Month: July 2023

Jason Wright to continue in role under Commanders new owner

Wright will have a chance to prove himself under new ownership.

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Jason Wright will be retained.

When the Josh Harris Group is named by the NFL later in July as the official owners of the Washington Commanders, apparently present Commanders President Jason Wright will not be replaced.

Ron Rivera has been in charge of the football operations since being hired by outgoing owner Daniel Snyder in 2020. Wright was hired and became the first Black team president in league history when he was hired in August 2020 to head the business operations of the Commanders.

It is hard to read what the import of this announcement actually communicates. Does it indicate Wright is safe and the Harris group is going to keep him? Is it because the purchase of the team coming only days before the opening of the 2023 seasons’ training camp, the common sense move would be to make no move? This could provide Harris time to evaluate Wright’s effectiveness during the 2023 season.

One side of the coin could be that there are those who feel Wright needs an opportunity to show what he can do under different ownership. The other side of the coin would state that the business side has executed more than a few sloppy errors, even comical at times, this being under the supervision of Wright.

The rebrand announcement televised on NBC led by Wright left viewers wondering how much forethought and planning occurred. There was little excitement when Doug Williams was asked by Wright to simply utter, “We are the Commanders.” Why so anticlimactic? Why was there no enthusiasm planned?

Then there were both Sean Taylor days being huge disappointments with, again, little to show in organization and thoughtfulness. The team also was selling mugs with the Washington State geographical design on the mug.

How in the world does that get by several people? What type of leadership and oversight was there in that process? What does that say for cultural literacy as well within the organization?

Then when the Commanders announced they were announcing the 90 Greatest players in franchise history, there was a comedy of errors, so many in fact it ceased to be funny. It was, no exaggeration, an embarrassment for a professional sports league organization.

Yet, there will be those who feel Wright deserves a clean slate, placing all of the blame for his lack of effectiveness on Daniel and Tanya Snyder. His supporters will convey that an immediate dismissal of Wright would be reactionary and not fair to him.

Franchon Crews Dezurn vs. Savannah Marshall odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s women’s title fight odds of Franchon Crews Dezurn vs Savannah Marshall, with expert boxing picks and predictions.

In a 10-round undisputed super middleweight title fight, Franchon Crews Dezurn faces Savannah Marshall Saturday at AO Arena in Manchester, England. The main fight card is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+), with the main event scheduled for approximately 4 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Jonas vs. Wyatt odds, and make our expert boxing picks and predictions.

Records: Crews Dezurn (8-1-0, 2 KOs) | Marshall (12-1-0, 10 KOs)

Crews Dezurn — “The Heavy Hitting Diva” — brings a 72-inch reach to this bout, while Marshall enters with a 71½-inch reach. The 36-year-old Crews Dezurn has managed just 2 knockouts in 9 career fights, while “The Silent Assassin” Marshall has 10 knockouts in her 13 fights.

Crews Dezurn picked up a unanimous-decision win over Elin Cederroos at Madison Square Garden in late April 2022, picking up the undisputed middleweight straps. This will be her 1st defense of that undisputed title in Marshall’s native U.K.

Marshall hasn’t fought since suffering her 1st pro career loss to Claressa Shields by unanimous-decision in mid-October at O2 Arena in Greenwich, England.

Crews Dezurn vs. Marshall odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:18 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (3-way line): Crews Dezurn +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +1280 (bet $100 to win $1,280) | Marshall -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -460 | No +310)

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Crews Dezurn vs. Marshall picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

The 32-year-old Briton Marshall (-350) will cost 3½ times the potential return. That’s simply too risky for not enough value. Instead, you’ll need to get a little more creative, and look to the “method of victory.”

MARSHALL ON POINTS OR DECISION (-210) is still a bit too expensive for my liking, but it’s worth playing, especially if you want to play a potential parlay with the Natasha Jonas vs. Kandi Wyatt fight, which is earlier on the Manchester card.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes (-460): Fight to go the distance? will cost 4.6 times the potential return, also too risky for not enough reward. Even as part of a multi-part parlay, including this prop just sucks all of the value out of your ticket.

AVOID and focus on the “method of victory” option mentioned above.

Visit Boxing Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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On this day: Tatum, Zizic signed; Ehlers, Hewson, Stump drafted

On this day in 2017, the Boston Celtics signed All-Star swingman Jayson Tatum and center Ante Zizic to multi-year contracts.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, All-Star small forward Jayson Tatum was signed to the team for a rookie scale, four-year, $30,073,320 contract in 2017. Tatum was drafted by the Celtics with the third overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft.

That pick was acquired by President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge by trading back from the first overall pick of the draft with the Philadelphia 76ers in one of the better trades of his career at the helm of the team he won two titles with as a player. A product of the Duke Blue Devils, Tatum has since played four full seasons with Boston.

Thus far, among many other honors, he has already won the first-ever awarded Larry Bird NBC Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player trophy, four elections to an All-Star game, and earned All-NBA honors three times, including All-NBA in 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Natasha Jonas vs. Kandi Wyatt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s women’s title fight odds between Natasha Jonas and Kandi Wyatt, with expert boxing picks and predictions.

In a 10-round women’s welterweight fight for the vacant IBF title, Natasha Jonas faces Kandi Wyatt Saturday at AO Arena in Manchester, England. The main fight card is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+), with the main event scheduled for approximately 4 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Jonas vs. Wyatt odds, and make our expert boxing picks and predictions.

Records: Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) | Wyatt (11-4-0, 3 KOs)

Jonas drops down to 147 pounds for a shot at the vacant IBF welterweight title. She already owns the IBF, WBC and WBO world super welterweight straps after posting a unanimous-decision (UD) win over Marie Eve Dicaire last time out at this same venue in mid-November 2022.

The victory was her second consecutive UD victory and 4th win in a row. She defeated  Patricia Berghult by UD in September 2022, Chris Namus by TKO in February 2022 and Vaida Masiokaite on points in November 2021. Jonas’ last loss was a UD setback to Katie Taylor — at 134½ pounds —  in May 2021.

The Canadian Wyatt suffered 3 straight losses against Kali Reis, Alma Ibarra and Jessica McCaskill from November 2020 to December 2021. But she snapped that skid in her last fight with a split-decision win over Kirstie Bavington in March. Now, she faces the quick turnaround as an overwhelming underdog.

Jonas vs. Wyatt odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (3-way line): Jonas -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100) | Draw +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Wyatt +680 (bet $100 to win $680)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +120 | No -154)

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Jonas vs. Wyatt picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Backing the heavy favorite Jonas (-1000) is not wise as betting on the 39-year-old veteran will cost 10 times the potential return.

Instead, play Jonas in the “method of victory” section. Eight of her 13 victories are via KO/TKO, and this one should be no exception.

BETTING JONAS BY KO/TKO (-120) is not priced out of line, and is the best value in terms of method.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (-154): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE is the way to go, playing it in concert with Jonas by KO/TKO.

While Jonas went the distance in her 2 most recent fights, the Dicaire fight was a much higher profile opponent. Wyatt is fighting on short rest, and is the heavy underdog. Jonas will show why she is so heavily favored.

In addition, look to the “alternative group round betting 2” section, wagering on a couple of blocks.

TAKE JONAS TO WIN IN ROUND 5-6 (+600) and JONAS TO WIN IN ROUND 7-8 (+450). Sure, you’ll lose one of the ends if Jonas wins in Rounds 5-8, but if she wins via stoppage in one of these rounds, you’ll be well ahead.

Visit Boxing Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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Is Derrick White ready to be the Boston Celtics’ starting point guard?

It remains to be seen whether White is up to the task of being the Celtics’ lead point guard.

Veteran floor general Derrick White became the Boston Celtics‘ starting point guard following the trade that sent nine-season Boston fan-favorite Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in the deal that returned Washington Wizards star center Kristaps Porzingis.

White had a breakout season in 2022-23 and proved a versatile point guard who can contribute in various ways on both ends of the floor. A perfect role player who does a little bit of everything on the court, the Colorado native showed significant improvement in his 3-point shooting, providing consistent scoring for the Celtics.

But it remains to be seen whether White is up to the task of being the Celtics’ lead point guard.

To hear the view of the host of the “Locked on Celtics” podcast, John Karalis, on the matter, take a look at the clip embedded above.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Undrafted rookies with legit chance of making team for Cardinals

As we approach training camp, these are the undrafted players to keep an eye on because of numbers at different positions on the roster.

Because the Arizona Cardinals are thin on established experience in the NFL at many positions, this year’s undrafted rookie class has players with a real chance of making the roster. Simply because there are questions of depth, they could be able to make a contribution and live out their NFL dream despite going undrafted.

Who are those players to watch?

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

Mo Bamba reportedly has interest in staying with the Lakers

Could the Lakers bring back center Mo Bamba, whom they recently waived?

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The Los Angeles Lakers had a solid start to the NBA’s free agency period on Friday. They signed guard Gabe Vincent and forward Taurean Prince, both of whom should be at least minor upgrades over the outgoing Dennis Schroder and Troy Brown Jr., and they also took a flyer on former lottery pick Cam Reddish.

The team also came to terms with forward Rui Hachimura on a new contract, which allowed it to achieve the first part of its main objective — keeping its current core as intact as possible.

D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ two other major free agents, remain unsigned, and although keeping them is a big priority, they still have another hole to fill: the center position.

Anthony Davis is the only player on the roster fully capable of playing the position. Even if he will continue to exclusively play at the five, the Lakers need a capable backup at that spot (or possibly two of them).

According to Jovan Buha, center Mo Bamba, whom they recently waived, is interested in staying with the team.

Via The Athletic:

“At this point, they only have one center (Davis) on the roster. Hachimura and (LeBron) James are capable of sliding up to center, but that’s only in certain situations. As the Lakers look to fill their final two roster spots beyond Reaves and (possibly) Russell, the best approach would be inking two veteran’s minimum bigs as necessary depth and injury insurance. Bamba has interest in staying with the Lakers and could be an option, according to a league source.”

Bamba barely played for L.A. after it acquired him in a February trade, but he is a capable shot-blocker and 3-point shooter who also possesses decent athleticism and a beastly 7-foot-10 wingspan.

Cardinals named 1 of 5 teams taking big step backwards in 2023

The Cardinals lost some of their most talented players and have two coming back from ACL injuries. No one expects a better team than last year.

Are the Arizona Cardinals expected to do well in 2023? No.

They are expected to be worse than their 4-13 season last year

They were named by USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz as one of five teams taking steps back in 2023 rather than making progress forward and improving their roster.

How does a team that went 4-13 take a step back? Just look to the bleeding of what little premium talent existed on this roster. J.J. Watt’s retirement and Zach Allen’s move to the Denver Broncos leave the pass rush without a player who recorded more than four sacks last year. On the back end of the defense, top cornerback Byron Murphy bolted for the Minnesota Vikings, and five-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker has requested a trade. And in late May, Arizona released No. 1 wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins with nothing to show for the decision besides a bit more cap space and a $22.6 million dead-money hit for the upcoming season.

The focus of the next few months, however, will be on quarterback Kyler Murray’s recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last December. New coach Jonathan Gannon said in May that Murray is “a long way away, but we don’t play for a long time, either.” If the former No. 1 pick misses time at the start of the season, things could get especially ugly for the Cardinals as Colt McCoy once again fills in behind center.

This is hard to argue.

They have a rookie GM, rookie head coach and rookie offensive and defensive coordinators.

Four of their best players (Hopkins, Murphy, Allen and Watt) are no longer on the roster. Two of their best players (Murray and Zach Ertz) are returning from ACL injuries.

They have the lowest projected win total in the NFL.

The Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams are the other teams named as having taken steps back rather than forward.

It isn’t exciting and they could be a tough team to watch this coming season, but the roster teardown is needed to allow GM Monti Ossenfort to build the roster the way he wants it.

Did they take a step back? Perhaps. Is it to be able to take bigger steps forward in coming seasons? Yes.

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Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Top three outside linebackers in the Big Ten in 2023

Steele Chamber makes our list of top outside linebackers #GoBucks #B1G

We recently discussed that the Big Ten was full of elite inside linebackers, but the outside linebacker position was a bit more scarce for talent. Ohio State has another stud that should continue to ride the momentum of their impressive 2022 season into 2023 and the Penn State Nittany Lions have another dynamic linebacker and another young back waiting to explode this season as well.

It is comforting that we have dove into defensive end, defensive tackle, inside linebacker and now outside linebacker and a Buckeye has made every single list, but it is also interesting that there have been so many Penn State representatives as well. Let’s dive into the top three outside linebackers in the Big Ten.

Top three inside linebackers in the Big Ten for 2023

A Buckeye linebacker makes the top inside backer list #GoBucks #B1G

We arrive to another position of strength in the Big Ten. This conference is full of star middle backers that can take the head off ball carriers. This conference has at least four legitimate cases to be made for this list, but one of those guys is a transfer.

I gave the edge to the backers that return to defenses they are already familiar with. These three names are fairly unique and one Buckeye does make an appearance, but that should not be surprising. We also have a Wolverine and Spartan appear. Let’s dive into the top inside linebackers in the Big Ten.