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Mar 18, 2024

Bans put Jon Rahm’s and Tyrrell Hatton’s Ryder Cup hopes in further doubt

LIV rebels Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have already picked up bans and fines on the DP World Tour, meaning it is even more vital that the Ryder Cup eligibility rules are changed if the pair are to appear in next year’s match.

The duo forged an impressive partnership in Europe’s victory in Rome six months ago, but placed their hopes of playing in New York in jeopardy when accepting huge paydays to join the Saudi-funded league.

They have both played in four $20 million (£15.7 million) events this year and Telegraph Sport has discovered each start has resulted in one-tournament suspensions for DP World Tour events, as well as fines adding up to more than £100,000.

Bans put Jon Rahm’s and Tyrrell Hatton’s Ryder Cup hopes in further doubt

Mar 18, 2024

Dartmouth Refuses to Bargain With Newly Formed Men’s Basketball Player Union

On Monday, Dartmouth announced it would not engage in collective bargaining negotiations with men’s basketball players, who voted to unionize two weeks ago. The historic union vote, allowing all 15 players to become members of the Service Employees International Union Local 560 chapter, was certified by the National Labor Relations Board just last week.

The news was expected, and it is yet another step in a lengthy, two-pronged appeals process through which Dartmouth will fight varsity player unionization. That process could take several years and go all the way up to the Supreme Court. (It is one of several labor and antitrust cases challenging amateurism, all of which could come to a head over the next few years.)

The Dartmouth unionization effort, which also recognizes players as employees, would unravel the NCAA’s business model of amateurism if it succeeds. Players would be entitled to everything from wages and augmented health-care benefits to employee protections like workers’ compensation. That’s probably why the school has never fought a unionization effort as hard as administrators are fighting the players union. The school called the refusal to bargain an “unprecedented” step in its history with SEIU.

Dartmouth Refuses to Bargain With Newly Formed Men’s Basketball Player Union

Mar 18, 2024

Bracket Bucks: Conferences Eye $260M Payday, Tournament Glory

March Madness officially begins Tuesday when the First Four of the men’s NCAA tournament tips off in Dayton, with 104 men’s and women’s games playing out across the country over the next week. Of note this year: The Big 12 and SEC have more teams in the men’s tournament than any other conference, putting them in prime position for a big payday, thanks to an NCAA unit system that rewards success in March.

The NCAA, which brings in some $900 million in annual media rights fees from CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery, allocates payment units to all 32 conferences that compete in the men’s tournament, with additional units handed out for at-large bids, and any schools advancing to subsequent rounds up until the Final Four. In recent seasons the unit value has been about $2 million each, according to multiple reports, and they are paid out to conferences over six years. In total, 132 units (worth, one can guess, at least $264 million) will be handed out, meaning that about $128 million should still be up for grabs via the 64 available units this month, in addition to the $136 million already set for the 68 tournament teams.

Bracket Bucks: Conferences Eye $260M Payday, Tournament Glory

Mar 18, 2024

Sports Illustrated Lives On With Minute Media Publishing Deal

The next chapter in Sports Illustrated’s saga will be written by management at Minute Media, which recently acquired the digital and print licensing rights to continue publishing the storied magazine.

The tie-up will run for up to 10 years with an option to extend for 20 more, according to The New York Times, which first reported the news. Financial terms have not been announced.

Sports Illustrated Lives On With Minute Media Publishing Deal

Mar 18, 2024

Selection Sunday, Transfer Portal Monday: An Extra Layer of Madness As Players Flood the Portal

Just a few hours after CBS’s Selection Show ended, the college basketball transfer portal opened for business, with some schools processing transfer requests barely after midnight.

On the men’s side, players from Maryland, Miami, and Stanford are among nearly 300 transfers who have, as of Monday morning, declared for the portal. About half of them let their school know their decision since the portal opened, per tracking by Verbal Commits. On the women’s side, more than 215 players have declared for the portal, according to The Next.

It’s the second year the transfer portal has had an official open date on the Monday immediately following Selection Sunday. For football, the portal opens the Monday after FBS conference championships—essentially the same schedule as men’s basketball, although football’s Saturday games give an extra day in between. In all other fall, winter, and spring sports, the transfer portal doesn’t open until a full week after championship selections are made, giving players and coaches a bit more breathing room.

Selection Sunday, Transfer Portal Monday: An Extra Layer of Madness As Players Flood the Portal

Mar 16, 2024

Cowboys release Leighton Vander Esch amid threat of career-ending neck injury

The Dallas Cowboys made the decision to release linebacker Leighton Vander Esch on Friday.

Dallas is the only team the 28-year-old has played for in the NFL, as the Cowboys selected him with the 19th overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.

But neck injuries, dating all the way back to college, have limited him from tapping into his true potential.

Cowboys release Leighton Vander Esch amid threat of career-ending neck injury

Mar 16, 2024

Blaise Taylor, former Arkansas State star, arrested on suspicion of poisoning, killing pregnant girlfriend

A former Arkansas State football player was arrested Thursday night due to his alleged involvement in the death of his pregnant girlfriend.

Blaise Taylor, who currently works as a staffer at Texas A&M, is accused of poisoning Jade Benning, killing her and her unborn child.

Benning was rushed to the hospital on February 25 of last year. Taylor called 911, saying that Benning had an allergic reaction. She was unable to speak to police before she died, because, as ESPN notes, her condition had grown critical quickly.

Blaise Taylor, former Arkansas State star, arrested on suspicion of poisoning, killing pregnant girlfriend

Mar 16, 2024

Led By SEC and Big Ten, CFP Agrees To Post-2026 Terms

The College Football Playoff hasn’t even seen its first expanded 12-team extravaganza, but that isn’t stopping conferences from looking ahead to the next CFP era.

On Friday, the nine FBS commissioners, as well as Notre Dame, agreed to solidify several details of Playoff expansion beginning in 2026 (when current contracts with ESPN and other New Year’s Six bowl games expire), executive director Bill Hancock said. The contract guarantees that at least 12 teams will make it into the playoff between 2026 and ’31, with the option to consider further expansion.

“We’re pleased to be in the position we’re in, while we know that there’s still more work to be done,” Hancock said.

Led By SEC and Big Ten, CFP Agrees To Post-2026 Terms

Mar 16, 2024

Vince McMahon Lawsuit Questions Still Not Affecting WWE for Now

With its television programs drawing strong ratings behind the return of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the ring and a new deal with Logan Paul’s Prime Hydration, WWE has been on a business roll ahead of next month’s WrestleMania. The question lingering in the background during that time has been about the potential effect of a sex-trafficking lawsuit filed against former chair Vince McMahon in January. The fallout was hard to gauge in part because so much remained unknown about the suit, including the names of figures that it identified only as corporate officers.

The revelation this week that key WWE executives Nick Khan and Brad Blum were among those names—though neither is alleged to have participated in or known about abuse of any kind—has brought back to prominence questions about whether the lawsuit will affect the company’s dominant position in sports media and sponsorship.

So far the answer appears to be “no.”

Vince McMahon Lawsuit Questions Still Not Affecting WWE for Now

Mar 16, 2024

Here's why NFL is investigating potential tampering by Eagles, Falcons for pursuit of Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins

A pair of high-profile tampering questions left the NFL little choice but to respond Thursday.

Whether the Philadelphia Eagles or Atlanta Falcons face consequences, however, remain to be seen.

The NFL is investigating the Eagles and Falcons for tampering in their free-agency pursuits of running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Kirk Cousins, a source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed to Yahoo Sports on Thursday afternoon.

“Standard for the league to look into such matters,” the source said.

It would be less standard for the league to impose sanctions, even if levying fines and docking draft picks is within league purview if allegations are confirmed.

Here's why NFL is investigating potential tampering by Eagles, Falcons for pursuit of Saquon Barkley, Kirk Cousins

Mar 15, 2024

FC Cincinnati suspends reporter, who says team objected to her doing her job

FC Cincinnati is scheduled to face Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Thursday. Its media relations team decided to add an additional opponent.

The MLS club released a statement ahead of the Monterrey match announcing it had temporarily rescinded the media credentials of Queen City Press reporter Laurel Pfahler for undisclosed reasons.

The lengthy statement takes great pains to claim the decision wasn't reached lightly, but declines to explain how Pfahler "failed to act in accordance with the standards and practices of the Society of Professional Journalists and the MLS Notice of Credentials Use Conditions." The statement ends with a call for the team and Pfahler to move forward in the spirit of "All for Cincy," which is not how independent journalism works. It is not the job of a reporter to be a cheerleader for the team.

FC Cincinnati suspends reporter, who says team objected to her doing her job

Mar 15, 2024

Christian Horner accuser to lodge appeal after changing lawyers

The woman whose grievance case against Christian Horner was dismissed by Red Bull’s parent company is expected to lodge an appeal in the coming days, Telegraph Sport understands.

There was a delay while she switched legal representation, but it is understood that she intends to appeal the outcome of the internal investigation carried out by Red Bull GmbH into allegations of controlling behaviour.

Red Bull announced on February 28, on the eve of the 2024 season-opener in Bahrain, that the case against Horner had been dismissed following a weeks-long investigation carried out by an unnamed specialist external barrister.

Christian Horner accuser to lodge appeal after changing lawyers

Mar 15, 2024

NWSL’s Team Values Are Perhaps the Clearest Sign of League’s Growth

Former MLB commissioner Bud Selig laid out one of his key performance metrics when he took the role on a permanent basis in 1998, telling team owners, “Look, guys, in the end you can judge me by asset values. Because in the end, that is really the sum total of everything we do.”

That same measure can now be applied to the NWSL and commissioner Jessica Berman (above) on the heels of a record-level franchise sale in San Diego that dramatically resets team values across the league.

The Wave, a third-year franchise, has been acquired by the Levine Leichtman family from billionaire Ron Burkle for $113 million. The two-stage agreement, which could later bring the team value to $120 million, accelerates what has already been a dramatic run-up in team prices in the last two years.

NWSL’s Team Values Are Perhaps the Clearest Sign of League’s Growth

Mar 15, 2024

AP Survey Finds 55% of U.S. Adults Oppose College Athlete Unionization

A survey announced Thursday by the Associated Press and University of Chicago’s NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found college athlete unionization is taking the shape of a partisan political issue.

The topline finding is that 55% of U.S. adults oppose unionization. The majority of non-white people, Democrats, and those between 18 and 44 years old, though, were mildly in favor of unionization, while white people and those over 45 opposed it by 2-to-1 margins and Republicans opposed it 3-to-1.

The research dropped a week after the Dartmouth men’s basketball team successfully voted to unionize, becoming the first team in NCAA history to do so. As an Ivy League team, players don’t get athletic scholarships, leaving many of them to work side jobs. The players said they want to be compensated for their work.

AP Survey Finds 55% of U.S. Adults Oppose College Athlete Unionization

Mar 15, 2024

Athletes Sue NCAA Over Trans Policies

The NCAA is being sued by a dozen female athletes for letting transgender athletes compete against and share a locker room with them. The lawsuit alleges the NCAA violated Title IX, the federal law that guarantees equal opportunity for men and women in college sports and education.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on Thursday, also names the University System of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and the University of North Georgia among the defendants. The Free Press broke news of the suit; a copy of the complaint can be read here.

By suing, the plaintiffs are seeking rule changes barring people it refers to as “biological males” from competing in certain events. The lawsuit also seeks to revoke awards won by trans athletes and “reassign” them, in addition to asking for damages for “pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, suffering and anxiety, expense costs and other damages due to defendants’ wrongful conduct.”

Athletes Sue NCAA Over Trans Policies

Mar 11, 2024

11 Million Bettors Up for Grabs: N.C. Launches Mobile Sports Betting

Selection Sunday is just six days away, with a bevy of conference basketball tournaments this week inching us closer to March Madness. Last year an estimated $15.5 billion was wagered on the men’s NCAA tournament, according to the American Gaming Association.

That gargantuan number should only grow this year. Since the UConn men’s team cut down the nets last April, several more states have launched mobile sports betting, and, Monday, nearly 11 million more people in North Carolina will be allowed to try their luck as legal sports wagering goes live in the Tar Heel State. While that’s certainly welcome news for Duke and UNC fans hoping to cash in on potential Final Four runs, the debut also greenlights the biggest test yet for perhaps the most intriguing sportsbook challenger to the U.S. duopoly of DraftKings and FanDuel.

11 Million Bettors Up for Grabs: N.C. Launches Mobile Sports Betting

Mar 11, 2024

Flau'jae Johnson's brother arrested for jumping onto court during LSU-South Carolina altercation

Trayron Milton, the brother of LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson, was arrested and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct in the third degree for jumping onto the court during Sunday's SEC tournament championship game altercation.

Tempers rose during the final minutes of South Carolina's win over LSU as shoving began between players after Gamecocks center Kamilla Cardoso pushed Johnson to the court. That was prompted by Johnson grabbing the hip of South Carolina's MiLaysia Fulwiley during a turnover just prior to things kicking off.

The benches cleared as players joined in on the scuffle. Milton, seated in the stands, jumped over the scorer's table to join in before he was detained by security.

Flau'jae Johnson's brother arrested for jumping onto court during LSU-South Carolina altercation

Mar 11, 2024

Felipe Massa Files Lawsuit Over 2008 F1 Title Loss

A 16-year-old title is heading to court.

Former F1 driver Felipe Massa has filed a lawsuit in London against FIA (the auto racing governing body), series owner Formula One Management, and its former chief executive Bernie Ecclestone in an effort to claim the 2008 season-long title.

Massa is seeking a minimum of $82 million in damages due to lost prize money and other deals he would have landed had he won the title, according to the Associated Press. In the last year, Massa has claimed he was the “rightful” 2008 champion due to an incident known as Crashgate, which caused him to finish in second place to Lewis Hamilton, by a single point. Massa’s case will be heard in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court.

Felipe Massa Files Lawsuit Over 2008 F1 Title Loss

Mar 11, 2024

As Cable Industry Shifts, MLB Fans Will End up Paying the Price

A large-scale repositioning of regional sports networks by cable and satellite carriers is gathering speed and impact, and it is now involving two of the country’s largest media markets.

After a short-term extension of a prior carriage agreement with Comcast, the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network completed a new contract with Comcast, the largest cable carrier in the Washington-Baltimore region, which includes the country’s No. 9 and 29 media markets. But the deal carries a major shift: The Orioles-controlled MASN will move from Comcast’s most basic cable tier to a more expensive and less broadly distributed “Ultimate TV” tier.

That change will mean that those wanting to see the Orioles and Nationals in that region will eventually need to pay an extra $20 per month. Comcast is phasing in the switch with a six-month promotion that offers its “Popular TV” customers the ability to transition to “Ultimate TV” for three months with no additional charge, with a $10 surcharge for months four through six.

As Cable Industry Shifts, MLB Fans Will End up Paying the Price

Mar 11, 2024

WWE President Nick Khan, COO Brad Blum Revealed as Key Figures in Vince McMahon Sex-Trafficking Suit

WWE president Nick Khan and COO Brad Blum are the men identified as Corporate Officers No. 1 and No. 2 in a sex trafficking lawsuit filed in January in federal court in Connecticut against the company, former chair Vince McMahon, and former talent-relations executive John Laurinaitis.

The suit claims that Khan and Blum, whose names have not previously been reported, were instrumental to a scheme in which the plaintiff, a woman named Janel Grant, was employed “in a completely undefined role, except for the understanding that she remain a sexual slave to be used and trafficked by McMahon within the WWE.” Unlike McMahon and Laurinaitis, the two are not personally accused of sexual misconduct or violence; rather, the suit claims that they and others facilitated and covered up exploitation in ways that make WWE liable under federal anti-trafficking law.

WWE President Nick Khan, COO Brad Blum Revealed as Key Figures in Vince McMahon Sex-Trafficking Suit

Mar 9, 2024

Antonio Brown refusing to pay over $1 million to celebrity jeweler for blinged-out finger 'covers': report

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown is back in the news for all the wrong reasons.

This time, Brown is refusing to pay a celebrity jeweler $1 million for finger "covers" he had made despite Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kerry Bensinger ordering him to do so.

Judge Bensinger ordered Brown to pay $1,095,000 to Shuki International, which is run by Jean Louis Shuki.

Shuki told The New York Post that Brown has been blowing off messages to pay up since last month. He, instead, is responding with the likes of "U caint [sic] get s--- cracker" and "Stop call me u b----."

Antonio Brown refusing to pay over $1 million to celebrity jeweler for blinged-out finger 'covers': report

Mar 9, 2024

Rudy Gobert implies gambling influenced refs after costly tech for making money sign

Like in every game, there were many reasons why the Minnesota Timberwolves lost 113-104 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. One of them was a hilarious Rudy Gobert technical foul.

The fun began with Minnesota leading 97-96 in the final minute of regulation, when Anthony Edwards missed a jump shot to extend the lead. Gobert was fighting two defenders for the rebound and was judged to have fought a little too hard, receiving a foul after getting the ball with an easy dunk in front of him.

It was Gobert's sixth foul, ending his night with seven points and 17 rebounds.

Rudy Gobert implies gambling influenced refs after costly tech for making money sign

Mar 9, 2024

Some Chiefs fans had amputations after frigid playoff game, hospital confirms

Kansas City Chiefs fans were among the 12 people who required amputations due to frostbite, Research Medical Center said in a statement Friday.

While the Kansas City hospital didn't provide an exact figure for how many people who attended the Jan. 13 wild-card game against the Miami Dolphins needed the surgical procedure, it did acknowledge that fans were part of its current total.

RMC also said it expects that number to grow as the "injuries evolve" over the next two-to-four weeks.

Some Chiefs fans had amputations after frigid playoff game, hospital confirms

Mar 9, 2024

‘We Want to Be Paid’: Inside Dartmouth Men’s Basketball’s Historic Union Effort

At around 12:15 p.m. on a cold and rainy Tuesday, 11 Dartmouth men’s basketball players took a short walk together from a campus hotel to the school’s human resources office. They looked like any normal, if tall, group of college students on the way to study, grab lunch, or hang out between classes. But they were actually headed to do something quite abnormal: deal a potential death blow to NCAA amateurism.

The Big Green became the first NCAA team in history to officially join a union, voting 13–2 to become members of the Service Employees International Union’s Local 560 chapter. The Dartmouth unionization effort, which began with a petition filed in September, is one of several cases challenging the NCAA’s model that bars players from being considered employees. In February, the NLRB regional director struck down that model, ruling players are employees and have the right to hold the election.

‘We Want to Be Paid’: Inside Dartmouth Men’s Basketball’s Historic Union Effort

Mar 9, 2024

New In-Season Men’s College Basketball Tournament to Offer $2M in NIL Deals

A first-of-its-kind men’s college basketball tournament launching this fall will offer up to $2 million in name, image, and likeness deals to participating teams.

The tournament, dubbed Players Era, will host eight teams this fall at MGM Arena in Las Vegas and 16 teams starting in 2025. The event will be operated by EverWonder Studio (which was created by former Time president Ian Orefice and backed by RedBird IMI and Jeff Zucker) and AND1 CEO of Basketball Seth Berger. EverWonder hasn’t yet secured distribution but is in talks with both linear and streaming-based broadcasters.

The tournament operator is guaranteeing that sponsors and other tournament partners will offer each school a total of $1 million in NIL money for participating.

New In-Season Men’s College Basketball Tournament to Offer $2M in NIL Deals

Mar 8, 2024

Capitals’ and Wizards’ Move to Virginia Appears Dead in State House Budget

Plans to move the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Virginia appear to be on hold. Or at least, according to one meme, six feet under.

Virginia’s Senate plans to remove plans for a new multipurpose arena in Alexandria, Va., from the state budget, which would prevent the teams from moving across the Potomac River.

State Sen. L. Louise Lucas told The Washington Post on Wednesday night the arena language will not be in the budget when it’s released around midday Thursday. She also tweeted a Photoshopped depiction of herself flashing a peace sign over a grave with a headstone reading “Youngkin and Leonsis’ $5 billion arena,” a reference to Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin, who had supported the proposed move, and Monumental Sports head Ted Leonsis, who owns both the Capitals and Wizards.

Capitals’ and Wizards’ Move to Virginia Appears Dead in State House Budget

Mar 8, 2024

Report: Temple-UAB Basketball Game Flagged for Gambling Concerns

U.S. Integrity, a gambling watchdog company, alerted casinos Thursday about unusual wagering surrounding a Temple-UAB men’s basketball game, according to Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde.

The betting line moved significantly throughout the day before tip-off as the spread at one casino spiked from the Blazers as a 1.5-point favorite Thursday morning to eight points by mid-afternoon. The line closed with UAB favored by seven points, right before tip-off. In the end, they beat Temple 100–72 to drop the Owls to 11–19 in coach Adam Fisher’s first year with the program.

The loss was Temple’s second straight, and neither defeat ever saw the team come close to covering the spread. In their previous game, the Owls were 5.5-point favorites against Tulsa and lost by five. One source told SI this is not the first time Temple has landed on the radar of U.S. Integrity, and that the organization has been monitoring Owls games for some time. (A spokesperson for the American Athletic Conference, which employs U.S. Integrity as a monitor, acknowledged the incident, as did a Temple spokesperson, who said Friday: “We will review the reports thoroughly in accordance with the university and NCAA policies.”)

Report: Temple-UAB Basketball Game Flagged for Gambling Concerns

Mar 8, 2024

Former Jaguars employee used embezzled funds on Tiger Woods putter and so much more, prosecutors say

The saga of the ex-Jacksonville Jaguars employee who pleaded guilty to embezzling $22 million from the team keeps getting wilder.

Last we left Amit Patel, the Jaguars' former financial planning and analysis manager, he had pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction. The two counts add up to a maximum sentence of 30 years, but the plea deal will likely reduce that sentence. Prosecutors are reportedly recommending eight years.

Two questions that loom over Patel's sentencing is what he did with that money and what can be done to make the Jaguars whole. The Jaguars are certainly interested in those answers, given they recently pleaded with FanDuel to return $20 million.

Former Jaguars employee used embezzled funds on Tiger Woods putter and so much more, prosecutors say

Mar 8, 2024

Tommy Tuberville: Dartmouth Basketball Union ‘Will Absolutely Kill College Sports’

Meta: Senator Tommy Tuberville criticized the Dartmouth men’s basketball union vote on Fox News. The former college football coach said he supports athletes making money but is against unions.

Following Tuesday’s historic vote by the Dartmouth men’s basketball team to unionize, senator and former college football coach Tommy Tuberville (R., Ala.) let it rip on Fox News, heavily criticizing the students’ decision.

“This will absolutely kill college sports,” Tuberville opined on the network’s America Reports show Wednesday.

Tuberville pointed out that a name, image, and likeness bill he previously proposed left out unionization, and he blamed Democrats’ wanting its inclusion for it not having reached the floor. The way he sees it: Athletes are not employees, and getting the federal government and unions involved “will be a total disaster.”

Tommy Tuberville: Dartmouth Basketball Union ‘Will Absolutely Kill College Sports’

Mar 8, 2024

Las Vegas Aces Announce Season Tickets Are Sold Out in Apparent WNBA First

The Las Vegas Aces sold out of season tickets Thursday, the team confirmed to Front Office Sports, and claims to be the first WNBA team to do so.

The Aces sold out season tickets with more than two months before their season starts May 14 at home against the Phoenix Mercury. The team sold 8,600 season-ticket memberships for Michelob Ultra Arena, which fits around 10,000 people. The lowest-priced season ticket was $200, which made up about 40% of season-ticket sales, per the team.

The back-to-back WNBA champions will put a limited number of single-game tickets up for sale by late April. Those tickets will cost as little as $15 per game, up $5 from last year. The team will also open up tickets for its Sept. 3 game at T-Mobile Arena by the end of March. Fans can join a wait list for season tickets for the 2025 season on the Aces’ website.

Las Vegas Aces Announce Season Tickets Are Sold Out in Apparent WNBA First

Mar 4, 2024

Broncos end Russell Wilson era, say they will release veteran QB

Years will pass and it will be impossible to remember how excited Denver Broncos fans were for the Russell Wilson era.

In March of 2022, the Broncos traded a haul to the Seattle Seahawks for Wilson. The price didn't matter at that time. The Broncos were getting a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback and finally ending a long stretch of horrendous play at the position. At least that's how it was supposed to turn out.

The Wilson trade and subsequent contract extension will go down as one of the most ruinous in NFL history. On Monday, the Broncos put an end to the Wilson era after two seasons, announcing his release with a statement from general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton.

Broncos end Russell Wilson era, say they will release veteran QB

Mar 4, 2024

Report: Match Fixing Hasn’t Slowed. What’s New: AI Is Watching Now

The battle against match fixing around the world is increasingly using the exploding world of artificial intelligence.

Sports data company Sportradar on Monday released the results of its annual integrity report, findings coming from active monitoring of about 850,000 events across 70 sports last year and particularly the betting lines around those events. The overall results were essentially even with those for 2022, with suspected manipulation found in 0.21% of events, or one in every 467. But what did materially change was the use of AI, with that technology assisting in 73% of the flagged events.

That percentage more than doubled compared to 2022.

Report: Match Fixing Hasn’t Slowed. What’s New: AI Is Watching Now

Mar 4, 2024

NLRB official denies Dartmouth request to reopen basketball union case. Players to vote Tuesday

Dartmouth basketball players remain on schedule to vote Tuesday on whether to form the nation’s first-ever college athletes’ labor union after a National Labor Relations Board official rejected the school’s request to reopen the case.

NLRB regional director Laura Sacks denied the school’s request on Monday, saying there was no new evidence that wasn’t previously available to Dartmouth. Still pending is a request by the school to put off the vote.

Sacks ruled on Feb. 5 that Dartmouth basketball players are employees of the school, clearing the way for an election on whether they want to unionize. The vote is scheduled for Tuesday on the school’s Hanover, New Hampshire, campus.

NLRB official denies Dartmouth request to reopen basketball union case. Players to vote Tuesday

Mar 4, 2024

FIA president accused of interfering with officiating during 2023 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Did FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem make a request to rescind a penalty against Fernando Alonso during a race in 2023?

According to a whistleblower complaint, Ben Sulayem requested that stewards overturn a 10-second penalty that was given to Alonso during last year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Alonso had been penalized 10 seconds because a pit crew member had touched his car with a jack while he served a five-second penalty.

Per F1 rules, teams cannot work on the cars while a penalty is being served. The 10-second penalty was called because the jack touched the car, though it was ultimately overturned as the FIA said its definition of what constituted working on the car was too vague.

FIA president accused of interfering with officiating during 2023 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Mar 4, 2024

Red Bull, F1 Still Taking Heat Over Christian Horner Allegations

Reigning Formula One champion Red Bull began the 2024 season in typical dominant fashion on Saturday with a 1–2 finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix, but uncertainty is still clouding the team’s future in the wake of allegations surrounding principal Christian Horner.

“There is tension here while he remains in position,” star driver Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, told The Daily Mail. “The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can’t go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems.” Jos Verstappen was seen arguing with Horner after Saturday’s race.

And his comments are just the latest strain on Red Bull in what has been a whirlwind of a month leading up to the start of the F1 schedule:

Red Bull, F1 Still Taking Heat Over Christian Horner Allegations

Mar 2, 2024

Ex-NFL lineman Chad Wheeler sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for vicious attack on former girlfriend

Former NFL offensive lineman Chad Wheeler was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison on Friday, just months after he had been found guilty of a vicious attack on his then-girlfriend in 2021.

Wheeler, who was waived by the Seattle Seahawks after being charged with two counts of domestic violence, was sentenced to 81 months in prison and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation, The Seattle Times reported.

He will also be placed under community supervision for three years after his sentence has been served.

Ex-NFL lineman Chad Wheeler sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for vicious attack on former girlfriend

Mar 2, 2024

Sheer Madness: What You Need to Know About MLB’s New Uniform Saga

It’s rarely a good thing when MLB becomes a subject for late-night comedy shows, and the league indeed is back in that mode with its new on-field uniforms, developed with Nike and Fanatics. Jimmy Fallon and John Oliver each recently mocked the revised looks, particularly the see-through uniform pants, amplifying what has been an embarrassing two weeks for the league.

The situation, however, also confirms what has been true for decades: Few things are held more sacred and generate more passion in sports than uniforms. Here is everything you need to know about the ongoing situation around MLB’s sartorial saga.

Sheer Madness: What You Need to Know About MLB’s New Uniform Saga

Mar 2, 2024

As stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Caleb Williams pull plug on NFL combine drills, the league grapples with 'the opt-out generation'

INDIANAPOLIS — At some point this week, NFL Network’s commercial touting the combine became a cyclical reminder of the league’s changing landscape with elite college players. Interspersed between televised 40-yard dashes and on-field drills — and running during ad breaks on the network day and night — it showcased Los Angeles Rams breakout rookie receiver Puka Nacua narrating the combine’s ability to make NFL teams “remember your name.”

The problem? The promotional spot for one of the NFL’s most prized offseason tentpole television events was sewn together with highlights from an all-star cast of draft prospects who haven’t done a single thing during the televised portion of the event. All three of the marquee quarterbacks — USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and UNC’s Drake Maye — have pulled out of all throwing and drill work. Two elite wideouts, Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU’s Malik Nabers, won’t run 40-yard dashes or do drill work. And then late Friday night, just prior to his position group running the 40-yard dash, the biggest star tight end in years, Brock Bowers, pulled out from that event and all of the combine drills.

(Williams and Harrison also raised some eyebrows going a step further in different respects Friday, with Williams declining to do his medical exam in Indianapolis and Harrison no-showing his scheduled media availability.)

As stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Caleb Williams pull plug on NFL combine drills, the league grapples with 'the opt-out generation'

Mar 2, 2024

Johnny Manziel says he will boycott Heisman Trophy ceremony in support of Reggie Bush

Johnny Manziel, winner of the 2012 Heisman Trophy, said on Saturday that until former USC star Reggie Bush gets his Heisman Trophy back from the NCAA, the former Texas A&M quarterback will be boycotting the annual ceremony.

"After careful thought and consideration I will be humbly removing myself from the Heisman trophy ceremony until @ReggieBush gets his trophy back," Manziel posted on X. "Doesn’t sit right with my morals and values that he can’t be on that stage with us every year. Reggie IS the Heisman trophy. Do the RIGHT thing @NCAA the ball is in your court."

Manziel voiced similar support for Bush in August in a post saying, "The only difference between my story and Reggie’s is that my 'illegal activities' did not start until after my Heisman season."

Johnny Manziel says he will boycott Heisman Trophy ceremony in support of Reggie Bush

Mar 2, 2024

NASCAR caught Joey Logano wearing an amphibious-like glove in a cheating violation

LAS VEGAS (AP) — NASCAR on Saturday displayed a clearly altered glove that Joey Logano wore in qualifying at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where aerodynamic-deflecting alterations were so obvious it looked as if he was wearing part of an amphibious costume.

The black glove for Logano's left hand had webbing made of an unspecified material in between every finger. The theory is that Logano, who qualified second at Atlanta last weekend, had the glove altered in order to place his hand out his window as an aerodynamic blocker during qualifying.

At Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday, NASCAR would not speculate on the motivation of the two-time Cup champion or Team Penske, which did not appeal a penalty imposed on Logano. NASCAR said it discovered the glove during a random inspection — and not, as Denny Hamlin suggested, in a tipoff from a rival team — and that it did not know if Logano was wearing the glove when he won the pole for the season-opening Daytona 500.

NASCAR caught Joey Logano wearing an amphibious-like glove in a cheating violation

Mar 1, 2024

Tyreek Hill's lawyer calls lawsuit claiming Dolphins WR broke model's leg during football drill 'baseless'

Tyreek Hill's lawyer denied allegations the Miami Dolphins wide receiver broke a social media influencer's leg as she took part in a football drill at Hill's home last year.

In a statement sent to ESPN, Hill's attorney, Julius B. Collins, called Sophie Hall's allegations "baseless" and claimed the aim of the lawsuit was to "generate bad publicity for Mr. Hill in an attempt to 'scare tactic' him into personally covering the cost of Ms. Hall's medical bills."

Hall claims she was invited to take part in an offensive line blocking drill after watching Hill train in his backyard on June 28, 2023, per a copy of the lawsuit published by the Daily Mail.

On her first defensive-line rep, Hall alleges that she managed to push Hill backward, drawing laughter from a group of witnesses, including Hill's trainer, mother and sister. Hall said in 2019 that she is 6-foot-1 and weighs 250 pounds, while Hill is listed by the NFL at 5-10, 191 pounds.

Tyreek Hill's lawyer calls lawsuit claiming Dolphins WR broke model's leg during football drill 'baseless'

Mar 1, 2024

Why New Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Deserved Better

On Friday, Teresa Gould began her tenure as Pac-12 commissioner after George Kliavkoff was ousted from the conference.

Gould is the first female commissioner of an Autonomy 5, or Power 5, conference—a major milestone in the college sports industry. But Gould’s appointment follows a concerning pattern for female executives.

The “glass cliff,” coined by two University of Exeter professors, refers to the idea that women have a much better chance of breaking a barrier in corporate leadership roles as a result of crises and, therefore, are set up to fail. Gould will preside over a conference fighting for its survival after being tanked by two former male commissioners. She joins several women inside and outside of the sports industry, from former Marlins GM Kim Ng to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, as women appointed to roles either during or after major tumult.

Why New Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Deserved Better

Mar 1, 2024

Missouri Gov. commutes sentence of ex-Chiefs assistant Britt Reid after DWI severely injured young girl

Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons commuted the sentence of former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid on Friday afternoon, according to the Kansas City Star.

Reid, who is the son of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of driving while intoxicated in 2022. He was sentenced to three years in prison in November 2022. While Reid is being released from prison, he will be under house arrest until Oct. 31, 2025 and will have “strict conditions of probation.”

“Mr. Reid has completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offenses,” his commutation letter read, in part.

Missouri Gov. commutes sentence of ex-Chiefs assistant Britt Reid after DWI severely injured young girl

Mar 1, 2024

Prosecutors dismiss gambling charges against 4 ex-Iowa State athletes, including Broncos' Eyioma Uwazurike

The illegal gambling charges against three former Iowa State football players and a former Iowa State wrestler have been dropped because of the way the evidence was gathered in the case.

Attorneys for ex-Iowa State football players Jirehl Brock, Isaiah Lee and Eyioma Uwazurike and wrestler Paniro Johnson had argued that Iowa’s Division of Criminal Investigation inappropriately obtained evidence that the men were making sports wagers by geofencing areas around Iowa State’s campus to investigate potential underage gambling.

On Friday, the state dismissed all of the charges against the athletes with prejudice.

Prosecutors dismiss gambling charges against 4 ex-Iowa State athletes, including Broncos' Eyioma Uwazurike

Mar 1, 2024

MASN-Comcast Negotiations: Big Implications for TV and MLB

The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network is trying to strike a new carriage agreement with Comcast, but the issue transcends the typical contract battles between sports television networks and cable distributors, and it could greatly impact the presence and economic state of two MLB clubs.

The Orioles-controlled regional sports network’s contract with the largest cable carrier in the Baltimore-Washington region expired at the end of February, and a short-term extension has been reached that will give them until March 7 to strike a new deal. But those discussions are occurring against a backdrop of significant change on both sides of the table.

From Comcast’s perspective, the talks arrive amid continued cord-cutting across the entire pay-TV industry and rising costs for RSNs of all types. Because of that, the carrier has already been shifting such networks to higher-cost premium tiers that target the channels to more avid fans willing to pay for them. Comcast recently made such a move in Pittsburgh and Seattle. If Comcast were to do the same in Baltimore and Washington, fans there would be faced with a choice of paying for a more expensive Xfinity package or switching to another cable or satellite TV provider. Other distributors, too, are paying close attention to how Comcast handles these RSNs.

MASN-Comcast Negotiations: Big Implications for TV and MLB

Feb 26, 2024

ESPN's Jay Bilas suggests severe consequences for court-storming fans

Jay Bilas, a former Duke star who is a college basketball analyst for ESPN, blasted fans for court storming after a Blue Devils was injured on Saturday amid an incident with Wake Forest supporters.

Bilas appeared on ESPN’s "First Take" and suggested one idea to clamp down on court-storming.

"The truth is nothing’s going to change now," he said. "We’re going to talk about it. It’s going to go away, and nothing’s going to change. And if they wanted to stop it, they could stop it tomorrow. The administrations will tell you the security experts tell them that it’s not a good idea to try stop the court-storming, because that could cause more problems than it would solve.

"But you don’t have to stop the court storming. One time, all you have to do is, once they’re on the court, don’t let them off. Just say, ‘You’re all detained,’ and give them all citations, or arrest them if you want to. And then court stormings will stop the next day."

ESPN's Jay Bilas suggests severe consequences for court-storming fans

Feb 26, 2024

Cam Newton involved in fight at Georgia youth football camp

Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton was involved in a brawl at a 7-on-7 youth football camp on Sunday.

The incident took place at an invitation-only camp and tournament over the weekend in Atlanta. Authorities with the local police department have not been reached for comment by USA TODAY Sports.

The event was organized by We Ball Sports, an apparel and sports media company, and Newton runs C1N, a youth sports organization that sponsored a team in the tournament.

Video shared on social media showed Newton, while wearing one of his trademark hats, being grabbed and scuffling with two or possibly three people before camp staffers and security officers stepped in to restore order.

Cam Newton involved in fight at Georgia youth football camp

Feb 26, 2024

Unsigned MLB Stars Spark Tension Between Teams, Players, and Union

MLB’s remaining batch of available free agents is creating a new level of angst between teams and the players’ side, which also includes their agents and the MLB Players Association.

As spring training games have now begun, a key quartet of star players still have not signed with any team for the 2024 season: reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, World Series hero Jordan Montgomery (above), four-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman, and slugger J.D. Martinez. All are represented by prominent agent Scott Boras, who openly lamented top players being available while the league continues to generate record-level annual revenue of more than $11 billion.

In particular, 19 teams are currently projected to open the season with lower payrolls than last year. Perhaps most notable among the group is the Padres, who have slashed their spending from last year’s $256 million to this year’s $145 million.

“Clubs have plenty of money to spend, but they’re not spending in a matter that is customary to competitiveness,” Boras said to USA Today. “It’s not that they don’t have the ability to pay, but their choice to regress on their payrolls.”

Unsigned MLB Stars Spark Tension Between Teams, Players, and Union

Feb 26, 2024

Everton Financial Punishment Trimmed After Appeal Is Partially Successful

Toffees are breathing a sigh of relief Monday as their team gets a slightly more comfortable cushion away from the regulation zone.

Everton FC dropped 10 points in November as punishment for violating the English Premier League’s financial rules, immediately placing it in the regulation zone. The club’s appeal was partially successful, and the penalty changed to six points Monday, a crucial five points above relegation.

The initial punishment—the biggest points deduction in the league’s history and the first one on account of financial rules—came after an independent commission hired by the EPL found Everton violated the league’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, formerly called Financial Fair Play. The rules state clubs aren’t allowed to lose more than £105 million ($130.8 million) in a three-year time frame, and in the period ending with the 2021–22 season, the commission found Everton lost £124.5 million ($155 million). The rules are designed to encourage long-term financial responsibility and avoid overspending.

Everton Financial Punishment Trimmed After Appeal Is Partially Successful

Feb 26, 2024

Nevada Group Prepares Injunction to Block A’s Stadium From Moving Forward

A group of educators wants to stop all activity toward an A’s stadium in Las Vegas until their lawsuit gets a final grade.

The Nevada State Education Association is preparing to file an injunction to stop funding from being administered by the state of Nevada until a decision has been rendered on its lawsuit to strike down the bill providing public funds for the stadium.

“When it looks like there may be action coming at the Stadium Authority, we will likely at that point file our motion for an injunction,” Chris Daly, NSEA deputy executive director of government relations, tells Front Office Sports, explaining that “the injunction would be us asking the court to physically stop the project from moving forward.”

Nevada Group Prepares Injunction to Block A’s Stadium From Moving Forward
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