🚨 Headlines
Another day, another buzzer-beater: Following No. 8 Michigan State’s half-court heroics, No. 15 Michigan managed to top off their rivalry with a thrilling 84-82 victory over Rutgers, thanks to their own buzzer-beating three-pointer. With only three games left in the season, the Wolverines and Spartans are now tied at the top of the men’s Big Ten standings, setting the stage for a highly anticipated finish.
🏈 Kelce’s Not Done Yet
Travis Kelce, the formidable tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has decided to return for his 13th NFL season. In a candid text to Pat McAfee, Kelce expressed his determination not to let a sour note end his illustrious career. "I’m coming back for sure. … I can’t go out like that!" Kelce’s return is a significant boost for the Chiefs as they continue their pursuit of glory in the upcoming fall.
🏀 Women’s Top 16 Reveal
The NCAA selection committee’s latest Top 16 reveal has sparked excitement among women’s college basketball fans. UCLA, Texas, USC, and Notre Dame have been named the top four seeds, just weeks before Selection Sunday on March 16. This reveal provides a glimpse of the strong competition and high stakes leading into the NCAA tournament, with these powerhouse teams expected to lead the charge.
🏈 No Workouts for Hunter
Travis Hunter, a potential top draft pick and reigning Heisman winner, will not be participating in the workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend. Instead, he plans to showcase his skills during Big 12 Pro Day, where he will perform drills as both a cornerback and wide receiver. Hunter’s decision to maintain his versatility and showcase his talents in a more controlled environment highlights his strategic approach to the draft process.
⚽️ NWSL Jersey Refresh
All 14 clubs in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have unveiled their new Nike-designed jerseys for the upcoming season, set to kick off in just two weeks. The fresh designs not only add a new visual flair to the league but also reflect the growing professionalism and support for women’s soccer. These jerseys are a symbol of the league’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
🏌️ Knapp Makes History at PGA National
Jake Knapp, a 30-year-old Californian, etched his name in the history books with a sensational 12-under 59 at the Cognizant Classic on Thursday. This round marks the 15th sub-60 performance ever recorded on the PGA Tour. Knapp’s day was marked by a smooth and precise approach, leading to 12 birdies and a near-perfect round that almost broke the Tour record. Known for his fluid swing, Knapp turned professional in 2016 but only secured his PGA Tour card last year. Despite the tough conditions of PGA National, particularly the challenging "Bear Trap" section, Knapp and several other golfers capitalized on the softer playing conditions, showcasing the potential for great performances even on daunting courses.
🏀 Steph Goes Nuclear
Few things in sports are as exhilarating as Stephen Curry catching fire, and on Thursday night in Orlando, the greatest shooter of all time delivered a stellar performance. Curry scored a season-high 56 points, including 12 three-pointers, and even hit a three-quarter court buzzer-beater at halftime in the Warriors’ 121-115 win over the Magic. This was his third career game with at least 12 threes, tying him with former teammate Klay Thompson for the most ever. Additionally, Curry now has nine 50-point games since turning 30, the most in NBA history. The Warriors have won five straight and seven of their last eight games, bringing them within a half-game of the sixth seed and a direct playoff berth. Meanwhile, other notable performances include Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 28-19-7 and Nikola Jokić’s 32-14-10 in a Bucks vs. Nuggets clash, and LeBron James and Luka Dončić combining for a dominant 111-102 victory over the Timberwolves.
💰 The World’s Most Valuable Sports Franchises
The Dallas Cowboys top Sportico’s second annual list of the world’s 100 most valuable sports teams, with a franchise worth $10.3 billion, encompassing market value, team-related businesses, and real estate holdings. The collective value of the top 100 teams has surged to $470 billion, a 16% increase from last year. Notably, every team on this year’s list is worth at least $2 billion, a far cry from 2010 when not a single team reached that mark. The NFL dominates the list, with all 32 teams making the cut, followed by the NBA, MLB, European soccer, the NHL, and Formula 1. The top 10 includes the Warriors, Knicks, Lakers, Yankees, Rams, Giants, Patriots, 49ers, and Jets, reflecting the global appeal and financial prowess of these franchises.
🥊 Primo Carnera: A Legacy of Disgrace, 100 Years Later
Primo Carnera, the Italian giant who held the world heavyweight championship from 1933 to 1934, remains a controversial figure in boxing history. Despite owning the record for the most knockouts of any heavyweight champ with 72 wins by KO/TKO, his legacy is marred by allegations of being a pawn in a rigged system. Sportswriter Paul Gallico described Carnera as a "floundering giant" and a "freak and a fourth-rater at prizefighting." Nearly 100 years after his pro debut, the true extent of Carnera’s involvement in fixed fights remains a mystery. As the boxing world used and discarded Carnera, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the darker aspects of the sport’s history and the need for an honest assessment of his contributions.
📸 Sports in Miniature
Tilt-shift photography offers a unique perspective on sports, creating an illusion of miniature scenes. Some of the most striking examples from the past month include Ben Shelton’s serve against David Goffin at the Mexican Open in Acapulco, skaters competing in the men’s 500m quarterfinals at the Short Track Speed Skating World Cup in Milan, a Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton in Nottingham, and Auston Matthews warming up before a game against the Wild in Toronto. These images capture the essence of the action in a charmingly scaled-down format.
📺 Watchlist: Welcome to March
March marks the beginning of an exciting month in sports, with several high-stakes matchups scheduled this weekend. In college basketball, the men’s games to watch include Auburn at Kentucky, Alabama at Tennessee, Texas A&M at Florida, Arizona at Iowa State, and Wisconsin at Michigan State. For the women, top games are USC at UCLA, Louisville at Notre Dame, Kentucky at South Carolina, Alabama at Oklahoma, Ohio State at Maryland, Duke at FSU, and TCU at Baylor. Meanwhile, NBA fans can look forward to the Cavaliers taking on the Celtics, the Clippers facing the Lakers, the Warriors versus the Sixers, the Nuggets at the Celtics, the Thunder against the Spurs, and the Timberwolves playing the Suns. In the NHL, the Bruins and Maple Leafs clash with the Penguins, and the Red Wings face the Blue Jackets. MLS fans have 15 games to enjoy, and NASCAR and IndyCar also offer thrilling races.
🏈 NFL Trivia
Ja’Marr Chase, the star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, is poised for a lucrative extension this offseason. A top Bengals executive has confirmed that Chase will likely become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. The current holder of this title is Justin Jefferson, who earns an average annual value of $35 million. As the NFL continues to set financial records, Chase’s extension will undoubtedly set a new benchmark for wide receivers.
💔 RIP, Gene Hackman
The sports world mourns the passing of Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner and icon of the silver screen. Found dead in his home on Wednesday alongside his wife and dog, Hackman was 95 years old. His portrayal of coach Norman Dale in the 1986 classic "Hoosiers" is etched in the hearts of sports movie fans, with his iconic "measurements" scene resonating as one of the most memorable moments in film history. Hackman’s legacy as a consummate actor and a vital figure in sports cinema will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
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