Man City Out of the Race for Ronaldo as Man United Secure Shock Return
The Cristiano Ronaldo sweepstakes got interesting Friday morning after reports that Manchester United is now reportedly expected to bring the legendary soccer star back to Old Trafford. Ronaldo, who informed Juventus that he intended to leave the club, had been understood to be in talks to join Manchester City, but the Red Devils’ rivals are now considered out of the running.
Jaguars Approved to Break Ground on $120M Football Complex
The Jacksonville Jaguars are moving forward with a plan to build a new $120 million football complex following the approval from the Jacksonville City Council this week. The new performance center —which includes an indoor practice field, two grass-covered outdoor pitches with seating for up to 2,300, team offices, and more —is part of a larger $441 million development plan for the shipyard area around TIAA Bank Field.
Sale Pitches Third Immaculate Inning of his Career
Red Sox ace Chris Sale completed the third immaculate inning of his career Thursday night, striking out the side on only nine pitches. Sale, who has already done this twice before in his career, joins Sandy Koufax as the only pitcher ever to do so three times.
Pac-12 Puts Expansion Talks to Rest
The Pac-12 will stay put with expanding its membership, the league announced Thursday. Many speculated whether the Power Five conference would expand following its new alliance with the ACC and Big Ten and general talk of college football realignment, but league officials have decided to “not pursue expansion of our membership at this time.”
Paul vs. Woodley Press Conference Gets Heated Ahead of Sunday PPV Bout
This weekend’s spectacle from Showtime PPV Boxing between social media celebrity Jake Paul and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley got interesting Thursday as the two sides tussled during a pre-fight press conference. Paul, 24, is 3-0 in his pro boxing career but has yet to face an opponent as skilled as the 39-year old Woodley.
NFL to Increase COVID Testing Amid Surge in Cases
In the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, the NFL has proposed an increase in testing to once every seven days, as opposed to its current cadence of 14 days. The league had relaxed testing frequency in advance of this season, but recent clusters of positive tests among teams, including vaccinated players and coaches, have called that into question. The NFLPA has proposed that all players be tested every day.
Stephen Curry Starts Fund for Women Athletes at Davidson
Stephen Curry has kept busy this offseason, announcing Thursday that he and his wife, Ayesha, are teaming up with his alma mater, Davidson College, to launch the Curry Family Women’s Athletics Initiative. The new venture will provide financial support to the school’s women’s athletic teams, including scholarships, equipment, and extended resources.
Athleta Enjoys Strong Q2 While Peloton Stalls
Women’s athletic apparel brand Athleta posted impressive Q2 earnings, showing a 35% increase as compared to 2019, and is credited with driving parent-brand Gap Inc’s best quarter sales in history. In contrast, Peloton reported disappointing figures, due to tapering sales and a widespread recall of its treadmill following multiple injuries and one death.
