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Mar 24, 2023
Memphis’ Jamirah Shutes sucker punches Bowling Green’s Elissa Brett following WNIT loss, police investigate
Police in Ohio are investigating after Memphis guard Jamirah Shutes sucker punched Bowling Green's Elissa Brett in the face during handshakes following BGSU’s win on Thursday night in the third round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).
The university released a statement following the game announcing that the incident had been turned over to campus police.
BGSU declined to comment further, citing an "active" investigation.
"The incident that took place following tonight’s home WNIT game has been turned over to the BGSU Police Department," the statement read. "Bowling Green State University Athletics does not make comments about active police investigations. Our priority is with the health, safety and support of our student-athletes."
Mar 24, 2023
NFL warns teams about Lamar Jackson ally; QB says he's promoting gym equipment with him
The NFL issued a memo to all teams on Thursday to notify them that someone who is not certified by the NFLPA could attempt to persuade them to enter contract talks with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The man named in the memo, obtained by ESPN, is Ken Francis. Because Jackson does not have an agent, teams are only allowed to discuss a contract with him.
Francis contacting teams would be prohibited because he is not a certified agent.
Jackson, who was given the non-exclusive franchise tag by the Ravens prior to the deadline earlier this month, is allowed to discuss an offer sheet with another team.
"As an uncertified person, Mr. Francis is prohibited from negotiating Offer Sheets or Player Contracts, or discussing potential trades on behalf of any NFL player or prospective player or assisting in or advising with respect to such negotiations," the memo read.
Mar 24, 2023
New York radio host goes ballistic on caller, throws headset over 'worthless' World Baseball Classic
Despite the on-field emotion of plenty World Baseball Classic games matching, and arguably surpassing, that of Game 7 of the World Series, there are still plenty in the United States who believe the WBC still doesn't matter.
WFAN host Sal Licata is in that party, and he is defending it to the extreme.
When a caller dialed into Licata's 12-5 a.m. shift on the FAN early Wednesday, "Bill" was telling Licata that Major League Baseball was trying to "expand the game globally" with the WBC.
After saying the caller was an "idiot," Licata asked, "Why do I care about globally?"
"They're marketing to smarter people than you, I'm sorry. You don't get it – you never will get it…" Bill replied. "It's about the money, stupid."
Mar 24, 2023
NCAA suspends Ferris State's coach after players lit up cigars during postgame celebration
If the defending Division II champion Ferris State Bulldogs reach the playoffs in 2023, their head coach will not be on the sidelines for the first game.
The NCAA handed head football coach Tony Annese a one-game playoff suspension after two of his players lit cigars in a smoke-free locker room following a second-straight national title.
Ferris State rolled past Colorado School of Mines 41-14 at McKinney ISD Stadium.
The stadium, located outside Dallas, is used for high school games and strictly prohibits the use of tobacco on its grounds.
Mar 24, 2023
Gonzaga drills three-pointer in final seconds to clinch trip to Elite 8 as Drew Timme goes off
The first half looked like UCLA was going to coast to a trip to the Elite 8.
But they don’t call it March Madness for nothing.
The three-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs overcame the tremendous deficit, and not without stress at the end, to win an instant classic over No. 2 UCLA, 79-76.
The Bulldogs were down 46-33 at the half, but something was said in the locker room that made them look like a totally different team when everyone returned to the floor.
The Bulldogs fought all the way back (rather quickly) turning what seemed like an insurmountable deficit into, well, the same thing - just the other way around. The Bulldogs went on a 20-3 run at one point in the second half to lead by 10 with 2:30 to go.
Mar 23, 2023
Former Fox Exec Convicted in FIFA Bribery Case
A former Fox exec faces up to 40 years in prison after Thursday’s verdict by a Brooklyn federal jury in a bribery trial that saw jurors acquit another former network official.
Hernan Lopez, the ex-CEO of Fox International Channel, was found guilty of wire fraud and money-laundering charges related to a scheme that funneled millions of dollars to soccer officials to bolster Fox’s chances of securing World Cup and other soccer media rights.
Carlos Martinez, the head of another Fox subsidiary, was acquitted at the conclusion of the same seven-week trial.
The verdict was the latest twist in a federal corruption investigation into international soccer that led to the ouster of longtime FIFA president Sepp Blatter after the first indictments were unsealed in 2015.
Mar 23, 2023
Jon Rahm wants golf's distance row resolved to allow chance for 'unity'
World No 2 Jon Rahm has pleaded for “unity” in the PGA Tour locker rooms as the professional game stands on the brink of another great divide concerning the distance debate.
Rahm has already stated his opposition to the recently-announced plan of the R&A and US Golf Association to introduce a “shorter” ball that will travel 15 to 20 yards less when hit by the big-hitters, joining not only the equipment-makers in his objections but also several other top names such as Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
And this apparently collective stance in the elite ranks against the intentions of the governing bodies bolstered the conviction on Tour that the mooted “Model Local Rule” due to be implemented in 2026 would never see the light of day.
However, on Wednesday, Rory McIlroy threw a spanner - if not an entire equipment truck - in the works when declaring that he fully supported the proposal, arguing that it would arrest golf’s “bomb and gouge” trend and restore the “integrity” of a sport in danger of becoming too one-dimensional.
Mar 23, 2023
Yankees now worth an MLB-leading $7.1 billion as team values keep rising
Once again, the New York Yankees are by far the most valuable team in Major League Baseball.
Forbes’ annual list of MLB team valuations was released Thursday, one week before Opening Day. While there are plenty of financial questions surrounding the league — especially after Diamond Sports Group essentially filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, putting the regional sports network model at even more risk than it already was — team values largely went up. On average, team values increased about 12% over last year. Revenue is up almost 8%, too.
The Yankees still top the list and are now worth $7.1 billion. That’s up 18% from last year. By comparison, the Dallas Cowboys were valued at about $8 billion last fall, which made them the most valuable sports franchise in the United States. The Golden State Warriors are worth $7 billion, which tops the NBA’s latest list. The New York Knicks are second at $6.1 billion, and the Los Angeles Lakers are third at $5.9 billion.
Mar 23, 2023
LIV Golf Alleges PGA Tour Exec Illegally Killed TV Deals
Court filings by LIV Golf and the PGA Tour as part of their civil antitrust case reveal how much work it took for LIV to land television partners in the U.S. and worldwide.
Documents filed in federal court late Wednesday night regarding LIV Golf’s inability to agree on the deposition terms of London-based PGA Tour executive Thierry Pascal detailed LIV’s struggles.
“Based on [PGA] Tour documents and other sources, LIV believes Mr. Pascal used illegal means to dissuade numerous broadcasters in international markets from signing broadcast contracts with LIV and even from reporting about LIV events in their news content,” LIV lawyers wrote in the filing.
“Time and again, after the live meeting or phone call, the broadcaster did an about-face and informed LIV the negotiations (in one case, a signed contract) could not proceed. Because of his conduct and his efforts to conceal it, Mr. Pascal is a foundational witness whose testimony will inform later discovery in important ways.”
Mar 23, 2023
Michael Irvin Files Third Lawsuit Against Marriott, Video Released
Michael Irvin’s legal pursuit of Marriott is heading to yet another venue.
Hours after the suspended NFL Network analyst dropped his $100 million lawsuit against the hotel chain in a Texas federal court, his lawyer announced a third lawsuit had been filed — seeking an unspecified amount — regarding the incident of alleged misconduct reported by a Phoenix hotel employee.
At a Tuesday news conference, attorney Levi McCathern showed video footage of the Feb. 5 encounter outside a bar area of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel to the public for the first time.
McCathern obtained the footage after about a month of legal wrangling both in Texas state and federal courts.
Mar 22, 2023
MLB Reportedly Working With Bally’s to Stream All Minor Leagues for Free
In the midst of tremendous uncertainty around local broadcasts at the Major League level, MLB has reportedly struck a deal to stream all minor league games for free.
All available broadcasts for the 120 minor league teams will be available on the Bally Live app, according to the New York Post.
There will be no blackouts for local teams — unlike with MLB.TV, which only provides video for out-of-market games.
Bally’s, a casino operator and owner of the sports betting app Bally Bet, will not allow gambling on minor league games but will provide free games related to the broadcasts. Fans will also be able to bet on other events through Bally’s, including MLB games.
Mar 22, 2023
World Baseball Classic: Shohei Ohtani closes out Team USA as Japan wins 3rd title
No player in baseball history has shown a two-way ability at the level of Shohei Ohtani, and now the Team Japan and Los Angeles Angels star can add one more item to an already unprecedented résumé: World Baseball Classic closer.
Ohtani put the finishing touches on Japan's undefeated run at the 2023 WBC on Tuesday, protecting a one-run lead in the ninth inning of a 3-2 win in Miami and giving his country an unmatched third title in the event's history.
Ohtani started the game as Japan's designated hitter, going 1-for-3 with a run and a walk at the plate. Even before he took the field, there was speculation about if he would see the mound after the Angels gave their public blessing for the former MVP to pitch. Ohtani moved between the dugout and bullpen several times in the later innings before finally emerging in the ninth for what will likely go down as one of the most watched moments in baseball history.
Mar 22, 2023
World Baseball Classic Final Draws Record TV Viewership
The World Baseball Classic got a dream finale with Shohei Ohtani dramatically facing off against Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout.
Tuesday night’s dramatic USA vs. Japan championship game generated the most-watched WBC Final in the tournament’s history.
Japan’s 3-2 victory over the USA drew 5.2 million viewers across the FS1 cable network, Fox Deportes, and Fox Sports’ streaming platforms, according to MLB. That made it the most-watched WBC game telecast ever on American TV. It was up 69% from the last WBC Final in 2017.
Mar 22, 2023
The World Golf Championships dead at 24: 'Everything has changed'
USTIN, Texas – The World Golf Championships — a bold concept born from the threat of a potential rival league led by Greg Norman (sound familiar?) — have died. They were 24.
Technically, the concept will linger for a few more days with this week’s WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play set to mark the unofficial swansong, and PGA Tour officials will also point out the circuit is under contract to continue playing the WGC-HSBC Champions, but that event hasn’t been held since 2019 and it doesn’t seem the circuit is heading back to China any time soon.
“We've not played [in China] in three years, and it's difficult to foresee when we would play. Part of the decision we're making as it relates to the WGC-Dell Match Play is a result of that,” commissioner Jay Monahan said earlier this month. “Right now, you see the direction the PGA Tour’s heading in. It is with these designated events; it's with the concentration of the best players on the PGA Tour competing in them, I really don't expect that to change as we go forward.”
Mar 22, 2023
Canadian Steve Apostolopoulos Enters Commanders Mix
Canadian real estate and venture capital exec Steve Apostolopoulos visited Washington Commanders’ facilities and has an interest in acquiring the franchise, a source with knowledge of the process confirmed to Front Office Sports on Wednesday.
It’s unclear if Apostolopoulos has entered a bid to purchase the Commanders. ESPN was the first outlet to report Apostolopoulos was a potential bidder for the franchise that has been on the market since November.
Apostolopoulos recently toured the Commanders headquarters in Ashburn, Va., and FedEx Stadium in Landover, Md., according to The Washington Post. FOS was unable to confirm the timing of Apostolopoulos’ visit, something that typically occurs during the midpoint of the bidding process.
Mar 21, 2023
Brett Favre Knew Mississippi Funds Transfer Was Illegal
Brett Favre wrote in a text that the former head of Mississippi’s state welfare program deserved an overpriced Ford pickup.
“Surprise him with a vehicle. … We could get him a Raptor,” Favre wrote in a January 2019 text.
There’s no indication Favre paid close to six figures for that truck after John Davis helped to allegedly divert about $8 million to the Hall of Fame’s quarterback and his pet projects.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services — the same agency Davis led — detailed more allegations against Favre in an answer to his motion to dismiss. In the filing. Attorneys for the agency said Favre’s texts revealed he knew the scheme was “illegal.”
Mar 21, 2023
Cinderella Tourney Runs Could Lead to Big NIL Paydays
With March Madness underway, an unexpected hot streak or unlikely hero can become a national story — and under today’s NIL regulations, that can mean big paydays for players in the NCAA tournament.
Doug Edert, for instance, helped Saint Peter’s Peacocks — a 15-seed in 2022 — to an unlikely run to the Elite Eight last year, helping him amass an NIL brand value of more than $120,000, according to On3. He struck multiple deals, including one with Buffalo Wild Wings.
On3 doesn’t list any basketball players on the Furman Paladins in its NIL valuation database, but that could change if the team is able to build on its first-round upset of fourth-seeded Virginia and go on a Cinderella run.
Going into this tournament, On3 sees Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe as holding the highest NIL value in the tournament ($915,000), followed by Indiana forward Trayce Jackson-Davis ($887,000) and Miami’s twin guards Haley and Hanna Cavinder ($835,000 each).
Mar 21, 2023
Magic Johnson Enters Commanders Bidding War
Magic Johnson’s addition to billionaire Josh Harris’ bid for the Washington Commanders has ratcheted up the intrigue over what will likely result in a world-record price tag for a sports franchise.
When a winning bidder will be announced, however, remains a mystery.
Front Office Sports confirmed Johnson has teamed up with Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. Fellow billionaire Mitchell Rales was already a part of Harris’ group before Sportico first reported the Laker legend’s addition.
Between Harris, Rales, and Johnson, the group has a combined estimated net worth of about $12 billion.
Magic was also part of Harris’ bid last year to purchase the Denver Broncos, who ultimately sold to a group headed by Walmart heir Rob Walton for $4.65 billion.
Beyond Harris’s group, sources told FOS Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta remain in the mix for the team. All the finalists are under confidentiality agreements.
Mar 21, 2023
World Baseball Classic: Japan advances to final with walk-off win over Mexico
Munetaka Murakami looked lost for most of a classic World Baseball Classic semifinal against Mexico, but it took only one swing for him to become the hero of the night.
Japan topped Mexico 6-5 on Monday in Miami to advance to the final, surviving a slugfest that ended with a walk-off double by Murakami, who was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as he walked to the plate. Shohei Ohtani started the game-winning rally with a leadoff double and was followed by a walk from Masataka Yoshida, opening the door for Murakami:
Japan will face the United States in the final Tuesday in Miami (FS1), a matchup between two of the tournament favorites.
Monday night was billed as the American debut of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, but it wound up being so much more. That's not to say Sasaki wasn't electric; he was, starting by striking out Randy Arozarena on a 102 mph pitch to open the game.
Mar 21, 2023
Michael Jordan in Talks to Sell Charlotte Hornets
Michael Jordan is reportedly in advanced talks to sell his majority of stake in the Charlotte Hornets, a potential deal that could leave the NBA without a Black controlling owner.
ESPN reported Thursday that Jordan was negotiating with Hornets minority owner Gabe Plotkin and Atlanta Hawks minority owner Rick Schnall, although the transaction wasn’t imminent. Messages left with the Hornets by Front Office Sports were not immediately returned.
Jordan’s $275 million purchase of the Hornets was approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors in 2010. Four years prior, the six-time NBA champ acquired a minority interest in the team. Jordan is expected to keep a minority interest in the Hornets, according to ESPN.
As one celebrity owner possibly exits the NBA, another is poised to jump in. Baseball great Alex Rodriguez is looking to take over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former New York Yankees slugger and partner Marc Lore need to fork over $250 million by March 28 as part of a $1.5 billion takeover.
Mar 20, 2023
FAU's Alijah Martin ripped for 'disrespectful' move in final seconds of win over FDU
The No. 9 seed Florida Atlantic Owls are in the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history after their win over No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson on Sunday night.
Unfortunately for them, that was not the biggest talking point after the game.
Instead, it was the attempted dunk attempt that Owls star guard Alijah Martin decided to do despite the Knights not looking to foul them any longer. They accepted their efforts were not enough with the clock winding down in the 78-70 loss.
Martin’s windmill attempt did not go through the hoop, and it did not sit well with fans in the stands either.
Mar 20, 2023
Kansas State's Jerome Tang takes swipe at Kentucky's 'tradition' after March Madness win
Kansas State coach Jerome Tang did not mince words when talking about what it meant to him to beat Kentucky in the Round of 32 and advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Markquis Nowell scored 23 of his 27 points in the second half to help Kansas State defeat Kentucky, 75-69. The team advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2018.
"We have a program that’s rich in tradition also," Tang told reporters after the game, via WLKY. "All those old dudes that played for Kentucky, they ain’t coming back, right? So, tradition does not help you if you don’t get out on the floor and play with some dudes. We had more dudes than they had today. That’s what that was."
Mar 20, 2023
Missouri star linebacker Chad Bailey suspended from team after DWI arrest
Missouri star linebacker Chad Bailey was suspended from the team on Sunday after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated early Sunday, the school said.
Bailey, a 23-year-old team captain for the Tigers, was booked at around 2:45 a.m. local time and was released on $500 bond, according to online records from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Bailey was pulled over around 1 a.m. Sunday near the Columbia campus for an expired license plate and lane violation. Bailey reportedly told officers he had consumed alcohol and then allegedly failed a field sobriety test.
"We are aware of the situation involving Chad Bailey," Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "He’s been suspended according to Department of Athletics policy. We have high expectations for all of our student-athletes, on and off the field, and we will follow all departmental and campus policies."
Mar 20, 2023
Super Bowl champion rumored to be backup plan if Jets’ Aaron Rodgers trade fails
The New York Jets and Green Bay Packers are reportedly continuing their talks about trading four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 39-year-old announced last week it is his intention to play for New York.
But, as Rodgers mentioned and the situation clearly states, a trade has yet to be agreed upon. So, while Rodgers does want to play for a different team for the first time in his NFL career, it’s not yet done.
In the case the Jets can’t find common ground with the Packers, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio said New York had a possible backup plan in place well before Rodgers made his decision to return to the NFL and seek a trade.
Mar 20, 2023
Lamar Jackson 'really expensive option' at quarterback, Panthers GM says
Lamar Jackson is available for any team to try and get him, but it will cost a prospective NFL team more than just money to acquire the quarterback as he is a restricted free agent.
The Carolina Panthers are among the teams who could really use a quarterback – especially a one-time MVP like Jackson. Carolina traded for the No. 1 overall pick of the draft, and a quarterback could be in its sights. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer understands the greatness of Jackson and the price tag.
"Like anything, you always have a conversation," Fitterer said Monday, via Pro Football Talk. "But we were looking. … He’s a great option — a really expensive option. But we’re focused on more of the draft picks at this point."
Mar 18, 2023
Arkansas upsets defending champion Kansas to advance to Sweet 16
There will be no repeat champion in March Madness.
The top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks are headed home after being upset by No. 8 Arkansas, 72-71, in the second round.
Kansas led by as many as 12 points, but Arkansas responded with an 18-5 run to take a one-point lead, its first since it was 2-0.
Both teams exchanged buckets with neither team able to increase its lead by more than four points for several minutes.
The game was tied at 65 with 1:07 to go with the ball in the Razorbacks’ possession, and a tip-in gave them a two-point lead. The Jayhawks drew a foul in the double-bonus, though, and Jalen Wilson made both free throws with 39 seconds left to tie it up again.
Mar 18, 2023
Houston's dominant second half over Auburn propels Cougars to Sweet 16
Marcus Sasser looked just fine, scoring 22 points, and top-seeded Houston stifled local favorite Auburn in the second half for an 81-64 victory in the NCAA Tournament Saturday night.
The Cougars (33-3) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit, returning after the break with a chip on their shoulders.
Essentially shutting down the lane, Houston played with the desperation of a national championship contender that wasn't ready to suffer the same fate as Purdue and Kansas — No. 1s that already were sent home.
Mar 18, 2023
Alabama defensive back arrested on marijuana possession, intent to sell/deliver
Alabama defensive back Tony Mitchell was arrested earlier this week on drug charges in Florida.
The freshman was charged with possession of marijuana, along with intent to sell and/or deliver.
The passenger in his vehicle at the time, Chrisophere Lewis, was hit with the same charges, along with a charge on "carrying a concealed firearm without a permit," according to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
"During the stop, deputies detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle," the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office wrote on its Facebook page. "When asked if there was marijuana in the vehicle, Mitchell produced a baggie of marijuana from the passenger floorboard. Both Mitchell and Lewis were taken into custody.
Mar 18, 2023
Free agent WR Odell Beckham dismisses reports saying he is seeking contract worth $20M annually
Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. continues to search for his next NFL team.
Beckham recently held a private workout in Arizona and reportedly grabbed the attention of several teams.
According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Panthers, Giants, Patriots, Rams, Cardinals, 49ers, Bills, Chiefs, Vikings, Browns and Ravens were represented at the workout.
Despite the high level of interest, Beckham remains unsigned, and one of the reasons the star wideout hasn't landed a contract apparently involves his reported salary demands.
Mar 18, 2023
No. 15 Princeton advances to Sweet 16 with another upset over Missouri
It’s not yet midnight for the Princeton Tigers.
The No. 15 seed moved on to the Sweet 16 after taking down No. 7 Missouri in the second round Saturday, 78-63.
Princeton dominated the first half, building a 14-point lead. But Missouri got back-to-back buckets to cut it to a seven-point deficit. But the 15th-seeded Tigers got off to a hot start in the second half, and they never looked back, leading by as many as 21 points.
Ryan Langborg led the way with 22 points, while Blake Peters netted 17 for Princeton.
Caden Pierce added 16 rebounds.
Mar 17, 2023
Suspended Grizzlies star Ja Morant's nightclub incident could cost him $39 million: report
Ja Morant has quickly become a superstar. The Memphis Grizzlies guard has a unique skill set and is often the most gifted athlete on the basketball court on any given night.
His high-flying slam dunks have taken the internet by storm over the past couple of years, and he has helped lift his team to multiple playoff appearances and a division title. Last July, the Grizzlies rewarded Morant with a five-year supermax contract extension.
The contract included incentives which entitled Morant to nearly a quarter-billion dollars if he met certain thresholds this season.
Mar 17, 2023
Alabama-Texas A&M-Corpus Christi game ends with wild bad beat in bettors' nightmare scenario
The first day of the NCAA Tournament reminded college basketball fans why it is called "March Madness."
In the early slate of games, 13-seed Furman took down 4-seed Virginia on a late turnover by the Cavaliers, resulting in a game-winning three from JP Pegues, giving Furman its first NCAA Tournament win since 1974.
In the afternoon, 15-seed Princeton stunned 2-seed Arizona, going on a 9-0 run to close the game and win its first tournament game in 25 years.
Day 2 of the tournament kicks off Friday, and there will undoubtedly be more "madness" to come.
However, among the great finishes on Thursday came a terrible gambling beat for bettors backing the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Mar 17, 2023
Xavier stages furious rally to beat Kennesaw State in Owls' first-ever NCAA Tournament game
The Greensboro Coliseum was rocking for an early start between 14-seed Kennesaw State and 3-seed Xavier in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
In the school's first-ever appearance in the tournament, the arena had a strong pro-Kennesaw State contingent, as fans of the Owls made the nearly six-hour drive from Kennesaw, Georgia, to Greensboro, North Carolina.
Xavier went on a 15-0 run late in the second half to take the lead, holding off Kennesaw State, 72-67, to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Mar 17, 2023
Pitt coasts to first-round upset victory over Iowa State in March Madness
Nelly Cummings scored 13 points and No. 11 seed Pittsburgh held sixth-seeded Iowa State to 23% shooting in a 59-41 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday.
Jamarius Burton added 11 points and Greg Elliott had 10 for coach Jeff Capel's Panthers, who stormed to a 22-2 lead after Iowa State missed its first 11 shots. Things didn’t get much better for the Cyclones, who had three stretches in which they missed at least eight consecutive shots.
Pitt (24-11), which edged Mississippi State in the First Four, moves on to Sunday’s second-round Midwest Region game against third-seeded Xavier, which had to rally from 13 points down to beat No. 14 seed Kennesaw State.
Mar 17, 2023
Jalen Carter, top NFL Draft prospect, pleads no contest to reckless driving, racing charges
Former Georgia defensive lineman and top NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in connection to a January crash that killed one of his Georgia teammates and another staff member, his attorney said in a statement Thursday.
Carter, 21, was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine after entering no-contest pleas to both charges stemming from his alleged conduct in the Jan. 15 crash that resulted in the deaths of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
"We are happy that we were able to work with the Solicitor General's office to reach a resolution that was fair and just based on the evidence in this case," attorney Kim Stephens said in the statement.
Mar 16, 2023
2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Carter reportedly won't receive jail time after pleading no contest in fatal car crash case
Former Georgia defensive tackle and top NFL draft prospect Jalen Carter reportedly won't be jailed after he pled no contest Thursday in his reckless driving and racing case, according to The Athletic's Seth Emerson. Carter will reportedly receive 12 months probation, pay a $1,000 fine, perform 80 hours of community service and finish a driving course as his sentence.
Carter was implicated in a car crash on Jan. 15. that left two dead — Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and a team staff member Chandler LeCroy. An arrest warrant was issued for Carter while he was at the NFL combine in Indianapolis on Mar. 5. Carter was booked and released after posting bond Wednesday night before he returned to Indianapolis on Thursday.
Reports indicate Carter was present at the scene of the accident, left before emergency personnel arrived and returned around 90 minutes later at the request of police but "gave shifting accounts of the wreck as an Athens police officer questioned him about whether he had been racing the car that crashed."
Kim Stephens, Carter's attorney, said in a statement Thursday that Carter "did not the cause the tragic accident" and "would have been charged with the far more serious offenses of vehicular homicide and serious injury by vehicle" if he had. She added that Carter "never left the scene of the accident without being told that he could leave" and "had not been drinking alcohol and was not under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance at the time of the wreck."
Mar 16, 2023
Medvedev allays fitness fears to reach Indian Wells semis, Sabalenka, Tiafoe race through
Daniil Medvedev's sore right ankle wasn't a factor Wednesday as he beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 7-5 to reach the semi-finals at Indian Wells, where Aryna Sabalenka and Frances Tiafoe raced into the final four.
Medvedev showed little ill effect from the twisted ankle he suffered in a three-set battle against Alexander Zverev a day earlier as he pushed his ATP match winning streak to 18 straight.
He booked a semi-final clash with 16th-ranked American Tiafoe, who beat 2021 Indian Wells winner Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4.
Australian Open champion Sabalenka, still building on her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne, overpowered Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-0 to advance at the combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 event.
Mar 16, 2023
Check out who filed suit to block LIV Golf's attempt to register its trademark
MARANA, Ariz. — LIV Golf has another legal battle, but this time against a foe with a very familiar name.
LIV nightclub in Miami Beach has filed a court action to oppose LIV Golf's attempt to register its trademark.
In the Notice of Opposition, the nightclub states that the trademarks "are visually, phonetically and aurally similar and the goods/services share similarities."
In other words, the legendary discotheque in the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is attempting to block the Saudi-backed golf league at the door.
LIV nightclub was founded by hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman in 2008 and has been recognized as one of the best clubs in the country. It is famous for its high energy and for attracting the rich and famous among actors, musicians, athletes and models.
Mar 16, 2023
Rickie Fowler latest PGA Tour star to join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL
The color orange has become synonymous with Rickie Fowler on Sundays, and soon we’ll get to see what the former Oklahoma State star dons on a Monday night.
Fowler is the latest PGA Tour star to join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for the first season of TGL, a tech-infused golf league that will play on Monday nights, featuring 15 regular season matches followed by a postseason.
Now up to 59th in the Official World Golf Ranking after falling to 185th in 2022, Fowler will join Woods, McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, Matt Fitzpatrick, Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Xander Schauffele and Billy Horschel for the first year.
“The more I learn about TGL the more excited I am to be a part of it,” Fowler said in a release. “I love the idea of inviting fans to watch golf within an environment that is very similar to other primetime professional sports.”
Mar 16, 2023
March Madness: Kansas coach Bill Self to miss game vs. Howard
Kansas coach Bill Self will not be on the bench of the team’s NCAA tournament game against Howard on Thursday.
The school said Thursday morning that Self “continues to progress well” after he had a heart catheterization and two stents put in last week. The heart procedure caused Self to miss the Big 12 tournament.
Kansas assistant coach Norm Roberts will be the team’s acting head coach in Self’s absence. He was the acting head coach during the Big 12 tournament and at the beginning of the year when Self served a suspension. Roberts spoke to the media in the head coach capacity on Wednesday as Kansas practiced ahead of the tournament.
Self, 60, was released from the hospital on Sunday and traveled to Des Moines, the site of KU’s game on Thursday. The Jayhawks will play Saturday against either Arkansas or Illinois if they win as expected over the Bison. The defending national champions are the No. 1 seed in the West Region and the No. 2 favorite to win the NCAA tournament.
Mar 14, 2023
NFL free agency: Raiders reportedly agree to sign WR Jakobi Meyers for 3 years, $33 million
The Las Vegas Raiders added another offensive piece after reportedly agreeing to a three-year, $33 million deal with former New England Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal also reportedly comes with $21 million guaranteed.
Meyers will reunite with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now the head coach for the Raiders. The move also gives new Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo another weapon on an already-loaded skill position group with wideouts Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow and running back Josh Jacobs.
It'll be a full-circle moment for Meyers, who threw the errant lateral pass that Raiders edge rusher Chandler Jones caught and returned for a game-winning touchdown in Week 15. The move didn't really affect the Raiders' season, but it completely altered the Patriots' chances to make the playoffs last season. After the game, Meyers said he was "trying to do too much and trying to be a hero" while Patriots head coach Bill Belichick simply noted "we made a mistake."
Mar 14, 2023
Grizzlies' Ja Morant enters counseling program after incidents, still no timetable for return
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant entered a counseling program in Florida on Monday after a string of incidents, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim McMahon.
Morant has been away from the team for the past 10 days, and there is still no timetable for his return.
It’s unclear what type of counseling program specifically Morant entered, or how long he'll be there.
Morant has been involved in several notable and troubling incidents this season. Most notably, Morant went live on Instagram and flashed what appeared to be a gun at a Colorado nightclub just hours after the team played the Denver Nuggets earlier this month. Morant hasn’t played since. Colorado police opted not to charge Morant with a crime, though the NBA is investigating.
Mar 14, 2023
Former Louisville standout, NBA center Felton Spencer dies at 55
Former Louisville standout and longtime NBA center Felton Spencer died Sunday, the university announced.
He was 55.
Specifics surrounding his death are not yet known.
Spencer played at Louisville from 1986-1990. He helped lead the Cardinals to three consecutive Metro Conference tournament wins and a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. He averaged a career-best 14.9 points and 8.5 rebounds during his senior season, and shot 62.8% from the field throughout his collegiate career, which is still the Louisville program record.
Spencer was then selected with the No. 6 overall pick in 1990 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent his first three seasons in the league. He was named to the all-rookie team after his first season, where he averaged 7.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. Spencer also spent time with the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks before he retired in 2002.
Mar 14, 2023
Michael Irvin has re-filed his defamation lawsuit in Arizona
Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin has not given up his fight against the hotel that played a direct role in getting him suspended by NFL Network and ESPN during Super Bowl week.
The case, we’re told, has already been re-filed in Arizona. The goal was to correct the defect arising from the fact that Marriott doesn’t technically own the property at which the incident occurred.
The case likely has been filed against the owner of the hotel and one or more individual employees of the hotel.
Why Arizona and not Texas? Apparently, the company that owns and operates the hotel does not have sufficient ties to Texas, insulating it from the jurisdiction of the Texas courts.
Meanwhile, Irvin will reveal the surveillance video at an 11 a.m. CT press conference. We’ll have more details as the event unfolds.
Mar 14, 2023
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler reportedly granted permission to seek trade amid contract extension talks
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was reportedly in search of a new contract or a new team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter Monday. Tuesday, it appears Ekeler will be begin to search a new team.
The Chargers have reportedly granted the 27-year-old permission to seek a trade after failure to make progress for a new contract, according Ekeler's agent, Cameron Weiss, via Schefter.
Weiss previously told Schefter that Ekeler requested permission to speak to other teams after contract extension negotiations with the Chargers stalled.
Ekeler signed a four-year, $24.5 million deal in 2020 and will enter the final year of that contract with only a $7.75 million salary cap hit. He has scored 38 combined touchdowns the past two seasons, which leads the NFL among skill position players. He has finished the past two seasons with at least 900 rushing yards and at least 12 rushing touchdowns.
Mar 13, 2023
South Korea sets World Baseball Classic record as they demolish China
South Korea only needed five innings to get through China in their World Baseball Classic Pool B matchup on Monday as they won 22-2.
South Korea set a record for most runs in a World Baseball Classic game with their 22-run total. The team set the mark in the top of the fifth inning when Ha-Seong Kim hit a grand slam. The team did most of their damage in the third inning with eight runs and then piled on six more in the fourth.
Kunwoo Park led the way for South Korea with five RBI. Ha-Seong Kim added four RBI. Hyseong Kim and Jung Hoo Lee had three RBI each. South Korea pitcher Hyeong Jun So was credited with the win after starter Tae-in Won allowed two runs to China in the first inning and did not return for the second.
Mar 13, 2023
Chargers star Austin Ekeler requests permission to seek trade after stellar year: reports
Austin Ekeler earned his way to the top of the Los Angeles Chargers’ running back depth chart over the course of his career after he signed with the franchise as an undrafted free agent.
However, it appeared Monday that his time with the Chargers has run its course as he reportedly requested permission to seek a trade from Los Angeles. The Western State standout’s reported request came as the NFL’s "legal tampering" window opened at noon ET.
Ekeler had the best season of his career in 2022. He played in each of the Chargers’ 17 games in 2022. He ran for 915 yards and scored 13 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he had 107 catches for 722 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
In the Chargers’ devastating playoff defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he had two rushing touchdowns but did not appear to get enough looks in the second half of the game.
Mar 13, 2023
Tremaine Edmunds set to become highest-paid linebacker with new Bears deal: report
The Chicago Bears continue to make moves with the free agency window open, as they’ve reportedly agreed to a massive deal with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, per ESPN.
The deal is said to be worth $72 million, $50 million of which is fully guaranteed, over four years. It would be the largest four-year deal for an inside linebacker in the NFL.
Chicago has loads of cap space to work with this offseason, an estimated $70 million following their trade with the Carolina Panthers to land wide receiver D.J. Moore and draft capital.
They already added to their defense with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker T.J. Edwards joining on a three-year deal.
Mar 13, 2023
Patrick Peterson agrees to 2-year pact with Steelers in surprise move: report
Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports.
Peterson, a three-time All-Pro in his 12 NFL seasons, wished to play two more years in the league. Still doing so at a high level, ESPN says the Steelers’ deal will fulfill that wish for him.
Peterson has spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after making his name with the Arizona Cardinals for 10 years. It was there where Peterson made the Pro Bowl every season from 2011 to 2018.
But that doesn’t mean the 32-year-old’s production hasn’t been the same since he left. Last season in Minnesota, Peterson totaled five interceptions and 15 passes defended while tallying 66 tackles in 17 games.
Mar 13, 2023
Jimmy Garoppolo set to join Raiders, reunite with former coach: reports
The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a deal with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to multiple reports.
Garoppolo, 31, is expected to join the Raiders on a three-year, $67.5 million deal with $34 million guaranteed, ESPN reported citing sources.
The move will reunite Garoppolo with Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who served as his offensive coordinator while the two were in New England.