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- The First Whistle: 17 double-digit leads blown
The First Whistle: 17 double-digit leads blown
The 41-year-old youth football coach who defeated the Ravens and led Harbaugh to a painfully familiar fourth quarter fate.
Hi ,
The best part of football season? The storylines.
And undoubtedly the best story of NFL week one surrounded a youth football coach. One day you’re coaching kids in Arizona, the next you’re kicking a game-winning field goal to cap quite possibly the best game of the entire NFL season.
Scroll to our starts at the bottom to read more!
— Avery Glover
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NCAA permanently bans three Fresno State, San Jose State basketball players for gambling on themselves
The NCAA has permanently revoked the eligibility of Fresno State’s Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver, along with San Jose State’s Steven Vasquez, following an investigation into sports gambling violations. Robinson and Vasquez coordinated bets on Robinson’s planned underperformance in a January 2025 game, netting a $15,950 payout. Robinson also placed 13 additional prop bets on his own games and wagered on Weaver’s performance. Weaver, who cooperated with the investigation, placed a $50 parlay on himself, Robinson, and another player, winning $260. The NCAA’s ruling enforces its policy of permanent ineligibility for athletes betting on their own games, though all three were seniors last season. |
Apollo plans $5B push into sports investments
Apollo Global Management is set to launch a $5 billion sports investment vehicle, its first permanent capital allocation for the industry, as it expands its presence in the fast-growing sports finance market. The firm, which manages over $800 billion in assets, has already made moves in sports, including a $107 million loan to Nottingham Forest and interest in a stake in Atletico Madrid. Apollo plans to hire staff to lead the initiative, focusing on lending to leagues and teams and acquiring club stakes. This move places Apollo among other major private capital firms like CVC Capital Partners and Ares Management, which are also deepening their investments in global sports assets. |
Larry Gies makes transformational $100 million gift to Illinois Athletics
University of Illinois alumnus Larry Gies has made a historic $100 million gift to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the largest in DIA history and among the biggest ever for a college athletics program. In honor of his late father, a U.S. Army veteran, Memorial Stadium will be renamed Gies Memorial Stadium, serving as a tribute to veterans and their sacrifices. The gift underscores Gies’ support for the trajectory of Fighting Illini Athletics, which has seen recent success in football, men’s and women’s basketball, and across 16 Big Ten Championships. University leaders praised the donation as transformative, ensuring the stadium remains a symbol of honor for future generations while advancing Illinois’ athletic and academic mission. The naming recognition is pending approval by the Board of Trustees on September 18, 2025.
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Group that facilitated NIL deal for football video game now says it’s ‘not enough’
EA Sports has increased its payment to college football players to $1,500 for next year’s EA Sports College Football game but removed the automatic opt-out clause, leaving players to contact EA individually if they wish to withdraw. OneTeam Partners, which facilitates NIL deals for the game but lacks the power of a players’ union, is now distancing itself from EA’s contract terms, citing concerns over the lack of royalties and opt-out rights despite being required to distribute the agreements. Critics argue that without a formal players’ union, athletes are left with little bargaining power, forcing them to either accept EA’s terms—higher than last year’s $600 deal but still below industry standards—or opt out entirely.
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Rob Higgins named USF’s first CEO of Athletics
The University of South Florida has named Rob Higgins, a USF alum and longtime executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, as its first-ever CEO of Athletics. Higgins, who has led efforts to bring major events like two Super Bowls, a College Football Playoff National Championship, and numerous NCAA championships to Tampa Bay, returns to USF with a mandate to take a business-driven approach to athletics—growing revenue, embracing innovation, and elevating the university’s national profile. Known for his impact on the region and recognition as one of the top sports marketers in the world, Higgins called the appointment a “dream come true” and expressed excitement to lead USF Athletics during a pivotal moment, including the upcoming opening of the school’s new on-campus stadium. |
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese joins the TOGETHXR ownership group
Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward and two-time WNBA All-Star, has joined the TOGETHXR ownership group. This collective was founded in 2021 by Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Simone Manuel, and Chloe Kim to advance women’s sports through authentic storytelling and advocacy. Reese, known for her outspoken leadership and impact on and off the court, said the move allows her to stand alongside trailblazers and bring a fresh perspective to the group’s mission. Her addition comes as she leads the WNBA in double-doubles this season and continues to use her platform to push for greater investment and visibility in women’s sports — a goal aligned with TOGETHXR’s mission to challenge the system and amplify the voices of female athletes. |
Start 2/Bench 2
⬆️ Natalie Achonwa. Natalie Achonwa is beginning her second season in Ann Arbor, now serving as both General Manager and Assistant Coach for the Wolverines. - Michigan Women’s Basketball |