Monthly Archives: April 2024

Iowa’s Kate Martin goes 18th overall to Las Vegas Aces in 2024 WNBA Draft

Iowa’s Kate Martin was chosen by the Las Vegas Aces within the second spherical of the WNBA Draft on Monday in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was picked 18th total.

Martin was the second Hawkeye to earn an expert alternative on Monday. Caitlin Clark was the No. 1 total choice by the Indiana Fever. That is the primary time Iowa has had two gamers chosen in the identical WNBA draft since 1998.

“To be trustworthy, I do not assume I might have the kind of profession if I haven’t got a teammate like Kate,” Clark mentioned about Martin main as much as the 2024 nationwide championship sport. “She’s been one which has had my again. She holds me accountable. I maintain her accountable. However I feel on the identical time, me and Kate are wired so equally that we get one another on a unique degree … She’s top-of-the-line leaders I have been round. She needs the perfect for her teammates. She’s one of the vital selfless individuals.”

Extra:Iowa basketball’s Caitlin Clark chosen No. 1 total by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA Draft

Martin has been part of the Iowa program since 2018. She redshirted her first season after struggling ACL and lateral meniscus tears in her left knee. Over the following 5 seasons, she appeared in 163 video games, together with 139 begins. She scored almost 1,300 factors in her Hawkeye profession.

“I’m so happy with Kate as a result of her desires got here true,” Iowa coach Lisa Bluder mentioned. “She has been such an enormous a part of our program during the last six years. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed by her friends. I want Kate all of the success with this subsequent step.”

Clark’s meteoric rise garnered a lot of the highlight, however Martin was among the many supporting solid that additionally carved out a particular place within the hearts of Iowa followers. Martin performed key components in Iowa’s run to back-to-back nationwide championship video games, although the Hawkeyes fell brief in every. The 2023-24 season, her remaining enjoying for the Hawkeyes, was her best, averaging 13.1 factors and 6.8 rebounds per sport, each of which had been career-highs.

“I used to sleep with an Iowa ladies’s basketball poster on my ceiling,” Martin mentioned after Iowa’s loss to South Carolina within the 2024 nationwide championship sport. “So to be on this place and be with coach (Lisa) Bluder and make it to back-to-back nationwide championships, I simply really feel tremendous grateful. It is as a result of I labored actually onerous, and I dreamed massive. I am not some All-American, five-star recruit out of highschool. I by no means was. And folks believed in me, I believed in myself, and right here I’m.”

Extra:Kate Martin picked by Las Vegas in WNBA Draft: What they’re saying on social media

Martin joins former Hawkeye teammate Megan Gustafson in Las Vegas. The Aces have received the final two WNBA championships.

The Edwardsville, Ailing., native has spoken about her need to get into the teaching occupation. After enjoying her remaining sport at Carver-Hawkeye Enviornment —  a tightly contested win over West Virginia — Martin expressed curiosity in finally teaching at Iowa.

“I simply do not feel like that is my finish right here at Iowa,” Martin mentioned that day. “I really feel like hopefully sooner or later I will be again right here in some capability. I hope sooner or later I can coach right here or no matter. It isn’t tremendous unhappy for me. I simply really feel tremendous grateful.”

However she wasn’t planning to embark on a training profession earlier than at the very least attempting to proceed her enjoying days.

“I need to proceed enjoying basketball,” Martin mentioned in March. “I hope I get a possibility for a coaching camp. Or I hope I get drafted. I do not know. I hope that occurs for me.”

And now, Martin will get that chance.

Observe Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact through e mail at ttachman@gannett.com

Kate Martin attends WNBA draft to support Caitlin Clark, gets drafted by Las Vegas

NEW YORK (AP) — Kate Martin traveled to the WNBA draft to help her Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark and ended up getting drafted by the Las Vegas Aces.

Martin was chosen 18th general by the defending champions.

“There are quite a lot of feelings proper now,” Martin stated in an interview on ESPN. “I’m actually joyful to be right here. I used to be right here to help Caitlin, however I hoped to listen to my identify referred to as. All I needed was a chance and I acquired it. I’m actually excited.”

Martin was among the many 1,000 followers who had been contained in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, seated subsequent to her former Iowa teammates Gabbie Marshall and Jada Gyamfi. As she heard her identify referred to as, she hugged Hawkeyes assistant coach Jan Jensen.

“I’m tremendous excited for the chance. I’ve a extremely good work ethic,” Martin stated.

She helped Iowa attain the NCAA title sport for the second straight season and completed her profession with 1,299 factors, 756 rebounds and 473 assists.

Together with Clark, who was drafted first by Indiana, Iowa had two gamers chosen within the draft for the primary time since 1998.

The league will open coaching camp on April 28 and the season begins Might 14.

The Aces didn’t have any picks within the first spherical, however made probably the most of three second-round decisions. Las Vegas additionally selected Syracuse guard Dyaisha Honest, who completed because the third-leading scorer in NCAA Division I historical past, with the sixteenth choose.

The crew closed out the spherical by drafting Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley, who’s recovering from a torn ACL. She’s out for the season and confirmed up on crutches.

___

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Sydney church stabbing: Attack on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel a ‘terrorist act,’ police say


Sydney
CNN
 — 

A bishop and a priest had been stabbed in an alleged “terrorist act” at a Sydney church that sparked a riot on Monday, police mentioned, simply two days after the Australian metropolis was rocked by a mass stabbing in a busy shopping center.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was presiding over a service that was being livestreamed at Christ The Good Shepherd Church within the western suburb of Wakeley, when an alleged attacker was seen charging towards him. A number of parishioners instantly tried to intervene whereas screams might be heard within the church.

Members of the general public restrained the alleged attacker on the scene, in response to New South Wales police. Police then arrived and arrested the suspect, later recognized as a 16-year-old boy, who was taken to the hospital below custody and acquired surgical procedure for accidents sustained through the assault. Police initially mentioned he was 15.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb advised reporters Tuesday that police consider the assault was premeditated.

“We are going to allege [the suspect] attended that church armed with a knife and stabbed the bishop and priest … We consider there are components which can be happy when it comes to non secular motivated extremism,” she mentioned.

A 53-year-old man acquired cuts to his head and a 39-year-old man, who was injured after trying to intervene, suffered cuts and a shoulder wound, police mentioned. Each had been handled by paramedics and brought to the hospital.

“They’re fortunate to be alive,” Webb mentioned.

In a press release, Christ The Good Shepherd Church mentioned Bishop Emmanuel suffered a number of blows to the top and physique. Parish priest Father Isaac Royel was additionally injured however nobody else contained in the church was harmed, it mentioned.

Charbel Saliba, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield Metropolis, a suburb of western Sydney, advised CNN that Emmanuel was well-known in the area people.

Whereas the bishop was bleeding, “he put his hand on the person that stabbed him and mentioned one thing like, ‘Could the Lord Jesus Christ Prevent,’” Saliba mentioned, citing a witness.

Video of the assault unfold rapidly on social media, prompting offended members of the neighborhood to converge on the church, police mentioned. Footage confirmed chaotic scenes as folks threw objects at police automobiles.

Webb, the police commissioner, condemned the “uncontrolled” crowd that gathered quickly after officers and first responders arrived on the scene, calling their conduct “completely unacceptable.”

“Individuals converged on that space and started to activate police. Individuals used what was out there to them within the space, together with bricks, concrete, palings, to assault police and throw missiles at police, and police tools, and police automobiles,” Webb mentioned.

NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan mentioned paramedics and police had been compelled to retreat contained in the church, the place they had been holed up for 3 and a half hours as crowds rioted exterior.

“This was a quickly evolving scenario the place the crowds went from 50 to a whole bunch of individuals in a really speedy time period. Our paramedics grew to become immediately below risk,” he mentioned.

“Six of our paramedics couldn’t go away that facility for worry of their very own security. I echo the phrases of the police commissioner. That is outrageous.”

NSW Ambulance handled 30 sufferers, Morgan mentioned, together with seven who had been taken to hospital. Round 20 had been handled for the results of pepper spray.

Some 20 police automobiles had been broken with 10 deemed unusable, police mentioned.

In its assertion, the Church backed the police response, saying officers took “crucial steps” when onlookers and guests who had got here to precise their assist for the bishop refused “quite a few” requests by police and clergy to depart.

The Church “categorizes this assault as remoted” and “denounces retaliation of any form,” it added.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns mentioned the scenes had been “disturbing,” and he convened a gathering late Monday of religion leaders representing totally different non secular communities throughout western Sydney.

The suspect, who has not been named, had not been on any terror watch checklist, Police Commissioner Webb mentioned. Police consider he was performing alone however emphasised the investigation is in its preliminary phases.

Webb mentioned police had spoken with the boy’s mother and father, however she couldn’t present particular particulars of that dialog.

The incident comes shortly after six folks had been killed and a number of other others had been injured, together with a 9-month-old child, in a stabbing assault at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday.

Australian police mentioned Monday that the attacker in Bondi, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, could have focused girls.

5 girls had been amongst these killed in that assault. Twelve others had been injured, eight of whom remained within the hospital Monday in situations starting from secure to important.

This story has been up to date with additional developments.

Why is John Sterling leaving? New York Yankees radio announcer retires

It’s excessive, it’s far, it’s gone. 

The profession of New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling’s is over after the crew introduced his rapid retirement Monday.

Sterling, 85, is leaving the sales space after 36 years due to undisclosed well being considerations, in line with The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Sterling will probably be acknowledged in a ceremony earlier than Saturday’s sport in opposition to the Rays.

Sterling joined the Yankees in 1989. He referred to as 5,420 of the crew’s regular-season video games and 211 within the postseason — together with 5,060 consecutive video games from September 1989 to July 2019, each at-bat of Derek Jeter’s profession and each inning of Mariano Rivera’s. 

“I’m a really blessed human being,” Sterling mentioned in a press release. “I’ve been in a position to do what I wished, broadcasting for 64 years. As just a little boy rising up in New York as a Yankees fan, I used to be in a position to broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my profit, and I depart very, very joyful. I sit up for seeing everybody once more on Saturday.”

Why is John Sterling retiring from New York Yankees?

Sterling is leaving the sales space because of growing well being considerations, in line with The Athletic. 

He had been working fewer street video games lately. Sterling missed 23 of New York’s first 61 video games final season with an undisclosed sickness.

The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 8-3 on April 7 for Sterling’s last sport.

Sterling’s residence run calls turned iconic, with “it’s excessive, it’s far, it’s gone,” among the many greatest. The “Sterling Shake” victory name — “Yankees win … theeeee Yankees win! — was one other of his many signature phrases. 

“Nothing will ever be the identical. It could actually’t be,” mentioned Suzyn Waldman, his longtime radio companion. “Life goes on, and all of us go on, however nothing will ever be the identical. … The whole lot about him is exclusive. He’s certainly one of a form.”

Yankee outfielder Aaron Choose’s identify was simple materials for Sterling, giving start to puns like “All Rise! Right here comes the Choose.”

“My dad and mom hearken to the radio, and love Suzyn and John going forwards and backwards,” Choose advised reporters earlier than Monday’s sport on the Toronto Blue Jays. “Even going again to listening to some historic homers or massive moments in Yankees historical past, listening to John there — he’s going to be missed.”

Who’s New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling

Sterling is a local New Yorker from Manhattan’s Higher East Facet. He got here to the Yankees in 1989 from Atlanta’s TBS and WSB Radio, the place he spent many of the Eighties calling Atlanta Hawks and Braves video games. 

His New York homecoming was a dream job within the sports activities playground by which he grew up. Sterling hosted a chat present on WMCA from 1971-78, and referred to as the Nets (1975-80) and Islanders (1975-78) for WMCA, WVNJ, WWOR-TV and SportsChannel.

Sterling additionally referred to as Morgan State Soccer for eight seasons and Washington Bullets basketball in 1981. He has additionally hosted speak reveals on WFAN and WABC in New York. 

He made many appearances because the grasp of on-field ceremonies for main Yankees occasions and did emcee work at Metropolis Corridor with former radio companion Michael Kay at “Key to the Metropolis” occasions after Yankee World Sequence wins. 

“I’m bummed out about it; unhappy about it,” Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned earlier than Monday’s sport of Sterling’s retirement. “However I actually simply need him to be in a great place and wholesome transferring ahead. I do know that that is the precise time and the very best factor for John. He’ll be eternally related to the Yankees, and a voice for generations. In my very own manner, I imitate him sooner or later on daily basis. He’ll be missed, and I’m trying ahead to correctly celebrating him this weekend.”

The Yankees added in a press release: “There isn’t a scarcity of adjectives to explain John and what he means to this group and our hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide. However what makes John a goliath of the sports activities broadcasting world was how sacred he held his function as voice of the Yankees. Exhibiting as much as carry out just about each single day since 1989, he was a pillar for Yankees followers who relied on the consolation and familiarity of his voice to be the soundtrack of their spring, summer season and fall. Given the great care he had for the crew and his efficiency on the air, it’s not a stretch to consider that our followers dwell and die with each pitch as a result of John Sterling did the identical.

John Sterling retires

TORONTO — Summer season gained’t sound the identical with out John Sterling, the legendary radio voice of the Yankees, whose distinctive and booming baritone supplied the background for greater than three many years of successful baseball within the Bronx.

The Yankees introduced on Monday that Sterling has retired, efficient instantly. The 85-year-old Sterling can be acknowledged in a pregame ceremony on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. He’ll go to the WFAN radio sales space throughout that afternoon’s sport towards the Rays.

“I’m a really blessed human being,” Sterling mentioned in an announcement. “I’ve been capable of do what I needed, broadcasting for 64 years. As a bit boy rising up in New York as a Yankees fan, I used to be capable of broadcast the Yankees for 36 years. It’s all to my profit, and I go away very, very completely satisfied. I look ahead to seeing everybody once more on Saturday.”

Sterling, who referred to as 5,420 regular-season Yankees video games and 211 extra within the postseason, lent his commentary to broadcasts for a number of generations of followers since becoming a member of the membership in the course of the 1989 season.

“Nothing will ever be the identical. It may well’t be,” mentioned Suzyn Waldman, his longtime radio companion. “Life goes on, and all of us go on, however nothing will ever be the identical. … All the things about him is exclusive. He’s one among a form.

“There’ll by no means be one other individual like that, to have that form of love for a crew and that form of love for his fan base. I hope Saturday that everyone reveals him that. I hope folks perceive that he lived a dream that none of us actually get to do.”

Identified for his gyrating “Sterling Shake” victory name (“Yankees win … theeeeee Yankees win!”), humorous phrases tacked onto play-by-play motion (“Again to again, and a stomach to stomach!”) and customized house run calls (“Bern Child Bern!”), Sterling referred to as 5,060 consecutive video games from September 1989 to July 2019 — each at-bat of Derek Jeter’s profession, each inning of Mariano Rivera’s and extra.

Yankees captain Aaron Decide mentioned on Monday that he was saddened to be taught of Sterling’s retirement, noting that the radio broadcasts are a nightly must-listen for his mother and father, Patty and Wayne.

“My mother and father hearken to the radio, and love Suzyn and John going forwards and backwards,” Decide mentioned. “Even going again to listening to some historic homers or massive moments in Yankees historical past, listening to John there — he’s going to be missed.”

Within the visiting dugout at Rogers Centre, Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone beamed as he recounted Sterling’s mannerisms, excitedly mimicking the early a part of a house run name: “THERE it goes to deep left!”

“I’m bummed out about it; unhappy about it,” Boone mentioned. “However I actually simply need him to be in a great spot and wholesome transferring ahead. I do know that that is the suitable time and the most effective factor for John. He’ll be without end linked to the Yankees, and a voice for generations. In my very own means, I imitate him in some unspecified time in the future each day. He’ll be missed, and I’m trying ahead to correctly celebrating him this weekend.”

Journey turned harder for Sterling lately, although he had deliberate to work many house video games whereas making choose highway journeys this season. Sterling skilled fatigue after the Yankees’ season-opening highway journey to Houston and Arizona. He referred to as his last sport on April 7, an 8-3 victory over the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

“The best means you may exit is to make the choice by yourself and be actually completely satisfied about it,” Waldman mentioned. “He is aware of what he’s accomplished on this trade, and he is aware of that most individuals simply love him, as a result of there’ll by no means be one other.”

A local New Yorker who grew up on Manhattan’s Higher East Aspect, Sterling joined the Yankees broadcast crew in 1989 from Atlanta’s TBS and WSB Radio, the place he referred to as Hawks basketball (1981-89) and Braves video games (1982-87). It marked a return to the city the place he first achieved success, internet hosting a chat present on WMCA from 1971-78, and calling the Nets (1975-80) and Islanders (1975-78) for WMCA, WVNJ, WWOR-TV and SportsChannel.

Sterling additionally beforehand referred to as Morgan State Soccer (eight years) and Washington Bullets basketball in 1981. Along with seven years at WMCA and a 12 months at WSB in Atlanta, he has additionally hosted speak reveals on WFAN and WABC in New York. Sterling usually served as a grasp of on-field ceremonies for main Yankees occasions and is well-known for his emcee work at Metropolis Corridor (together with his former radio companion Michael Kay) at “Key to the Metropolis” ceremonies following Yankees World Collection victories.

“Followers discover a sure consolation within the each day rhythms of baseball,” the Yankees mentioned in an announcement. “Day in and day trip, season after season, and metropolis after metropolis, John Sterling used his seat within the broadcast sales space to deliver Yankees followers the heartbeat of the sport, using an orotund voice and colourful persona that had been distinctly, unmistakably his personal. John knowledgeable and entertained, and he exemplified what it means to be a New Yorker with an unapologetic and boisterous model that exuded his ardour for baseball, broadcasting and the New York Yankees.

“There isn’t any scarcity of adjectives to explain John and what he means to this group and our tens of millions of followers worldwide. However what makes John a goliath of the sports activities broadcasting world was how sacred he held his function as voice of the Yankees. Displaying as much as carry out just about each single day since 1989, he was a pillar for Yankees followers who relied on the consolation and familiarity of his voice to be the soundtrack of their spring, summer time and fall. Given the super care he had for the crew and his efficiency on the air, it’s not a stretch to consider that our followers stay and die with each pitch as a result of John Sterling did the identical.

“We congratulate John on a outstanding and illustrious profession. His contributions to this nice sport and to the Yankees franchise will echo lengthy into the longer term.”

Jim Wyatt Answers Questions From Titans Fans as NFL Draft Approaches

NASHVILLE – The NFL Draft is … subsequent week.

After months of buildup, the Titans and each different NFL workforce will probably be on the clock beginning subsequent Thursday.

I do know people are fired up.

Let’s dive into one other mailbag to see what everyone seems to be pondering.

Here is the hyperlink to submit questions: CLICK HERE.

Avery Wooden from North Carolina
Query: Hey Jim. Lifelong Titans fan and I really like your protection and work with the workforce. As an lively Twitter person, there was some confusion with some individuals on which twitter account is Ran Carthon’s. There are 2 totally different accounts, one which is not lively (since 2021) and one that’s lively now (@RanCarthonGM) and to Titans followers on twitter it appears they’re cut up between if it is truly him.
Everytime you finest see match, I imagine it might clear up some confusion and name for a superb second for those who have been to ask him which twitter account is his. Thanks for all of the work you do. Titan Up!

Jim: Hey Avery. Glad you requested this. The proper reply is neither of those Twitter accounts are being utilized by Ran. I despatched him your query, and he stated he hasn’t used Twitter, or X, in years. The @RanCarthonGM account is “NOT mine,” he stated. Ran stated he does not tweet. “Hope this clears issues up,” he stated.

Jamie Driver from Union Metropolis, Tennessee
Query: Thanks for taking questions and being as trustworthy as you may be with out getting in bother 😂. I do not get how individuals saying the Titans rebuilding IMO we’re in fine condition to compete and switch a number of heads . Offense appears to be like lots higher on paper and nonetheless have draft, undrafted, trades and so forth…..solely key loss is Derrick 👑 Henry after all. Wished we stored Autry on DLine to assist Huge Jeff. Do you assume we shock alot of people that assume we’ve no likelihood at making a run?

Jim: Hello Jamie. The best way issues performed out, final 12 months seemed like a “rebuilding 12 months” due to the report. The fact is the 2023 workforce underachieved, there is no doubt about it. I wasn’t anticipating a run to the Tremendous Bowl, however I wasn’t anticipating 6-11 both. The 2024 workforce will look lots totally different, with a brand new coach and a number of new gamers. However the workforce has acquired some gifted gamers, and I believe will probably be aggressive. Lots of issues want to return collectively rapidly, however I believe the ’24 Titans have potential.

Tommy Henley from Cookeville, Tennessee
Query: Hiya, Jim hope my letter finds you and, the household good. with that stated I wanna say WOW! I imply can ya really feel it Jim? what I imply is the tradition and alter The Titians group has turned this franchise round I am actually impressed, so will actually inform when the draft comes an season begins. Ran an the others within the workplace has actually nearly has met a lot of the areas of the groups wants I can inform Ms Amy are doing what it takes. GOOD FOR THEM! I’ve spoken bout Caleb Murphy earlier than I actually bought hello hopes for this younger man IDK, simply bought that feeling, how has he been doing? I no he did not get a lot taking part in time his rookie season, however I hope they flip him lose as in let ’em play an I guess ya he is gonna be a sack machine like he was in faculty. Anyway, Jim as of proper now in your opinion what’s the groups wants what I imply is OL, WR , LB , sturdy security so guess I am asking what would your mock draft be , come on Jim, cuz your a significant a part of the Titan household so to talk, I no they’ve stuffed a number of the wants however similar to to understand how you’re feeling bout it an your opinion. However hey at all times grateful for the letters an information Jim . keep protected.

Jim: Hey Tommy. The instances are undoubtedly altering. I like Caleb Murphy, and I believe he’ll get a possibility to show himself this offseason. … As for workforce wants, OL, DL, ILB, Security, extra assist at WR, edge, and so forth.

Ed Helinski from Auburn, New York
Query: Hey Jim, hope all goes properly with you today. In trying again on the final 5 Titans drafts, what letter grade would you assign to that effort? What was profitable and what turned out to be disappointing?

Jim: Good to listen to from you once more, Ed. It is too early to grade the 2023 NFL Draft. With Skoronski, Levis, Spears, Whyle, Duncan and Dowell, it has an opportunity to transform an incredible class, however we’d like extra time to actually choose and put any sort of grade on it. Similar for the 2022 class, which wants guys like Burks, Petit-Frere, Haskins and Philips to take a step in 2024. If that does not occur, will probably be thought of a disappointing class after we look again in just a few years, though McCreary is an effective one from that draft class, and Okonkwo will transform a superb decide as properly. The Titans took a flier on Willis, however he is now actually on the spot if he will stick. The 2021 draft does not look nice at this level – Caleb Farley has had dangerous luck together with his well being, and Monty Rice, Dez Fitzpatrick, Racey McMath and Brady Breeze are not on the roster. Dillon Radunz nonetheless has an opportunity to make a much bigger affect shifting ahead, whereas Elijah Molden and Rashad Weaver have been stable position gamers. The 2020 class appears to be like tough, with Isaiah Wilson one of many greatest draft busts in workforce historical past, and little manufacturing from others. The 2019 draft class, with Jeffery Simmons, A.J. Brown, Nate Davis, Amani Hooker and David Lengthy Jr. was a very good one. I am going to let others do grades, these are simply my ideas.

Randy L from Yorktown, Virginia
Query: Hey Jim. The Entrance Workplace retains calling me for recommendation and I believe what we have settled in on is a splash transfer at #7 with one of many High 3 receivers (possible Odunze). Then I suggested them to lean on Huge Invoice C. and transfer up from #38 to take no matter LT he feels nice about that falls into the late teenagers/early 20s. I hesitated to share this intel however I am positive solely #TitanUp followers learn this mailbag. Thanks for at all times humoring us followers…you are one of the best!

Jim: I admire you sharing, Randy. I might heard they’d reached out to you, however wasn’t positive in the event that they’d made contact …

Beau Siddens from Covington, Indiana
Query: Hey Jim. I am excited to see this new workforce in motion and might’t look ahead to the draft. I do know everybody needs Alt, and I would not be disillusioned if he’s our 1st spherical choice. Nevertheless, we even have Invoice Callahan. With Invoice on the helm, we do not want one of the best OL participant(s) within the draft. Invoice simply wants massive, bodily guys which might be prepared to work. He can craft one of the best OL within the league. We even have Cushenberry. So….what if we take Brock Bowers within the 1st spherical? All nice groups have a memorable QB/TE duo. Chig is a good participant and perhaps hasn’t had the chance to shine, however Bowers has tape that exhibits he’s a playmaker. Are you able to think about this Offense with the addition of Brock Bowers? He’s a well-rounded WEAPON!

Jim: Brock Bowers has a number of followers round right here…

Logan Floyd from Tennessee
Query: Do you assume Sneed and Chido can deal with the Texans offense?

Jim: Not by themselves. However with the assistance of others, sure.

Jeremy Rodriguez from Winchester, California
Query: Hey Jim, hope all is properly. I’m seeing a number of followers asking about Brock Bowers. I do know he is an effective faculty Tight Finish, however Chig is an effective NFL Tight Finish. Chig improved from his rookie 12 months and I hope Callahan will get him extra concerned within the offense this 12 months. He’s huge, fast and might block. I might say, let’s again off the Bowers need and let Chig do what he does. Hoping we use that #7 decide on a LT, that will actually assist to begin to strengthen the O’Line. Hope you’ve an incredible weekend Jim and looking out ahead to Draft Evening! As at all times TITAN UP!

Jim: Chig will preserve getting higher, little doubt. I am anticipating a leap from Whyle as properly. I’ve seen him round, and he is noticeably larger.

James Mitchell from Brentwood, Tennessee
Query: Do you assume Malik Willis nonetheless has a spot on the roster? Thanks and love brother!!

Jim: We’ll see, James. Will Levis is the 1, and I absolutely count on Mason Rudolph to be the two. What does that imply for Malik? Once more, we’ll see…

Billy Williams from Memphis, Tennessee
Query: Love what you do. I do know you’ve been requested many instances to touch upon the nationwide media’s opinion of the Titans, and the perceived or actual disrespect, and also you typically and rightfully say it doesn’t matter, and respect comes with displaying it on the sector, however I’ve to ask in regards to the disconnect between how the nationwide media is reporting on our free agent signings versus how most really feel about it domestically. Whereas it appears most domestically are excited in regards to the instruments being added, together with me, with native commentators gushing that the Titans are profitable free company, I’m shocked that almost all of the nationwide media will not be impressed a lot in any respect. I’m seeing energy rankings nonetheless itemizing the Titans close to the worst groups within the league, one as little as thirty first and none greater than twenty sixth, with most saying the Titans haven’t performed that a lot to actually enhance. Are we followers simply ingesting the proverbial kool-aid? I might love to listen to your opinion? Thanks Jim, and please sustain the good work!

Jim: Hey Billy. I am sticking with my pondering on this: What the nationwide media thinks in regards to the Titans does not matter to me, whether or not it is in regards to the on-field product, or what occurs in free company, the NFL Draft. The one factor that issues is what occurs on the sector within the fall. Final 12 months, the Titans weren’t superb, so now they must earn respect. However I do not put a lot inventory into energy rankings, draft grades, and so forth. For those who keep in mind, the Jaguars have been the favored decide within the AFC heading into the 2023 season, they usually did not even make the playoffs.

Adrien Lopez from Fresno, California
Query: Hey Jim, I used to be questioning if we’ve plan to ship scouts to the UFL as there may be a number of expertise in minor leagues and we’ve seen success earlier than?

Jim: Hey Adrien. The reply to that is sure.

Jeff Dobbins from Hendersonville, Tennessee
Query: Hello Jim. Love studying your solutions and insights on the Titans. I’ve 2 questions. I am actually trying ahead to the draft and going to the occasion at Nissan Stadium. Are they going to announce what gamers are going to be there? Additionally, a query that has been debated for years could have been subtly answered by Ran. When drafting within the prime 10 of first spherical, do you draft finest out there or greatest want? He retains speaking about how a lot depth there’s at OT so it looks as if not getting one within the first spherical will not be too huge a deal. My draft board has modified like everybody else’s after the lastest signings. Right here is the state of affairs I see that will play out. At #7, if there’s Alt, Bowers and Odunze/Nabors out there, who do you decide? Apparent reply is Alt. However, since he thinks there’s a lot depth at this place, does he nonetheless assume Alt is finest out there? Since we’ve D Hop and now Ridley, does he assume Odunze is finest out there? Then there’s Bowers. We have now a good TE in Chig however, in at present’s NFL it looks as if elite TE like Kelce and Kittle have turn out to be one of many extra worthwhile positions on offense. Tight ends with Bowers potential usually are not a dime a dozen and do not come alongside typically. I actually assume if this state of affairs performs out, he’ll go together with Bowers primarily based on what he has been doing and saying. Am I loopy?

Jim: Hey Jeff. The gamers have not been introduced, and I am undecided they are going to be, to be trustworthy. I’ve seen the listing, and it is a good listing. However I do not need to get anybody’s hopes up about getting autographs, photos, and so forth. Plus, issues come up, and guys could have a battle. Both means, it must be an incredible occasion. … As for the best way to draft within the prime 10, I am taking finest out there participant, the participant you assume might assist for years and years to return. If that fills a giant want, nice. And, I do not assume there’s an apparent reply to the state of affairs you talked about. I am intrigued by a few of these different guys as properly.

Have an incredible week everybody!

Jackie Robinson remembered around MLB on 77th anniversary of him breaking baseball’s color barrier

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Main League Baseball marked the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the game’s colour barrier on Monday.

Robinson began at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, starting the tip of the racial segregation that had relegated Black gamers to the Negro Leagues for many years.

“Jackie Robinson grew to become essentially the most vilified, focused topic of verbal abuse and malicious therapy within the sports activities enviornment since Jack Johnson had the audacity to turn out to be heavyweight champion of the world in 1908,” sociologist and civil rights activist Harry Edwards mentioned at Dodger Stadium. “Like Jack Johnson, Jackie Robinson stood alone.”

Members of Robinson’s household, together with his 101-year-old widow, had been at ballparks from coast-to-coast to honor him.

At Citi Discipline, Rachel Robinson rode in a golf cart to the Mets dugout, the place she was given flowers by supervisor Carlos Mendoza, and retired gamers Mookie Wilson and Butch Huskey, the final Mets participant to put on Robinson’s No. 42.

“She’s the legacy of perseverance,” mentioned David Robinson, the youngest son of Jackie and Rachel Robinson.

Each workforce taking part in Monday wore No. 42 jerseys.

Robinson’s life story is especially poignant to the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, the primary supervisor of Asian heritage and second Black supervisor to steer a workforce to a World Sequence title.

“He had a giant burden in his life to be knowledgeable baseball participant however to tackle all this negativity, this hate in the direction of him, his spouse, his youngsters and nonetheless persevere,” Roberts mentioned.

Gamers and employees from the Dodgers, together with Shohei Ohtani, and the Washington Nationals surrounded Robinson’s statue in Centerfield Plaza hours earlier than sport time in Los Angeles.

“I can’t say sufficient of what Jackie Robinson’s meant to not solely the Black group however the Hispanic group as effectively,” Nationals supervisor Dave Martinez instructed the group. “He opened the doorways for a lot of, many nice gamers, he actually did, and he modified the lives of many together with myself. I don’t know if I might be right here if it wasn’t for Jackie. My idol Roberto Clemente undoubtedly, in all probability wouldn’t have been round. He exemplifies what it means to have energy, braveness and keenness.”

Reggie Smith, who by no means performed on a dropping workforce in his 13-year MLB profession, recalled nervously chatting with Robinson once they had been on the identical flight from Los Angeles to the East Coast.

Smith launched himself and mentioned Robinson instructed him, “I do know who you might be and I do know what you stand for.”

“That meant a lot to me,” Smith instructed the gamers. “At any time when there was injustice on that ballfield of any form I might converse up as a result of he gave me the braveness to have the ability to try this.”

The Dodgers and Nationals had been joined by Ayo Robinson, a granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson who was born after his dying in 1972. Her father is David Robinson.

“I take in my grandfather via the expertise of others,” she mentioned after the ceremony. “The truth that he’s nonetheless so impactful in our society at present means lots to me as an individual, however it means lots to me as an American as effectively.”

Smith urged at present’s MLB gamers to recollect Robinson and his travails, which included being barred from motels and eating places due to his pores and skin colour in addition to on-field verbal abuse from followers and opposing groups.

“Preserve it in thoughts in order that this sport can proceed to maneuver ahead the way in which that it has during the last years,” Smith mentioned, “and be grateful that you just’re right here and also you’re capable of do the issues that you just do day in and time out.”

Former NL Cy Younger Award winner Orel Hershiser, the 1988 World Sequence MVP for the Dodgers, has bought a portray titled “Grace” that depicts Robinson praying round a dinner desk with former Dodger greats Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe and Martin Luther King Jr.

Hershiser plans to maintain the portray at its present dwelling, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas Metropolis.

“I’m honored to be its proprietor,” he mentioned in a press release. “It marks a vital historic time, and you will need to maintain this piece the place individuals can find out about this second.”

Artist Dave Hobrecht donated his portray for show on the museum in 2020, however the wood canvas was broken throughout cargo, leading to a crack that fully indifferent the underside portion of the picture from the remaining.

Hobrecht and museum president Bob Kendrick determined to reframe the piece and maintain it the way in which it arrived.

“Not having a breakable spirit, that’s Jackie Robinson,” Kendrick mentioned within the assertion. “We determined to unveil it with the harm and that it could be a metaphor that superbly captures what Jackie was all about.”

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AP Baseball Author Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

A Uni Watch Look at Jackie Robinson Day

Yesterday was Jackie Robinson Day. As I wrote yesterday afternoon, the Pink Sox wore old-template jerseys. Listed below are another uni-notable particulars from yesterday’s video games:

  • Clearly, everybody wore No. 42. For the third consecutive 12 months, the numbers had been rendered within the Brooklyn Dodgers’ previous block font, and in blue:
  • The Padres went the additional mile by “42”-ing all of their batting helmets (in addition they did this final 12 months):
  • As regular, there have been no entrance numbers. I’ve by no means actually understood the rationale for this (perhaps as a result of the Dodgers didn’t have entrance numbers in 1947, when Jackie debuted?), however they do it yearly:
  • I consider each staff went with their major residence or highway jersey besides the Reds, who wore their pink alternate high. Our personal Alex Hider, who lives in Cincinnati, says he doesn’t recall the staff ever carrying pink on Jackie Day earlier than:
  • In a tragic reminder of the Nice MLB Uniform Fiasco of 2024, at the very least one participant — Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval — was victimized by the dreaded mismatched greys:
  • Caps had been adorned with an embroidered patch:
  • Umpires wore the cap patch however didn’t change their numbers to 42:
  • The Brewers mimicked the cap patch with a helmet decal:
  • Excessive-cuffed gamers largely went with gray socks…
  • … however Pirates first baseman Connor Joe went with blue socks …
  • … and fellow Pirate Andrew McCutchen inexplicably break up the distinction by going with one gray sock and one blue:
  • There have been assorted “42”-ized equipment, together with footwear and batting gloves:
  • Previous to the sport, gamers wore “Breaking Obstacles” warm-up shirts:

  • 4 gamers — Mariners outfielder Jonatan Clase, White Sox pitcher Nick Nastrini, Nats pitcher Mitchell Parker, and Dodgers pitcher Ricky Vanasco — made their massive league debuts, so that they wore the MLB Debut patch. The 4 debutantes was essentially the most ever on April 15 since Jackie Day was established in 2004.

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Lastly, whereas not uni-related, it’s value mentioning that Rachel Robinson — nonetheless an image of grace at 101 (!) — visited with Mets gamers previous to their sport in opposition to the Pirates and took half in pregame ceremonies:

(My because of Clint Richardson for letting me know in regards to the Brewers’ helmet decal.)

 

Can of the Day

Yesterday I introduced that I’m discontinuing the Can of the Day as a consequence of diminishing returns. However reader Kevin Corcoran thought I would like these can pics that he despatched me, and he was proper! He additionally supplied this explainer:

This can be a cooler used to move donated eyes from hospitals and morgues to eye banks to facilitate cornea transplants. This one dates to the Sixties; on the time, your complete eye was eliminated, saved chilly in coolers like this one, and delivered to the surgeon so he/she might take away the cornea from the donated eye and transplant it straight into the recipient. Tissue wanted to be recovered and transplanted in a short time, as we couldn’t protect tissue for prolonged durations. As we speak, we will hold the ocular tissue viable for as much as 14 days; we usually solely get better the donor’s corneas and produce them to the attention financial institution for inspection and processing earlier than delivering them to the surgeon for transplant.

I’ll admit that I’ve a vested curiosity on this can, since I’m the CEO of the Eye Financial institution Affiliation of America, however I nonetheless suppose it’s each an uncommon design and a little bit of historical past that people could be taken with.

Sensational stuff! Thanks for the very engaging can and the tutorial primer, Kevin — a lot appreciated!

Reports: Tik Tok star Kyle Marisa Roth has died

Roth had practically 200,000 followers on the social media app, the place she was recognized for her scorching takes on Hollywood gossip. She was a Lehigh College grad.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A TIk Tok star from Pennsylvania has died at age 36, stories say.

Kyle Marisa Roth, a Lehigh College graduate and lacrosse participant, had practically 200,000 followers on the social media app. She was recognized for her candid and typically controversial takes on popular culture and Hollywood gossip.

Roth’s household introduced her loss of life on social media final week, based on WFMZ.

Her sister, Lindsay, stated in an Instagram put up that the household didn’t but know the way Roth died, and an official reason behind loss of life has not but been launched.

“As a household we’re nonetheless processing and deciding learn how to correctly rejoice and honor her life,” Lindsay Roth wrote on Instagram. “I do know she touched so many individuals together with her humor, intelligence, magnificence, gossip activism, athleticism and extra — she had so many presents.”

Roth’s mom posted her response on LinkedIn asking everybody to be form to at least one one other.

“This isn’t a platform for private life shares however so a lot of my connections on this platform return years, and I’ve a devastating loss to share,” she wrote. “My daughter Kyle has handed away. She touched a few of your lives personally and a few of your lives through her immense life on one other platform. Kyle liked and lived fiercely. Nothing is sensible now and we’ll perceive extra within the subsequent few days. Be form to at least one one other please.”

TikTok star Kyle Marisa Roth dies at 36

Standard TikTok creator Kyle Marisa Roth, recognized for sharing controversial celeb gossip and perception into Hollywood, has died, her household confirmed.

She was 36.

The household didn’t disclose the date or reason behind loss of life.

Identified for her catchphrase, “You need extra? I am going to provide you with extra,” Roth amassed 200,000 followers on the platform, the place she posted a number of instances every week about blind objects, huge crimes, scandals and causes she cared about.

“Kyle really liked so fiercely. She was a fact seeker. A fact teller. It means a lot to us as a household this unbelievable outpouring of affection and assist that the world, actually the world, is giving to us,” Jacquie Cohen Roth, Kyle’s mom, advised NBC Information on Tuesday.

She stated the household was working by means of when and the way it will share extra about her daughter’s passing.

The information first surfaced with a publish her mom shared Monday on LinkedIn.

“My message as her mom is TikTok, the toxicity, the imply spiritedness of what Kyle has confronted, what so many individuals have confronted and attempt to take care of due to that poisonous area. I simply need folks to dwell their lives with the brightness of Kyle and her stunning soul and spirit,” Roth stated.

Kyle’s sister Lindsay Roth additionally posted Monday on Instagram, saying: “My sister Kyle Marisa handed away final week. as a household we’re nonetheless processing and deciding the way to correctly rejoice and honor her life. we don’t know occurred but.

“i do know she touched so many individuals together with her humor, intelligence, magnificence, gossip activism, athleticism and extra — she had so many presents,” she wrote. “i’m so sorry to these studying about this loss proper now. Any prayers ideas blessings or intentions for this souls easy transition are welcomed.”

“Uncut Gems” actor Julia Fox commented on the publish writing: “I do know I by no means met Kyle in actual life, however I actually felt like I knew her. I’m so devastated and have been crying ever because the information leaked on TikTok.” She added, “She was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss her deeply.”

Jacquie Cohen Roth stated the household has obtained messages from folks about Kyle’s “love, her wit, what she confirmed the world” and her ardour for causes.

“I received a ravishing message from a girl about how Kyle is passionate in regards to the indigenous and Kyle was supporting on elevating consciousness of a difficulty on native lands,” she stated.  

Roth was additionally keen about colon most cancers consciousness, her mom stated. For a time period, impressed by the 1998 movie “Patch Adams,” she needed to attend medical college and turn out to be the physician who healed by means of humor.

Roth’s TikTok account had been flooded with feedback from followers asking about her uncommon absence this week. Because the information broke Monday, it has been full of condolences and messages of affection.

“She liked so onerous all the entirety of her life. And that’s what we’re going to overlook a lot. Simply how onerous she loves,” Jacquie Cohen Roth stated.