Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about figures in women's basketball. Whether on or off the court, Cunningham's outspoken personality has built a large following for herself and has recently added a new platform to that reach.
The Indiana Fever guard launched a podcast called "No Hesitation" alongside trainer Drew Hanlen. Her debut episode was released on Thursday. During that episode, she addresses the storytelling path she believes the WNBA media should tread. Also, she highlights things she could do differently if she held certain governmental powers over the game.
Jul 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
So far in the season, Cunningham has averaged 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 ***** ists per game, demonstrating her central role to her team's success all-year-long. During the show, Cunningham touched on players' remuneration, the WNBA media coverage, and even the outgoing commissioner's office. An NFL-themed X page, Franco Vision, shares snippets from the conversation.
"We're always as players going to want more money, and as owners they're always not going to want to give it to you…"When it comes to media coverage, I think that we have good coverage now. Yes, it can always be better. Yes, it can be bigger."

#fever

In Dolly Parton's own words, locals and travelers alike could soon be "departin' from Nashville's D. Parton."
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Friday, Sept. 11 in favor of a rule change to allow the renaming of Nashville International Airport in honor of the legendary Dolly Parton, who died in Nashville on Aug. 25 at 80 years old.
It's the first formal step in what is expected to be a lengthy process, but the support of airport executives, board members and elected officials gives the effort significant momentum.
The vote authorizes airport President and CEO Doug Kreulen to immediately begin work on implementing the change. In his report to the board, Kreulen said he had a "very productive" meeting with the Parton family on Sept. 9 and will continue to work closely with them in the planning and implementation process.
The exact name is not yet decided, but Dolly Parton Nashville International Airport is one option, he said. According to the timelines of similar airport changes, it could be about a year before an official name change ceremony takes place.

#dolly #kreulen

On Aug. 27, 18-year-old Addisyn Baird was in Hartford, Connecticut, preparing to play in a hockey tournament when she received a life-changing phone call.
The call was from Justine Siegal, commissioner of the Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL). The Los Angeles Queens needed another player after one of their outfielders left to play for Curaçao's national team and the team wanted to sign Baird as a replacement for the remainder of the season.
"How fast can you get here?" Siegal asked.
The next morning, Baird played in one hockey game. Then she and her dad jumped in the car and drove more than 20 hours to Springfield, Illinois, where the WPBL plays all its games. On Sept. 3, Baird made her professional debut for the Queens, whose roster includes former Little League World Series phenom Mo'ne Davis.
Baird is the only current high school student playing in the inaugural season of the WPBL, which launched in August with four teams. The WPBL playoffs are underway this month, with two best-of-three semifinal series preceding a best-of-five championship series scheduled to begin Sept. 16.

#wpbl #series #sept #call

The Green Bay Packers are now preparing to move forward without knowing when Josh Jacobs might return. While MarShawn Lloyd is expected to handle the lead role in the backfield, Jacobs has entered a no contest plea to his misdemeanor charges. The NFL has also issued a disciplinary update, giving Green Bay a better idea of what could come next for its starting running back.
"With Josh Jacobs pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property, the NFL said there is "no timetable" as to when he could be disciplined. A league official said: We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy.
There is no change to his status as he remains on the Commissioner's Exempt list," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on his post on X (formerly Twitter).
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jacobs has been a productive part of the Packers offense over the past two seasons, scoring 28 touchdowns during that span. He totaled 929 rushing yards in 2025 while averaging 4.0 yards per carry. The seven year veteran now faces misdemeanor charges for battery and criminal damage to property, according to ESPN.
Green Bay will need to adjust its backfield if Jacobs remains unavailable, with Lloyd set to take over as the Packers' top running back. Chris Brooks will provide additional support behind him.

#josh #misdemeanor #back

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked about figures in women's basketball, both on and off the court. The Indiana Fever guard has built a large following through her outspoken personality, and this week she added a new platform to that reach.
Cunningham launched a podcast called "No Hesitation" alongside trainer Drew Hanlen. The debut episode was released on Thursday. Cunningham touched on a question that has followed the WNBA all season, one tied to who will lead the league into its next chapter.
MORE: Indiana Fever endorses Sophie Cunningham for major award
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) at State Farm Arena. Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images.
Asked what she would do differently as commissioner, Cunningham did not hold back.

#sophie #hesitation #hanlen #thursday

Former Arizona Coyotes fans can perhaps find something positive about the NHL's potential expansion plan, but no guarantees.
The league's deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, said on Thursday, Sept. 8, that the league is in further discussions to add three teams from its current 32. Possibilities include Arizona, Atlanta and a team in Houston or Austin, Texas. ESPN first reported the news.
The Coyotes were sold by owner Alex Meruelo and relocated to become the Utah Mammoth.
"I don't think we ever soured on Phoenix as a market," Daly said at the NHL and National Hockey League Player ***** ociation (NHLPA) player media tour in Las Vegas. "I think our issue in Phoenix was the location of the building. It's always the location of the building.
"I think with the right location, we collectively believe that Phoenix would be a great market."

#building

The International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 was officially launched with a glittering event in Dubai, with fast-bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar among the star attractions on an evening celebrating the league's rapid rise and growing influence across the Gulf region.

The event brought together leading figures from cricket, sport, business and government, with ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and league commissioner, ICC board director and ECB general secretary Mubashshir Usmani highlighting the tournament's contribution to the development and expansion of cricket in the UAE and the wider region.

Al Zarooni reflected on the league's growth while thanking its stakeholders and partners.

"What began as a dream has grown into one of the world's leading cricket leagues, bringing together top players and major franchises, while helping grow cricket in the UAE, the region and beyond," he said.

He also acknowledged the support of franchise owners, commercial and strategic partners, with a special mention for Zee Network, while welcoming SPORTFIVE as a new commercial partner.
A special panel discussion hosted by former New Zealand international Simon Doull explored the changing landscape and future of cricket in the region and globally.

The panel featured Usmani, Dr Mohamed Abu Hamra, Eisa Sharif of the Dubai Sports Council, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Deputy CEO and CFO Mukund Galgali, SportFive President Venu Nair and Bisleri Global Director Sales & Marketing Tushar Malhotra.

Doull later brought Lee and Shoaib together for another engaging discussion, with the two legendary fast bowlers speaking about the ILT20's growing impact on UAE and regional cricket.

The pair also looked back on their playing careers, recalling an era in which their blistering pace made them two of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.

The evening also featured a spell-binding performance by celebrity mentalist Karan Singh Magic, while the league unveiled its new brand identity for Season 5.
Season 5 will be played in November and December across the UAE's three iconic venues — Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Defending champions Desert Vipers will enter the fifth season aiming to retain their crown. Gulf Giants won the inaugural season, followed by MI Emirates in Season 2 and Dubai Capitals in Season 3.

#stadium

U.S. Soccer has announced that Don Garber will serve as the chair of the federation's Soccer Forward initiative.
Garber has served as MLS commissioner since 1999, but will be replaced by Larry Berg starting on Jan. 1, 2027.
Though Garber will stay involved with MLS, transitioning into a role as chairman, he will now take on a new position with U.S. Soccer's program that aims to grow the game at the grassroots level.
As part of his new role, U.S. Soccer said that Garber will "bring new partners to the table, grow support for U.S. Soccer's long-term priorities, and offer soccer to more people in more places than ever before."
"I've spent more than four decades working in professional sports, and I've always believed that our greatest progress comes through strong partnerships and a shared vision," said Garber.

#garber #Soccer #grow

Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold starts the 2026 season on paid leave, due to eight felony charges arising from an alleged armed robbery and kidnapping. And while he can't practice or play, Arnold is with the team.
"He's in the building and being part of our program and learning the heck out of our defense," coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Saturday regarding Arnold. "Keep training and stay ready for when there's an opportunity."
It's still unknown when an opportunity will arise. In general, players on the Commissioner Exempt list due to criminal charges remain there until the case is over and discipline, if any, is imposed by the league. But the NFL has deviated from that approach in the past; in 2024, then-Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers spent seven games on paid leave, returning before his case went to trial. (He was acquitted of domestic battery in January 2025.)
Arnold's next court date happens on October 5. A trial hasn't been scheduled. Barring a plea deal, it's unlikely Arnold's case will end before the conclusion of the 2026 season.
The overriding question is whether the league will stick to its general approach that players will remain on paid leave until the case ends, or whether the league will allow Arnold to return at some point later in the season.

#case #season #charges

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing backlash after giving a ceremonial pen from a 9/11 remembrance ceremony to a top aide who once represented a convicted al Qaeda member whose brother-in-law hijacked the plane that struck the Pentagon.
Mamdani signed executive orders Friday ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, designating the date a citywide day of remembrance and service and strengthening efforts to prevent future terrorist threats.
After signing the final order, Mamdani handed the pen to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and asked her to pass it to chief counsel Ramzi Kassem. Kassem previously represented Ahmed al-Darbi, who pleaded guilty to war-crime charges tied to al Qaeda plots against commercial ships and was the brother-in-law of Khalid al-Mihdhar, one of the hijackers aboard American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon, killing 184.
Mamdani Faces Growing 9/11 Backlash As Old Post Resurfaces Ahead Of Ground Zero Ceremony: 'Is This Real?'
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch hands a ceremonial pen to Ramzi Kassem, who once represented a convicted al Qaeda member tied to a 9/11 hijacker.

#qaeda #jessica #tisch

Western Michigan isn't blaming Big Ten officials for their decision to add a second back to the clock ahead of Michigan's Hail Mary.
Broncos head coach Lance Taylor and school president Russ Kavalhuna had a news conference Sunday afternoon to explain their school's side of Michigan's improbable 13-12 win. After the Wolverines' first Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete with seemingly no time remaining, the Big Ten's replay review officials added a second back to the clock as they determined that WMU defensive back Micah Davis jumped from out of bounds and touched the ball before time expired.
On UM's second try, Bryce Underwood hit JJ Buchanan for the game-winning touchdown.
Kavalhuna admitted Sunday that he wanted to appeal the decision in the moment, but realized that there was no way to do so. And he said that after further investigations and discussions with Big Ten commissioner Tony Pettitti and the conference's replay staff, there was a slight difference between the clock on NBC's broadcast and the official game clock used by the Big Ten.
"It is just a discrepancy," Kavalhuna said. "I would say what the viewing public see and the officials see are different. And that's clear. I will say, I've looked into this pretty closely and I used to be a federal prosecutor — I don't discern anything unfair or untoward in this process. Can the process be improved by having what the viewing public see as what the reviewing officials see? Maybe. Frankly that's not for me to decide.

#kavalhuna #second #decision #time

To say that Clemson's offense was terrible against LSU on Saturday night would be a massive understatement.
Clemson couldn't get anything going against LSU's defense, resulting in a 51-10 loss. Quarterback Christopher Vizzina was especially rough, completing only 10 passes for 83 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
Fellow Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds also got some playing time, completing four passes for 22 yards.
MORE: Roger Goodell signs new four-year extension to remain as NFL Commissioner
After the game, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked if Vizzina would start against Georgia Southern next Saturday. He confirmed that he doesn't know.

#four #christopher #fellow

Roger Goodell is staying on as NFL Commissioner for the foreseeable future.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, NFL teams were notified on Sunday that Goodell has finalized a four-year extension that runs through the 2030 NFL season.
MORE: Buffalo Bills bring back fan-favorite stadium feature for NFL regular-season home opener
The deal will expire on Mar. 31, 2031.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and the Compensation Committee sent the memo to NFL teams.

#teams #sunday

Little more than 20 years after he signed his first contract to be the Commissioner of the National Football League, Roger Goodell has put his name at the bottom of the newest one.
The NFL announced on Sunday afternoon that the league's Compensation Committee has informed the full membership that an agreement has been reached on a four-year extension. Goodell is now under contract through March 31, 2031.
His prior deal would have expired in March 2027. With few if any obvious successors in play, Goodell had plenty of leverage.
In the memo to all owners, a copy of which PFT has obtained, Patriots owner Robert Kraft explained that the Committee "worked closely with an independent third-party compensation consultant and outside counsel to structure a deal that aligns Roger's compensation with the League's long-term interests and success."
The contract ties 95 percent of the total compensation to Goodell's and the league's "performance measured against various metrics and at the discretion of the Compensation Committee."

#compensation #committee #commissioner #Football

Western Michigan has every reason to believe it was cheated out of one of the biggest wins in program history, a season-opening upset over No. 16 Michigan. The Broncos appeared to have the game wrapped up, with time expiring on a failed Hail Mary attempt by the Wolverines in a game that favored WMU 12-7.
Then, the referees inexplicably added an extra second to the clock, and that was all the time needed to turn a massive upset into a massive heartbreak after Michigan's second Hail Mary attempt succeeded.
And yet, WMU head coach Lance Taylor was a lot more composed than most after the game. In fact, he took the high road, crediting the officiating crew for the game they called and saying he'll leave it to the MAC commissioner to figure out what happened with the clock.
Taylor also saw the disappointing finish as a learning moment for his team. "I think that's a good lesson for our defense. We can't just box out the back of the end zone. We've got to make sure that we cover them up at the front pylon as well."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What did WMU coach Lance Taylor say about clock controversy in Hail Mary loss to Michigan?

#mary #time

On the NBC broadcast, it looked like Michigan's Hail Mary attempt against Western Michigan resulted in an incompletion and the clock hitting zero. However, after review, a second was added back on the clock, and Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan on the Wolverines' second Hail Mary attempt to win the game 13-12.
After the game, Western Michigan head coach Lance Taylor shared his perspective. Taylor thought the game was won.
"I know when I looked up at the clock, it was past zeros before we touched it," Taylor said. "I knew that they would review it; it was the last play of the game. Because we defended it so well, I wasn't worried or concerned about our guys going out and defending it a second time. Unfortunately, we did not defend it as well the second time."
After Taylor's comments, the Big Ten released a statement and video explaining the decision to put a second back on, which allowed for a final play.
The commissioner of the MAC then released a statement that agreed with the Big Ten's explanation.

#western

Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor believes the clock was at zero when his team forced Michigan's Hail Mary to fall incomplete.
The No. 16 Wolverines got a second chance at a Hail Mary after officials controversially added a second back onto the clock and made the most of that second when JJ Buchanan caught the pass from Bryce Underwood for a 13-12 win.
WMU appeared to have escaped with a 12-7 upset win after Underwood's pass didn't touch a WMU player who had stepped out of bounds until there was no time remaining on the clock. However, officials ruled after a replay review that there was, somehow, still one second remaining.
After the game, Taylor was asked in his news conference about the play. He was diplomatic and said that it was also an opportunity for his defense.
"I have not seen the clip, several people have mentioned it to me that the game was over. I think one, [MAC commissioner John Steinbrecher] has already reached out. Normally he handles those type of situations and reviews. I thought that the crew tonight did a really nice job handling multiple close calls and review situations. We had several where the spot was questioned and reviewed and those calls went our way the the review went our way. So, listen, I'll let our commissioner and those guys handle it.

#clock #hail #mary #officials

BATON ROUGE — Lane Kiffin arrived on the set of ESPN's College GameDay around 10 a.m. local time with a look of determination. He still flashed a peace sign at LSU fans who cheered him as he walked, but otherwise didn't break stride.
Draped in a white **** on down and grey slacks, Kiffin was several hours away from making his debut as Tigers head coach. But first, he had some questions to answer about a massive and consequential decision.
On Friday night, LSU decided not to add Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its final roster—a shocking turn after the players, as well as LSU itself, fought a legal battle for the right to take the field as Tigers.
Wright and Harris were just two of hundreds of college athletes who have sued the NCAA to challenge the implementation of its "age-based" eligibility policy, which offered a fifth year of eligibility to college athletes—but didn't include players from the freshman class of 2022 who had already completed, like them. But their lawsuit drew national news because they had signed NFL contracts, though both were waived before making regular-season roster. A multipart legal battle ensued after the SEC issued a ban on players with this NFL experience, and the players and LSU refused to back down.
In a Baton Rouge courthouse Thursday, players won an injunction to suit up Saturday—a court order that prevented both the NCAA and SEC from implementing its rules. During the nine-hour hearing—specifically when SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was on the stand—news broke that the conference had sued LSU in federal court in Alabama, adding another layer to the feud.

#baton #tigers #ncaa

'He's a child': Paul Finebaum has strong words for Lane Kiffin amid SEC lawsuit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The ongoing feud between Paul Finebaum and Lane Kiffin took another turn on Saturday.
Hours before LSU will host Clemson in Baton Rouge, the ESPN ***** yst Paul Finebaum ripped the controversial college football coach for his willingness to add former NFL players to the Tigers roster.
The jaw-dropping moment on SEC Nation will definitely prompt a response from Kiffin. Finebaum's commentary went in on how LSU has conducted business against the wishes of the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey, even after the conference barred NFL players from being signed by teams.
"In a time when there is absolute chaos and morale decay in our game (Sankey) stopped what would have been one of the worst moments in the history," Finebaum said.

#kiffin #sporting #source

News that Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 season sent shockwaves through the league on Friday, Sept. 4.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, bringing her polarizing seven-year tenure that saw exponential growth and increased scrutiny to a close. Engelbert helped oversee a transformational collective barging agreement earlier this spring, her second at the helm of the W since becoming the league's first commissioner in 2019.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," Silver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Silver wasn't the only voice in basketball to comment on the news. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson both chimed in following Engelbert's retirement announcement.
Here's are their reactions:

#WNBA #wnbpa #Growth #Basketball

The history books will be kinder to Cathy Engelbert than this last year was as WNBA commissioner.
Six expansion teams. An international market. A landmark media rights deal. Exploding TV viewership and arena attendance numbers. Team valuations topping out at $1 billion and averaging $460 million.
Then there's the league's first $1 million player salaries and a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) based on revenue-sharing, marking the second "transformational" CBA she oversaw. They bookend a mind-boggling ascension for women's sports collectively in Engelbert's seven years running a league that turned 30 this year, and is the longest-running women's league in the United States.
Pull back 10,000 feet, and those are the highlights of a theoretical Encyclopedia Britannica entry, not the turmoil that ultimately led to Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, announced on Friday. She is the league's second-longest-tenured leader, and told the ****** ociated Press she had initially intended to do the job for three and a half years. She sped past that short window, and told the AP she had been mulling the decision for months.
"This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on," Engelbert told the outlet, adding it was her decision and she did not feel pressure from NBA or WNBA stakeholders. "Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."

#year

Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back about the pros and cons about Cathy Engelbert's career after he found out about her announcement to retire from the position of WNBA Commissioner following the end of the 2026 season.
Engelbert, who turns 62 in November, told The ***** ociated Press on Friday that she has been thinking about retiring for months.
"When I first came to the league I intended to do this for 3 1/2 years," she said in a phone interview. "The 7 1/2 years exceeded that time. This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on. Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."
Smith made his usual appearance on ESPN's First Take show on Friday. He reacted to the news about Engelbert, being glad the news came as the WNBA transitions to a new era of leadership when Engelbert retires in the coming months.
"About time. Took her long enough. They've been wanting her gone. Wishing nothing but the best, she helped negotiate the latest collective bargaining agreement. Kudos to her. But as Napheesa Collier said last year, she questioned the leadership, accused them of being negligent, said they had the worst leadership in the world, and she had the support of a vast majority of the players," Smith said.

#engelbert

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced on Friday that she will be retiring from her role at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Engelbert, 61, has held the commissioner role since July 2019. She is the second-longest president or commissioner in the league's history.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
While the league has seen tremendous growth over the past seven years, there have been numerous questions about Engelbert's leadership style, most notably her ability to foster a strong relationship with the league's players.
Following a season-ending injury and the Lynx's elimination from the playoffs last season, Napheesa Collier called out Engelbert in an explosive end-of-season press conference where she called the commissioner the "worst" leader in the world.

#WNBA

Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA commissioner, ending a polarizing tenure that saw the league grow exponentially under her watch but also raised questions about her ability to lead it through its era of increased scrutiny and attention.
Engelbert has informed the league of her decision to retire, effective at the end of this year, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Engelbert, 61, has served as WNBA commissioner since May 2019. Previously, she worked at Deloitte for more than 30 years and was elevated to CEO of the company in 2015.
"After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner," said Engelbert. "In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league's first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports."

#engelbert

The Green Bay Packers are not going to have Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs for the start of the season. While he is not injured, Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list following the news that criminal charges have been filed against him in relation to his arrest back in May for domestic violence.
Being on the commissioner's exempt list is not a suspension, but Jacobs cannot practice or play while on it. In fact, there is no time-limit for how long any player can be on the list, though it is worth noting that the Packers' running back will not have his initial court appearance until November 17. After Week 10.
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (32) catches a pass during the sixth day of training camp on Aug. 4, 2026, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
With Jacobs not on the roster, Marshawn Lloyd is expected to be the team's starting running back. Drafted in 2024, the third-year player has been healthy for just one game of his NFL career. However, it appears that he has put his injury woes behind him.
Indeed, the Packers have been impressed and happy with how Lloyd was performed during training camp and the preseason. They are comfortable with him sliding in as their starting running back, a role that Dan Graziano of ESPN believes would have been his before too long anyway:

#jacobs #lloyd #list #green

The Los Angeles Clippers finally got an answer on the NBA's cap circumvention investigation, but it's not the one they were hoping for. Despite claiming innocence and complying with the league throughout the process, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came down with strict penalties, including a $30 million fine, the loss of five draft picks, and suspensions for several Clippers executives.
Instead of accepting their losses, however, the Clippers plan to fight with everything they have. After making their initial statement today, they shared their official email to the Commissioner, in which they called him out on the way this investigation was conducted. According to the Clippers, they worked tirelessly to comply with the league office, committing millions of dollars and many hours to prove their innocence.
"Almost one year ago today, you announced that the league would be investigating podcast allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in salary cap circumvention by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through a 'no-show' contract with a Clippers sponsor, Aspiration. In announcing that investigation, you represented that 'due process' and 'a fundamental sense of fairness' would govern the process. You made clear that the 'burden [would be] on the league' to prove any violation through actual evidence, not 'mere appearances.' And you concluded by promising that everyone involved in the investigation would be treated 'the same way I would want to be treated if people were making allegations against me.'"
"Unfortunately, none of those promises have been kept. In the last year, Steve Ballmer has spent nearly $50 million funding an investigation by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz that has stretched far beyond the bounds of what the league set out to investigate, let alone the bounds of 'fundamental fairness.' The Clippers have produced more than 30,000 documents and provided more than 20 witnesses who have sat for 30 interviews."
"Third parties, including Clippers business partners and sponsors, have likewise provided documents, interviews, and statements to investigators. Mr. Ballmer has reimbursed the costs of at least six law firms, many of which were hired at the demand of the league's lawyers. To say the investigation has been a distraction would be an understatement—Clippers employees have spent thousands of hours scouring document repositories, phones, messaging systems, central files, and accounting records, working with counsel, and sitting for interviews. This investigation has permanently strained relationships with key Clippers stakeholders."

#angeles #commissioner #circumvention #innocence

As its standoff with LSU intensifies, the SEC is receiving some support from beyond the conference and its member universities.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is encouraging SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to take "all measures available" against the Tigers if they field a team featuring former NFL players returning to college, and to "use all legal means necessary to protect the University of Georgia, student athletes, and the integrity of college athletics," according to a letter from Carr to Sankey obtained by ESPN on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Those potential punishments could escalate to suspending and/or removing LSU from the conference, of which it has been a member since the league's founding in 1932.
REQUIRED READING: LSU tested SEC's authority. The conference's response is raising eyebrows
"College athletics are for college athletes only, and we are grateful the SEC has taken swift action to maintain that standard," Carr wrote in the letter, according to ESPN. "However, the rules cannot be ignored or twisted to benefit one coach, one institution, or one program, and we refuse to stand by while that happens."

#conference #athletics

Law Murray: From the LA Clippers On behalf of the LA Clippers: We vehemently reject the NBA's findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence. What the league told us privately differs from what it announced today publicly, and they have not held themselves close to the standard Commissioner Silver set at the start of this investigation to ensure it's fairness and accuracy. For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence. We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Clippers response to NBA ruling: We vehemently reject these findings as a biased investigation looking to justify a predetermined narrative

#investigation #reject #justify #narrative

The Green Bay Packers will have one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL this season. Despite Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs being on the commissioner's exempt list following criminal charges being filed against him, the Packers have some of the best young offensive stars in the league.
Wide receivers Christian Watson and Jayden Reed barely got to play together last year due to injuries. Now, they are entering 2026 healthy and fresh off of significant multi-year contract extensions. Additionally, Jordan Love continues to trend in the right direction as he enters his fourth year as Green Bay's starting quarterback.
Oh, and tight end Tucker Kraft is healthy.
Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) celebrates his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Kraft missed the second half of the season last year due to a torn ACL. Fortunately, he has progressed on schedule in his recovery and will be ready for Week One. Just how much the Packers will limit his snap count to start the year remains to be seen, but the fact that he will be playing at all gives the offense a major boost.

#season

The Denver Broncos have set their 53-man roster, and all eyes are now set on Arrowhead Stadium for a Monday Night Football clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. But the news that Jonathon Cooper was placed on the commissioner's exempt list is a bit of a hurdle, even if it was expected.
Cooper will be unable to practice with or play in any games for the Broncos as long as he is under that status, raising a critical question: Do the Broncos have enough in the pass-rushing department?
Nik Bonitto remains one of the league's best pass-rusher, but the Broncos will have to turn to Jonah Elliss until Cooper is able to rejoin the team. Behind them, the only other edge rushers on the roster are Dondrea Tillman and second-year player Que Robinson.
Former Broncos star Von Miller was available for quite some time and many fans wanted to see that reunion. Instead, the Dallas Cowboys signed Miller. Should the Broncos consider another option before the season kicks off?
The Broncos led the league in sacks last season and were able to generate pressure from all over the defensive alignment. It's likely that coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are highly confident in the players they have, but a veteran option should at least be considered.

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