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A very happy birthday to Odell Beckham Jr.!!
The now-29-year-old receiver has had quite a week leading up to Friday’s big day. A video from his dad showing multiple examples of how open Beckham has been but how Baker Mayfied has missed him kicked off a #FreeOBJ movement (with some help from LeBron James!).
A few excused practices later, and on Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Browns are working on making changes to his signing bonus so he can be released and potentially claimed on waivers.
That’s the best gift they can give him … and a gift for fans too.
Suddenly, the veteran receiver can be an X-factor in a playoff race. BetFTW’s Christian D’Andrea broke down five teams who would love to acquire the wideout, and while you may roll your eyes at him talking his way out from another team — remember what happened with the Giants? — this is a gift for everyone, including fans.
If he’s still indeed the receiver getting open like his dad claimed on that video compilation, then he could end up on a contender. And, just maybe, we’ll see the exciting Beckham we once watched make unreal one-handed catches thrill us again.
Quick hits: A look at NASCAR’s progress on inclusivity … Jack Eichel finally got traded! … What it’s like playing on the road from a former player … and more.
— Our Michelle Martinelli dove deep reporting into what NASCAR has done after vowing to be more inclusive, and what work is left to be done.
— BetFTW’s Cole Huff is a former Creighton forward, so he wrote about what bettors should know before betting on road hoops teams.
— The Sabres finally traded Jack Eichel, who gets the fresh start he deserves, writes Mary Clarke. Fans were ecstatic and here are our grades for Buffalo and Vegas.
— Rams GM Les Snead showed off the hilarious mug he got after the Von Miller trade.
— Draymond Green appeared to respond to the ESPN report about Suns owner Robert Sarver’s racism.