“THE SCOREBOARD”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
DETROIT 5 SAN FRANCISCO 1
BALTIMORE 3 PHILADELPHIA 2
TORONTO 6 LA DODGERS 3 (11)
KANSAS CITY 5 CLEVELAND 3
MINNESOTA 4 SEATTLE 3 (10)
HOUSTON 10 TEXAS 9
COLORADO 10 WASHINGTON 6
MILWAUKEE 3 CINCINNATI 2
PITTSBURGH 8 SAN DIEGO 4
ST. LOUIS 10 ARIZONA 6
BOX SCORES: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/scoreboard.asp
STATS: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/index.asp
PLAYER NEWS: http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/news.asp
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
NO GAME SCHEDULED
WNBA
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 1
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
| BOYLE COUNTY (KY.) | AT | GIBSON SOUTHERN | 6:00 PM | ||
| CENTER GROVE | VS. | ST. EDWARD (OHIO) | 12:05 AM | ||
| SOUTHSIDE HOMESCHOOL | AT | PHALEN ACADEMY | 5:00 PM |
BIG 10 WEEKLY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
WEEK 1
MINNESOTA VS. NEBRASKA
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
WISCONSIN VS. BUFFALO
MICHIGAN STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
MICHIGAN VS. EAST CAROLINA
PURDUE VS. FRESNO STATE
RUTGERS VS. NORTHWESTERN
INDIANA VS. OHIO STATE
ILLINOIS VS. TOLEDO
MARYLAND VS. TOWSON
IOWA VS. UTAH STATE
PENN STATE VS. WEST VIRGINIA
WEEK 2
MARYLAND VS. CHARLOTTE
PENN STATE VS. DELAWARE
MINNESOTA VS. EASTERN MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS AT KANSAS
INDIANA VS. INDIANA STATE
IOWA AT IOWA STATE
NEBRASKA AT COLORADO
PURDUE AT VIRGINIA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. RICHMOND
RUTGERS VS. TEMPLE
MICHIGAN VS. UNLV
NORTHWESTERN VS. UTEP
WISCONSIN AT WASHINGTON STATE
OHIO STATE VS. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
WEEK 3
MICHIGAN VS. BOWLING GREEN
WISCONSIN VS. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
INDIANA VS. LOUISVILLE (IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
MINNESOTA AT NORTH CAROLINA
NEBRASKA VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
NORTHWESTERN AT DUKE
ILLINOIS VS. PENN STATE
PURDUE VS. SYRACUSE
MARYLAND VS. VIRGINIA
RUTGERS VS. VIRGINIA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. WASHINGTON
IOWA VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN
OHIO STATE VS. WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEEK 4
INDIANA VS. AKRON
ILLINOIS VS. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
PENN STATE VS. IOWA
NEBRASKA VS. LOUISIANA TECH
MICHIGAN STATE VS. MARYLAND
NORTHWESTERN VS. MINNESOTA
OHIO STATE AT NOTRE DAME
MICHIGAN VS. RUTGERS
PURDUE VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 5
PURDUE VS. ILLINOIS
MARYLAND VS. INDIANA
MINNESOTA VS. LOUISIANA
NEBRASKA VS. MICHIGAN
IOWA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
NORTHWESTERN VS. PENN STATE
RUTGERS VS. WAGNER
WEEK 6
NORTHWESTERN VS. HOWARD
OHIO STATE VS. MARYLAND
MINNESOTA VS. MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS VS. NEBRASKA
IOWA VS. PURDUE
WISCONSIN VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 7
MARYLAND VS. ILLINOIS
MICHIGAN VS. INDIANA
WISCONSIN VS. IOWA
RUTGERS VS. MICHIGAN STATE
PURDUE VS. OHIO STATE
PENN STATE VS. UMASS
WEEK 8
MICHIGAN STATE VS. MICHIGAN
IOWA VS. MINNESOTA
NEBRASKA VS. NORTHWESTERN
OHIO STATE VS. PENN STATE
INDIANA VS. RUTGERS
ILLINOIS VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 9
PENN STATE VS. INDIANA
NORTHWESTERN VS. MARYLAND
MINNESOTA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
WISCONSIN VS. OHIO STATE
NEBRASKA VS. PURDUE
WEEK 10
MINNESOTA VS. ILLINOIS
NORTHWESTERN VS. IOWA (IN CHICAGO, IL)
MICHIGAN STATE VS. NEBRASKA
RUTGERS VS. OHIO STATE
MARYLAND VS. PENN STATE
MICHIGAN VS. PURDUE
INDIANA VS. WISCONSIN
WEEK 11
ILLINOIS VS. INDIANA
NEBRASKA VS. MARYLAND
PENN STATE VS. MICHIGAN
OHIO STATE VS. MICHIGAN STATE
PURDUE VS. MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN VS. NORTHWESTERN
IOWA VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 12
IOWA VS. ILLINOIS
MARYLAND VS. MICHIGAN
INDIANA VS. MICHIGAN STATE
OHIO STATE VS. MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN VS. NEBRASKA
NORTHWESTERN VS. PURDUE
PENN STATE VS. RUTGERS
WEEK 13
NEBRASKA VS. IOWA
FRIDAY, NOV. 24
PURDUE VS. INDIANA
RUTGERS VS. MARYLAND
ILLINOIS VS. NORTHWESTERN
MICHIGAN VS. OHIO STATE
MICHIGAN STATE VS. PENN STATE
MINNESOTA VS. WISCONSIN
COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
WEEK 0
SATURDAY, AUG. 26
NOTRE DAME VS. NAVY (DUBLIN, IRELAND) | 2:30 P.M. | NBC
MERCER VS. NORTH ALABAMA (MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA) | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
JACKSONVILLE STATE VS. UTEP | 5:30 P.M. | CBSSN
NEW MEXICO STATE VS. UMASS | 7 P.M. | ESPN
SAN DIEGO STATE VS. OHIO | 7 P.M. | FS1
VANDERBILT VS. HAWAI’I | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
JACKSON STATE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
USC VS. SAN JOSE STATE | 8 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
LOUISIANA TECH VS. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL | 9 P.M. | CBSSN
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, AUG. 31
WAKE FOREST VS. ELON | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
UCF VS. KENT STATE | 7 P.M. | FS1
GEORGIA STATE VS. RHODE ISLAND | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
WESTERN MICHIGAN VS. ST. FRANCIS (PA) | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
UCONN VS. NC STATE | 7:30 P.M. | CBSSN
MINNESOTA VS. NEBRASKA | 8 P.M. | FOX
MISSOURI VS. SOUTH DAKOTA | 8 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
UTAH VS. FLORIDA | 8 P.M. | ESPN
TULSA VS. ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
UAB VS. NORTH CAROLINA A&T | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
ARIZONA STATE VS. SOUTHERN UTAH | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
FRIDAY, SEPT. 1
EASTERN MICHIGAN VS. HOWARD | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
MICHIGAN STATE VS. CENTRAL MICHIGAN | 7 P.M. | FS1
MIAMI (FLA.) VS. MIAMI (OHIO) | 7 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
GEORGIA TECH VS. LOUISVILLE (MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IN ATLANTA) | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN
KANSAS VS. MISSOURI STATE | 8 P.M. | ESPN+
HAWAI’I VS. STANFORD | 11 P.M. | CBSSN
SATURDAY, SEPT. 2
IOWA VS. UTAH STATE | 12 P.M. | FS1
KENTUCKY VS. BALL STATE | 12 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
LIBERTY VS. BOWLING GREEN | 12 P.M. | CBSSN
MICHIGAN VS. EAST CAROLINA | 12 P.M. | PEACOCK
PURDUE VS. FRESNO STATE | 12 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SMU VS. LOUISIANA TECH | 12 P.M. | ESPNU
TENNESSEE VS. VIRGINIA (NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE) | 12 P.M. | ABC
TCU VS. COLORADO | 12 P.M. | FOX
BOSTON COLLEGE VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS | 12 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
OKLAHOMA VS. ARKANSAS STATE | 12 P.M. | ESPN
OLE MISS VS. MERCER | 2 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
IOWA STATE VS. UNI | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
TEMPLE VS. AKRON | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
OHIO VS. LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY | 2 P.M. | ESPN+
AIR FORCE VS. ROBERT MORRIS | 2 P.M. | ALTITUDE SPORTS
OREGON VS. PORTLAND STATE | 3 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
INDIANA VS. OHIO STATE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
AUBURN VS. UMASS | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN
MARYLAND VS. TOWSON | 3:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
WISCONSIN VS. BUFFALO | 3:30 P.M. | FS1
WESTERN KENTUCKY VS. SOUTH FLORIDA | 3:30 P.M. | CBSSN
WASHINGTON VS. BOISE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | ABC
NOTRE DAME VS. TENNESSEE STATE | 3:30 P.M. | NBC
PITT VS. WOFFORD | 3:30 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
CINCINNATI VS. EASTERN KENTUCKY | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
TEXAS VS. RICE | 3:30 P.M. | FOX
APPALACHIAN STATE VS. GARDNER-WEBB | 3:30 P.M. | ESPN+
ARKANSAS VS. WESTERN CAROLINA | 4 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
MISSISSIPPI STATE VS. SE LOUISIANA | 4 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
NORTH TEXAS VS. CAL | 4 P.M. | ESPNU
SYRACUSE VS. COLGATE | 4 P.M. | ESPN+/ACCNX
GEORGIA VS. UT MARTIN | 6 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
CHARLOTTE VS. SOUTH CAROLINA STATE | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA ATLANTIC VS. MONMOUTH | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
GEORGIA SOUTHERN VS. THE CITADEL | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
JAMES MADISON VS. BUCKNELL | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
MARSHALL VS. ALBANY | 6 P.M. | ESPN+
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL VS. MAINE | 6:30 P.M. | ESPN+
USC VS. NEVADA | 6:30 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
TEXAS A&M VS. NEW MEXICO | 7 P.M. | ESPN
UL MONROE VS. ARMY | 7 P.M. | NFL NETWORK
VANDERBILT VS. ALABAMA A&M | 7 P.M. | ESPN+/SECN+
COLORADO STATE VS. WASHINGTON STATE | 7 P.M. | CBSSN
BAYLOR VS. TEXAS STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
HOUSTON VS. UTSA | 7 P.M. | FS1
KANSAS STATE VS. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
OKLAHOMA STATE VS. CENTRAL ARKANSAS | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
MEMPHIS VS. BETHUNE-COOKMAN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
SOUTHERN MISS VS. ALCORN STATE | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
TROY VS. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN | 7 P.M. | ESPN+
ALABAMA VS. MIDDLE TENNESSEE | 7:30 P.M. | SEC NETWORK
ILLINOIS VS. TOLEDO | 7:30 P.M. | BIG TEN NETWORK
SOUTH CAROLINA VS. NORTH CAROLINA (CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
PENN STATE VS. WEST VIRGINIA | 7:30 P.M. | NBC
WYOMING VS. TEXAS TECH | 7:30 P.M. | CBS
LOUISIANA VS. NORTHWESTERN STATE | 7:30 P.M. | ESPN+
VIRGINIA TECH VS. OLD DOMINION | 8 P.M. | ACC NETWORK
TULANE VS. SOUTH ALABAMA | 8 P.M. | ESPNU
NEW MEXICO STATE VS. WESTERN ILLINOIS | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
UTEP VS. UIW | 9 P.M. | ESPN+
ARIZONA VS. NORTHERN ARIZONA | 10 P.M. | PAC-12 NETWORK
BYU VS. SAM HOUSTON | 10:15 P.M. | FS1
UCLA VS. COASTAL CAROLINA | 10:30 P.M. | ESPN
SAN DIEGO STATE VS. IDAHO STATE | 10:30 P.M. | CBSSN
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
RUTGERS VS. NORTHWESTERN | 12 P.M. | CBS
SAN JOSE STATE VS. OREGON STATE | 3:30 P.M. | CBS
FLORIDA STATE VS. LSU (ORLANDO, FLORIDA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
MONDAY, SEPT. 4
DUKE VS. CLEMSON | 8 P.M. | ESPN
COLTS TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26 – 10-11 A.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5 – 6-7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, AUG. 6 – 2-3:45 P.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 8 – 9-10:30 A.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 10 – 9-10 A.M.
TUESDAY, AUG. 15 – 9-10 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16 – 6-8 P.M.
THURSDAY, AUG. 17 – 6-8 P.M.
NFL PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE
NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 3
N.Y. JETS VS. CLEVELAND (NBC), 8:00
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
HOUSTON AT NEW ENGLAND, 7:00
MINNESOTA AT SEATTLE, 10:00
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
N.Y. GIANTS AT DETROIT, 7:00
GREEN BAY AT CINCINNATI, 7:00
ATLANTA AT MIAMI, 7:00
PITTSBURGH AT TAMPA BAY, 7:00
WASHINGTON AT CLEVELAND, 7:30
DENVER AT ARIZONA, 10:00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
INDIANAPOLIS AT BUFFALO, 1:00
TENNESSEE AT CHICAGO, 1:00
N.Y. JETS AT CAROLINA, 4:00
JACKSONVILLE AT DALLAS, 5:00
PHILADELPHIA AT BALTIMORE, 7:00
L.A. CHARGERS AT L.A. RAMS, 9:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
KANSAS CITY AT NEW ORLEANS, 1:00
SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS, 4:00
WEEK 2
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17
CLEVELAND AT PHILADELPHIA, 7:30
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18
CAROLINA AT N.Y. GIANTS, 7:00
CINCINNATI AT ATLANTA, 7:30
SATURDAY, AUGUST 19
JACKSONVILLE AT DETROIT, 1:00
MIAMI AT HOUSTON, 4:00
BUFFALO AT PITTSBURGH, 6:30
CHICAGO AT INDIANAPOLIS, 7:00
TAMPA BAY AT N.Y. JETS, 7:30
KANSAS CITY AT ARIZONA, 8:00
NEW ENGLAND AT GREEN BAY, 8:00
TENNESSEE AT MINNESOTA, 8:00
DENVER AT SAN FRANCISCO, 8:30
LAS VEGAS AT L.A. RAMS, 9:00
DALLAS AT SEATTLE, 10:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. CHARGERS, 7:05
MONDAY, AUGUST 21
BALTIMORE AT WASHINGTON (ESPN), 8:00
WEEK 3
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24
PITTSBURGH AT ATLANTA, 7:30
INDIANAPOLIS AT PHILADELPHIA (PRIME VIDEO), 8:00
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
DETROIT AT CAROLINA (CBS), 8:00
NEW ENGLAND AT TENNESSEE, 8:15
L.A. CHARGERS AT SAN FRANCISCO, 10:00
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
BUFFALO AT CHICAGO, 1:00
SEATTLE AT GREEN BAY, 1:00
CLEVELAND AT KANSAS CITY, 1:00
ARIZONA AT MINNESOTA, 1:00
N.Y. JETS AT N.Y. GIANTS, 6:00
CINCINNATI AT WASHINGTON, 6:05
MIAMI AT JACKSONVILLE, 7:00
BALTIMORE AT TAMPA BAY, 7:00
LAS VEGAS AT DALLAS, 8:00
L.A. RAMS AT DENVER, 9:00
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
HOUSTON AT NEW ORLEANS (FOX), 8:00
WEEK 1 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
DETROIT LIONS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (THU) 7:20P (CT) 8:20P NBC
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
HOUSTON TEXANS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P CBS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 12:00P (CT) 1:00P CBS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS 1:00P (ET) 1:00P FOX
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS 3:25P (CT) 4:25P FOX
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS 2:25P (MT) 4:25P CBS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P CBS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4:25P (ET) 4:25P CBS
LOS ANGELES RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1:25P (PT) 4:25P FOX
DALLAS COWBOYS AT NEW YORK GIANTS 8:20P (ET) 8:20P NBC
BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW YORK JETS (MON) 8:15P (ET) 8:15P ESPN/ABC
SUNDAY’S TRANSACTIONS
BASEBALL
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
AMERICAN LEAGUE
BALTIMORE ORIOLES — ASSIGNED RHP AUSTIN VOTH TO BOWIE (EL) ON A REHAB ASSIGNMENT.
BOSTON RED SOX — OPTIONED RHP NORWITH GUDINO TO WORCESTER (IL). AGREED TO TERMS WITH OFS NELLY TAYLOR AND STANLEY TUCKER ON MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACTS.
DETROIT TIGERS — OPTIONED RHP BRENDAN WHITE TO TOLEDO (IL). RECALLED RHP ALEX FAEDO FROM TOLEDO.
HOUSTON ASTROS — RECALLED LHP PARKER MUSHINSKI FROM SUGAR LAND (PCL). OPTIONED RHP JOEL KUHNEL TO SUGAR LAND.
NEW YORK YANKEES — REINSTATED OF GREG ALLEN AND INF/OF JAKE BAUERS FROM THE 10-DAY IL. OPTIONED INF/OF FRANCHY CORDERO TO SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE (IL). ASSIGNED LHP NESTOR CORTES TO SOMERSET (EL) ON A REHAB ASSIGNMENT.
TEXAS RANGERS — RECALLED RHP OWEN WHITE FROM ROUND ROCK (PCL). OPTIONED RHP GLENN OTTO TO ROUND ROCK.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS — AGREED TO TERMS WITH RHP JUARON WATTS-BROWN ON A MINOR LEAGUE CONTRACT. ACTIVATED LHP GENESIS CABRERA. OPTIONED RHP NATE PEARSON TO BUFFALO (IL).
NATIONAL LEAGUE
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS — RECALLED C JOSE HERRERA FROM RENO (PCL). PLACED C GABRIEL MORENO ON THE 10-DAY IL.
ATLANTA BRAVES — TRANSFERRED RHP JESSE CHAVEZ FROM THE 15-DAY IL TO THE 60-DAY IL. SELECTED THE CONTRACT OF RHP DAYSBEL HERNANDEZ FROM GWINNETT (IL). OPTIONED RHP ALLAN WINANS TO GWINNETT. CLAIMED RHP YONNY CHIRINOS OFF WAIVERS FROM TAMPA BAY.
NEW YORK METS — OPTIONED LHP JOSH WALKER TO SYRACUSE (IL).
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS — RELEASED RHP JAKE WALSH. SELECTED THE CONTRACT OF 2B TAYLOR MOTTER FROM MEMPHIS (IL). OPTIONED SS JOSE FERMIN TO MEMPHIS.
SAN DIEGO PADRES — RECALLED RHP PEDRO AVILA FROM EL PASO (PCL). OPTIONED LHP JACKSON WOLF TO SAN ANTONIO (TL).
MINOR LEAGUE
FRONTIER LEAGUE
EVANSVILLE OTTERS — RELEASED INF TREVOR AUSTIN.
LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS: — SIGNED OF/1B SCOUT KNOTTS.
SCHAUMBURG BOOMERS — RELEASED INF QUENTIN SELMA.
TROIS-RIVIERES AIGLES — SIGNED INF TYLER WILBER.
FOOTBALL
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
CINCINNATI BENGALS — PLACED CB CHIDOBE AWUZIE, OTS DEVIN COCHRAN AND LA’EL COLLINS ON THE PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO PERFORM LIST (PUP).
SOCCER
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES — ACQUIRED $150,000 IN 2023 GENERAL ALLOCATION MONEY FROM INTER MIAMI FX IN EXCHANGE FOR A 2023 INTERNATIONAL ROSTER SPOT.
TOP NATIONAL RELEASES/HEADLINES
COLLEGE ATHLETICS
FIRST LAWSUIT FILED ON BEHALF OF FEMALE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETE AS HAZING SCANDAL WIDENS
CHICAGO (AP) — The hazing scandal at Northwestern University has widened to include a volleyball player who on Monday became the first female athlete to sue the university over allegations she was retaliated against by the coach for reporting her mistreatment.
“This shows that it isn’t just men,” said Parker Stinar, one of her attorneys. “It isn’t just football players.”
The private school in Evanston, Illinois, is facing multiple lawsuits, including one planned for later in the day that was to be announced by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
The scandal at the Big Ten school centers on a problem that seems to extend far beyond sports, even if it is sports that often gets the headlines. While major college sports programs have become multimillion-dollar, ritualistic hazing appears to remain a problematic tradition within them.
Football coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired after a university investigation found allegations of hazing by 11 current or former players, including “forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature,” school President Michael Schill said. One previous lawsuit accuses Fitzgerald of enabling a culture of racism, including forcing players of color to cut their hair and behave differently to be more in line with the “Wildcat Way.”
The volleyball player, identified in Monday’s lawsuit as Jane Doe, says she was physically harmed to the point of requiring medical attention during a hazing incident in early 2021.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe contracted COVID-19 in February of that year, despite following the team’s COVID guidelines. Despite this, she says, Northwestern volleyball coach Shane Davis and an assistant coach informed her she would need to undergo a “punishment” for violating the guidelines. A day later, on March 2, 2021, the coaches permitted the volleyball team’s captains to pick the punishment: She was forced to run “suicides” in the gym while diving to the floor each time she reached a line on the court. As she did this, the suit says, volleyball coaching staff, team members and trainers watched.
Campus police were made aware of the incident, as was the athletic department, the lawsuit says. Jane Doe says she was isolated from the team and Davis forced her to write an apology letter to trainers. The lawsuit also says the player met with athletic director Derrick Gragg to discuss the culture of the volleyball program but he “did nothing in response” to her concerns.
Davis did not immediately respond Monday morning to messages seeking comment. Messages also were left with Gragg and a spokesperson for the athletic department.
The school announced in December 2021 that it had signed Davis to a multi-year contract extension. A year later, in December 2022, the player medically retired from the sport.
Northwestern spokesperson Jon Yates confirmed the unnamed student made a hazing allegation in March, 2021. Yates said after suspending the coaching staff during an investiation, which confirmed hazing took place, two volleyball games were canceled and mandatory anti-hazing training was implemented.
“Although this incident predated President Schill’s and Athletic Director Gragg’s tenure at the University, each is taking it seriously,” Yates said. “Dr. Gragg met with the student at her request last year, and as President Schill wrote in a message to the Northwestern community, the University is working to ensure we have in place appropriate accountability for our athletic department.”
The lawsuit was submitted in Cook County, Illinois, by the Chicago-based Salvi Law Firm and names as defendants Davis and Gragg as well as the university, its current and former presidents and the board of trustees. The suit also names Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner James J. Phillips, who was Northwestern’s athletic director until 2021. Phillips, who has been named as a defendant in two other lawsuits, has said he never “condoned or tolerated inappropriate conduct” against athletes while he was Northwestern’s athletics director.
Crump planned to announce another lawsuit against Northwestern over hazing allegations in its athletic programs, with the latest suit touted as containing “damning new details” of sexual hazing and abuse in its football program.
Fitzgerald, who led Northwestern for 17 seasons and was a star linebacker for the Wildcats, has maintained he had no knowledge of hazing. Fitzgerald said after being fired that he was working with his agent, Bryan Harlan and his lawyer, Dan Webb, to “protect my rights in accordance with the law.”
The hazing allegations have broadened beyond the school’s football program as attorneys said last week that male and female athletes reported misconduct within its baseball and softball programs. They also suggested that sexual abuse and racial discrimination within the football program was so rampant that coaches knew it was happening.
Crump’s advisory for Monday’s news conference states that the suit will identify “one Northwestern football coach who allegedly witnessed the hazing and sexual conduct and failed to report it.”
Northwestern has been added to a long list of American universities to face a scandal in athletics and may eventually join the trend of making large payouts following allegations of sexual abuse.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
2022 Record: 8-5 overall, 4-4 in ACC
Head Coach: Dave Doeren, 11th year: 72-54, 13th year overall: 95-58
Louisville and Syracuse were the 2012 co-Big East champs. Those are two of the three ACC schools that haven’t played in the ACC Championship. NC State is the other, and its last conference championship was 1979.
Even Notre Dame played in an ACC Championship.
But here’s the crazy part about NC State’s inability to at least take a cut at the ACC title – and its inability to even get all that close. The program keeps on winning.
Everyone always wants more, but consistently winning in college football is really, really hard. Ask Florida State and Miami over the last ten years.
Out of the 40 seasons that the NC State football program won seven games or more, Dave Doeren has been the head coach in eight of them, with all of those coming the last nine years.
Being in the same division as Clemson and Florida State over the last ten years had something to do with the inability to rise up and finally get into the ACC title game. But now there are no divisions. There’s no Florida State on the slate, there’s no Pitt, and the Clemson game is at home.
The defense that was among the best in the country shouldn’t take much of a step back even after losing a few longtime veterans, the offense has the potential to be as dangerous as it’s been in years, and while consistency is fantastic, yeah, it’s time.
There’s only been one double-digit winning season in NC State history. Under Doeren, the program is overdue to make it two, and to that might happen if..
NC State Wolfpack Preview: Offense
Can NC State party like it’s 2021 Virginia? Under then offensive coordinator Robert Anae, the Cavalier offense went crazy, finishing third in the nation in total offense, second in passing and ended up averaging 35 points, 393 passing yards, and 516 total yards per game with QB Brennan Armstrong throwing for almost 4,500 yards with 31 touchdowns and running for nine scores. Now Anae and Armstrong are going to try recreating the magic in Raleigh.
Three of the top four receivers are gone, but Keyon Lesane returns as the main veteran, the transfer portal is helping out a little bit, and if this all works, the system – and Armstrong – will make the playmakers shine.
There’s some patching to be done on the offensive line, but the starting five should be fine if Oregon transfer Dawson Jaramillo rocks at one of the guard jobs. Dylan McMahon is one of the ACC’s better centers and OT Timothy McKay should be in the All-ACC mix. Now this bunch has to do more for the ground game that averaged just 3.4 yards per cary and finished with eight scores, but gets back leading rusher Jordan Houston.
NC State Wolfpack Preview: Defense
The defense has always been terrific in the Dave Doeren era, but last year it had a slew of killers who made everything happen. The linebackers and safety Tanner Ingle did just about everything, but now they’re gone except for Payton Wilson, an all-around playmaker on the outside who came back from missing most of 2021 go right back to form. In 2020 and 2022 he combined to make 190 tackles with eight sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
The opportunities are there for the linebackers who waited their turn to step up and shine. It’s up to Jaylon Scott to replace new Las Vegas Raider Drake Thomas – who lived in the backfield last year – on the other side of Wilson, and Devon Betty will try hold up in the middle as he takes over for Isaiah Moore. The front three should be a rock as long as CJ Clark can hold up on the nose. There’s excellent size up front to do its job to hold firm so the linebackers can do the rest.
If the offense doesn’t rock right out of the gate like everyone is hoping for, the secondary should be the early strength of the team. The Wolfpack picked off 19 passes led by the tremendous corner combination of Shyheim Battle and Aydan White. Ingle might be gone at free safety, but there’s a good group ready to take over led by sophomore Sean Brown.
NC State Wolfpack Key To The Season
Get to 22 points. Realistically, it’s going to be next to impossible to recreate the magic of the 2021 Virginia offense, but NC State doesn’t have to – just do a little bit more than it did last year. It’s also going to be hard to be as good as the defense was last season, but it might not be far off.
It was simple – get to 21 points, win the game. NC State was 7-0 when it did, and 1-5 when it didn’t. How good was the D? If NC State scored 22 points in every game it would’ve finished 10-3. By the way, the team is 19-2 in its last 21 games when it gets past 21 points.
NC State Wolfpack Top Transfer, Biggest Loss
QB Brennan Armstrong in from Virginia, WR Devin Carter off to West Virginia. The biggest loss in the transfer portal would’ve been former QB Devin Leary to Virginia, but Armstrong easily makes up for that. Losing Carter, though, hurts considering he would’ve blown up in the offense. He’s gone to the Mountaineers after averaging over 16 yards per grab on his 118 catches in his 32 games of work.
NC State Wolfpack Key Player
Brayden Narveson, PK Sr. The kicking game might not be as urgently needed as last season when the offense fell flat and points came at a premium, but for a team like NC State, that might be the difference between another good year and something special.
Gone is Lou Groza Award winner Christopher Dunn after hitting 28-of-29 field goals and making all of his extra points, He had range to go with the accuracy. In from WKU is Narveson, a good veteran who made 51-of-64 career field goals starting out at Iowa State before going to the Hilltoppers.
FLORIDA A&M RESUMES FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES AS RAP VIDEO INVESTIGATED
The Florida A&M football team can resume activities Tuesday while the university continues to investigate the unauthorized filming of a rap video, athletic director Tiffany-Dawn Sykes said Monday.
Florida A&M had suspended all football-related activities until further notice on Friday after a rap video with explicit lyrics was filmed in the team’s locker room without authorization and released online.
Coach Willie Simmons announced the program’s halt Friday night, just hours after the release of the video for “Send A Blitz” from rapper Real Boston Richey.
In the video, Richey is seen in the locker room at Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse on the Florida A&M campus in Tallahassee. Richey is wearing a Florida A&M shirt as well as helmets bearing the team logo. Several Florida A&M football players can be seen in the video but have not been identified by the school.
“An investigation into the unauthorized video that was partially filmed in the football locker room is being led by the University’s Office of Compliance and Ethics,” Sykes wrote on her and the athletic department’s Twitter accounts. “Since this is an ongoing investigation, no further comment can be shared at this time.
“In my role, I have been transparent with stakeholders and this time will be no different. I will make myself available for comment at the conclusion of the investigation.”
In his statement posted to Twitter last Friday, Simmons said the video was made “without proper authorization” and that a forthcoming investigation will look into who authorized the use of the locker room as well as the use of team apparel, which “potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements.”
Though Simmons said he supports “free speech and … all forms of musical expression,” he expressed disappointment that the content of the video was not in alignment with the university’s image.
The video contained graphic language that “is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles and beliefs,” Simmons’ statement said.
Richey is a local of Tallahassee whose real name is Jalen Foster. He performed at Florida A&M’s homecoming game last season.
The Rattlers’ head coach and selected players planned to be in attendance Tuesday at the Southwestern Athletic Conference football media day in Birmingham, Ala. The team’s first practice is slated for Aug. 4.
Simmons is entering his sixth season as head coach of Florida A&M and has a 33-12 record. The Rattlers open the season Sept. 3 against Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
FIVE-STAR LB JUSTIN WILLIAMS COMMITS TO GEORGIA
The top college football recruiting class for 2024 got even better on Monday when five-star linebacker Justin Williams committed to Georgia.
Williams, a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder from Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas, also weighed an offer from Oregon, according to multiple media reports.
Speaking about what swayed him to select the Bulldogs, Williams said, according to 247Sports, “Everything really. Coach staff, the facilities are great, the people surrounding the facilities are great, my ability to grow in my faith.
“Georgia is a great school. They’re up there with the best.”
The 247Sports composite ranking list has Williams as the No. 11 overall national recruit for the Class of 2024, No. 1 at linebacker and the third-best recruit out of Texas. The top overall prospect, quarterback Dylan Raiola, also is committed to Georgia, as are the No. 4 overall prospect, cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, and the No. 7 overall prospect, safety KJ Bolden.
Another Class of 2024 linebacker, Demarcus Riddick, was committed to the Bulldogs, but multiple media outlets are reporting that the Alabama high school product might flip to Alabama or Auburn.
Georgia, coming off a 15-0, national-championship season, will open the 2023 campaign against UT Martin on Sept. 2.
NFL NEWS
REPORT: RB JOSH JACOBS HOPS FLIGHT OUT OF LAS VEGAS
NFL rushing champ Josh Jacobs boarded a flight out of Las Vegas on Monday and has no plans to return anytime soon, NFL Network reported.
Jacobs and the Raiders failed to reach an agreement on a long-term contract by last week’s deadline for franchise-tagged players, and he has not signed his $10.1 million franchise tender.
Because he is not under contract, Jacobs will not be subject to any fines for not reporting when the Raiders open training camp this week.
The Raiders did not pick up the fifth-year option on Jacobs’ rookie contract a year ago. He responded by putting up 1,653 rushing yards on 340 touches (4.9 yards per attempt) and 12 touchdowns while starting all 17 games. He added 400 receiving yards to lead the league with 2,053 total yards from scrimmage.
He was a first-team All-Pro and received his second Pro Bowl nod.
In 60 games (59 starts) since the Raiders selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Jacobs has rushed for 4,740 yards and 40 touchdowns.
Without Jacobs, the Las Vegas ball-carriers include journeymen Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden.
NFL SUSPENDS BRONCOS DL EYIOMA UWAZURIKE FOR BETTING ON GAMES
Denver Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for betting on league games in his rookie season of 2022.
Uwazurike, 25, will be out at least one year and can petition for reinstatement no sooner than July 24, 2024, the league announced in a statement Monday.
“We were informed by the NFL (Monday) that Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league indefinitely for violating its gambling policy,” the Broncos said in a statement released with the NFL’s announcement. “Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously.
“The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s Gambling Policy.”
The Broncos selected the 6-foot-6, 320-pound Uwazurike in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Iowa State. He played in eight games (no starts) last year and made 11 solo tackles, assisted on six and recorded two quarterback hits.
Uwazurike is the latest player confirmed by the league to have violated the gambling policy.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, then of the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended for the entire 2022 season for betting on NFL games while he was away from the team. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars last fall and reinstated by the league last March.
In April, the NFL suspended five more players for violating its gambling policy. Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were handed indefinite bans for betting on NFL games, while Detroit receivers Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were given six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL events from inside an NFL facility.
Detroit released Cephus, Moore and Berryhill.
Three Indianapolis Colts players were suspended in June for the entire 2023 season for betting on NFL games last season, and Tennessee Titans starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere received a six-game suspension for betting on other sports at the team facility.
Colts cornerback/kick returner Isaiah Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. The Colts promptly waived Rodgers and Berry the day the suspensions were announced.
REPORTS: NFL SUSPENDS FREE AGENT OL ISAIAH WILSON 3 GAMES
The NFL has suspended free agent Isaiah Wilson for the first three games of the 2023 season for undisclosed reasons, according to multiple reports.
Wilson, a first-round draft pick (No. 29 overall) by the Tennessee Titans in 2020 out of Georgia, has not been part of an NFL team since the New York Giants carried him on their practice squad in 2021. The Giants released the 6-foot-6, 350-pounder in January 2022.
Wilson, 24, has had multiple off-field issues, including being charged with driving under the influence before the start of the 2020 season. He played in one game at offensive tackle for the Titans in 2020. He was traded to the Dolphins on March 17, 2021, and waived three days later.
The Giants assigned him to their practice squad on Sept. 30, 2021.
LIONS CB C.J. GARDNER-JOHNSON (KNEE) CARTED OFF FIELD
Detroit Lions cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson was carted off the field Monday with a leg injury at training camp in Allen Park, Mich.
Multiple outlets reported he was visibly upset and being comforted by teammates after sustaining a non-contact injury to his right knee during practice.
The Lions signed the 25-year-old free agent to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with incentives in March that included $6.5 million fully guaranteed.
Gardner-Johnson shared the NFL lead with six interceptions and made a career-high 67 tackles in 12 starts with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. He missed five games with a lacerated kidney.
Prior to his lone season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was with the Saints from 2019-21 after being selected by New Orleans in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.
In 55 career games (43 starts), Gardner-Johnson has 11 interceptions, 228 tackles, 36 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
ODELL CONSIDERED RETIREMENT BEFORE SIGNING WITH RAVENS
Odell Beckham Jr. said he considered retiring from the NFL before signing with the Baltimore Ravens this year.
“I went through a lot the last couple of years, and I thought it was over,” the star wide receiver recently said, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. “I didn’t want to get back up on the horse and do the same song and dance all over again.”
Beckham didn’t play last season after suffering a torn ACL in Super Bowl LVI as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old visited multiple teams before signing a one-year, $15-million contract with the Ravens in April.
“If I’m honest, I was resistant,” he said. “There were other places I wanted to go. I wasn’t necessarily a Ravens fan – because the Ravens always whipped my ass.”
Beckham spent his first five NFL seasons with the New York Giants, earning a Pro Bowl berth in each of his first three years. The team then traded the first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in 2019. He failed to meet expectations across two-plus seasons with the club.
Beckham is now part of a Ravens team that heads into the 2023 campaign with lofty ambitions.
“I’m thinking like this is my last year,” Beckham added. “I’m going to give it my all this year. And then if something happens after that, we can go from there.”
Baltimore re-signed quarterback Lamar Jackson to a lucrative multi-year deal this offseason and gave him multiple new weapons. In addition to Beckham, the Ravens drafted wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round.
REPORT: CHIEFS’ JONES WANTS $30M PER YEAR
Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones is eyeing a contract extension that’ll make him at least the second-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL, a source told The Athletic’s Nate Taylor.
Jones, who didn’t report to training camp this weekend due to his contract situation with the team, is seeking a new deal worth $30 million per year, Taylor adds.
Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald leads all defensive tackles with an average annual salary of $31.67 million, according to Spotrac. New York Jets lineman Quinnen Williams is next on the list at $24 million after recently signing a four-year, $96-million extension.
Jones’ $20-million average annual salary currently ranks eighth at his position. The 29-year-old is in the last year of his contract. He previously inked an $80-million pact for four seasons in 2020.
Jones is a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense. He earned his first first-team All-Pro nod in 2022 after racking up 29 QB hits and 15.5 sacks. The Mississippi State product then amassed six quarterback hits and two sacks in three playoff games to help the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV against the Philadelphia Eagles in February.
It’s been a hot offseason for interior linemen, as four of the position’s five biggest contracts were signed this year. In addition to Williams, Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, Washington Commanders’ Daron Payne, and New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence also signed lucrative long-term deals.
REPORT: BILLS’ HINES TO MISS SEASON AFTER TORN ACL FROM JET SKI ACCIDENT
Buffalo Bills running back and kick returner Nyheim Hines is expected to miss the entire 2023 season after suffering a significant knee injury off-site, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Hines suffered a torn ACL after being struck by a jet sky rider while sitting stationary on a jet ski, according to Pelissero. He reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries and will undergo surgery this week.
The 26-year-old was expected to be Buffalo’s top kick and punt returner this year. He joined the team midway through last season from the Indianapolis Colts.
Hines had only six carries in nine appearances with the Bills in 2022 but scored two kickoff-return touchdowns while averaging 29.2 yards per return.
A fourth-round pick in 2018, Hines spent four-plus seasons in Indianapolis. The NC State product posted the most productive campaign of his career in 2020, amassing 862 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns.
Wide receivers Deonte Harty and Khalil Shakir, as well as safety Micah Hyde, are potential candidates to replace Hines as the Bills’ return specialist in 2023.
NOT ABOARD: COWBOYS OG ZACK MARTIN MISSES TEAM CHARTER TO TRAINING CAMP
As roll call waits one more day in Oxnard, Calif., all signs point to guard Zack Martin being absent as the Dallas Cowboys kick off training camp on Tuesday.
The Cowboys team charter from Dallas left Monday afternoon without Martin, who reportedly asked the team to address his contract. Players are not required to take the team charter flight and can instead arrange their own transportation to report on time Tuesday for the official start of camp.
Martin, 32, signed a six-year, $84 million extension in 2018, making him the league’s top-paid guard at the time.
Entering camp this week, his standing is significantly lower.
Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom ($20.5 million) and Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson ($20M) are the top-paid players at the position based on average annual salary. Martin’s $14 million per-year average is ninth among guards.
The six-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection was the No. 16 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Martin can be fined under NFL rules and would potentially forfeit more than $900,000 if he skips camp entirely. Often as contract disagreements are settled, such attendance-related fines are waived or negotiated out of the final salary figure.
NFL PREVIEW: NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants had a successful first season with Brian Daboll, who quickly turned them into a playoff team en route to winning Coach of the Year.
But the Giants will no longer catch teams by surprise after winning 10 games last season, including a wild-card victory vs. the Vikings.
Despite making roster upgrades and paying their top players, the Giants will have a tough time returning to the postseason considering they reside in a competitive NFC East with the Eagles, Cowboys and Commanders.
The Giants will likely need newcomers Deonte Banks (the team’s first-round rookie cornerback) and Bobby Okereke (a standout linebacker who signed during free agency) to quickly find their footing in New York and help the defense become one of the best units in 2023.
The Giants have plenty of playmakers on their roster, but the season will once again fall on the shoulders of quarterback Daniel Jones, who was paid like a top-10 quarterback in the NFL.
Biggest gamble this offseason: Paying Jones $40 million per year
After a slow first three seasons, Jones made drastic strides in 2022 under the guidance of Daboll, which earned the quarterback a four-year, $160 million contract extension this offseason. This led many to wonder why the Giants made the investment after one good year; New York prioritized the skill positions this offseason in the hopes that it will lead to even more improvements from Jones, who had a subpar supporting cast (outside of running back Saquon Barkley) in 2022. New York traded for tight end Darren Waller, drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt and signed wide receiver Parris Campbell. Suddenly, Jones has a strong crew of pass catchers with wideouts Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson and Isaiah Hodgins also on the roster. It’s time for Jones, the ’19 No. 6 pick, to play like a top-10 quarterback after receiving a new deal and additional weapons this offseason.
Toughest stretch of the season: Weeks 3 to 8
The Giants have a brutal schedule overall, with Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr calling it borderline criminal. And most might agree with that assessment because of the brutal six-game stretch the Giants were handed, with four games on the road against the 49ers, Seahawks, Dolphins and Bills, and two at home vs. the Commanders and Jets. The Giants made many roster upgrades in the offseason, but it might not matter, given they could easily go 1–5 during that grueling stretch to derail their season. New York also starts the season against the Cowboys and faces the Eagles twice in the final three games. To steal a line from Orr, what on Earth did the Giants do to deserve this?
Breakout player to watch: Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux struggled to finish plays at times during his rookie season, but he consistently won his matchups and often found himself in the backfield. With 40 pressures and 13 quarterback hits as a rookie, Thibodeaux could develop into a sack artist in his second season after recording only four sacks in 2022. Also, Thibodeaux’s 10.3% pressure rate was more than fellow first-round rookies Aidan Hutchinson (9.9%) and Travon Walker (9.2%).
Position of strength: Interior defensive line
Dexter Lawrence received a hefty pay raise after a dominant 2022 season, which included Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro selections. Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension, making him the fourth-highest-paid interior defensive lineman in the league, according to Over the Cap. Lawrence went from being a run-stopping specialist to a versatile playmaker last year, with a career-high 7.5 sacks. Leonard Williams, who can also play on the edge, cashed in two years ago with a three-year, $63 million contract and remains a productive playmaker in the middle of New York’s defensive line. The Giants also added A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches this offseason.
Position of weakness: Interior offensive line
Instead of being specific, the offensive line could have been listed here, but that would be unfair to left tackle Andrew Thomas, who continues to get better after establishing himself as one of the best at his position last season. At right tackle, Evan Neal (the No. 7 pick in ’22) had a rocky rookie season, but so did Thomas in ’20—perhaps Neal can improve in Year 2. But the Giants have real concerns on the interior, with the guard spots possibly up for grabs in training camp, and with a rookie center in John Michael Schmitz, a ’23 second-round pick.
X-factor: TE Darren Waller
No one will say Jones is missing a legitimate No. 1 wideout if Waller regains his top form from his dominant days in 2019 and ’20. (He averaged 98.5 receptions and 1,170 receiving yards during that time.) When healthy, Waller is a matchup nightmare and is just as dangerous in the passing game as Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Mark Andrews. But if Waller continues to deal with injuries, Jones will need one of his many wideouts to step up and deliver Pro Bowl–type seasons.
Sleeper fantasy pick: WR Isaiah Hodgins
Hodgins became the top option in the Giants’ pass attack in the second half of last season, and he made the most of his chances. In his final five games, he scored 14-plus points four times, including one game with almost 23 points. The Giants don’t have an alpha wideout, so Hodgins is worth a look.—Michael Fabiano, SI Fantasy
Best bet: Take the over on Daniel Jones’s rushing prop of 575.5 yards
The Giants are best when Jones is able to use his mobility. Jones logged 708 ground yards last year on the way to a winning record for New York. Why fix what isn’t broken?—Jennifer Piacenti, SI Betting
Final record: 8–9, third in NFC East
FIVE QUARTERBACKS WHO WILL MAKE OR BREAK THEIR NFL TEAMS’ SEASONS
TOUCHDOWN WIRE
There are a handful of teams across the NFL that have built respectable rosters, or even made it to the playoffs in 2022, but still feel like pretenders rather than contenders. The reasons for those doubts center around the men they have lined up under center or in the shotgun every week.
That’s not to say these quarterbacks are terrible, bottom-of-the-barrel talents. Rather, they leave plays and potential scoring opportunities on the table, and their teams need more from them going forward. Before we get into them, though, there are a few honorable mentions. Quite a few teams in this little predicament, so Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Jordan Love — you can run but you can’t hide.
Now, on to the list.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
We’ll start with the obvious, and most uncomfortable one. It feels like Browns fans have been screaming “It’s Our Year” since the Obama administration. But, alas, it has yet to be “their year.” Then, an act of desperation straight out of a WWE storyline, the Browns turned from the lovable underdog baby faces to the biggest heels in sports by trading for Deshaun Watson and giving him more guaranteed money than most small countries in the wake of two dozen accusations of sexual misconduct.
Cleveland banked their future on Watson being the same player we saw before he missed the entirety of the 2021 season. After a 10-game suspension, while he had some quick flashes of being that guy, there wasn’t anything there consistently that gave light to those hopes. Of all quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts, he was 31st in EPA/play, 30th in success rate, and 32nd in CPOE, per RBSDM.
Now, for Watson, it doesn’t matter how good he plays, how poorly he plays, or if he never plays again- he’s owed $230 million regardless. For the Browns, though, their roster has very few holes. They have a good offensive line, especially on the interior. Their weapons are above average, especially after acquiring Elijah Moore from the Jets to pair with Amari Cooper, and their defense features one of the best edge rushers in the game and a secondary full of talent and depth. Their season, and playoff aspirations, all fall on the play of Watson. And in a loaded AFC, he’s going to have to be special to have Cleveland playing deep into January.
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
If Sam Howell produces, the Commanders could sneakily be a playoff team. The former North Carolina quarterback was at one point projected to be a top five draft pick in 2021. Then, after playing a season in which all of the talent around him had left, his numbers took a small hit, and all of a sudden everyone was out on Sam Howell.
We only saw Howell once last season, and it came in the season finale against the Cowboys in a game Dallas couldn’t have been bothered to care about. He showed off his abilities as a deep ball passer, made a few rookie mistakes, but his athleticism shined in a Commanders win. Washington brought in veteran competition in the form of Jacoby Brissett, as well. We’ll have to see how the former fifth-round pick performs in preseason, but with the likes of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and a good defense to lean on, Howell could surprise many. If he does struggle, though, Washington will be in the market for a quarterback once again.
Mac Jones, New England Patriots
What a toilet souffle of a season 2022 was for ole’ McCorkle. He threw just 14 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, finished 26th in EPA/play, and was briefly benched for Bailey Zappe. Now, before you say it, I’m tired of the Joe Judge-Matt Patricia excuse.
While Beavis and Butthead calling plays certainly didn’t help Jones’ cause, he made plenty of bad throws himself and is limited as a quarterback. Will the introduction of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator help? Probably- it can’t really get worse than what it was before. That said, how much better can Jones really get? It feels like his peak was as a rookie in 2021, and even then, the Patriots were dealt a good hand in terms of playing injured and bad teams, as well as playing in a wind tunnel in Buffalo.
The defense will be superb, as per usual with the Patriots, but I think it’s time we truly acknowledge Bill Belichick’s incompetence when it comes to building a worthwhile modern NFL offense. A lack of a true No. 1 target is only going to hurt Jones more. As weird as it may sound, the Patriots aren’t scary anymore.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos
It’s almost impressive how bad Russell Wilson and the Broncos’ offense was in 2022. They were held to 10 or fewer points five times last season, and were last in the NFL in scoring. Because of that, Nathaniel Hackett was fired before making it through his first full season as head coach, and Sean Payton was hired to save Denver, and at least make Wilson look like something that resembles an NFL quarterback again.
The former Seahawk was 25th in the NFL in EPA/play, 29th in success rate, and threw just 16 touchdown passes. From the way the Broncos have gone about their business this offseason, Sean Payton doesn’t plan on letting Russ cook. Denver is going to run the ball a lot. They signed right tackle Mike McGlinchey from the 49ers,as well as guard Ben Powers from the Ravens — both of whom are tremendous run blockers. Don’t count out Denver in the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes, as a duo of the former Vikings back, and Javonte Williams, would certainly give Wilson a reliable ground game.
Is Wilson as bad as 2022 showed? One would think that’s not the case. It’s hard to believe a quarterback with a Hall of Fame trajectory would just plummet off a cliff in such an abrupt manner. If Payton can salvage whatever elite play Wilson has left, while also taking a lot of the pressure off of him, the Broncos will be an interesting team to watch.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Daniel Jones is the walking equivalent of a ham sandwich. If you’re hungry, it’ll get you through lunch, and there are certainly worse things you could eat, but goodness would you love a steak instead.
The good news for the Giants is they won a playoff game with Jones last season. The bad news is they paid five-star prices for three-star production. Now, credit where it’s due to Jones. After being one of the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league, he turned the ball over just eight times in 2022. However, he was 15th in the league in passing yards and threw just 15 touchdowns. He also only threw the ball more than 20 yards downfield 26 times all season which ranked 34th in the NFL, per PFF. So while it was great that he protected the ball, it goes to show why teams like Buffalo and Kansas City are willing to live with a few extra interceptions because their quarterbacks are going to make a handful of ridiculous throws each week that keep them in games, or just outright win games all together.
That lack of explosion in the offense, especially if Saquon Barkley is serious about not playing in 2023, severely limits what the Giants can do offensively. Not to mention, their schedule is more difficult than it was last season, and their division is still strong.
The way Jones’ contract is set up, it looks as if the Giants know his limitations and gave themselves a potential out after the 2024 season. If it becomes evident that 2022 was his peak, they can draft someone in April and basically have Jones be what Alex Smith was to Patrick Mahomes in his final season in Kansas City. If he wants to see the entirety of that contract, though, he needs to be more of a playmaker for the Giants.
2023 NFL RECORD PREDICTIONS: THE AFC NORTH
TOUCHDOWN WIRE
Cincinnati Bengals: 12-5
It feels inevitable that Joe Burrow will march the explosive Bengals unit straight into the AFC Championship game, and there is little reason to think they won’t accomplish just that. With a stout defense, elite quarterback, and weapons everywhere, Cincinnati is poised to strike once again.
Baltimore Ravens: 9-8
The winds of change are blowing through Baltimore, and although they were able to retain their franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the Raven offense is set to look quite different. With an emphasis on getting the ball down the field to a hand full of new weapons, and the usual stout Baltimore defense, the Ravens are in a good position to make a playoff push.
Cleveland Browns: 9-8
With one of the most stacked rosters in the entire league, it will be up to this Cleveland coaching staff and embattled quarterback to bring it all together. Adding Za’Darius Smith to bookend all-pro edge rusher Myles Garrett is going to create a nightmare wrecking crew of a pass rush in front of an already solid unit. If the offense can manage to keep up, the Browns may very well find themselves in playoff contention.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-10
Though the Steelers found themselves on a 5-1 winning stretch at the end of the season, it is reasonable to expect a bit of a slump from the team before their eventual resurgence. It will ultimately fall on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Kenny Pickett and a retooled offensive line, which could take some time to meld together. If Pickett ascends and the line is stable, perhaps the Pittsburgh can make the playoff leap.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: CHAS MCCORMICK, ASTROS RALLY PAST RANGERS
Chas McCormick produced a career-high six RBIs and Yainer Diaz delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning as the host Houston Astros rallied for a 10-9 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday.
In the ninth, Diaz followed walks from Kyle Tucker and McCormick with a single to right off Rangers reliever Alex Speas (0-2) to end the game. Tucker walked three times and scored four runs, while Alex Bregman went 3-for-5 for the Astros, who won for the fifth time in six games.
Ryan Pressly (3-2) worked a scoreless top of the ninth.
Josh Jung and Josh H. Smith homered for the Rangers, and Marcus Semien and Travis Jankowski joined Jung in recording multi-hit games. Texas took its third loss in four games.
Brewers 3, Reds 2
Christian Yelich singled home the winning run off Alexis Diaz in the ninth inning to give Milwaukee a walk-off victory over visiting Cincinnati in the opener of a three-game series.
Blake Perkins walked on four pitches to open the ninth off Diaz (3-2). Jesse Winker followed with a pinch-hit single to right before Yelich grounded a 1-0 pitch to right to score Perkins from second, snapping the Reds’ five-game winning streak.
Elly De La Cruz put Cincinnati in front 2-1 in the third with his sixth homer of the season, a two-run shot off Colin Rea. Devin Williams (5-2) earned the win.
Twins 4, Mariners 3 (10 innings)
Carlos Correa singled in Donovan Solano from third in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Minnesota a second straight walk-off victory in the opener of a three-game series against Seattle at Minneapolis.
Correa looped an 0-2 fastball from Mariners reliever Paul Sewald (3-1) into right to drive in Solano, who began the inning as the automatic runner and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Christian Vazquez. Minnesota’s Max Kepler went 3-for-4, including a game-tying RBI double in the bottom of the ninth. Jorge Lopez (4-2) picked up the win with a hitless 10th inning.
Kolten Wong hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the top of the ninth to give the Mariners a 3-2 lead. Tom Murphy homered and doubled, and J.P. Crawford also had two hits for Seattle.
Tigers 5, Giants 1
Tarik Skubal notched his first victory in over a year, Kerry Carpenter and Zack Short drove in two runs apiece and host Detroit defeated slumping San Francisco.
Skubal (1-1) struck out nine while holding the Giants to no runs and two hits in five innings. Riley Greene had three hits and scored twice, while Spencer Torkelson added two hits and drove in a run.
Wilmer Flores homered for San Francisco, which has lost a season-worst six straight games at the end of an 11-game road trip. The game was a makeup of an April 16 postponement.
Orioles 3, Phillies 2
Colton Cowser hit a go-ahead RBI double in the ninth inning to lift Baltimore to a victory over host Philadelphia.
Jordan Westburg and Ryan Mountcastle each hit a solo home run for the Orioles, who have won five of their past six games. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer gave up three hits and one run in seven innings, while Bryan Baker (4-3) earned the win.
Kyle Schwarber had a sacrifice fly and two walks for Philadelphia, while Nick Castellanos added an RBI single. Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez tossed seven innings and allowed four hits and two runs with a career-high eight strikeouts.
Rockies 10, Nationals 6
Nolan Jones hit a two-run home run and Alan Trejo racked up four hits as Colorado prevented host Washington from picking up what would have been a season-best, four-game winning streak.
Colorado improved to 6-3 since the All-Star break by winning the opener of a three-game series between the two teams with the worst records in the National League. Ezequiel Tovar and Randal Grichuk each had three hits for the Rockies, and Jones and Harold Castro added two hits and two RBIs apiece.
Rockies reliever Karl Kauffmann (1-3) gave up two hits and one run in four-plus innings while posting his first major league victory. Patrick Corbin (6-11) surrendered six runs (five earned) on 10 hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Royals 5, Guardians 3
Kansas City collected only seven hits, but two were homers from Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia, and that was enough to beat host Cleveland in the opener of a three-game series.
Royals left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (3-5) scattered six hits over six innings, yielding just one run. Scott Barlow allowed two runners in the ninth but escaped to post his 12th save. Guardians left-hander Logan Allen (4-3) gave up seven hits and five runs (four earned) in seven innings.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals. Amed Rosario had three of Cleveland’s 10 hits, while Will Brennan and Myles Straw had two hits apiece.
BRAVES LAND RELIEVERS PIERCE JOHNSON AND TAYLOR HEARN IN TRADES WITH ROCKIES AND RANGERS
ATLANTA (AP) — The NL-leading Atlanta Braves traded for a pair of relievers Monday, acquiring right-hander Pierce Johnson from Colorado and lefty Taylor Hearn from Texas.
The moves could help Atlanta (64-34) fortify its beleaguered bullpen for the final two months of the season. Braves left-hander A.J. Minter was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation earlier this month, joining right-hander Nick Anderson (60-day IL) on the sidelines.
Atlanta boasts the best record in the majors despite also being without left-hander Dylan Lee (left shoulder inflammation) and right-hander Jesse Chavez (bruised left shin).
So clearly the Braves needed help. They gave up pitching prospects Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon to land Johnson. The 23-year-old Vodnik was 3-1 with a 3.10 ERA in 30 relief outings for Double-A Mississippi. The 25-year-old Gordon has split this season between Triple-A Gwinnett and Mississippi, combining to go 5-9 with a 5.86 ERA in 17 games.
They got Hearn for cash considerations. He had been designated for assignment last week. He began the season with the Rangers and posted a 10.29 ERA in four relief outings before being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock in mid-April.
Johnson should step into the bullpen immediately. The 32-year-old was 1-5 with a 6.00 ERA for the Rockies, having pitched 39 innings in 43 outings, striking out 58 and walking 25.
He was a 2012 first-round draft pick by the Chicago Cubs. In his career, Johnson has an 11-14 record and 4.48 ERA, with 185 relief appearances and 13 saves.
OHTANI FOCUSED ON ANGELS’ PLAYOFF CHASE AHEAD OF TRADE DEADLINE
With the Angels sitting just above .500 with a 51-49 record that puts them four games out of an AL Wild Card spot, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is remaining focused on winning with his current club despite recent rumors the front office in Anaheim would listen to offers on him ahead of the trade deadline on August 1. According to Ohtani: “I feel like we’re in a decent spot to make a playoff run, and that’s all I’m really focused on at the moment.” That attitude is hardly a surprising one for the 28-year-old phenom, who has long been vocal about his desire to win. In that regard, he’s certainly done his part, putting together another MVP-caliber campaign with a .302/.398/.674 slash line at the plate combined with a 3.71 ERA and 32.2% strikeout rate in 19 starts on the mound.
Of course, the Angels will need production from more than just Ohtani if they are to return to the postseason for the first time since 2014. The club’s bullpen has done its part, particularly in the cases of Carlos Estevez (220 ERA+) and Matt Moore (213 ERA+). The rotation has struggled badly this season beyond Ohtani, however, with only Reid Detmers (101 ERA+) and Patrick Sandoval (107 ERA+) posting numbers above league average. The lineup, meanwhile, has suffered major injuries with Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, and Jo Adell joining Gio Urshela and Logan O’Hoppe on the injured list over the past month. Of that quartet, only Drury is expected back prior to the trade deadline, leaving much of the club’s fate in the hands of reserve players like Mike Moustakas, Luis Rengifo, and Trey Cabbage.
Draft Pick Signings:
Nationals signed 2nd-overall pick OF Dylan Crews via a $9-million, above-slot bonus, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Red Sox signed 14th-overall pick C Kyle Teel via a $4-million, below-slot bonus and 50th-overall pick SS Nazzan Zanetello via a $3-million, above-slot bonus, both per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Rays signed 19th-overall pick 3B Braden Taylor via a $3,880,100 bonus matching his slot value, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Guardians signed 23rd-overall pick C Ralphy Velazquez via a $2.5-million, below-slot bonus and 59th-overall pick LHP Alex Clemmey via a $2.3-million, above-slot bonus, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Twins signed 34th-overall pick RHP Charlee Soto via a $2,481,400 bonus matching his slot value, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Marlins signed 35th-overall pick LHP Thomas White via a $4.1-million, above-slot bonus, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Dodgers signed 36th-overall pick OF Kendall George via a $1.85-million, below-slot bonus, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Tigers signed 37th-overall pick SS Kevin McGonigle via a $2.85-million, above-slot bonus, per Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline.
Injury News & Updates:
Angels 3B Anthony Rendon (shin contusion) is suffering from a more serious injury than initially believed, as an MRI revealed what manager Phil Nevin referred to as “significant bleeding” inside the bone of his shin. He figures to be shut down for at least two more weeks before he begins to ramp up again.
Rangers SS Corey Seager was placed on the 10-day injured list with a thumb sprain, though he hopes to miss only two weeks after an MRI revealed no structural damage.
A’s LHP Richard Lovelady (forearm strain) will not return to a mound this season following a visit with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache that confirmed Lovelady was dealing with a strained pronator muscle in his left arm.
Rumors:
Justin Verlander is drawing trade interest from multiple clubs including the Giants should he opt to waive his no-trade clause with the Mets, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
The Marlins have interest in Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario to help bolster their lineup down the stretch, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
The Dodgers could look into a reunion with Enrique Hernandez in the event the Red Sox elect to move him prior to the trade deadline, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
Roster Moves:
Braves claimed RHP Yonny Chirinos off waivers from the Rays and designated RHP Seth Elledge for assignment while optioning RHP Michael Soroka to Triple-A.
Cardinals selected the contract of INF Taylor Motter while optioning INF Jose Fermin to Triple-A and releasing RHP Jake Walsh.
Rays outrighted RHP Javy Guerra to Triple-A.
Brewers selected the contract of OF Sal Frelick while designating OF Raimel Tapia for assignment.
Padres selected the contract of LHP Jackson Wolf while designating right-hander Domingo Tapia for assignment.
A’s selected the contract of RHP Chad Smith.
Giants designated RHP Mauricio Llovera for assignment.
Red Sox selected the contract of RHP Norwith Gudino.
Braves selected the contract of RHP Daysbel Hernandez.
From Trade Rumors Front Office:
Anthony Franco: The Challenge Of Upgrading The Marlins
In his latest exclusive article for Front Office subscribers, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco looks at the difficult situation facing the Marlins’ front office as they attempt to upgrade their club ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. In doing so, he examines the dillema presented by the club’s offense-over-defense approach to the lineup and discusses potential targets for the club over the next week:
Miami’s outfield ranks 24th in Statcast’s Outs Above Average. They’re dead last as measured by Defensive Runs Saved at -24 runs. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s injury issues have limited him to 360 2/3 innings as he learns center field on the fly. Bryan De La Cruz and Jesús Sánchez lead the club in corner outfield work. They’re good hitters but both players — De La Cruz, especially — are average or worse defensively. Jorge Soler has been predictably disastrous when plugged into outfield work and is much better suited for designated hitter, as the front office acknowledges.
Finding an outfielder who can contribute on both sides of the ball would be ideal. Unless Miami surprisingly lands Cody Bellinger, there aren’t a ton of obvious options. If the Astros got Bellinger, perhaps they’d sell low on Jake Meyers. The Cardinals could listen on Dylan Carlson for young starting pitching. Would Miami be willing to part with Braxton Garrett or Edward Cabrera after trading Pablo López and dealing with injuries/ineffectiveness from Trevor Rogers and Johnny Cueto? That seems less likely than it did a few months ago.
Steve Adams: The Phillies Should Look To A Division Rival For Their Deadline Needs
Meanwhile, MLBTR’s Steve Adams suggests in his latest exclusive article for Front Office subscribers that the Phillies should turn their search for offensive help toward an intradivision deal. He argues that a deal with the Nationals would allow the club to upgrade their infield mix and their bullpen simultaneously:
Adding a roughly league-average hitter against lefties would be an upgrade for the Phils. Candelario could play third base every day, with Bohm slotting in against lefties and Hall or Harper manning first base against right-handers. That’d leave Bohm’s bat on the bench to bring into the game in key spots when opposing managers go to a tough lefty against Hall, Schwarber, Brandon Marsh or Bryson Stott. Currently, defensive specialist Edmundo Sosa (.244/.280/.449 versus lefties), 27-year-old rookie Drew Ellis (29 MLB plate appearances this season) and just-promoted rookie Johan Rojas are the top right-handed options off the bench. For a contending club, that’s just not good enough.
Third base isn’t the Phillies’ only need, of course, and while the Nats might not have the rotation help Philly’s likely to be seeking, Washington should have some bullpen arms available. Philadelphia is deep in late-inning arms, with Craig Kimbrel, Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez all on the roster. However, both Alvarado and Dominguez are on the injured list at the moment, and the Phils are relying on some suspect arms to round out the relief corps while they wait to get healthy. Dylan Covey is a long-relief stopgap. Yunior Marte lacks any real big league track record. Andrew Bellatti has been unable to replicate last year’s success.
FORMER NO. 1 OVERALL DRAFT PICK MIKE IVIE DIES AT 70
Former No. 1 overall draft pick Mike Ivie, who played parts of 11 big league seasons, has died. He was 70.
Ivie died on Friday in North Augusta, S.C. According to Posey Funeral Directors, Ivie died of ongoing health issues.
Ivie batted .269 with 81 homers and 411 RBIs in 857 games with the San Diego Padres (1971, 1974-77), San Francisco Giants (1978-81), Houston Astros (1981-82) and Detroit Tigers (1982-83).
In 1970, Ivie was drafted as a catcher by the Padres and billed to be a future star. But Ivie developed troubles throwing the ball back to the pitcher, setting back his development.
He ended up starting just five games as a catcher, four in 1971 and one in 1976. San Diego also tried him at third base before he eventually saw most of his playing time at first base. His best season for the Padres was when he batted .291 in 1976.
Ivie was traded to the Giants prior to the 1978 season and hit four pinch-hit homers. He set a major league record that season with two pinch-hit grand slams.
In his second year with San Francisco, he established career highs of 27 homers and 89 RBIs.
Ivie’s major league career was over at age 30 when the Tigers released him in 1983. Late in his career, Ivie said the pressures and high expectations deeply affected him.
NBA NEWS
JOKIC SKIPPING 2023 FIBA WORLD CUP
The Serbian basketball team confirmed that Nikola Jokic won’t play for the squad at this summer’s FIBA World Cup after leaving him off the 18-man training camp roster Monday.
The five-time All-Star led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA title last month, averaging 30 points, 13.5 boards, and 9.5 assists during the club’s postseason run.
Jokic was unanimously voted Finals MVP and tallied a league-record 10 triple-doubles during the playoffs. He also became the first player to lead the Association in points, rebounds, and assists in a single postseason.
Jokic suited up for Serbia last summer at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and EuroBasket. It was the two-time MVP’s first appearances for the national team in three years.
Serbia finished fifth at the previous World Cup despite having Jokic in the fold. The nation won the showpiece tournament twice when it was still part of Yugoslavia.
This year’s training camp roster features four current NBA players – Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic, Filip Petrusev, and Aleksej Pokusevski.
Serbia is in Group B with South Sudan, China, and Puerto Rico. The country begins play Aug. 26.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BASKETBALL BLUE BLOODS NORTH CAROLINA AND KANSAS SCHEDULE REGULAR-SEASON GAMES FOR 2024 AND ’25
Men’s college basketball traditional powers Kansas and North Carolina will play each other in regular-season games in 2024 and 2025, the schools announced Monday.
The first meeting will be Nov. 8, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, and the second Nov. 14, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The teams will square off for the first time since Kansas beat the Tar Heels 72-69 in the 2022 NCAA title game in New Orleans.
Kansas has won four straight in the series, all in the NCAA Tournament under coach Bill Self. The teams have split 12 games since they first met in the 1957 national championship game.
Kansas’ 2,385 all-time wins are the most in college basketball history. North Carolina ranks third with 2,347 wins. The teams have combined for 10 national titles.
NHL NEWS
DALLAS STARS EXTEND JIM NILL’S CONTRACT LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER HE WINS GM OF THE YEAR
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has signed a two-year contract extension less than a month after being named GM of the year following the team’s run to the Western Conference Final.
The deal announced Monday would keep Nill with the Stars through the 2025-26 season. The 65-year-old has said he hopes to work out a succession plan with owner Tom Gaglardi.
Nill just finished his 10th season in Dallas, which ended with a six-game loss to the Vegas Golden Knights after the Stars fell behind the eventual Stanley Cup champions 3-0 in the West final.
The Stars reached the 2020 Stanley Cup Final in the playoff bubble in Canada, losing to Tampa Bay in six games. They’ve reached the postseason six times under Nill.
“Jim has proven himself to be one of the best general managers in the NHL,” Gaglardi said. “He has meticulously built a team through free agency, trades and the NHL draft that’s among the best in the league, while also ensuring that the Stars are championship contenders for years to come.”
The highlight of Nill’s tenure was the 2017 draft, when the Stars got top defenseman Miro Heiskanen and goalie Jake Oettinger in the first round and high-scoring forward Jason Robertson in the second. Dallas’ top pick in 2021, Wyatt Johnston, was a key contributor as a 19-year-old this past season.
Nill’s top move in free agency was the addition of longtime San Jose forward Joe Pavelski in 2019. He has been a staple on the top line and scored his 1,000th career point late in the regular season.
Nill hired Pete DeBoer as coach a year ago, and DeBoer became the second coach in NHL history to reach the conference finals with four different franchises.
BLACKHAWKS F PHILIPP KURASHEV AWARDED 2-YEAR, $4.5M DEAL
Chicago Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev was awarded a two-year, $4.5 million contract by an independent arbitrator.
The team announced the terms with the 23-year-old restricted free agent on Sunday.
Kurashev registered 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 70 games with the Blackhawks last season.
A fourth-round pick by Chicago in 2018, he has 62 points (23 goals, 39 assists) in 191 regular season games.
OLYMIC NEWS
RUSSIANS CAN QUALIFY FOR OLYMPIC SPOTS IN SOME SPORTS. THAT DOESN’T MEAN THEY’LL BE ALLOWED IN PARIS
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — A year before the Paris Olympics, and nearly a year-and-a-half since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, officials governing many of the sports on the 2024 program are still split on how to treat Russian athletes.
Increasingly, various governing bodies are allowing them back into Olympic qualifying competitions as neutral competitors without national flags or anthems. Most sports initially barred Russians from competing soon after last year’s full-scale invasion.
The International Olympic Committee strongly backs those moves even as the body itself says it hasn’t decided if athletes from Russia and ally Belarus can compete at the Paris Games. However, the IOC has delayed action on the one sport whose qualification it runs in-house, boxing.
Most of the sports which have allowed Russians to return also followed IOC advice on its preferred name — “individual neutral athletes” — and to keep barring those who are under contract with the military or who have supported the war publicly. The IOC also recommends blocking Russia from team sports like soccer or basketball.
Ukraine is opposed to any Russians competing. Since last year, Ukrainian athletes and national teams have been boycotting competitions which allow Russians back in, a policy enforced in April by a government decree. Activists from Ukraine have been trawling Russian athletes’ social media for pro-war posts that could disqualify them from competing.
Here is a look at the situation for Russian and Ukrainian athletes in key sports on the Olympic program:
TRACK AND FIELD
World Athletics excluded athletes from Russia and Belarus from competitions after the invasion of Ukraine. That remains in place “for the foreseeable future,” after a vote of the World Athletics council in March. President Sebastian Coe said at the time that deaths and destruction in Ukraine have only “hardened” his resolve to keep a ban in place.
SWIMMING
World Aquatics is one of the sports taking Russia’s return slowly. It has said it favors Russia and Belarus returning to its sports — swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming — but set up a task force that won’t report back with suggestions until late July. That means no Russians at the world championships this month in Japan.
TENNIS
The big exception among Olympic sports in tennis. The men’s and women’s tours didn’t exclude Russian or Belarusian players when Russia launched its invasion. They even fined tournaments including Wimbledon which did impose restrictions.
Ukrainian players continued competing but often refuse to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians. Aryna Sabalenka, who is from Belarus and won the Australian Open in January, has been questioned about her past support for Belarus’ authoritarian leader, President Alexander Lukashenko. She has said she does not support the war.
Russian and Belarusian players still can’t enter national team competitions like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. The International Tennis Federation hasn’t made a final decision on the Olympics but has plenty of time because qualification is decided by the June 2024 world rankings.
GYMNASTICS
Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to take part in sanctioned competitions as “individual neutral athletes” from the start of 2024.
That timetable pushed their return beyond the world championships in early October in Belgium.
Russian gymnasts have been some of the most vocal supporters of the war. Days after the invasion, Ivan Kuliak wore a pro-war “Z” symbol on a competition podium while standing next to a Ukrainian athlete. He was suspended for a year. Other Russian gymnasts appeared on stage at a rally in support of the war, and Olympic gold medalist Nikita Nagornyy heads a military youth organization in Russia.
BOXING
This is the one sport the IOC has total control over, but that doesn’t mean a quick decision. The IOC is running Olympic boxing in Paris and qualifiers in-house after a long-running feud with the International Boxing Association and its Russian president. Qualifiers were held at the European Games in June but the host nation, Poland, refused to allow any Russian athletes. A plan to qualify Russians via the Asian Games has been suggested but not confirmed. That could mean any Russian return only happens at two last-chance qualifying tournaments in early 2024.
COMBAT SPORTS
Sports like fencing, judo and taekwondo have seen some of the bitterest disputes. Ukraine boycotted the world championships in both judo and taekwondo, taking a big hit to its Olympic qualifying hopes, after Russians were allowed to compete. In judo the “neutral” delegation of Russian athletes included some previously listed by the Defense Ministry as holding military ranks. The International Judo Federation, which had last year opposed excluding any Russians, said all the Russian competitors were employed at a state sports training facility.
Ukraine is also boycotting some events at the fencing world championships in Italy, another key Olympic qualifier. The International Fencing Federation — whose former president, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, said last year he was stepping aside from his duties — has been a strong supporter of reintroducing Russian and Belarusian fencers this year. Competition organizers in several European countries canceled their events in protests, disrupting the Olympic qualifying calendar, and the European Championships were stripped of their status as a qualifier when Poland refused to allow Russians to compete.
TEAM SPORTS
Don’t expect to see Russian teams competing in soccer, volleyball, basketball or handball at the Paris Olympics. The IOC still backs excluding Russia from team sports and no Olympic sport has yet defied that regulation. In some events, like men’s basketball and soccer, Russia has already missed its last chance to qualify. The IOC also recommends a ban on “team events in individual sports” like relay races or the team all-around in gymnastics.
OTHER SPORTS
Russia is boycotting weightlifting events after its team refused to sign a waiver accepting the conditions for “neutral” status, including a promise to “continue to abstain from expressing any support to the war.” Belarusian athletes signed and are competing.
Some sports like archery have delayed things further. World Archery is exploring plans for a Russian return but said in February it would be “very unlikely” this year, potentially restricting Russia to a limited number of events in the months just before the Olympics.
Canoeing is planning to allow Russians back in some Olympic qualifiers but is giving the local organizers of each competition a veto. Rowing will only allow single sculls and pairs, no larger Russian crews.
SWIMMING NEWS
CHINA WINS TWO GOLD MEDALS AT THE SWIMMING WORLDS. AMERICANS FINISH 1-2 IN WOMEN’S 200-METER MEDLEY
FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — China won just a single gold medal at last year’s swimming world championships in Hungary. But on the second day of this year’s competition in Japan, the Chinese claimed two golds in about 10 minutes to open the session.
And they are sure to win more with six days to go in the pool.
The American pair of Kate Douglas and Alex Walsh, college teammates at the University of Virginia, later went 1-2 in the 200-meter individual medley with Yu Yiting of China taking bronze. It was the Americans first gold.
“That was a huge honor for me to do it tonight,” said Douglass, who overtook Walsh in the final 50-meter freestyle leg to finish in 2 minutes, 07.17 seconds. “I really just wanted to get the gold for Team USA tonight, and I’m so happy I did that.”
Walsh finished in 2:07.97 and Yu in 2:08.74.
The Chinese sweep saw Zhang Yufei win the women’s 100 butterfly and Qin Haiyang go wire-to-wire in the men’s 100 breaststroke.
Zhang rallied over the final 15 meters, touching in 56.12 seconds. Maggie MacNeil of Canada finished second in 56.45, and Torri Huske of the United States clocked 56.61 for third just two years after placing fourth in the event at the Tokyo Olympics.
The women’s race was a rematch of the final two years ago at the Tokyo Games. The top four finishers in Tokyo were separated by only 14 hundredths of a second. That race went to MacNeil, followed by Zhang and Australian swimmer Emma McKeon. Huske was .01 behind McKeon and missed out on a medal.
“This is my first gold medal in the world championships,” Zhang said, calling her competitors MacNeil, McKeon and Huske “my old friends.”
Zhang said she’s changed her racing style, holding back on the first leg “and then going as fast as I can on the last 50.”
Qin was never challenged in the 100 breaststroke and finished in 57.69. Three men tied for second in 58,72: Nic Fink of the United States, Nicolo Martinenghi of Italy and Arno Kamming of the Netherlands.
“Everything just went the way I was thinking,” Qin said. “And also this is just a start for me. I’m hoping for three gold.”
He’ll go in the 50 and 200. In the 200, he’ll be up against rising French star Leon Marchand, who obliterated Michael Phelps’ 400 IM record on Sunday, and Zac Stubblety-Cook — the world champion, Olympic champ and world-record holder from Australia.
His world record is 2:05.95.
The men’s 100 breaststroke was partly defined by who did not compete. Adam Peaty, a two-time Olympic champion and world-record holder from Britain, is taking a break and is not swimming in Japan. He has said in interviews that he’s taking time away for “mental health issues.”
Peaty is one of the most dominant swimmers in his discipline and holds 19 of the top 20 times in the 100 breaststroke. His record is 56.88 seconds.
Thomas Ceccon of Italy won the men’s 50 butterfly, which is not an Olympic event, in 22.68. He finished ahead of Diogo Matos Ribeiro of Portugal in 22.80 and Maxime Grousset of France in 22.82.
Ceccon won the race 20 minutes after winning a 100 backstroke semifinal.
“There is no preparation for this,” he said. “Just go all out.”
RACING NEWS
DENNY HAMLIN COURTS CONTROVERSY, COUNTS VICTORIES AT POCONO AFTER MILESTONE 50TH WIN IN CUP
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Denny Hamlin’s friends greeted him at the airport with a sparkling wine shower the instant he walked down the steps of his plane — and hours after he drove into victory lane at Pocono Raceway — in celebration of his 50th career NASCAR Cup win.
Let’s put that milestone in perspective.
Yes, with three Daytona 500 victories, crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500 wins and expansion into team ownership, Hamlin already was headed to the Hall of Fame.
But 50 wins in Cup stamps rockets him into rarified air. It’s the NASCAR equivalent of 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in baseball that puts Hamlin on the short list of the true elite.
Consider, only 14 other drivers over NASCAR’s 75 years have hit that mark and all but three is in the Hall of Fame. Of those three on the outside, Jimmie Johnson is on the ballot this year, and Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick are sure to get there.
The one caveat: Hamlin and Junior Johnson are the only ones in the 50 Cup Club without a championship.
The 42-year-old Hamlin is still chasing that first title without spending much time reflecting on his accomplishments.
“When you retire and you got a bunch of time, you’re sitting there on your rocker on your back porch, you’re thinking about, ‘What have I accomplished in the sport?’” Hamlin said. “These things take a long time to sit in. They really do.”
Hamlin could have enjoyed his 50th win earlier this season at Kansas had last year’s Pocono victory not been tossed out by NASCAR — he was the first winner to get DQ’d since 1960 — because his Joe Gibbs Racing team broke the rules. So he hit 50 at Pocono, where he won for a track-record seventh time. He won his first two Cup races at Pocono when he swept the season as a rookie in 2005.
Seemed fitting that Hamlin hit two milestones at Pocono, still in the No. 11 Toyota, still driving for Gibbs. That kind of continuity over a nearly 20-year span is essentially extinct in NASCAR.
“I never thought I’d get an opportunity in the Cup Series,” Hamlin said. “Luckily J.D. Gibbs took a chance and Joe Gibbs took a chance on me nearly 20 years ago. To get my 50th win, it comes down to the track that I got my first, it certainly is special.”
Special is one way to describe the win.
Kyle Larson had a few more, mostly unprintable, words about it toward Hamlin.
Larson, who already had lost a last-lap battle this season to Hamlin at Kansas, seemed poised to race for the win on the 400th mile at Pocono. Hamlin may have made the slightest of contact, sending Larson bumping into the outside wall and giving Hamlin a clear path to the finish line.
Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, was steadfast he never connected with Larson.
Larson insisted he was bumped and not-so-politely called the move uncalled for, especially because the two are good friends.
“I haven’t done that to Denny,” Larson said. “I don’t think I deserve to be run into before I ever got to the wall.”
Hey, at least Larson didn’t chuck a helmet at Hamlin in disgust like a wrecked Austin Dillon did to Tyler Reddick earlier in the race.
Hamlin slid out of his Toyota and was showered by boos from a sold-out Pocono crowd — the track’s largest since 2010 — that believed Denny did something dirty. Hamlin brushed off the boos — he’s no villain, he insisted — and said it was just clean, hard racing down the stretch.
“We waited. We pounced at the right time,” Hamlin said. “He didn’t get his right sides clean, drove in the corner just too far, let us get beside him. I thought we were going to race it out off of two. He got in the fence.”
Long recognized alongside Mark Martin as the greatest NASCAR driver to never win a championship, Hamlin is off to Richmond to chase No. 51 and perhaps get closer to signing a new deal with Gibbs.
Gibbs, who lost two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch at the end of last season to Richard Childress Racing and has Martin Truex Jr. talking retirement this season, remained confident he could strike a deal that would keep Hamlin in the fold beyond this season.
“We’re working on everything in our place,” Gibbs said. “We know Denny’s going to be here.”
It’s where Hamlin wants to stay.
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to go from racing late models to racing for Joe Gibbs Racing in 18 months in the Cup Series,” he said. “It’s hard to do, it really is. But luckily they believed in me, gave me time to get going, and the rest is history.”
TOP INDIANA NEWS/RELEASES FROM ORGANIZATIONS
COLTS FOOTBALL
REPORTS: COLTS, QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON AGREE TO $34M DEAL
Quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Indianpolis Colts agreed to a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $33.99 million, multiple outlets reported Monday.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson’s contract includes a signing bonus of $21.72 million to be paid upfront in a lump sum.
Also Monday, the Houston Texans and No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud reportedly reached agreement on a fully guaranteed four-year, $36.3 million rookie contract.
The Carolina Panthers signed quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick, to a $37.95 million deal on Saturday.
Richardson, 21, played in 24 games over three seasons at Florida. He started 12 games in the 2022 season, posting a 6-6 record. He completed 176 passes for 2,549 yards with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
He ran 103 times for 654 yards with nine scores.
Richardson and veteran Gardener Minshew will be competing for the starting job when training camp opens this week.
INDIANA CROSS COUNTRY
CROSS COUNTRY REVEALS 2023 FALL SCHEDULE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – First-year head coach, Eric Heins, reveals the 2023 Indiana Cross Country schedule that features four races on the road for the Hoosier squad.
“I am excited to get the season started,” Heins said. “This schedule gives us great opportunities to run on a variety of courses against some of the best teams in the NCAA. The regular season schedule will prepare us for our ultimate goal of competing for a Big Ten Championship and a spot at the national championships.”
The Hoosiers will begin the 2023 season on September 1 at the Redhawk Rumble hosted by Miami Ohio.
Next, Indiana will head to Indiana State for a race at the Lavern Gibson Cross Country Course before traveling up north for the Loyola Lakefront Invitational hosted by Loyola University-Chicago on September 29.
Indiana will close out the regular season at the Arturo Barrios Invitational hosted at Texas A&M University on October. 13.
Wisconsin will host the 2023 Big Ten Cross Country Championships on October 27 followed by the NCAA Great Lakes Regional races on November 10.
The 2023 NCAA Cross Country Championships will take place at the University of Virginia on Saturday, November 18.
2023 Indiana Cross Country Schedule
September 1 Redhawk Rumble Miami, Ohio
September 16 John McNichols Invitational Terre Haute, Ind.
September 29 Loyola Lakefront Invitational Chicago, Ill.
October 13 Arturo Barrios Invitational College Station, Texas
October 27 Big Ten Championships Madison, Wis.
November 10 NCAA Great Lakes Regional Madison, Wis.
November 18 NCAA Championships Charlottesville, Va.
INDIANA WRESTLING
DEREK GILCHER AND DJ WASHINGTON TO COMPETE IN 2023 POLAND OPEN
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ––––– Indiana Wrestling’s Derek Gilcher and D.J. Washington are set to compete in the 2023 Ziolkowski/Pytlasinski Poland Open, also known as the Poland Open.
Gilcher and Washington will compete on July 28-29. The tournament will take place in Warsaw, Poland, and feature wrestlers from all over the world.
It is a senior level tournament with multiple competitions for different wrestling styles. Gilcher and Washington will both compete in only the freestyle section of the open.
Gilcher will compete at 74 kg while Washington will compete in the 86 kg weight class.
Both Gilcher and Washington have had lots of success on the freestyle scene this offseason.
In April, Gilcher took fifth place at 74 kg in the senior level U.S. Open. In the U23 World Team Trials in June, Washington finished in second place at 86 kg.
PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL
PAINTER TO SERVE AS ASSISTANT COACH ON USA BASKETBALL MEN’S SELECT TEAM
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue men’s basketball head coach Matt Painter has been named one of three coaches on the USA Basketball Men’s Select Team to help train USA Basketball’s National Team in advance of FIBA Men’s World Cup, which takes place in late August and early September in Indonesia and the Philippines.
The USA Select Team features a roster of 11 current NBA players and three veteran players with NBA, NBA G League and International experience. Members of the USA Select Team will train daily with the USA Men’s National Team from Aug. 3 to 6, in Las Vegas.
Players named to the Select Team include Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Chet Holmgren, Trey Murphy, Keegan Murray, Payton Pritchard, Naz Reid and Jalen Williams among others.
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley will serve as the select team head coach and will be assisted by Jim Boylen (Indiana Pacers) and Painter.
Painter has extensive history with USA Basketball, starting in 2009, when he was an assistant coach on a team that captured the gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Championships. He was the head coach of the U.S. team in the 2011 and 2017 World University Games, and for the last 10 years was on the committee for USA Basketball’s U18 and U19 National Teams, serving as the chairperson in the last five years.
Season-ticket renewals are now available for Purdue’s highly-anticipated 2023-24 season. The Boilermakers return six of their top-seven scorers from last year’s team that posted a 29-6 record and won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles.
PURDUE BASEBALL
KRAWCHUK THROWS 7-INNING NO-HITTER IN SUMMER BALL
By: Ben Turner
DANVILLE, Ill. – The longest outing of the summer for Purdue baseball’s Carter Krawchuk was also his most effective as the rising sophomore tossed a seven-inning no-hitter for the Danville Dans in Prospect League action on Saturday (July 22).
Krawchuk struck out six and walked five while throwing to Purdue teammate Jake Stadler behind the plate. The Prospect League features a 10-run rule after seven innings and Danville finished off the 10-0 victory vs. the Alton River Dragons with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
It was Danville’s sixth no-hitter in team history and the Dans’ first since June 2018.
Remarkably, Krawchuk completed the no-hitter while pitching much of the game from the stretch, throwing 89 pitches while facing 23 batters. He enjoyed just two true 1-2-3 innings. But the Dans turned three double plays behind him, including two of the inning-ending variety. Stadler also threw out two base stealers. Krawchuk induced a 5-3 twin killing in the first inning and a 4-6-3 DP to end the fourth. A line drive double play ended the third.
Krawchuk enjoyed a strong stretch in the middle of the summer ball season in which he struck out 10 over 6 1/3 scoreless innings across three relief appearances. But he struggled in his first start of the season, July 14 at Springfield, and had not pitched since.
Danville won the first-half division title in the Prospect League’s Wabash River Division and is 27-19 overall this summer. Classmate Brody Chrisman (.389/.465/.580, 15 2B, 5 HR, 51 RBI, 11 SB) is enjoying a strong summer while playing for the Prospect League’s Cape Catfish (33-15). Krawchuk struck out Chrisman when they faced each other June 25 in Danville.
On the East Coast, Kade Ruffner (2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K) and Corbin Malott (1-for-3, BB, HBP, R, SB) both contributed to a July 22 playoff win for their Olney Cropdusters team in the Cal Ripken League. After dropping a 12-inning heartbreaker Sunday, the Cropdusters need a win Monday to extend their season.
Ty Gill’s Harrisonburg Turks (28-15 in the Valley League), Weston Gingerich’s Elmira Pioneers (25-15 in the Perfect Game League) and Keenan Taylor’s Madison Mallards (13-8 in the second half in the Northwoods League) also appear to be playoff bound.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
In a massive recruiting win, Notre Dame landed elite 2024 California linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.
The 6-foot, 3-inch and 230 pound ‘backer selected the Irish over Ohio State and USC. This recruitment was seen as a must have by many and head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff were able to convince the nation’s 8th best linebacker and 102nd overall player according to the 247Sports composite to the Irish class.
After getting a chance to watch highlights from Viliamu-Asa’s junior season, it’s very easy to see why he was a priority recruit for the Irish. Find out below what to expect from the newest member of Notre Dame’s 2024 recruiting class.
SOUTHERN INDIANA SWIMMING
USI SWIM & DIVE ANNOUNCES 2023-24 SIGNING CLASS
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Swimming & Diving has released the 2023-24 class with 10 men and nine women being added to the roster. This is the Screaming Eagles’ second season after completing their inaugural season in late February.
“We are very excited about our second incoming recruiting class and looking forward to their immediate contribution both academically and athletically,” said USI Head Coach, Cameron Kainer. “We have many student-athletes in this class that will impact our placing in the Summit League and allow our team to make a push for a National Invitational Championship showing. This class will help us continue to build upon the proud growing tradition that is Southern Indiana Swimming and Diving.”
Cole Baker | Sprint | Springville, Tennessee
Baker is a Product of Bedford North Lawrence High School (Bedford, Indiana), lettering in swimming all four years. He won the 50-yard freestyle swim-off in the 2023 state meet and nabbed a fourth-place finish and a personal best in the 100-yard freestyle in the 2023 IHSAA State Championships, including five top-10 finishes. He also swam for Lawrence County Aquatics.
Alek Bandy | Distance | Salem, Illinois
A nine-time letterman between swimming, track & field, and cross country at Salem Community High School (Salem, Illinois). Bandy secured a season-best time in the 200-yard freestyle finals in the 2023 IHSA Sectional, placing in the top-five twice, and was a member of Heartland Hurricanes Swim Club for six years.
George Blake | Diver | High Point, North Carolina
A product from Cornerstone Charter Academy (High Point, North Carolina) who was named 2023 NCHSAA State and Regional Champion in the one-meter dive.
Brock Borak | Sprint | Cypress, Texas
Borak was a graduate of Cypress Woods High School (Cypress, Texas) who placed third at the UIL District 17 Championship in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly. He nabbed four top-10 finishes at the UIL Regional Championship and was a member of the Swim Streamline at Northampton.
Demarkus Darensbourg | Sprint | Overland Park, Kansas
Darensbourg earned personal bests and second place in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke finals at the 2023 KHSAA State Championships while representing Blue Valley Northwest High School (Overland Park, Kansas). He earned a top-10 finish in the 2022 state meet in the 100-yard breaststroke and swam for Empire KC Swim Club. The BVNHS alum was a three-time finalist in the Missouri Valley LCM Championships in 2022 and led the club team to a 2023 Missouri Valley Short Course Championship, taking two podium finishes.
Nathan Deputy | Diver | Evansville, Indiana
A hometown product of Reitz Memorial High School (Evansville, Indiana) who lettered four times in diving. Deputy was named a two-time City Champion (2021, 2023) and a Southern Indiana Athletic Conference Champion (2023). He was a regional qualifier in four seasons and a state qualifier in two and was a regional runner-up and a state finalist in 2023. The former Panther holds the school, city, conference, and sectional diving records and was a member of the River City Diving Club team.
Eli Host | Distance | Nicholasville, Kentucky
Host was a product of West Jessamine High School (Nicholasville, Kentucky), lettering in swimming. He captured a top-10 finish in the 500-yard freestyle at the 2022 KHSAA State Championship and nabbed second place in the 2023 KHSAA Regional Championship. Host competed for Kentucky Aquatics, winning the 1,500 and 1,650-yard freestyles in the 2019 and 2021 club championship meet, and was a member of the 2023 Kentucky LSC Championship team that placed second.
Cameron James | Sprint/Middle Distance | Shorewood, Illinois
James competed for Morris/Minooka Community High School (Minooka, Illinois) and won the 500-yard freestyle, and placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke in the sectional finals. He also placed 27th in the 500-yard freestyle prelims at the state meet and was a member of the Joliet Blue Tides.
Camden Richardson | Freestyle/Backstroke | Spring Hill, Tennessee
Graduated from Summit High School (Spring Hill, Tennessee) and placed fourth and 11th at the MTHSSA Regional. Richardson captured two top-10 finishes in the TISCA State Championships and competed for Excel Aquatics, finishing in the top-five five times in the Southeast ENSW Summer Invitational.
Sam Smith | Butterfly/Distance | Trafalgar, Indiana
Smith was a product of Center Grove High School (Greenwood, Indiana) who lettered four times in swimming. He was an IHSAA qualifier, finishing in the top-10 four times at the state meet, and capped off 2023 with a fifth and eighth-place finish at the Indiana Senior State Championships in the 1,650-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle. Smith also swam for Center Grove Aquatic Club.
Caiya Cooper | Freestyle | La Porte, Indiana
Cooper graduated from La Porte High School (La Porte, Indiana) where she placed 13th, 15th, and 17th in the IHSAA State Championships, nabbing two personal bests in the 500-yard free prelims and finals. She also was an IHSAA State qualifier in the 200 and 500 freestyles (2022 & 2023).
Abbie Hollmeyer | Freestyle | Concord, North Carolina
Hollmeyer lettered five times between soccer and swimming at West Cabarrus High School (Concord, North Carolina) and was a four-time All-Conference and All-Regional selection. She qualified for regionals all four years and was named the team MVP in four straight seasons.
Reagan Holmes | Freestyle/IM | Henderson, Nevada
Holmes graduated from Coronado High School (Henderson, Nevada), lettering in swimming four times. She led the Cougars to back-to-back 5A Regional and State Championships in 2022 and 2023. The CHS alum racked up four first-place finishes in the regional, two state championships, and two runner-up appearances in the 2023 state meet and notched three first-place finishes and a second-place finish in the 2022 regionals. Holmes capped off 2022 by capturing four top-five finishes in the state meet. She currently holds the fastest time in the state in the 200-free relay.
Ella Johnson | Freestyle/Breaststroke | Owensboro, Kentucky
Johnson completed high school at Daviess County High School (Owensboro, Kentucky), lettering in swimming. She scored a personal best in the 100-yard breaststroke in the regional meet to capture first place in the final and a state qualifier in the 100 breaststroke and butterfly. She also swam for the Owensboro Marlins swim club.
Lauren Lopp | Freestyle | New Albany, Indiana
Lopp comes out of New Albany High School (New Albany, Indiana), competing in the 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free. The former Bulldog standout scored the second-most points for the NAHS in the sectional meet.
Hallie Meier | Freestyle | Plainfield, Indiana
The Plainfield High School (Plainfield, Indiana) graduate played a key role for the three-time sectional championship teams. Meier was the highest point achiever in her junior season and was a state qualifier in the 200 and 500 freestyles (2022 & 2023). She also swam for Plainfield Community Aquatics.
Hayden Shurtz | Breaststroke | Fort Wayne, Indiana
Product out of Homestead High School (Fort Wayne, Indiana) who nabbed a personal-best time in the 2023 IHSAA State Championships, scoring 11th in the 100-yard breaststroke. She recorded a pair of top-15 finishes in the senior state championship meet and was a member of the Summit City Aquatics.
Maranda Uttke | Diver | Grafton, Wisconsin
The Wisconsin native lettered four times in diving at Grafton High School (Grafton, Wisconsin) and was a WIAA Division II qualifier all four seasons, finishing sixth in 2019 and third in 2020 and 2021. Uttke holds the GHS record for six dives and is classified as the most decorated diver in school history after leading the Blackhawks to a 2022 WIAA State and North Shore Conference championship. She played a part in the 2021 and 2022 Sectional Dive Championship teams and dove for Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center Club.
Naomi Weaver | Butterfly/Backstroke | Greenwood, Indiana
A product of Greenwood Community High School (Greenwood, Indiana) who lettered four times in swimming and collected team MVP honors in 2023 while competing in the 100 butterfly, 200 butterfly, 100 backstroke, and 200 backstroke. She also swam for Center Grove Aquatic Club.
The Eagles will get back in the pool after completing their inaugural season last year. The women were able to capture a pair of wins against Quincy University and Valparaiso University to kick off the campaign. The men were able to snag one win against conference-foe, Eastern Illinois University, in the final dual meet of the season.
For more information, go to our website at USIScreamingEagles.com or find us on social media at USIAthletics.
MARIAN VOLLEYBALL
MARIAN VOLLEYBALL ANNOUNCES 2023 COACHING STAFF
INDIANAPOLIS – Marian volleyball head coach Kallie Noble has announced her first coaching staff as head coach of the Knights, hiring three part-time assistants for the upcoming season. Eli Margetts, Brenton Touloukian, and Nathaniel Martine will each be joining the team this year on the bench for Coach Noble, with each having experience as collegiate men’s team players. Below is a profile on each of the three new assistant coaches for Marian volleyball.
Nathaniel Martine
Martine, a 2023 graduate from Indiana University with a B.S. in biology with a concentration in disease with highest distinction, joins the Knights’ staff with a lengthy playing background on his resume. As a high school player at Zionsville, Martine was a four-year varsity player, earning all-state and academic all-state accolades, while also being named to the Indiana All-Star team. As a Zionsville senior, Martine gained coaching experience while working as an assistant on the Eagles’ freshman girls’ volleyball team, while also serving as a manager on the varsity. After his prep days, Martine made the Indiana University men’s volleyball club team, starting on their A team. In 2022, Martine helped the Hoosiers finish ninth in the nation, and honed his skills at IU while serving as a practice player for the women’s team.
Martine is currently enrolled in Marian’s Osteopathic School of Medicine, studying to become a physician.
Eli Margetts
Margetts is a current student at IUPUI, owning a volleyball background since he started playing organized activity in the fourth grade. Margetts has played six years in the US National Beach Volleyball organization, and with the help of his family, started the Brownsburg High School boys’ club volleyball team. After playing at both Brownsburg and the Academy Volleyball club, Margetts went on to play club volleyball at Purdue, before transferring back to the Indianapolis area and IUPUI.
Margetts is studying physics at IUPUI.
Brenton Touloukian
Touloukian, like Margetts, has local ties as he played his high school volleyball at local Brownsburg High School. Touloukian attended Purdue University and served as a manager for the women’s volleyball team under head coach Dave Shondell. Touloukian will complete a degree in business administration with a focus on management from Purdue Global this fall.
Marian volleyball will report for the upcoming season on Monday, August 7.
WABASH VOLLEYBALL
BAKER NAMED WABASH COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL COACH
Ashaun Baker joins Wabash College as the Little Giants’ new head volleyball coach, Director of Athletics Matt Tanney announced today.
Baker takes over the Wabash program after a stint as the head volleyball coach at McCutcheon High School last season, where he guided the Mavericks’ first-year program to 11 wins and a top-20 ranking among Indiana high school teams.
“Men’s volleyball continues to grow in the state of Indiana, and Ashaun’s local involvement with the sport in the interscholastic and club environments will help build our roster,” Tanney said. “The team’s first class of seniors will graduate in 2024, and it’s exciting to see the program’s continued improvement and development. Coach Baker’s leadership is the next step in the upward trajectory of volleyball at Wabash.”
Baker served as the head coach for the Munciana 15U Volleyball Club for the 2020-21 season. He is a board member of the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches Association. Baker was the 12U assistant coach and 15U head coach for the Boiler Juniors Volleyball for the 2017-18 season.
Baker earned a bachelor of science degree from Ball State University in 2021. He earned a master’s degree in sport administration from Ball State in May 2023. Baker will also assist with the 17U boys’ academy volleyball club in addition to his duties at Wabash.
“The leadership skills I’ve developed over a decade of volleyball, including the last six years of my professional life, will be a strength in both recruiting future players and developing the current members of the Wabash team,” Baker said. “I want to see the program be successful off the court in our academic and professional development and on the court. Those things work hand in hand together.”
Baker begins his duties on August 1.
SMALL COLLEGE ATHLETIC SITES:
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
MLB STANDINGS
| American League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Baltimore | 62 | 38 | .620 | – | 30 – 20 | 32 – 18 | 19 – 12 | 18 – 7 | 10 – 7 | 7 – 3 | W 3 |
| Tampa Bay | 61 | 42 | .592 | 2.5 | 36 – 18 | 25 – 24 | 18 – 13 | 16 – 4 | 9 – 10 | 3 – 7 | L 2 |
| Toronto | 56 | 45 | .554 | 6.5 | 27 – 20 | 29 – 25 | 7 – 20 | 16 – 6 | 12 – 10 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Boston | 53 | 47 | .530 | 9 | 28 – 23 | 25 – 24 | 16 – 11 | 11 – 8 | 11 – 8 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| NY Yankees | 53 | 47 | .530 | 9 | 31 – 23 | 22 – 24 | 13 – 17 | 11 – 8 | 14 – 11 | 4 – 6 | W 3 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Minnesota | 54 | 48 | .529 | – | 30 – 22 | 24 – 26 | 12 – 17 | 21 – 12 | 11 – 6 | 8 – 2 | W 4 |
| Cleveland | 49 | 51 | .490 | 4 | 26 – 24 | 23 – 27 | 7 – 8 | 13 – 14 | 13 – 9 | 4 – 6 | L 2 |
| Detroit | 46 | 54 | .460 | 7 | 22 – 27 | 24 – 27 | 3 – 16 | 18 – 12 | 9 – 10 | 6 – 4 | W 2 |
| Chi White Sox | 41 | 60 | .406 | 12.5 | 21 – 25 | 20 – 35 | 6 – 16 | 15 – 14 | 9 – 14 | 3 – 7 | L 3 |
| Kansas City | 29 | 73 | .284 | 25 | 15 – 36 | 14 – 37 | 5 – 15 | 10 – 25 | 4 – 11 | 3 – 7 | W 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Texas | 59 | 42 | .584 | – | 34 – 20 | 25 – 22 | 14 – 11 | 14 – 5 | 16 – 12 | 7 – 3 | L 1 |
| Houston | 57 | 44 | .564 | 2 | 26 – 22 | 31 – 22 | 5 – 5 | 8 – 11 | 23 – 12 | 7 – 3 | W 2 |
| LA Angels | 51 | 49 | .510 | 7.5 | 29 – 23 | 22 – 26 | 11 – 9 | 11 – 8 | 16 – 14 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
| Seattle | 50 | 50 | .500 | 8.5 | 29 – 25 | 21 – 25 | 9 – 12 | 10 – 11 | 15 – 11 | 5 – 5 | L 2 |
| Oakland | 28 | 74 | .275 | 31.5 | 15 – 39 | 13 – 35 | 7 – 19 | 7 – 11 | 5 – 26 | 3 – 7 | L 1 |
| National League | |||||||||||
| East | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Atlanta | 64 | 34 | .653 | – | 32 – 19 | 32 – 15 | 22 – 6 | 10 – 2 | 11 – 9 | 4 – 6 | W 1 |
| Miami | 54 | 47 | .535 | 11.5 | 31 – 20 | 23 – 27 | 13 – 16 | 11 – 9 | 10 – 12 | 2 – 8 | W 1 |
| Philadelphia | 53 | 47 | .530 | 12 | 26 – 20 | 27 – 27 | 9 – 15 | 10 – 6 | 14 – 13 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| NY Mets | 46 | 53 | .465 | 18.5 | 23 – 22 | 23 – 31 | 13 – 13 | 5 – 14 | 15 – 13 | 4 – 6 | L 2 |
| Washington | 41 | 59 | .410 | 24 | 18 – 33 | 23 – 26 | 9 – 16 | 7 – 13 | 12 – 14 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Central | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| Milwaukee | 56 | 45 | .554 | – | 28 – 23 | 28 – 22 | 9 – 4 | 21 – 9 | 8 – 15 | 7 – 3 | W 1 |
| Cincinnati | 55 | 47 | .539 | 1.5 | 28 – 26 | 27 – 21 | 12 – 11 | 12 – 18 | 14 – 8 | 5 – 5 | L 1 |
| Chi Cubs | 48 | 51 | .485 | 7 | 27 – 26 | 21 – 25 | 8 – 14 | 15 – 12 | 9 – 8 | 6 – 4 | W 3 |
| St. Louis | 45 | 56 | .446 | 11 | 22 – 26 | 23 – 30 | 10 – 9 | 12 – 17 | 8 – 13 | 7 – 3 | W 1 |
| Pittsburgh | 44 | 56 | .440 | 11.5 | 23 – 26 | 21 – 30 | 5 – 5 | 11 – 15 | 15 – 14 | 3 – 7 | W 1 |
| West | |||||||||||
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Road | East | Central | West | Last 10 | Streak |
| LA Dodgers | 57 | 42 | .576 | – | 29 – 17 | 28 – 25 | 11 – 7 | 15 – 12 | 14 – 11 | 6 – 4 | L 2 |
| Arizona | 54 | 47 | .535 | 4 | 26 – 25 | 28 – 22 | 13 – 15 | 10 – 9 | 17 – 11 | 2 – 8 | L 5 |
| San Francisco | 54 | 47 | .535 | 4 | 26 – 22 | 28 – 25 | 10 – 12 | 18 – 9 | 15 – 10 | 4 – 6 | L 6 |
| San Diego | 48 | 53 | .475 | 10 | 25 – 24 | 23 – 29 | 13 – 13 | 7 – 14 | 12 – 13 | 4 – 6 | L 2 |
| Colorado | 40 | 60 | .400 | 17.5 | 23 – 26 | 17 – 34 | 14 – 15 | 8 – 10 | 6 – 19 | 6 – 4 | W 1 |
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
July 25
1918 — Walter Johnson of the Washington Senators pitched a four-hitter in 15 innings to beat the St. Louis Browns 1-0. The only hit off him in the first 11 innings was a triple by George Sisler.
1930 — The Philadelphia Athletics came up with a triple steal in the first inning and again in the fourth in a 14-1 win over the Cleveland Indians.
1939 — Atley Donald of the New York Yankees set a rookie pitching record in the AL when he registered his 12th consecutive victory since May 9, with a 5-1 victory over the St. Louis Browns.
1941 — Lefty Grove of the Boston Red Sox won his 300th and last game, beating the Cleveland Indians 10-6.
1949 — Stan Musial of St. Louis hit for the cycle, going 4-5 and driving in four runs to lead the Cardinals to a 14-1 rout of the Broolyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.
1956 — Roberto Clemente hit a game-winning inside-the-park grand slam to give Pittsburgh a 9-8 win over the Chicago Cubs at Forbes Field.
1961 — En route to his 61-homer season, Roger Maris of the New York Yankees hit four homers against the Chicago White Sox in a doubleheader to give him 40 for the year. The Yankees took both games, 5-1 and 12-0, and Maris moved 25 games ahead of Babe Ruth’s 1927 pace.
1962 — Stan Musial of St. Louis became the all-time RBI leader in the NL. His two-run home run, in a 5-2 loss to Los Angeles, gave him 1,862 RBIs, passing Mel Ott.
1978 — Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds singled to left off New York’s Craig Swan in the third inning to set a NL record of hitting safely in 38 consecutive games. The Mets won the game 9-2.
1990 — Kansas City’s George Brett hit for the cycle in the Royals 6-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
2000 — Mike Lansing of Colorado hit for the cycle. The Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 19-2.
2011 — Ian Kinsler homered and drove in four runs as the Texas Rangers pounded out the most runs and hits in the majors this season with a 20-6 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
2014 — Yasiel Puig tied a franchise record with three triples and added a double and two RBIs as Los Angeles moved within a half-game of NL West-leading San Francisco with an 8-1 win over the Giants.
2015 — Cole Hamels became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs in 50 years while leading Philadelphia to a 5-0 win. There was drama down to the final out, when rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera stumbled on the warning track, but managed to lean forward and catch Kris Bryant’s flyball to end the game. Hamels struck out 13 in the first no-hitter versus the Cubs since Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in 1965.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
July 25
1902 — Jim Jeffries knocks out Bob Fitzsimmons in the eighth round to retain the world heavyweight title.
1941 — Lefty Grove of the Boston Red Sox wins his 300th and last game, beating the Cleveland Indians 10-6.
1956 — Swaps sets an American record in a 1 5/8-mile race at Hollywood Park. Swaps runs the course in 2:38 1-5.
1956 — Jack Burke Jr. defeats Ted Kroll 3 and 2 in the final round to win the PGA championship.
1976 — In Montreal, Edwin Moses of the United States sets an Olympic record in the 400 hurdles with a time of 47.63.
1982 — Janet Anderson wins the U.S. Women’s Open golf title, her first tournament victory.
1999 — 86th Tour de France: Lance Armstrong wins 1st of 7 consecutive Tour de France titles but is later disqualified for drug cheating.
2004 — Copa América Final, Estadio Nacional, Lima: Brazil beats Argentina, 4-2 on penalties; 2-2 after extra time.
2007 — Michael Rasmussen, the leader of the Tour de France, is removed from the race by his Rabobank team after winning the 16th stage. Rasmussen is sent home for violating (the team’s) internal rules. The Danish cyclist missed random drug tests May 8 and June 28, saying he was in Mexico.
2010 — Alberto Contador wins the Tour de France for the third time in four years. Contador holds off a next-to-last day challenge from Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, his runner-up for a second consecutive year.
2010 — Jamie McMurray’s victory in the Brickyard 400 gives owner Chip Ganassi the first team triple crown in American auto racing: winning the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year. McMurray won the season-opening Daytona 500 in February, and Ganassi IndyCar series driver Dario Franchitti won the Indy 500 in May.
2011 — The NFL Players Association executive board and 32 team reps vote unanimously to approve the terms of a deal to the end the 4½-month lockout. The final pact is for 10 years, without an opt-out clause.
2011 — Taylor Hoagland hits a two-run home run, Valerie Arioto and Megan Langenfeld have RBI singles and the United States beats rival Japan 6-4 to win its fifth straight World Cup of Softball championship.
2012 — Triple jumper Voula Papachristou is kicked off Greece’s Olympic team by the Hellenic Olympic Committee for her comments on Twitter mocking African immigrants and expressing support for a far-right political party.
2015 — Maya Moore scores a record 30 points to lead the West to a 117-112 victory over the East in the WNBA All-Star Game. The league’s reigning MVP scores eight straight points in the final 2 minutes to turn a one-point deficit into a 113-106 advantage.
2021 — USA’s men’s basketball lose to France 83-76 ending their 25-game Olympic winning streak.
BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
BEN TAYLOR
1st Baseman
Belonging to one of the most famous families in African-American baseball history, Ben Taylor had a career that spanned almost four decades, serving as most a premier first baseman and as a successful manager.
Playing along with his brothers C.I, Steel Arm John, and Candy Jim, Ben Taylor starred for a number of teams in the pre-Negro Leagues era of 1908 to 1920, and then moved around the various leagues and teams during the golden era from 1921 to 1941.
Taylor was a lifetime .300 hitter who maintained a scientific approach to the game. He was noted for his ability to hit to all fields, his execution of the hit-and-run – and became known as “Old Reliable” for both his clutch-hitting and his outstanding defensive play at first base.
His was soft-spoken and well-respected – and his reputation as a teacher was noted by Hall of Famer Buck Leonard, who said: “I got most of my learning from Ben Taylor. He helped me when I first broke in with his team. He had been the best first baseman in Negro baseball up until that time, and he was the one who really taught me to play first base.”
According to the Chicago Defender in 1935, Taylor was described as “a man who has inspired, trained and led baseball teams for many years,” and as having “one of the keenest minds in all of baseball and knows the game from all angles.”
Upon his passing on Jan. 24, 1953, the Defender said simply: “Ben was recognized as one of the great first baseman in Negro baseball. His name is bracketed with that of other top first sackers of that period. He was an excellent fielder and a cracking good hitter from the left side.”
As biographer Todd Bolton has noted, Ben Taylor’s life can be summed up from 10 words on his gravestone: “A Graceful Player, A Superb Teacher, and A True Gentleman.”
Taylor was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006.
FOOTBALL HISTORY
Football History of July 25
July 25, 1924 – Frankford Yellow Jackets franchise is established and plays in the NFL from 1924 through the 1931 season. And where is Frankford you may ask? It is in the northeastern section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The origin of the team actually can be traced back to 1899 as the Frankford Athletic Association. Please look for information soon on a full story of the Frankford Yellow Jackets and their contributions, players and origins in our Early Pro Football Franchises series.
July 25, 2013 – The Atlanta Falcons according to an NFL.com reports signed franchise Quarterback Matt Ryan to a 5-year, $103.75 million contract extension in 2013. Matty Ice deserved the bump in pay too as he won the 2016 NFL MVP award while leading the Falcons to their Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Ryan is a 2-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2016 1st-Team All-Pro over the course of the contract. Matt threw for 4,000+ pass yards in each year of deal and has tossed for 4,000 plus pass yards in 10 straight seasons since 2011, which was the 2nd-longest such streak in NFL history. Only Drew Brees is ahead of him on this…Not too bad of company at all!
July 25, 2019 – NFL Veterans were required to report to camp for the following teams; Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
HALL OF FAME BIRTHDAYS FOR JULY 25
July 25, 1900 – Medford, Massachusetts – Eddie Tryon was a halfback out of Colgate University from 1922 to 1925 per the National Football Foundation. Tryon holds that program’s record for most points scored in a single game with a whopping 42 points and the most TDs in a single game an astounding 7 trips to pay dirt! The NFF goes on to say that “Cannonball” Tryon was a master at saving the Maroon from defeat. One such example was Colgate’s famous match-up with Ohio State in 1923. It was Tryon’s touchdown runs of 65 and 25 yards which created a 23-23 stalemate with the Buckeyes. And, in 1925, the Colgate captain stunned Princeton when he scored the only touchdown in a 7-0 upset of the Tigers. Mr. Tryon was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame with the selection class of 1963.
July 25, 1934 – Springfield, Ohio – Ron Burton was a halfback out of Northwestern University from 1957 through 1959 that entered into the College Hall of Fame in 1990 according to the NFF. His Northwestern career was led by legendary head coach Ara Parseghian. Mr. Burton was an All-American in 1959 and he also finished 10th that season in Heisman voting. In the 1960 AFL draft he became the Boston Patriots first ever draft pick. Burton was also the first Patriot to ever rush for 100 yards in a game. There are some answers to your next NFL trivia contest you enter!
July 25, 1954 – Columbia, Mississippi – Walter Payton Pro Football Hall of Fame running back of the Chicago Bears was born. The Jackson State product was also enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1999 class. Walter ran on the Jackson State gridiron from the 1971 season through 1974 and was the key cog in the offense. According to the FootballFoundation.org, Sweetness finished his career at Jackson State with 464 points and 3,563 yards rushing. The point total was a modern record for college football. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry for four years. Walter is remembered at the collegiate level still to this day as he was honored in 1987 with the founding of the Walter Payton Award, given each year to the leading player in 1-AA football. Payton was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL’s all-time leading rusher until Emmet Smith surpassed him. In just 13 seasons, Payton rushed for 16, 726 yards, hauled in 492 passes and scored 125 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website. We honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease. Please see our story on “Sweetness” here Walter Payton.
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
28 – 10 – 6 – 9 – 14 – 5
July 25, 1913 – Pittsburgh Pirates future Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Max Carey scores 5 runs without a hit, reaching first base on an error and 4 walks, as the Bucs beat Philadelphia Phillies, 12-2
July 25, 1939 – New York Yankees starting pitcher Atley Donald, Number 28 set an American League rookie record for consecutive victories when he and the Yanks defeated the St. Louis Browns 5-1 for his 12th straight victory.
July 25, 1941 – A 41-year-old Lefty Grove wearing Number 10, won his 300th and final MLB career game as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians, 10-6 at Fenway Park
July 25, 1949 – St Louis Cardinals player Number 6, Stan Musial hit for the cycle as the Cardinals overcame the Brooklyn Dodgers 14-1.
July 25, 1961 – Roger Maris, Number 9 of the New York Yankees, hit home runs 37, 38, 39 & 40 in a doubleheader
July 25, 1978 – Cincinnati Reds Number 14, Pete Rose set a National League hitting record as he reached base safely in 38 consecutive games with the use of his bat. A we will see in a little over a week from now that streak reach 44 games to reset the record books.
July 25, 1990 – Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett wearing his Number 5 jersey, hit for the cycle in Toronto. It seemed like everyone knew when Brett entered the batter’s box in the seventh inning needing a home run to complete the hitting circuit for the game, that he would accomplish the mission. Facing Blue Jays pitcher Frank Wills, destiny would not be denied as Brett pounded an 0-2 pitch into the bleachers in right-center field. Royals hitting coach John Mayberry commented, ” When the Great ones want it, you can see it in their eyes.” Ole Number 5 indeed wanted hit and to many there was not a question as to whether he would or not.
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
EVERETT BACON
Position: Quarterback
Years: 1909-1912
Place of Birth: Westbrook, CT
Date of Birth: Aug 18, 1890
Place of Death: Southampton, NY
Date of Death: Feb 01, 1989
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
High School: Westbrook, CT (Westbrook HS)
Everett Bacon was a slick and dazzling back who became one of the pioneers of the forward pass, making it a lethal weapon in an era when most collegiate teams shied from its use. Many coaches felt unsure of the pass, convinced it did little more than produce turnovers. Bacon’s willingness to use the pass captured the attention of All-America selectors who listed him in both his sophomore and senior years. During his four seasons at Wesleyan, the Cardinals were 19-14-3, playing against much larger schools. Not only was he feared as a passer, but “Ev” established himself as a dangerous punt return specialist. An all-around athlete, Bacon was a four sport star who also captained the basketball team. As a baseball player he was the squad’s top pitcher while he hit for over a .400 average. In tennis, he was a member of the champion New England doubles team of 1910. During World War I Bacon served in the 312th Infantry and 48th Field Artillery. In later years he became a prominent Wall Street investment banker and he served on the board of trustees at Wesleyan. In his honor, Wesleyan annually awards the C. Everett Bacon Trophy to its Most Valuable Player.
TV SPORTS TUESDAY
MLB BASEBALL
7 p.m.
TBS — NY Mets at NY Yankees
10 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Toronto at LA Dodgers OR Pittsburgh at San Diego (9:30 p.m.)
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE BASEBALL
7 p.m.
ESPNU — 2023 All-Star Game: Great Lakes East vs. Great Lakes West, Traverse City, Mich.
RODEO
10 p.m.
CBSSN — PBR Teams: The Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, Wyo.
SOCCER (MEN’S)
8:30 p.m.
FS1 — Leagues Cup Group Stage: Santos Laguna at Houston, Group I
10:25 p.m.
ESPN2 — Club Friendly: Manchester United vs. Wrexham AFC, San Diego
10:30 p.m.
FS1 — Leagues Cup Group Stage: León at LA Galaxy, Group C
SOCCER (WOMEN’S)
4 a.m.
FS1 — FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Switzerland vs. Norway, Group A, Hamilton, New Zealand
1 a.m. (Wednesday)
FS1 — FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Japan vs. Costa Rica, Group C, Dunedin, New Zealand
3:30 a.m. (Wednesday)
FS1 — FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Spain vs. Zambia, Group C, Auckland, New Zealand
TENNIS
5 a.m.
TENNIS — Warsaw-WTA, Lausanne-WTA, Hamburg-ATP/WTA, Umag-ATP, Atlanta-ATP Early Rounds
6 a.m.
TENNIS — Warsaw-WTA, Lausanne-WTA, Hamburg-ATP/WTA, Umag-ATP, Atlanta-ATP Early Rounds
7 p.m.
TENNIS — Atlanta-ATP Early Rounds
5 a.m. (Wednesday)
TENNIS — Warsaw-WTA, Lausanne-WTA, Hamburg-ATP/WTA, Umag-ATP, Atlanta-ATP Early Rounds
6 a.m. (Wednesday)
TENNIS — Warsaw-WTA, Lausanne-WTA, Hamburg-ATP/WTA, Umag-ATP, Atlanta-ATP Early Rounds
WNBA BASKETBALL
7 p.m.
ESPN — Las Vegas at Chicago
10 p.m.NBATV — Indiana at Los Angeles