NFL names Stephanie Kwok Vice President, Head of Flag Football

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May 21, 2024

NEW YORK — May 21, 2024 — Stephanie Kwok has been named to the newly created position of vice president, head of flag football, the NFL announced today. An experienced and entrepreneurial leader, Kwok will serve as the NFL lead on the cross-organizational priority that is flag football, reporting directly to NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and around the world.

Kwok will be responsible for driving the NFL’s role in the continued growth of domestic and international participation across all levels, while engaging new fans and partners in the sport. Kwok will work in close partnership with NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, Events and International Peter O’Reilly, as well as key stakeholders across the league and clubs.

“We are excited that Stephanie is joining our team to apply her proven leadership skills to advance the most affordable, accessible, inclusive, and competitive sport in the world,” said Vincent. “As a Flag player and league organizer and operator, Stephanie brings a passion to exponentially expand the game that has taken the sports world by storm and provides opportunity for all girls, boys, men and women to experience the fun and values of football.”

Kwok joins the league with an already firmly established passion for flag football, both from a personal and professional perspective. An avid flag player in multiple leagues in the New York City area, Kwok also co-founded a company, Pickup Football, that ran competitive flag tournaments for adults across the tri-state area prior to the onset of the COVID pandemic. Kwok comes to the NFL from Reforge, where she was a partner at one of the leading career development platforms and marketplaces for tech industry professionals.

Kwok also served in senior leadership positions at FanDuel, where she led strategy, operations, and marketing teams and worked to identify new growth initiatives for the company. Previously, she worked at Madison Square Garden, leading various marketing campaigns for the Knicks and Rangers. A native New Yorker, Kwok graduated with a political science degree from Stanford, where she was the co-captain of the varsity squash team, before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Meet Our Georgia/SEC Writer Jack Krohn

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Jack Krohn

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May 21, 2024

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1. What got you into sports writing and radio work?
Growing up I consumed sports as if they were going out of fashion. I grew up
listening to Jim Rome and Colin Cowherd in my dad’s car; whether it was a drive to
school, a drive to the little league field or a simple errand run, my dad and I would
always listen to sports radio. Throughout elementary and middle school I realized
that writing was something I was passionate about, and when I realized that I could
combine my love of sports and my passion for writing into a possible career I knew
that I wanted to pursue that dream.

2. What is your favorite sport and why?
Baseball is my favorite sport. I picked up a bat and glove around the age of five
and didn’t put it down for the next 13+ years. I made some of my best friends
through playing America’s pastime and made some of my fondest memories from
my childhood on the diamond. In a sport that revolves around how often you fail –
you can get out 70% of the time and be considered an all-time great – I fell in love
with getting hits, making plays and striking people out.

3. What is your favorite sports moment?
I will never forget where I was when Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals was on.
Watching Lebron, Kyrie and company trudge back from a 3-1 deficit was cool
enough, but “the block” and “the shot” are two of the most exhilarating sports
moments I’ve ever seen, and I will always cherish the memory of watching that
game.

4. What is your favorite music?
I love the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic and the jam band genre as a whole. The
on-stage improvisation in every song makes each listen a unique experience, and I
love picking up on a new aspect of a song after another listen.

5. What do you want to work in sports?

I want to be either a sports reporter or a sports broadcaster, whether it’s radio broadcast or television broadcast.

6. Where are some places you’d like to visit?
I would love to visit Japan, Italy or Switzerland. Europe as a whole intrigues me.
After visiting Czechia, Germany and the Netherlands last summer during a study
abroad program, I would love to explore all that Europe has to offer.

Cormani McClain Transferring from Colorado to Florida

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Augustus Oswald

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May 20, 2024

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72949965007-USATSI_21985272 — Photo Cred: USA Today

Deion Sanders secured one of the most notable recruiting victories of the 2023 offseason. He was able to get five-star Cormani McClain to flip from Miami (FL) to Colorado. Hailing from Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida, the 6’2”, 165 lbs cornerback was the highest-ranked player at his position in the 2023 class. It made him an enticing addition alongside two-way star Travis Hunter in the secondary.

Unfortunately, McClain’s tenure with the Buffaloes didn’t unfold as anticipated, struggling to secure a consistent spot on the depth chart and seeing action in just six games throughout the season. His standout performance occurred during a challenging 56-14 defeat against the Washington State Cougars on Nov. 17. He tallied five total tackles and deflected one pass. Overall, McClain concluded the season with 13 total tackles. It included six solo tackles and seven assisted tackles, along with two passes defended and no interceptions.

Photo Cred: Fox

After spending most of the spring with Colorado, McClain announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on Apr. 16. Shortly thereafter, he uploaded a YouTube video titled “Next Step,” subtly criticizing Coach Prime’s program by stating, “I feel like I just don’t want to play for clicks. I actually want to be involved with a great leading program that’s going to develop players.”

Deion Sanders sounds off about former five-star Miami commit Cormani McClain

McClain is returning to his home state to join the Florida Gators. He aims to make a significant impact in the competitive SEC. In his transfer announcement, McClain expressed his determination to rediscover his former self and alter the narrative, stating, “I’m going to bring the old version of me out and change the narrative. I’ll be part of a real program that’s going to let me reach my full potential.” He will be under the guidance of second-year defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong, bolstering a defense that struggled in 2023, ranking 119th nationally in yards per attempt allowed.

According to Travis Robinson of HailFloridaHail.com, McClain won’t face immediate pressure to start. The team has veteran corners Jason Marshall and Devin Moore on Florida’s roster. With three years of eligibility remaining, McClain still possesses ample time to thrive in college football. Can he fulfill the promise that earned him a five-star rating coming out of high school?

The Birmingham Stallions defeat the Houston Roughnecks 35-28

By

Iliyan Lakhani

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May 20, 2024

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Adrian Martinez, showcased his prowess as the Birmingham Stallions secured a 35-28 on Saturday evening at Protective Stadium. Despite facing his second interception of the season, Martinez displayed dominance, amassing a combined 217 yards and notching five touchdowns. The former Detroit Lion exhibited consistent field awareness, adeptly maneuvering out of the pocket, and delivering precise throws on the move to sustain drives.

The synergy between head coach Skip Holtz and Martinez was palpable and a joy to behold. Their seamless coordination was evident on the field. The Stallions recorded 23 first downs and converted eight third-down attempts. Martinez’s remarkable 9.1 yards per completion, coupled with his ability to capitalize on red zone opportunities with touchdown strikes, exemplified the caliber of play fans have come to expect as the postseason looms just two weeks away.

Photo Cred: AOL

While individual standouts were scarce in the receiving corps, the collective effort was commendable. The Stallions executed a well-rounded rushing attack. It was pivotal in overcoming Houston. Ricky Person Jr., a force on the ground, led with 63 yards on 15 carries. Martinez added 44 yards and two touchdowns, underscoring the team’s versatile offensive capabilities and creating openings for aerial assaults. Such strategic diversity positions the Stallions as a formidable presence on the field.

However, Birmingham’s defense encountered formidable resistance against Houston’s offensive prowess. Defensive coordinator John Chavis faces the daunting task of devising innovative solutions to contain the agile Roughnecks. Despite valiant efforts, the defensive line faltered, conceding 135 rushing yards and three touchdowns while struggling to contain top receivers Keke Chism and Justin Hall, who combined for 153 yards on 11 receptions. Rigorous analysis in the film room is imperative for Birmingham to rectify defensive lapses before their next encounter.

Failure to shore up defensive weaknesses could spell trouble against the formidable San Antonio Brahmas, imperiling the Stallions’ unblemished record. San Antonio poses a formidable challenge, fueled by a desire to hand Birmingham their inaugural loss of the season. Holtz and Chavis must collaborate closely to devise a comprehensive game plan, leveraging film study to counter the Brahmas’ strengths effectively. A victory in this crucial matchup would serve as a warning shot to the Michigan Panthers, signaling Birmingham’s readiness to contend for the conference title.

Timberwolves Overcome 20-point Deficit to Advance to WCF

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Augustus Oswald

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May 20, 2024

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The Denver Nuggets held a commanding 58-38 lead with 10:04 remaining in the third quarter, seemingly poised to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves orchestrated a remarkable 28-9 surge, narrowing the deficit to 67-66 by the end of the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Sunday. Despite the Nuggets’ efforts to regroup, Minnesota executed a historic comeback, clinching a 98-90 victory and limiting the Nuggets to fewer than 100 points for the fifth time this season in their head-to-head matchups.

In the first quarter, the Nuggets led 24-19, punctuated by a three-pointer from Jamal Murray with 13.1 seconds remaining. Denver maintained their lead into the second quarter, holding a 36-29 advantage after Murray’s 1-foot two-point shot with 6:22 left. Similar to Game Four, the Timberwolves faced a ten-point deficit with 58 seconds remaining until halftime. Nonetheless, the Nuggets closed the half with a 5-0 run, securing a commanding 53-38 lead after consecutive baskets by Jokic and Murray. However, the Timberwolves dominated the second half, outscoring the Nuggets 60-37, securing their spot in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The game remained competitive at the start of the fourth quarter, but a pivotal moment came when Rudy Gobert sank a 12-foot jumper over Nikola Jokic as the shot clock expired, propelling Minnesota to a 79-75 lead with 7:43 remaining. Despite the Nuggets narrowing the deficit to three points on multiple occasions, the Timberwolves maintained their lead, clinching the largest comeback in a Game Seven in NBA playoffs history.

“The season’s over, that’s what’s hard. F*** being up 20. The season’s over,” lamented Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone, reflecting on the challenge of squandering a 20-point lead in the second half.

In his postgame press conference, Minnesota head coach Chris Finch emphasized the Timberwolves’ unwavering focus throughout the series, stating, “We said to ourselves all series: ‘Our best is better than their best, and we just had to play our best.’”

Photo Cred: The Denver Post

Despite the loss, MVP Nikola Jokic delivered another outstanding performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists in 46 minutes. Murray led the Nuggets with 35 points, shooting 13-27 overall and 4-12 from three, but was limited to just 11 points in the second half. Aaron Gordon managed only four points, shooting 2-5 overall, with four rebounds and two assists, marking a playoffs-low performance. After contributing a combined 45 points in Games Four and Five, Gordon scored just 16 combined points in the losses during Games Six and Seven. Michael Porter Jr. struggled, scoring only seven points and shooting 3-12 overall, including 1-6 from three.

Anthony Edwards had his lowest scoring output in the playoffs since April 23, tallying 16 points on 6-24 shooting overall and 2-10 from three. However, other Timberwolves players stepped up, notably Jaden McDaniels, who recorded his highest playoff total since April 23 with 23 points on 7-10 shooting overall and 3-4 from three. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, shooting an efficient 8-14 overall but only 1-6 from three.

Both teams struggled with shooting efficiency, as the Nuggets shot 41.0% overall and 24.2% from three, while the Timberwolves shot 39.2% overall and just 29.4% from three. Although Minnesota out-rebounded Denver 47-44, the Timberwolves secured crucial offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter, leading to second-chance points on multiple possessions.

Reflecting on the loss, Jokic acknowledged the significance of the better team prevailing in a seven-game series, stating, “I think the team who wins is the better team, especially in a seven-game series. If someone beats you, they’re the better team.”

The Nuggets will now regroup after failing to secure back-to-back NBA championships, facing the challenge of competing in the highly talented Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 and will host Luka Doncic and the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks, who defeated the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in six games.

Georgia’s Charlie Condon Smashes BBCOR Home Run Record

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Memphis Spence

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May 20, 2024

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GettyImages-2049064177-scaled — Photo Cred: Baseball America

With the MLB draft only about two months away, many names are being considered for the first overall pick. In the 2023 draft, it was much simpler with LSU pitcher Paul Skenes being an easy choice. However, in 2024, several names are making noise and their case for the top spot, none more so than University of Georgia first/third baseman Charlie Condon.

After redshirting his freshman year at Georgia, Condon had one of the best freshman seasons in school history in his second year. He had a .386 batting average with 25 homers (an SEC freshman record) and 67 RBIs. He received numerous awards for these numbers, including National Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-American, and National Freshman Hitter of the Year. He played mostly first base and outfield that season, having a respectable .992 fielding percentage.

Photo Cred: Georgia Bulldogs

He started to become well-known by the middle of this freshman year, thanks to his 37-game on-base streak, which included hits in 24 consecutive games. He also had multiple multi-homer games, including a three-home run game against then-second-ranked Florida. He won the team’s triple crown in 2023, leading in average, home runs, and RBIs, and was expected to have an even better season in 2024. However, no one could have anticipated the level of performance Charlie Condon is currently achieving.

In his now historic 2024 season, Condon is hitting .452 through 53 games, leading Division I. He has a .567 on-base percentage, 75 RBIs (tied for ninth in D1), and has struck out only 39 times. The stat that has caught everyone’s attention, besides the batting average, is his home run total. On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Condon stepped into the batter’s box for his second at-bat of the game. After already smoking a double in the first inning, he launched the first pitch he saw from South Carolina’s Ty Good into left field. This was his 34th homer of the season, setting a new NCAA BBCOR era record, making him the first person in the 21st century to reach this mark.

Photo Cred: NCAA.com

This home run also extended his home run streak to eight games, just one shy of the record set by Florida’s two-way star Jac Caglianone earlier this year. Caglianone also held the previous record for home runs in a season in the BBCOR era, hitting 33 in 2023.

BBCOR (Bat-ball coefficient of restitution) refers to composite metal bats, which the NCAA implemented in 2011 following a 2009 investigation into bat efficiency over extended use. Condon uses a Marucci Cat X, making him one of the few home run leaders with this bat.

Photo Cred: X.com

Condon’s record now includes 35 home runs and ranks him first all-time in the BBCOR era. He will have one last regular season series, the SEC tournament, and the NCAA tournament to continue moving further up the history books. He is now tied for sixth place on the NCAA single-season home run leaders along with Mike Willes, who also hit 35 home runs during his 1988 season at BYU. Home run number 35 came in Saturday’s (May 18th) 19-11 loss against Florida.

This historic season of his also comes at the doorstep of the MLB draft. Taking place from July 14-16, all the draft boards at the start of the season had either West Virginia shortstop JJ Wetherholt or Caglianone going first. However, as of now, Condon and Oregon State’s Travis Bazzana are both making cases as to why they should be the top pick.

Photo Cred: MLB.com

The Changing Landscape of Sports Media

By

Stephen Patrick

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May 18, 2024

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images (15) — Photo Cred: Fairfield University

Technology and media has opened new avenues for broadcasting prompting established players and tech giants to look over their strategies. At the forefront of this evolution are Amazon and Apple. Amazon’s move into live sports broadcasting was exemplified acquiring the rights to ‘Thursday Night Football.’ This maneuver showed the company’s willingness to leverage its technology to deliver sports content to a global audience.

Apple has set its sights on securing deals in the sports arena as well. Its partnerships with Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer hint at expanding its sports offerings, and now looking to secure NBA games. The entry of these tech giants into sports media is a departure from traditional models. It’s an era where streaming services and digital platforms wield significant influence over how sports content is consumed.

One of the key aspects of this changing landscape is the reorganization of broadcasting rights. Digital platforms are seeking exclusive content. Broadcasters face competition and high costs to retain sports properties. This is leaving many people out of content who don’t have streaming platforms. The influx of tech companies into sports media has reshaped the sponsorship landscape. The NFL Playoffs streaming on Peacock left many fans upset.

Photo Cred: The Spun

Brands are now presented with opportunities to align themselves with sports content across multiple platforms, from traditional broadcasts to streaming services and social media channels. This opens avenues for targeted advertising and personalized marketing campaigns. Amidst these transformations, sports organizations are tasked with striking a delicate balance between maximizing revenue streams and preserving the integrity and accessibility of the sport. In this rapidly evolving landscape, agility and innovation are paramount.

Sports organizations must embrace digital transformation, leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience, drive revenue growth, and forge strategic partnerships that extend their global footprint. Similarly, broadcasters and sponsors must adapt their approaches to align with shifting consumer preferences and consumption habits, embracing cross-platform integration and data-driven insights to deliver compelling content and meaningful brand experiences.

As the lines between sports, technology, and media continue to blur, the future of sports broadcasting and sponsorship lies in embracing change and embracing collaboration across industry boundaries. The evolving sports media landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, but for those willing to embrace innovation, it heralds a new era of possibility and potential for growth.

Closing the Curtain: Inside the NBA Nears its Finale

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Stephen Patrick

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May 18, 2024

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Charles Barkley, a fixture of TNT’s iconic “Inside the NBA” program, has voiced deep concerns regarding the show’s future amidst ongoing negotiations for the NBA’s television rights deal. As TNT battles against NBC for the deal, Barkley has underscored the uncertainty looming over the fate of the show. Should NBC win out, it could mark the end of an era for “Inside the NBA”. The cast includes Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson. The potential absence of this dynamic show from television could be as early as the 2025-26 season.

Barkley expressed his concerns, stating, “I wish I had any damn idea. You know we’re in a bidding war with NBC. They’ve already sealed deals with ESPN and Amazon, leaving only one final component up for grabs, and it’s between us and NBC. The last figure we heard was hovering around $2.5 billion.”

Photo Cred:IMDB

The stakes are high as these media giants vie for supremacy in securing broadcasting rights, and the outcome of this battle will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the basketball world. For fans of “Inside the NBA,” the prospect of bidding farewell to the iconic quartet of Barkley, O’Neal, Smith, and Johnson is bittersweet, marking the potential end of an era that has profoundly shaped the way audiences engage with the sport. As negotiations unfold, the future of “Inside the NBA” hangs precariously in the balance, leaving fans and industry insiders alike eagerly awaiting the final verdict.

Missouri State University Joining Conference USA

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Stephen Patrick

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May 18, 2024

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Missouri State University has made a milestone by accepting an invitation to join Conference USA as a full-league member, effective July 1, 2025. This move signifies more than just a change in conference affiliation; it symbolizes Missouri State University’s entry into the NCAA’s Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The elevation to FBS status brings with it opportunities and challenges.

President Clif Smart remarked, “This is an exciting day for Missouri State. The opportunities associated with membership in an FBS conference allow us to continue expanding as a university and elevate our reputation to the next level. We have valued our membership in the Missouri Valley Conference – a premier conference in the NCAA – and look forward to a final year in the league before we transition to CUSA.”

Photo Cred: C-USA

This decision reflects Missouri State University’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field. By joining Conference USA, the university opens doors to enhanced competition, increased visibility, and broader opportunities for its student-athletes. It underscores the institution’s dedication to fostering a culture of achievement and pushing boundaries in pursuit of athletic excellence. As Missouri State prepares to embark on this new journey, anticipation and excitement reverberate throughout the campus and beyond.

The forthcoming news conference promises to be a pivotal moment, where the vision and aspirations for the university’s athletic future will be unveiled. In embracing this historic transition, Missouri State University reaffirms its position as a dynamic institution poised for continued growth and success in the realm of collegiate athletics. The road ahead may present challenges, but with determination and unity, the Bears are primed to make their mark on the national stage as proud members of Conference USA.

Do the Birmingham Stallions Have a Dynasty Franchise?

By

Iliyan Lakhani

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May 18, 2024

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As the Birmingham Stallions, a team steeped in history and renowned for their consistent success, swiftly secured a playoff berth, they’re teetering on the brink of dynasty status in the league. Displaying unwavering consistency but also an impressive resilience year after year, they’re now poised to claim their third consecutive championship. The enigma of the Stallions remains unsolved by any opponent, and it appears unlikely to change anytime soon.

Despite the revolving door of rosters, coaching staff, and management, head coach Skip Holtz stands as the mastermind behind Birmingham’s dynasty. His leadership both on and off the field commands respect from players, irrespective of outcomes. Holtz’s distinctive coaching approach, adeptness at adapting strategies game by game, and ability to thrive under pressure have been instrumental in the franchise’s triumphs. It’s nearly inconceivable not to secure victories with such a seasoned coach at the helm.

While the Stallions have witnessed numerous stars shining each season, this particular one solidifies their dynasty narrative. Superstar quarterback Adrian Martinez, currently leading the MVP race, has showcased excellence in every facet of the game. He embodies the winning ethos instilled by his coaches and consistently dazzles fans with his performances. Martinez undoubtedly steals the spotlight in every game, his contributions pivotal in maintaining the Stallions’ unblemished record, earning him rightful claim to the league’s Most Valuable Player title.

From a statistical standpoint, Martinez transcends this season. The former Detroit Lion has completed 156 passes for 1202 yards and ten touchdowns. Remarkably efficient, Martinez boasts a 60.1 completion percentage and the league’s best touchdown-interception ratio. His prowess extends beyond passing, leading the league in rushing yards with 387 and boasting the highest yards per carry this season at 10.2. The Stallions’ trajectory would be markedly different without his invaluable contributions.

The Stallions has one of the best defenses in the UFL. They’ve withstood relentless pressure throughout the season, consistently delivering when it matters most. Their showdown against the St. Louis Battlehawks serves as a testament to this resilience. In a decisive moment, starting linebacker Kyahva Tezino’s crucial pass breakup secured the victory. Such plays have been emblematic of their season. If they conclude the season undefeated and clinch the championship, The long-awaited coronation of a dynasty will be done.

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