Arráez's go-ahead single sparks 5-run 11th inning, Padres beat Diamondbacks 10-5

Arráez's go-ahead single sparks 5-run 11th inning, Padres beat Diamondbacks 10-5

PHOENIX (AP) — Luis Arráez had the go-ahead single in the 11th inning, Ramón Laureano added three hits and three RBIs, and the San Diego Padres beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-5 on Tuesday night. Arráez was hitless in five at-bats before hitting a bloop single into short left field, which was enough to score Fernando Tatis Jr. from second base for a 6-5 lead. The Padres would tack on four more runs in the 11th. San Diego has won eight of its past 10 games. Arizona had a three-game winning streak snapped. Arizona's Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit two homers, including one on a 103.9 mph fastball from Mason Miller that made it 5-all in the eighth. It was the hardest hit pitch for a homer since MLB began pitch tracking in 2008. Laureano — who wasadded from the Baltimore Orioles at last week's trade deadline— had a two-run double in the seventh that gave the Padres a 5-3 lead. The 31-year-old is 8 for 22 at the plate over five games with his new team. D-backs starter Ryne Nelson gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings, striking out eight. The right-hander left the game with a 3-2 lead and nobody on base in the sixth, but the D-backs bullpen walked four straight batters — three by Kyle Nelson and one by Andrew Hoffmann — to force in the tying run. Gurriel hit a two-run homer in the first to give the D-backs a 2-0 lead. It was his 13th homer of the season and first in more than a month. Key moment San Diego third baseman Jose Iglesias made a great defensive play to end the 10th inning, fielding a ground ball, stepping on third and throwing to first for the double play. Key stat The Padres had six hits in the 11th inning. Up next The Padres send LHP Nestor Cortes (1-1, 9.00 ERA) to the mound to face D-backs RHP Anthony DeSclafani (1-2, 4.91) on Wednesday. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

Arráez's go-ahead single sparks 5-run 11th inning, Padres beat Diamondbacks 10-5

Arráez's go-ahead single sparks 5-run 11th inning, Padres beat Diamondbacks 10-5 PHOENIX (AP) — Luis Arráez had the go-ahead single in t...

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2025 WNBA trade deadline: Players on the move, grades for every deal

2025 WNBA trade deadline: Players on the move, grades for every deal

The 2025WNBAtrade deadline is quickly approaching, and there are several players to monitor as movement heats up before the deadline on Thursday, Aug. 7. Only a couple of players have moved so far withDiJonai Carrington, last year's Most Improved Player, going to the 2024 WNBA runner-upMinnesota Lynxand 2025 All-StarBrittney Sykesto theSeattle Storm. Here are afew players that could moveand here's a round up of the 2025 WNBA trade deadline deals so far: Storm get: G Brittney Sykes Mystics get: F Alysha Clark G Zia Cooke (has since been waived) 2026 first-round draft pick Sykes is averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 31.8% from beyond the arc. The 5-foot-9 guard receivedher first All-Star selectionthis season and has four WNBA all-defensive team selections during her nine-year career, which also includes stints with the Atlanta Dream andLos Angeles Sparks. She signed with the Mystics as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season.Read more about the trade here. Adding Sykes to Seattle does a few things. It gives the Storm a versatile defender who plays larger than they are, plus a player who can create for themselves and others. Sykes will all but certainly be inserted into the starting rotation, and that should be a very nice one-two punch with Wheeler. Additionally, Seattle now has fewer excuses not to succeed. Heading into next season, theMystics now have three first-round picks. That's not including the other selections they have in the 2026 WNBA draft. Essentially, Washington would have plenty of options to choose from, including TCU guard Olivia Miles, UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts and UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd. ∎READ MORE:Full Sykes trade grades from Meghan L. Hall Lynx get: G DiJonai Carrington Wings get: F Diamond Miller G Karlie Samuelson (has since been waived) 2027 second-round draft pick It is the second trade in a matter of months for Carrington, who was traded to the Wings from the Connecticut Sun back in February. The former second-round pick out of Baylor is averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists this season.Read more about the trade here. Bringing in Carrington does a few things for Reeve's squad. First, it adds valuable guard and wing depth. Carrington is more comfortable as a wing, but could take over point guard duties if necessary. She can even start if they need her to, which is huge. With that in mind, veteran Kayla McBride has to be jumping for joy right now. Carrington will fit nicely as depth behind her, and because she's an excellent defender, it takes a lot more pressure off McBride to have to be everything all at once. Guard Diamond Miller now has a new place to get more minutes and should thrive with the Wings. Veteran Karlie Samuelson is out for the season with an injury, but once healthy, there's a chance she could add quality minutes, too. Also, future draft stock never hurts. The Wings are somewhat leaning into a soft rebuild and should continue making moves for the future. ∎READ MORE:Full Carrington trade grades from Meghan L. Hall The 2025 WNBA trade deadline is at 3 p.m. ET Thursday, Aug. 7. After that, teams cannot make trades for the remainder of the season. The trade deadline in the WNBA is not traditionally as busy as those in the NFL, NBA or MLB. The WNBA's hard salary cap ($1,507,100 per team) has no flexibility, meaning a team can't go over. That means team have to be able to make the money work in any trade dollar for dollar. Even with addition of the Golden State Valkyries, there are only 13 teams with 12 players each in the league. With fewer players, there are fewer trades. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA trade deadline 2025: Players changing teams, trade grades

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

2025 WNBA trade deadline: Players on the move, grades for every deal

2025 WNBA trade deadline: Players on the move, grades for every deal The 2025WNBAtrade deadline is quickly approaching, and there are severa...

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“Titanic” Producer Reveals Why Matthew McConaughey Didn't Get Role in the Iconic Film

"Titanic" Producer Reveals Why Matthew McConaughey Didn't Get Role in the Iconic Film

Rick Kern/FilmMagic; Moviestore/Shutterstock According to an upcoming book, Matthew McConaughey did not land a role inTitanicdue in large part to his Southern drawl McConaughey's accent did not resonate with the film's director, James Cameron, writes Jon Landau in his memoir, which is set to be published posthumously While Cameron asked the actor to try his audition "a different way," McConaughey allegedly did not Matthew McConaugheyallegedly lost out on the role of Jack Dawson inTitanicbecause he wouldn't let go of his Southern accent, according to a memoir written by the film's producer and set to be published posthumously. According to the memoir by producer Jon Landau — a teaser of which was obtained byMatthew Belloni's What I'm Hearingnewsletter — actress Kate Winslet (who was cast for the role of Rose) "was taken with Matthew, his presence and charm." But McConaughey's accent did not resonate with the film's director, James Cameron, who told the actor, "That's great, now let's try it a different way," according to Landau's book. But McConaughey felt otherwise, telling Cameron, "No. That was pretty good. Thanks," writes the producer. SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty "Let's just say, that was it for McConaughey," Landau wrote. The part of Jack ultimately went toLeonardo DiCaprioand proved to be a star-making role, though 55-year-old McConaughey's career certainly didn't suffer. The Oscar winner has spoken about his audition for the iconic role in the past, saying onRob Lowe's podcastLiterally! with Rob Lowein 2021: "So I went and read with Kate Winslet, and it was not one of the auditions — they filmed it so it was like into screen test time." "After we left, you know, it was one of those ones where they, like, followed me, and when we got outside, they were like, 'That went great.' I mean, kind of, like, hugs. I really thought it was going to happen. It did not," he added. McConaughey also confirmed at the time that he was never offered the role, despite rumors that circulated afterwards. "I asked [director James] Cameron about this, because the gossip over the years that I heard and would see written about me was that I had the role inTitanicand turned it down," McConaughey recalled. "Not factual. I did not get offered that role." "For a while, I was saying, 'I gotta find that agent. They're in trouble,' " the actor joked. "I did not ever get the offer." Read the original article onPeople

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

“Titanic” Producer Reveals Why Matthew McConaughey Didn't Get Role in the Iconic Film

"Titanic" Producer Reveals Why Matthew McConaughey Didn't Get Role in the Iconic Film Rick Kern/FilmMagic; Moviestore/Shutters...

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John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno’s Comedy Advice: ‘Hard Pass’

John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno's Comedy Advice: 'Hard Pass'

John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno's Comedy Advice: 'Hard Pass'originally appeared onParade. John Oliverthrew some major shade at former late night hostJay Lenofor his recent comments that seemed to be aimed at thecancellation ofThe Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Leno said that he didn't understand the need to "alienate half the audience" with political opinions, but Oliver didn't agree. "I'm going to take a hard pass on taking comedic advice from Jay Leno," Oliver, 48, said during an interview withThe Hollywood Reporterpublished on Tuesday, August 5. "Who thinks that way? Executives? Comedy can't be for everyone. It's inherently subjective." Oliver, who got his start in American television onThe Daily Showand now hostsLast Week Tonight, continued, "When you do stand-up, some people try to play to a broader audience, which is completely legitimate. Others decide not to, which is equally legitimate. I do not think it is a question of what you should do because comedy is not prescriptive in that way. It is just what people want." News ofThe Late Show'scancellation came as a surprise to almost everyone, and several people speculated that Colbert's opinions about the current administration might have gotten the show booted from CBS. Leno, 75, weighed in during a July 22 interview with theRonald Reagan Presidential Foundation, saying: "I like to think that people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life. I love political humor — don't get me wrong. But people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other." He added, "I like to think that people come to a comedy show to get away from the pressures of life. I love political humour — don't get me wrong. But people wind up cozying too much to one side or the other," he explained. "Why shoot for just half an audience? Why not try to get the whole? I like to bring people into the big picture. I don't understand why you would alienate one particular group — or just don't do it at all. I'm not saying you have to throw your support [on one side]. But just do what's funny." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno's Comedy Advice: 'Hard Pass'first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno’s Comedy Advice: ‘Hard Pass’

John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno's Comedy Advice: 'Hard Pass' John Oliver Throws Major Shade at Jay Leno's Comedy ...

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Trump says 2028 Olympic athletes will be tested to prevent transgender competitors

Trump says 2028 Olympic athletes will be tested to prevent transgender competitors

President Donald Trumpsaid athletes hoping to compete in the2028 Olympic and Paralympic Gamesin Los Angeles will be tested to prevent transgender participants in women's sports such as boxing. Trump during an Aug. 5 press conference focused on the Olympics responded to a question from a reporter who asked about transgender athletes and whether the Department of Justice would consider pressing charges against trans women who compete in boxing, specifically. "Would your administration consider genetic testing so that these people can prove that they're actually women competing?" the reporter added. Trump said he'd "have to ask" Attorney GeneralPam Bondiabout about pursuing charges. "But there will be a very, very strong form of testing, and if the test doesn't come out appropriately, they won't be in the Olympics," Trump said. Trumpsigned an executive orderin February aimed at barring transgender student athletes from participating in women's sports. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committeelater changed its rulesto prevent participation by transgender women, citing Trump's executive order. USOPC president Gene Sykes and CEO Sarah Hirshland sent a letter to the Olympic community saying the change came after "a series of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials" following the executive order. On Aug. 4, theU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issuedpolicy guidance preventing trans women from receiving "extraordinary ability" visas to compete in women's sports. Trump's comments about testing athletes came after he signed an executive order to create a White House Olympics task force to handle security and other issues related to the 2028 games. The games are expected to draw 11,000 Olympic and 4,500 Paralympic athletes. Contributing: Nancy Armour, Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Donald Trump expects testing to block transgender Olympians

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

Trump says 2028 Olympic athletes will be tested to prevent transgender competitors

Trump says 2028 Olympic athletes will be tested to prevent transgender competitors President Donald Trumpsaid athletes hoping to compete in ...

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ESPN agrees to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel; league gets 10% equity in return

ESPN agrees to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel; league gets 10% equity in return

ESPN and theNFLare putting a ring on it – let's hope that means a huge win for their viewers. As originallyreported by The Athleticlast week, ESPN's relationship with the league will become even more intertwined in the wake of Tuesday night's announcement of a non-binding agreement in which it "will acquire NFL Network and certain other media assets owned and controlled by the NFL – including NFL's linear RedZone Channel, and NFL Fantasy – in exchange for a 10% equity stake in ESPN." The parties "are also entering into a second non-binding agreement, under which the NFL will license to ESPN certain NFL content and other intellectual property to be used by NFL Network and other assets." In addition to making more untold billions, the NFL effectively divests itself of the costs associated with in-house broadcasting. Concurrently, its product gains even wider distribution and new innovative benefits. NFL Network will continue to broadcast seven games per season with ESPN reaping the benefits of that – notably to its pending direct-to-consumer service. NFL Fantasy Football and ESPN Fantasy Football will merge. "This is an exciting day for sports fans," Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN's chairman, said in a statement. "By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN's reach and innovation, we're creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game – anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN's digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service." The breadcrumbs for this union have been apparent for some time. POWER RANKINGS:As preseason nears, who are Eagles' main threats? NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport is a frequent guest on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" and has even hosted it – certainly an unusual arrangement for entities seemingly set up as something of competitors when the league became the first of the major ones in North America to create its own broadcasting arm with the launch of NFL Network in 2003. Rich Eisen, the original face of NFLN when he left ESPN to help start it, had already been revealed as the new de facto voice of ESPN Radio – "The Rich Eisen Show" to begin airing there in September from noon to 3 p.m. ET as well as on Disney+ and ESPN+. Former NFLN reporter Peter Schrager, a longtime cast member of "Good Morning Football," the network's morning show,jumped to ESPN earlier this year. Hopefully viewers reap the benefit of better and broader coverage of the league. The entertainment goliaths have essentially been significant others for decades, ESPN broadcasting league games on Sunday nights, Monday nights and, more recently, via select streaming opportunities through the years. "NFL Live" is an hour-long afternoon show that's a staple of the network's weekday lineup, and the cable giant's morning shows typically devote the bulk of their air time to NFL news and analysis. NFL Network original programming, along with its workforce, has been steadily reduced for years. Despite its new campus adjacent to SoFi Stadium − home of the Rams and Chargers − in Inglewood, California, "GMFB," which now runs two hours (it was once four hours), is currently the only regular studio show in the NFLN lineup year-round. The nightly "The Insiders" show replaced "NFL Total Access," which had been the network's long-running equivalent of "SportsCenter," but is essentially aired from the homes of its reporters as the league opted to cut the production costs associated with doing a studio show. During the season, the network does a stripped-down Sunday night highlights show and daily fantasy show. Yet it didn't even send Eisen and Hall of Fame analyst Kurt Warner to Canton, Ohio, last weekend to anchor this year's Hall of Fame inductions. Original "GMFB" cast member Kyle Brandt wore a "SportsCenter" shirt on Monday's broadcast. There were no details Tuesday regarding the impact on programming or on-air talent, though the marriage will obviously create opportunities − along with redundancies. Multiple people at NFL Media told USA TODAY Sports that rumors of the move have lingered for months and created an environment of uncertainty. They were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. The NFL will continue to own and operate NFL Films, which has churned out 141 Sports Emmys during its existence and helped mythologize the sport over the decades. However its footprint on NFL Network has dwindled in recent years as shows like "NFL 360," "NFL Top 10" and "A Football Life" wound down. This year, its annual "NFL's Top 100 Players" − a series underpinned by player surveys to determine the league's top stars − is being distributed on X rather than airing on NFLN. 🚨Sports Emmy Wins🚨The@NFLwon 4@sportsemmysawards last night!@NFLFilmswon 3 awards -- including 1st win in partnership w/@SkydanceSports -- to bring total to 141NFL Marketing won for Outstanding Public Service Contentpic.twitter.com/ulsQx7XVKM — NFL Media (@NFLMedia)May 21, 2025 Naturally, another major concern is how the league's seedier issues will be covered. In past years, ESPN has done deep dives into troubling NFL stories, such as the highly controversial tenure of former Washington owner Daniel Snyder or the ramifications of concussions, with hard-hitting, in-depth investigative pieces − both on air and digitally. NFL Network rarely delved into such topics, particularly when an owner like Snyder or the New England Patriots' Robert Kraft was in the headlines. How such stories are reported on ESPN in the future will invite further scrutiny given the league's ownership stake. NFL Network itself has been plagued for years by the dismissal of former players turned analysts who got into trouble behind the scenes or elsewhere, a list that includes Michael Irvin, Willie McGinest, Marshall Faulk, Warren Sapp, Ike Taylor and Heath Evans, among others. HARD KNOCKS:20 most memorable moments from NFL training camp docuseries "Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the (Scouting) Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network's sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways." But how that legacy is shaped moving forward, especially regarding matters that can tarnish the reputation of America's favorite, by far, sports league remains to be seen. Per the NFL and ESPN, the "transactions are subject to the parties' negotiation of definitive agreements, various approvals including by the NFL team owners, and customary closing conditions." All NFL news on and off the field.Sign upfor USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:ESPN to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel; league gets 10% equity back

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

ESPN agrees to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel; league gets 10% equity in return

ESPN agrees to buy NFL Network, RedZone Channel; league gets 10% equity in return ESPN and theNFLare putting a ring on it – let's hope t...

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Dozens gather at Florida church for Hulk Hogan's funeral service

Dozens gather at Florida church for Hulk Hogan's funeral service

LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Dozens of people gathered Tuesday evening at a funeral service for famed wrestler Hulk Hogan, whodied last monthat 71. The private service was held at the same church where Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was baptized in 2023. He died after suffering a heart attack July 24 at his home in Clearwater, according to thePinellas County medical examiner. Hogan previously had leukemia and atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, the examiner's report said. His death was declared to be natural. The service was heavily patrolled by church security and Largo police officers, including K-9 dogs. Anyone not on the guest list was turned away near signs that read, "Private Event." President Donald Trumpposted a photo on his Truth Social platform showing him arm wrestling Hogan, saying, "They are having the 'Hulkster's' funeral today, and I thought everybody would enjoy seeing this picture." Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered flags flown at half-staff at all official buildings last Friday, which he declared "Hulk Hogan Day in Florida." Hogan was perhaps thebiggest star in WWE's long history, known for both his larger-than-life personality and his in-ring exploits. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including "Hogan Knows Best," a reality show about his life on VH1. Hogan's body will be cremated. His daughter Brooke Bollea Oleksy, better known by her stage name Brooke Hogan, memorialized her father in a recent social media post. "I am so grateful I knew the real version of him. Not just the one the world viewed through a carefully curated lens," she wrote on Instagram.

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

Dozens gather at Florida church for Hulk Hogan's funeral service

Dozens gather at Florida church for Hulk Hogan's funeral service LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Dozens of people gathered Tuesday evening at a funer...

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Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photos

Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photos

Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photosoriginally appeared onParade. Mama June Shannonrecently revealed a dramatic transformation and her shocking weight loss has fans praising her health journey. "Never lose yourself. I've been [lost] over the years, been on top and hit rock bottom. [There are] rough days as it is. It's not all peaches and rainbows," the longtime reality star, 45, captioned a new set of photos shared via Instagram on Monday, August 4. The video included a slideshow of several photos that highlighted her progress. In one shot, she wore form-fitting skinny jeans with a burgundy shirt. Her blonde hair was worn loose around her shoulders and she smiled for the selfie with a pair of sunglasses perched on her head. Fans flooded the comments section with support and praised her for recent strides she's made in her relationships with her daughters. "We can say what we want but honestly you've redeemed your place as matriarch or the family; you've stepped up so much!!" one Instagram user wrote. "And you look so good whilst doing it." Another person added, "Good for you! I love, love your hair color and hair cut in the picture with the brown top and jeans." View this post on Instagram A post shared by June Shannon (@mamajune) A third chimed in and said, "Having a good man who loves you no matter what you weigh is what we all need. You look amazing and I love that you never stopped trying." The famous mom of four has long been open about her ups and downs with weight loss, and in 2015, she underwent a gastric sleeve bypass. However, over the next few years, she gained around 100 pounds back. She later turned to semaglutide injections, a popular weight loss medication, but she eventuallyquit taking thoseonce she wanted to be able to maintain her weight loss without their help. "Not judging anyone who's on the weight loss shot because if you are then it's fine, but I don't take the weight loss shot anymore due to the fact that it is a stepping stone, but it's not a fix-all, be-all," Mama June said in an interview withUs Weeklypublished on May 30. "You have to make it a lifestyle change. So I made the lifestyle changes, and I know I can move forward with the lifestyle changes." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photosfirst appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photos

Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photos Mama June Looks Unrecognizable in New Weight Loss Photosoriginally appeared onParad...

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Venezuelan Little League team granted exemption to President Trump's travel ban after senior team denied entry

Venezuelan Little League team granted exemption to President Trump's travel ban after senior team denied entry

A team from Venezuela has received approval from the Trump administration to participate in the 2025 Little League World Series,two weeks after a team from the same country was denied entry for a different tournament. The team from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, the winners of last month's Latin America region tournament, was granted a "national exemption" to enter the country,per The Athletic. The effort reportedly required the intervention of Sen. David McCormick (R-Pa.) and a personal sign-off from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Over the weekend, the team's Instagram account confirmed it would be playing in the tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pequeña Liga Cardenales (@plcardenales) The team's status was in limbo following the denial of a team from Maracaibo, Venezuela, to play in the Senior League World Series, a Little League-run tournament for players between 13 and 16 years old. Venezuela is one of seven countries facing a limited ban on entry into the U.S. following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order grants exceptions to "any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State." That leaves Rubio as the arbiter for what constitutes a "major sporting event," leaving uncertainty for any international event looking to take place in the U.S. The order specifically carves out an opening for those involved with the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, buteven that leaves uncertainty based on what is deemed a "necessary support role" or "immediate relative." St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras, one of 86 players born in Venezuela to appear in MLB this year, blasted the Senior League team's situation in an interview with The Athletic: "What pisses me off is they earned the right to be here," Contreras said of the team that was barred last month. "They are little kids chasing dreams. I put myself in their shoes because I was a kid once, and I dreamed of being in the Little League World Series once." In the case of the Little League team, McCormick, a Trump ally on immigration, reportedly worked with the State Department to ensure the Venezuelans were granted entry, via the Athletic: "I am thrilled my team and I were able to play a small role in making sure young athletes are able to chase their dreams and participate in this timeless Pennsylvania tradition," McCormick said in a statement to The Athletic. MLB also reportedly offered help to Little League with the visa process after months of following the Trump administration's lead on topics such asreinstating Pete Rose from the ineligible listandeliminating mentions of diversity programs from its site. The 2025 Little League World Series is scheduled to take place Aug. 13-24 in Williamsport.

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

Venezuelan Little League team granted exemption to President Trump's travel ban after senior team denied entry

Venezuelan Little League team granted exemption to President Trump's travel ban after senior team denied entry A team from Venezuela has...

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DOJ: Ex-Heat security staffer stole millions in game-worn gear from team, including LeBron James Finals jersey that later sold for $3.7M

DOJ: Ex-Heat security staffer stole millions in game-worn gear from team, including LeBron James Finals jersey that later sold for $3.7M

A former Miami Heat security officer is at the center of a multi-million dollar heist of game-worn gear that involved the theft of more than 400 items, including a $3.7 million LeBron James jersey from team facilities, the U.S. Department of Justice alleges. Per the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Florida, 62-year-old Marcos Thomas Perez of Miami appeared in federal court Tuesday to face a charge of transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce. The news arrives days afterNBA analyst Amin Elhassan reported on the "The Dan LeBatard Show"that the Heat had been robbed of millions of dollars in memorabilia in "one of the largest, if not the largest, memorabilia heists in the history of this country." [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Per the DOJ, Perez worked as a security officer for the Heat from 2016 to 2021 and later worked as a security staffer for the NBA from 2022-25. A 25-year retired veteran of the Miami Police Department, Perez was trusted by the Heat with access to a secure equipment room in the Heat's home arena that stored hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia that was intended for display in a Heat museum that has yet to be built, according to the DOJ. The DOJ alleges that Perez repeatedly accessed the room over the course of his employment and stole "400 game-worn jerseys and other items," then sold them across multiple internet marketplaces, frequently for below market value. Per the DOJ, Perez sold more than 100 stolen items for approximately $2 million. One of the items that Perez stole was a game-worn LeBron James jersey from the NBA Finals that he sold for $100,000 and was later sold at auction for $3.7 million, the DOJ alleges. That jersey appears to beJames' jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finalsin which the Heat beat the San Antonio Spurs and James was named Finals MVP after securing his second NBA title. At the time of the auction, it was the third-highest price ever secured for a game-worn jersey, behind a Michael Jordan 1998 NBA Finals jersey ($10.91 million) and Argentinian soccer legend Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" jersey ($9.28 million). It wasn't reported who bought the jersey at that price, but it was sold via a legitimate auction conducted by Sotheby's. Per the DOJ, a search of Perez's residence on April 3 resulted in the recovery of nearly 300 other game-worn jerseys and pieces of memorabilia. The Heat confirmed that the items were stolen from their facilities, according to the DOJ. The FBI is continuing to investigate the matter. The DOJ did not announce what type of penalty Perez faces if he's convicted. The Heat have not publicly acknowledged the alleged heist.

byLiam Oneel

in

August 05, 2025

DOJ: Ex-Heat security staffer stole millions in game-worn gear from team, including LeBron James Finals jersey that later sold for $3.7M

DOJ: Ex-Heat security staffer stole millions in game-worn gear from team, including LeBron James Finals jersey that later sold for $3.7M A f...

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