“THE SCOREBOARD”
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
CINCINNATI 8 MIAMI 2
SAN DIEGO 6 PITTSBURGH 0
WASHINGTON 11 SAN FRANCISCO 5
TORONTO 5 BALTIMORE 2
MILWAUKEE 10 ATLANTA 0
ST. LOUIS 4 TAMPA BAY 3
CHICAGO CUBS 7 MINNESOTA 3
HOUSTON 4 TEXAS 2
BOSTON 6 KANSAS CITY 5
COLORADO 6 NY METS 3
CHICAGO WHITE SOX 5 OAKLAND 1
DETROIT 4 SEATTLE 2
PHILADELPHIA 6 LA DODGERS 2
ARIZONA AT CLEVELAND POSTPONED
LA ANGELS AT NY YANKEES POSTPONED
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCORES
NASHVILLE 8 INDIANAPOLIS 4
FT. WAYNE 5 SOUTH BEND 2
WNBA SCORES
OLYMPIC BREAK
MLS
OLYMPIC BREAK
EARLY COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, AUG. 24 IN WEEK ZERO:
AER LINGUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL CLASSIC: FLORIDA STATE VS. GEORGIA TECH (IN DUBLIN, IRELAND) | 12 P.M. ET | ESPN
MCNEESE AT TARLETON STATE | 2:30 P.M. ET| ESPN2
MONTANA STATE AT NEW MEXICO | 4 P.M. ET | FS1
FCS KICKOFF: NORTH ALABAMA VS. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE (CRAMTON BOWL IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA) | 7 P.M. ET | ESPN
MEAC/SWAC CHALLENGE: NORFOLK STATE VS. FLORIDA A&M (CENTER PARC STADIUM IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA) | 7:30 P.M. | ABC
SMU AT NEVADA | 8 P.M. ET |CBS SPORTS NETWORK
DELAWARE STATE AT HAWAII
THURSDAY, AUG. 29
NORTH CAROLINA AT MINNESOTA | 8 P.M. ET | FOX
NORTH DAKOTA STATE AT COLORADO | 8 P.M. ET | ESPN
SACRAMENTO STATE AT SAN JOSE STATE | 10 P.M. ET | TRUTV AND MAX
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
TCU AT STANFORD | 10:30 P.M. ET | ESPN
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
AFLAC KICKOFF GAME: CLEMSON VS. GEORGIA (MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA) | 12 P.M. ET | ABC
PENN STATE AT WEST VIRGINIA | 12 P.M. | FOX
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE AT OKLAHOMA STATE | 2 P.M. ET | ESPN+
MIAMI (FL) AT FLORIDA | 3:30 P.M. ET | ABC
NOTRE DAME AT TEXAS A&M | 7:30 P.M. ET | ABC
GEORGIA STATE AT GEORGIA TECH | 8 P.M. ET | ACC NETWORK
TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE AT SAN DIEGO STATE | 8 P.M. ET | TRUTV AND MAX
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL VS. ALABAMA STATE (HARD ROCK STADIUM IN MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA) | 3 P.M. ET | ESPN
VEGAS KICKOFF CLASSIC: LSU VS. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ALLEGIANT STADIUM IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA) | 7:30 P.M. ON ABC
MONDAY, SEPT. 2
BOSTON COLLEGE AT FLORIDA STATE | 7:30 P.M. ET | ESPN
NFL PRE-SEASON
WEEK ONE:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8:
CAROLINA AT NEW ENGLAND, 7:00 PM
DETROIT AT N.Y. GIANTS, 7:00 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9:
ATLANTA AT MIAMI, 7:00 PM
HOUSTON AT PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA AT BALTIMORE, 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10:
WASHINGTON AT N.Y. JETS, 12:00 PM
CHICAGO AT BUFFALO, 1:00 PM
LAS VEGAS AT MINNESOTA, 4:00 PM
GREEN BAY AT CLEVELAND, 4:25 PM
TAMPA BAY AT CINCINNATI, 7:00 PM
KANSAS CITY AT JACKSONVILLE, 7:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO AT TENNESSEE, 7:00 PM
SEATTLE AT L.A. CHARGERS, 7:05 PM
NEW ORLEANS AT ARIZONA, 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11:
DENVER AT INDIANAPOLIS, 1:00 PM
DALLAS AT L.A. RAMS, 4:30 PM
WEEK TWO:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15:
PHILADELPHIA AT NEW ENGLAND, 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17:
ATLANTA AT BALTIMORE, 12:00 PM
CINCINNATI AT CHICAGO, 1:00 PM
N.Y. GIANTS AT HOUSTON, 1:00 PM
DETROIT AT KANSAS CITY 4:00 PM
MINNESOTA AT CLEVELAND, 4:25 PM
N.Y. JETS AT CAROLINA, 7:00 PM
ARIZONA AT INDIANAPOLIS, 7:00 PM
WASHINGTON AT MIAMI, 7:00 PM
BUFFALO AT PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM
SEATTLE AT TENNESSEE, 7:00 PM
L.A. RAMS AT L.A. CHARGERS, 7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY AT JACKSONVILLE, 7:30 PM
DALLAS AT LAS VEGAS, 10:00 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18:
GREEN BAY AT DENVER, 8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS AT SAN FRANCISCO, 8:00 PM
WEEK THREE:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22:
INDIANAPOLIS AT CINCINNATI, 8:00 PM
CHICAGO AT KANSAS CITY, 8:20 PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23:
JACKSONVILLE AT ATLANTA, 7:00 PM
MIAMI AT TAMPA BAY, 7:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO AT LAS VEGAS, 10:00 PM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24:
CAROLINA AT BUFFALO, 1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH AT DETROIT, 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE AT GREEN BAY, 1:00 PM
L.A. RAMS AT HOUSTON, 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA AT PHILADELPHIA, 1:00 PM
L.A. CHARGERS AT DALLAS, 4:00 PM
N.Y. GIANTS AT N.Y. JETS, 7:30 PM
CLEVELAND AT SEATTLE, 10:00 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25:
TENNESSEE AT NEW ORLEANS, 2:00 PM
ARIZONA AT DENVER, 4:30 PM
NEW ENGLAND AT WASHINGTON (NBC), 8:00 PM
NFL WEEK ONE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
- BALTIMORE RAVENS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, 8:20 P.M. ET (NBC)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6
- GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL), 8:15 P.M. ET (PEACOCK)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8
- PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- ARIZONA CARDINALS AT BUFFALO BILLS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- TENNESSEE TITANS AT CHICAGO BEARS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS, 1 P.M. ET (CBS)
- CAROLINA PANTHERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT NEW YORK GIANTS, 1 P.M. ET (FOX)
- LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS, 4:05 P.M. ET (CBS)
- DENVER BRONCOS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, 4:05 P.M. ET (CBS)
- DALLAS COWBOYS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS, 4:25 P.M. ET (CBS)
- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, 4:25 P.M. ET (FOX)
- LOS ANGELES RAMS AT DETROIT LIONS, 8:20 P.M. ET (NBC)
MONDAY, SEPT. 9
- NEW YORK JETS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, 8:15 P.M. ET (ESPN/ABC)
TOP NATIONAL SPORTS HEADLINES
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA MOVING CLOSER TO FINANCIALLY REWARDING WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS THAT REACH MARCH MADNESS
Women’s basketball teams are about to move a step closer to getting financially rewarded for success in the NCAA Tournament.
The Division I Board of Directors was expected to meet Tuesday and introduce a proposal to give performance units to teams that make March Madness. Units represent revenue.
“Unless something very odd happens, and I don’t expect that it will, the finance committees have already signed off on creating a units program for the women’s tournament,” NCAA President Charlie Baker told The Associated Press in an interview at the Paris Olympics.
A final vote of the Division I membership would be taken in January for the plan that would allow financial incentives to begin with the 2025 tournament.
The NCAA sharing March Madness revenue with its membership has long been a feature of the men’s tournament. The 2018 tournament, for example, brought in $844.3 million in television and marketing rights, the vast majority from a contract with CBS and Turner Sports to televise the games. The latest extension of that deal is worth $8.8 billion over eight years, starting this year.
Most of the money flows through the NCAA and back to its member schools, more than 300 of which field Division I basketball teams eligible to play in the tournament. The schools mostly re-invest in athletics, from scholarships for athletes in all sports — though not salaries — to coaching salaries, training facilities, stadiums, ballparks and arenas.
The lack of a units system for the women’s tournament has been a point of sharp criticism.
What helped push it through now is the NCAA’s new media rights deal with ESPN that includes many women’s championships. Women’s basketball is valued at $65 million per tournament — roughly 10 times more than in the contract that ends this year.
“That made it possible for us to do the most important piece of this,” Baker said. “Being able to define what a units program would look like based on the revenue generated by the tournament.”
The women’s March Madness proposal is expected to mirror the men’s program in many ways. Right now, every men’s team that reaches the NCAA Tournament currently receives the same amount of revenue (called a “ unit ″) for making the tournament.
The longer a school’s tournament run lasts the more units the school’s conference receives. Conferences decide the distribution of unit revenue to each of its members. Each unit was worth about $2 million for the 2023 men’s tourney.
“The rewarding of the teams that participate in the NCAA Tournament is something that will have a significant impact on the sport,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma told The AP. “You will see an increase in the level of support for women’s basketball that has not been seen before. We should all be excited going forward.”
Distribution of the units is paid out over a six-year period on the men’s side, meaning this year conferences are earning money on units from 2018-2023.
College leaders may opt to have the women’s tourney units paid out over a shorter period of time, making the value of each one worth more. They also could decide to start payments in the same year that units are earned, rather than waiting a year as on the men’s side.
The women’s tournament is coming off its most successful year ever that including a record audience of 18.7 million for the title game win by South Carolina over Iowa, the highest for a basketball broadcast of any kind in five years. It outdrew the men’s championship game — UConn winning its second consecutive title with a win over Purdue — by nearly 3 million viewers. The women’s tournament also had record attendance.
“I think we have shown these last few years how exciting our game is and what happens when the investment is made,” Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico said. “This is just another example of the growth of our game and how there is no better time to be part of women’s basketball.”
OLYMPIC NEWS
KD BECOMES TEAM USA’S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER IN BLOWOUT WIN OVER BRAZIL
PARIS (AP) — There was a moment when Brazil might have thought it had a chance. It trailed the U.S. by only eight midway through the second quarter. A big deficit had turned into something rather manageable.
The moment was short-lived.
A 21-2 run turned things into their predictable blowout state and, for the 20th time in 20 Olympic appearances, the U.S. will play for a medal. Devin Booker led a balanced front with 18 points and the Americans had little trouble with Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics, winning 122-87 on Tuesday night.
The U.S. (4-0) moves on to face Serbia (3-1) in Thursday’s semifinals, while Germany (4-0) takes on France (3-1) in the other semifinal. Winners of those games will play Saturday night for the gold medal; Thursday’s losers will play Saturday morning for the bronze medal.
If there was one issue, it was this: LeBron James left in the third quarter after catching an elbow around his left eye, struck by Brazil’s Georginho de Paula while going for a rebound. James went down, eventually pressed a towel over the eye and left for the locker room area later in the third.
By then, the game was in hand. That 21-2 run over the final 3:56 of the first half eliminated whatever doubt there might have been — let’s be honest, there wasn’t much, if any — and the U.S. turned that eight-point lead into a 63-36 runaway going into the final 20 minutes.
Bruno Caboclo was the star for Brazil, leading all scorers with 30 points.
Anthony Edwards scored 17 points, while Joel Embiid — booed again in France, of course — had 14 points and seven rebounds in 12 first-half minutes for the Americans. Anthony Davis finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for the U.S. James had 12 points and nine assists.
Kevin Durant scored 11 points and passed Lisa Leslie as the U.S. Olympic career scoring leader, men’s or women’s. Leslie had 488 points in her four Olympic appearances, all of which ended with gold medals. Durant is trying to go 4 for 4 on the gold front as well; he’s two wins away from getting that done.
Playing in Paris for the first time during these Games, the crowd was smaller — the arena used for the three games in the group stage is nearly twice as big as the one being used for the knockout stage — but given the stakes, the turnout certainly seemed more star-studded.
Retired U.S. Olympic basketball star Carmelo Anthony and his son, Kiyan, were there, seated next to Pau Gasol in VIP spots near the court. U.S. women’s star A’ja Wilson had a spot next to Snoop Dogg, who has become the unofficial ambassador of all things Team USA at these Olympics.
They came for a show. They got one. James led the end-of-half surge, and that was basically the game.
“Bron just out there throwing dimes,” UConn women’s star Paige Bueckers offered on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and she wasn’t wrong. He was 4 for 4 in the half from the floor, 2 for 2 from the line, a tidy 10 points and eight assists.
James walked back to the bench with about three minutes left in the game, after being tended to following that shot to the face.
And the crowd in Paris roared.
Maybe it was because James was fine. It might have been because at the same moment, French Olympic swimming star Leon Marchand — a winner of four gold medals at these Paris Games — was being shown on the scoreboard as well.
U.S. VOLLEYBALL DEFEATS POLAND, WILL MEET RIVAL BRAZIL IN SEMIS
PARIS — The United States women’s volleyball team was barely tested in its Olympic quarterfinal against Poland as the defending champions knocked out the World No. 4 team 25-22, 25-14, 25-20 on Tuesday to set up a semifinal clash with Brazil, which is undefeated in Paris.
Andrea Drews was top scorer for the Americans with 13 points and was well supported by Kathryn Plummer and Avery Skinner with 12 points apiece.
Although Poland had a healthy lead in the third set, the Americans rediscovered their rhythm with a series of blocks to lift the team and take the lead before sealing the win.
“We definitely have some experienced players who calmed things down a bit. This Olympics, rarely will teams go 3-0, so I’m really pleased with the way we mentally stayed in it despite having a slower start (in the third set),” Drews said.
Tokyo Games silver medalist Brazil beat the Dominican Republic in straight sets to advance to the final four.
“We didn’t know what to expect because we knew they are a good team. Their attacking is really good,” Brazil’s Julia Bergmann said after the 25-22, 25-13, 25-17 victory.
While the U.S. has dropped five sets in Paris, Brazil charged into the knockouts as the only team not to drop one.
“We’ve dropped a lot and been able to come back on top,” American middle blocker Haleigh Washington said.
“I like a little adversity and I always love playing Brazil. They’re always so competitive, they have a ton of fans here, so the atmosphere is going to be electric.”
TURKEY, ITALY MOVE ON
European champions Turkey reached the Olympic semifinals for the first time by beating China 3-2 in a see-saw encounter.
Despite injuries on the Turkish team, they beat China in a rematch of last year’s Volleyball Nations League final where the European side claimed their first title.
Cuban-born Melissa Vargas was Turkey’s lynchpin with a whopping 42 points that included 38 kills as they prevailed 23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 21-25, 15-12.
Vargas, who was named the most valuable player at the European Championship last year, fell two points shy of equaling Croatian Barbara Jelic’s record for most points in an Olympic match.
“Today we played with our hearts. We have a lot of injuries and I am so proud of my players. We put everything on the line to reach the semifinals,” Turkey’s Italian coach Daniele Santarelli said.
“We didn’t play amazing volleyball. We have a lot of limits, but anything can happen; we’re going to the semifinals.”
Turkey will play Italy after the world’s top-ranked side beat Serbia in straight sets, 26-24, 25-20, 25-20.
China won gold in 2016 and outside hitter Zhu Ting said the Paris Games could be her last Olympics.
“I will cherish every match and every opportunity to touch the ball. If I get injured again, these touches could be the last of my career. That’s why I value it so much,” the 29-year-old said.
USA’S CHRIS HOCKER STORMS FROM PACK, TAKES GOLD IN 1500M
PARIS — Cole Hocker of the United States won the Olympic men’s 1,500 meters gold medal on Tuesday.
Great Britain’s Josh Kerr took silver and American Yared Nuguse claimed the bronze.
SOPHIA SMITH POWERS USWNT TO GOLD MEDAL MATCH
Sophia Smith scored in the 95th minute as the U.S. women’s national team advanced to the gold medal match of the Paris Olympics with a 1-0 victory over Germany on Tuesday in Lyon, France.
The Americans will play either Brazil or Spain on Saturday in Paris with a chance for their fifth goal medal but first since 2012 in London.
Smith took a through ball from Mallory Swanson in stride on the right side of the box. Smith shielded the ball from defender Feli Rauch before slotting a shot past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who was late in blocking the attempt.
Swanson and Smith have three goals and two assists each in the five tournament matches.
Alyssa Naeher made a jumping save with her left foot in the 119th minute on a close-range header by Laura Freigang to preserve the win.
Naeher made seven saves for the U.S, which has outscored its opponents 11-2 at the Olympics. Berger had nine saves.
This was the second scoreless semifinal through regulation in the history of the women’s tournament, matching Sweden vs. Brazil in 2016.
The U.S. also needed an extra-time goal (105+2 minute) by Trinity Rodman to down Japan 1-0 in the quarterfinals on Saturday. The USWNT has played consecutive extra-time matches for the second time, previously doing so in the semifinal and gold medal matches of the 2004 Olympics (wins vs. Germany and Brazil).
The U.S. was favored, having defeated Germany 4-1 in group play on July 28. It was 3-1 at the half in that one but the USWNT couldn’t find the breakthrough score in the rematch through 45 minutes despite having taken five of the six shots on target, although none could be considered high quality.
The USWNT has won a medal in every tournament since its inception at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. In addition to the four golds, the U.S. earned a silver medal in 2000 and a bronze in 2020. The Americans lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals in 2016 on penalties.
Saturday could be redemption for the program after its failure at the 2023 Women’s World Cup when the U.S. failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in nine tries.
BASEBALL NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: WHITE SOX SINK A’S, SHED 21-GAME SKID
Rookie Jonathan Cannon turned his second career win into a memorable one on Tuesday night, helping the Chicago White Sox snap their record-tying, 21-game losing streak with six strong innings in a 5-1 victory over the host Oakland Athletics.
Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer to get Chicago on the board and scored the game’s final run after a double in the ninth inning, sending the White Sox to their first win since July 10 against the Minnesota Twins.
The victory left Chicago in a tie with the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the longest losing streak in American League history, two defeats shy of the modern-day major league record set by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1961.
Cannon (2-5) did most of the heavy lifting, limiting the A’s to one run and six hits in his six innings. Zack Gelof hit a solo shot for Oakland. Athletics starter Ross Stripling (2-11) was pulled after 5 1/3 innings, charged with four runs on five hits.
Astros 4, Rangers 2
Framber Valdez pitched 8 2/3 no-hit innings before serving up Corey Seager’s two-run homer as Houston earned a victory over Texas at Arlington, Texas.
Valdez walked Josh Smith with two outs in the ninth before Seager walloped a first-pitch slider well over the wall in right-center to end Valdez’s bid at a second career no-hitter. The left-hander tossed his first against the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 1, 2023.
Valdez (11-5) exited the game after Seager’s blast. He struck out five and walked three in a 107-pitch effort that helped end Houston’s three-game losing streak. Josh Hader replaced Valdez and walked Marcus Semien before retiring Josh Jung on a flyout to the warning track in right for his 23rd save of the season.
Brewers 10, Braves 0
Willy Adames hit a pair of two-run homers and Colin Rea threw seven scoreless innings and struck out nine as visiting Milwaukee hammered Atlanta.
Adames, who was 4-for-5, homered in the first and third innings. The Brewers recorded 16 hits, with William Contreras getting three — a triple and two doubles. Rea (10-3) became the eighth National League pitcher to reach double-digit wins. He allowed five hits and one walk.
Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (2-5), recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to make the start, was knocked out of the game after 3 2/3 innings. He surrendered seven runs on eight hits and two walks to go along with six strikeouts.
Padres 6, Pirates 0
Donovan Solano went 4-for-5 with four RBIs to help San Diego to a win against host Pittsburgh in the opener of a three-game series.
San Diego braved a rain delay that lasted 2 hours, 40 minutes to pick up its 12th win in the past 14 games. The Pirates fell for the fourth time in five games following a three-game winning streak.
After both starters had their outings cut short by the delay, Padres reliever Bryan Hoeing (2-2) threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the win, while Pirates reliever Jake Woodford (0-3) yielded three runs in 2 1/3 innings.
Reds 8, Marlins 2
Left-hander Nick Lodolo used six strong innings to pick up a win in a battle of former first-round picks and Cincinnati defeated host Miami.
Tyler Stephenson and Ty France each hit a solo homer to lead Cincinnati’s offense. Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs. He is 8-for-10 with two home runs, four doubles and five RBIs through the first two games of this four-game set.
Lodolo (9-4), the seventh overall pick in the 2019 draft, allowed two runs on two hits. Right-hander Max Meyer (2-2) took the loss, allowing eight hits and six runs. Meyer was the third overall selection in the 2020 draft.
Nationals 11, Giants 5
CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead three-run home run, Keibert Ruiz homered among his three hits and Washington beat visiting San Francisco in the second game of a four-game series.
The Nationals, who won for the third time in four contests, got to Giants rookie starter Hayden Birdsong in a five-run second inning and finished with 15 hits for the game. Washington’s Alex Call had two RBI doubles, and James Wood tripled, homered, walked twice, scored four runs and stole two bases.
Birdsong (3-1) allowed seven runs on five hits and three walks in two-plus innings. Michael Conforto smashed a three-run homer for San Francisco and Heliot Ramos had a solo shot, with both blasts coming in the first inning against Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore. Gore (7-9) went five innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits.
Blue Jays 5, Orioles 2
Alejandro Kirk keyed a five-run sixth inning with a three-run home run as Toronto defeated visiting Baltimore to win for just the second time in its past six games.
The Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hitting streak to 18 games when he singled in the sixth inning of the opener of a three-game series. Toronto right-hander Chris Bassitt (9-10) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out nine in seven-plus innings.
Jackson Holliday hit a solo home run for the Orioles. Grayson Rodriguez was a late scratch after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder. He was replaced by Albert Suarez, who allowed two hits and two walks while striking out six over five scoreless innings.
Cardinals 4, Rays 3
Victor Scott II and Tommy Pham hit two-run homers in the second inning, driving St. Louis past visiting Tampa Bay.
Scott’s homer was the first of his major league career, in his 23rd game. Sonny Gray (11-6) allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked one.
Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer for the Rays, who lost for just the third time in their past eight games. Jeffrey Springs (0-1) gave up four runs on six hits and three walks in five innings in his second game back from Tommy John surgery. He struck out three.
Cubs 7, Twins 3
Isaac Paredes homered to highlight a four-RBI performance and Shota Imanaga matched a career high with 10 strikeouts, lifting host Chicago over Minnesota.
Paredes belted a three-run homer in the first inning and added an RBI single in the third to propel the Cubs to their fifth win in seven outings. Imanaga (9-2) overcame a two-run homer by Royce Lewis to snap a string of three straight no-decisions. He allowed just the two runs on two hits in seven innings.
Christian Vazquez hit a solo homer for the Twins, who mustered just three hits as their five-game winning streak ended. Minnesota’s Byron Buxton was out of the lineup for the second straight day due to lower back tightness.
Red Sox 6, Royals 5
Masataka Yoshida homered and drove in three runs as Boston downed host Kansas City.
Yoshida, who had four hits in the Red Sox’s 9-5 win over the Royals on Monday, hit a solo homer in the third inning on Tuesday — his sixth blast of the season. He then singled in two runs to cap a three-run sixth inning.
Brennan Bernardino (4-3) got the final out of the fifth inning and earned the win by throwing one pitch. Kenley Jansen retired all four batters he faced for his 21st save. Michael Massey homered for Kansas City. Royals starter Seth Lugo (13-6) pitched 5 1/3 innings and allowed six runs (four earned).
Rockies 6, Mets 3
Jake Cave hit a two-run homer, Elias Diaz also drove in a pair of runs and Colorado beat New York in Denver.
Kris Bryant, Brendan Rodgers and Diaz had two hits apiece and Victor Vodnik picked up his sixth save of the year for Colorado, which snapped a two-game skid. Rockies starter Kyle Freeland left the game with two outs in the fifth due to a blister on his pitching hand. He allowed three runs on four hits and struck out seven in his 4 2/3 innings.
Harrison Bader hit a two-run single and Brandon Nimmo had two hits and an RBI for New York. Mets starter Luis Severino (7-5) gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits and struck out five in five innings.
Tigers 4, Mariners 2
Rookie Keider Montero pitched six solid innings as Detroit won against host Seattle.
Parker Meadows homered for the Tigers, who won for just the second time in eight games. Montero (2-5) allowed one run on four hits. The right-hander walked one and struck out a career-high eight.
Luke Raley went deep for the Mariners, who lost their second game in a row and saw their lead over the second-place Astros in the AL West trimmed to a half-game. Seattle ace Luis Castillo (9-11) took the loss despite recording his sixth consecutive quality start. The righty allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings, with no walks and nine strikeouts.
Phillies 6, Dodgers 2
Cristopher Sanchez went six strong innings, Edmundo Sosa homered and drove in three runs and visiting Philadelphia maintained its hold on the top spot in the NL by beating Los Angeles.
Kyle Schwarber hit a go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning and a solo home run in the ninth for Philadelphia. Sanchez (8-7) gave up one run on five hits. Teoscar Hernandez homered, doubled and scored twice for the Dodgers, who saw a three-game winning streak come to an end.
In his third start since returning from offseason shoulder surgery, Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (0-2) opened the game with four scoreless innings and wound up lasting a season-best 4 2/3. He allowed one run on five hits.
BILLY BEAN, AMONG FIRST PRO ATHLETES TO COME OUT, DIES AT 60
Billy Bean, one of the first athletes in American team sports to come out as gay, died Tuesday, 11 months after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 60.
An outfielder and first baseman who played in parts of six MLB seasons, Bean most recently served as the league’s senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and as special assistant to the commissioner. He also served on the MLB owners’ DE&I Committee.
“Our hearts are broken today as we mourn our dear friend and colleague, Billy Bean, one of the kindest and most respected individuals I have ever known,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Billy was a friend to countless people across our game, and he made a difference through his constant dedication to others. He made baseball a better institution, both on and off the field, by the power of his example, his empathy, his communication skills, his deep relationships inside and outside our sport, and his commitment to doing the right thing.
“We are forever grateful for the enduring impact that Billy made on the game he loved, and we will never forget him. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Billy’s husband, Greg Baker, and their entire family.”
Bean worked for the Office of the Commissioner since 2014, when then-commissioner Bud Selig hired him as the league’s first-ever ambassador for inclusion.
Bean came out as gay to his parents in 1996, a year after his final game in the major leagues. He came out publicly in 1999 in an interview with the Miami Herald.
He was the second MLB player to publicly come out, following outfielder Glenn Burke, who came out in 1982 after a short playing career in the 1970s.
Bean batted .226 with five home runs and 53 RBIs in 272 career games for the Detroit Tigers (1987-89), Los Angeles Dodgers (1989) and San Diego Padres (1993-95).
ANGELS REINSTATE 3B ANTHONY RENDON; LUIS RENGIFO HAS SEASON-ENDING SURGERY
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon’s return to the lineup was delayed Tuesday — not by his health but by inclement weather for the scheduled game against the host New York Yankees.
The Angels reinstated the oft-injured Rendon from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday ahead of the game, which was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Wednesday.
Rendon had gone on the IL on July 30, retroactive to July 27, after he missed two games with low back inflammation against the Oakland Athletics.
The Angels placed outfielder Taylor Ward, 30, on the paternity list on Tuesday, and he can miss a maximum of three days.
Also Tuesday, infielder Luis Rengifo had season-ending surgery on his right wrist. He was placed on the 10-day IL on Saturday and further tests showed he needed surgery. The team said he is expected to be ready for spring training in 2025.
Rendon, 34, has only appeared in 33 games this season. He missed 2 1/2 months because of a hamstring strain, returning in early July to play 14 games before his latest IL stint, which was the minimum 10 days.
He has no homers, six RBIs and a .227 batting average this year.
Since joining the Angels in December 2019 on a seven-year, $245 million deal, Rendon has never played more than 58 games in a season. After hitting .290 with 136 homers and 546 RBIs in 916 games for the Washington Nationals from 2013-19, he is batting .245 with 22 homers and 117 RBIs in 233 games for Los Angeles.
Rengifo, 27, was removed from Wednesday’s game against the Colorado Rockies due to a wrist flare-up, then sat out Thursday against the Rockies. He returned to the lineup on Friday against the New York Mets but exited after four innings due to wrist inflammation.
He spent nearly three weeks on the IL after he first injured his wrist on July 3.
Rengifo was batting .315 before the initial wrist injury. He returned to action 20 days later and has since gone 6-for-32 (.188) in nine games with his average falling 15 points. In 78 games this season, he is hitting .300 with six home runs and 30 RBIs.
Over six seasons (526 games) with the Angels, Rengifo is a .253 hitter with 53 home runs and 187 RBIs.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
FORMER TULSA, LOUISVILLE FOOTBALL COACH STEVE KRAGTHORPE DIES AT 59
Former Louisville and Tulsa football coach Steve Kragthorpe has died at 59.
Both schools announced his death, which came Sunday night, on social media.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011.
A Montana native, Kragthorpe played quarterback at Eastern New Mexico and Western Texas in the mid-1980s before beginning his coaching career at Northern Arizona in 1990. He rose through the college coaching ranks and spent two seasons as quarterback coach of the Buffalo Bills (2001-02) before being hired as head coach at Tulsa.
He was asked to turn around a Golden Hurricane program that went 2-21 in the two previous seasons and delivered in his first season with an 8-5 record and a bowl berth. In all, he led Tulsa to a 29-22 mark and three bowl games in four seasons (2003-06) before being named head coach at Louisville.
Kragthorpe was inducted into Tulsa’s Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“We are truly heartbroken at the loss of a TU Hall of Fame Coach who rekindled the championship spirit of Tulsa Football in a remarkably short period of time,” athletic director Justin Moore said in a school statement. “Our deepest sympathies go out to Coach Kragthorpe’s family, friends and former players during this difficult time.”
He spent three seasons (2007-09) at Louisville and tallied a 15-21 record. He later coached quarterbacks at LSU (2011-12) but stepped down after two years and moved into an off-field role with the Tigers.
NFL NEWS
DUANE THOMAS, PART OF THE COWBOYS’ FIRST SUPER BOWL WINNER, DIES AT 77
Duane Thomas, a former running back who helped the Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl, has died, the team confirmed to numerous outlets on Tuesday. He was 77.
No cause of death was immediately reported.
Playing in 11 games, 10 as a starter, in the 1971 season, Thomas rushed for 793 yards and a league-leading 11 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 153 yards and two scores.
Thomas added a combined 205 yards and three touchdowns in the 1971 postseason, including 95 yards and a score as Dallas stifled the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI.
Thomas was also known for periods of disgruntlement that saw him traded to two teams, but he never reported to them. He wanted his contract restructured after his rookie season in 1970, when he rushed for 803 yards. He added 313 yards over the Cowboys’ postseason run to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Baltimore Colts 16-13.
The Cowboys tried to deal him to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season, but he refused to report. The commissioner voided the deal, leaving Thomas a Cowboy. He rarely spoke to teammates or the media, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson told the Morning News on Tuesday: “I slept six feet from him and he didn’t have much to say. He was a peaceful man.”
After the 1971 season, Dallas worked out a trade with the San Diego Chargers, but Thomas again refused to comply, and he sat out the 1972 season. He did report when he was dealt to the Washington Redskins, for whom he played in 1973-74, amassing a combined 442 yards and five touchdowns on 127 rushes.
STEELERS LB ALEX HIGHSMITH INJURES GROIN
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith sustained a groin injury at practice Tuesday, coach Mike Tomlin said.
Tomlin did not provide more details on Highsmith while also listing injuries to linebacker Tyler Murray (groin), safety Nate Meadors (hamstring) and defensive end DeMarvin Leal (“had something happen”).
Tomlin said it was just that time of year.
“It’s the dog days of summer. We’ll get through it,” Tomlin said. “One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. It’s going to create some short lines in some instances, and guys (are) going to really have an opportunity to put their conditioning on display, or work on (their conditioning). But it’s a component of the process. We’ll keep rolling this ball out and growing.”
Highsmith, who turns 27 on Wednesday, followed his breakout 14.5-sack campaign in 2022 with seven sacks in 17 starts in 2023. He had 57 tackles, two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — two forced fumbles and 18 quarterback hits last season.
He has posted 29.5 sacks, 59 quarterback hits, three interceptions, eight forced fumbles and 242 tackles in 66 games (55 starts) since being drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round in 2020.
49ERS STAR RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY (CALF) WON’T PLAY IN PRESEASON
Christian McCaffrey won’t play this preseason for the San Francisco 49ers as he recovers from a calf strain.
McCaffrey strained the calf on Sunday and had to sit out team drills. When the Niners practiced Tuesday, McCaffrey did not participate, leading coach Kyle Shanahan to confirm the injury.
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is expected to miss at least one week of practice, and the 49ers don’t plan to risk him hurting it during one of their three preseason contests.
“He did it a couple days ago,” Shanahan said. “It’s all right. He didn’t pull it or anything, but you guys probably won’t see him this preseason.”
McCaffrey, 28, led the NFL last season with a career-high 1,459 rushing yards on 272 attempts and racked up 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving). It was his first full season in San Francisco after a midseason trade from the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
McCaffrey has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns, adding 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 scores, in 91 games (84 starts) with the Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).
A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection, McCaffrey was rewarded with a two-year, $38 million extension this summer.
McCaffrey also was chosen to be the cover athlete for this year’s edition of the “Madden NFL” video game series.
RAMS WR PUKA NACUA IN LINE TO PLAY WEEK 1
All signs are pointing toward Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua being good to go for the team’s regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8.
Nacua has been ruled week-to-week after sustaining a knee injury during Los Angeles’ joint practice with the Chargers on Sunday, but Rams coach Sean McVay said it shouldn’t affect the 23-year-old’s status by the time the meeting in Detroit rolls around.
“Nothing serious, nothing structurally,” McVay said. “He’ll be in good shape, and he’ll recover and we’ll be ready to go; no threat of anything for Detroit.”
Nacua emerged as a star last season, hauling in 105 receptions for 1,486 yards — both good for NFL rookie records. He also had six touchdowns.
The Rams have already been plagued by injuries during training camp, as 60 percent of their offensive line is week-to-week.
Before facing the Lions, the Rams will play three preseason games, starting with Sunday’s against the visiting Dallas Cowboys.
REPORT: SEAHAWKS AGREE TO 1-YEAR DEAL WITH OL CONNOR WILLIAMS
Offensive lineman Connor Williams agreed to a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $6 million, ESPN reported Tuesday night.
The contract includes $3 million guaranteed, per the report.
Williams, 27, appeared in nine games (all starts) for the Miami Dolphins last season.
In six NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2018-21) and Dolphins (2022-23), Williams has been on the field for 5,064 offensive snaps across 83 games (77 starts).
Dallas selected Williams in the second round of the 2018 draft.
LIONS DB EMMANUEL MOSELEY OUT INDEFINITELY WITH INJURY, CB TERRION ARNOLD CLEARS CONCUSSION PROTOCOL
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Detroit Lions defensive back Emmanuel Moseley is out indefinitely after he was injured in a joint practice with the New York Giants.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Moseley could potentially return late in the season.
ESPN reported that Moseley tore a pectoral muscle.
Detroit did get better news regarding other players banged up in a physical practice in New Jersey with the Giants.
Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold, the No. 24 overall pick, cleared concussion protocol after colliding with Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas on Monday. Offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, a key addition in the offseason, is not expected to have a long-term shoulder injury after he was hurt in the first joint practice of the week.
The Giants will host Detroit on Thursday night in the preseason opener for both teams.
The Lions were counting on the 28-year-old Moseley to be part of their revamped secondary, but he has a significant injury for a third straight year. He played in only one game for Detroit last season, making his debut with the team in Week 5 after recovering from a knee injury only to have a second straight season-ending knee injury.
“That’s tough,” Campbell said. “He’s the one that has put so much work into coming back from two ACLs and it’s frustrating.
“Look, you’ve got two decisions, you either rally one more time or you say, `You know what, enough’s enough.’ My gut’s going to tell me that he’s going to rally again, and nothing says that he may not be ready by the end of the year.”
Moseley started in 33 of 45 games for San Francisco from 2018 to 2022 and had an interception in each of his last four seasons with the 49ers before signing with the Lions.
COMMANDERS ROOKIE QB JAYDEN DANIELS TO START PRESEASON OPENER
Rookie No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels is the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders in their preseason opener against the New York Jets.
Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the pecking order for the opening exhibition game on Tuesday before joint practices with the Jets continued. Quinn and camp observers have been highly complimentary of Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.
“He’s earned that right to do that,” Quinn said of starting Daniels. “Through the course of all the practices, you’re keeping track of accuracy and completions and decisions of where it goes. It was really a byproduct of him really nailing those moments.”
Quinn said the QB depth chart in early August remains “unofficial,” and reserved the right to alter plans at any position before the Commanders open the regular season at Tampa Bay on Sept. 8.
No. 1 pick Caleb Williams did not play for the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener last week.
“I just love playing football, so I’m happy about it,” Daniels said Sunday of being informed he would suit up in preseason games. “I always knew I was gonna play, but I don’t know when I’m gonna play, but at least I have the opportunity to go out there and play, so I’m excited for it.”
Jets coach Robert Saleh said it’s “unlikely” his quarterback, 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers, would play in the preseason. Rodgers is coming off a torn Achilles sustained in the opening game last season.
Daniels completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions last season at LSU. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores in 12 games.
LIONS CB EMMANUEL MOSELEY (TORN PEC) OUT INDEFINITELY
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is out indefinitely after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle, coach Dan Campbell announced Tuesday.
Moseley has endured season-ending ACL injuries in back-to-back campaigns. A torn pectoral often is a season-ending injury, however it’s conceivable that he could return late in the campaign.
“It’s tough,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said, per the Detroit Free Press. “That’s tough. He’s the one that’s put so much work coming back from two ACLs. It’s frustrating, but he knows. Look, you’ve got two decisions, you either rally one more time, or you say, you know what, enough is enough. My gut is going to tell me he’s going to rally again.
“Nothing says that he may not be ready by the end of the year. I mean we’re still trying to figure all those things out.”
Moseley, 28, tore his right ACL just two snaps into his Lions debut in a win against Carolina on Oct. 8, 2023.
That injury occurred 364 days after tearing the ACL in his left knee, also against the Panthers, while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
Moseley has recorded 162 tackles, 33 passes defensed and four interceptions in 46 games (33 starts) for the 49ers (2018-22) and Lions.
REPORTS: 49ERS GRANT WR BRANDON AIYUK PERMISSION TO SEEK TRADE
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk received permission from the 49ers to seek a trade, a significant development signaling contract talks are unlikely to be resolved with the 26-year-old in San Francisco.
According to multiple reports, the 49ers cleared the way for Aiyuk to negotiate with other teams — a precursor to the teams working out trade terms with the 49ers — two weeks after general manager John Lynch attempted to tamp down trade talks involving the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
NBC Sports reported Monday night that the 49ers have the framework of trades with multiple teams in place, but did not mention the Steelers.
The No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Aiyuk is scheduled to earn $14.124 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option linked to his rookie deal.
Aiyuk had a team-leading 75 receptions and 1,342 yards with seven touchdowns in 2023.
Lynch said he would “never close the door on a trade” with Aiyuk in the final season of his contract.
The wide receiver contract market exploded in the offseason.
Dolphins All-Pro Tyreek Hill recently renegotiated his contract to boost his salary to $30 million per season in each of the next three years. Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract, and the Eagles reworked the deal of A.J. Brown (three years, $96 million) to lift his annual salary to $32 million. Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also landed a huge contract since the 2023 season ended with a salary of just over $30 million per year.
Aiyuk is attending training camp to avoid being fined but not practicing with the team. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, players who don’t report are subject to fines of up to $50,000 per day.
WR RUSSELL GAGE SIGNS WITH RAVENS
Wide receiver Russell Gage signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced Tuesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed for Gage, who is looking to return to form after sustaining a ruptured patellar tendon last August that caused him to sit out the entire 2023 season.
Gage, 28, caught 51 passes for 426 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 13 games (four starts) in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022.
He has 244 receptions for 2,491 yards and 14 scores in 74 career games (25 starts) with the Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2018.
BRONCOS SIGN LB ALEC MOCK
The Denver Broncos signed rookie inside linebacker Alec Mock on Tuesday.
Mock appeared in 38 games (35 starts) in four seasons for the Air Force Academy. He totaled 224 tackles (112 solo), five sacks, one interception (18 yards, 1 TD), four passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Mock originally was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent. He was released in June, however, when Denver signed linebacker Dondrea Tillman.
In a corresponding move, the Broncos designated outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins as waived/injured. He will revert to the injured list if he clears waivers.
A third-round pick of the Patriots in 2021, Perkins never appeared in a regular season game with New England. After being taken from the Patriots’ practice squad last September, Perkins notched 13 tackles in seven games for the Broncos.
PANTHERS QB BRYCE YOUNG TO SIT OUT PRESEASON OPENER
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young won’t play in Thursday’s preseason opener against the host New England Patriots, head coach Dave Canales announced.
Canales previously has voiced his intention of keeping Young healthy heading into the latter’s second NFL season.
“Bryce will not play (on Thursday),” Canales said on Tuesday. “We’ll take that kinda week to week and get a sense for, ‘Do we need to get him out there in this system and get a couple of series?’ That’s something that I’ve done in the past. We’ve done both. So for this game, he will not play.”
Undrafted rookie Jack Plummer and recently signed Jake Luton are expected to take the bulk of the snaps on Thursday with backup Andy Dalton nursing a quad injury.
Young, 23, completed just 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 16 games last season. He was the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama.
PACKERS QB JORDAN LOVE TO START PRESEASON OPENER VS. BROWNS
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love will start the team’s preseason opener against the host Cleveland Browns on Saturday, coach Matt LaFleur announced.
“I think there’s a lot of value in going through and getting your mind right to play a football game,” LaFleur said Tuesday. He added that the team has a plan in place for how much Love will play in the preseason, however it’s subject to change.
Love inked a four-year, $220 million contract extension last month with $160.3 million guaranteed and a $75 million signing bonus. He will play the 2024 season with a $10.5 million base salary, per Spotrac.
Love has made a mere 18 career regular-season starts, replacing Aaron Rodgers. Love started every game in 2023 after starting just once in his first two seasons.
The 25-year-old Utah State product, whom the Packers drafted 26th overall in 2020, came on strong in the second half of last season, after the front office made clear that he needed to show he could produce if he wanted to remain in the team’s plans.
In the final eight games of the regular season, Love responded by throwing for 16 touchdowns with just one interception.
Green Bay went 6-2 down the stretch, including winning its final three games, to grab the NFC’s final wild-card berth. The Packers went into Dallas and overpowered the Cowboys 48-32 to open the playoffs, with Love throwing for 272 yards and three scores, before losing to the host San Francisco 49ers 24-21 in the divisional round.
Love finished the regular season with 4,159 yards passing, 32 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions.
RAIDERS SIGN WR DAX MILNE
Free agent wide receiver Dax Milne signed a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team announced Tuesday.
Milne, 25, totaled 15 catches for 120 yards and one touchdown in 28 games spread over the 2021-22 seasons with the Washington Commanders before spending the 2023 campaign on injured reserve. He led the NFL in 2022 with 40 punt returns for 311 yards.
Also on Tuesday, the Raiders waived/injured rookie defensive tackle Tomari Fox. He will revert to the reserve/injured list should he clear waivers.
Fox, 23, had 100 tackles and 6.5 sacks in four seasons at North Carolina.
GIANTS WR MALIK NABERS, LIONS S KERBY JOSEPH THROW PUNCHES IN JOINT WORKOUTS
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph threw a flurry of punches at New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who threw the first blow with a right hand to Joseph’s facemask on the way back to the huddle on Tuesday during a joint practice between the teams.
Nabers didn’t make it back to the Giants’ side of the 10-yard line during the red-zone work and took four or five shots to the helmet from Joseph, a third-year safety from Illinois.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll had addressed the Monday fights in joint practices before the practice where the second scrum took place Tuesday. Monday’s joint workouts at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., were cut short by multiple fights.
One involved quarterback Daniel Jones, who rushed into the fracas but also was scolded by Daboll, who told him, “What are you going to do in there? Just stay out.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell also removed players from the scrimmage portion of practice after altercations.
“When you have to stop practice that many times, it wastes everybody’s time,” Campbell said.
Nabers has been dominant in joint practices. He caught nearly everything in sight against the cornerbacks and safeties Detroit put in front of him on the first two days of practice, but he was ushered to the side by Daboll after the Tuesday fight.
The No. 6 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, Nabers had two touchdowns in team work and was the one player neither defense could contain in both practices.
He easily got behind former college rival and Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold in man coverage for a 20-plus yard score down the left sideline. Arnold, who played at Alabama, later forced an incompletion before Joseph and Nabers crossed paths and got into a physical altercation.
CARDINALS SIGN MARQUIS HAYNES IN WAKE OF BJ OJULARI INJURY
The Arizona Cardinals signed Marquis Haynes to a one-year contract on Tuesday, one day after the team placed fellow edge rusher BJ Ojulari on injured reserve due to a torn ACL.
The Cardinals also signed Delonte Hood to a contract with fellow cornerbacks Max Melton and Kei’Trel Clark nursing undisclosed injuries.
Haynes, 30, recorded 16 tackles and one sack in seven games (one start) last season with the Carolina Panthers.
He has 99 tackles, 14 sacks and four fumble recoveries in 71 career games (two starts) since being selected by the Panthers in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Mississippi.
Hood, 23, played for the Arlington Renegades of the UFL in 2024. He led the league with six pass breakups.
NBA NEWS
REPORT: JAZZ EXPECTED TO SIGN MARKKANEN TO EXTENSION PAST TRADE DATE
The Utah Jazz are expected to sign star forward Lauri Markkanen to a long-term extension, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The deal is reportedly slated to be signed later this week, which would make Markkanen untradeable for the upcoming season. The Finnish forward had been the focus of trade speculation, notably involving the Golden State Warriors.
Markkanen’s deal could reportedly be worth more than $200 million over five years.
The 7-footer has become a top-tier scorer in his two seasons in Utah after coming over from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 25.6 points per game in a 2022-23 season where he won the league’s Most Improved Player award and made his first All-Star team. He followed that up by averaging 23.2 points per game last year.
Despite Markkanen’s emergence, the Jazz haven’t been a factor in the Western Conference, finishing 12th in both seasons.
The Warriors, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings, showed the most interest in acquiring Markkanen.
Golden State was reportedly uninterested in including 2023 first-rounder Brandin Podziemski in any potential deal for Markkanen, which stalled trade talks with the Jazz.
GOLF NEWS
WILL ZALATORIS FEELS ‘AWESOME’ GOING INTO WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s been almost two full years since Will Zalatoris won his only PGA Tour event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Aug. 14, 2022.
In the time since, Zalatoris’ career has been stalled by a back issue that sidelined him for part of 2022 and led to surgery in April 2023 that ended his season.
Zalatoris’ return to the tour this year has resulted in some highs and lows, making 12 of 18 cuts, including one runner-up and three top-10 finishes.
He was happy to report Tuesday that he is feeling “awesome” going into the final tournament of the regular season, the Wyndham Championship, which begins Thursday in Greensboro, N.C.
“I played a lot of golf this year,” said Zalatoris, who turns 28 on Aug. 16. “You know, I think it’s been a huge learning year where it’s a little bit of trial and error, some things have gone well, some things haven’t gone according to plan. But I feel awesome, I feel 100 percent.
“I think beforehand I didn’t really know what 100 percent was and now my speed with my longer clubs are back to what they were back in 2022, which is huge for me. I mean, there’s a big advantage to that out here on tour, really being over 180 ball speed.”
His last five outings were a missed cut at the U.S. Open, a T42 at The Travelers Championship on June 23, then a withdrawal from the Rocket Mortgage Open after two rounds and missed cuts at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship.
He took time off from the tour for the last two weeks, but “probably worked harder than I ever have to get back to the form that I want to play,” he said.
“Things are feeling really good, just so far this year it hasn’t clicked, but I know keep my head down, keep working, it’s going to click at some point,” Zalatoris said.
“Yeah, the back feels great. I think the one thing that I think my surgeons really did a good job of telling me was that the first year your recovery’s going to kind of feel like a stock market where it goes up and down, but the line of best fit is going to hopefully trend up.”
Zalatoris admitted he’s not known for his patience, and not being in contention for tournaments in the past few months has been disappointing to him. But it has also motivated him.
As he has adjusted and adapted his swing, Zalatoris has had to learn to get out of his head and just play golf, to put it simply.
“I think throughout this year I was so hyper-focused on certain mechanics that when I would get into a tournament round, I felt if I hit one bad shot, it would kind of kill the momentum,” he said.
He had swing thoughts — too many, he said — and it slowed his progress.
“I think the changes that I made early on this season were really effective, but my alignment really got off with kind of the new posture,” he said. “I’m a little bit more rounded in my back just to alleviate any of the stress that I have on my lower back. So I think week in, week out, one week I’d be too far left, one week being too far right and if I would try to shape a shot, there was always something it felt like. Felt like I was kind of constantly slapping Band-Aids on things.”
Now he’s back to golf fundamentals.
“Getting back to really playing the game,” he said. “I spent maybe a little bit too much time focusing on the mechanics throughout the season and trying to get to certain positions in my swing to try to fix it, but when you’re not aligned in the right spot, it’s not going to work.”
JORDAN SPIETH: ‘A LOT AT STAKE’ AT WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Jordan Spieth knows he has his work cut out for him.
A three-time major champion, Spieth finds himself ranked No. 63 in the FedEx Cup standings heading into the final tournament of the regular season — the Wyndham Championship, which begins Thursday in Greensboro, N.C. The top 70 players in the rankings advance to the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Spieth, who has qualified for the playoffs in each of the past 11 seasons, is looking for a strong showing at Sedgefield Country Club as a means toward securing a spot in the BMW Championship for the second leg of the playoffs.
Only those in the top 50 after the first playoffs event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, will advance to the BMW and also qualify for next season’s signature events.
“Yeah, I think this is one of the better tracks that we get the opportunity to play all year,” Spieth said Tuesday. “I think it obviously has a lot of drama to it; we saw it now with the playoffs moving to 70. Whether it’s the playoffs or people making moves for eligibility, there’s a lot at stake at this event.
“My goal this week is to try to move up as far as I can in the FedEx Cup and head into the playoffs on a high note. I love the golf course; I think it’s spectacular. You can’t hide your game.”
Spieth, 31, gave it a run at this tournament back in 2013, only to fall short in a playoff to Patrick Reed.
This season has produced a mixed bag for Spieth, who has three top-10 finishes in 20 events with missing the cut six times. He shot a 70 in the final round to finish T25 at The Open Championship.
“My last event was The Open and I had a really good final round. I’m trying to kind of go off of that,” Spieth said. “Played in some pretty tough conditions that Sunday going off a little earlier and thought finishing on a high note there, I can maybe take into this week. I wasn’t sure if I was going to play it or not, I was going to kind of see how things were shaping up leading in and I’m really glad to be here. Yeah, there’s no real focus on next week because you don’t need to, it’s all about this week.”
Spieth also addressed the notion that he is being plagued by a lingering wrist injury.
“Yeah, it’s been a frustrating year because it’s been maybe my best driving year ever, and then the clubs that I make the most impact into the ground with, which normally are my bread and butter, have been pretty off,” Spieth said. “It’s not hurting, but subconsciously it’s hard not to look at the numbers and think this isn’t a coincidence.
“… I’m going to pretend nothing’s happening, fully trust it given that I’ll be able to get it fixed, and I know there’s a lot of golfers that have had similar situations and come back (next season) better than ever.”
AUTO RACING
NASCAR CUP SERIES, TRUCK SERIES FIRE BACK UP AFTER 2 WEEKS OFF, F1, LARSON WINS IN SPRINT CARS
NASCAR CUP SERIES
Cook Out 400.
Site: Richmond, Virginia.
Schedule: Saturday, practice, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 5:35 p.m.; Sunday race, 6 p.m. (USA Network).
Track: Richmond Raceway.
Race distance: 400 laps, 300 miles.
Last year: Chris Buescher pulled away on a restart with three laps to go to win and lock up his playoff spot. Buescher finished ahead of Virginia native Denny Hamlin. Kyle Busch took third, followed by Joey Logano and Ryan Preece. The victory started a strong run by Buescher, who won twice more (a week later at Michigan and at Daytona) before the playoffs.
Last race: Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson held off Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick in overtime to collect the Indianapolis victory he tried to get at the Indy 500 in May. Larson’s try at the motorsports double two months ago ended as rain delayed the IndyCar event. Larson flew to Charlotte and the Coca-Cola 600, where rain also delayed that NASCAR Cup Series race. Larson never got on the track as rain and the late hour ended any attempt at finishing the race.
Fast facts: NASCAR returns from a two-week, mid-summer break with the Olympics finishing up in Paris this weekend. … Points leader Kyle Larson wasn’t going to stop racing despite NASCAR’s break and won a pair of sprint car races at Pevely, Missouri last weekend. … There are four races left in NASCAR’s regular season with Michigan, Daytona and Darlington coming after the run at Richmond. … Larson is 15 points ahead of Denny Hamlin in the driver standings. Christopher Bell is third and Larson’s Henrick Motorsports teammate William Byron is fourth.
Next race: Aug. 18, Brooklyn, Michigan.
Online: http://www.nascar.com
NASCAR XFINITY SERIES
The Xfinity Series has one more weekend free before racing at Michigan on Aug. 17.
Fast facts: Stewart-Haas Racing will see if the extended break blunts its momentum. The team won the past two races with Cole Custer, the defending series champion, winning at Pocono on July 13 and teammate Riley Herbst winning at Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 20. … Custer holds the series points lead with a 55-point edge of Justin Allgaier. … There are six more races left in the Xfinity regular season. After Michigan, comes Daytona, Darlington, Atlanta, Watkins Glen and Bristol. The 12-driver playoff starts at Kansas on Sept. 28.
Next race: Aug. 17, Brooklyn, Michigan.
Online: http://www.nascar.com
NASCAR TRUCK SERIES
Clean Harbors 250
Site: Richmond, Virginia.
Schedule: Saturday, practice, 2:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 3 p.m.; Saturday race, 7:30 p.m. (FS1).
Track: Richmond Raceway.
Race distance: 250 laps, 187.5 miles.
Last year: Carson Hocevar won the Truck Series race at Richmond after passing Ty Majeski with three laps to go. It was Hocevar’s third of four wins on the season as he advanced to the series final four. Hocevar got his first career win at Richmond.
Last race: Majeski won for the second straight season at Indianapolis two weeks ago. Majeski overcame a restart violation on Lap 50 that sent him to the rear of the field, but he fought back for his first victory of the season and fourth of his career. Corey Heim finished second with Grant Enfinger third and Christian Eckes fourth.
Fast Facts: The series has been on a mid-summer break since the Indianapolis race. … Richmond is the final race of the regular season with the playoffs starting at the Milwaukee Mile on Aug. 25. … Christian Eckes leads the driver standings by 50 points over Corey Heim, even though Heim has five victories this season to Eckes’ three. … Seven drivers (Eckes, Heim, Majeski, Nick Sanchez, Rajah Caruth, Tyler Ankrum and Grant Enfinger) have qualified for the 10-team playoffs.
Next race: Aug. 25, West Allis, Wisconsin.
Online: http://www.nascar.com
FORMULA ONE
F1 is off for most of August, returning with the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug. 25.
Last race: Lewis Hamilton took the Belgian Grand Prix on July 28 when Mercedes teammate George Russell was disqualified after crossing the line first for an underweight car. … Russell had held off Hamilton, despite the past series champion closing in on the leader over the final laps. Oscar Piastri had finished third behind Russell and Hamilton, but was moved up to second. Fourth-place Charles Leclerc was declared third after the disqualification.
Fast facts: Series leader Max Verstappen missed out on the podium despite moving from fifth to fourth after Russell’s DQ. Verstappen has not won since taking the last of seven victories this season in Spain on June 23. … Verstappen’s drought has not dented his championship chances as he heads into Belgium with a 76-point lead over McLaren driver Lando Norris. Leclerc sits in third, 97 points behind Verstappen. … Hamilton, who had earned his 200th career top-three finish in Hungary two weeks ago, followed that with his record 105th F1 win.
Next race: Aug. 25, Zandvoort, Netherlands.
Online: http://www.formula1.com
INDYCAR
IndyCar is also off for the Olympics, returning in mid-August from its last race on July 21.
Fast facts: There are five races to go in the IndyCar season. … After visiting World Wide Technology Raceway outside St. Louis in two weeks, the series runs in Portland, Oregon, and then two races at the Milwaukee Mile before finishing up at the Nashville Superspeedway on Sept. 15. … Alex Palou has a 49-point lead over Will Power. Scott Dixon is in third, four points behind Power.
Next race: Aug. 16, Madison, Illinois.
Online: http://www.indycar.com
NHRA DRAG RACING
Drag racing’s top series takes the second of its two weeks off before returning with the NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Last event: Antron Brown won in Top Fuel and Bob Tasca III won in Funny Car at Sonoma, California, on July 28.
Fast facts: John Force Racing will try and bring another title to Force, who continues his recovery from a horrific crash in Virginia two months ago. The team hired past champion Jack Beckman to run Force’s Funny Car. NHRA rules allow a substitute driver to earn points for the original pilot in up to eight races. Force is sixth in the standings, 430 points behind JFR teammate and leader Austin Prock. … Doug Kalitta has a 125-point lead over Shawn Langdon in the Top Fuel race.
Next event: Aug. 15-18, Brainerd, Minnesota.
Online: http://www.nhra.com
WORLD OF OUTLAWS
Last events: Sprint car regulars hope NASCAR won’t take any more breaks. Past Cup Series champion Kyle Larson won both races at Federated Auto Parts Raceway in Pevely, Missouri this past weekend. … Larson went from 21st to first over 30 laps to win on Friday night. The next night, Larson drove past leader Giovanni Scelzi and went on to the Ironman 55 victory. “That was a fun race. I hope all of you fans enjoyed that. Ironman 55 is probably my favorite Sprint Car race of the year,” Larson said.
Fast facts: Larson has won the Ironman all three times he’s entered (2020, 2023, 2024). … After the Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals this weekend, the series heads to Jackson, Minnesota. … David Gravel leads the drivers’ standings with 5,986 points, 98 in front of Donny Schatz.
Next events: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Knoxville, Iowa.
Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars
TOP INDIANA RELEASES
INDIANA BOYS SOCCER-THE BEST RETURNING OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
STATS FROM LAST SEASON
MICAH FOSS, GREENCASTLE 83 POINTS, 39 GOALS
CALVIN KURZAWA, CATHEDRAL 74 POINTS, 27 GOALS
CESAR SUAREZ, SHORTRIDGE 66, 30 GOALS
ELI FALKENBERG, FW CARROLL 63, 25 GOALS
LIAM HANNON, MUNCIE BURRIS 63, 20 GOALS
CAMERON STEURY, ANGOLA 60, 27 GOALS
KYLE OTWOROWSKI, HANOVER-CENTRAL 60,
LEVI MUHLENKAMP, JAY COUNTY 56, 26 GOALS
COOPER TODD, SWITZERLAND COUNTY 56, 26 GOALS
MAX LOCK, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 51, 19 GOALS
ELLIOTT ZIMMERMAN, FT. WAYNE BLACKHAWK 50, 20 GOALS
COOPER SPAGNA, MORGAN-TOWNSHIP 49, 20 GOALS
BORDEN CAMPBELL, GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN 49, 22 GOALS
IMANOL HERNANDEZ, DEKALB 48, 21 GOALS
DYLAN MARENTES, JAY COUNTY 48
NATHAN PALMER, TRINITY 48
SAWYER BEACHY, BETHANY CHRISTIAN 47
IVAN ACUNA, PIKE 47
JORDAN VESPER, NEW PRAIRIE 46
JASHAWN ZIELASKO, LAKELAND CHRISTIAN 45
ALFONSO LEON, HAMMOND NOLL 44, 22 GOALS
NERY PACHECO, MCCUTCHEON 44, 22 GOALS
CY MILLER, GREENSBURG, 44, 21 GOALS
OWEN GILBERT, WASHINGTON-TOWNSHIP 43, 20 GOALS
LANDON DOBBS, HENRYVILLE 42, 19 GOALS
WILLIAM JOHN, SOUTHPORT 42
JOE LUTHER, BLOOMINGTON NORTH 41
JAZIEL GIL, CRAWFORDSVILLE 41
JOE DEGIORGIO, BLOOMINGTON SOUTH 41
JEFFERY ALANZO MEJIA, NEXT GENERATION 40, 19 GOALS
NAMIK MEHIC, FT. WAYNE NORTHRUP 40
IBRAHEM ALRASHEED, WESTVIEW 40, 18 GOALS
DEVIN DAVIS, HOME-SCHOOL RESOURCE 26 GOALS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS FOOTBALL
COLTS RELEASE UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART FOR PRESEASON WEEK 1 GAME VS. DENVER BRONCOS
As of Tuesday, head coach Shane Steichen has not said how much starters will play in the Colts’ first preseason game against the Denver Broncos.
Italics denote a player who is injured.
OFFENSE
- WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Ashton Dulin, D.J. Montgomery, Laquon Treadwell
- LT: Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, Jake Witt
- LG: Quenton Nelson, Danny Pinter OR Tanor Bortolini OR Wesley French
- C: Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter OR Tanor Bortolini OR Wesley French
- RG: Will Fries, Josh Sills OR Dalton Tucker
- RT: Braden Smith, Matt Goncalves, Arlington Hambright
- TE: Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree, Eric Tomlinson
- TE: Kylen Granson, Jelani Woods, Will Mallory, Jordan Murray
- WR: Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Ethan Fernea
- WR: Alec Pierce OR Adonai Mitchell, Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, Derek Slywka
- QB: Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger, Kedon Slovis, Jason Bean
- RB: Jonathan Taylor, Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson, Evan Hull, Trent Pennix, Zavier Scott
- Throughout training camp, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell have alternated taking first-team reps, as both have put on consistently impressive performances.
- All five starting offensive linemen are returning players, as the Colts return 87 percent of their offensive starts from 2023.
DEFENSE
- DE: Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Genard Avery, Titus Leo
- DT: DeForest Buckner, Adetomiwa Adebawore, Jonah Laulu
- NT: Grover Stewart, Taven Bryan, Eric Johnson II, Raekwon Davis
- DE: Tyquan Lewis, Dayo Odeyingbo, Isaiah Land, Levi Bell, Samson Ebukam
- WLB: E.J. Speed, Jaylon Carlies, Craig Young
- MLB: Zaire Franklin, Cameraon McGrone, Liam Anderson
- SAM: Segun Olubi, Grant Stuard, Austin Ajiake
- CB: JuJu Brents, Dallis Flowers, Ameer Speed, Clay Fields III
- FS: Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Trevor Denbow, Marcel Dabo
- SS: Julian Blackmon, Ronnie Harrison Jr., Kendell Brooks
- N: Kenny Moore II, Chris Lammons, Micah Abraham, Michael Tutsie
- CB: Jaylon Jones, Darrell Baker Jr., Jaylin Simpson
- Laiatu Latu has had an impressive rookie camp so far.
- The Colts are returning 95 percent of their defensive starts from 2023.
- Raekwon Davis is on the active/non-football illness list.
SPECIALISTS
- P: Rigoberto Sanchez
- PK: Matt Gay, Spencer Shrader
- H: Rigoberto Sanchez
- LS: Luke Rhodes
- KR: Dallis Flowers, Anthony Gould, Josh Downs
- PR: Josh Downs, Anthony Gould, Dallis Flowers
HOW TO WATCH THE DENVER BRONCOS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
TV broadcast, radio and streaming information for Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, August 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET (Preseason week 1).
Colts fans can stream LIVE out-of-market preseason games with NFL+, plans starting at $6.99/month. LEARN MORE
MATCHUP
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Denver Broncos in the first week of the preseason. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The contest will mark the 14th all-time preseason matchup between the teams, with Broncos leading the series 7-6. In their last preseason contest, Indianapolis traveled to Denver in 2005 and lost, 37-24.
In the 2024 preseason, the Colts will also host the Arizona Cardinals and then travel to Cincinnati before opening the regular season at home against Houston.
Complete gameday information available at Colts.com/Gameday.
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available at Ticketmaster.com.
For all the ways you can watch, listen and replay Colts games check out Colts.com/WaysToWatch
WATCH ON TV
- Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
- TV coverage: FOX59
- Play-by-Play: Greg Rakestraw
- Analyst: Rick Venturi
- Sideline: Larra Overton
WATCH ON MOBILE
Inside the local broadcast area
Colts fans in the Indianapolis area will be able to stream the game on Colts.com. Look for the ‘Watch Live‘ button at the top of the homepage at kickoff!
➡️ Are You In-Market? Check your local TV listings or broadcast map to confirm availability.
Is there an international stream available?
Colts fans in Germany and Austria will be able to stream the game on Colts.com. Look for the ‘Watch Live‘ button at the top of the homepage at kickoff!
Outside of the broadcast area (US only)
Colts fans can stream LIVE out-of-market preseason games with NFL+ during the month of August, plans starting at $6.99/month. Learn more here.
What else does NFL+ offer?
- Phone & Tablet: Live local and primetime regular season and postseason games
- TV, PC, Phone & Tablet: NFL Network, live game audio, NFL Films’ shows and more on-demand and ad-free!
- NFL+ Premium: Get access to full game replays shortly after the final whistle. All-22 coaches’ film gives you a sideline and endzone view of every player on the field, no matter where the ball goes. In a hurry? Condensed game replays show you all the action-packed highlights of each game.
- And more!
Other ways to watch
Watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game with NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and YouTube TV. Learn more.
LISTEN LIVE
Local Radio coverage: Sunday’s game can be heard in Indianapolis on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan, 97.1 HANK and the Ascension St Vincent Radio Network
- Play-by-Play: Matt Taylor
- Color Analyst: Joe Reitz
- Sideline: Jeffrey Gorman
➡️ List of Colts Affiliated Radio Stations (Ascension St Vincent Radio Network)
Radio streaming information:
- On Your Phone: Fans in the Colts home market can listen to the local broadcast on the Colts App and Colts.com.
- Outside Of Indianapolis: Fans everywhere can listen to the local broadcast of the game on Colts.com (Desktop Only).
Other ways to listen to Colts games:
- NFL+: Live game audio (home, away & national calls) for every game of the season. Learn more here.
- Games are also available on SiriusXM Channel 813.
Colts Gameday radio coverage begins three hours before kickoff
- 10:00 a.m. – NOON: Colts Pre-Game Huddle on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan
- NOON – 1:00 p.m.: Countdown to Kickoff on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan, 97.1 HANK and Ascension St Vincent Radio Network
- 1:00 p.m.: Broncos at Colts on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan, 97.1 HANK and Ascension St Vincent Radio Network
- End of game – 6:00 p.m.: Fifth Quarter Huddle on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan, 97.1 HANK and Ascension St Vincent Radio Network
- 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Fifth Quarter Huddle on 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan
Can’t Stream The Radio Broadcast?
If you are within the 100 mile radius of Indianapolis and can’t stream the radio broadcast it could be your Wi-Fi network or cellular provider. Check your IP address at whatismyip.com. If that shows you as outside of the radius you won’t be able to stream the radio broadcast on mobile.
INTERNATIONAL COLTS FANS
Germany and Austria: Colts fans in Germany and Austria will be able to stream the game on Colts.com. Look for the ‘Watch Live‘ button at the top of the homepage at kickoff!
Other International Fans: All preseason games are available to both free and paid Game Pass International users. PLUS, watch every regular season game live and on-demand, RedZone and NFL Network! Blackout restrictions apply. Learn more about Game Pass International.
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS BASEBALL
INDIANS SUFFER FOURTH STRAIGHT DEFEAT IN SERIES OPENER AGAINST SOUNDS
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Malcom Nuñez and Matt Gorski hit solo home runs, but the Nashville Sounds used two big innings to hand the Indianapolis Indians their fourth straight loss, 8-4, on Tuesday night at First Horizon Park.
Nashville (19-14, 57-51) busted the game open with four runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth to mount an 8-1 lead. Brian Navarreto provided the tiebreaking knock with a double off Aaron Shortridge (L, 1-1) to bring home Owen Miller. Vinny Capra, who played for Indianapolis in 2023, capped the four-run burst with a two-out, two-run single. In the ensuing frame, Miller knocked a run-scoring single before Chris Roller smacked a ground-rule double.
Edward Olivares brought Indianapolis (16-16, 49-56) closer with a two-run single in the sixth, and Gorski launched his 17th home run of the season with two outs in the ninth.
Nuñez’s 11th long ball of the season opened the second inning to give Indy a short-lived lead, but Navarreto tied the game in the home half, scoring Miller on a groundout.
Sounds starter DL Hall limited the Indians to one run on two hits and two walks with three punchouts in 4.0 innings pitched. Aaron Ashby (W, 3-7) allowed two runs in 1.1 innings of work.
Nuñez is batting .385 (15-for-39) with two doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI and a 1.034 OPS during his 10-game hitting streak.
The Indians and Sounds continue the six-game series on Wednesday at 7:35 PM ET. RHP Luis Cessa (4-4, 4.27) is scheduled to start for Indianapolis against RHP Jacob Misiorowski (0-0, 18.00).
INDIANA TRACK
USTFCCCA COACHES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024 ANNOUNCED
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is privileged to announce the six coaches who will be inducted into the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.
Dave Cianelli, Frank Gramarosso, Ron Helmer, Jud Logan, Ford Matsin, and Connie Price-Smith will all be enshrined in the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame, for not only their historic and incredible accomplishments as cross country and/or track & field coaches, but also the long-lasting impact their contributions have had – and will continue to have – on the sports they coached.
These six coaches will be honored at the 2024 USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, December 17, at the USTFCCCA Convention, held at the Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Started in 1995, the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame exists to recognize coaches who have brought great distinction to themselves, to their institutions and to the sports of cross country and track & field. Each of the honorees exemplifies the qualities of dedication to the sport, leadership and passion for their profession and serves as an inspiration to coaches everywhere.
Anyone who coaches for more than 50 years is bound to have at least one amazing story among a lifetime of memories.
Ron Helmer certainly gained one in 2013, prompting his own athletic director to say, “If it was a movie, you’d think it was too corny to be true.”
As Helmer prepared his Indiana men’s cross country team for the Big Ten Championships that fall, he was recovering from months of treatment for cancer and kidney failure. The stunning moment came on race day as his Hoosiers came from seemingly nowhere to win the program’s first team title in 33 years.
“I don’t know why that happened,” Helmer said. “I really don’t. I just know that it did.”
That’s just one of countless success stories in his Hall of Fame coaching career, which spanned 54 years (37 collegiately) before retiring at the end of the 2023 track & field season. Helmer passed away on July 4, 2024, at the age of 77.
Collegiately, Helmer had two coaching stops – 16 years as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Indiana after 21 years at Georgetown, where he began as a part-time volunteer and rose to positions of assistant coach and associate head coach before eight years as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.
His athletes at both programs had great success, perhaps highlighted most by high jumper Derek Drouin, whose collegiate career culminated with him winning The Bowerman in 2013. Drouin also had tremendous post-collegiate triumphs, which included Olympic gold and silver medals. The Canadian won five of the six NCAA titles by Hoosier athletes under Helmer’s coaching/direction, joining Andy Bayer (2012 outdoor 1500).
Helmer’s memorable 2013 Big Ten men’s cross country title had company with a trio of men’s indoor track & field crowns as he mentored a total of 52 individual conference champions in cross country, indoor track & field and outdoor track & field.
Helmer was named Big Ten coach of the year the four times his Hoosiers won conference crowns, and he also earned USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year awards three times for women’s cross country while he was at Georgetown.
His Hoya athletes won four NCAA titles – Joline Staeheli (1996 indoor mile), Miesha Marzell (1996 outdoor 1500) and two women’s indoor distance medley relays (1997, 1999). He guided Hoya athletes to 213 Big East titles and 15 total team titles in cross country or track & field, and in 2019 he was inducted to the Georgetown Athletic Hall of Fame.
Helmer grew up on a wheat farm in Kansas, and the first Hall of Fame to induct him was his alma mater, Southwestern (Kan.), in 2004 (as an athlete he was team cross country or track captain six times). He joined older brother Jim, an earlier inductee as a NAIA Cross Country Hall of Fame coach for the Moundbuilders. The two are among seven members of the Helmer family to graduate from Southwestern, whose track is named the Helmer Family Track.
INDIANA VOLLEYBALL
HOOSIERS HUNGRY FOR MORE IN 2024
CHICAGO, Ill. – The third annual Big Ten Volleyball Media Days served as the official kickoff for the new seasons as teams around the country prepare to kickoff fall practices. Before IU begins fall camp on Thursday, head coach Steve Aird, sophomore libero Ramsey Gary and senior defensive specialist Delaynie Maple served as representatives of the Hoosiers in Chicago.
The trio discussed the program’s mission, the returning and new talent and the exciting, fast-paced culture continuing to build in Bloomington. IU returns a plethora of players while also putting a challenging and exciting schedule on the books in 2024.
Here are takeaways from the Hoosiers’ annual trip to the Big Ten Network Studios.
Increased Desire to Win
The Hoosiers won 11 Big Ten games in 2023 but finished outside the NCAA Tournament picture.
After matching a program record with 21 regular season wins, the returning Indiana volleyball players left the season with a sour taste in their mouth. There was much to be proud of but the core of talent desired a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010.
With five starters back and a plethora of incoming talent at all positions, there has been an extra motivation to each open gym, each lift and every team gathering. The desire to win is at an all-time high. Sophomore libero Ramsey Gary, who represented IU at Big Ten Media Days, has kick started that fire. A product of the Munciana Volleyball Club, she has won every place she’s been.
“We had a lot to prove last year and I think we did do that,” Gary said. “We didn’t make the tournament but I think it’s going to be a different story this year. We’re very hungry and ready to win.”
“From the jump, it was all in. Everyone has been grinding every day,” graduate student defensive specialist Delaynie Maple said.
Some losses down the stretch in 2023 kept IU’s RPI out of striking distance for a tournament berth. To help with that, head coach Steve Aird added the defending national champions, Texas, as well as Miami to the 2024 non-conference slate. Games against Purdue (x2), Ohio State (x2), Wisconsin, Nebraska and Penn State will help drive up the strength of schedule and metric ratings. Now, it’s up to the Hoosiers to stack wins together and put exciting victories in their back pocket.
Gary, Haworth Run the Engine
The setter-libero combo will be one of the best in the league.
You need talented hitters to score points. But you need a fantastic libero and setter to help the whole system go. For the first time as head coach at IU, Steve Aird will have the same setter and libero pairing in a full-time capacity. Camryn Haworth (setter) and Ramsey Gary (libero) played every set of last season and helped orchestrate a massive improvement on the court.
Now back with more experience, Haworth and Gary will provide leadership, talent and a sense of calmness for the coaches on the court. Haworth has played in over 90 matches as a college setter including all 65 in the last two years. Gary, an All-Big Ten selection as well, never left the court as the team’s libero in her freshman campaign.
“It’s Ramsey [Gary] as the libero and Camryn [Haworth] as the setter running the engine,” head coach Steve Aird said. “I’ve got a super competitive staff and a really competitive group. We’re going to go really hard and see how good we can be.”
Albeit playing different positions, the two players provide equal value. Haworth keeps the fast-paced offense going at a productive rate. She also possesses the most lethal serve in the conference and one of the best in the nation. Gary is a soothing defensive player – calm under pressure with the ability to handle any of the league’s top offensive players.
Get Good, Play Hard, Schedule Tough
This is the method to winning in the nation’s best league.
There’s no shortcut to winning in the Big Ten. The traditional powers have been good and stayed good for decades at a time. The newcomers to the party have cultivated a big presence in recruiting and player development. Pair that with the addition of historically great schools in UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington and the league will be better than ever.
In his seventh season, head coach Steve Aird has his most veteran and his deepest roster of any in Bloomington. A large collection of pins will combine to score the points while Ramsey Gary and Camryn Haworth run the engine. Newcomers like freshman middle blocker Ella Boersema and graduate student defensive specialist Delaynie Maple add to life to important positions.
“We’ve done a really good job at identifying the kind of kid that is an Indiana Hoosier,” head coach Steve Aird said. “We have kids that are not entitled, they grind, they work, they care. They’re in early and they stay late. In this day and age, you want to find kids that care and play for each other.”
A large portion of IU’s identity comes from playing hard and playing fast. The athletes on the team are grateful for the opportunity to compete and give the program everything it’s got. The schedule is as tough as ever but the team is built to meet the challenge.
2024 will mark a new era and a changing era of women’s volleyball. A new era that Indiana wants to play a big part of for the long haul.
PURDUE TRACK
CHARLTON SET FOR 100M HURDLES AT OLYMPICS
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue track & field alumna Devynne Charlton will race at her second Olympic Games in the 100-meter hurdles, beginning on Wednesday, August 7, in Paris.
The heats are scheduled for Wednesday at 4:15 a.m. ET. The repechage round is on Thursday, August 8, at 4:35 a.m. ET, with the semifinal set for Friday, August 9, at 6:05 a.m. ET. The Olympic final is on Saturday, August 10, at 1:35 p.m. ET.
Representing the Bahamas, Charlton will run in the fifth and final heat on Wednesday, in lane two. The top three finishers in each heat, plus the next three fastest times, advance to the semifinal, with all other finishers moving on to the repechage.
The 100m hurdles will be broadcast live on Peacock, and live results can be found on Olympics.com. Additional updates will be available by following the Boilermakers on Twitter/X, Instagram and Facebook.
On Saturday, fellow Boilermaker alum Chukwuebuka Enekwechi placed sixth in the shot put final at the Olympic Games. Charlton and Enekwechi will be joined in Paris by incoming Purdue senior Joel Gomez, who qualified for the Paralympic Games and will race in the 1,500m T13 from September 2-3.
Charlton and Enekwechi also were announced on Friday as two of eight Boilermaker greats who will be inducted into the Leroy Keyes Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame.
Charlton is ranked No. 2 in the world in the 100m hurdles and has a season-best time of 12.49, achieved on April 20 in Xiamen, China. Earlier in 2024 indoors, the Nassau native broke the world record in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.65 to win the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Charlton was sixth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and seventh at the 2022 World Athletics Championships.
A Boilermaker from 2013-18, Charlton is the school record-holder in the 100m hurdles, 100m, 60m hurdles and 60m. She is a nine-time All-American and an 11-time Big Ten Champion and was named the Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year three times and the Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships four times. Charlton was the national runner-up in the 60m hurdles indoors in 2017 and in the 100m hurdles outdoors in 2018.
PURDUE FOOTBALL
MOCKOBEE LANDS ON DOAK WALKER AWARD WATCH LIST
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Football’s leading rusher for the past two years, running back Devin Mockobee has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List heading into the 2024 campaign. One of only four Big Ten running backs to rush for more than 800 yards in each of the past two seasons, the junior landed on the watch list for the second time in his career.
The Doak Walker Award, named after the three-time All-America running back, is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back.
After rushing for 968 yards as a redshirt freshman, helping Purdue win the Big Ten West outright, Mockobee recorded a team-high 811 rushing yards a season ago while sharing the backfield with NFL draft pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants). The dynamic duo was the only Big Ten teammates to rush for more than 500 yards apiece in conference games (Mockobee – 625, Tracy – 624). With Mockobee leading the way, Purdue paced the Big Ten in rushing by averaging 184.6 yards per game in league contests.
Mockobee recorded seven touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving) in 2023 to rank second on the team, finding the end zone in seven different games. He went over the 100-yard mark twice throughout the season, including a season-high 153 yards in the win over Minnesota, to become one of only 14 running backs in program history with at least six career 100-yard rushing games. Mockobee was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for the second time in his career following another successful season.
In two seasons as a Boilermaker, Mockobee has already etched his name in the Purdue record books. The Boonville, Indiana, native enters his junior campaign ranked 14th in rushing touchdowns (15) and 18th in rushing yards (1,779). He is only 221 yards from becoming the first Boilermaker with at least 2,000 rushing yards since Markell Jones ran for 2,594 yards during his career (2015-18).
Mockobee and Purdue start the 2023 season at home, hosting Indiana State (Aug. 31) for a noon kickoff on BTN.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL
LOVE, PRICE SELECTED AS 2024 DOAK WALKER AWARD CANDIDATES
Sophomore running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have both been selected as candidates for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, which annually honors the nation’s most outstanding running back.
The first Irish player to finish as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award was tailback Reggie Brooks in 1992.
Love rushed for 385 yards on 71 carries as a true freshman in 2023, seeing at least three carries in all 13 games in 2023. He broke off two 30-yard runs, including a 36-yard scoring jaunt against Tennessee State, and is poised to be one of Notre Dame’s top rushing threats for the 2024 season. Love finished 2023 with two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing, also adding eight receptions for 77 yards and two kickoff returns for a total of 42 yards.
Price was sidelined for his true freshman campaign in 2022 with an injury, and made his debut with a touchdown run on his first-career carry. He also broke a 99-yard kickoff return against No. 10 Southern Cal on his fifth-career return opportunity. Price capped the season by leading the Irish in rushing with 106 yards on 13 carries with one touchdown in the 40-8 Sun Bowl victory over No. 21 Oregon State. Price completed 2023 with 47 carries for 272 yards (5.8 yards/carry) and three touchdowns, five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown, and 10 kickoff returns for 344 yards and a touchdown.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.
The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.
NOTRE DAME TRACK
NUGUSE CAPTURES BRONZE IN THRILLING FINISH
PARIS, France – Yared Nuguse, a 2022 Notre Dame graduate, capped off a stellar debut at the Olympic Games with a bronze medal after posting a personal best 3.27.80 in the 1500m final on Tuesday.
Nuguse used a strong final 100m push in his first round race on Friday to automatically earn a spot in the semifinal round. His time of 3:36.56 was enough to place fifth in the opening heat of the event as each of the top six finishers in each heat gained qualification to the semifinal.
Sunday’s semifinal was all Nuguse from start to finish in the second heat of the 1500m. A blistering 41.02 over the final lap saw Nuguse claim not only first place in the heat but also the fastest time of the day with a 3:31.72.
Nuguse was in the middle of the pack for much of the final on Tuesday and sat in sixth after 800m of racing. He used the next 400m to push ahead to fourth heading into the final lap. With less than 100m to go, Nuguse kicked into high gear and used his outside position to power his way to the podium. His final lap time of 39.8 was the second-fastest final lap of the race and was only behind gold medalist and fellow USA teammate Cole Hocker.
It is his first Olympic medal in his first appearance in the Olympic Games.
BUTLER FOOTBALL
BUTLER FOOTBALL FINALIZES 2024 ROSTER
INDIANAPOLIS — The Butler football team added 12 talented student-athletes to the roster after National Signing Day (Feb. 7) to complete their 2024 recruiting class. This group of newcomers includes five defensive players and seven on offense. 10 of the 12 transferred to campus while two are true freshmen.
The 2024 season is just 25 days away with Butler set to host Upper Iowa on August 31. The Pioneer Football League opener is another home game for the Bulldogs on Oct. 5. That date will double as Homecoming Weekend for BU.
The Bulldog coaching staff added transfers to the program from Ball State, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Illinois State, Missouri Southern State, Northern Illinois, and Wabash. Head Coach Mike Uremovich also made some adjustments to the coaching staff over the off-season.
Adam Siwicki will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2024 while continuing to coach the Bulldog defensive line. Rory Mannering will take over as the linebackers coach while also assisting the program as the assistant head coach. Former BU student-athlete Eddie Schott will stay on campus as the team’s quarterback coach and former BU defensive lineman Sam Urbanski is on board as the team’s defensive analyst. Jake DelCampo and Byron Hubbard join Urbanski as defensive analysts in 2024. Ty Morgan will serve as the team’s director of football operations, Ben Dessauer is the director of player personnel, and Donald Kane is the assistant director of football operations.
Kwame Achampong
6-5, 285
DL
Chicago, Ill.
Saint Patrick H.S.
Georgetown Transfer
Prior to Butler: Spent three seasons at Georgetown… Appeared in one game during the 2023 season… Recorded 10 tackles (6 solo) over nine games in 2022… Credited with three tackles over the span of four games in 2021.
High School: Four-year starter and three-year team captain… Earned All-Conference honors as a senior… Team captain on the basketball team.
Personal: Son of Kwaku Achampong and Grace Agyemang… Has a sibling named Nana.
Why Achampong Chose Butler
“I’m ready to win games and grow as a football player.”
Derek Allen Jr.
6-0, 190
WR
Indianapolis, Ind.
Warren Central H.S.
Wabash Transfer
Prior to Butler: All-NCAC First Team selection for the second consecutive season in 2023… Member of the 2024 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society… Caught a team-best 62 passes for 810 yards and 12 touchdowns… Ranked second among conference wide receivers in touchdown catches… Ranked third in receiving yards, yards per game (80.7) and yards per catch (6.2)… Hauled in a school-record 90-yard touchdown pass in a victory over Wooster… Finished his career ranked third in school history averaging 5.37 receptions per game and sixth in career touchdown catches with 25… His 2,498 receiving yards rank seventh in Wabash history… His 161 career receptions are the eighth-most by a Wabash player… Earned First Team All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors in 2022… Named to D3football.com All-Region 4 Third Team… Led the Little Giants with 56 receptions for 913 yards… Caught eight touchdown passes, second-most on the team… Averaged 91.3 receiving yards per game and 16.3 yards per catch…. Ranked third among conference receivers and 31st in the nation in receiving yards per game… Third in the conference in touchdown receptions… Second in the conference and 35th in the nation in total receiving yards… Caught a career-high eight passes for 173 yards and three TDs in the season-opening win over Hampden-Sydney… Added two more 100+ yard games with 140 receiving yards at Oberlin (five receptions) and 133 yards versus Kenyon (six receptions)… Caught eight passes for 54 yards at Wittenberg… Added single touchdown receptions against Wooster, Ohio Wesleyan, Hiram, and Kenyon… Caught TD passes in four consecutive games… Tied his career-long with a 75-yard reception against Hampden-Sydney… Ranked second on the team in 2021 with 43 receptions for 775 yards… Third on the team with five touchdown catches… Set single-game marks with seven receptions against Oberlin (Oct. 9), Ohio Wesleyan (Oct. 23), and Wittenberg (Nov. 6)… Finished with a season-best 181 yards and two touchdowns at Kenyon on five receptions… Caught a career-long 75-yard pass in the game at Kenyon… Carried the ball five times for seven yards and one TD… Scored his only rushing touchdown on a seven-yard run at Rose-Hulman… Received the Wabash Football Newcomer of the Year Award.
High School: Earned a varsity letter in football at Warren Central High School… Played on the Warriors’ 2018 State Championship team.
Personal: Son of Kristine Teruel… Has six siblings… Strategic Communications major.
Why Allen Jr. Chose Butler
“I chose Butler to expand my knowledge and maximize the resources I have to become successful in life.”
Drew Cassens
6-2, 240
TE
Downers Grove, Ill.
Downers Grove North
Northern Illinois Transfer
Before Butler: Played in 11 games during the 2023 season; missing just the Toldeo game and Arkansas State Bowl Game… Played in four of five games in 2022 beginning with his debut versus Toledo… Caught three passes for 19 yards including a four-yard touchdown reception against the Rockets… Saw action in the Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Western Michigan games… Saw action in 10 games in 2021 as a member of Huskie special teams units… Played on the kickoff return and punt teams… After missing the first two games of the year, played in the next 10 games of the season beginning at Michigan (9-18)… Returned three kickoffs for 19 yards… Had one return for three yards at Buffalo (11-17)… Two returns for 16 yards versus Western Michigan (11-23) with a long of 10 yards… Threw one incomplete pass on the year, on a fake punt attempt in the first quarter of the Eastern Michigan game (10-2).
High School: Three-year letterwinner… Two-way starter at quarterback and safety… Served as team captain in 2019… Named team Offensive MVP during junior and senior seasons… Earned West Suburban Silver MVP honors in 2019 after rushing for 1,513 yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing for 620 yards and four TDs… Compiled 190 career tackles, three forced fumbles and four interceptions… Rushed for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing for 650 yards and two TDs in nine games in 2018… Tallied 55 tackles, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions in 2018… Helped lead the Trojans to the 2017 Class 8A playoffs… Earned Academic All-Conference and was on the honor roll.
Personal: Son of Wendy and Todd Cassens… Mechanical engineering major.
D’Marco Cross
6-3, 260
DL
St. Louis, Mo.
Lafayette Jefferson H.S.
Illinois State Transfer
Prior to Butler: Saw playing time in eight games during the 2023 season at Illinois State… Made a season-high three tackles in the season opener vs. Dayton… Saw action in nine games during the 2022 season… Ended the year with seven tackles, one sack and one QB hurry… Best performance included a sack and two tackles in the Illinois State win over Eastern Illinois… Played in two games during the 2021 season… Took a redshirt year in the Spring 2021 season.
High School: Two-year starter… Averaged six tackles per game as a senior, while helping the team to a 9-1 record and a conference championship… Earned all-conference and all-state honors in his final season, while serving as a team captain and a member of the team’s leadership council… Played in all 10 games as a junior, earning all-conference honors… Helped his team win a conference title… Averaged over five tackles per game… Earned a varsity letter in basketball.
Personal: Son of Kenneth Cross and Sheila Blair… Has six siblings… Strategic Communications major.
Why Cross Chose Butler
“I wanted to attend grad school in Indiana and be part of something great.”
Tommy Diamond
6-3, 220
LB
Geneva, Ill.
Geneva Community H.S.
High School: Two-time First Team All-Conference selection… Two-year starter… Team Captain… First Team All-Area honoree… Recorded 58 tackles as a senior and 68 as a junior… Recorded 20 tackles in a single-game during his junior season… Came up with 14 tackles and three sacks in a game as a sophomore… Two-time academic all-conference selection… IHSA Scholar.
Personal: Son of Mark and Liza Tainton… Has four siblings; Will, Maddy, Gaby, and Josh… Business major.
Why Diamond Chose Butler
“I chose Butler so I could play competitive football and be challenged in the classroom. Butler is a place that can challenge you both athletically and academically.”
Billy Dozier III
5-11, 200
RB
Joliet, Ill.
Lincoln Way West H.S.
Northern Illinois Transfer
Prior to Butler: Played in all 13 games at NIU during the 2023 season, making two starts… Started in the season opener at Boston College… Got the start at Akron… Caught six passes to record 66 yards… Averaged 11 yards per catch and 5.1 yards per game… Hauled in a season-long 24-yard pass at Toledo… Recorded a 17-yard reception at Nebraska… Caught two passes for 22 yards vs. Western Michigan… Rushed the ball four times to net four yards… The longest rush covered five yards at Boston College… Matched that effort with a five-yard rush vs. Tulsa… Recorded a tackle at Kent State… Valuable special teams player who returned 10 kick-offs for 158 yards… Averaged 15.8 yards per kick return… Longest return covered 29 yards at Toledo… Returned four kicks vs. the Rockets to end the contest with 86 yards… All-purpose utility player for NIU in 2022… Saw action in all 12 games on offense and special teams… Started the Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan games at wide receiver… Returned eight kickoffs for 138 yards to average 17.2 yards per return… Caught three passes, had five carries and made three tackles… Came up with a career-long 42-yard kickoff return at Kentucky… Returned a kickoff 21 yards in the win at Western Michigan… Made two of his three tackles on the year versus Vanderbilt… Rushed the ball twice at WMU and again in the Akron game… Caught two passes and had one rush versus Miami… Played on the kickoff, kickoff return, punt and punt return teams over the course of the season… Split time between wide receiver and running back… Played in all 14 games during the 2021 season… Saw action on multiple special teams units and at wide receiver… Caught two passes for four yards… Made his first career start in the Cure Bowl vs. Coastal Carolina and recorded his second catch… Caught a season-long seven-yard pass at Michigan for his first career reception… Totaled six tackles (five solo) as a member of the kickoff team with one tackle in six different games… Named to the 2021 Academic All-MAC team… Saw action in all six games during the 2020 season… Played on multiple special teams units… Served on the kickoff team for five games and the kickoff return unit for one.
High School: Honorable mention IHSA All-State selection as a senior… Earned All-Area accolades (Daily Southtown)… Named All-Southwest Suburban Conference (Chicago Tribune)… Lincoln Way West Offensive Player of the Year in 2019… Team Captain… Earned two varsity letters… Set school records for most receiving yards in a season (690), most receiving yards in a game (142) and most catches in a game (11)… Caught 44 passes for 690 yards with five touchdowns as a senior… Added 65 rushes for 360 net yards with five touchdowns TDs… Returned 10 kickoffs for 216 yards and six punts for 42 yards… Honored as the WJOL Player of the Week after catching nine passes for 144 yards and two scores with 42 rushing yards and a TD in a 27-10 playoff-clinching win over Bradley Bourbonnais… Named to the Honor Roll every semester of high school… Earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field.
Personal: Son of Bill and Timika Dozier… Has two siblings; Divine and Raisha… Strategic communications major.
Why Dozier Chose Butler
“The people at Butler made me feel at home. Coach U and the staff has something great going on and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Luke Jones
5-10, 185
WR
Muncie, Ind.
Monroe Central H.S.
Ball State Transfer
Prior to Butler: Part of the 2023 Ball State Football Team… Did not appear in any games… Received a redshirt for the 2023 season… Made Ball State’s Dean’s List.
High School: Part of two conference championship teams… Three-time All-Conference and All-State selection… Played quarterback during his senior season, throwing for 926 yards and nine touchdowns… Added 1,058 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns… Limited to just eight games as a junior due to injury… Caught 33 passes for 561 yards and seven touchdowns… Hauled in 43 receptions as a sophomore… Ended the year with 660 yards and 11 touchdowns… Caught 38 passes for 498 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman… Set the all-time receiving record at Monroe Central… Caught 10 passes in a game vs. Eastern Hancock as a sophomore, ending the game with 145 yards and three touchdowns… Threw for 224 yards and four touchdowns as a senior vs. Sheridan… Added 19 rushes for 148 yards… Also played basketball.
Personal: Son of Ben and Gretchen Jones… Has a sibling named Will… Finance major.
Why Jones Chose Butler
“I love the family atmosphere at Butler and I think my game can blossom under the coaching staff here. Butler also allows me to get a top notch education with a degree that will set me up for life.”
Onye Onuoha
6-0, 193
DB
Montbello, Colo.
Montbello H.S.
Dartmouth Transfer
Prior to Butler: Part of two Ivy League Championship Teams at Dartmouth… Played in 10 games during his senior season… Made one tackle against Lehigh (9/23)… Sidelined throughout his junior campaign due to injury… Played in nine games as a sophomore in 2021… Made a season-high four solo tackles in his debut against Sacred Heart… Made plays on kickoff coverages in wins on the road at Penn and No. 23 New Hampshire… Unable to play in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
High School: First Team All-5A Metro selection at wide receiver and defensive back… Team captain… Credited (MaxPreps) with 52 tackles in 10 games… Made five interceptions (86 yards)… Defended 10 passes… Made eight career interceptions… also caught 20 passes for 374 yards (18.7 per) and four touchdowns … Participated in track and field.
Personal: Son of Nwaeze and Ifunanya Onuoha… Has a sibling named Amarachi… Working on his MBA.
Why Onuoha Chose Butler
“I chose Butler because winning a championship is the main objective.”
Nick Schwitzgebel
6-2, 295
OL
Cleveland, Ohio
St. Ignatius H.S.
Dartmouth Transfer
Prior to Butler: Part of two Ivy League Championship teams at Dartmouth… Two-Time All-Ivy League selection… Named All-New England… All-Ivy League honorable mention choice in 2022… Phil Steele All-Ivy League Fourth Team honoree in 2022… Earned the Jake Crouthamel Team Award… Started 10 games at right guard in 2022… Played at right guard in nine of the 10 games during his 2021 sophomore season… Season canceled in 2020 due to Covid-19.
High School: Two-year starter… Two-time team captain… Twice earned all-conference honors… Earned a spot on the Division 1 All-State Second Team as a junior… Received honorable mention accolades as a senior… Lined up at both tackle and guard for the Wildcats… Named All-Ohio… Scholar athlete… Threw the shotput and discus.
Personal: Son of Patrick and Lisa Schwitzgebel… Working on his MBA at Butler.
Why Schwitzgebel Chose Butler
“I chose Butler to continue my athletic and educational goals at a prestigious university.”
Shadon Shannon
6-3, 190
DB
Chicago, Ill.
Lincoln Northeast H.S.
Missouri Southern State Transfer
Prior to Butler: Played two seasons at Missouri Southern State (2023, 2022)… Played in seven games during the 2023 season… Recorded 12 tackles (nine solo)… Picked off a pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown… Appeared in nine games for the Lions on special teams and as a defensive back drawing two starts as a cornerback in 2022… Finished with 13 tackles (seven solo) with a fumble recovery and one pass breakup… At #11 Northwest Missouri (Nov. 5) had four solo stops… Against Washburn (Nov. 12) had four total tackles with two solo… Recovered a fumble for six yards at Missouri Western (Oct. 29)… Broke up one pass against Lincoln (Oct. 8) and finished with three total tackles… Transferred to Missouri Southern State from Iowa Western Community College (2020-2021)… Played quarterback for the Reivers.
High School: Prepped at Lincoln Northeast High School as a quarterback… Recorded 2,091 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 666 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns for his career… As a senior was on the Lincoln Southeast High School team that won their District, Conference and City Championship while making a State quarterfinal appearance… On the track was a three time state qualifier in the 400m and 800m runs while placing fifth in the state meet in the 800m… Also involved in the basketball and track and field… Honor Roll student.
Personal: Son of Donna Roberson and Marilyn Shumaker… Has eight siblings… Plans to major in alternative special education.
Why Shannon Chose Butler
“I chose Butler to further pursue my education at a prestigious university and to win championships.”
Penn Stoller
6-2, 238
TE
Cissna Park, Ill.
Cissna Park H.S.
Wabash Transfer
Prior to Butler: 2023 Preseason First Team All-American (Lindy’s Sports College Football)… Preseason Second Team All-American (D3football.com)… Caught 34 passes in 2023 to gain 460 yards… Averaged 13.5 yards per catch and 46 yards per game… Caught six touchdown passes… First Team All-Region selection… Named to the 2023 Academic All-America First Team (CSC)… D3football.com Second Team All-American selection in 2022… First Team All-Region and First Team All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection… Led Wabash and ranked second in the conference (42nd in the nation) with nine touchdown receptions… Caught 41 passes in 2022 for 691 yards… Ranked eighth in the conference in receiving yards… Appeared in two games during the 2021 season.
High School: I8FA First Team All-State selection at quarterback and linebacker… Earned All-Vermillion Valley Conference honors… First Team All-Area… Team captain… Earned four varsity letters… Rushed for 1,469 yards as a senior while passing for 1,695 yards… Scored 25 rushing TD’s and threw for 30… Recorded 125 tackles.
Personal: Son of Sam and Sue Stoller… Has three siblings; Samantha, Addison, and Olivia… Pursuing his master’s degree in business administration.
Why Stoller Chose Butler
“I chose Butler because it presented me with a great opportunity to continue my academic and athletic journey in a great city.”
Max Thompson
6-0, 240
LS
Westfield, Ind.
Guerin Catholic H.S.
High School: Three-year starter… Earned four varsity letters… Part of an 8-3 team… Academic honors… Also played basketball.
Personal: Son of Dan and Denise… Has two siblings Evan and Mia… Intends to major in finance.
Why Thompson Chose Butler
“I love the location of the campus and connected with all of the coaches and teammates that I met.”
INDIANA STATE TRACK/CROSS COUNTRY
INDIANA STATE, ANGELA MARTIN AGREE TO CONTRACT EXTENSION THROUGH 2028-29
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State and Cross Country/Track & Field Program Director and Head Coach Angela Martin have agreed to a contract extension through the 2028-29 season, Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen announced Tuesday.
“Under her leadership, Coach Martin has built highly respected and decorated Cross Country and Track and Field programs that are recognized as some of the best in the Missouri Valley Conference and across Division I Athletics. Just as important as the success her student-athletes have in competition, they continue to find success in and out of the classroom. I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow this program in her next chapter.” Indiana State University President Mike Godard said.
“Since my arrival at Indiana State University, this has been one of my top priorities,” Christensen said. “Angie Martin is a great person and coach, and it has shown within the results and relationships she has with so many people in the track and field and Wabash Valley community. I am excited about the continued success and the future of our Track and Field and Cross Country program under Angie’s leadership.”
One of the top coaches in the region and nation, Martin has helped Indiana State reclaim its spot as the premier track and field program in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Sycamores have won nine conference titles over the course of the last three seasons, including the first men’s and women’s indoor-outdoor track and field sweep in program history during the 2023-24 campaign. Indiana State has six MVC Men’s Track and Field titles and three MVC Women’s Track and Field titles since 2022, never finishing below third in the conference standings in that span.
“Change in leadership at a university can be an uncertain time,” Martin said. “President Godard and Athletic Director Christensen have quickly gotten to know many of the strengths and weaknesses of Indiana State University. They have a vision of what they want our school to be, and I appreciate that they see my staff and I as a part of that vision. We will continue to work hard to build upon the successful traditions of our track and field and cross country programs.”
Indiana State’s 2024 title sweep saw the Sycamores set program records for points at a men’s indoor (183.5) and outdoor (221.5) championship, surpassing the 200-point mark at a conference championship for the first time in program history. Indiana State earned points in nearly every event the Sycamores competed in at all four conference championships to complete one of the most dominant all-around seasons in Missouri Valley Conference history. Martin was named the MVC Men’s and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year, and also earned USTFCCCA Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year honors following the Trees’ record-setting season.
The Sycamores’ success has gone widely noticed by their conference peers, as Indiana State student-athletes have accounted for 38 MVC specialty awards during Martin’s head coaching tenure. Two Sycamore assistant coaches have earned MVC Assistant Coach of the Year honors in that span, while Martin has been named the MVC Coach of the Year 12 times.
Martin’s Sycamores have been recognized among the best in the region as well, consistently ranking within the Great Lakes Region’s top 10 programs. Within the last two seasons, Indiana State achieved a pair of No.1 regional rankings, marking the first time in program history that the Sycamores claimed the top spot in the region. The Sycamores have also shined on the national stage, with six student-athletes earning All-America honors over the last two seasons.
Martin has been a staple in the Indiana State Track and Field and Cross Country programs, first as a student-athlete and now as a coach. She just completed her eighth season as Program Director and Head Coach of Sycamore Track & Field and Cross Country and has also spent time as Indiana State’s Women’s Track & Field Head Coach (2011-16) and as an assistant coach (2003-10) following a standout career at Indiana State from 1997-2001.
Indiana State’s success under Martin has gone beyond just the team aspect, as more than 550 All-MVC honors have been racked up by Sycamore student-athletes during her tenure as a coach. The Sycamores have had 183 MVC Champions during her time on staff, including 81 since she took the reins of both programs in 2017. Martin has been the head coach for 48 NCAA National Championship qualifiers, with another 23 reaching the national championships during her time as an assistant coach with the Sycamores.
Martin’s teams have also excelled in the classroom, as the Sycamores have earned 19 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors and 79 individual USTFCCCA All-Academic honors during her head coaching career. As a team, the Sycamore men’s and women’s track and field programs have both produced a cumulative GPA above 3.0 in each of the last eight seasons. Indiana State has also produced the MVC Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year in each of the last four seasons, while Will Staggs was named a Second Team Academic All-American in 2024.
SOUTHERN INDIANA SOFTBALL
USI SOFTBALL ADDS RIVERA TO COACHING STAFF
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball Head Coach Sue Kunkle announced the hiring of Alyssa Rivera as an assistant coach ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Rivera, a former softball student-athlete at Auburn University, has coached three seasons at Hampton University in addition to playing professionally and internationally.
“We have been excited to add another full-time assistant to our staff and are confident we found the perfect fit in Coach Rivera,” Kunkle said. “Coach Rivera has a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to the game. She has played and coached at the Division I level and continues to master her craft in the professional and international world.”
Before arriving at USI, Rivera was an assistant coach at Hampton for the last three seasons, assisting with outfield training, baserunning, and hitting. Rivera also oversaw all team operations including travel and budgeting.
Rivera’s professional playing career features experience with the Texas Smoke of Women’s Professional Fastpitch, winning the first-ever WPF championship in 2023, and with Cidra Bravas in Puerto Rico from 2019 to the present day. 2022 Cidra Bravas was crowned the 2022 Liga de Softball Superior Nacional Femenino champions.
Rivera also has national team playing experience, starting in 2017 as a Gold Medalist at the World Championship with the USA Junior Women’s National Team. Rivera has also played for the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team since 2019. She is a 2019 Bronze Medalist (Pan American Games), a 2023 Silver Medalist (Pan American Games), and a 2023 Gold Medalist (Central American Games) with the Puerto Rico National Team. Rivera was named to WBSC America’s All-Pan Am Team at the Pan American Games in the fall of 2023.
Rivera played for Auburn University from 2016-2021. While at Auburn, she became one of the most decorated hitters in program history. She is one of just six student-athletes in program history to record at least 200 career hits, 120 RBI, and 110 runs scored. She was tabbed by Softball America as one of the Top 100 Players of 2020, while also appearing in Softball America’s 2020 Power Rankings at no. 2 and no. 10, respectively. Rivera ranks top 10 in Auburn’s record books in eight different categories, including stolen bases (t-3rd), stolen base percentage (t-7th), multi-RBI games (8th), games played (t-8th), RBI (9th), total bases (9th), multi-hit games (t-9th), and hits (10th).
Academically, Rivera made Auburn University’s Dean’s List, All-SEC Academic Team, SEC Academic Honor Roll, and was named an NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete.
Rivera was also a lead instructor and coach with private lessons and camps with ProSwings LLC in the past.
“Coach Rivera is extremely passionate, goal-driven, and very high energy, so we are excited to have her a part of our family and ready to get to work!” Kunkle added.
UINDY MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S HOOPS ANNOUNCES 2024-25 SCHEDULE
INDIANAPOLIS – UIndy men’s basketball head coach Scott Heady announced the 2024-25 schedule on Tuesday afternoon, featuring a complete 28-game schedule with 20 GLVC contests and eight non-conference bouts.
The home – and de facto season – opener is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8 against in-region Kentucky Wesleyan. The Greyhounds defeated the Panthers last November in Owensboro, Ky., on opening weekend.
All eight non-conference games are in-region, with UIndy competing against five GLIAC opponents and three G-MAC foes. The Greyhounds cap the calendar year with a pair of perennial NCAA tournament teams in Grand Valley (Dec. 16) and Hillsdale (Dec. 21) before returning to conference action in January.
The Hounds also host Roosevelt (its’ first year in NCAA DII) on Nov. 27 in the programs’ first-ever meeting.
UIndy will split its 20-game GLVC schedule between Nicoson Hall and opposing venues, opening at home on Dec. 2 against Lewis. Among the league opponents the Hounds have on the docket twice in the unbalanced schedule are Illinois Springfield, Lewis, Maryville, McKendree, Missouri-St. Louis, and Quincy.
Lincoln, first-year member of the GLVC, will host the Greyhounds on Thursday, Jan. 30. It will mark the first contest against the Blue Tigers in program history.
Important dates such as Pack the House and the Hall of Fame Game will be announced at a later time.
UIndy has earned the top seed and hosting rights in each of the past two NCAA DII Midwest Regionals, advancing past the first round this past March for just the fifth time in program history.
Heady is in his first season as head coach of his alma mater. He previously led crosstown Marian University to seven straight NAIA national tournaments and a conference title in 2020.
INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE WEBSITES
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/
HOY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
NUMBERS IN SPORTS
3 – 8 – 32 – 11 – 24 – 11 – 41 – 12 – 31 – 25 – 80 – 22 – 93 – 68 – 57 – 44 – 51
August 7, 1907 – MLB Washington Senators legendary pitcher Walter Johnson wins first of his 416 career wins, 7-2 v Cleveland
August 7, 1929 – New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth, the eventual Number 3 tied an MLB record by hitting grand slams in consecutive games for the second time in a 13-1 win vs. Philadelphia A’s
August 7, 1972 – Yogi Berra (Number 8), Sandy Koufax (Number 32), Lefty Gomez (Number 11), Early Wynn (Number 24), Josh Gibson (Number 11), Will Harridge, Buck Leonard (Number 32) and Ross Youngs were all inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
August 7, 1978 – Eddie Mathews (Number 41), Addie Joss, and Larry MacPhail are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY
August 7, 1992 – The Orlando Magic signs NBA No. 1 draft pick Shaquille O’Neal who wore Number 32 that season
August 7, 1999 – Tampa Bay 3rd baseman Wade Boggs, Number 12 became the first MLB player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit in Devil Rays’ 15-10 loss v Cleveland
August 7, 2004 – Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux, Number 31 entered his name in the history record books with his 300th career win in Chicago’s 8-4 triumph v San Francisco at SBC Park
August 7, 2007 – San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds, Number 25 hit his 756th career home run, it was a monumental one too as it broke Hank Aaron’s long-standing MLB record
August 7, 2010 – Jerry Rice (Number 80), Emmitt Smith (Number 22), John Randle (Number 93), Russ Grimm (Number 68), Rickey Jackson (Number 57), Floyd Little (Number 44) and Dick LeBeau (Number 44) were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
August 7, 2016 – Miami Marlins veteran Japanese outfielder Ichiro Suzuki wearing Number 51 becomes the 30th member of the 3,000 hit club in a 10 – 7 win v Rockies
FOOTBALL HISTORY
August 7, 1964 – The Chicago College All-Star Game 31st annual is played before 65,000 in paid attendance at Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears defeated the All-Stars 28-17. The MVP award, always given to the college player team, happened to be the wide receiver from Arizona State, Charley Taylor. Taylor we of course know would go on to a brilliant NFL career that would earn him Pro Football Hall of Fame honors!
August 7, 2010 – John Randle the legendary Vikings D- lineman, Russ Grimm the leader of the famed Washington Redskins offensive line called the Hogs, Rickey Jackson the fantastic linebacker for the Saints and 49ers, Floyd Little the former star halfback of the Denver Broncos, Dick LeBeau the famed former cornerback of the Detroit Lions and later defensive-minded coach who created the zone-blitz defense, Jerry Rice, 49ers and Raiders, who is probably the most prolific wide receiver of all time and Emmitt Smith the NFL’s leading rusher of all time from the Cowboys was ceremoniously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
August 7, 2021 – The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined the Class of 2020 in grand fashion at their Canton, Ohio Museum. The festivity was delayed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the legends were able to enjoy the honor of enshrinement all the same as they patiently waited a year. The 2020 Class included Coach Jimmy Johnson, Coach Bill Cowher, Safety Troy Polamalu, Safety Steve Atwater, Receiver Isaac Bruce, Safety Donnie Shell, Guard Steve Hutchinson, Back Edgerrin James, Receiver Harold Carmichael, Tackle Jim Covert, Safety Bobby Dillon, Safety Cliff Harris, Tackle Winston Hill, Defensive Lineman Alex Karras, Tackle Duke Slater, Receiver Mac Speedie, Defender Ed Sprinkle, NFL Films Steve Sabol, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, and Colts legendary GM George Young.
Hall of Fame Birthday for August 7
August 7, 1945 – Alan Page was a defensive end from Notre Dame who was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. Page was named to the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team, and inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.
Not yet in the Hall of Fame Birthday
August 7, 1976 – East Bernard, Texas – Shane Lechler a great punter who played college ball at Texas A&M from 1996-99 was born. Shane was selected 142nd overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2000 NFL Draft. Besides being a Raiders from 2000-12, Lechler also was a member of the Houston Texans from 2013-present. According to a Yahoo.com post, Lechler is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a six-time First-team All-Pro, and a three-time Second-team All-Pro. Shane holds the record for highest average yards per punt in NFL history. Lechler won the Golden Toe Award in 2009 and was a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
Aug. 7
1907 — Walter Johnson won the first of his 417 victories, leading the Washington Senators past the Cleveland Indians 7-2.
1922 — Ken Williams of the St. Louis Browns hit two home runs in the sixth inning rout over the Washington Senators.
1923 — Cleveland’s Frank Bower went 6-for-6 with a double and five singles as the Indians routed the Washington Senators 22-2.
1956 — The largest crowd in minor league history, 57,000, saw 50-year-old Satchel Paige of Miami beat Columbus in an International League game at the Orange Bowl.
1963 — Jim Hickman of the New York Mets hit for the cycle in a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at the Polo Grounds. Hickman’s cycle came in single-double-triple-homer order.
1985 — The strike by the Major League Baseball Players Association ended with the announcement of a tentative agreement. The season resumed Aug. 8.
1999 — Wade Boggs became the first player to homer for his 3,000th hit, with a two-run shot in Tampa Bay’s 15-10 loss to Cleveland. Boggs already had a pair of RBI singles when he homered off Chris Haney in the sixth inning.
2004 — Greg Maddux became the 22nd pitcher in major league history to reach 300 victories, leading the Chicago Cubs to an 8-4 victory over San Francisco.
2007 — San Francisco’s Barry Bonds hit home run No. 756 to break Hank Aaron’s storied record with one out in the fifth inning, hitting a full-count, 84 mph fastball from Washington’s Mike Bacsik. Noticeably absent were Commissioner Bud Selig and Aaron. The Nationals won 8-6.
2016 — Ichiro Suzuki tripled off the wall for his 3,000th hit in the major leagues, becoming the 30th player to reach the milestone as the Miami Marlins beat the Colorado Rockies 10-7.
2016 — Manny Machado became the second player in major league history to homer in the first, second, and third innings, driving in a career-high seven runs in a 10-2 victory over Chicago.
2018 — Bartolo Colon of Texas became the winningest pitcher from Latin America in the Rangers’ 11-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners. After six tries, the 45-year-old right-hander got his 246th career victory and finally broke the tie with Nicaragua’s Dennis Martinez. Colon gave up four runs and eight hits in seven innings and improved his record to 6-10.
2021 — Host nation Japan wins its first-ever gold medal in Olympic baseball by defeating the United States 2-0.
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Aug. 8
1903 — A week after pitching his first doubleheader triumph, Joe “Iron Man” McGinnity of the New York Giants scored a double victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers 6-1 and 4-3. In the second game, he stole home.
1915 — Philadelphia’s Gavvy Cravath hit four doubles and drove in eight runs in a 14-7 victory over the Reds at Cincinnati.
1920 — Howard Ehmke of the Detroit Tigers pitched the fastest 1-0 game in American League history — 1 hour, 13 minutes, for a victory against the New York Yankees.
1931 — Bob Burke of the Washington Senators pitched a 5-0 no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox.
1954 — The Brooklyn Dodgers pounded the Cincinnati Reds 20-7 at Ebbets Field. The Dodgers scored 13 runs in the eighth inning after two were out.
1973 — Designated hitter Orlando Cepeda hit four doubles as the Boston Red Sox posted a 9-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
1985 — Baseball, after a two-day walkout, resumed playing with 18 games scheduled, including five doubleheaders.
1988 — The first-night game scheduled in the 74-year history of Chicago’s Wrigley Field was postponed with the Cubs leading the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 after heavy rains started in the bottom of the fourth inning. Philadelphia’s Phil Bradley led off the game with a home run, but all numbers were wiped out when the rain came.
1992 — Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley had his consecutive save record snapped at 40. His consecutive save records — 36 straight to start a season, and 40 straight over two seasons — ended trying to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals. Eckersley gave up a two-out, two-run single to Gregg Jefferies to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. But the Athletics came back to win the game in the ninth, 5-3.
1997 — Randy Johnson struck out 19, matching the major league record for left-handers he had tied earlier this season, as the Seattle Mariners defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-0.
1998 — Paul Molitor stole his 500th base in Minnesota’s 6-3 loss to Baltimore becoming the fifth player with 3,000 hits and 500 steals. Molitor joined Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Eddie Collins, and Lou Brock.
2000 — Darren Dreifort of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit two homers and was the winning pitcher in a 7-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
2001 — Damion Easley went 6-for-6 with a home run and three RBIs as Detroit pounded Texas 19-6.
2014 — Bartolo Colon records the 200th win of his career in the Mets’ 5 – 4 win over the Phillies.
2016 — Brandon Crawford became the first major league player in 41 years to get seven hits in a game, putting the San Francisco Giants ahead to stay with an RBI single in the 14th inning of an 8-7 victory over the Miami Marlins. Crawford tripled, doubled, and had five singles in eight at-bats.
2018 — Milwaukee’s Jesus Aguilar, Travis Shaw, and Eric Thames hit consecutive first-inning homers to spoil the debut of San Diego’s Brett Kennedy in the Brewers 8-4 win over the Padres.
2018 — Jacob deGrom struck out 10 over six innings, received rare significant run support, and earned his first win in nearly two months as the New York Mets blanked the Cincinnati Reds 8-0. Brandon Nimmo tied a team record with three doubles and drove in three runs as the Mets won for the 22nd time in their last 66 games. DeGrom (6-7) ended a seven-start winless streak, allowing four hits in a 100-pitch outing and lowering his major league-leading ERA to 1.77.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
Aug. 7
1907 — Walter Johnson wins the first of his 417 victories, leading the Washington Senators past the Cleveland Indians 7-2.
1952 — Bion Shively, 74, drives Sharp Note to victory in the third heat of the Hambletonian Stakes.
1982 — Speed Bowl wins the Hambletonian Stakes in straight heats with 25-year-old Tom Haughton in the sulky, the youngest to win the Hambletonian.
1983 — Norway’s Grete Waitz takes the women’s marathon in the first world track and field championships in Helsinki, Finland.
1992 — Sergei Bubka, the world record-holder and defending Olympic champion, fails to clear a height in the pole vault.
1999 — Wade Boggs becomes the first player to homer for his 3,000th hit, connecting with a two-run shot in Tampa Bay’s 15-10 loss to Cleveland.
2004 — Greg Maddux becomes the 22nd pitcher in major league history to reach 300 victories, leading the Chicago Cubs to an 8-4 victory over San Francisco.
2005 — Justin Gatlin dominates the 100 meters at the track and field championships in Helsinki. The Olympic champion wins in 9.88 seconds, finishing 0.17 seconds ahead of Michael Frater of Jamaica. The margin of victory is the largest in the 10 world championships held since the meet’s inception in 1983.
2007 — San Francisco’s Barry Bonds hits home run No. 756 to break Hank Aaron’s storied record. Noticeably absent are Commissioner Bud Selig and Aaron.
2012 — Aly Raisman becomes the first U.S. woman to win Olympic gold on the floor. She picks up a bronze on the balance beam on the final day of gymnastics at the London Olympics and just misses a medal in the all-around.
2016 — Jim Furyk becomes the first golfer to shoot a 58 in PGA Tour history. Three years after Furyk became the sixth player on tour with a 59, he takes it even lower in the Travelers Championship with a 12-under 58 in the final round.
2016 — Ichiro Suzuki triples off the wall for his 3,000th hit in the major leagues, becoming the 30th player to reach the milestone as the Miami Marlins beat the Colorado Rockies 10-7.
2016 — Manny Machado becomes the second player in major league history to homer in the first, second and third innings, driving in a career-high seven runs in a 10-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox.
2016 — American swimmer Katie Ledecky sets a new world record with a time of 3:56.46 to win the gold medal in the women’s 400m freestyle at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
2021 — Kevin Durant with 29 points leads USA to his third and the team’s 4th consecutive Olympic men’s basketball gold medal with an 87-82 win over France in Tokyo.
2021 — Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra wins his country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
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Aug. 8
1902 — The United States, led by William Larned, beats Britain three matches to two to capture the Davis Cup.
1903 — Britain wins the Davis Cup by beating the United States 4-1.
1936 — At the Berlin Olympics, the United States finishes 1-2-3 in the men’s decathlon. Glenn Morris set a world record with 7,900 points, followed by Robert Clark and Jack Parker.
1981 — Shiaway St. Pat, driven by Ray Remmen, wins the first Hambletonian Stakes run at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. in four heats.
1982 — Ray Floyd, who shot a record 63 in the opening round, wins the PGA championship by three shots over Lanny Wadkins.
1984 — Carl Lewis sets the Olympic record in the 200 meters with a 19.80 clocking.
1987 — Mack Lobell, driven by John Campbell, wins the Hambletonian in straight heats with a record-smashing performance. Mack Lobell wins the second heat, and the race, by 6¼ lengths over Napoletano in 1:53 3-5, a fifth of a second off the world all-age trotting record set by Prakas in 1985.
1992 — The Dream Team picks up its gold medal and Carl Lewis anchors a world-record 400-meter relay, winning his eighth gold medal in three Olympics. The U.S. basketball team beats Croatia 117-85, with the 32-point margin of victory the smallest of the Games. In the 400, Mike Marsh, Leroy Burrell, Dennis Mitchell and Lewis set a world record of 37.40 seconds. Steve Lewis anchors another world record as the Americans won the 1,600 relay by nearly half the length of a football field. The team of Andrew Valmon, Quincy Watts, Michael Johnson, and Lewis ran the 1,600 in 2:55.74.
2006 — Roger Goodell is chosen as the NFL’s next commissioner. Favored for months to get the job, he is unanimously elected by the league’s 32 owners on the fifth ballot.
2010 — Los Angeles Sparks forward Tina Thompson scores 23 points to become the WNBA’s all-time scoring leader in a 92-83 loss to the San Antonio Silver Stars. She surpasses Lisa Leslie’s career total of 6,263 points. Thompson is the last of the original WNBA players.
2012 — Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings of the United States become the first three-time gold medalists in Olympic beach volleyball history. The duo beat Jennifer Kessy and April Ross 21-16, 21-16 in the all-American final, extending their Olympic winning streak to 21 matches.
2012 — Brittney Reese wins the long jump, becoming the first U.S. woman to win the Olympic long jump since Jackie Joyner-Kersee in 1988. Caster Semenya makes her Olympic debut three years after being forced to undergo gender tests, finishing second in her 800 heat.
2015 — Katie Ledecky ends her world swimming championships in spectacular style, lowering her world record by 3.61 seconds in the 800-meter freestyle for her fifth gold medal. The 18-year-old American completes a sweep of the 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 freestyles in Kazan, Russia. She was the anchor leg on the victorious 4×200 free relay, too.
2018 — The NCAA Board of Governors and Division I Board of Directors adopt a “series of significant policy and legislative changes” as part of an effort to “fundamentally” change the NCAA’s structure. The NCAA changes eligibility rules, allowing top prospects to hire agents in high school and giving college players more leeway to return after declaring for the NBA draft.
2021 — USA women’s basketball team wins its record-extending 7th consecutive Olympic gold medal with a 90-75 win over Japan in Tokyo; guards Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi each win their 5th straight gold.
2021 — USA Women’s volleyball defeats Brazil in straight sets to win the gold medal. It’s the first Olympic gold medal in USA Women’s volleyball history. The win would give the United States 39 gold medals breaking a tie with China on the final day of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
TV SPORTS WEDNESDAY
GOLF
3 p.m.
GOLF — USGA: The U.S Women’s Amateur, Round of 64, Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Okla.
HORSE RACING
1 p.m.
FS2 — NYRA: Saratoga Live
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL
11 a.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, Midwest Region – Semifinal, Whitestown, Ind.
1 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, New England Region – Semifinal, Bristol, Conn.
3 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, Northwest Region – Semifinal, San Bernardino, Calif.
5 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, Metro Region – Semifinal, Bristol, Conn.
7 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, Great Lakes Region – Championship, Whitestown, Ind.
9 p.m.
ESPN — Little League World Series: TBD, West Region – Semifinal, San Bernardino, Calif.
MLB BASEBALL
2 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Minnesota at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m.) OR Houston at Texas (2:35 p.m.)
6:30 p.m.
FS1 — San Diego at Pittsburgh
10 p.m.
MLBN — Regional Coverage: Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers OR Detroit at Seattle (9:40 p.m.)
RUGBY (MEN’S)
5:45 a.m. (Thursday)
FS2 — NRL: Melbourne at South Sydney
SOCCER (MEN’S)
7 p.m.
CBSSN — USL Championship: Pittsburgh at Detroit
SOFTBALL
5 p.m.
ESPN2 — Athletes Unlimited: Team McQuillin vs. Team Kilfoyl, Rosemont, Ill.
7:30 p.m.
ESPN2 — Athletes Unlimited: Team Lorenz vs. Team Palacios, Rosemont, Ill.
TENNIS
11 a.m.
TENNIS — Montreal-ATP, Toronto-WTA Early Rounds
YOUTH HOCKEY (BOY’S)
5:30 p.m.
NHLN — Hlinka Gretzky Cup Hockey U-18: Germany vs. U.S., Preliminary Round, Edmonton, Alberta
9:30 p.m.
NHLN — Hlinka Gretzky Cup Hockey U-18: Canada vs. Sweden, Preliminary Round, Edmonton, Alberta
OLYMPICS
ARTISTIC SWIMMING
1:40 p.m.
E! — Team: Acrobatic Routine
5 p.m.
NBC — Team: Acrobatic Routine (Taped)
BASKETBALL
3:15 p.m.
USA — Women’s Quarterfinal
11:30 p.m.
USA — Women’s Quarterfinal (Taped)
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
11 a.m.
E! — Quarterfinal
Noon
NBC — Quarterfinal
3 p.m.
E! — Quarterfinal
4 p.m.
NBC — Quarterfinal
10:30 p.m.
USA — Quarterfinal (Taped)
BOXING
10 p.m.
USA — Men’s Middle, Light Finals & more (Taped)
CANOE & KAYAK
12:15 p.m.
USA — Sprint: Canoe, Kayak Heats (Taped)
CYCLING
12 p.m.
E! — Team Pursuit Finals
DIVING
4 a.m.
E! — Men’s 3m Springboard Semifinal
9:10 a.m.
E! — Women’s 3m Springboard Preliminary
11 p.m.
NBC — Primetime in Paris (Aug 7)
GOLF
3 a.m.
GOLF — Women’s Round 1: Part 1
7 a.m.
GOLF — Women’s Round 1: Part 2
FIELD HOCKEY
8 p.m.
USA — Women’s Semifinal (Taped)
HANDBALL
9:30 a.m.
USA — Men’s Quarterfinal (Taped)
2:45 p.m.
USA — Men’s Quarterfinal
9 p.m.
USA — Men’s Quarterfinal (Taped)
SKATEBOARDING
2:35 a.m.
NBC — NBC Late Night (Aug 6)
7:05 a.m.
USA — Men’s Park: Preliminary Round
11:30 a.m.
USA — Men’s Park: Final
SPORT CLIMBING
2:35 a.m.
NBC — NBC Late Night (Aug 6)
5:45 a.m.
E! — Men’s Combined, Women’s Speed
TABLE TENNIS
7 a.m.
E! — M&W Team: Quarterfinals (Taped)
TRACK FIELD
1:30 a.m.
USA — Mixed Team Race Walk
4:30 a.m.
USA — Heats: Men’s 800m & more
1 p.m.
NBC — Finals: Men’s 400m & more
11 p.m.
NBC — Primetime in Paris (Aug 7)
VOLLEYBALL
10 a.m.
NBC — Men’s Semifinal
4 p.m.
E! — Men’s Semifinal (Taped)
6 p.m.
USA — Men’s Semifinal (Taped)
WATER POLO
8 a.m.
E! — Men’s Quarterfinal
1 p.m.
USA — Men’s Quarterfinal
2:45 p.m.
USA — Men’s Quarterfinal (Taped)
WEIGHTLIFTING
2:15 p.m.
USA — Men’s 61kg Final (Taped)
WRESTLING
11 a.m.
USA — GR 67kg, 87kg & W Freestyle 53kg Eliminations (Taped)
5:15 p.m.USA — Finals: Greco Roman 77kg, 97kg & more (Taped)