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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg’s NBA Summer League run is expected to be over in Las Vegas.

The Mavericks will shut down the rookie for the rest of the exhibition tournament after just two games, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

Flagg, who was the No. 1 overall pick coming out of Duke in June, scored 31 points for Dallas in the 76-69 loss to No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, July 12.

‘I think it’s a new environment, new setting,’ Flagg said after the game on Saturday. ‘They want to see me be aggressive and do that type of stuff.’

It was a stronger performance for Flagg compared to his Summer League output against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, July 10. The 6-foot-9 forward admitted after the game on Thursday that he wasn’t entirely pleased with his performance as he adjusted to the pace and play of the NBA game.

He scored 10 points in the first half but went scoreless in the second half, shooting 0-for-9 from the field during the final two quarters of play against the Lakers. Flagg finished the game shooting 5-for-21 from the field.

Who is Cooper Flagg?

Flagg joins the NBA after spending just one season at Duke. 

As a freshman, Flagg started all 37 games that he played in and averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30 minutes per game. 

He won the Wooden Award and the Naismith Award.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The women of WWE took center stage – and delivered. For the first time in seven years, Evolution took place as WWE held the event dedicated to its stacked women’s division. 

With such a talent roster, seven matches took place rather than the typical five. There was a no-holds-barred match and a battle royal for a title opportunity, but plenty of gold was up for grabs. The top prizes in the division – the WWE Women’s Championship, Women’s World Heavyweight Championship and Women’s NXT Championship – were all on the line, as well as the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles.

The night was full of epic performances and there were shining stars, but nothing topped the crazy ending that completely changes the landscape of the women’s division.

Watch: WWE Evolution post show

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

A fast start got the main event going, and the opponents gave each other props for how quickly they were dealing hits. There was a pause where both said they respected each other before continuing the battle, and Sky had the first real opportunity to get rolling, diving outside of the ring with a moonsault. Sky was feeling the ride she was on before Ripley caught her and threw her onto the edge of the announcer’s table and then the barricade.

Ripley’s power emerged and she was getting frustrated with how Sky was getting back up to everything she was throwing at her, even trying the submission route.

Sky worked her way out of it and soon enough, she was emoting and riding the wave. Sky went to the top turnbuckle but Ripley met her and tried to launch her, but Sky landed on her feet to avoid a catastrophic ending. After a back-and-forth sequence, Sky executed a poisionrana to perfection, but the pin attempt wasn’t enough.

The Over the Moonsault was there for Sky to attempt, and Ripley pushed her to ruin her balance. Then came a Razor’s Edge into a powerbomb from Ripley to the champion. A win looked possible, but Sky kicked out at the last moment. After she couldn’t believe it, Ripley tried to end it for good with a Riptide that Sky got out of. Sky then tried for a kick, but Ripley moved out of the way and the referee got hit. Sky was shocked, and she got hit with a Riptide by Ripley. However, the referee was out and Ripley’s pin attempt wasn’t counted.

A frustrated Ripley hit Sky with a Razor’s Edge again and then took the fight into the crowd, throwing the champion against chairs and railings. Ripley climbed some equipment and attempted a big powerbomb, but Sky realized what was happening. The genius of the Sky went higher and flew high to take out Ripley in the spot of the night.

The action got back into the ring after Sky hit a powerbomb on Ripley. Sky hit her finisher as the referee got back in the ring, but Ripley stunningly kicked out. The champion couldn’t believe it, and dragged Ripley toward the turnbuckle. Ripley bounced her head on the steel. She climbed up and hit a Spanish fly to take both stars out.

Naomi cashes in Money in the Bank briefcase

Caution.

Naomi came out with her Money in the Bank briefcase. She cashed it in and made it a triple threat match. She hit Sky with the briefcase and then threw Ripley out of the ring. She hit her finisher on the champion and pinned Sky to win the championship and steal the spotlight.

Analysis: Proceed with caution in the women’s division.

After a spectacular main event match, the night ends in a stunner as Naomi cashes in and captures the gold. Sky and Ripley put on another thriller that was another five-star caliber match, proving they are without a doubt in an elite class of wrestling. There were too many great spots to highlight, and it was the perfect way to end the night.

But the night belongs to Naomi. She really got bullied in the no holds barred match, and given the result, it felt like the cash-in would happen at the earliest, SummerSlam. But she saw her window and made the most of her opportunity. It’s a reminder of how quickly Money in the Bank can catapult someone, and Naomi did it in the best fashion.

The entire women’s division has been flipped on its head, and with Naomi now the Women’s World Champion, there’s no telling what’s going to happen next. The women struck gold.

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

To no surprise, Nia Jax wasted no time eliminating people, and she almost had Kelani Jordan, but the former gymnast took a page out of Kofi Kingston’s book and did a handstand to get herself back in the ring.

Slowly the field started to clear, most notably the NXT stars getting out of the match. Women’s United States Champion Giulia was eliminated by Zelina Vega, getting payback for taking her title away. The Secret Hervice was doing all it could to protect Chelsea Green, and Nikki Bella solved some part of the problem by eliminating Alba Fyre, and then eliminating Piper Niven with Stephanie Vaquer.

Green was the recipient of Vaquer’s Devil’s Kiss, and it led to her elimination, making the final four Lash Legend, Jax, Bella and Vaquer. When Bella tried to eliminate Jax, Legend came through with a big kick to take out the WWE Hall of Famer in a stunning move. Legend then picked Jax up in an amazing spot, and got her outside of the rope. Her and Vaquer worked together to eliminate Jax and leave it to the final two.

Vaquer hit a 619 and tried the frog splash, and Legend caught her. She tried to throw her over the rope, but went on the side alongside her. They were tangled and Vaquer was in position for the Devil’s Kiss. She hit her patented move and tossed Legend out of the ring, securing her title opportunity at Clash in Paris.

Analysis: ‘La Primera’ is truly living to her nickname, as the rising star will get the chance for main roster gold in Paris. It was an easy choice to put Vaquer in the role, as her popularity is skyrocketing as much as her talent is. Any other person winning would have caused mass outrage. The only possible option was Bella, but her loss puts her an intriguing spot to see whether she’ll continue in WWE, and what avenue she can go through.

The battle royal MVP was easily Legend, who showed so much promise in the bout and could suddenly find herself in the main roster soon.

No-holds-barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

No time was wasted between heated rivals, getting the fight going before Cargill could get in the ring. Cargill threw Naomi against the barricade, and soon afterward, Naomi recovered by delivering shots with a kendo stick. Anything that could be brought into the ring was used, from a chain, garbage can and even a camera. Cargill was leaning against the announcer’s table and Naomi dropkicked her and broke a monitor.

Naomi unleashed a brutal assault on Cargill, sending her through a table and taunting her by wiping blood with her opponents hair. Ms. Money in the Bank was cooking and set Cargill up on a table. But as she got to the top turnbuckle, Cargill got up and hit her with a chair. She then climbed up and executed a flying Jaded from the top rope in a crazy spot. It sent Naomi through the table, and Belair counted the pin as Cargill got another victory over her rival.

Analysis: What a match that was building toward becoming an instant classic, and instead, it comes to an abrupt end. This easily was one of the most brutal women’s no holds barred matches, with any possible weapon used. It was refreshing to see it actually be used since it hasn’t happened much recently.

While it was going great, and the finish was a major spot, it came rather quickly and so sudden, and it’s likely a fault of creative not giving much time. This had the potential to be a much more menacing battle but the finish felt extremely rushed. It’s a disappointment because Naomi and Cargill did so well. But give credit to the competitors for putting up a high-quality match in such little time.

Cargill is now 2-0 against her arch rival, and she continues building toward her title opportunity at SummerSlam. She’s riding all the momentum, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Naomi ruins it all, and gets the last laugh.

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

The veteran and youngster tried to feel each other out in the early stages, taking the safe approach to the match. Stratus showed she still has plenty in the tank with a spectacular hurricanrana out of the ring, and used that to get to her signature skillset. When Stratus attempted her chop, Stratton dodged it and gave her a taste of her own medicine.

Being a sensational athlete, Stratton executed a swanton beautifully, just slightly different than the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Later, Stratton tried it, but this time Stratus got her knees up to block it. Stratton then countered it with a Stratisfaction. But the pin attempt didn’t work to stun the champion.

Stratus tried a Lita-esque moonsault, but Stratton returned the favor and got her knees up. She got up, picked Stratus up and catapulted her on the mat. Then Stratton attempted her finisher, and this time it landed. She pinned Stratus to retain the title.

After the match, Stratus got a standing ovation from the crowd as she stood in the ring by herself, hinting that possibly could be the final ride for the WWE Hall of Famer.

Analysis: Stratus indeed, still has it. The decorated star hung around with Stratton and delivered plenty of nostalgia, and she could be a full-time wrestler if she wanted to. While it’s enough to be a champion, there wasn’t a chance she’d take down Stratton. The current champion has taken on any and all challengers, and has put up a stellar performance each time. In a moment that could have been seen as a passing of the torch, Stratton gracefully takes it.

If this is it for Stratus, she went out with a bang.

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

The Kabuki Warriors were feeding off the crowd to start and it got them an early advantage, but Rodriguez came into the fold and completely overpowered anyone that got in her way, showcasing how challenging it would be to dethrone the champions. Then Zaria got the chance to show her stuff to a bigger audience, and the NXT stars teed off on Alexa Bliss.

It was only a matter of time before Flair got in the ring, and Bliss tagged her in and the crowd went crazy. The decorated star cleared the field, and that’s when the chaos unfolded.

There were finishers being done everywhere, from Flair’s spear to Sol Ruca’s Sol Snatcher. Thanks to an accidental spear from Zaria to Sol Ruca, it paved the way for the champions. Rodriguez and Perez cleared the field, and all that was left was Sol Ruca in the ring. Rodriguez picked her up and threw her down on the mat and got the pin to retain the gold.

Analysis: Multiple-tag team matches always turn into a massive frenzy, and that’s what we got in a wild one. There were several fun spots, and the moves that needed to happen were executed to a tee. Every team had a good reason to win, but the champions needed to retain to strengthen what’s going with The Judgment Day.

Now the relationship between Rodriguez and Perez strengthens, and it will make for a quality story with the gold in the mix.

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

The challenger flexed her muscles out of the gate, and it looked like it could be quick work for Grace to take the title. But Jayne didn’t back down and held her own in delivering a solid attack. It didn’t last long before Grace’s power was overwhelming. The only way Jayne was able to avoid falling into a deep hole was just moving out of any big shots Grace tried.

Jayne was yelling at Grace any time she tried any move, and it seemed to only fuel Grace to countering what would happen next. Grace went to the top turnbuckle, but Jayne met her to take her down and followed it with a running knee. The pin attempt didn’t work.

Fallon Henley brought the NXT title in the ring to help Jayne, and Blake Monroe stopped it from being used as a weapon. The championship made it in, but Jayne couldn’t use it. The referee got distracted and Monroe had the title in her hands, but when Grace bounced off the turnbuckle, the stunner happened. Monroe hit Grace in the back, and Jayne capitalized with a massive hit to the face. She got the pin, and Monroe delivered the championship to Jayne before walking away.

Analysis: What transitional champion? It felt like Jayne would be giving up the title now that Grace was in the title scene, but instead we have the makings of a potential massive feud. Jayne keeps the title, and her reign still gets a chance to develop her character.

But the bigger story is the development between Grace and Monroe. It felt like we’d get a softer version of Monroe in WWE with her charm being all we’ve seen. Instead, Monroe is going heel, something she’s incredibly great at delivering. It will make for even better television, and Grace will have to face a massive obstacle if she wants WWE gold.

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

After getting the crowd hyped, Bayley knocked Valkyria and went toe-to-toe with Lynch. Valkyria came back and there was quick action from everyone in the ring. Anytime it looked like someone would establish control, someone would come in and halt any momentum.

The action went outside of the ring, and Lynch finally got in control by throwing Bayley against the barricade. With Valkyria down, Lynch went to work on Bayley and tried to get a quick victory. Bayley withstood the attack, and when Valkyria came back into the match, it allowed the ‘Role Model’ to get to work. She landed shots to both opponents that got the crowd rocking.

Lynch and Bayley met at the top turnbuckle, and Lynch tried the Disarm-Her. Bayley got out of it, and when she did, there was Valkyria launched off the ring to take both stars out. She came close to getting the pin. Lynch then came close with a double DDT and then a Manhandle Slam nearly got her a win, but Bayley broke up the pin attempt. Bayley landed her finisher on the champion, and Valkyria broke up the pin. Valkyria then hit Nightwing on Lynch and that pin didn’t work.

Valkyria and Bayley went back and forth and felt close, but the champion saw the window. Bayley hit the Rose Plant on Valkyria and got the pin attempt, only for Lynch to sneak in and roll Bayley up. The surprise worked to retain the title.

Analysis: What an excellent match to start what should be an incredible night. A blend of seasoned veterans meeting with a rising star made an excellent recipe for a title fight. In triple threat matches, the challenge is for every star the chance to shine. Not only did everyone get chance to strut their stuff, but they went off doing so.

The rivalry has been great and a case could have been made for this match to be the main event. The heat has felt authentic, and Lynch getting the roll up victory should help each challenger build a case for a rematch. It’s hard to pick either Bayley or Valkyria to get the nod, which is why another triple threat match could, and should, happen.

Stephanie McMahon kicks off show

McMahon appears and speaks with Joe Tessitore. She said the women’s division has grown tremendously since the first Evolution.

‘Get ready to be inspired. Because we get to do it all over again,’ McMahon said.

When is Evolution 2025?

WWE Evolution is on Sunday, July 13.

Evolution 2025 start time

Evolution will start at 7 p.m. ET. The preshow begins at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is Evolution 2025?

The event takes place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to watch Evolution 2025

Evolution 2025 will be streamed on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on Netflix in most markets.

How to watch Evolution 2025 preshow

The Evolution preshow will be available to watch on Peacock, and on WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

Stream WWE Evolution on Peacock

Evolution 2025 match card

Matches not in order

  • Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris
  • No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)
  • Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)
  • Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria
  • NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
  • WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus
  • Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

Intercontinental Championship match to kick off show

Who is in Evolution battle royal?

There are at least 14 confirmed participants for the battle royal. It has not been announced how many total contestants there will be.

  • Nikki Bella
  • Stephanie Vaquer
  • Ivy Nile
  • Nia Jax
  • Natalya
  • Maxxine Dupri
  • Zelina Vega
  • Giulia
  • Kelani Jordan
  • Jaida Parker
  • Lola Vice
  • Lash Legend
  • Izzi Dame
  • Tatum Paxley

WWE Evolution predictions

USA TODAY Sports give their predictions for Evolution. See the full predictions for how it will unfold here:

Battle royal for championship match at Clash in Paris

  • Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer
  • Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer

No holds barred match: Jade Cargill vs. Naomi (with Bianca Belair as special guest referee)

  • Jordan Mendoza: Jade Cargill
  • Richard Morin: Jade Cargill

Fatal four-way tag team match for WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Sol Ruca and Zaria vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

  • Jordan Mendoza: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
  • Richard Morin: Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez

Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria

  • Jordan Mendoza: Becky Lynch
  • Richard Morin: Becky Lynch

NXT Women’s Championship match: Jacy Jane (c) vs. Jordynne Grace

  • Jordan Mendoza: Jordynne Grace
  • Richard Morin: Jordynne Grace

WWE Women’s Championship match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Trish Stratus

  • Jordan Mendoza: Tiffany Stratton
  • Richard Morin: Tiffany Stratton

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

  • Jordan Mendoza: Iyo Sky
  • Richard Morin: Rhea Ripley

Charlotte Flair is having fun in new role

For the first time in her career, Charlotte Flair is having fun.

That’s not to say there weren’t fun moments. After all, she is a 14-time WWE Women’s Champion – 16-time if you count the two NXT Women’s Championships – a former Women’s Tag Team Champion, and the only woman to win the Royal Rumble twice. Plus, she’s one of five women to ever main event WrestleMania. 

But all those accolades came with immense pressure. How can it not with the Flair last name?

Now, Flair’s shoulders seem lighter. The pressure that has followed every step of her career has come off. For the first time, we’re seeing a different side of Flair in WWE. One that’s more authentic, vulnerable and far from the jet-flying, limousine-riding, high-profile character that’s been in the main event scene for the past decade.

And she’s loving every part of it. 

– Read more about Charlotte Flair here.

WWE brings back Evolution

It’s been desired for years, and WWE finally will hold the second iteration of Evolution. The first one happened in 2018 and was the company’s first all-women event. The historic night hadnine matches take place, and it was headlined by Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella.

Evolution also caps off what is a busy weekend in Atlanta for WWE. On Saturday, July 12, it held NXT The Great American Bash and Saturday Night’s Main Event later in the night. The weekend is capped off with Evolution.

NXT Great American Bash results

It’s been a big weekend for WWE in Atlanta as Evolution will be the third show in three days from the city. The weekend kicked off with NXT The Great American Bash on Saturday, July 12 afternoon. Here are the results from NXT’s show:

  • Je’Von Evens def. Jasper Troy
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship match: Sol Ruca (c) def. Izzi Dame
  • NXT North American Championship match: Ethan Page (c) def. Ricky Saints
  • Trick Williams, Joe Hendry and Mike Santana sign contract for TNA Wrestling World Championship match
  • NXT Championship match: Oba Femi (c) def. Yoshiki Inamura
  • Jordynne Grace and Blake Monroe def. Jacy Jane and Fallon Henley

Saturday Night’s Main Event results

Another edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event took place less than 24 hours before Evolution. The night was highlighted by Goldberg’s final match. Here are the results:

  • Randy Orton def. Drew McIntyre
  • United States Championship match: Solo Sikoa (c) def. Jimmy Uso
  • LA Knight def. Seth Rollins
  • World Heavyweight Championship match: Gunther (c) def. Goldberg

Seth Rollins injury update

It won’t affect anything at Evolution, but the talk of the WWE world is the potential devastating injury Seth Rollins suffered at Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

The injury occurred against LA Knight. Rollins attempted a moonsault in the ring when his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed at his right knee as he backed into the corner of the ring and talked to the referee and Paul Heyman. LA Knight tried to attack Rollins but the referee stopped anything from happening.

Once Rollins got back on his feet, LA Knight hit him with the BFT and got the pin for a quick win. After the match, people inside State Farm Arena took photos of medical personnel checking on Rollins. A video of Rollins circulating on social media showed his clear frustration, the wrestler barking expletives and requiring help to leave the ring. 

– Read more about Rollins’ injury here.

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ATLANTA — As Matt Holliday’s eldest sons navigated their way through amateur baseball, rising from decent prospects to potential first-round picks, the difference between father and sons became apparent in their public appearances:

Jackson and Ethan were simply different physical specimens than their father, a seven-time All-Star who at 6-4 and 240 pounds still looks like he could bat cleanup – or be an edge rusher – for somebody.

But now, there is an undeniable link between the OG Holliday and Ethan: Son will follow in father’s footsteps as a Colorado Rockie.

MLB DRAFT TRACKER: Every pick from 2025’s first round

Ethan Holliday’s draft day didn’t begin as anticipated Sunday night, with the Washington Nationals opting for his Oklahoma prep shortstop cohort, Eli Willits, as the No. 1 overall pick, followed by collegiate arms Tyler Bremner and Kade Anderson by the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.

But any semblance of a slide turned into serendipity.

The Rockies did not hesitate to snag Holliday with the fourth overall pick, opting for a shortstop who stands eye to eye with his father yet posseses an athleticism that allows him to patrol shortstop.

Ethan is also taller and projected to be stronger than older brother Jackson, and although he did not equal Jackson’s 2022 feat by becoming the first overall pick, he has the ceiling to light up Coors Field.

Holliday batted .661 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs for Stillwater High School this season, earning consensus as the No. 1 pick yet not separating himself to the extent an organization’s whims or the vagaries of bonus pool allocation might get a club like Washington to switch up.

Yet there’s a certain family tradition he’s now happy to inherit.

Matt Holliday mashed in Denver, hitting 130 home runs in six seasons, with a .936 OPS and a 131 adjusted OPS, meaning that with altitude factored in he was still approaching elite offensive production. He provided one of the more iconic moments in franchise history, sliding home just ahead of the throw (or not – the play would be a lightning rod for eventual replay review) – to score the winning run in a one-game playoff against the San Diego Padres in 2007.

The Rockies would advance to their only World Series weeks later; Ethan Holiday was just seven months old.

‘Man, this is a really incredible opportunity,’ Ethan Holliday said in an MLB Network interview shortly after the Rockies selected him. ‘I’m so driven by faith, so grateful. I don’t even know what words to put to this. The Rockies organization, I’m just so thankful to them.

‘That just adds such a cool thing, knowing everyone in the organization since I was born.’

Eventually, the Rockies faded and traded Holliday to Oakland, and he went on to have seven All-Star campaigns with the Cardinals. He finished up with a final, partial season in Colorado, by which time young Jackson and Ethan were familiar sights in Matt’s clubhouses.

Now, it will seem like déjà vu in Denver, with a thinner, perhaps more athletic and potentially potent Holliday back in town.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

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The early prognosis for Seth Rollins’ injury: ‘Doesn’t look good.’

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque addressed Rollins’ injury during his press conference following Evolution. He said it’s ‘a little bit inconclusive’ of what injury Rollins suffered on Saturday, July 13, but the outlook is not good. Levesque expects to get an answer on Monday, July 14 when Rollins sees a doctor.

‘Will get an MRI and hope for the best,’ Levesque said. ‘See where we can go with that.’

What happened to Seth Rollins?

It’s a gloomy update one day after Rollins appeared to suffer a devastating injury during a televised match. Rollins faced LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and during the match he attempted a moonsault in the ring and his knee buckled. He immediately went down and grabbed his knee as he backed into the corner of the ring, with the referee and Paul Heyman checking in on him.

A ringside doctor eventually came and talked with Rollins. After the brief discussion, Rollins got back to his feet and LA Knight hit the BFT to set up the pin for the win. It came off as a quick adjustment to the ending.

After the match, people inside the arena took video of Rollins getting help leaving the ring, and one video on social media showed Rollins’ clearly frustrated, with the wrestler barking expletives as he was assisted.

While the extent of Rollins’ injury is still unavailable, it likely is a major injury for ‘The Visionary’ and could potentially mean some big changes to storylines. Rollins is Mr. Money in the Bank, able to cash it in for a championship opportunity at any time, and there was speculation he would do it at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Plus, he is still riding the momentum of his WrestleMania 41 victory, and was leading a stable with Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Heyman. The menacing group was also involved in storylines with Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Penta.

Seth Rollins injury history: Constant knee injuries

The injury is just the latest one to affect Rollins’ knee, as its something that’s plagued his WWE career.

In November 2015, Rollins tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus in his right knee during a live event in Ireland. He required surgery, and was forced to vacate the WWE World Heavyweight Champion as he missed seven months. Rollins then re-tore the MCL in the same knee in January 2017, but didn’t miss much time.

He tore the meniscus in his left knee in January 2024. Even though he was injured, Rollins still appeared in WWE as World Heavyweight Champion while taking part in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. He wrestled both nights of the event despite the injury, and was instrumental in the Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock and Roman Reigns storyline. He missed two months of action following the event.

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NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BET,OTC:NSBBF) (OTCQB: NSBBF) (‘NorthStar’ or the ‘Company’) today announced that its Board of Directors approved the grant of equity incentive awards pursuant to the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (the ‘Plan’).

The Company has granted an aggregate of 5,078,913 deferred share units (‘DSUs’) pursuant to the Plan to non-executive directors of the Company in lieu of cash compensation for their services rendered in 2024. Satisfying the compensation in share-based compensation is part of the Company’s ongoing efforts to reduce costs. The DSUs vest immediately and may only be redeemed upon a holder ceasing to be a director of the Company.

The grant of DSUs is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About NorthStar

NorthStar proudly owns and operates NorthStar Bets, a Canadian-born casino and sportsbook platform that delivers a premium, distinctly local gaming experience. Designed with high-stakes players in mind, NorthStar Bets Casino offers a curated selection of the most popular games, ensuring an elevated user experience. Our sportsbook stands out with its exclusive Sports Insights feature, seamlessly integrating betting guidance, stats, and scores, all tailored to meet the expectations of a premium audience.

As a Canadian company, NorthStar is uniquely positioned to cater to customers who seek a high-quality product and an exceptional level of personalized service, setting a new standard in the industry. NorthStar is committed to operating at the highest level of responsible gaming standards.

NorthStar is listed in Canada on the TSXV under the symbol BET and in the United States on the OTCQB under the symbol NSBBF. For more information on the company, please visit: www.northstargaming.ca.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This communication contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada (‘forward-looking statements’), including without limitation, statements with respect to the following: expected performance of the Company’s business, and the timing of the release of the Company’s financial results. The foregoing is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company’s anticipated financial position, results of operations, and operating environment. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’, ‘is expected’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’, ‘continues’, ‘forecasts’, ‘projects’, ‘predicts’, ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘believes’, or variations of, or the negatives of, such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘should’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. This forward-looking information is based on management’s opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered by NorthStar to be appropriate and reasonable as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking information. Such factors include, among others, the following: risks related to the Company’s business and financial position; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry risks; future legislative and regulatory developments; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; and those factors discussed in greater detail under the ‘Risk Factors’ section of the Company’s most recent annual information form, which is available under NorthStar’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Many of these risks are beyond the Company’s control.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the opinions, estimates or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results or future events might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents NorthStar’s expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

For further information:

Company Contact:
Corey Goodman
Chief Development Officer 647-530-2387
investorrelations@northstargaming.ca

Investor Relations:
RB Milestone Group LLC (RBMG)
Northstar@rbmilestone.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/258672

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Ndamukong Suh announced his retirement on Saturday. Some of you will know that name. Some of you will not. Everyone who follows the NFL and appreciates its history should have a deep appreciation of who Suh was. What he represented. All of him. The good, the bad, the really ugly. So here it is.

Suh was in many ways a representative of the NFL before it became the league we see now. He was an old-school football dude in a 21st-century era. If there was a player today who embodied the clotheslining, cheap-shotting, step-on-a-player’s leg while they’re down era of the 1970s, it was Suh. In fact, Suh actually did step on a player’s leg while he was down. He did it to Aaron Rodgers.

Suh was dirty. That’s not an opinion. That’s who Suh was. Don’t take my word for it. His peers said the same. The Sporting News in 2012 asked 103 players who was the dirtiest in the NFL and Suh was at the top of the list. He earned that position.

‘There’s not many guys in this league like that guy,’ former Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount said in 2017. ‘He’s a dirty player. He’s always been a dirty player. There’s no room in the game for that. At some point in time, guys have to defend themselves when he’s doing the things that he does.’

Suh was fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for various late hits, dirty plays and on-field illegalities. In fact, by 2023, he had racked up a staggering $420,669 in fines. Part of that unreal total was a $100,000 fine for a low block against Minnesota’s John Sullivan in the 2013 season opener.

This is who Suh was. But there is another part of him.

I was a massive critic of Suh, but I always appreciated how he was unapologetic about who he was, and I believe Suh saw football for what it really is: at times, and perhaps most of the time, a brutal sport played by tough people. That’s it. That’s all. Not the game that the league and networks sell. The beautified game. The flashy game. That’s not who Suh was.

It’s hard to put into words just how offenses feared Suh. Quarterbacks were terrified of him for legitimate reasons. But also, teams feared him because he was physically devastating, not just a cheap shot guy.

Busted knees, a fractured throat: Don’t forget harsh price NFL players pay

Suh was the second overall pick in the 2010 draft and the league’s defensive rookie of the year. He dominated in Detroit and then signed a deal with Miami that, at the time, made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. After the Dolphins, he played for the Rams and Buccaneers before ending his career in Philadelphia.

The point is, besides the dirtiness, he was really good. Like, historically good. Suh played in Super Bowls for each of his last three teams, something that almost never happens in NFL history. According to Pro Football Talk, the short list of players who have played in Super Bowls for three different franchises includes Rod Woodson (Steelers, Ravens, Raiders), Bill Romanowski (49ers, Broncos, Raiders), Preston Pearson (Colts, Steelers, Cowboys), Harry Swayne (Chargers, Broncos, Ravens) and Joe Jurevicius (Giants, Buccaneers, Seahawks).

To me, he is a Hall of Famer.

And no, the cheap shot stuff shouldn’t keep him out. It should be noted, and debated, but he was, without question, one of the great defensive players of his era. That’s the bottom line in making that type of decision.

I have to tell you something else about Suh. Just one last thing.

You can see some of what these people who spoke to me meant when reading Suh’s thoughtful and heartfelt retirement post, which starts by noting he was retiring on the same day, a year later, that his father died.

“It’s the day I said goodbye to my father, the man who raised me, shaped me, challenged me, and believed in me before I believed in myself,” Suh wrote. “He wasn’t just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my anchor. He taught me what it meant to be disciplined, focused, and relentless in everything I do. Every snap I took in football carried his fingerprint. Every time I lined up across from someone, I could hear his voice pushing me, reminding me that I wasn’t just representing myself. I was representing him, my family, my name. Before he passed, he gave me one final piece of advice, ‘It’s time to let football go. You’ve done everything you set out to do. Now it’s time for the next chapter.’”

That next chapter should include a trip to Canton.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

ATLANTA — As Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game loses just a shimmer of star power, the league made sure to let the world know Tuesday night’s pitching matchup will be top-notch.

For the second consecutive season, fireballing Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes will start for the National League, opposed by Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner and the undisputed best pitcher in baseball at the moment.

Pitting Skenes against the Detroit Tigers ace takes some sting out of losing a minivan’s worth of stars declining to participate in the game, led perhaps most notably by Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia’s 35-year-old ace who opted to rest instead of take part in his fourth Midsummer Classic.

Had Wheeler, who pitched Saturday night against the San Diego Padres, opted to participate, it would have created a tough decision for MLB and NL manager Dave Roberts. Wheeler has likely had the objectively superior first half – though not by much – leaving the league to decide between Wheeler and the buzzier, if you will, Skenes.

That won’t be a problem come Tuesday, as Skenes, who has a 4-8 record despite 4.8 WAR and a 2.01 ERA, will throw the first pitch at Truist Park against the AL All-Stars. Skenes will be first out the chute for the AL, thanks to his 2.23 ERA and a staggering 153 strikeouts in 121 innings.

Other stars who have opted out or been replaced due to the timing of their final first-half starts include Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez and Texas right-hander Jacob de Grom. Others, like Atlanta lefty Chris Sale and Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, are either injured or returned very recently from injury and won’t play.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fastDownload for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

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A massive injury may alter all of WWE.

Seth Rollins appeared to suffer a legitimate injury during Saturday Night’s Main Event, putting the immediate future of one of the company’s biggest stars in jeopardy.

The injury occurred during a match against LA Knight. Rollins was on the attack and had attempted a moonsault in the ring when his knee buckled. Rollins immediately went down and grabbed at his right knee. He backed into the corner of the ring and talked to the referee and Paul Heyman. LA Knight tried to attack Rollins but the referee stopped anything from happening.

A ringside doctor eventually came and checked in on Rollins. ‘The Visionary’ briefly spoke with the WWE staffer before he got to his feet. LA Knight hit the BFT and got the pin for the win in what seemed like a quick adjustment to the ending.

After the match, people inside Atlanta’s State Farm Arena took photos of medical personnel checking on Rollins. A video of Rollins circulating on social media showed his clear frustration, the wrestler barking expletives and requiring help to leave the ring. 

While the extent of Rollins’ injury is currently unknown, it could be catastrophic and potentially means some big changes to storylines. Rollins is Mr. Money in the Bank, able to cash it in for a championship opportunity at any time, and there was speculation he would do it at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

With Heyman, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker part of his stable, Rollins was also on a hot streak ever since his WrestleMania 41 win in April. The group has become one of the most menacing in WWE.

Seth Rollins update

Seth Rollins injury history: Knee injuries have plagued career

The apparent knee injury on July 12 is just the latest one for Rollins. Knee injuries have put him on the shelf several times in the past.

In November 2015, Rollins tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus in his right knee during a live event in Ireland. He was the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and had to relinquish the title as he required surgery. He was out for seven months. Rollins then re-tore the MCL in the same knee in January 2017. Despite requiring another surgery, he didn’t miss much time.

He tore his meniscus again in January 2024, but this time in his left knee. Even though he was injured, Rollins still appeared in WWE in the build-up to WrestleMania 40. He wrestled both nights of the event with the torn meniscus, and was instrumental in the Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock and Roman Reigns storyline. He missed two months of action following the event.

While knee injuries have been a constant problem for Rollins, he has also dealt with back issues throughout his career.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The New York Yankees All-Star outfielder became the fastest player ever to hit 350 career home runs, setting the mark with a two-run blast in the ninth inning off Chicago Cubs reliever Brad Keller. Judge took a 97-mph four-seam fastball on an 0-2 count, supplanting the ball into right center field to get the Yankees on the board.

New York lost the game 5-2. The home run was Judge’s 35th of the season, and it was his 1,088th game in the majors. Mark McGwire had the previous record, hitting his 350th home run in his 1,280th game. The 33-year-old Judge was also the fastest to reach 250 and 300 career home runs, and McGwire is the fastest to 400 roundtrippers (1,412 games).

Judge, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, is hitting .358 with 35 home runs and 81 RBI. Judge leads the majors in hits (125), OPS (1.204), slugging percentage (.739), and wins above replacement.

Aaron Judge blasts 350th home run

Here is a look at the historic home run.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet was elected the new president of the National Basketball Players Association during the Board of Player Representatives meeting on Saturday.

He will begin a four-year term immediately, succeeding CJ McCollum.

VanVleet recently signed a two-year, $50 million contract to stay in Houston. The veteran guard won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and was named an All-Star in 2022. He also set records for the highest-paid contract for an undrafted player.

McCollum, who was recently traded to the Washington Wizards, saw his term expire. He had served as NBPA president since August 2021. In 2023, McCollum led the players’ association in negotiations to complete a seven-year collective bargaining agreement.

He’s expected to stay involved in the NBPA, moving into an advisory role.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY