Latest in Sports
USA Today
21 minutes ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers beat writer says the quiet part out loud about why the team didn't draft Shedeur Sanders
Steelers beat writer says the quiet part out loud about why the team didn't draft Shedeur Sanders The biggest story of the 2025 NFL draft was the draft slide of quarterback Shedeur Sanders. NFL draft writers and pundits were banging the table all weekend long about the injustice to Sanders when he fell out of the first round, then the second, then the third, then the fourth until he finally landed with the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Many writers, most notably ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., were gobsmacked about how the Pittsburgh Steelers could let Sanders slip through their fingers multiple times and opt for other picks. But as we said then and as we say not, don't overthink it. There was no grand conspiracy and Sanders slide had as much to do with his skills and anything else. This was the sentiment passed on by Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo on 93.7 TheFan. Fittipaldo offerd some exceptional insight on the Steelers thinking during the draft and it was fairly basic stuff that put it all into perspective. "I think mostly, it had to do with, they didn't have a grade on him within the first five rounds," Fittipaldo said. "I think the second part of that equation, and this was never really discussed, you've seen some leaks with other teams across the NFL. Now, a lot of people just didn't want to deal with Deion Sanders and what that might be down the road after he's done at Colorado. So, I don't know if the Steelers felt that same way, but they did not have a top-five grade. A top-five round grade on Shedeur Sanders, and that's why they went the route they went.' Read that carefully. "A lot of people just didn't want to deal with Deion Sanders and what that might be down the road after he's gone at Colorado." This hints at the idea floated by Deion that he wants to coach his son in the NFL someday. You really think head coach Mike Tomlin is going to sign off on drafting the player whose dad wants to take his job? Maybe if Sanders had been a legitimate first-round talent who fell, it would be one thing. But Sanders was never a first-round prospect. He wasn't a second-round prospect either. And shame on Steelers fans who overreacted about Sanders after watching how the Kenny Pickett debacle situation played out.
Business Standard
22 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Orient Tradelink Limited Bags Exclusive Rights for First-Ever Divyang Cricket World Cup - A Historic Leap Towards Inclusive Sports
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 20: In what is being hailed as a landmark moment in Indian sports broadcasting and inclusive athletic empowerment, Orient Tradelink Limited has officially secured the exclusive marketing, merchandising, and promotion rights for the first-ever Divyang Cricket World Cup, to be held from November 25 to December 3, 2025, across Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi-NCR. With cricket leagues booming across the globe, this initiative is set to redefine the sporting narrative in India--not through stardom, but through spirit, grit, and inclusivity. The Tournament That Breaks Boundaries Featuring 8 nations, this pioneering international para-cricket tournament will not only highlight elite cricketing skill but also champion differently-abled athletes who have long deserved the world's stage. With matches culminating in the final on World Disability Day (December 3), the World Cup is more than sport--it is a statement. History in the Making: Every Match to be Telecast Live In a bold first, Orient Tradelink Limited is bringing live telecast of every single match, marking a monumental leap in visibility for para-cricket. Talks are already in advanced stages with leading broadcasters and digital platforms, promising wide-reaching coverage and national attention. "It's not just a broadcast--it's a revolution in how we view sports," says Supriya Saxena, Senior journalist and Project Manager. "Para cricket deserves the limelight, and this is the beginning of that long-overdue transformation." Aum Sportainment Pvt. Ltd. & DCCBI Join Hands with Orient In a major strategic alignment, Aum Sportainment Pvt. Ltd. and DCCBI have awarded Orient Tradelink Limited the commercial rights to the next three World Cups, giving the company a long-term runway to build this into a recurring global property. The rights cover live production, branding, merchandising, event execution, and promotions, ensuring a 360° engagement with fans, sponsors, and media alike. From Entertainment to Empowerment: Orient's Evolution in Motion Having built its name in media, films, and wellness, Orient Tradelink is now scripting a new chapter--as a torchbearer for inclusive sports. But here's the real question: In a country obsessed with cricket, can we now make space for every cricketer--regardless of ability? This isn't just about showcasing talent; it's about shifting mindsets. Orient is now more than a brand--it's a cause. A mission. A movement. One that doesn't wait for change but drives it. What's Coming Next? - Live telecast of all matches - National press conference announcing full tournament roadmap - Merchandising line featuring official jerseys, memorabilia, and collectibles - Sponsor & CSR collaborations to build social capital through sport - World-class medical and support facilities for all athletes - Social media campaigns & influencer partnerships to rally public support Towards a New Sporting Future This World Cup is not just about cricket--it's about courage, commitment, and change. And Orient Tradelink Limited is proud to be at the frontlines of this movement, proving that sport is not just ability--it's belief.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Rookie Gets Rave Review From Rival Coach
Jets Rookie Gets Rave Review From Rival Coach originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Jets needed a boost at the tight end position, and that led the franchise to draft LSU stud Mason Taylor in the second round. Advertisement Coming to a tight end room with Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt, Taylor has every chance to be the Week 1 starter if he can prove he is up to the task. More known for his blocking than pass-catching ability, Taylor has all the tools that Aaron Glenn is looking for, and with the Jets wanting to be a run-first football team, there is a place on the field waiting for he's good enough. For ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, he spoke to an anonymous NFC offensive coach, who had a glowing endorsement for Taylor. "Jets selecting TE Mason Taylor at No. 42: 'He's (expletive) awesome," the offensive coach said. "He was my No. 2 tight end (behind Chicago's Colston Loveland). He's athletic, he's young (21), and he's got upside in the passing game." © SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images So, hopes are high for what Taylor can do in his rookie season. Advertisement Mason has already been seen catching touchdown passes from Justin Fields at OTAs and minicamp, so it appears he is settling in quite well to Tanner Engstrand's offense. Yes, it's against the air, but Mason is showing the potential to not only be a good blocker for the offense but to be a genuine passing option for Fields. With only Garrett Wilson seen as a genuine threat, having Taylor working the underneath routes to help keep the chains moving could be the ace up Engstrand's sleeve. Once training camp begins, we will be able to truly evaluate Taylor as a member of this offense, but one NFC coach already seems sold. Advertisement Related: Jets' Aaron Glenn/Justin Fields Tandem Labeled 'Ideal Match' Related: Jets Sign UFL 'Thiccer Kicker' For Training Camp Competition This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets' Draft Pick Named To Preseason All-Rookie Team
Jets' Draft Pick Named To Preseason All-Rookie Team originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, it seemed clear that the New York Jets had one man on their mind: Armand Membou. The Jets landed Membou with the No. 7 overall selection in the draft, solidifying their offensive line. Advertisement The former Missouri Tiger joins a youthful and fortified line, flanked by young stars such as Olu Fashanu and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Membou has been highly lauded by draft and college analysts for his technique, athleticism and potential. On top of his All-Pro potential, Membou is expected to make an instant impact, already penciled in as the starting tackle opposite of Fashanu. Gennaro Filice compiled his All-Rookie team of 11 rookies who he thinks will make an instant impact on offense. The lead tackle on the lead? Membou. "Entering this past April's draft, the Jets' offensive line boasted a capable starter at four of the five slots." Filice wrote. "So, one year after the old regime used its last first-round pick on an athletic left tackle (Olu Fashanu), the new regime used its first first-rounder on a mauler to man the right edge." Filice feels confident about Membou's physical tools and technique. Membou isn't all flashy in athletic and physical tests, but he's a legit protector in the pass game. Advertisement "At a touch over 6-4 and 332 pounds, Membou put on an impressive athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine." Filice wrote. "But the 21-year-old's no simple 'workout warrior,' as he spent the last three years making a name for himself in the SEC. Taking over as Missouri's right tackle midway through his true freshman season back in 2022, Membou ultimately played 36 games (with 30 starts) for the Tigers, giving up a grand total of three sacks, including zero this past season." Membou has high expectations as a pass protector. But that's not his only job. As a tackle, he has to be able to lay down blocks and protect his running back or a scrambling quarterback. And Filice thinks he's well equipped for the job. "And in the ground game, he was a violent road-grader who routinely climbed to the second level to bury overmatched defenders -- this undoubtedly caught the eyes of new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, who are looking to build a stout rushing attack around quarterback Justin Fields." Filice continued, "Membou could be the final piece to an extremely promising offensive line." Related: Jets Fans React to 'Thiccer Kicker' Related: Can Jets' 'Biggest Question' Be Answered In 2025? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Sun
25 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Anthony Joshua was such a student of the game he would ask amateur boxing hopefuls for advice, reveals Galal Yayai
ANTHONY JOSHUA was such a student of the game he would even ask amateur boxing hopefuls for advice. AJ only started boxing at 18 but just four years later he won Olympic gold for Great Britain in London. 3 3 And after turning professional, he won the unified heavyweight world titles under the mentorship of GB head coach Rob McCracken. Flyweight Galal Yafai - who won gold in Tokyo in 2021 - spent time with AJ at the GB's Sheffield HQ and was blown away by his eagerness to learn - from all comers. Yafai told SunSport: "It's quite crazy really and it's not a disrespectful thing, but sometimes he'd ask someone who's like a young kid who's just getting on the team, who's not even on the full podium squad that's on like an academy, which is like the younger team. "He'd ask them questions and I'd be like bloody hell, why are you asking him, him a question? "They just get on the team, he should be asking you, you're the Olympic gold medalist, you're the unified world champion. "But yeah, he'd always ask questions even from people - I don't want to say below him - but that are new to the team, way less experienced, not even just a little bit like way less experienced. "But he'd always give time, he's always good to myself and everyone around." Joshua, 35, parted ways with McCracken after losing to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, in September 2021. He has since been cornered by Robert Garcia, Derrick James and most recently Ben Davison. AJ has been out the ring since September when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, before undergoing elbow surgery. He is yet to return to camp and Yafai - who faces Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr on Saturday - warned not to rule out a reunion with McCracken in Sheffield. Boxing icon Tyson Fury spotted posing topless in Scots town as he chats with locals Yafai said: "I was there when Josh was there and he became like part of the family and it was quite surreal at one stage because he was one of the most famous people in Britain, especially sportsman, but he became just someone that you'd see every day in the gym when he was in camp anyway. "So I almost became numb to it but he was a great fighter and a superstar. He helped everyone in in British boxing and I looked up to him when I was coming through. "If he ever came back Sheffield it'd be good to see him around but I don't know that's something that him and Rob would have to go through but crazier things have happened." Yafai bids to earn a shot at unified WBA and WBC champion Kenshiro Teraji - but first has to get past veteran Rodriguez Jr. He said: "I'd expect it, but you never know in boxing. Rodriguez is a top five competitor. "He's a former champion, he fought the best of the best, so it's not an easy fight. People don't really know him too well but I can't look past him. "He's a really good fighter and that's the thing nowadays, if people don't know who you're fighting, they don't think they're that good, which is the biggest mistake someone can make because he's a really good fighter but he's just not hugely well known here. "I'm not looking past him. He's a great fighter and hopefully I can get rid of him Saturday." 3
