Thursday Night Football: New England Patriots Visit Aaron Rodger’s NY Jets

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Here we go … The Week 3 NFL schedule kicks off with a primetime AFC East matchup as the New England Patriots visit the New York Jets for Thursday Night Football. Both teams enter with 1-1 records after splitting their first two games. The Patriots, coming off a surprising Week 1 victory over the Bengals, were handed a loss by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2.

The Jets, meanwhile, dropped their opener to the 49ers but rebounded with a win over the Tennessee Titans on the road. Nice bounce back fo the start to the Rodgers era.

On the injury front, the Jets will be without key defensive player C.J. Mosley, who injured his toe during the Titans game, leaving a significant hole in their linebacking corps. On the Patriots’ side, they’ll be missing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley for the rest of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle, further testing their defense.

Game time is set for 8:15 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, New York currently stands as a six-point favorite, with the total over/under for the game set at 38.5 points according to the latest odds.

The game promises to be a pivotal early-season contest as both teams look to gain momentum in their divisional race.

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LeBron And Bronny Set To Play Together In Lakers Opener

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The Los Angeles Lakers will make history when LeBron James and his son Bronny share the court as the first father-son duo in NBA history.

LeBron is entering his 22nd season, while Bronny begins his NBA journey after being selected by the Lakers in the second round.

While Bronny may not feature heavily in the Lakers’ rotation, it’s anticipated that head coach JJ Redick will give him opportunities and according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, who appeared on the Bill Simmons Podcast, there’s a plan to have Bronny and LeBron take the floor together on Opening Night, just to “get it out of the way.”

Given the expectations, it makes sense that Redick and the Lakers would want this historic moment to happen early. The Lakers’ first game is against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22.

Nonetheless, it’s likely that Redick will insert Bronny, which would be a special moment for the James family and Lakers fans alike.

However, it goes down, it’s clear that this moment will be one of the most historic in the history of the association. Then the countdown to Bronny’s first bucket, LeBron to Bronny, and Bronny to LeBron’s first assists… That will all be part of the hoopla. Make no mistake.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Mets Risk NL Wild Card Spot With Two Losses Over The Weekend To The Phillies

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Mets manager Carlos Mendoza might really be re-thinking his choice of pitchers over the weekend against the Phillies as Bryce Harper and the Phillies take the last two of the three-game series, severely jeopardizing the Mets’ chances of an NL Wild Card berth.

The Amazins came into Philadelphia on Friday with everything in their favor; they were one game ahead of the Braves in the NL Wild Card race with a 8-2 record in their last 10 games and no one knew about superstr shortstop Francisco Lindor’s impending back injury. Fast forward to Sunday evening and the Mets are a half game behind Atlanta, risking their spot in the Wild Card, which now heavily depends on how the Braves do against the Dodgers on their home turf in Truist Park tonight(September 15).

On Friday, New York embarrassed the Phils, beating them 11-3, headed off by three 3-run HRs from Alvarez, Nimmo and Bader and a solo shot from first baseman Pete Alonso in the top of the ninth to seal the slaughter. Jose Quintana took control of the mound in the Mets’ first outing against Philly, shutting down four batters and only giving up three hits in seven frames. The Phillies got all their runs in one shot from Brandon Marsh, who blasted a three-run shot off Alex Young in the bottom of the ninth.

Maybe it was the superstition of Friday the 13th that moved the Mets up to the third spot in the NL East, just eight games behind the division leading Phils, but equally as esoteric, Lindor’s back injury had him pulled in the 7th inning, obviously raising questions about the team’s now unstable playoff position. In the second game of the series and the first game that the NL MVP candidate has missed in the past three seasons, the Phillies took the Mets down 6-4, with Bryce Harper banging two homers off Mets right hander Luis Severino in the 4th and 6th innings. Mendoza sent Young back to the mound for New York for only one out and gave up two hits and two runs, even after giving up three runs in one inning . Mets fans had hope on Sunday as Lindor returned to the lineup as the lead off batter, but was swiftly withdrawn from the game in the second inning. The Phillies edged the Mets 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth with a single from J.T Realmuto off Edwin Diaz, who replaced Phil Maton in the last inning.

With the Mets striking out at the plate more than the Phils in all three games, it may not just be pitching thats failing the Mets. The Mets seem to be hinging on Lindor’s uncertain return to the lineup, but the follow through from players like Nimmo and Alonso is needed, but isn’t happening. The Mets will also be missing RHP Paul Blackburn during this crucial point in the season after he was cleared for his hand injury just two weeks ago, but placed back on IL for a spinal fluid leak in his back yesterday(September 14).

Will the Mets maintain their position as the best team in MLB since the All Star break or will the combination of injuries, pitchers and fallen stars cost the Mets their chance at the pennant?

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SOURCE SPORTS: Twins Organization Cans Catcher For Tipping Pitches To Opposing Batters

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Did you think this only happened on Space Jam?

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, a Low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, fired catcher Derek Bender for the unspeakable; Bender was tipping batters from the opposing team as to what pitches were coming from the mound, giving them a heads up. For the non-followers of baseball, it’s probably one of the most blatant forms of cheating.

The sixth round draft pick out of Coastal Carolina was playing in a doubleheader last Friday(September 6) against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, a fam team for the Detroit Tigers, when he was reportedly telling several batters what pitches were being thrown by Mussels’ starter Ross Dunn.

Lakeland brought in four runs in the second inning and took a 6-0 shut out to win the Florida State League West division and eliminate Fort Myers from playoff possibility after the Mussels held a six-game lead just three weeks earlier.

The Lakeland coaches informed Fort Myers’ coaches after the game of Bender’s antics and the Flying Tigers gave no indication either. Sources say that he told his teammates that he wanted the season to be over. Bender spent the final two games of the season in the team’s bullpen instead of in the dugout. Ironically, the Mussels won both games.

Bender played 19 games for Fort Myers, hitting .200/.273/.333 with two home runs and eight RBIs. In three seasons at Coastal Carolina, he hit .326/.408/.571 with 32 home runs and 153 RBIs in 144 games.

A catcher and first baseman selected with the 188th pick this year, Bender signed for $297,500, slightly below the $320,800 slot for that selection. He will keep the entirety of his bonus, sources said.

Both Bender and the Twins organization declined to comment.

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After Tua Tagovailoa’s Latest Concussion Many Believe Dophins QB Should Retire

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Football is a dangerous sport. And Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce sparked conversations about Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future after he suffered his third diagnosed concussion in as many seasons.

ICYMI, Tagovailoa exited the Dolphins’ loss to the Buffalo Bills after a hit to the helmet caused a fencing response, a clear sign of a concussion. He was placed into the concussion protocol, marking his third such injury after missing five games in 2022 due to concussions.

Get this, during a news conference, Pierce, who played nine seasons in the NFL, advised Tagovailoa to prioritize his health and consider retirement. “I’ll be honest, I’d tell him to retire. It’s not worth it,” Pierce said. “Scary — you could see right away; the players’ faces on the field… He’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”

What’s interesting is other NFL coaches weighed in on the issue as well. Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson stressed the importance of prioritizing player health, saying, “If it was one of our guys, you have to be very careful and do the right thing for the player… You just have to continue to think about the player and the health and safety of the player.” Pederson, also a former NFL player, suggested that players should carefully consider their careers when facing recurring head injuries.

Then Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel addressed the media, emphasizing that Tagovailoa’s immediate focus should be on his health and family. “You’re talking about his career — his career is his,” McDaniel said. He urged the public to avoid speculation about Tagovailoa’s future, saying it’s not helpful at this time. McDaniel added that Tagovailoa is unlikely to play in the next game but emphasized that decisions about his future would be up to him and his medical team.

What ever the decision we hope Tagovailo prioritizes his health above all else.

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See It: LeBron James Reacts on The Gram to Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat Statue Announcement

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We all know Dwyane Wade is widely regarded as the greatest player in Miami Heat history. This is a fact and a non-argument. The South Beach legend will soon be honored with a statue outside the Kaseya Center.

Get this: The bronze statue, set to be unveiled at 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, will stand at the Kaseya Center West Plaza. Wade will attend the ceremony, joined by Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and the current Heat team.

The event will also feature live performances from Rick Ross and Nino Breeze. Interesting choices.

What’s more, the statue, crafted by the Rotblatt Amrany Studio—renowned for iconic works like the ‘Michael Jordan Spirit’ statue in Chicago and the Kobe Bryant ‘Black Mamba’ statue in Los Angeles—recognizes Wade’s immense contributions to the Miami Heat. Wade led the franchise to three NBA Championships, and the organization never won a title without him.

Now check out LeBron James’s reaction to the news. Wade’s former teammate and friend reacted to the announcement by sharing the Heat’s video announcement on his Instagram story, accompanied by several raised-hand emojis, showing his excitement and support for the honor.

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Looks like Bron is happy for his fellow “Heatles” champion. We are too.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Could Lindor And Judge Bring The NL And AL MVP Trophies To The Big Apple?

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Ever since the Baseball Writers Association of America started casting votes for the Kenesaw Landis AL/NL Most Valuable Player Awards in 1931, the same city has claimed the coveted titles only 12 times, with New York players taking it home over half of those occasions. In 2024, for the first time in almost 70 years, NYC could possibly gloat about having both of the best baseball players in Major League Baseball.

The Big Apple hasn’t welcomed both MVPs home since 1956 when Mickey Mantle won MVP for the AL and Dodgers’ Don Newcombe brought it back to Brooklyn. Only a year prior, Yanks HOF catcher Yogi Berra took the American League trophy. At the same time, Brooklyn’s Roy Campanella won the NL MVP in his last season before he was left paralyzed after a tragic car accident. In ’54, it was Yogi Berra again. Willie Mays (Giants), Berra and Campanella took their first MVPs twin titles in 1951, Joe DiMaggio and Dolph Camilli of the Dodgers won both MVPs a decade earlier(1941), while the Yankees legend Lou Gehrig and NY Giants’ Carl Hubbell were the first to bring both AL and NL Most Valuable Player titles back to NYC in 1936. Lindor and Judge may just have the magic to make it happen here once again.

No one can ignore the wave that the Mets have been riding, given their eight-game winning streak, which locked in their Wild Card spot and those feats would have been unattainable without superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor and his red hot appearances at the plate. The 30-year-old belted nine of his 31 HRs of this season were in those last eight outings, including two in the same game against the Padres with one of those dingers being a grand slam. As the Mets’ ironman, Lindor has not missed a game this season and only missed three games since suffering an oblique injury during his rookie season in 2021. Sure to surpass 30 stolen bags before the end of September, there’s no question why Lindor is a close second in the NL MVP rankings., this year.

Bronx Bombers’ right fielder Aaron Judge has posted unequaled stats this season while helping the Yanks lead the helm in the AL East, including the most home runs in MLB(51), only to be trailed by the number one NL MVP contender, Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani. #99 has the 3rd highest batting average in the league(.319), only behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., who have played more games and had more plate appearances than Judge in 2024. Judge also leads the league in RBIs(126), forcing teams to deliberately attempt to keep him from making contact with the ball, which is why he also leads the league in walks.

As with anything in baseball and life, there is no such thing as a sure thing. Many critics believe that Lindor batting under .300 is a no for an MVP. However, despite the entire baseball world watching Ohtani on his road to 50/50, Lindor’s only MVP competition still hasn’t broken the .300 mark either. Even Judge, with his phenomenal hitting feats, still ties Oakland’s Brent Rooker with the most Ks in the league(156). Additionally, Judge’s bat has been going cold lately, with no HRs in his last 13 games since the Home Run Derby, which has the Yankees’ record split 13-12 in their last 25 games.

 

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SOURCE SPORTS: The Orlando Magic Form Delicious Deal With Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

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The Orlando Magic announced today a multiyear partnership with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The partnership brings the cheesesteak franchise with humble beginnings to the Sunshine State. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks will place their first Orlando location inside the Magic’s home, Kia Center.

“The Magic are thrilled to team up with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and be the first to welcome the franchise to Central Florida,” said Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. “As two companies that believe in the power of teamwork, we look forward to working with the first franchise in Florida and it’s new owner, Derek Lewis. We can’t wait to connect Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks with our local community and give our fans a taste of what it’s all about.”

The partnership will also feature brand integrations including in-arena signage during all Magic home games, and food offerings in the Kia Center with a concession stand on the promenade level and a food cart on the terrace level.

“I’m thrilled to bring Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to the heart of Orlando’s sports and entertainment scene,” said Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ first franchise owner Derek Lewis. “This partnership with the Orlando Magic and Kia Center represents a perfect fusion of exceptional food and exhilarating basketball. Opening our doors on October 11 during the preseason is just the beginning of what, I believe, will be a game-changing presence in the arena. As the first franchise owner of Big Dave’s, I’m committed to delivering the same quality and flavor that Derrick Hayes has made famous, while creating a unique experience for Magic fans and visitors alike. This venture is more than just about great cheesesteaks; it’s about fostering community, celebrating diversity, and being part of the electric atmosphere that the Orlando Magic brings to the city. Get ready, Orlando – we’re about to elevate your game day experience!”

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks plans to open 10 Central Florida locations. Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes opened the original location in 2016 in Dunwoody, Ga., which began as a 700-square-foot gas station called Dave’s Philly Water Ice. It has grown to six locations, one in North Carolina and five in Georgia including several in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is now expanding to Florida. 

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SOURCE SPORTS: DeMar DeRozan Details Why He Chose Kings Over Lakers, HEAT and More

DeMar DeRozan Details Why He Chose Kings Over Lakers, HEAT and More

DeMar DeRozan will suit up for his fourth NBA franchise this upcoming season, arriving with the Sacramento Kings from the Chicago Bulls.

DeRozan was not short of suitors, with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami HEAT all wanting his services. So why the Kings? DeRozan gave details on this week’s episode of Podcast P with Paul George.

“I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level wherever that was going to be…[Sacramento] came about, and they were showing interest, like real interest,” DeRozan said. “So when I sat back and looked at it, and analyzed the team. Great players. Great coach. I just always remember the last couple of years of always seeing them light this damn beam and winning and all that.

“Philly definitely was an option. The Lakers were an option always. Clippers were an option. And the Heat was an option too. I’d say those teams, for sure, were real personal, legitimate options that I was considering.”

The Sacramento Kings acquired free agent guard DeMar DeRozan in a three-year, $74 million sign-and-trade deal.

Breaking down the deal, the Kings sent forward Harrison Barnes and an unprotected 2031 pick swap to the San Antonio Spurs. 

Sources indicated that guard Chris Duarte, two second-round draft picks, and cash will also be sent to the Chicago Bulls. So the Bulls aren’t the victors in this deal or this summer, but when are they ever in free agency?

The Kings targeted DeRozan to join forces with All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, and promising young forward Keegan Murray, aiming to bolster their offensive firepower in the highly competitive Western Conference.

DeRozan, a six-time All-Star who will turn 35 next month, is coming off a solid three-year tenure with the Bulls, during which he made the All-Star team in his first two seasons and averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this past season. He finished second to Stephen Curry in voting for the NBA’s 2024 Clutch Player of the Year Award.

DeRozan traveled to Sacramento on Saturday to meet with team officials and Kings coach Mike Brown, who recently signed an offseason contract extension. Brown has led the franchise to back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2006.

A three-time All-NBA selection, DeRozan was the ninth pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors and has since played for the Raptors, Spurs, and Bulls over his 15 NBA seasons. He has averaged 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 1,110 NBA games throughout his career.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Cam’ron & Ma$e’s “It Is What It Is” Launches Season 5 With Their Newest NFL Analyst Michael Irvin

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Cam’ron and the “It Is What It Is” sports show announce Michael Irvin as the show’s newest football analyst for season 5, starting September 2nd. 

Michael Irvin worked for the NFL Network for 15 years as an analyst. Irvin also spent several years providing football analysis on ESPN’s First Take, GET UP, Sunday NFL Countdown, and other ESPN programs.

Before his commentary career, Michael Irvin was deemed the “playmaker” for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a key piece in the Cowboys’ football dynasty, which won three Super Bowl titles in the 1990s. 

Michael Irvin is a member of the Hall of Fame All-1990s NFL team, a 5x Pro Bowler, a 1x All-Pro, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his 11-year career, he caught 750 passes for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns. He earned his 5 Pro Bowl selections from 1991-1995. 

The September 3rd episode discussed Anthony Edwards’s comments about the skill set of the Jordan era of NBA legends, the NFL’s historical record of 15 Black Quarterbacks starting week 1, and whether or not Bills Quarterback Josh Allen is overrated. 

The “It Is What It Is” sports show can be found exclusively on YouTube. The show can be found on Instagram @itiswhatitis_talk and X @ITISWATITISTALK 

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