12 hours ago
The market's top rental bat is reportedly off the board. Contact wizard Luis Arraez is heading from San Francisco to Philadelphia, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 29-year-old Venezuelan has been one of the game's most unique position players for a while now. He strikes out and whiffs less often than anyone, but also barrels the ball up less than anyone. Call him a throwback, call him an old soul, call him overrated, but Arraez is a phenomenal change of pace for a Phillies lineup that strikes out far too often.
Since the beginning of time, it seems, the Phillies and their president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have been searching for a right-handed outfielder come deadline time. Arraez, a lefty infielder, is neither of those things, but he's good enough with the stick that the defensive fit is a secondary concern.
But it's still an area Dombrowski and skipper Don Mattingly need to get sorted. For the past few seasons, Philly has had a static infield alignment of Bryce Harper at first, Bryson Stott at second, Trea Turner at short and Alec Bohm at third. Kyle Schwarber's presence keeps the DH spot clogged up with home runs. Arraez has been adamant about staying at second base ahead of another trip to free agency this winter. So how does he slot in? There are a bevy of options.
Harper, as recently as last week, expressed a willingness to move back to the outfield, where he spent the early years of his career. That would push Bohm to first, Stott to third and give Arraez the everyday second base job. Bohm could also move to the bench, or get dealt elsewhere before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline. Another path, as reported by The Athletic's Matt Gelb, would be trying the fleet-footed Stott in the outfield.
It wasn't that long ago — literally last winter — that Arraez was considered a below-average first baseman. But he signed with the Giants, in part, to prove that he could still handle the keystone, which he has. Still, it's worth noting he's graded out closer to average over the past few months following an elite defensive April.
#bohm #call
Since the beginning of time, it seems, the Phillies and their president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have been searching for a right-handed outfielder come deadline time. Arraez, a lefty infielder, is neither of those things, but he's good enough with the stick that the defensive fit is a secondary concern.
But it's still an area Dombrowski and skipper Don Mattingly need to get sorted. For the past few seasons, Philly has had a static infield alignment of Bryce Harper at first, Bryson Stott at second, Trea Turner at short and Alec Bohm at third. Kyle Schwarber's presence keeps the DH spot clogged up with home runs. Arraez has been adamant about staying at second base ahead of another trip to free agency this winter. So how does he slot in? There are a bevy of options.
Harper, as recently as last week, expressed a willingness to move back to the outfield, where he spent the early years of his career. That would push Bohm to first, Stott to third and give Arraez the everyday second base job. Bohm could also move to the bench, or get dealt elsewhere before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline. Another path, as reported by The Athletic's Matt Gelb, would be trying the fleet-footed Stott in the outfield.
It wasn't that long ago — literally last winter — that Arraez was considered a below-average first baseman. But he signed with the Giants, in part, to prove that he could still handle the keystone, which he has. Still, it's worth noting he's graded out closer to average over the past few months following an elite defensive April.
#bohm #call
13 hours ago
Phillies considering wild Bryson Stott position change after Luis Arraez trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies made one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline, reportedly acquiring Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants.
It's a huge upgrade for the team's offense, as his .324 batting average leads all NL hitters. But, for the Phillies, the addition of Arraez presents one issue: how do they reshuffle the infield? Arraez will play second base, so what happens to Bryson Stott?
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies could move Stott to third base, which wouldn't be that big of a surprise. But, they are also reportedly considering a different position change, one that would send Stott to the outfield in a wild move.
"They could also keep Harper and Bohm on the corners and send Stott to the outfield, an option the club has discussed internally," Gelb reports.
#gelb
The Philadelphia Phillies made one of the biggest moves of the trade deadline, reportedly acquiring Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants.
It's a huge upgrade for the team's offense, as his .324 batting average leads all NL hitters. But, for the Phillies, the addition of Arraez presents one issue: how do they reshuffle the infield? Arraez will play second base, so what happens to Bryson Stott?
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies could move Stott to third base, which wouldn't be that big of a surprise. But, they are also reportedly considering a different position change, one that would send Stott to the outfield in a wild move.
"They could also keep Harper and Bohm on the corners and send Stott to the outfield, an option the club has discussed internally," Gelb reports.
#gelb
7 days ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 25: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game between Team Coop and Team Spoon at the United Center on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
10 days ago
CHICAGO ― Player safety, particularly safety from online abuse, has become a dominant topic for the WNBA in the weeks leading up to the 2026 All-Star weekend. Many players understand it's important, but admit there isn't a simple solution.
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
11 days ago
From Caitlin Clark's complaining to Cathy Engelbert controversies, 11 reasons that show why WNBA is own worst enemy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
11 days ago
NEW YORK — The boos were deafening.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was at center court inside Barclays Center. The New York Liberty had just beaten the Las Vegas Aces in the in-season tournament named after her job **** le, and as she took the mic to congratulate the team and announce the MVP, her voice was drowned out almost entirely.
It wasn’t the first time Engelbert was greeted with this level of public disdain. Over the last 12 months, the reception Engelbert has received has grown increasingly hostile, dating back to last year’s All-Star game in Indianapolis, when fans chanted “pay them” as she attempted to deliver her post-game speech. She was heckled again during the 2025 WNBA Finals trophy ceremony.
Since becoming commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has led the WNBA into its most successful era. She brokered two transformational collective bargaining agreements, guided the league through an unprecedented pandemic season in 2020, and helped facilitate the sale of the Atlanta Dream from an owner, Kelly Loeffler, who opposed the league’s public support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The growth of the league has been astronomical — a new media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion at the time has grown to $3 billion, according to reports. The league has expanded to 15 teams and will reach 18 by 2030, with expansion fees that have lined the pockets of the existing owners. Record-breaking viewership and attendance have led to historic revenue targets.
#engelbert #league #york #commissioner
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was at center court inside Barclays Center. The New York Liberty had just beaten the Las Vegas Aces in the in-season tournament named after her job **** le, and as she took the mic to congratulate the team and announce the MVP, her voice was drowned out almost entirely.
It wasn’t the first time Engelbert was greeted with this level of public disdain. Over the last 12 months, the reception Engelbert has received has grown increasingly hostile, dating back to last year’s All-Star game in Indianapolis, when fans chanted “pay them” as she attempted to deliver her post-game speech. She was heckled again during the 2025 WNBA Finals trophy ceremony.
Since becoming commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has led the WNBA into its most successful era. She brokered two transformational collective bargaining agreements, guided the league through an unprecedented pandemic season in 2020, and helped facilitate the sale of the Atlanta Dream from an owner, Kelly Loeffler, who opposed the league’s public support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The growth of the league has been astronomical — a new media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion at the time has grown to $3 billion, according to reports. The league has expanded to 15 teams and will reach 18 by 2030, with expansion fees that have lined the pockets of the existing owners. Record-breaking viewership and attendance have led to historic revenue targets.
#engelbert #league #york #commissioner
12 days ago
Phillies 'willing' to change No. 5 starter trade plans to get ace-level pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies need to find a way to upgrade their offense, their bullpen, and their starting rotation at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
But, unlike the outfield and bullpen needs, the Phillies don't have to spend a fortune on a starter, as they only need a No. 5 option. However, those plans could change.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies could reportedly change their plan and be "willing" to spend a lot in a deal to acquire a pitcher who could start a postseason game for the Phillies instead of a depth rotation arm.
"But, of late, the Phillies have been more willing to discuss higher-caliber arms - the kind of pitcher who would be capable of starting a postseason series," Gelb reports.
#Phillies #willing #trade
The Philadelphia Phillies need to find a way to upgrade their offense, their bullpen, and their starting rotation at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
But, unlike the outfield and bullpen needs, the Phillies don't have to spend a fortune on a starter, as they only need a No. 5 option. However, those plans could change.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies could reportedly change their plan and be "willing" to spend a lot in a deal to acquire a pitcher who could start a postseason game for the Phillies instead of a depth rotation arm.
"But, of late, the Phillies have been more willing to discuss higher-caliber arms - the kind of pitcher who would be capable of starting a postseason series," Gelb reports.
#Phillies #willing #trade
20 days ago
The treatment of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark from the WNBA and its players has been a huge topic in recent weeks, and even college basketball icon ******* Vitale is weighing in on the subject.
Vitale, a legendary and longtime college basketball announcer for ESPN, posted to X that the treatment of Clark “by many in the WNBA” is “really sad.”
“She deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!” Vitale wrote about Clark on the X post.
“It is really sad the way [Clark] is treated by many in the [WNBA] she has been the leader for the league in many ways – PR – tv interest etc come on those that are critical – she deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!”
In a follow-up post to X, Vitale wrote that it’s “unbelievable what [Clark] goes through,” and he added that “the [WNBA] leader does zilch,” seemingly referring to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Vitale, a legendary and longtime college basketball announcer for ESPN, posted to X that the treatment of Clark “by many in the WNBA” is “really sad.”
“She deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!” Vitale wrote about Clark on the X post.
“It is really sad the way [Clark] is treated by many in the [WNBA] she has been the leader for the league in many ways – PR – tv interest etc come on those that are critical – she deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!”
In a follow-up post to X, Vitale wrote that it’s “unbelievable what [Clark] goes through,” and he added that “the [WNBA] leader does zilch,” seemingly referring to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
22 days ago
The 2026 MLB All-Star Weekend has arrived in the City of Brotherly Love, and the host team, the Philadelphia Phillies, is at the center of attention for all the major events. With Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber set to take part in the Home Run Derby and Cristopher Sánchez making the start for the National League on Tuesday, time will tell if anyone will be able to steal the spotlight.
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk with Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb of The Athletic about the headlines surrounding the host team, including Zack Wheeler, who turned down the opportunity to be named an All-Star replacement after feeling disrespected. They also discuss why it took so long for the All-Star Game to return to Philadelphia and what would happen if Bryce Harper were to face off against Kyle Schwarber in the Derby.
Later in the show, Jake and Jordan look at all the other news surrounding the 96th edition of the Midsummer Classic, including the latest roster additions and the disappointment of Shohei Ohtani not participating in the game. They also preview the Home Run Derby, recap the Futures Game and break down all the surprising news from the MLB Draft.
1:27 – The Opener: Phillies in the All-Star Game
12:17 – Harper & Schwarber in the Home Run Derby
On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk with Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb of The Athletic about the headlines surrounding the host team, including Zack Wheeler, who turned down the opportunity to be named an All-Star replacement after feeling disrespected. They also discuss why it took so long for the All-Star Game to return to Philadelphia and what would happen if Bryce Harper were to face off against Kyle Schwarber in the Derby.
Later in the show, Jake and Jordan look at all the other news surrounding the 96th edition of the Midsummer Classic, including the latest roster additions and the disappointment of Shohei Ohtani not participating in the game. They also preview the Home Run Derby, recap the Futures Game and break down all the surprising news from the MLB Draft.
1:27 – The Opener: Phillies in the All-Star Game
12:17 – Harper & Schwarber in the Home Run Derby
23 days ago
It wasn't Tom Brady.
Radio host Zach Gelb followed up directly with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald after Friday's Dan Patrick Show interview and asked him to clarify who the unnamed person with a "conflict of interest" was — the one who Macdonald said had helped the Seahawks before Super Bowl LX but whose identity he couldn't publicly disclose.
"Mike told me it wasn't Brady that he was talking about in the interview," Gelb wrote.
As we covered Friday, Macdonald's cryptic comments on The Dan Patrick Show — "Probably can't mention one guy that really helped us out that had some conflict of interest" — set off a wave of speculation pointing directly at Brady. When Patrick guessed Bill Belichick, Macdonald quickly denied it. Brady filled in the blank for almost everyone who heard the exchange, given his pre-Super Bowl neutrality claims that had already irritated former Patriots teammates, his Fox broadcasting role, and the timing of his hiring of Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as the Raiders' head coach — all of which made him a logical fit for the "conflict of interest" description.
Macdonald's denial to Gelb clears Brady but raises an obvious follow-up: who was it? The "conflict of interest" framing still points to someone with competing loyalties heading into the Super Bowl, whether it be a network broadcaster, a former coach, or someone with deep ties to the Patriots organization. Given the conflict-of-interest accusations that have followed Brady throughout his tenure at Fox, he seemed like the obvious answer. But Macdonald hasn't elaborated, and the identity of the unnamed advisor remains unknown.
Radio host Zach Gelb followed up directly with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald after Friday's Dan Patrick Show interview and asked him to clarify who the unnamed person with a "conflict of interest" was — the one who Macdonald said had helped the Seahawks before Super Bowl LX but whose identity he couldn't publicly disclose.
"Mike told me it wasn't Brady that he was talking about in the interview," Gelb wrote.
As we covered Friday, Macdonald's cryptic comments on The Dan Patrick Show — "Probably can't mention one guy that really helped us out that had some conflict of interest" — set off a wave of speculation pointing directly at Brady. When Patrick guessed Bill Belichick, Macdonald quickly denied it. Brady filled in the blank for almost everyone who heard the exchange, given his pre-Super Bowl neutrality claims that had already irritated former Patriots teammates, his Fox broadcasting role, and the timing of his hiring of Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as the Raiders' head coach — all of which made him a logical fit for the "conflict of interest" description.
Macdonald's denial to Gelb clears Brady but raises an obvious follow-up: who was it? The "conflict of interest" framing still points to someone with competing loyalties heading into the Super Bowl, whether it be a network broadcaster, a former coach, or someone with deep ties to the Patriots organization. Given the conflict-of-interest accusations that have followed Brady throughout his tenure at Fox, he seemed like the obvious answer. But Macdonald hasn't elaborated, and the identity of the unnamed advisor remains unknown.
23 days ago
CNN's Abby Phillip called out Republican outrage over "attacks" against Caitlin Clark as "seemingly" being fueled by the simple fact that Clark is white.
On Saturday's Table for Five, Phillip and her panelists discussed Republican lawmakers sending a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in which they demanded protection for Clark from possible "racially motivated" attacks.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) shared the letter on X, which was signed by a total of 11 Republican lawmakers.
"I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women's sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics," he wrote. "I'm putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law."
Sports broadcaster Cari Champion dismissed the lawmakers and accused them of being ignorant of the game, calling the "bullying" on the court a "rite of passage:"
On Saturday's Table for Five, Phillip and her panelists discussed Republican lawmakers sending a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in which they demanded protection for Clark from possible "racially motivated" attacks.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) shared the letter on X, which was signed by a total of 11 Republican lawmakers.
"I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women's sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics," he wrote. "I'm putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law."
Sports broadcaster Cari Champion dismissed the lawmakers and accused them of being ignorant of the game, calling the "bullying" on the court a "rite of passage:"
25 days ago
As of late, the WNBA discourse has largely centered around Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark and the way that she is refereed and the physical way that her opponents play her. The conversation reached new heights after Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas struck her in the throat area.
Things have even reached Washington, D.C., where several Republican members of Congress penned a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about what they deemed to be "repeated" acts of violence against Caitlin Clark and even posited that it could be racially motivated.
The Fever organization moved quickly to distance itself from the letter, releasing a statement that neither it nor Clark had any knowledge of the letter or contact with the members of Congress.
However, the damage was done, and it led to more discourse on social media that had nothing to do with the actual basketball being played on the floor. As much of an economic engine as she has been for the WNBA, some think all the negativity that has come with Clark's presence has been a net negative on the league.
"Caitlin Clark dead ***** might be the worst thing to happen to the WNBA. And she ain't got the self awareness or care to tell her fans to stop," one fan posted on X.
Things have even reached Washington, D.C., where several Republican members of Congress penned a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about what they deemed to be "repeated" acts of violence against Caitlin Clark and even posited that it could be racially motivated.
The Fever organization moved quickly to distance itself from the letter, releasing a statement that neither it nor Clark had any knowledge of the letter or contact with the members of Congress.
However, the damage was done, and it led to more discourse on social media that had nothing to do with the actual basketball being played on the floor. As much of an economic engine as she has been for the WNBA, some think all the negativity that has come with Clark's presence has been a net negative on the league.
"Caitlin Clark dead ***** might be the worst thing to happen to the WNBA. And she ain't got the self awareness or care to tell her fans to stop," one fan posted on X.
26 days ago
Erica Denhoff/AP
Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) shared a letter he appears to have sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to demand “accountability” from the league in response to “multiple attacks” against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
“I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women’s sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics,” Pfluger wrote on X. “I’m putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law.”
Mediaite has reached out to the WNBA for comment.
In his letter, Pfluger describes Clark as “the face of your league” and notes she has “significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA.” There are millions of people who watch Indiana Fever games to see Clark, he insisted. “Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.”
Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) shared a letter he appears to have sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to demand “accountability” from the league in response to “multiple attacks” against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
“I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women’s sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics,” Pfluger wrote on X. “I’m putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law.”
Mediaite has reached out to the WNBA for comment.
In his letter, Pfluger describes Clark as “the face of your league” and notes she has “significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA.” There are millions of people who watch Indiana Fever games to see Clark, he insisted. “Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.”
26 days ago
The WNBA will host several All-Star weekend activities at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago later this month, becoming the first professional sports league to christen the newly opened venue.
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
26 days ago
An $850 million facility, the Obama Presidential Center opened less than a month ago on the South Side of Chicago as the public home of former President Barack Obama’s legacy.
One if the many features in the sparkling new venue is a 60,000-square foot athletic building called “Home Court.”
And, later this month, women’s basketball players are moving in.
The WNBA announced Wednesday it will be using the Obama Presidential Center for several events during its All-Star Weekend in Chicago, including practices and media day.
"Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. "We're excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue."
One if the many features in the sparkling new venue is a 60,000-square foot athletic building called “Home Court.”
And, later this month, women’s basketball players are moving in.
The WNBA announced Wednesday it will be using the Obama Presidential Center for several events during its All-Star Weekend in Chicago, including practices and media day.
"Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. "We're excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue."
1 month ago
Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley react to the 2026 Commissioner's Cup Championship, where the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 93-85. They break down standout performances from Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart and discuss how the game may have unfolded differently if A'ja Wilson hadn't been sidelined by injury.
The duo also unpacks the bigger picture of the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark drama. Did Alyssa's comments calling out the league and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spark more controversy?
Plus, with WNBA All-Star Weekend just around the corner, Cass reveals her All-Star ballot and explains her picks, featuring stars like Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, and more.
01:09 - WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship breakdown: Liberty take down Aces, 93-85
14:46 - How has the Alyssa Thomas-Caitlin Clark drama escalated?
The duo also unpacks the bigger picture of the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark drama. Did Alyssa's comments calling out the league and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spark more controversy?
Plus, with WNBA All-Star Weekend just around the corner, Cass reveals her All-Star ballot and explains her picks, featuring stars like Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, and more.
01:09 - WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship breakdown: Liberty take down Aces, 93-85
14:46 - How has the Alyssa Thomas-Caitlin Clark drama escalated?
1 month ago
It seemed inevitable whether Comcast opted to spin out NBCUniversal or not, but it appears as if the NBC Sports-branded regional sports networks are destined to unwind from the media company currently operating them.
As was initially reported by Matt Gelb in The Athletic on Monday, the remaining NBC Sports Regional Networks are in flux as NBCUniversal looks to continue its divestment in the regional sports network business. The news comes as Comcast announced it plans to separate NBCUniversal from its telecom business in about a year’s time.
NBC has moved to exit the regional sports network industry for some time now, shuttering or otherwise offloading a handful of its networks over the last decade and change as the headwinds of the cable business and ever-increasing rights fees for live sports have put the squeeze on such operations. Fewer and fewer traditional regional sports networks continue to exist, and many teams are looking elsewhere — to streaming, over-the-air networks, or yet-launched consolidated hubs — for the future of their local media rights revenues.
For NBC, unwinding the rest of its regional sports network operations might be a bit tedious as many of the franchises that remain tied to the networks also own stakes in their respective network. That has long been common practice in the regional sports network business, but certainly complicates a sale process, particularly when these networks are paying rights fees that are now likely seen as above market-rate.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, “team ownership” will be a “complicating factor” as NBC likely looks to sell its regional sports networks. The San Francisco Giants, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia Flyers all have ownership stakes in the networks airing their local broadcasts.
As was initially reported by Matt Gelb in The Athletic on Monday, the remaining NBC Sports Regional Networks are in flux as NBCUniversal looks to continue its divestment in the regional sports network business. The news comes as Comcast announced it plans to separate NBCUniversal from its telecom business in about a year’s time.
NBC has moved to exit the regional sports network industry for some time now, shuttering or otherwise offloading a handful of its networks over the last decade and change as the headwinds of the cable business and ever-increasing rights fees for live sports have put the squeeze on such operations. Fewer and fewer traditional regional sports networks continue to exist, and many teams are looking elsewhere — to streaming, over-the-air networks, or yet-launched consolidated hubs — for the future of their local media rights revenues.
For NBC, unwinding the rest of its regional sports network operations might be a bit tedious as many of the franchises that remain tied to the networks also own stakes in their respective network. That has long been common practice in the regional sports network business, but certainly complicates a sale process, particularly when these networks are paying rights fees that are now likely seen as above market-rate.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, “team ownership” will be a “complicating factor” as NBC likely looks to sell its regional sports networks. The San Francisco Giants, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia Flyers all have ownership stakes in the networks airing their local broadcasts.
1 month ago
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas called out the WNBA for its failure to protect players in the fallout of her one-game suspension for committing a flagrant foul on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark last week.
Thomas said she has been sent death threats, received threats against her family and was called racial slurs online in the days since the incident. She also said addresses have been leaked.
“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game, and now we’re being painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us, so it’s really unacceptable, it’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it,” Thomas said after the Mercury’s practice Tuesday.
Since her suspension, Thomas said she has not heard from league commissioner Cathy Engelbert despite the wave of social media hatred directed at Mercury players. However, a spokesperson for Engelbert said in an email to The Athletic on Tuesday that the commissioner had “exchanged texts and offered to get on a call with Alyssa Thomas last week.” The spokesperson also stated that upon hearing about the threats, Engelbert immediately directed league security to contact Phoenix’s security.
DeWanna Bonner, Thomas’s partner and fellow Mercury forward, said Thomas initiated a text to Engelbert last week, and although Engelbert mentioned meeting with Thomas, she did not reach back out to set up a meeting. Two days before the game that featured Thomas’ flagrant foul, Bonner and Clark starred in a skirmish that culminated in five players receiving technical fouls — including Clark.
Thomas said she has been sent death threats, received threats against her family and was called racial slurs online in the days since the incident. She also said addresses have been leaked.
“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game, and now we’re being painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us, so it’s really unacceptable, it’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it,” Thomas said after the Mercury’s practice Tuesday.
Since her suspension, Thomas said she has not heard from league commissioner Cathy Engelbert despite the wave of social media hatred directed at Mercury players. However, a spokesperson for Engelbert said in an email to The Athletic on Tuesday that the commissioner had “exchanged texts and offered to get on a call with Alyssa Thomas last week.” The spokesperson also stated that upon hearing about the threats, Engelbert immediately directed league security to contact Phoenix’s security.
DeWanna Bonner, Thomas’s partner and fellow Mercury forward, said Thomas initiated a text to Engelbert last week, and although Engelbert mentioned meeting with Thomas, she did not reach back out to set up a meeting. Two days before the game that featured Thomas’ flagrant foul, Bonner and Clark starred in a skirmish that culminated in five players receiving technical fouls — including Clark.
1 month ago
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is calling on the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert to take action after she was on the receiving end of death threats and online abuse following her suspension.
The WNBA handed Thomas a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24. Thomas said the league failed to reach out to her about the suspension or in the aftermath of the on-court incident.
"We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy (Engelbert). It's no surprise," Thomas said after practice on Tuesday, June 30. "You can see what's being said on social media ... but as usual, she remains silent and that's unfortunate when our lives are being threatened. ... The league has to do better."
Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
The WNBA handed Thomas a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24. Thomas said the league failed to reach out to her about the suspension or in the aftermath of the on-court incident.
"We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy (Engelbert). It's no surprise," Thomas said after practice on Tuesday, June 30. "You can see what's being said on social media ... but as usual, she remains silent and that's unfortunate when our lives are being threatened. ... The league has to do better."
Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
1 month ago
Since Caitlin Clark entered the pros and helped generate a massive surge in interest and investment in the WNBA, famed sports reporter Christine Brennan has been one of Clark’s fiercest advocates in the media, even writing a biography of her last year.
But Brennan has also frustrated players around the league with her fixation on Clark and occasionally drawn the ire of her colleagues in journalism for exaggerating Clark’s centrality to certain stories.
After Brennan got into a personal disagreement with players on the Connecticut Sun around Clark’s matchup with the team in the 2024 postseason, veteran commentator Sarah Spain invited Brennan onto her podcast for a discussion. In the interview, Brennan defended her record of women’s sports coverage as pioneering in the industry and said too much was being made of her coverage of Clark.
Coming off another hectic week that ended with a one-game suspension for Phoenix center Alyssa Thomas for striking Clark in the throat during a loose-ball situation on Wednesday night, Brennan tapped into some familiar talking points in a column about the incident. The columnist argued in USA Today that commissioner Cathy Engelbert has failed to “give Clark her due and keep her safe,” while claiming, as evidence of Clark’s need for such treatment, the fact that Brennan used to get “laughed at” during the early days of the WNBA when she would bring it up to male colleagues.
In a video posted to LinkedIn on Monday, Spain offered a scathing rebuttal, essentially repeating a line from their previous podcast discussion, accusing Brennan of “dereliction of duties as a journalist.”
But Brennan has also frustrated players around the league with her fixation on Clark and occasionally drawn the ire of her colleagues in journalism for exaggerating Clark’s centrality to certain stories.
After Brennan got into a personal disagreement with players on the Connecticut Sun around Clark’s matchup with the team in the 2024 postseason, veteran commentator Sarah Spain invited Brennan onto her podcast for a discussion. In the interview, Brennan defended her record of women’s sports coverage as pioneering in the industry and said too much was being made of her coverage of Clark.
Coming off another hectic week that ended with a one-game suspension for Phoenix center Alyssa Thomas for striking Clark in the throat during a loose-ball situation on Wednesday night, Brennan tapped into some familiar talking points in a column about the incident. The columnist argued in USA Today that commissioner Cathy Engelbert has failed to “give Clark her due and keep her safe,” while claiming, as evidence of Clark’s need for such treatment, the fact that Brennan used to get “laughed at” during the early days of the WNBA when she would bring it up to male colleagues.
In a video posted to LinkedIn on Monday, Spain offered a scathing rebuttal, essentially repeating a line from their previous podcast discussion, accusing Brennan of “dereliction of duties as a journalist.”
1 month ago
Francisco Lindor will be activate for Game 2 of today's doubleheader against the Cubs, per Steve Gelbs. The team has been insistent that Lindor would be back in major league action this month and it seems that time table has come to fruition.
Lindor has been out since April 22nd with a calf strain of unspecified severity (with Lindor oddly claiming he'd prefer not to know the grade). He first got into rehab games last Friday (6/19) and went a ****** ulative 3-for-13 with three singles, a walk, a strikeout, and one steal. That was apparently all Lindor felt he needed to get ready for major league action, though the lingering concern will of course be his tendency to push to play when not at 100%.
At 34-44 and in the midst of a 4-game losing streak, Lindor's return is quite possible the Mets' last, best hope to salvage their 2026 season. Despite being 10 games under .500, the Mets are somehow only 7 games back of a wild card spot, though there are six teams between them and the Cubs in the 3rd wild card spot. Replacing Zack Short and some of Brett Baty's playing time with Lindor will certainly help, though Lindor was batting only .226/.314/.355 (93 wRC+) at the time of his injury and showing some troubling markers of decline. Hopefully he can stave off father time a bit longer and help propel the Mets on a little run heading into the All Star break.
Lindor has been out since April 22nd with a calf strain of unspecified severity (with Lindor oddly claiming he'd prefer not to know the grade). He first got into rehab games last Friday (6/19) and went a ****** ulative 3-for-13 with three singles, a walk, a strikeout, and one steal. That was apparently all Lindor felt he needed to get ready for major league action, though the lingering concern will of course be his tendency to push to play when not at 100%.
At 34-44 and in the midst of a 4-game losing streak, Lindor's return is quite possible the Mets' last, best hope to salvage their 2026 season. Despite being 10 games under .500, the Mets are somehow only 7 games back of a wild card spot, though there are six teams between them and the Cubs in the 3rd wild card spot. Replacing Zack Short and some of Brett Baty's playing time with Lindor will certainly help, though Lindor was batting only .226/.314/.355 (93 wRC+) at the time of his injury and showing some troubling markers of decline. Hopefully he can stave off father time a bit longer and help propel the Mets on a little run heading into the All Star break.
2 months ago
The WNBA announced on Wednesday it will be expanding the WNBA season to 50 games and Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has shared her thoughts on the decision.
The expansion, which adds six more games to the season, will go into effect for the 2027 campaign. More details will be released at a later time.
This is just the latest increase for the league, which began with a 32-game season when the WNBA began its first season in 1997.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
MORE: Caitlin Clark suffers major drop in WNBA All-Star voting
The expansion, which adds six more games to the season, will go into effect for the 2027 campaign. More details will be released at a later time.
This is just the latest increase for the league, which began with a 32-game season when the WNBA began its first season in 1997.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
MORE: Caitlin Clark suffers major drop in WNBA All-Star voting
2 months ago
PHOENIX — When Becky Hammon first took over as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, the WNBA regular season consisted of 36 games. In 2027, the number of regular season games will expand to 50.
"We just keep tacking on games," Hammon said on Wednesday ahead of the Aces' matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. "More money, more games. That's the way it works."
On Wednesday, the league announced its regular-season schedule will expand from 44 games to 50 games in 2027 as "demand for the WNBA has never been greater," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. Additional details about the 2027 season schedule, including key dates and timelines, will be released at a later date, which Hammon said she's interested to learn more about.
"We'll have to see if they allow even some more roster spots and stuff like that because that's a lot of wear and tear on a group, especially when you start mixing World Cup and all this other stuff," Hammon said, referring to the 2027 FIBA Women's AmeriCup tournament in El Salvador in July 2027. "It is good. I mean, it is what it is. It's the growth of the league and so when you look at it at, that lens, it's good."
More: WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
"We just keep tacking on games," Hammon said on Wednesday ahead of the Aces' matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. "More money, more games. That's the way it works."
On Wednesday, the league announced its regular-season schedule will expand from 44 games to 50 games in 2027 as "demand for the WNBA has never been greater," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. Additional details about the 2027 season schedule, including key dates and timelines, will be released at a later date, which Hammon said she's interested to learn more about.
"We'll have to see if they allow even some more roster spots and stuff like that because that's a lot of wear and tear on a group, especially when you start mixing World Cup and all this other stuff," Hammon said, referring to the 2027 FIBA Women's AmeriCup tournament in El Salvador in July 2027. "It is good. I mean, it is what it is. It's the growth of the league and so when you look at it at, that lens, it's good."
More: WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
2 months ago
After Wednesday’s 12-4 defeat to the Miami Marlins where Andrew Painter surrendered six runs in just two innings of work, the Phillies will be shaking up the back of their rotation by optioning Andrew Painter to AAA.
The Phillies have tried everything with Painter. They’ve tweaked his usage in certain starts to limit fastball damage, they’ve used an opener, and they gave him 14 appearances to figure this out. With a 7.06 ERA in 65.0 innings pitched, nothing stuck long enough.
Through roughly the first two and a half months of the season, the Phillies have cycled through their number five and six starting pitching options from the big league roster. They went into the season with Taijuan Walker making starts with Zack Wheeler injured but he was released after just 22.2 innings of work because he had an ERA over 9.
Now with Painter out, there is no clear answer for what the Phillies will do on the rotation’s fifth turn. Matt Gelb wrote that former Atlanta Brave and Chicago White Sox Bryse Wilson had triggered his upward mobility clause in his minor league contract, which could force the Phillies to add him to the roster. In 54.1 innings with the Iron Pigs, Wilson carries a 6.29 ERA with 2.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Alan Rangel is already on the 40-man roster and pitched for the Phillies earlier this year when they had Kyle Backhus open for the aforementioned Walker in the middle of their ten game losing streak. Rangel has looked solid, albeit not super inspiring with the Pigs, carrying a 3.74 ERA in 65.0 innings.
The Phillies have tried everything with Painter. They’ve tweaked his usage in certain starts to limit fastball damage, they’ve used an opener, and they gave him 14 appearances to figure this out. With a 7.06 ERA in 65.0 innings pitched, nothing stuck long enough.
Through roughly the first two and a half months of the season, the Phillies have cycled through their number five and six starting pitching options from the big league roster. They went into the season with Taijuan Walker making starts with Zack Wheeler injured but he was released after just 22.2 innings of work because he had an ERA over 9.
Now with Painter out, there is no clear answer for what the Phillies will do on the rotation’s fifth turn. Matt Gelb wrote that former Atlanta Brave and Chicago White Sox Bryse Wilson had triggered his upward mobility clause in his minor league contract, which could force the Phillies to add him to the roster. In 54.1 innings with the Iron Pigs, Wilson carries a 6.29 ERA with 2.76 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Alan Rangel is already on the 40-man roster and pitched for the Phillies earlier this year when they had Kyle Backhus open for the aforementioned Walker in the middle of their ten game losing streak. Rangel has looked solid, albeit not super inspiring with the Pigs, carrying a 3.74 ERA in 65.0 innings.
2 months ago
We continue the countdown to the start of the Arizona Cardinals' regular season. Today, Sunday, June 14, is 91 days away from the Arizona Cardinals' regular-season opener on Sept. 13 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.
With 91 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1991 season for the Cardinals.
The 1991 season was a disaster. After quarterback Timm Rosenbach looked promising in 1990, he injured his knee in training camp and missed the entire season. That led to a trio of quarterbacks — Tom Tupa, Stan Gelbaugh and Chris Chandler — starting for the Cardinals.
They finished 4-12 on the season and had the second-lowest scoring offense in the league, averaging 12.3 points per game. They were 22nd in scoring defense, allowing 21.5 points per game.
They started the season 2-0 but ended up losing their last eight games. They scored 10 or fewer points eight times.
With 91 days until Week 1, let's look back at the 1991 season for the Cardinals.
The 1991 season was a disaster. After quarterback Timm Rosenbach looked promising in 1990, he injured his knee in training camp and missed the entire season. That led to a trio of quarterbacks — Tom Tupa, Stan Gelbaugh and Chris Chandler — starting for the Cardinals.
They finished 4-12 on the season and had the second-lowest scoring offense in the league, averaging 12.3 points per game. They were 22nd in scoring defense, allowing 21.5 points per game.
They started the season 2-0 but ended up losing their last eight games. They scored 10 or fewer points eight times.
