Month: August 2023

Browns add USFL CB Lorenzo Burns to training camp roster

The Browns have filled their 90th roster spot

After hosting free agent defensive tackle Shelby Harris for a visit, many were hoping the Cleveland Browns would ink him to fill their 90th roster spot after releasing Bopete Keyes. However, instead, the Browns have added another cornerback in the form of USFL standout Lorenzo Burns.

Burns initially signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Arizona in 2021. He has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals as well. He, however, did not make the roster and has instead spent the past season with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions.

Burns racked up two interceptions in nine games at the USFL level. Do not expect this to rule the Browns out of the Harris market, however, as the guys at the bottom of the 90-man roster are little more than pawns and camp bodies.

Former MSU football QB Kirk Cousins ranked in the top-50 on the NFL’s Top 100 player rankings

Kirk Cousins makes the top-50 in the NFL’s Top 100 player rankings

The NFL has continued to reveal their list of the Top 100 players in the league, and Kirk Cousins has checked in at No. 42.

As a former 2-star quarterback out of Holland Christian who joined MSU football back in 2007, Kirk Cousins has come a long way. After being drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft, primarily to backup Robert Griffin III, Cousins has since become a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback with the Minnesota Vikings, and one of the highest paid players in the NFL.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.

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Watch: Chris Paul throws down dunk in offseason workout

The veteran point guard showed he still has some bounce in his game with a dunk in a recent workout.

After battling Golden State with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns, Chris Paul will finally suit up alongside Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green as a member of the Warriors.

Before he officially suits up with the Warriors, Paul was working out with a future top prospect.

On Monday, the veteran All-Star point guard showed he still has a little bit of bounce in his game with a smooth dunk at a recent workout. Paul caught a lob off the bounce from his workout partner.

While showing off his dunking ability, Paul worked out with AJ Dybantsa, a 6-foot-8 forward prospect from the class of 2026 out of Napa’s Prolific Prep.

Via @AdamZagoria on Twitter:

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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What’s next for the Boston Celtics after the Jaylen Brown extension?

Some critics question the amount, but others praise his on and offcourt character.

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Star Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown signed a historic, five-year, $304 million supermax contract extension earlier this week, instantly becoming the most lucrative contract in NBA history to date by doing so and sparking a fair amount of critiques from fans and analysts both.

The Georgia native secured a trade kicker for his new deal to give himself a modicum of control over potential trades to new ball clubs in future seasons (Brown cannot be traded for the whole of the 2023-24 NBA season after signing the contract extension) but no fifth-year player or team option was included in the deal either.

Some critics question the amount, but others praise his on and offcourt character.

To hear what the hosts of the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast had to say about the deal and what it means for Boston moving forward, check out the clip embedded above.

The hosts of the CLNS Media “First to the Floor” podcast

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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Former Aggie safety Antonio Johnson sits down with TexAgs for an interview

Antoino Johnson takes time away from his busy training camp schedule to answer questions

With many Aggies in the NFL, it’s always a treat when a former player can answer a few questions from a familiar face. Rookie safety Antonio Johnson got a few minutes away from his busy training camp schedule to talk with David Nuño with TexAgs.

Johnson sat longer than expected on Draft weekend as he was mocked anywhere from the late first to the third round. To the surprise of many Aggie fans, the Jacksonville Jaguars did not call his name until the fifth round on day three.

While he does carry a small chip on his shoulder, due to this, it’s not something that he is obsessed with; he explained when talking with Nuño.

Being taken later in the draft put a chip on my shoulder, but that’s in the past. Once you get here, everyone is in the league. I want to prove myself to everybody. I was blessed with an opportunity to hear the Jaguars call my name.

 

Antonio Johnson back pedals in a drill during the 2023 Jaguars Rookie Minicamp held at TIAA Bank Field. Juston Lewis/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

It’s still early in camp, and Johson will take a few days to get accustomed to the NFL way of life, but he already has an excellent grasp of what it takes to be successful in this league. For the full interview, visit TexAgs for a listen.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on Twitter: @whosnextsports1.

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USWNT lineup vs. Portugal: Rose Lavelle, Lynn Williams in for high-pressure Group E clash

Not many changes, but both likely popular ones for the USWNT

The U.S. women’s national team has made two changes for a decisive World Cup group stage match against Portugal.

Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams represent all of the changes Vlatko Andonovski has made to the USWNT starting 11 that drew 1-1 with the Netherlands last week (a selection that was unchanged from the team’s opening 3-0 win over Vietnam). Lavelle will replace Savannah DeMelo in the U.S. midfield, while Williams replaces Trinity Rodman on the front line.

Lavelle has performed well in two substitute appearances, but has not started a game for club or country since doing so for OL Reign on April 1 in NWSL regular season play. It is unclear how long she can play after getting 27 minutes off the bench against Vietnam, and then entering at halftime against the Dutch.

Sophia Smith has, after spending most of the last two years on the right wing, been playing on the left with Rodman more comfortable on the opposite side. It wasn’t clear until kickoff, but Andonovski has simply replaced Rodman with Williams, keeping Smith on the left for a third straight game.

For the USWNT, this match against Portugal has huge importance. A win may or may not be enough to secure the top spot in Group E: the Netherlands could overtake them if they can beat Vietnam by three more goals than the U.S. margin of victory at Eden Park.

A shock loss would — barring an even more monumental upset win for Vietnam in the other game — end the USWNT’s World Cup far earlier than expected.

All 23 players in the U.S. squad are, per U.S. Soccer’s game notes, listed as available and in uniform.

USWNT lineup vs. Portugal

(4-3-3): Naeher; Fox, Ertz, Girma, Dunn; Lavelle, Sullivan, Horan; Williams, Morgan, Smith

Portugal lineup (4-3-1-2): Inês Pereira; Ana Borges, Carole Costa, Diana Gomes, Catarina Amado; Andreia Norton, Tatiana Pinto, Dolores Silva; Kika Nazareth; Jéssica Silva, Diana Silva

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Big Game Boomer: Notre Dame biggest college brand in…Illinois?

Not sure we agree with this.

It’s no secret that a large portion of Notre Dame’s fan base is in the Chicago area. That’s reflected by the fact that every writer on this site is based there. But is that reflective of the state of Illinois as a whole?

Big Game Boomer, a top college sports list and graph aficionado on social media, has been mentioned on here many times before. His latest entry as of this writing is a U.S. map that lists the biggest college brand by state. Notre Dame is listed for Illinois and the only school not located in the state it represents:

Inevitably, someone asked about this, and he was quick to respond:

And when asked why Indiana doesn’t have Notre Dame, he said this:

The first event I covered on location for this site was the now-defunct Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis. Even though the Irish were the designated home team, the crowd at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was heavily for the Hoosiers. So the statement about the Hoosiers owning the Hoosier State is not wrong.

Still, as nice as it is to see Notre Dame represented on this map, it’s hard to call it the best college brand in the Land of Lincoln. Sure, Northern Illinois is too small for consideration, and everyone is distancing themselves from Northwestern right now, but what about Illinois? While the Illini football program has done little to help the brand lately, it’s a little unfair to discount those fans.

Anyone who lives in Illinois knows that the further south you go, the more you’ll find people who don’t care for Chicago. I won’t go into the reasons for that here, but this is one case where Chicago probably shouldn’t represent the whole state.

Illini fans reign supreme throughout Illinois, and one merely needs to travel throughout to find them. They are proud, and they are passionate about their team. Many of them still are mourning the loss of Chief Illiniwek as an official university symbol.

So as nice as it is to have Notre Dame as Illinois’ representative on this map, it really should be a school from Illinois. And Illini fans probably are most deserving to represent the state. After all, Chicago is a pro sports town first, so it should not be taken into account when making a map like this. Consider the rest of the state please next time, Big Game Boomer.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

The Types of Games Offered on Online Casino Platforms

When thinking of gambling on online casinos, you will discover a wide range of exciting games that can keep you entertained for hours. Casino games offer a mix of chance, strategy, and skill, providing a good gaming experience. From classic card …

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When thinking of gambling on online casinos, you will discover a wide range of exciting games that can keep you entertained for hours. Casino games offer a mix of chance, strategy, and skill, providing a good gaming experience. From classic card games to modern slots and more, online platforms offer plenty of options to suit everyone’s preferences. Remember that when you are looking for the best online casino platform, like No.1 Casino in Thailand, you need to get one according to the types of games they offer. Here are the popular casino games found online, helping you understand what makes each game special. 

  • Slots 

Slots are common in online casinos, loved by players of all levels. They are easy to play and bring lots of excitement. With attractive themes, visuals, and sounds, these games take you to different worlds, from ancient times to futuristic settings. All you need is to spin the reels and win combinations. When playing slot games, you can win big jackpots with one spin, making it even the best. With so many available slot games, you will always get what you want. 

  • Blackjack 

Blackjack is a classic card game that mixes strategy and quick thinking. It is also known as 21, and your role is to beat the dealer by gaining a hand value closer to 21. Its popularity comes from easy-to-understand rules and strategic decisions on each hand. These choices can make a huge difference between winning and losing. Whether you have been playing the game for a while or are a beginner, the excitement of outsmarting the dealer in this game is hard to resist. 

  • Roulette 

Roulette was founded in 18th-century France; roulette remains a favorite in modern casinos. The fun of watching the ball spin around the wheel, wondering where it will land, is the best. You can bet on specific numbers or broader categories like red or black, odd or even. Roulette’s simplicity and potential for layouts make it the best choice for both new and experienced players. 

  • Poker 

Poker is the ultimate challenge for those who love skill-based games. With various versions, it has become more popular. Players aim to create the best hand or bluff to victory, keeping opponents guessing. The social aspect of poker adds excitement as you read your opponents’ faces and strategies. Online poker rooms offer tournaments, cash games, and more for players of all levels. 

Picking the right online casino platform is vital for the best experience. Several factors contribute to a platform’s appeal. The platform should offer various games to suit everyone’s tastes. A user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and responsive customer support are crucial for smooth gaming. A reputable casino platform like No.1 Casino in Thailand should be licensed and regulated to protect your funds and personal information. These platforms can also use attractive bonuses, promotions, and loyalty programs to provide added value. You need to read more information about these games because there are many of them on the market. Considering these factors, you will find the best platform to enjoy the excitement of online casino games.

Steelers sign former XFL running back John Lovett

The Steelers have added a running back in free agency.

On Monday, XFL Media Relations posted that former XFL running back John Lovett had agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lovett played for the Vegas Vipers.

Lovett played his college football at Princeton where he was a quarterback, running back and wide receiver during his career. In the NFL he’s settled in as more of a fullback/tight end type and at 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds, looks the part.

When the news of Lovett being signed first came out, the first thought was he was coming in to replace running back Alfonzo Graham. Graham went down in training camp with a torn labrum. But Lovett is likely the replacement for Monte Pottenbaum who chose to retire last week.

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Which Cowboys’ upside is greater, Jabril Cox or Jalen Tolbert?

Both have disappointed since being drafted with the label of steal. Which of the two youngsters would have a bigger impact if they pan out in 2023? @cdpiglet compares.

During their respective draft years, linebacker Jabril Cox and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert both had Cowboys team insiders claiming Dallas had interested in each of them at least a round before they were eventually drafted.

During every draft, fans and scouts alike apply the label of draft-day steal pretty liberally. Insert any prospect picked near the end of the third round or later and there’ll be traits to claim will help the prospect develop into a starter. However whether it was due to injury or other factors, neither have made any real impact on the field.

Can things change in 2023? Tolbert has looked good early in camp and Cox seems healthy finally, but they need to practice well enough to earn snaps when it actually counts. They each are fighting their own battles, but what happens when they are pitted against each other?

If the Cowboys could only have one of the two options breakout, would Cox making the third-year jump be more impactful than if Tolbert became the clear fourth receiver?