4 hours ago
Fabio Paratici has wasted no time stamping his mark on this Fiorentina squad. He's brought in 5 new players already and more are coming. That's good news: the Viola needed to refresh a stale, ailing group. What I'm interested in, though, is the senior players the new sporting director has sold. No, I don't mean outcasts like Lucas Beltrán and Amir Richardson and Alessandro Bianco. I don't mean unfortunate salary casualty Robin Gosens. No, I mean all the academy-trained talent in the system.
Until the Viola create a B-team, it will lose a crop of academy kids every summer. Most of them never had a chance of breaking through to the first team. For the handful who might have the quality, finding an acceptable path within the club is difficult. The most common outcome is what happened to, say, Eduard Duțu last year: a promising young defender, he ended up on 7 loan deals before leaving Florence for good last year without ever making a senior appearance. Guys like Luca Ranieri—loans to Foggia, Ascoli, SPAL, and Salernitana before breaking through—are the exception. It's rare for to see one of these youngsters take that final step.
Young players matter to fans in a way they don't to the club itself. For fans, every 17-year-old who dribbles a 3rd-tier defender in preseason becomes a future star. That's not just luxurious thinking. We need that fantasy—the academy contains untold riches—because it reinforces two narratives that sustain us, especially through the lean years. First, we get to believe that we know ball and can identify buried talent because that allows us to think of ourselves as knowledgeable, superior, and in control of something over which we actually exert no control. Second, we get to think that Fiorentina is doing something better than other clubs, allowing us to enjoy vicarious success and prove to ourselves that there's a reason to support an organization that constantly falls short.
The other bit is that fans connect with kids they've watched grow up more than they do with senior players brought in on the open market. There are Borja Valero exceptions, of course, but in a vacuum, we'd all prefer an academy product more than a player of equal talent who transferred in. It demonstrates that the club's process is successful. It also provides a connection to the city: every time you see a kid like Tommaso Martinelli post a picture of himself as a child in the Curva Fiesole, it reinforces the depth of feeling the locals have for the club in a way that nothing else can.
Fiorentina has enjoyed unprecedented success at youth level in the Commisso era. Daniele Galloppa led the kids to their first scudetto in 43 years, adding that trophy to 4 Coppe Italia and 2 Supercoppe since the 2019-2020 season. There's been a rich seam of talent at the RBCVPetc, churning out senior internationals (Federico Chiesa, Jan Mlakar, Michael Kayode), promising youngsters (Daniele Ghilardi, Edoardo Pierozzi, Costantino Favasuli) and steady veterans dotting t
Until the Viola create a B-team, it will lose a crop of academy kids every summer. Most of them never had a chance of breaking through to the first team. For the handful who might have the quality, finding an acceptable path within the club is difficult. The most common outcome is what happened to, say, Eduard Duțu last year: a promising young defender, he ended up on 7 loan deals before leaving Florence for good last year without ever making a senior appearance. Guys like Luca Ranieri—loans to Foggia, Ascoli, SPAL, and Salernitana before breaking through—are the exception. It's rare for to see one of these youngsters take that final step.
Young players matter to fans in a way they don't to the club itself. For fans, every 17-year-old who dribbles a 3rd-tier defender in preseason becomes a future star. That's not just luxurious thinking. We need that fantasy—the academy contains untold riches—because it reinforces two narratives that sustain us, especially through the lean years. First, we get to believe that we know ball and can identify buried talent because that allows us to think of ourselves as knowledgeable, superior, and in control of something over which we actually exert no control. Second, we get to think that Fiorentina is doing something better than other clubs, allowing us to enjoy vicarious success and prove to ourselves that there's a reason to support an organization that constantly falls short.
The other bit is that fans connect with kids they've watched grow up more than they do with senior players brought in on the open market. There are Borja Valero exceptions, of course, but in a vacuum, we'd all prefer an academy product more than a player of equal talent who transferred in. It demonstrates that the club's process is successful. It also provides a connection to the city: every time you see a kid like Tommaso Martinelli post a picture of himself as a child in the Curva Fiesole, it reinforces the depth of feeling the locals have for the club in a way that nothing else can.
Fiorentina has enjoyed unprecedented success at youth level in the Commisso era. Daniele Galloppa led the kids to their first scudetto in 43 years, adding that trophy to 4 Coppe Italia and 2 Supercoppe since the 2019-2020 season. There's been a rich seam of talent at the RBCVPetc, churning out senior internationals (Federico Chiesa, Jan Mlakar, Michael Kayode), promising youngsters (Daniele Ghilardi, Edoardo Pierozzi, Costantino Favasuli) and steady veterans dotting t
14 hours ago
The halfway point of the 2026 WNBA season is here. The All-Star Game is over and the trade deadline looms at 3 p.m. ET, Aug. 2. Teams must now decide if they're going all-in for a championship run or hitting the reset ****** on ahead of next season.
Typically, the WNBA doesn't see blockbuster deals at the trade deadline, but there have been a few exceptions. The Connecticut Sun acquired Marina Mabrey from the Chicago Sky at the 2024 deadline before advancing to the semifinals in the playoffs. In 2015, the Minnesota Lynx picked up Sylvia Fowles — also from the Sky — on their way to winning what would be their third of four championships in seven seasons.
Will a league-altering trade be made this season? That remains to be seen, but it's a fun exercise to speculate.
This week's WNBA power rankings, which publish every Tuesday, are accompanied by trades we think make sense for every team.
Trade target: Sydney Taylor, G, Chicago Sky
#trade #typically
Typically, the WNBA doesn't see blockbuster deals at the trade deadline, but there have been a few exceptions. The Connecticut Sun acquired Marina Mabrey from the Chicago Sky at the 2024 deadline before advancing to the semifinals in the playoffs. In 2015, the Minnesota Lynx picked up Sylvia Fowles — also from the Sky — on their way to winning what would be their third of four championships in seven seasons.
Will a league-altering trade be made this season? That remains to be seen, but it's a fun exercise to speculate.
This week's WNBA power rankings, which publish every Tuesday, are accompanied by trades we think make sense for every team.
Trade target: Sydney Taylor, G, Chicago Sky
#trade #typically
5 days ago
Jerod Mayo's one-year stint as New England Patriots head coach was mostly forgettable, but there are a few exceptions. One, of course, is selecting Drake Maye third overall in the draft. And while that decision will shape the franchise for years to come, it is not the only one still impacting the roster to this day.
The Patriots' top interior offensive line backup, for example, was also acquired under Mayo.
Name:Ben Brown
Position: Interior offensive line
Jersey number: 77
#offensive #england #name
The Patriots' top interior offensive line backup, for example, was also acquired under Mayo.
Name:Ben Brown
Position: Interior offensive line
Jersey number: 77
#offensive #england #name
5 days ago
One of central Ohio's top high school football teams knows it will have one of the country's top recruits for at least the first five games of the 2026 season, but senior Jamier Brown's eligibility after that remains undetermined.
A five-star wide receiver who has committed to Ohio State, Brown transferred to Big Walnut in January after playing three seasons at Huber Heights Wayne.
"[Brown] is eligible for the first five games of the season, and in early October the OHSAA will conduct a review of his status in conjunction with Big Walnut and the family to determine his eligibility for Week 6 and beyond," Tim Stried, the director of media relations for the OHSAA, said July 21.
Transfers ruled ineligible for the second half of the 10-game regular season can't compete in the postseason.
During track and field in the spring, Brown was ruled eligible for the entire season after the OHSAA determined he met one of its transfer exceptions. The OHSAA said it doesn't provide details of exceptions.
#first
A five-star wide receiver who has committed to Ohio State, Brown transferred to Big Walnut in January after playing three seasons at Huber Heights Wayne.
"[Brown] is eligible for the first five games of the season, and in early October the OHSAA will conduct a review of his status in conjunction with Big Walnut and the family to determine his eligibility for Week 6 and beyond," Tim Stried, the director of media relations for the OHSAA, said July 21.
Transfers ruled ineligible for the second half of the 10-game regular season can't compete in the postseason.
During track and field in the spring, Brown was ruled eligible for the entire season after the OHSAA determined he met one of its transfer exceptions. The OHSAA said it doesn't provide details of exceptions.
#first
6 days ago
Pep Guardiola is reportedly seeking a €20m-a-year salary to take over as head coach of the Italy national team, and the latest updates indicate that the former Manchester City boss will give a definitive answer by the early stages of next week.
Guardiola left City after 10 trophy-laden seasons earlier this summer and has emerged as one of the dream candidates to take over as the new head coach of the Italy national side. Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are the other names currently being linked with the vacant CT role.
Recently-appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona to hold direct talks with Guardiola last weekend. Thursday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Spaniard wants €20m-per-year to take over as Italy head coach.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has recently admitted that the federation would be willing to ‘make exceptions’ for candidates at a certain level, even name-checking the former City and Barcelona tactician, but the Italy national team are unlikely to be able to offer a potential new head coach any more than €10m per season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts as a montage of his time at Manchester City is played on the LED screen inside the stadium following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
#guardiola #coach
Guardiola left City after 10 trophy-laden seasons earlier this summer and has emerged as one of the dream candidates to take over as the new head coach of the Italy national side. Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are the other names currently being linked with the vacant CT role.
Recently-appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona to hold direct talks with Guardiola last weekend. Thursday’s reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Spaniard wants €20m-per-year to take over as Italy head coach.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has recently admitted that the federation would be willing to ‘make exceptions’ for candidates at a certain level, even name-checking the former City and Barcelona tactician, but the Italy national team are unlikely to be able to offer a potential new head coach any more than €10m per season.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts as a montage of his time at Manchester City is played on the LED screen inside the stadium following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
#guardiola #coach
7 days ago
Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy’s next head coach, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.
Malago also said “exceptions” could be made in terms of salary for the 55-year-old former Manchester City manager.
Guardiola, who previously coached Barcelona and Bayern Munich, left City at the end of last season after winning six Premier League ****** les, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League during a 10-year reign.
Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy head coach in April after the four-time champions failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago said: “(Financial) exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.
#guardiola #exceptions #city #champions
Malago also said “exceptions” could be made in terms of salary for the 55-year-old former Manchester City manager.
Guardiola, who previously coached Barcelona and Bayern Munich, left City at the end of last season after winning six Premier League ****** les, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League during a 10-year reign.
Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy head coach in April after the four-time champions failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malago said: “(Financial) exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.
#guardiola #exceptions #city #champions
7 days ago
Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy head coach, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed.
Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 successful years in England, during which time he won six Premier League ****** les, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League.
Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.
Sky Italia first reported contact between the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the 55-year-old on Monday.
In an interview with Italian digital sports media platform Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago confirmed talks had been held with the Spaniard and that "exceptions" could be made for his salary.
#italy #federation #malago #held
Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 successful years in England, during which time he won six Premier League ****** les, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League.
Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third World Cup in a row.
Sky Italia first reported contact between the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the 55-year-old on Monday.
In an interview with Italian digital sports media platform Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago confirmed talks had been held with the Spaniard and that "exceptions" could be made for his salary.
#italy #federation #malago #held
18 days ago
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Can you get a mortgage and buy a house at the age of 18? What about 68? Does age matter when getting a mortgage? The simple answer is that age discrimination in lending is prohibited. However, real life is a bit more nuanced.
If you're of legal age in your state, you can sign a contract and apply for a mortgage. In most states, the "age of majority" is 18. It's 21 in Mississippi and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska.
There are exceptions. A minor may buy a house if:
The minor is legally emancipated, which is a court-ordered process that enables a minor to sign ownership and mortgage agreements. Of course, lender approval would be required.
Can you get a mortgage and buy a house at the age of 18? What about 68? Does age matter when getting a mortgage? The simple answer is that age discrimination in lending is prohibited. However, real life is a bit more nuanced.
If you're of legal age in your state, you can sign a contract and apply for a mortgage. In most states, the "age of majority" is 18. It's 21 in Mississippi and 19 in Alabama and Nebraska.
There are exceptions. A minor may buy a house if:
The minor is legally emancipated, which is a court-ordered process that enables a minor to sign ownership and mortgage agreements. Of course, lender approval would be required.
19 days ago
The USC Trojans need to make the College Football Playoff this season. That is the goal and expectation. Lincoln Riley has whiffed in four previous attempts to make the playoff. USC is 0 for 12 in making the playoff since the event began in 2014. The pressure is on, and it will only grow after Knoxville News-Sentinel writer John Adams picked USC to make the playoff. He and USA TODAY Sports college football writer Blake Toppmeyer offered their playoff picks before the 2026 season begins. Adams is bullish on USC, but Toppmeyer is not.
"Adams selects: Southern Cal
Toppmeyer's reaction: Noooooooo. You blew it! There goes our perfect bracket. This pick shocks me. Actually, no it doesn't. You got sucked in by USC, once again. Sure, a lot of talent returns, and maybe Gary Patterson will improve the defense, but look at the schedule. It includes: Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, Indiana. Too much schedule."
Of course, USC fans do not call the school "Southern Cal," but that point aside, Trojans of all ages hope John Adams' prediction comes true. USC football has done almost nothing since Pete Carroll left, the only exceptions being the 2016 and 2017 seasons under Sam Darnold, with a Rose Bowl win and a Pac-12 championship (the school's only conference ***** le since Carroll left). Now it's time for Lincoln Riley to finally live up to the hype and expectations. The more Riley fails, the harder it is to believe he is the man to lead USC back to the mountaintop in college football.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Tennessee-based writer picks USC to make College Football Playoff
"Adams selects: Southern Cal
Toppmeyer's reaction: Noooooooo. You blew it! There goes our perfect bracket. This pick shocks me. Actually, no it doesn't. You got sucked in by USC, once again. Sure, a lot of talent returns, and maybe Gary Patterson will improve the defense, but look at the schedule. It includes: Oregon, Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, Indiana. Too much schedule."
Of course, USC fans do not call the school "Southern Cal," but that point aside, Trojans of all ages hope John Adams' prediction comes true. USC football has done almost nothing since Pete Carroll left, the only exceptions being the 2016 and 2017 seasons under Sam Darnold, with a Rose Bowl win and a Pac-12 championship (the school's only conference ***** le since Carroll left). Now it's time for Lincoln Riley to finally live up to the hype and expectations. The more Riley fails, the harder it is to believe he is the man to lead USC back to the mountaintop in college football.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Tennessee-based writer picks USC to make College Football Playoff
20 days ago
Every NFL player eventually loses the battle against time. It doesn't matter how many Pro Bowls they've earned or championships they've won. At some point, age always catches up, though the Philadelphia Eagles have certainly seen their fair share of exceptions. Jason Kelce was a freak of nature. So is Lane Johnson, but for the most part, explosiveness fades, and recovery takes longer. The game becomes just a little harder than it once was.
Johnson, however, seems determined to test that theory for as long as possible. As the Eagles prepare for another season with championship aspirations, he enters Year 14 still performing at a level most offensive linemen spend an entire career chasing. It's become so commonplace that it's easy to overlook just how remarkable his sustained excellence has been. He remains every bit as important to Philadelphia's success despite being one of the league's oldest starters.
Most offensive linemen begin showing signs of decline well before reaching their mid-30s. Johnson has largely ignored that timeline. Even while battling injuries last season, he continued grading among the NFL's better right tackles, excelling in both pass protection and the running game. His athleticism remains evident. His technique remains elite and, perhaps most importantly, his understanding of the position continues to separate him from younger opponents.
That combination has allowed him to evolve rather than simply survive. Johnson no longer relies solely on overwhelming athletic traits. He wins with experience, anticipation, leverage, and an unmatched understanding of how to counter opposing pass rushers before they ever make their move. Those qualities don't always show up in highlight reels, but they help explain why the Eagles continue trusting him with one of the league's most demanding positions.
Philadelphia has ****** embled one of football's deepest rosters. Jalen Hurts commands the offense. Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's premier running backs. The defense is loaded with young playmakers.
Johnson, however, seems determined to test that theory for as long as possible. As the Eagles prepare for another season with championship aspirations, he enters Year 14 still performing at a level most offensive linemen spend an entire career chasing. It's become so commonplace that it's easy to overlook just how remarkable his sustained excellence has been. He remains every bit as important to Philadelphia's success despite being one of the league's oldest starters.
Most offensive linemen begin showing signs of decline well before reaching their mid-30s. Johnson has largely ignored that timeline. Even while battling injuries last season, he continued grading among the NFL's better right tackles, excelling in both pass protection and the running game. His athleticism remains evident. His technique remains elite and, perhaps most importantly, his understanding of the position continues to separate him from younger opponents.
That combination has allowed him to evolve rather than simply survive. Johnson no longer relies solely on overwhelming athletic traits. He wins with experience, anticipation, leverage, and an unmatched understanding of how to counter opposing pass rushers before they ever make their move. Those qualities don't always show up in highlight reels, but they help explain why the Eagles continue trusting him with one of the league's most demanding positions.
Philadelphia has ****** embled one of football's deepest rosters. Jalen Hurts commands the offense. Saquon Barkley remains one of the NFL's premier running backs. The defense is loaded with young playmakers.
20 days ago
The Alvaro Arbeloa era has finally begun.
Five weeks after Marco Silva revealed he was leaving Fulham, the club got their man to replace him. And he certainly divides opinion.
Many fans are concerned about Arbeloa's lack of experience; just five months at the helm of Real Madrid doesn't cut it for them.
I see the move as a positive one. Fulham are said to have been convinced by Arbeloa's vision for the 'project', built on creating a strong path from the academy to the first team - in line with his rise through the age ranks at the Bernabeu.
We have a Category A academy, but we did not reap the full benefits of that over the five years o Silva's reign. There are a couple of exceptions - Fabio Carvalho and Josh King - but Silva typically relied more on experience.
Five weeks after Marco Silva revealed he was leaving Fulham, the club got their man to replace him. And he certainly divides opinion.
Many fans are concerned about Arbeloa's lack of experience; just five months at the helm of Real Madrid doesn't cut it for them.
I see the move as a positive one. Fulham are said to have been convinced by Arbeloa's vision for the 'project', built on creating a strong path from the academy to the first team - in line with his rise through the age ranks at the Bernabeu.
We have a Category A academy, but we did not reap the full benefits of that over the five years o Silva's reign. There are a couple of exceptions - Fabio Carvalho and Josh King - but Silva typically relied more on experience.
20 days ago
Rory McIlroy has urged the PGA Tour to "be careful" with the future of the Scottish Open when it introduces its two-tier format in 2028.
Under the new system, the schedules for the Championship - which will contain the PGA Tour's leading players - and the second-tier Challenger series will run concurrently.
Championship players will not be able to feature in Challenger events and vice versa, although anyone who wins two Challenger events in the same season will gain immediate promotion to the Championship.
The Scottish Open would not qualify for Championship status so, while 14 of the world's top 20 are competing at this week's tournament at Renaissance Club, many of those big-name players could be ineligible to play in the tournament from 2028 under the new rules.
Bob MacIntyre, Scotland's leading player, called for "exceptions" to be made for his home Open when the new schedule is implemented.
Under the new system, the schedules for the Championship - which will contain the PGA Tour's leading players - and the second-tier Challenger series will run concurrently.
Championship players will not be able to feature in Challenger events and vice versa, although anyone who wins two Challenger events in the same season will gain immediate promotion to the Championship.
The Scottish Open would not qualify for Championship status so, while 14 of the world's top 20 are competing at this week's tournament at Renaissance Club, many of those big-name players could be ineligible to play in the tournament from 2028 under the new rules.
Bob MacIntyre, Scotland's leading player, called for "exceptions" to be made for his home Open when the new schedule is implemented.
20 days ago
Seems like the whole world of famous people -- with some exceptions -- was invited to the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in New York City at Madison Square Garden.
That included Charles Barkley, but he decided not to attend. Why is that? Who wouldn't want to attend the wedding of the century? It turns out the Hall of Famer is the one.
As he told 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, "I don't go to weddings or funerals. I did get an invite and I politely declined cause I thought it was gonna be a ******* show. ... I love Travis and Jason and I've only met Taylor one time."
He went on to say he thought it would be "too much" and he just wants to play golf. Hey, at least he's honest! And that's what we want from Barkley and what we get.
It sounded like a fun time and not a "crap show," but maybe that's me wishing I had snagged an invite.
That included Charles Barkley, but he decided not to attend. Why is that? Who wouldn't want to attend the wedding of the century? It turns out the Hall of Famer is the one.
As he told 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, "I don't go to weddings or funerals. I did get an invite and I politely declined cause I thought it was gonna be a ******* show. ... I love Travis and Jason and I've only met Taylor one time."
He went on to say he thought it would be "too much" and he just wants to play golf. Hey, at least he's honest! And that's what we want from Barkley and what we get.
It sounded like a fun time and not a "crap show," but maybe that's me wishing I had snagged an invite.
21 days ago
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel won “Superior Player of the Match” as Switzerland advanced to the quarter-final with a penalty shootout win over Colombia. Murat Yakin's side will face holders Argentina in Switzerland's first appearance in the last eight since their home tournament in 1954.
Although chances were far and few between, both sides had decent opportunities to win the hard-fought encounter before it went into penalties. In particular, Kobel shone with his athleticism keeping Luis Díaz and Colombia scoreless for 120 minutes.
Yann Sommer's long-time understudy also made a crucial stop from Cucho Hernandez in the shootout after Davinson Sanchez and his former BVB teammate Manuel Akanji failed to hit their targets. Ex-Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas scored the final kick to send Switzerland through to the next round.
Colombia have only conceded one goal, which was in the 3-1 victory over pointless Uzbekistan, but their tournament is now coming to a close. Néstor Lorenzo’s side are the only ones to play games at the stadiums of all three host countries.
The quarter-final will commence on Thursday as the tournament takes a one-day break for the first time since the opening fixture last month. Six of the teams left in the competition are from Europe, with Morocco and holders Argentina the exceptions. Switzerland will hope SC Freiburg's Johan Manzambi recovers in time for the game against the defending champions.
Although chances were far and few between, both sides had decent opportunities to win the hard-fought encounter before it went into penalties. In particular, Kobel shone with his athleticism keeping Luis Díaz and Colombia scoreless for 120 minutes.
Yann Sommer's long-time understudy also made a crucial stop from Cucho Hernandez in the shootout after Davinson Sanchez and his former BVB teammate Manuel Akanji failed to hit their targets. Ex-Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas scored the final kick to send Switzerland through to the next round.
Colombia have only conceded one goal, which was in the 3-1 victory over pointless Uzbekistan, but their tournament is now coming to a close. Néstor Lorenzo’s side are the only ones to play games at the stadiums of all three host countries.
The quarter-final will commence on Thursday as the tournament takes a one-day break for the first time since the opening fixture last month. Six of the teams left in the competition are from Europe, with Morocco and holders Argentina the exceptions. Switzerland will hope SC Freiburg's Johan Manzambi recovers in time for the game against the defending champions.
21 days ago
We have heard directly from another Michigan basketball player since a sudden coaching change June 22.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
Among those who have already reaffirmed their commitment, incoming graduate transfer Jalen Reed − a wing from LSU − is the first transfer to speak publicly after coach Dusty May's departure to coach the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
Reed explained the team's emotions after the the move was announced, when he recently sat down with the program's radio play-by-play voice Brian Boesch on an episode of "Defend The Block" podcast.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how much guys are in the gym and how much guys really believe in each other and believe in this team," Reed said. "It was easy for when Dusty left for everybody to kind of split and splinter, but everybody said, ‘When we woke up this morning, before the news broke, we thought we were a championship team – and nothing has really changed but Dusty’s left.'"
U-M named former **** istant coach Mike Boynton Jr. as its interim coach and thus far, 12 of the 14 scholarship players have publicly reaffirmed their status with the program. The lone exceptions are junior point guard L.J. Cason (coming off an ACL injury) and incoming freshman McDonald's All-American Quinn Costello.
22 days ago
NASCAR is performing a deeper inspection process after the Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway last weekend. Denny Hamlin's No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing has been taken to the NASCAR R&D Center for further inspection after Chicagoland, the sport announced. Hamlin finished in fourth place on Sunday night.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been sensational during the 2026 Cup Series season and earned another top-5 finish at Chicagoland. NASCAR taking Hamlin's No. 11 car to the R&D Center doesn't automatically mean something is wrong; however, it does heighten the risk of a potential penalty.
In the NextGen car era, drivers and teams have received significant penalties when NASCAR takes a car to the R&D Center. There have been several occasions when they have lost over 100 points due to an infraction. Most cars are cleared after going to the R&D Center, but exceptions exist.
Hamlin will likely be OK; however, NASCAR has blasted teams in the past for any wrongdoing.
More: Chase Briscoe wins NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland in June 2026
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been sensational during the 2026 Cup Series season and earned another top-5 finish at Chicagoland. NASCAR taking Hamlin's No. 11 car to the R&D Center doesn't automatically mean something is wrong; however, it does heighten the risk of a potential penalty.
In the NextGen car era, drivers and teams have received significant penalties when NASCAR takes a car to the R&D Center. There have been several occasions when they have lost over 100 points due to an infraction. Most cars are cleared after going to the R&D Center, but exceptions exist.
Hamlin will likely be OK; however, NASCAR has blasted teams in the past for any wrongdoing.
More: Chase Briscoe wins NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland in June 2026
23 days ago
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday said the House will attempt to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act "one more time" through a budget reconciliation bill.
"The president has that as a top priority, and so do I," Johnson told Fox News's Shannon Bream in an interview on Sunday. "We passed it three times in the House. We're going to try one more time on a budget reconciliation bill, and I think that will be the way to get it through the Senate, and finally, to the president's desk."
Johnson defended the House version of the SAVE America Act as the "backbone" of what President Trump is pushing for to pass the Senate.
He said that although a prohibition on mail-in voting with exceptions and other requests made by Trump could be included, the "bigger reach" is to hone the bill to focus on providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote and the presentation of photo ID before casting a ballot — the core components of the bill.
"That eliminates the problem, all the fraud and everything that everybody's concerned about in our elections, particularly, frankly, in these blue states," Johnson said.
"The president has that as a top priority, and so do I," Johnson told Fox News's Shannon Bream in an interview on Sunday. "We passed it three times in the House. We're going to try one more time on a budget reconciliation bill, and I think that will be the way to get it through the Senate, and finally, to the president's desk."
Johnson defended the House version of the SAVE America Act as the "backbone" of what President Trump is pushing for to pass the Senate.
He said that although a prohibition on mail-in voting with exceptions and other requests made by Trump could be included, the "bigger reach" is to hone the bill to focus on providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote and the presentation of photo ID before casting a ballot — the core components of the bill.
"That eliminates the problem, all the fraud and everything that everybody's concerned about in our elections, particularly, frankly, in these blue states," Johnson said.
24 days ago
Miami Heat 2026 NBA free agency tracker: Live signings, updates, trades, and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Heat have already made their big offseason splash by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but all eyes will still be on the team entering NBA free agency.
Miami won't have much money to spend, but the franchise does have a plethora of exceptions to use, including the nontaxpayer mid-level exception for around $12 million. Miami also has $20.5 million in first apron ******* e.
As NBA free agency kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, follow along with our tracker below to stay up to date on the latest signings, updates, and trades for Miami.
UPDATE: Hardaway Jr. remains the only external free agent the Heat have signed as the Fourth of July weekend is underway.
The Miami Heat have already made their big offseason splash by trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but all eyes will still be on the team entering NBA free agency.
Miami won't have much money to spend, but the franchise does have a plethora of exceptions to use, including the nontaxpayer mid-level exception for around $12 million. Miami also has $20.5 million in first apron ******* e.
As NBA free agency kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, follow along with our tracker below to stay up to date on the latest signings, updates, and trades for Miami.
UPDATE: Hardaway Jr. remains the only external free agent the Heat have signed as the Fourth of July weekend is underway.
26 days ago
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The Chase 5/24 rule limits how many Chase credit cards you can be approved for within a 24-month period, making it essential to understand if you want to sign up for new offers in the future.
In general, the Chase 5/24 rule doesn't allow you to be approved for more Chase credit cards if you've opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months. Something to note is that just about any recently opened credit card account, regardless of issuer, counts toward this limit.
That means if you've opened one card each from American Express, Chase, Citibank, Barclays, and Wells Fargo in the past 24 months, Chase will most likely deny any further applications for one of its credit cards.
There are exceptions to this rule, but these guidelines have largely held since Chase first included 5/24 language on a credit card application, stating, "You will not be approved for this card if you have opened 5 or more bank cards in the past 24 months."
The Chase 5/24 rule limits how many Chase credit cards you can be approved for within a 24-month period, making it essential to understand if you want to sign up for new offers in the future.
In general, the Chase 5/24 rule doesn't allow you to be approved for more Chase credit cards if you've opened five or more credit card accounts in the past 24 months. Something to note is that just about any recently opened credit card account, regardless of issuer, counts toward this limit.
That means if you've opened one card each from American Express, Chase, Citibank, Barclays, and Wells Fargo in the past 24 months, Chase will most likely deny any further applications for one of its credit cards.
There are exceptions to this rule, but these guidelines have largely held since Chase first included 5/24 language on a credit card application, stating, "You will not be approved for this card if you have opened 5 or more bank cards in the past 24 months."
26 days ago
Even though it's fairly straightforward, soccer's offside rule can be confusing for casual fans. And even controversial at times.
The United States had two goals called back for offside in its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night. However, it also had a goal that was initially disallowed for offside ruled good in its group stage win over Australia thanks to FIFA's automatic review process in the World Cup.
Here's how the offside rule works and why the infraction isn't always immediately called during games.
Simply put, two players from the opposing team have to be between a player and the goal at the time the ball is played forward by a teammate. There are exceptions, but we'll get to those in a moment.
Wednesday night, Folarin Balogun had a goal ruled out in the first half because the only Bosnian player between him and the goal when Weston McKennie passed him the ball was goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Here's how close it was.
The United States had two goals called back for offside in its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night. However, it also had a goal that was initially disallowed for offside ruled good in its group stage win over Australia thanks to FIFA's automatic review process in the World Cup.
Here's how the offside rule works and why the infraction isn't always immediately called during games.
Simply put, two players from the opposing team have to be between a player and the goal at the time the ball is played forward by a teammate. There are exceptions, but we'll get to those in a moment.
Wednesday night, Folarin Balogun had a goal ruled out in the first half because the only Bosnian player between him and the goal when Weston McKennie passed him the ball was goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Here's how close it was.
28 days ago
Free agency begins in the NBA on Tuesday evening, and the Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to add to their roster in an effort to climb the ladder in the East. The Sixers have a ton of talent on the roster, and are armed with some exceptions that can help on the free agency landscape, and it will be on President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey and Co. to make the right moves.
As for their own free agents, it appears Kelly Oubre Jr. has a suitor. Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer via The Stein Line , the Indiana Pacers have emerged as a potential option for Oubre:
In other Pacers developments: Sources say Josh Okogie is among a group of swingmen they are looking at to support the soon-to-be-back-from-injury Tyrese Haliburton . Indiana can pay part of the non-taxpayer midlevel to compete against other teams' prospective offers at the veteran's minimum and is also said to have Gary Trent Jr . and Kelly Oubre Jr. on its list.
Oubre averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 ****** ists while shooting a career-high 36% from deep on 4.8 attempts per night in 2025-26. The 11-year veteran out of Kansas was a key contributor in all three of his seasons with Philadelphia and one has to wonder if the Sixers can work something out before the Pacers can come in with an offer.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Report: Pacers to have interest in Sixers free agent Kelly Oubre Jr.
As for their own free agents, it appears Kelly Oubre Jr. has a suitor. Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer via The Stein Line , the Indiana Pacers have emerged as a potential option for Oubre:
In other Pacers developments: Sources say Josh Okogie is among a group of swingmen they are looking at to support the soon-to-be-back-from-injury Tyrese Haliburton . Indiana can pay part of the non-taxpayer midlevel to compete against other teams' prospective offers at the veteran's minimum and is also said to have Gary Trent Jr . and Kelly Oubre Jr. on its list.
Oubre averaged 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 ****** ists while shooting a career-high 36% from deep on 4.8 attempts per night in 2025-26. The 11-year veteran out of Kansas was a key contributor in all three of his seasons with Philadelphia and one has to wonder if the Sixers can work something out before the Pacers can come in with an offer.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Report: Pacers to have interest in Sixers free agent Kelly Oubre Jr.
30 days ago
The New York Knicks parade honoring the NBA champions in the Canyon of Heroes may be over, but the honors from New York City aren't. Per an announcement coming on Monday morning, there's more.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani -- who delivered the epic speech thanking current and former Knicks that fans loved -- announced that Knicks players will have Manhattan streets temporarily named after them.
Specifically, there will be blue and orange street signs with their names that will be placed on streets that match those of the players' numbers (with some exceptions like for Jordan Clarkson, who wears No. 00). The honor will last for four weeks.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani -- who delivered the epic speech thanking current and former Knicks that fans loved -- announced that Knicks players will have Manhattan streets temporarily named after them.
Specifically, there will be blue and orange street signs with their names that will be placed on streets that match those of the players' numbers (with some exceptions like for Jordan Clarkson, who wears No. 00). The honor will last for four weeks.
1 month ago
The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t have many surprises during the stretch of OTAs and minicamp.
Joe Burrow was in town doing the expected stuff with his cast of weapons and a fully returning offensive line. With its new faces, the defense had a positive, quiet stretch.
Maybe one of the most notable exceptions, though, was cornerback Josh Newton, who just got a spotlight from ESPN’s Ben Baby as the biggest surprise player of the stretch.
“The third-year cornerback filled in as an outside corner and had an interception in a 7-on-7 period, Joe Burrow's lone offseason blemish,” Baby wrote. “Newton hasn't really been considered a viable option at that spot, but he might have put himself in the discussion as a depth player at outside cornerback behind Dax Hill and DJ Turner.”
We’ll see if Newton can turn the corner and secure a spot on the depth chart for himself.
Joe Burrow was in town doing the expected stuff with his cast of weapons and a fully returning offensive line. With its new faces, the defense had a positive, quiet stretch.
Maybe one of the most notable exceptions, though, was cornerback Josh Newton, who just got a spotlight from ESPN’s Ben Baby as the biggest surprise player of the stretch.
“The third-year cornerback filled in as an outside corner and had an interception in a 7-on-7 period, Joe Burrow's lone offseason blemish,” Baby wrote. “Newton hasn't really been considered a viable option at that spot, but he might have put himself in the discussion as a depth player at outside cornerback behind Dax Hill and DJ Turner.”
We’ll see if Newton can turn the corner and secure a spot on the depth chart for himself.
1 month ago
The National Women's Soccer League will implement a series of rule changes beginning with this weekend's Challenge Cup between NWSL champions Gotham FC and Shield winners Kansas City Current. Some of the measures, focusing on player safety and fan behavior, were adopted at the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup.
One of the changes — developed in consultation with the NWSL Players ***** ociation, clubs, medical and competition staff and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) — will see a new off-field treatment rule and a timed substitution rule. Additionally, the NWSL will update its game day heat safety policy and expand its fan code of conduct to cover digital and social media ***** es.
Under the new off-field treatment rule — the most significant on-field change, mirroring a rule introduced at this summer's World Cup — players who remain on the ground and require medical personnel to enter the field after play is stopped will be required to leave the field for a one-minute treatment period. This rule was previously used in Major League Soccer. The clock begins once play restarts, with the fourth official monitoring the countdown before the player is permitted to return.
The league said the measure is designed to reduce unnecessary stoppages and improve match flow.
The NWSL will also implement a timed substitution rule aimed at discouraging time-wasting. Players being substituted will now have 10 seconds to leave the field. Failure to do so will result in the incoming substitute being delayed from entering until the next stoppage after a one-minute waiting period. This would force the offending team to temporarily play down a player. Exceptions include an injury that occurred as a result of a yellow or red card offense, a head injury or injury to a goalkeeper or bleeding.
One of the changes — developed in consultation with the NWSL Players ***** ociation, clubs, medical and competition staff and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) — will see a new off-field treatment rule and a timed substitution rule. Additionally, the NWSL will update its game day heat safety policy and expand its fan code of conduct to cover digital and social media ***** es.
Under the new off-field treatment rule — the most significant on-field change, mirroring a rule introduced at this summer's World Cup — players who remain on the ground and require medical personnel to enter the field after play is stopped will be required to leave the field for a one-minute treatment period. This rule was previously used in Major League Soccer. The clock begins once play restarts, with the fourth official monitoring the countdown before the player is permitted to return.
The league said the measure is designed to reduce unnecessary stoppages and improve match flow.
The NWSL will also implement a timed substitution rule aimed at discouraging time-wasting. Players being substituted will now have 10 seconds to leave the field. Failure to do so will result in the incoming substitute being delayed from entering until the next stoppage after a one-minute waiting period. This would force the offending team to temporarily play down a player. Exceptions include an injury that occurred as a result of a yellow or red card offense, a head injury or injury to a goalkeeper or bleeding.
1 month ago
It’s rare for a 4th round quarterback to become a longtime starter in the NFL. There have been exceptions (Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins comes to mind) but each has been shadowed by a who’s who of “who’s that” (hello Kyle Lauletta). However, when former a Clemson star Cade Klubnik was selected isn’t the most despairing aspect of his projection, it’s where he was selected.
The New York Jets are where Quarterbacks go to rot. Their last iconic signal caller came by the likes of Joe Namath, who was drafted as recently as the signing of the Civil Rights Act (1964). Their second greatest is arguably Ken O’Brien, who led them to exactly one playoff win in nine years. The greatest of this century is likely Chad Pennington, who was able to win two playoff games in his eight seasons.
However, if there is any benefit to Cade landing in New York, it’s the lack of competition on that football team. Sitting behind a 35 year old Geno Smith, Klubnik is highly likely to see the field early on in his career. Additionally, the Jets have a multitude of interesting pieces on their roster. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are proven stars simply looking for a competent signal caller to distribute them the ball. AD Michell is an exciting young prospect with shades of George Pickens (complimentary and derogatory). Rookie Omar Cooper just won a National Championship with Indiana, and Kenyon Sadiq is a tight end with Julio Jones’ height and 40 time and Anthony Edwards’ vertical leap.
The Jets also project a strong offensive line, with no clear holes at any of the five positions. They do set up a young quarterback to succeed, just haven’t been able to find that passer.
In a perfect world, Cade plays a Point Guard-esque role for a team full of talented skill players. Think Memphis Grizzlies Tyus Jones or Phoenix Suns Ricky Rubio; a player that isn’t necessarily taking over games and creating big plays out of nothing, but can distribute in a way that gives his teammates the opportunity to do what they do best while limiting turnovers.
The New York Jets are where Quarterbacks go to rot. Their last iconic signal caller came by the likes of Joe Namath, who was drafted as recently as the signing of the Civil Rights Act (1964). Their second greatest is arguably Ken O’Brien, who led them to exactly one playoff win in nine years. The greatest of this century is likely Chad Pennington, who was able to win two playoff games in his eight seasons.
However, if there is any benefit to Cade landing in New York, it’s the lack of competition on that football team. Sitting behind a 35 year old Geno Smith, Klubnik is highly likely to see the field early on in his career. Additionally, the Jets have a multitude of interesting pieces on their roster. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are proven stars simply looking for a competent signal caller to distribute them the ball. AD Michell is an exciting young prospect with shades of George Pickens (complimentary and derogatory). Rookie Omar Cooper just won a National Championship with Indiana, and Kenyon Sadiq is a tight end with Julio Jones’ height and 40 time and Anthony Edwards’ vertical leap.
The Jets also project a strong offensive line, with no clear holes at any of the five positions. They do set up a young quarterback to succeed, just haven’t been able to find that passer.
In a perfect world, Cade plays a Point Guard-esque role for a team full of talented skill players. Think Memphis Grizzlies Tyus Jones or Phoenix Suns Ricky Rubio; a player that isn’t necessarily taking over games and creating big plays out of nothing, but can distribute in a way that gives his teammates the opportunity to do what they do best while limiting turnovers.
1 month ago
World Cup stadium concessions have become a daily talking point. Almost every match seems to bring a new photo of food or drink that leaves fans questioning how prices reached this level.
The Mercedes-Benz Arena has been one of the few exceptions to that mood. Elsewhere, complaints have focused on expensive items that supporters feel do not match the cost.
This Thursday brought another example from Toronto Stadium. A brisket sandwich, crisps and a ***** e were enough to restart the debate.
The latest criticism came after X account “Footy Scran” shared the price of a stadium meal in Toronto.
According to the post, a brisket sandwich with crisps and a ***** e cost $39.83 Canadian dollars, around $28.18 United States dollars.
The Mercedes-Benz Arena has been one of the few exceptions to that mood. Elsewhere, complaints have focused on expensive items that supporters feel do not match the cost.
This Thursday brought another example from Toronto Stadium. A brisket sandwich, crisps and a ***** e were enough to restart the debate.
The latest criticism came after X account “Footy Scran” shared the price of a stadium meal in Toronto.
According to the post, a brisket sandwich with crisps and a ***** e cost $39.83 Canadian dollars, around $28.18 United States dollars.
1 month ago
The UFC White House card produced seven knockouts in seven fights, and that means a lot of the athletes who competed this past Sunday night are looking at potentially lengthy layoffs as a result.
On Thursday, California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster shared the medical suspensions from the UFC White House card with MMA Fighting after he served as one of the regulators for the event for the **** ociation of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Both main event fighters, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, were handed six-month suspensions after they engaged in one of the most epic battles in recent history. Gaethje ultimately walked away victorious after he battered Topuria with punches, closing both of his eyes and blasting him with a knee to the body that led to his corner stopping the fight between the fourth and fifth rounds.
As a result, Topuria was handed a 180-day suspension, or he has to be cleared by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to compete any earlier. He was also handed a mandatory 60-day suspension with no exceptions.
Meanwhile, Gaethje may have won, but he also received the same 180-day suspension, or he has to be cleared by a physician for a potential right wrist injury, as well as a left knee MRI for the damage absorbed during the fight.
On Thursday, California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster shared the medical suspensions from the UFC White House card with MMA Fighting after he served as one of the regulators for the event for the **** ociation of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.
Both main event fighters, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, were handed six-month suspensions after they engaged in one of the most epic battles in recent history. Gaethje ultimately walked away victorious after he battered Topuria with punches, closing both of his eyes and blasting him with a knee to the body that led to his corner stopping the fight between the fourth and fifth rounds.
As a result, Topuria was handed a 180-day suspension, or he has to be cleared by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to compete any earlier. He was also handed a mandatory 60-day suspension with no exceptions.
Meanwhile, Gaethje may have won, but he also received the same 180-day suspension, or he has to be cleared by a physician for a potential right wrist injury, as well as a left knee MRI for the damage absorbed during the fight.
1 month ago
The E1 Racebird boats are fully electric and ride on hydrofoils.
Electric racing has struggled to succeed. Many innovative series have encountered problems, with Formula E the exception rather than the rule. Combining sustainability with another niche – powerboat motorsport – could have been a recipe for disaster. But the electric E1 powerboat racing series has gone from strength to strength, attracting famous names from acting, sport, and music as team owner figureheads. What has been the secret of its success?
“We’re still here,” says Alejandro Agag, Founder of E1, as well as Formula E and Extreme E (recently mutated into Extreme H). “That’s already an achievement. It's always difficult to create a championship, especially in an area like boat racing.” That’s not to say that E1 hasn’t faced problems along the way. “Every championship has difficulty breaking through the media barrier. It’s hard to get broadcasted and very hard to get to the big audiences. That's still our challenge, but if you want to break that wall, first you need to have something that exists. The key to the championships that will survive is to have a business model that allows you to continue without revenue from the media, so when you get the revenue from media it’s on top.”
The incredibly innovative Extreme E series struggled with this problem. Its generally remote race sites meant there was almost never a physical audience, and no potential for marketing these as destinations. “The main success of E1 is the locations,” says Agag. “With some exceptions, like Monaco, they all pay, and in Extreme E we were going to very remote locations where they didn’t pay, because there was effectively no location. With Greenland or the desert in Chile, there was no business model for the venue. Here, there is a business model based on the venues. We have new venues like Angola. We have Lagos that we've done twice. We have Jeddah. In all of them, we make a profit on the event itself, which is the key.”
Agag was speaking before the E1 race in Dubrovnik’s beautiful Pile Bay. “Here, we are sponsored by the Croatian Tourism Board,” he explains. “They have an interest in attracting tourism. The main sponsor is the chain of hotels where we host the hospitality. They're interested in bringing people to the location.” However, a unique aspect of E1 is celebrity involvement. Some very famous people act as figurehead team principals and owners. These include actor Will Smith, legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, NBA superstar LeBron James, DJ and record producer Steve Aoki, tennis champion Rafa Nadal, Latin music favorite Marc Anthony, and multi-cup-winning footballer Didier Drogba. No other sport has such direct and diverse celebrity involvement.
Electric racing has struggled to succeed. Many innovative series have encountered problems, with Formula E the exception rather than the rule. Combining sustainability with another niche – powerboat motorsport – could have been a recipe for disaster. But the electric E1 powerboat racing series has gone from strength to strength, attracting famous names from acting, sport, and music as team owner figureheads. What has been the secret of its success?
“We’re still here,” says Alejandro Agag, Founder of E1, as well as Formula E and Extreme E (recently mutated into Extreme H). “That’s already an achievement. It's always difficult to create a championship, especially in an area like boat racing.” That’s not to say that E1 hasn’t faced problems along the way. “Every championship has difficulty breaking through the media barrier. It’s hard to get broadcasted and very hard to get to the big audiences. That's still our challenge, but if you want to break that wall, first you need to have something that exists. The key to the championships that will survive is to have a business model that allows you to continue without revenue from the media, so when you get the revenue from media it’s on top.”
The incredibly innovative Extreme E series struggled with this problem. Its generally remote race sites meant there was almost never a physical audience, and no potential for marketing these as destinations. “The main success of E1 is the locations,” says Agag. “With some exceptions, like Monaco, they all pay, and in Extreme E we were going to very remote locations where they didn’t pay, because there was effectively no location. With Greenland or the desert in Chile, there was no business model for the venue. Here, there is a business model based on the venues. We have new venues like Angola. We have Lagos that we've done twice. We have Jeddah. In all of them, we make a profit on the event itself, which is the key.”
Agag was speaking before the E1 race in Dubrovnik’s beautiful Pile Bay. “Here, we are sponsored by the Croatian Tourism Board,” he explains. “They have an interest in attracting tourism. The main sponsor is the chain of hotels where we host the hospitality. They're interested in bringing people to the location.” However, a unique aspect of E1 is celebrity involvement. Some very famous people act as figurehead team principals and owners. These include actor Will Smith, legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, NBA superstar LeBron James, DJ and record producer Steve Aoki, tennis champion Rafa Nadal, Latin music favorite Marc Anthony, and multi-cup-winning footballer Didier Drogba. No other sport has such direct and diverse celebrity involvement.
2 months ago
The 14th year of the WAGNH Community Ratings is in the books, and the highest rated player throughout the course of the season is thus automatically declared the WAGNH Player of the Year.
Admittedly, this methodology is not without its flaws, but I think there’s some intrinsic value in using the immediate reactions after each match to determine who actually was the best performer across the entire campaign. (Or at least the most consistently good.) Most years (9 of 14, to be exact), the player on top has been the same who also won the public vote for Chelsea Player of the Year. This year is one of the exceptions. (Also, there’s little added value in doing the same exact popularity contest on the blog as is done on the official website.)
So instead of João Pedro, our Player of the Year is none other than Captain Reece James!
I should note that Reecey just barely qualifies. He made 39 appearances (of 59 possible), but started only half of our games. Those numbers probably would’ve been higher had he not missed most of the last two months with injury of course. (It’s a similar situation to 2019-20, when Christian Pulisic was WAGNH Player of the Year despite missing a good chunk of the season; Mateo Kovačić won the official vote.)
I suspect a not insignificant factor in James’ win is just the fact that he largely managed to stay healthy for the first time in years. But his win is also a testament to consistency: he didn’t win the most Man of the Match awards nor did he have the most top-three finishes (João Pedro led both categories). He didn’t earn the highest single-game rating of the season (JP again). But he was below the overall team average for a given game only seven times (of his 39 appearances), and he didn’t get a single rating below 5 at all. And in a season that was defined by inconsistency and some truly wild swings in performance levels (sometimes within just one game, let alone from game-to-game), it was great to see at least one player deliver consistently solid, often good, and occasionally great performances. Hopefully Reecey can build on this season and be able to deliver more often, and at an even higher level going forward (like we know he can).
Admittedly, this methodology is not without its flaws, but I think there’s some intrinsic value in using the immediate reactions after each match to determine who actually was the best performer across the entire campaign. (Or at least the most consistently good.) Most years (9 of 14, to be exact), the player on top has been the same who also won the public vote for Chelsea Player of the Year. This year is one of the exceptions. (Also, there’s little added value in doing the same exact popularity contest on the blog as is done on the official website.)
So instead of João Pedro, our Player of the Year is none other than Captain Reece James!
I should note that Reecey just barely qualifies. He made 39 appearances (of 59 possible), but started only half of our games. Those numbers probably would’ve been higher had he not missed most of the last two months with injury of course. (It’s a similar situation to 2019-20, when Christian Pulisic was WAGNH Player of the Year despite missing a good chunk of the season; Mateo Kovačić won the official vote.)
I suspect a not insignificant factor in James’ win is just the fact that he largely managed to stay healthy for the first time in years. But his win is also a testament to consistency: he didn’t win the most Man of the Match awards nor did he have the most top-three finishes (João Pedro led both categories). He didn’t earn the highest single-game rating of the season (JP again). But he was below the overall team average for a given game only seven times (of his 39 appearances), and he didn’t get a single rating below 5 at all. And in a season that was defined by inconsistency and some truly wild swings in performance levels (sometimes within just one game, let alone from game-to-game), it was great to see at least one player deliver consistently solid, often good, and occasionally great performances. Hopefully Reecey can build on this season and be able to deliver more often, and at an even higher level going forward (like we know he can).
2 months ago
With a couple of exceptions, Michael McGreevy gave the St. Louis Cardinals a good start Sunday. Fortunately, the St. Louis Cardinals woke up in time to complete the sweep of the Cincinnati Reds Sunday.
My fear is that the narrative of this game would be all of the runners the Cardinals stranded on base Sunday. Through the first several innings, St. Louis had left 11 runners on base including a bases-loaded opportunity in the bottom of the 1st inning. That combined with Michael McGreevy leaving two pitches right in the middle of the zone in the top of the 3rd inning resulting in home runs from McLain and Stephenson giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead.
The St. Louis bats would greet the Cincinnati Reds bullpen in the bottom of the 5th inning as Alec Burleson slapped a double down the left field line followed by Jordan Walker smoking a 93 mph four-seam fastball to the left-center field wall scoring Burleson and cutting the Reds lead in half at 2-1.
Bryan Torres would eliminate that lead altogether giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game when he crushed a 92 mph four-seam fastball into the right field stands making it 3-2 Cardinals.
Michael McGreevy's outing was a successful one. He gave St. Louis 6 solid innings allowing just 5 hits, 2 earned runs with 5 strikeouts and no walks.
My fear is that the narrative of this game would be all of the runners the Cardinals stranded on base Sunday. Through the first several innings, St. Louis had left 11 runners on base including a bases-loaded opportunity in the bottom of the 1st inning. That combined with Michael McGreevy leaving two pitches right in the middle of the zone in the top of the 3rd inning resulting in home runs from McLain and Stephenson giving Cincinnati a 2-0 lead.
The St. Louis bats would greet the Cincinnati Reds bullpen in the bottom of the 5th inning as Alec Burleson slapped a double down the left field line followed by Jordan Walker smoking a 93 mph four-seam fastball to the left-center field wall scoring Burleson and cutting the Reds lead in half at 2-1.
Bryan Torres would eliminate that lead altogether giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game when he crushed a 92 mph four-seam fastball into the right field stands making it 3-2 Cardinals.
Michael McGreevy's outing was a successful one. He gave St. Louis 6 solid innings allowing just 5 hits, 2 earned runs with 5 strikeouts and no walks.
