF, came with a player they had signed on three different occasions.
Ravens defensive lineman Brent Urban discussed how it feels to be back with the team | 2022-08-03T05:40:31Z | sports.yahoo.com | Ravens sign OLB David Ojabo to rookie contract | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-sign-olb-david-ojabo-035719173.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/ravens-sign-olb-david-ojabo-035719173.html?src=rss |
It’s been a bizarre couple of weeks for the Ohio State football team and its recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes missed out on some pretty high-profile targets they thought they had a good chance of landing, had a four-star corner de-commit, followed by this.
On Tuesday, four-star 2023 tight end commit Ty Lockwood announced his decision to de-commit from Ohio State and flip over to Alabama. At 6-foot, 5-inches, and 225 pounds, Lockwood was the first player to commit to OSU’s 2023 class and a tireless peer recruiter that seemingly helped sell the Buckeye program. He is rated as the No. 9 tight end and 141st overall prospect in the recruiting cycle according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
It’s just another turn of events in what has been one zany recruiting class thus far. Lockwood seemed to be one of the most locked-in recruits in the class. However, it didn’t take long for that to change after he received an offer from Alabama and visited Tuscaloosa.
With the news, Ohio State is now down to 18 commitments for the 2023 class and has dropped to the No. 4 spot in the updated 247Sports Team Composite Rankings.
Hang tight, because there could be some more moving, shaking, and unpredictable twists and turns with this recruiting class.
Top ten Ohio high school football prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle | 2022-08-03T06:10:51Z | sports.yahoo.com | Tight end Ty Lockwood flips from Ohio State to Alabama | https://sports.yahoo.com/tight-end-ty-lockwood-flips-024338237.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/tight-end-ty-lockwood-flips-024338237.html?src=rss |
The Dodgers acquired Joey Gallo from the New York Yankees on Tuesday. Gallo, shown in action against the Baltimore Orioles on July 24, has a .159 average and 12 home runs this season. (Nick Wass / Associated Press)
Dave Roberts was locked into Major League Baseball’s trade deadline on Tuesday.
“Man,” the Dodgers manager remarked after the deadline passed. “A lot happened.”
Just not for his team.
While the San Diego Padres drastically altered their lineup around the addition of Juan Soto, other National League contenders such as the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves made multiple notable additions to their big league roster, and every club but the Colorado Rockies executed at least one deal, the Dodgers stayed relatively quiet.
They were outbid for Soto, making a strong push with a prospect-laden offer but finishing as the runners-up in the bidding for the 23-year-old superstar outfielder.
They abandoned their pursuit of Miami Marlins starter Pablo López, with an inflated pitching market driving his cost too steep.
They couldn’t find the right price point in negotiations for other bigger-name options, such as slugger J.D. Martinez of the Boston Red Sox, a target they pursued up until the 3 p.m. cutoff time.
And in the end, the only real change they made was effectively replacing part-time outfielder Jake Lamb, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners, by taking a flier on Joey Gallo, the former two-time All-Star who had been struggling for the New York Yankees and was acquired for only one pitching prospect.
“I feel good about how aggressive we were in trying to line up on different things, the things that we ultimately did,” president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
But ultimately, he added, “I feel good about the team that we have in place and the way that they've performed … A lot of that stems from a special dynamic that we have in place, as well as the talent that we have here and the talent returning and the next two to six weeks.”
Friedman, of course, hasn’t been afraid of blockbuster deals in the past. It was at the deadline he acquired Yu Darvish in 2017, Manny Machado in 2018 and Max Scherzer and Trea Turner last year.
The calculation this season, however, was different.
The Dodgers began the day with the majors’ best winning percentage and team pitching ERA, as well as the second-most runs scored.
They had a 12-game division lead, and were already almost assured of making the playoffs.
They didn’t feel like they had any obvious pressing needs, either, confident a banged-up pitching staff will be close to full health by the start of the playoffs and the few struggling bats in the lineup will heat up down the stretch.
“It is the most expensive time of the year to acquire players,” Friedman said. “I guess maybe we were quiet outwardly, but there was a lot going on.”
The Dodgers’ biggest addition was Gallo, who was one of baseball’s most prolific left-handed sluggers earlier in his career with the Texas Rangers but had struggled since being dealt to the Yankees this time last year.
In 82 games this season, the seven-year veteran — who will be a free agent in the offseason — was batting just .159 with 12 home runs, 24 RBIs, a .621 on-base-plus-slugging percentage and 106 strikeouts in 273 plate appearances.
With the Dodgers, Gallo will likely serve in a platoon role — he has been slightly better against right-handed pitching this season — and play defensively in left field, where the team hopes the two-time Gold Glove player can also make an impact.
“A year ago, he was worth a lot in the industry,” Friedman said. “The true talent level remains … We feel there’s some real potential upside.”
Joey Gallo, right, watches his triple to right field in front of Boston Red Sox's Christian Vazquez during the third inning on July 8 in Boston. (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press)
Lamb, who had been occupying a similar role in recent weeks, was dealt to the Mariners in a different move for either a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The Dodgers also traded fringe big league pitcher Mitch White to the Toronto Blue Jays for a pair of pitching prospects — helping free up roster space for the litany of pitchers expected to come off the 60-day injured list before the end of the season.
That injured group was another factor in Tuesday's lack of activity from the Dodgers, whose only other notable pre-deadline move was acquiring middle reliever Chris Martin last week.
Walker Buehler, Dustin May, Blake Treinen, Tommy Kahnle, Danny Duffy and Victor González are all recovering from injuries.
And while Friedman acknowledged the team is “not relying on all of them coming back and being great,” they expect to get enough reinforcements — especially from Buehler, May and Treinen — to internally bolster a pitching staff that has still performed like one of the sport’s best.
“We feel really good about the potential of what our pitching staff can look like in October,” Friedman said.
Roberts felt the same way about the entirety of the team.
“I like the ballclub that we have,” he said. "And so for us to not kind of reach to do something, I think everyone in that clubhouse understands."
Still, while the Dodgers certainly aren't getting any worse, many of the sport’s other contenders might have rapidly gotten better.
The Braves and Mets, already the NL’s next two best teams, shored up their rosters in recent days. The Braves got reliever Raisel Iglesias, outfielder Robbie Grossman and starter Jake Odorizzi. The Mets added Phillip Diehl to their bullpen and Darin Ruf, Tyler Naquin and Daniel Vogelbach to their bench.
The top AL teams also made big moves. The Yankees snagged pitcher Frankie Montas, outfielder Andrew Benintendi (who was effectively replacing Gallo in their lineup) and relievers Scott Effross and Lou Trivino. The Houston Astros added hitters Christian Vázquez and Trey Mancini.
And then there were the Padres, who in addition to Soto also added productive hitters in Josh Bell and Brandon Drury to their lineup, as well as the supremely talented but recently inconsistent Josh Hader to their bullpen — giving them the kind of lineup and pitching depth that could challenge the Dodgers in a postseason series.
“They made their team way better in the last couple of days,” Friedman acknowledged. “We look forward to that competition.”
Roberts struck a similar tone.
Asked whether the gap between the Dodgers and the rest of the league’s top teams had closed, the manager didn’t disagree.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I would be not telling the truth if I didn't think that, so that's totally fair.”
And yet, he maintained total faith in the Dodgers' present and future, confident that by protecting most of their farm system and not forcing trades they felt were overpriced, the Dodgers kept themselves well-positioned for the rest of this season and beyond.
“I think if you look at the system, the assets, the players that we still have, we can do that,” Roberts said. “So that's kind of how we feel. We feel great about our ballclub right now for this year and looking out to the future." | 2022-08-03T08:08:33Z | sports.yahoo.com | Why the Dodgers stayed quiet at the trade deadline, despite several high-profile pursuits | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-agree-trade-yankees-slugger-190732550.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-agree-trade-yankees-slugger-190732550.html?src=rss |
Mets Nationals Baseball
Mets vs Nationals Highlights: Jacob deGrom shines in return but bullpen allows three HRs in loss to Nats | Mets Highlights
For the first time in 391 days, Jacob deGrom pitched in a Major League game and flashed his vintage arsenal, including a 102 mph fastball and devastating slider. He went five innings, striking out six, allowing three hits and an earned run. The Mets bullpen didn't fare as well, surrendering three home runs to the Nationals in a 5-1 loss. | 2022-08-03T09:40:16Z | sports.yahoo.com | DeGrom dazzles in return, bullpen costs Mets in loss to Nats | https://sports.yahoo.com/degrom-dazzles-return-bullpen-costs-021559891.html?src=rss | https://sports.yahoo.com/degrom-dazzles-return-bullpen-costs-021559891.html?src=rss |
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