Dodgers Withhold Qualifying Offer from Clayton Kershaw
The Dodgers posted baseball’s second-best record in 2021 with 106 wins; however, their loss to the Braves in the NLCS may have inspired some critical changes ahead for Los Angeles. They announced on Sunday that they decided against extending an $18.4 million qualifying offer to veteran ace Clayton Kershaw. Although the decision doesn’t confirm that he will move on from the team, it does open the door to the possibility for the first time since the three-time Cy Young Award winner entered the league in 2008.
Final Four Set for NWSL Playoffs
After a tumultuous season, the NWSL playoffs are underway. This weekend saw the Chicago Red Stars take down the NJ/NY Gotham FC 1-0 and the Washington Spirit outlast the North Carolina Courage 1-0. Gotham FC’s loss marked the final professional match for the legend Carli Lloyd. The semifinals are set to take place on Nov. 14 with the Red Stars set to square off against the Portland Thorns FC and the Spirit will face the OL Reign.
DeSean Jackson Reportedly Bound for the Raiders
The Rams and veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson mutually agreed to part ways last week after they were unable to find a suitable trade option in advance of Tuesday’s deadline. However, reports emerged on Sunday indicating that the three-time Pro Bowler is Vegas bound. For the Raiders, the deep receiver would be a meaningful replacement following Henry Ruggs III’s dismissal from the team in the wake of his DUI arrest.
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MLS Lays Out Private Equity Guidelines
Last year, MLS owners lobbied for clear rules as private equity interest began to creep into the league. Owners were presented with extensive guidelines about how interested parties could get involved, which was obtained by Sportico. Private equity investments must be at least $20 million, but cannot be more than 20% of the team’s equity. Qualified funds must have a minimum fundraise of $500 million and a diverse set of backers – as a fund cannot have more than 25% owned by a single entity. Finally, a qualified fund can only invest 10% in a single club and may not invest more than 25% total in MLS clubs.
Red Bull Racing Wins Big as Verstappen and Perez Take Podium at Mexican GP
Max Verstappen continues to lead the quest for the F1 season crown, holding off Lewis Hamilton for his ninth win of the season at the Mexican Grand Prix. Hometown hero – and Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate – Sergio Perez took home the third-place position.
Cincinnati Holds On to No. 2 Spot as Oregon Leaps into the Top-5
While Georgia held onto the top spot in the AP Poll, the undefeated Bearcats continued to make their powerful play for a place in the college football playoffs moving into the No. 2 spot. Alabama, Oklahoma, and Oregon rounded out the top five.
Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir and Albert Korir Win New York Marathon
It was a beautiful day in New York on Sunday as approximately 30,000 runners took to the streets to tackle the iconic New York Marathon, which boasted a prize pot of $700,000 for the fastest in the field. Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir and Albert Korir took home the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, with Jepchirchir doing so in dramatic fashion with a major kick in the final meters of the race. Nike elite runner Shalane Flanagan wrapped up her quest for six marathons in six weeks with her fastest finish of the bunch with a 2:33:32.
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