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Good morning! 👋
It’s Friday, July 18. On this day in 1921, Babe Ruth launched a monumental 560-foot blast—his 139th career home run—surpassing Roger Connor to become MLB’s all-time home run leader.
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🏀 Blazers, Damian Lillard Re-Unite on Three-Year Deal |
Damian Lillard is reportedly heading back to Rip City on a three-year, $42 million deal that includes a player option for 2027‑28 and a full no‑trade clause.
The 35‑year‑old point guard, fresh off a torn Achilles that will sideline him for the 2025‑26 season, chose a sentimental homecoming over competing offers, prioritizing family and legacy.
Portland’s brass—GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups—made several reunion meetings with Lillard in recent weeks, signaling a mutual desire to bring their franchise icon back home.
The return isn’t just about basketball—it’s a full-circle moment as the Blazers look to build around their all-time leading scorer in a storybook next chapter.
| 🏈 Steelers Sign T.J. Watt to Mega Extension |
The Steelers reportedly locked in T.J. Watt to a massive three-year, $123 million extension—$108 million guaranteed—making him the highest‑paid non‑quarterback in NFL history at a staggering $41 million per year.
This deal cements Watt’s status as the defensive anchor of the franchise, fresh off leading the league in sacks multiple seasons and tying the single‑season sack record in 2021.
Amid a flurry of offseason moves—including adding Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey—the Steelers are clearly pushing all chips toward contention, and ensuring Watt is locked in was their biggest move. | ⛳ Logjam at the Top: Five-Way Tie Opens Portrush |
Matt Fitzpatrick, Harris English, Haotong Li, Jacob Skov Olesen, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout all shot 4‑under 67 to share the first-round lead in a spectacular five‑way tie at Royal Portrush—a scene not seen since 1938.
Thursday swung with fickle links weather—blustery wind and bursts of rain made par feel like birdie, and these five managed to reel it in.
Just one shot back lies Scottie Scheffler, lurking with firepower, and hometown hero Rory McIlroy is in the mix at −1 after rallying from a shaky start. |
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► The Braves acquired right-hander Dane Dunning from the Rangers in exchange for reliever Jose Ruiz and cash considerations, aiming to add length and flexibility to their bullpen amid a thin starting rotation. (More)
► The Rangers are expected to call up veteran infielder Rowdy Tellez from AAA Round Rock to platoon with rookie Justin Foscue while Jake Burger recovers from a left quad strain on the IL. (More)
► Longtime MLB starter Kyle Gibson announced his retirement after a short-lived 2025 season with the Orioles, concluding a durable 13-year career that included stints with five teams, a 112-111 record, and over 1,878 innings pitched. (More)
► A fan poll from Fox Sports for the 2025 midseason awards crowned Yankees' Aaron Judge the leading AL MVP pick, thanks to his .355 average and 35 homers, while Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong emerged for NL MVP. (See All Picks)
► MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that NBC, Apple, and ESPN are bidding for the "Sunday Night Baseball" media rights, which ESPN previously opted out of, and he plans to select a winner within the month, potentially splitting the rights. (See Details) |
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► Chargers receiver Mike Williams, a 2017 first-round draft pick known for his big-play prowess, abruptly decided to retire after eight injury-plagued NFL years, prompting LA to lean on its young receivers while considering veteran additions. (More)
► NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. resigned effective immediately, citing that his leadership had become a distraction due to controversies involving a potential conflict of interest. (See Details)
► Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice was sentenced to five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail, which can be served anytime during probation, after pleading guilty to two felony charges for causing a March 2024 high-speed multi-car crash in Dallas. (More)
► Vikings receiver Jordan Addison pleaded guilty to a lesser offense in his July 2024 DUI case after being found asleep on a freeway, agreeing to 12 months probation, a $390 fine, and two online courses, while the NFL continues to review the matter. (More)
► The Seahawks reportedly agreed to a fully guaranteed rookie deal with second-round safety Nick Emmanwori, selected 35th overall, making him the first player at that draft position in NFL history to receive such a deal. (See Details)
► Former NFL linebacker Bryan Braman, who played seven seasons primarily with the Texans and Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII with Philly, passed away at age 38 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. (More)
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The Latest in Golf:
► Jon Rahm snapped at a fan for whistling during his backswing on the 11th hole of The Open, leading to two bogeys, but he recovered to finish with a 1-under 70 and handled the incident calmly afterward. (See Details)
► Phil Mickelson delivered a surprising 1-under 70 in the first round at Royal Portrush, highlighted by a vintage 75-foot chip-in for par on the third hole after escaping a bunker, marking his first under-par major round in 21 attempts. (More)
► Harris English's caddie, Eric Larson, was denied a UK visa for The Open due to a cocaine-selling conviction from three decades ago, forcing English to use a temporary replacement while tying for the lead. (More)
► Bryson DeChambeau, renowned for his powerful drives, faced a humiliating moment on Day 1 at The Open when he completely whiffed a shot from thick rough on the 4th hole, barely advancing the ball on his second try. (See Video)
► Jacob Skov Olesen, the 2024 Amateur champ and current co-leader at the British Open, chose to turn professional to chase his DP World Tour aspirations, forfeiting his Masters invitation, only to later be unable to attend Augusta National even as a patron. (More) |
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► The Ducks re-signed goalie Lukas Dostal, 25, to a five-year, $32.5 million contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, establishing him as their undisputed No. 1 netminder. (More)
► Legendary college coach Nick Saban's daughter refuted speculation about Saban returning to coaching via a social media post, clarifying that he will not come back at any level. (See Details)
► Fever star Caitlin Clark announced she will miss the WNBA All-Star Game and 3-point contest due to a right groin injury, expressing disappointment but emphasizing the need to rest her body. (More)
► 76ers star Paul George ripped the Hornets on his podcast, stating that he would not consider joining them as a free agent due to the lack of a winning culture, despite appreciating the city itself. (See Details)
► 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports had their request for a temporary restraining order denied by a federal judge, forcing them to compete as Open entries without guaranteed spots in the next two NASCAR Cup Series races. (More)
► Legendary Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, renowned for his 2012 record-breaking free fall from space where he became the first person to break the speed of sound in free fall, passed away at age 56 in a paragliding accident. (More)
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► The World’s Most Advanced Golf Tee: Meet FlightPath, a tournament-legal tee with a revolutionary design that helps you effortlessly hit longer, straighter drives. Plus, it’s nearly unbreakable! (See It Here) |
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Which of the four major golf championships is the oldest?
Yesterday's Results: Jones (45%), McBride (27%), Mathis (18%), Preki (9%) |
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