Connect with us

Sports

What NFL Franchise Designate Blueprint for Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard

Published

on

What NFL Franchise Designate Blueprint for Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard

Giants RB Saquon Barkley

Giants RB Saquon BarkleyAP Photo/Abbie Parr

The NFL’s lower-off date to lengthen franchise-tagged avid gamers came and went on Monday afternoon, and three of the six avid gamers who were tagged in 2023 passed it with out a new prolonged-term deal.

Unsurprisingly, those three—Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard—play working attend.

The devaluation of the working attend online page took a new flip this offseason, as quiet-productive starters admire Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook dinner grew to severely change cap casualties. Cook dinner became as soon as a 2022 Educated Bowler, as became as soon as Miles Sanders, who simplest commanded a modest four-365 days, $25.4 million deal that entails $13 million in ensures on the open market.

Jacobs, Barkley and Pollard were also Educated Bowlers this past season, however their respective employers weren’t racing handy out prolonged-term contracts. Franchises beget an increasing selection of employed a manner of closely using working backs thru their early-to-mid 20s and then buying for cheaper picks—veritably by the draft.

Whereas it be not precisely magnificent for avid gamers who beget one of essentially the most bodily worrying roles on the self-discipline, it makes monetary sense for teams in what’s, extra than ever, a budge-first league.

For Pollard, Barkley and Jacobs, there’ll seemingly be no prolonged-term deals this 365 days. They are able to play on the brand and derive their $10.1 million salaries or not play at all. The mountainous unknown is what the brand potential for these elite offensive playmakers shifting forward.

Here is a survey at each and every self-discipline.


Josh Jacobs

In line with NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacobs did beget “wide negotiations” sooner than the lower-off date. However, and not using a contract in hand, the 25-365 days-used faces essentially the most dangerous self-discipline of the bunch.

Jacobs clearly hasn’t been happy about receiving the brand, and he have to not be. After main the league with 1,653 rushing yards and just a few,053 scrimmage yards in 2022, he’s accomplished all the pieces that it is probably you’ll per chance recall to mind to reward that he deserves to be a Las Vegas cornerstone.

Jacobs’ “reward” became as soon as a factual (for a working attend) 2023 wage however zero prolonged-term dedication or monetary security.

And this might per chance occasionally lead to Jacobs sitting out for the next month or longer.

“Jacobs has but to brand the franchise-brand mushy and is already sending note that if the lower-off date passes with out a deal, he isn’t going to file to coaching camp,” Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Evaluate-Journal wrote on Saturday.

Jacobs’ doable holdout have to not attain as a surprise. The 2-time Educated Bowler hinted that he might per chance per chance scheme shut a stand for his underappreciated online page community earlier this offseason.

Josh Jacobs @iAM_JoshJacobs

Once in some time it be not about you. We gotta make it for the ones after us 🤷🏽‍♂️

Jacobs cannot be any happier with developments after seeing himself, Barkley and Pollard rep no acceptable provides however looking at franchise-tagged tight slay Evan Engram rep a new deal that, in step with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, is price $41.25 million over three years and entails $24 million fully guaranteed.

Engram’s annual wage of $13.75 million is now increased than that of any working attend excluding for Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.

This means that Jacobs presumably will withhold out for at least section of camp, because he can. Since he isn’t technically beneath contract till/unless he indicators his mushy, he cannot be fined for skipping crew activities.

Theoretically, Jacobs might per chance per chance withhold out into the regular season—as Le’Veon Bell famously did for all of 2018—though he’d be lacking game tests and doing little to attend his 2024 market payment.

Jacobs might per chance per chance also hope Las Vegas rescinds his brand or trades him, however each and every outcomes also seem unlikely. No crew shopping and selling for Jacobs might per chance per chance lengthen him till 2024, and the Raiders are beneath no obligation to reveal Jacobs free.

We might per chance per chance quiet at final gaze Jacobs in a Raiders uniform this season, though it might per chance well per chance simplest occur after he requires and fails to rep a alternate.

With head coach Josh McDaniels and traditional supervisor Dave Ziegler alive to to flip over the roster and plot “their crew,” Jacobs is veritably carrying a varied uniform in 2024. McDaniels and Ziegler, it might per chance well per chance quiet be mighty, came visiting from the Unusual England Patriots, where shuffling thru funds working backs became as soon as a style even sooner than it caught on league-wide.

Prediction: Jacobs holds out thru camp, reports sooner than Week 1 and departs in 2024 free agency.


Saquon Barkley

Whereas it be unclear what Las Vegas somehow supplied Jacobs, we beget a greater conception of what the Unusual York Giants were willing to pay Barkley.

Paul Schwartz of the Unusual York Submit reported a proposal of about $13 million yearly, which Barkley failed to procure. Ryan Dunleavy of the Unusual York Submit reported on Monday that Unusual York had made a new provide that included barely extra than $22 million in ensures with a lower AAV.

As Dunleavy pointed out, that $22 million quantity is shut to what Barkley stands to beget guaranteed ($22.2 million) if he’s franchise-tagged a 2nd time in 2024. A 2nd brand is somehow where issues will seemingly be heading for Barkley and the Giants.

After reaching the divisional round in 2022, the Giants are clearly in web-now mode. Barkley is their biggest all-around offensive possibility, and he carried the offense at instances in 2022, ending with 1,312 rushing yards, 338 receiving yards and 10 blended touchdowns.

It might per chance well per chance behoove the Giants to withhold Barkley within the fold for the foreseeable future. However, they’ve factual causes for not looking to commit a ton of guaranteed money over a prolonged-term deal.

Barkley is already 26, and he has an wide injury historical past. He’s been particular in his two fully-wholesome seasons, however injuries beget yielded mediocre manufacturing in his other three. In 2020, Barkley suffered extra than one torn ligaments in his exact knee and missed all however two video games.

The usage of the brand twice would give Unusual York barely little bit of security towards one other injury or a sudden fall-off by Barkley. It might per chance well per chance quiet be paying him, on the opposite hand it might per chance well per chance not be saddled with a prolonged-term dedication or confronted with spending on Barkley in future years.

When those two years are up, Barkley will seemingly be drawing shut 28, which is getting up there for a working attend.

Whereas Barkley presumably isn’t thrilled with the intention of receiving the brand in consecutive years, he might per chance per chance not fight it either. He hasn’t publicly hinted at a holdout and perceived to scheme shut not getting a new deal in shuffle.

Saquon Barkley @saquon

It is what it is

Barkley might per chance per chance quiet wait to brand his mushy and wait to file till magnificent sooner than the season to decrease his injury possibility. However, followers have to not query him to scheme shut a survey at forcing his manner out of Unusual York.

Need to quiet Barkley preserve wholesome thru the 2023 season and beget one other elite advertising and marketing and marketing and marketing campaign, the Giants might per chance per chance very effectively be extra inclined to provide him a prolonged-term contract—though a 2nd brand won’t attain as a surprise sooner than Unusual York and Barkley have interaction in their contract dance again.

Prediction: Barkley reports sooner than the slay of the preseason and receives a 2nd franchise brand in 2024.


Tony Pollard

Pollard is kind of of an outlier right here, as he’s the finest this kind of three working backs who has already signed his mushy.

In line with NFL Community’s Jane Slater, Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys never engaged in fundamental extension discussions:

Jane Slater @SlaterNFL

Can verify extra than one reports that #Cowboys RB Tony Pollard is anticipated to play on the ten.1M franchise brand signed attend in March. Interestingly enough, as soon as I asked how some distance apart each and every facet were….a provide tells me there wasn’t an wide discussion just a few prolonged lumber deal.

Pollard tallied a convincing 1,378 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns while earning his first Educated Bowl berth in 2022. However, Dallas’ resolution not to lock him up in the present day after did not attain as a shock.

Pollard suffered a leg injury that required surgical treatment in January, and Dallas will seemingly survey to gaze how his recovery and his 2023 advertising and marketing and marketing and marketing campaign unfold sooner than going to the negotiating desk.

The factual files, in step with Rapoport, is that Pollard is anticipated to be ready in time for coaching camp.

There isn’t any likelihood for a holdout right here. Since Pollard has signed his mushy, he’s beneath contract and is self-discipline to fines if he misses camp—and if he had a crucial be troubled with receiving the brand, he would not beget signed his mushy the final manner attend in March.

The ask is whether or not Dallas will seemingly be willing to lengthen Pollard subsequent 365 days if he returns to pre-injury create and successfully handles being the crew’s lead attend. It is a position the Cowboys need Pollard to beget after releasing Elliott—though as prolonged as Elliott remains readily available, a reunion is that it is probably you’ll per chance recall to mind.

Plenty goes to hinge on Pollard’s performance in 2023, however he feels admire a life like extension candidate in 2024. Franchise proprietor Jerry Jones has traditionally rewarded his simplest avid gamers with prolonged-term deals, and while Pollard is 26, he hasn’t experienced the hurt and lumber of being an each and every-down attend up to now.

Pollard might per chance per chance not be an correct each and every-down attend again this season, if the Cowboys can rep life like manufacturing out of avid gamers admire Malik Davis and rookie sixth-round decide Deuce Vaughn.

Whereas Pollard presumably isn’t going to gaze a enormous six-365 days extension admire the one Elliott got in 2019, a two- or three-365 days deal shall be entirely life like. The Cowboys are quiet in their playoff window, and if Pollard remains a Educated Bowl expertise, they’ll be inclined to withhold him.

The usage of the franchise brand for a 2nd time presumably won’t be an option for Dallas, which is projected to beget magnificent $8.9 million in cap online page subsequent offseason. Given the shortage of query for working backs in free agency, Pollard might per chance per chance very effectively be extra than happy to impartial procure a magnificent provide from the Cowboys rather than testing the market.

Prediction: Pollard performs in 2023 and indicators an extension with Dallas in 2024.


*Cap and contract files by Spotrac.

Sahil Sachdeva is an International award-winning serial entrepreneur and founder of Level Up PR. With an unmatched reputation in the PR industry, Sahil builds elite personal brands by securing placements in top-tier press, podcasts, and TV to increase brand exposure, revenue growth, and talent retention. His charismatic and results-driven approach has made him a go-to expert for businesses looking to take their branding to the next level.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Charles Leclerc Secures Stunning Victory at Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari.

Published

on

Charles Leclerc

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to secure a thrilling victory at his team’s home race in Monza, Italy, skillfully nursing his increasingly worn tires to the finish line ahead of a charging Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who had led for much of the race after overtaking his McLaren teammate and polesitter Lando Norris at the first chicane, had opted for a two-stop strategy due to concerns over tire degradation. As Norris also pitted, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the lead. Despite Piastri’s late surge on fresher tires, he couldn’t close the gap and finished second, with Norris overtaking Sainz to take third.

The win sparked ecstatic celebrations from thousands of Italian tifosi who filled the grandstands, flooding onto the track to witness Leclerc celebrate on the podium, with a massive Ferrari banner and red smoke filling the air. Leclerc, who is third in the driver standings, expressed his joy, comparing the emotions to his 2019 victory and emphasizing the significance of winning at Monza and Monaco, which he considers the most important races of the season. He praised the tifosi and reflected on how special this win was.

Meanwhile, Norris was visibly disappointed, having dropped from first to third after a series of mistakes and a less effective race strategy. Despite this, he managed to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the driver standings and showcased McLaren’s competitive pace. Verstappen finished sixth but remains well ahead in the championship. Piastri, who finished second, expressed his frustration, acknowledging that while the pace was strong, the final result was disappointing. He admitted that the team’s strategy decisions played a role in the outcome, making the close second-place finish particularly painful.

Continue Reading

Sports

Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

Published

on

Carlos Alcaraz Stunned in US Open Second Round Upset

Carlos Alcaraz faced a stunning defeat in the US Open second round on Thursday, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The Dutchman, ranked 74th in the world, triumphed over the 21-year-old Spaniard with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Alcaraz, the world No. 3 who recently claimed an Olympic silver medal and the Wimbledon title, struggled from the start and never found his rhythm, ending the match with 28 errors. Van de Zandschulp sealed his victory with an ace, marking his first win over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets in recent years. The crowd applauded the Dutchman’s remarkable performance as Alcaraz acknowledged him and waved to the audience before leaving the court.

In a post-match interview with ESPN, Van de Zandschulp expressed his astonishment. “It’s been an incredible evening,” he said. “Playing my first night session at Arthur Ashe with such an amazing crowd was unbelievable.”

He admitted to feeling nervous while closing out the match but emphasized the need for composure against top players. “You have to stay unbelievably calm and focused; otherwise, they will take advantage.”

Alcaraz’s defeat ends his 15-match unbeaten streak at the US Open and marks his earliest exit from a major since Wimbledon 2021. Van de Zandschulp, who has only progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam once, will face British 25th seed Jack Draper in the third round on Saturday.

Continue Reading

Sports

Ballon d’Or Favorite Vinícius Jr Exclusive: ‘I Aim to Make History with Real Madrid’

Published

on

20241208-vinicius-junior-interview-gfx

Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr. is aiming for a historic season, revealing in an exclusive interview that he believes Los Blancos have the potential to achieve a historic treble. The Brazilian forward also expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his Brazilian idols by winning the Ballon d’Or.

 

In a conversation at his Madrid home, Vinícius expressed confidence in Real Madrid’s chances of excelling across all major competitions this season as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.

 

“Every year, our goal is to win every title we can,” Vinícius stated, reflecting on the club’s ambitions before their sixth European Super Cup victory against Atalanta.

 

Could Madrid Achieve Their First-Ever Treble?

Despite its numerous successes, Real Madrid has never achieved a European treble, comprising the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona remains the only Spanish club to have accomplished this feat, doing so in 2009 and 2015.

 

Vinícius Jr. explained why the treble has proven elusive, noting, “The Copa del Rey often disrupts our chances because it involves challenging teams throughout January, a period packed with games. This makes the cup competition particularly tricky.” While Vinícius emphasized that winning the club’s 16th Champions League is the squad’s top priority, he is also driven by the desire to “finally secure the treble.”

gettyimages-2155636469

“The Champions League is the most challenging and prestigious competition, and it’s where Real Madrid always aims to excel,” he said. “Our fans expect us to win it, and so our focus is on achieving success in every competition we enter, with the ultimate goal of securing the treble.”

 

To truly grasp Vinícius Jr.’s impact over the past season, one needs to look at the numbers. His 15 league goals played a pivotal role in securing another Spanish title for Real Madrid. Additionally, his decisive goal in the Champions League final helped clinch Madrid’s second title in three years with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

 

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment as if it were the last,” Vinícius said. “Everyone wants to win with the best team in the world, and being able to score so many goals in important matches and contribute so significantly… I’m only 24, and I aim to continue this way for many more years, making history with this incredible team. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so I emphasize savoring every moment in this jersey.”

 

Despite missing two months of the 2023/24 season from November to January, Vinícius ended the campaign as Madrid’s top scorer, with 24 goals and 11 assists.

 

Dreams of Gold

With his ability to deliver in crucial moments and impressive statistics throughout the season for one of the world’s top clubs, it’s no surprise that Vinícius Jr. is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world.

 

For Vinícius, claiming the award represents more than just personal achievement; it’s about honoring his Brazilian heritage and joining the ranks of his country’s greatest soccer stars. He aims to follow in the footsteps of legends like Marta, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Kaká, all of whom have been recognized as the best in the world at various points in their careers.

 

“Marta is a true icon in women’s football. I deeply admire her for elevating the sport and making women’s football as respected as it deserves to be. She’s a pioneer, much like Pelé and Ayrton Senna are to Brazil,” Vinícius said.

shutterstock-editorial-14426270o-restricted

He added, “For the men’s game, Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo are my role models. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, in particular, are close to me and consistently encourage me to strive for the Ballon d’Or.”

 

Vinícius also shared that he has recently spent time training with Ronaldo Nazário, receiving personal guidance from the legendary forward.

 

“I recently trained at Ronaldo’s house in Ibiza, and he advised me, ‘Spend a few more days training here, and you’ll be closer to winning the Ballon d’Or.’ These are players who have achieved extraordinary things, and competing for the Ballon d’Or and winning an award that they have won would be truly incredible.”

 

The New Galácticos Era

Teammates Jude Bellingham and the newly signed Kylian Mbappé will be Vinícius Jr.’s primary rivals for the Ballon d’Or in October, as this latest version of Real Madrid boasts exceptional talent across the board.

 

Despite Mbappé being a key contender for football’s top honor, Vinícius is thrilled to have the former PSG star join the Spanish giants. “The team has been very strong for a long time,” he said.

 

“With Mbappé’s arrival, people are talking about the potential for us to become unstoppable, but for now, we need to focus on having great training sessions and quickly building our understanding on the field.”

gettyimages-2166651781-restricted

Vinícius, who has long admired Mbappé from afar, is excited about playing alongside the World Cup winner. He expressed his admiration for Mbappé’s style and achievements, saying, “I love how he plays and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve this season. He’s joining us after scoring many goals and winning numerous titles, and he’s coming to the club he has always dreamed of playing for—Real Madrid.”

 

“God willing, Mbappé will score as many goals for us as he did with his previous team and the national team, and hopefully even more with us,” Vinícius said.

While Vinícius assisted on the opening goal and Mbappé scored in his official debut for Los Blancos during a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory, Madrid stumbled in their La Liga opener against a determined Mallorca side, settling for a 1-1 draw away from home. This result highlighted the need for the team to develop better cohesion before reaching their peak performance.

Despite the setback in Son Moix and experiencing some early struggles in their home opener against Real Valladolid—where they eventually secured a 3-0 win—the stage is set for what promises to be an exceptionally successful season for Madrid.

Focused on Achieving Success with Madrid

Recently, there have been rumors suggesting that Vinícius Jr. was offered an astonishing $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, similar to speculation about his new teammate Mbappé in July 2023.

Despite the buzz, the Brazilian star made his future intentions clear: “I always strive to be among the best, and with each passing day at Real Madrid, I grow more confident.”

“I’ve already won two Champions Leagues, and I play alongside teammates who have each won six titles—like Dani Carvajal. Their experience motivates us daily to push beyond our limits andshows that anything is possible with our current team shows that anything is possible with our current team.

gettyimages-2155637092

Achieving two Champions League victories in three years was incredibly challenging. Staying at the top level is even harder, so my goal is to maintain this level of performance for a long time and win as many Champions League titles as Carvajal, Luka Modrić, Nacho, and Toni Kroos, who have each won six.

We might have one of the best teams for the coming decade, and now it’s up to us to demonstrate our capability on the pitch. With each game, my teammates and I are working towards winning even more titles for Real Madrid.”

 

Continue Reading

Sports

Design Unveiled for Grand Stade Hassan II: A Future Mega-Stadium for the 2030 World Cup

Published

on

grand-stade-hassan- 2030 World cup

The final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is just under six years away, and the design for the stadium hoping to host the grand event has finally been unveiled.

The Grand Stade Hassan II, located in El Mansouria, Morocco—one of the three co-hosting countries alongside Spain and Portugal—is being hailed as potentially “the largest football stadium in the world.” Designed by Oualolou + Choi and Populous, it aims for a staggering capacity of 115,000.

Set on a 100-hectare (about 247 acres) site north of Casablanca, the stadium’s design is inspired by a “moussem,” a traditional communal tent, with an aluminum lattice covering the stands and tiered gardens. The stadium will feature a botanical garden on the ground floor. According to Tarik Oualalou, design principal and founding partner at Oualolou + Choi, the design is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, combining traditional elements with modern expressions.

The stadium’s layout is tailored for World Cup events, with nearly 30,000 seats dedicated to general admission fans at each end and the central area reserved for boxes, hospitality, VIPs, and VVIPs.

“This will be a truly iconic venue for Morocco and football, becoming one of the world’s great stadia,” said Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous, EMEA. The Grand Stade Hassan II will face competition from other massive stadiums, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, which holds 132,000 spectators, and the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, with a capacity of 114,000.

Populous, known for designing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Emirates Stadium, is behind this ambitious project. After multiple unsuccessful bids, Morocco secured its place as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. The final decision on which venue will host the final is still pending, though Real Madrid’s renovated Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a strong contender.

Preparations at the site outside Casablanca are underway, with Oualolou + Choi and Populous working to bring this grand vision to life in the coming years.

Continue Reading

Sports

Success at Paris Olympics Sparks Optimism for Men’s College Gymnastics Coaches

Published

on

2024-07-29t224107z-470550051-mt1usatoday23858243-rtrmadp-3-olympics-gymnastics

Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, with numerous high school and college programs shutting down, including notable Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were cut in 2021.

 

However, the U.S. team’s performance at the Paris Olympics, composed entirely of NCAA gymnasts, has renewed optimism among college coaches. The Olympians hailed from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the defunct University of Minnesota program. Despite representing a fifth of all current programs, this is a small fraction of the 15 active programs—12 in Division I and three in Division III.

 

A bright spot for the sport appeared in the fall of 2021, when Simpson College and Greenville University announced new men’s gymnastics programs. This was a notable development, as no new teams had been added in 60 years. Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson expressed enthusiasm for this momentum.

 

Though Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III schools compared to large Division I institutions like the University of Michigan, their competitive spirit is evident. Simpson Head Coach Colin Payne emphasized focusing on their own performance rather than comparing facilities.

 

Despite their size, Simpson and Greenville have already shown competitive prowess, with Greenville ranking higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.

 

The early success of new gymnastics programs is promising, but historical data suggests that winning alone may not be enough to ensure a program’s longevity. Eleven programs that once won national championships have since been discontinued.

gettyimages-1496152758

Financial stability often determines a program’s survival. While sports like football and basketball typically generate revenue, gymnastics faces unique challenges. With recent changes in NCAA policy—such as the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and student-athletes being treated more like employees—there are new opportunities for gymnastics. This shift follows California’s 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments, which have redefined college sports.

 

Simpson College Head Coach Colin Payne sees potential in merging this private enterprise model with college athletics. He believes that the specialization and existing privatized model in gymnastics could benefit from NIL opportunities, which are less common in other sports.

 

The recent Olympic success provides an additional boost. “In my coaching career, this is probably one of the most optimistic points for me,” Payne told CNN. “We have genuine interest now, and we hope to leverage the momentum from the Olympics and the success of athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik.”

 

Nedoroscik, who won bronze for the U.S. in the team event and on the pommel horse, has already had a significant impact on the sport. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in his hometown gym, with many parents eager to enroll their sons. His recent appearance on the Tonight Show also highlights the growing visibility of gymnastics.

 

The pommel horse specialist surprised many by making the Team USA squad, given he competes in only one of the six events in men’s gymnastics. However, his selection proved invaluable as his performance was crucial in securing bronze in the team event, alongside his individual achievements.

 

While Nedoroscik is technically exceptional, it’s his distinctive personality that has truly captivated the public. Known for his thick-rimmed glasses—leading the internet to nickname him the “Clark Kent” of Team USA—he also stands out for his sideline meditation and love for Rubik’s cubes.

 

gettyimages-2163813036

His college coach, Randy Jepson, views Nedoroscik as a prime example of a gymnast who thrives in the sport. “There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball, football, or soccer. They may see the world differently, be more cerebral, and still seek athletic opportunities,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics offers that chance due to its unique challenges and excitement, providing a fun and fulfilling experience for those who are a bit different.”

Other coaches agree with this perspective, recognizing that gymnastics appeals to a specific type of athlete who needs programs available at all stages of development to nurture their interest.

“Many talented gymnasts, who might not reach Olympic levels but have significant potential, step away from the sport once they reach high school because there aren’t enough opportunities,” Payne noted.

To build on the success of the Olympic team, there must be opportunities for gymnasts from youth through high school and into college. “In gymnastics, the Olympics is essentially the professional level,” Payne added.

While many elite female gymnasts turn professional right out of high school, most members of the U.S. men’s national team are currently in college or recent graduates. This means that fans can see these world-class athletes compete in NCAA meets every weekend without having to travel to Paris.

“The level of gymnastics displayed at NCAA championships, and even at conference meets, is on par with Olympic-level performances,” Jepson said.

Despite competing against one another, teams understand they share the common goal of growing the sport. “Men’s gymnastics is a collective effort, and it’s moving in a positive direction,” Greenville University Head Coach Zach Peters told CNN Sport. “It’s rare to see such strong relationships among head coaches.”

The sport still has room for growth, but the recent success of Team USA offers hope for a brighter future.

“Fans are witnessing the best gymnasts competing every weekend during the collegiate season,” Jepson said. “They’re seeing top-tier performances consistently.”

 

Continue Reading

Sports

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Set New WNBA Milestones

Published

on

20240819-fjjgjgjg

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both former college basketball stars, are now making significant strides in the WNBA. On Sunday, Clark led the Indiana Fever to a commanding 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, while setting a new league record.

Clark scored 23 points and recorded her 225th assist during the game, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s long-standing record for the most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. Clark, who tops the league with an average of 8.3 assists per game, expressed her gratitude for breaking the record held by Penicheiro, a revered figure in the sport.

The historic assist occurred in the second quarter, and Penicheiro celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), praising Clark’s achievement. “Records are meant to be broken…it shows growth and evolution. Can’t think of a better player to break it,” Penicheiro wrote. The Fever also shared a video of Penicheiro congratulating Clark, who ended the game with nine assists and a season total of 232.

In her standout rookie season, Caitlin Clark has already set several WNBA records, including becoming the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and setting a new high with 19 assists in a single game. This past Sunday, Clark added another milestone by surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s record for most assists by a rookie, finishing with 232 assists and leading the Indiana Fever to a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese is making waves of her own. In a game on Sunday, Reese scored 19 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 20 double-doubles in a single season. Reese reached this achievement in just 27 games and is now only two double-doubles away from tying Tina Charles’ rookie record for the most double-doubles in a season, as noted by ESPN. Earlier this season, Reese also set the record for most consecutive double-doubles.

As the WNBA resumes play after the Olympic break, both rookies are poised to continue their record-breaking performances. Clark’s Indiana Fever (13-15) will next face the Minnesota Lynx, while Reese’s Chicago Sky (11-16) will take on the Connecticut Sun. With their exceptional play, it’s clear that Clark and Reese will keep making history this season.

 

Continue Reading

Sports

Refugee Olympic Team’s Cindy Ngamba Makes History with First Medal, Aiming to Inspire Millions

Published

on

01-gettyimages-2166236100

Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination. The 25-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first-ever medalist for the Refugee Olympic Team, securing a bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

 

Ngamba, born in Cameroon, faced numerous hardships from a young age. At 11, she moved to the United Kingdom seeking a brighter future, only to confront additional struggles with citizenship and endure time in a detention camp due to paperwork issues.

 

Her life took a transformative turn at 15 when she discovered boxing. “Every day is a learning day in boxing. You have your ups and downs, just like in life in general,” Ngamba shared with CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Boxing not only served as a mental refuge but also became a source of empowerment and self-discovery.

 

Through boxing, Ngamba found solace and strength, overcoming the challenges of her past, including her difficult immigration process. Despite her rising success and training with the Great Britain boxing team, she continues to fight for British citizenship. Ngamba was granted refugee status due to the criminalization of same-sex activity in Cameroon, adding another layer to her inspiring story.

 

Team of Refugee Athletes

The Refugee Olympic Team Provides a Platform for Displaced Athletes to Shine on the Global Stage. Comprising 37 athletes this year, the team aims to showcase how refugees enrich society.

 

‘We should embrace refugees as valuable assets to our communities. They have the potential to be outstanding role models, just like the members of the Refugee Olympic Team,’ said Yusra Mardini, former refugee Olympian, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and subject of the Netflix film ‘The Swimmers,’ in an interview with CNN.

 

These athletes may have lost everything and had to start anew in a foreign country, building new connections, learning a new language, and finding a sense of home. Sports can offer them an essential escape, aiding in their mental health, overcoming trauma, and rebuilding their self-esteem,’ Mardini continued.

gettyimages-2163819306-restricted

Worldwide Refugee Crisis

 

Ngamba’s bronze medal is a landmark achievement for the Refugee Olympic Team and a beacon of hope for millions of displaced individuals globally.

 

‘This medal signifies that I am human, just like everyone else. Despite numerous obstacles, I stood firm and emerged victorious,’ Ngamba shared.

 

‘I hope that by winning this Olympic medal and representing refugees worldwide, people will recognize us as athletes who aspire to reach great heights.’

 

As of May 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a record 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world.

 

Escalating Tensions

A touching moment followed Ngamba’s bronze medal win when Team GB’s Lewis Richardson draped his Union Jack flag around her during the celebrations in Paris.

 

‘It meant the world to me,’ Ngamba said. ‘Lewis, the GB boxers, and I have shared the ring and they’ve always treated me like family. Sharing that moment with him, knowing our mutual struggles, was deeply emotional.’

gettyimages-2166187595-20240813180106858

Ngamba’s achievement comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in various countries, including the UK.

 

The nation is facing its most severe unrest in over a decade, with far-right, anti-immigrant violence surging following a misinformation campaign linked to a stabbing attack that killed three children in Southport, northern England.

 

In stark contrast to these protests, Ngamba’s Olympic podium appearance highlights the positive impact refugees can have. Her historic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team not only represents her personal resilience but also symbolizes the broader contributions of refugees striving for a better future.

 

Continue Reading

Sports

McDonald’s France Playfully Considers Dropping Classic Curry Sauce After Steph Curry’s Victory Over French Team

Published

on

gallupdate01-gettyimages-2166233959-jpg

McDonald’s France took a playful jab at the recent men’s basketball final during the Paris Olympics with a cheeky social media post. Following Steph Curry’s stellar performance—where he scored eight three-pointers to propel Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France—the French branch of the fast-food chain shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Instagram.

Their post, which garnered nearly 15,000 likes within just seven hours, humorously suggested they might be “considering removing” their Classic Curry dipping sauce in light of Curry’s outstanding play. The post, accompanied by a photo of the beloved sauce, was a clear nod to Curry’s impressive performance, which included four critical three-pointers in a crucial 2-minute and 13-second stretch during the final moments of the game.

McDonald’s France’s spokesperson clarified to Media that the post was a lighthearted reference to Curry’s remarkable contribution in the game. This defeat was a tough blow for the host nation, which had been narrowly trailing the U.S. by just three points with under three minutes left on the clock. The loss echoed a similar close defeat to the United States in the gold medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where France fell short in a tight 87-82 game.

Continue Reading

Sports

France’s Summer of Sport Heats Up with the Launch of the Tour de France Femmes

Published

on

gettyimages-2165958686

The excitement from the Summer Games is still buzzing as the annual Tour de France Femmes began on Monday, following the closing ceremony in Paris. This year’s race, which features the world’s top female cyclists, started with an eight-stage event in the Netherlands due to the logistical demands of the recent Olympics.

In the sunny setting of Rotterdam, 153 riders lined up for the third edition of the race. Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool of DSM-Firmenich PostNL claimed victory in the opening stage, marking her first-ever stage win and making history as the first stage win outside France for this event.

Charlotte Kool surged ahead of the pack to claim victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, finishing more than a bike length ahead with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 40 seconds. Overwhelmed by her achievement, Kool covered her mouth in disbelief before celebrating with raised arms as the crowd in The Hague cheered.

gettyimages-2165963428

After dismounting, the Dutch rider sat on the road, covering her face with her hands, and described the win as a dream come true. “This is the best day of my life,” she said, visibly moved.

The field also includes 2024 Olympic road race champion Kristen Faulkner from the US, and defending champion Demi Vollering, who is back to retain her yellow jersey.

The Tour de France Femmes continues with a dynamic schedule starting Tuesday, featuring two stages. Stage 2 will cover 43.3 miles (69.7 kilometers) from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, followed by Stage 3, which is a solo time trial later that afternoon.

gettyimages-2165936434

Stage 4 will see the race cross into Belgium, from Valkenburg to Liège. Thursday’s Stage 5 will take the peloton into France, navigating through eastern regions with subsequent stages running from Bastogne to Amnéville, Remiremont to Morteau, and Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand.

The grand finale on Sunday will culminate in the French Alps, with Stage 8 concluding atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez. 

The 2022 edition marked a revival of the Tour de France Femmes, a race with a storied history dating back to September 1955.

 

Continue Reading

Sports

An Invention in Sports Science Applied Successfully

Published

on

image1

Prashant Pujar, a visionary in Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning, has transformed the landscape of athletic training in India with his innovative methodologies. His journey, marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking inventions, stands as a testament to his expertise and dedication to enhancing athletic performance.

Prashant Pujar’s journey in Sports Science began at a young age, working with college and school-level players. His passion and commitment led him to establish a department dedicated to Strength and Conditioning at the Karnataka State Cricket Association. This foundation paved the way for training young U-16 and U-19 national players at the National Cricket Academy, many of whom now represent India on the international stage. Pujar’s expertise extended to training Indian players in prestigious tournaments conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), including the Duleep Trophy, the Irani Trophy, Karnataka Premier League, U-16 Hanumant, Deodhar Trophy, and Vizzy Trophy.

Prashant Pujar’s most significant contribution to sports science is his patented invention, Sports Science Technology, recognized by the Government of India. This innovative system includes the Super Sixes Test, specifically designed to assess and enhance sports performance. His unique approach involves creating new methods of assessments, training systems, and recovery protocols that ensure athletes reach their optimal fitness levels.

Pujar has trained up to 150 athletes who have represented India at the international level and thousands of other athletes. His impact on the sports community is profound, having been instrumental in the success of 17 championship-winning teams, including the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. His dedication to nurturing talent from the U-16 level has seen these athletes rise to represent India, contributing to the nation’s success on the global stage.

Despite facing significant challenges, including massive cyber attacks that delayed the launch of his product, Prashant Pujar remained steadfast in his vision. His resilience and perseverance have inspired many in the field of sports science. By creating a roadmap for athletes’ fitness from the beginning to their peak, Pujar has laid down parameters that ensure sustained excellence in performance.

Prashant Pujar’s vision extends beyond training elite athletes. Through his brand, Strength and Conditioning Powerhouse, he aims to bring his Sports Science Technology to coaches and trainers who can understand and apply these methodologies successfully. His goal is to help athletes and the general population achieve better fitness levels, ultimately contributing to the development of legendary athletes.

What sets Prashant Pujar apart from his peers is the originality and uniqueness of his system. His invention in sports science is a comprehensive approach that integrates strength and conditioning, tailored training methodologies, and recovery systems. This holistic approach ensures that athletes not only achieve peak performance but also maintain their fitness over time.

With all the love and accolades received for his invention, Prashant Pujar acknowledges the existence of forces that may try to suppress and derail his vision. His message to the world is clear: “With all the love and the accolades we received for the invention, there also lies a nexus that wants to suppress the invention, defame, and derail the vision simply because they don’t want you to do it.”

Prashant Pujar’s journey in sports science is a story of innovation, dedication, and resilience. His patented Sports Science Technology has revolutionized the way athletes train and perform, setting new benchmarks in the field. As a pioneer in sports science, Pujar’s vision is to empower coaches, trainers, and athletes, helping them achieve and maintain peak performance. His unique approach and groundbreaking methodologies continue to inspire and transform the world of sports.

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Subscribe To Our News Letter


Contact Us
First
Last

This will close in 20 seconds