Month: July 2022

Bucs activate CB Don Gardner from Physically Unable to Perform list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have activated rookie cornerback Don Gardner from the Physically Unable to Perform list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers activated rookie cornerback Don Gardner from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the team announced Sunday.

Gardner, an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, can now rejoin the Bucs in practice as they continue through training camp.

The last of Tampa Bay’s players to come off the PUP list, Gardner was already counted against the team’s 90-man roster, so the Bucs won’t need to make a corresponding move to activate him.

[listicle id=69519]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw5aerff6ff182 player_id=none image=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

UNC trasnfer Matt Keating signs with New York Yankees

After joining the Diamond Heels a few weeks ago through transfer, Matt Keating will be forgo his Carolina journey and start his MLB one.

UNC has lost another Diamond Heel to MLB with transfer pitcher [autotag]Matt Keating[/autotag] being selected in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Earlier this month it was announced that USC’s right-handed pitcher Keating would be suiting up in Carolina blue threads, however, after a call from the pros, he’s heading to the Big Apple.  The 21-year-old relief pitcher has signed with the New York Yankees after getting drafted by the team in the ninth round of the MLB draft.

As the 280th overall pick, Keating also received a $122,500 signing bonus as he is expected to work his way through the farm system before hitting the mound on the main stage.

The Nebraska native spent just one year with the Trojans, appearing in only 24 games. In those 24 games, Keating pitched 30 innings for seven saves, 44 strike outs and a 3.60 ERA. Working his way up through the rankings will not be anything new for Keating. Before becoming a Trojan last season, he was pitching on the community college level with the Storm of Southeast Community College.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Giannis respectfully makes fun of LeBron James’ high workout expenses

Giannis Antetokounmpo tweaked LeBron James for investing seven figures annually into his body.

If LeBron James isn’t the best player in the NBA anymore, the best right now is likely the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.

It’s no wonder. He has two regular-season MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, six All-NBA honors and five All-Defensive team selections to his name. Of course, Antetokounmpo earned his first world championship ring and Finals MVP a year ago.

But at age 37, James is still an elite player, and it is largely because he reportedly invests $1.5 million a year to keep his body right.

Antetokounmpo poked fun at all the money the Los Angeles Lakers superstar invests in his health and wellness while also paying his respects to the four-time NBA champ.

Via Marca.com:

“You gotta spend 1.5 million dollars on your body? I don’t know if I can do that. I’m too cheap for that. No, I’m joking. It’s crazy to me, man. He’s been so consistent. It’s fun to watch. It’s definitely fun to watch.”

Antetokounmpo reminds some of a taller and leaner James. The Bucks superstar doesn’t have the latter’s body and brute force, but he is just as effective and dominant in the open court.

At 6-foot-11, he has long strides that he uses to throw down dunks without needing an extra step to get closer to the rim, not to mention bother opponents on the defensive end.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq-9e4141279c2bad813e89b4ccf3177ea6.jpg]

[listicle id=84546]

Nature Boy Ric Flair’s incomparable wrestling career

Ric Flair went out stylin’ and profilin’ as only he could in his final match

Wrestling legend Ric Flair went out with one last match — again — Sunday in Nashville. The Nature Boy was bloody but unbowed as he put his patented figure-four leglock on Jeff Jarrett to end his career triumphantly. A look at Flair’s wild and crazy run through the decades of professional wrestling and sports entertainment.

Four-star edge Colton Vasek sets commitment date

Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas appear to be the top schools in the running for Vasek.

Texas will soon learn the fate of four-star edge Colton Vasek. Continue reading “Four-star edge Colton Vasek sets commitment date”

See all the 2022 USA TODAY High School Sports Awards winners

See all the national winners from the live event hosted hosted by NFL greats Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis.

The 2022 USA TODAY High School Sports Awards played out to perfection on Sunday night, with the national spotlight shining brightly on the best in high school sports from across the country.

Hosted by NFL greats Rob Gronkowski and Vernon Davis, the national awards show honored Players of the Year in 29 sports, plus special awards for Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year and Play of the Year.

Here are the winners from each category.

But first, a huge congratulations to all the nominees. Tip of the cap. Standing ovation. High fives all around! Truly, each athlete and coach is an inspiring story—one that is only just beginning.

Rewatch the show here!

Steelers WR praises George Pickens: ‘Best rookie receiver in the NFL’

Pickens is already making moves…

Former Georgia star receiver George Pickens may have been the steal of the 2022 NFL draft.

Pickens dropped to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the No. 52 overall pick in the second round after battling an ACL tear in his final year in Athens.

NFL training camp is currently in full swing ahead of the new season and Pickens is already making a statement in early practices.

Star Steelers receiver Chase Claypool praised the rookie after seeing him in action over the last week.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgsn0woDIOB/

It’s catches like these that give a glimpse as to what Pickens could do on a pro Sunday.

Reports say that Pickens is already getting reps with the first-team offense, showing that he may get an opportunity to fight for a starting job down the road.

Other notable rookie receivers that Pickens will be compared to this season are Ohio State’s Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints), Alabama’s Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions), USC’s Drake London (Atlanta Falcons), Arkansas’ Treylon Burks (Tennessee Titans) and Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs).

[pickup_prop id=”23945″]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=none image=https://ugawire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Texans C Justin Britt not letting knee injury slow down his play

Houston Texans center Justin Britt has worked his way back from knee injuries, but won’t allow them to make him play with any hesitation.

Justin Britt has had a long journey to get to the starting center job for the Houston Texans.

Britt, a former Seattle Seahawks 2014 second-round pick from Missouri, played in all but one game for the NFC West club through the 2018 season. In 2019, Britt was limited to eight games as he tore his ACL on Oct. 27 against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Seahawks released Britt during the 2020 offseason. The former Lebanon High School product had a tryout with the Green Bay Packers ahead of Week 1, and later worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs in their week leading up to the AFC Championship Game.

It wasn’t until the Texans took a chance and signed Britt in the 2021 offseason that he had a shot to revitalize his career.

Through 11 starts, Britt regained confidence at center. However, he missed six games due to knee injuries to the same knee where he tore his ACL in 2019.

At 31 years old, Britt is not going to let the knee issues generate any anxiety or hesitancy when it comes to his play.

“I mean, some of it’s inevitable and you’ve just got to go out there and play carefree and you can’t really worry about that,” Britt told reporters after the second day of training camp practice on July 30 at Houston Methodist Training Center.

There are small aspects that Britt pays attention to in order to ensure he is in his best playing condition.

“I show up really early in the morning so I have time to warm up the knees, get loose, stretch and make sure everything’s working properly,” Britt said. “Then just staying on top of the strength and conditioning. I mean, it’s a grind. It’s a battle. We are going to be going still February hopefully, so it’s just staying on top of that and building a routine and really buying into it.”

The Texans have Jimmy Morrissey and Justin McCray as backups at center. Morrissey started four games at center in 2021 as a rookie.

Russell Westbrook is focused on building a business empire

Like a few other NBA stars, Russell Westbrook is building a business empire that will enrich people’s lives.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook has gone through tough times over the last several months.

He was traded to the Purple and Gold a year ago, and he thought it would be his chance to finally contend for an NBA championship while playing in his hometown.

Instead, the Lakers didn’t even reach the play-in tournament, and Westbrook was blamed by just about everyone.

However, just about everyone can agree that the one-time University of California, Los Angeles standout is a successful and kind-hearted man off the court.

One of the initiatives he has been focused on is Russell Westbrook Enterprises, which has gotten involved in multiple sectors of the business community while helping to give children a strong foundation for future success.

The former league MVP has set his sights high when it comes to his business ambitions.

Via Bloomberg:

“Basketball star Russell Westbrook is getting into the digital media sector, adding a new division to his business as he enters the advertising industry.

“The Los Angeles Lakers point guard, who makes investments and signs partnership deals through his Russell Westbrook Enterprises, is linking up with digital marketer Causal IQ to help connect advertisers with multicultural audiences through a new venture called RW Digital.

“RWE is now involved in several business lines such as real estate, venture capital, insurance, education and fashion line Honor the Gift, which has collaborated with the likes of Nike Inc.’s Jordan brand and the NBA’s players union. Westbrook has also been in media, producing a History Channel documentary that debuted in May.

“‘We’ve been keeping so much stuff quiet,’ Westbrook said. ‘People just see me on the court, but I want to build an enterprise that’s done the right way. I’m locked in year-round,’ said Westbrook. ‘This is an important thing for me, for my future, for my legacy, for our kids.’

“It’s clear that Westbrook has taken full advantage of his position in Los Angeles. Living in such a vibrant and important city has no doubt helped to expand his empire to a new degree.

“It will be interesting to see how his recent business decisions pan out and (more importantly) what he’s able to do on the court for the Lakers next season.”

Of course, the Lakers have been trying to trade Westbrook for a while. However, even if he is on another team’s roster once training camp starts, one should expect him to continue to pour resources into the Los Angeles community through his business initiatives.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq-9e4141279c2bad813e89b4ccf3177ea6.jpg]

[listicle id=84546]

Jeanie Buss pays tribute to Bill Russell after his death

Boston Celtics great Bill Russell passed away on Sunday, and Lakers owner Jeanie Buss honored his memory on social media.

On Sunday, the basketball world was shocked and saddened when NBA legend Bill Russell died at age 88.

It came suddenly. The Boston Celtics great had seemed very active and alert despite his advanced age.

Russell helped put the NBA on the map in the late 1950s and 1960s by making defense a key and leading the Celtics to 11 championships in his 13 seasons.

He was an intimidating shot-blocker and voracious rebounder — the centerpiece of Boston’s dynasty.

The majority of Russell’s titles were won against the Lakers, but that didn’t prevent team owner Jeanie Buss from paying tribute.

Needless to say, Russell’s passing is a gigantic loss for the sports world, as even Lakers fans have come to love and appreciate him over the years.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq/01g7zhc79kbm2a5h1cmq-9e4141279c2bad813e89b4ccf3177ea6.jpg]

[listicle id=84546]