Trio deliver romantic Rachmaninov to an empty room

This was meant to be the Melbourne Digital Concert Hall's first performance to an audience. The live stream was an appropriately mournful substitute.

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Jason Day plays solo round at Travelers Championships after COVID-19 test

The Aussie golfer was sent out on his own for a third round in Connecticut after taking a test for coronavirus mid-tournament. It came back negative.

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Freedman delivers more Godolphin gold ahead of Lyre's shot at Slipper

Anthony Freedman is helping Godolphin's two-year-old dominance with Golden Slipper hope Lyre and debut winner Chenier.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Rolling Stones lawsuit seeks to stop Donald Trump using songs

The British band are taking fresh steps after the US President ignored their previous attempts to stop him using their songs as part of political campaigning.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Modi supersedes Trump to detach China's global manufacturing monopoly

Washington D.C. [USA], June 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the leader of the global fight to decouple the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly on manufacturing, assuming a role no

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Fyfe to stay in Queensland hub despite hamstring injury

Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe will stay in Queensland's AFL hub despite injuring his right hamstring in Fremantle's 13-point loss to Gold Coast on Saturday.

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Two Indigenous men killed by illegal gold prospectors in Amazon

Members of the Yanomami ethnic group say the two men were shot and killed by prospectors who were trespassing on the community's land.

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Boomer Broekhoff lands big NBA shot with 76ers

Brett Brown has added another Aussie to his Philadelphia roster to help Ben Simmons' team win a title.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'I'm yet to cop Madge spray': Tigers fans and coach wild about Harry

Harry Grant copped a famous spray from Craig Bellamy after a trial game but has so far avoided a hairdryer blast from Michael Maguire.

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Todd scores 61 to lead Travelers Championship, Day returns negative test

Brendon Todd carded a career low nine-under 61 to take a two-stroke lead in the third round, capping a day on which Jason Day requested a coronavirus test.

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The Age photos of the week, June 28, 2020

A week in photos from the award winning photographers at The Age.

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FOX NEWS:- Lawmakers want answers from Trump Administration on reports Russia paid Taliban to attack US troops

Lawmakers want answers from Trump Administration on reports Russia paid Taliban to attack US troops



Lawmakers on both sides the aisle in Washington want answers on new explosive reporting that a Russian spy unit paid the Taliban to attack U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/lawmakers-want-answers-on-russia-paying-taliban-to-attack-us-troops

FOX NEWS:- Trump tweets 15 separate posters of 'persons of interest' sought in connection to Andrew Jackson statue vandalization

Trump tweets 15 separate posters of 'persons of interest' sought in connection to Andrew Jackson statue vandalization



President Trump on Saturday asked for the public's help in identifying people being sought by law enforcement in connection to the vandalization of the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square earlier this week.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-tweets-individual-press-releases-persons-of-interest-sought-andrew-jackson-statue-vandalization

New on Sports Illustrated: Under Armour Looking to Terminate 15-Year, $280 Million Apparel Deal with UCLA

In its statement, Under Armour expressed that it has not received certain marketing benefits from UCLA to which it is owed.

Under Armour has informed UCLA that it is looking to terminate its 15-year, $280 million apparel and footwear contract with the university, the sports apparel brand confirmed in a statement Saturday. 

The record-setting deal dates back to May 2016, when the two parties came to an agreement that went into effect in July 2017 and ended UCLA's previous affiliation with Adidas. The 15-year, $280 million contract broke the previous record for shoe and apparel contracts, beating Nike and Ohio State's 15-year, $252 million deal from earlier that year. 

In its statement, Under Armour expressed that it has not received certain marketing benefits from the Bruins' program to which it is owed. 

"Under Armour has recently made the difficult decision to discontinue our partnership with UCLA, as we have been paying for marketing benefits that we have not received for an extended period," the company's statement read, per the Los Angeles Times. "The agreement allows us to terminate in such an event and we are exercising that right." 

In addressing Under Armour's actions, UCLA ensured on Saturday that the school is working to remain in its deal with the sports apparel brand. 

"We are exploring all our options to resist Under Armour's actions," UCLA's statement read. "We remain committed to providing our hard-working staff and student-athletes with the footwear, apparel and equipment needed to train and compete at its highest level, as they—and our loyal Bruin fans—deserve."

UCLA's athletics program is estimated to fall short $18.9 million for the 2019 fiscal year after spring sports were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The shortfall caused the athletics program to accept an interest-bearing loan from the university. 

Athletic director Dan Guerrero's 18-year tenure at UCLA is set to end this week, as he is being replaced by former Boston College athletic director Martin Jarmond. 

Under Armour holds contracts with two other schools in the Pac-12—California and Utah—while Nike has partnerships with seven schools and Adidas represents two others in the conference. 

June 28, 2020 at 06:27AM
Under Armour Looking to Terminate 15-Year, $280 Million Apparel Deal with UCLA

New on Sports Illustrated: Dodgers OF Andrew Toles Arrested on Trespassing Charge at Florida Airport

Toles, 28, was found sleeping behind a Federal Express building at the airport, and his arrest report listed his address as “the streets of Key West.”

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andrew Toles was detained by police in Key West, Fla., earlier this week after a Monroe County sheriff deputy found him sleeping behind a Federal Express building at the airport.

Toles reportedly refused to move and was arrested. Jail records show he appeared to be homeless, and his arrest report listed his address as “the streets of Key West.”

His bond was set at $500, and his arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.

Toles has a history of anxiety issues prior to signing with the Dodgers in 2016. He played in the Tampa Bay Rays system 2012-14, but the two sides separated in 2015 after Toles requested his release. 

The Georgia native ended up working in the frozen food section of a grocery store in his home state before signing with the Dodgers in 2016. He then surged from single-A to the big leagues in a matter of months, eventually debuting on July 8, 2016. From 2016-18, Toles appeared in 96 games and hit .286/.333/.459, also compiling an impressive slash line of .364/.423/.455 during the 2016 postseason. 

But the speedy outfielder tore his ACL in 2017 while trying to make a running catch to preserve a no-hitter by teammate Julio Urias, then spent all of 2019 on the restricted list for personal reasons.

Current and former players sent well-wishes to Toles via social media:

June 28, 2020 at 06:20AM
Dodgers OF Andrew Toles Arrested on Trespassing Charge at Florida Airport

The Age photos of the week, June 21, 2020

A week in photos from the award winning photographers at The Age.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Biden slams Trump over reported Russian bounties placed on US troops

The report said American intelligence officials concluded months ago that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing US troops in Afghanistan.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Gyms do not increase risk of COVID infection, study finds

Research carried out in Norway adds to case for health facilities to reopen.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Late extra-time Maguire winner edges United past Norwich

Captain Harry Maguire fired Manchester United into the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a winner deep into extra-time against 10-man Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Afghanistan war: Russia denies paying militants to kill US troops

US reports say a Russian intelligence unit offered rewards for killing US and allied troops.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-53204747

BBC NEWS - Rolling Stones warn Trump not to use their songs - or face legal action

The president's campaign could face legal action if it ignores "cease and desist directives".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53208593

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: The foods we are all eating during lockdown

During the coronavirus lockdown our eating habits have changed, so who has been benefiting from it?


June 28, 2020 at 05:28AM

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53137182

Women Support French Police Amid Public Discontent

Several dozen women demonstrated Saturday in support of French police in central Paris, to counter public discontent over the perceived way law enforcement treats minorities.

The demonstratio

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Holidays kick off with fine winter weather, but showers loom for Sunday

Queensland's school holidays start with perfect weather but a few clouds and showers are forecast for Sunday amid a predicted wetter-than-average winter.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Trump orders statues be protected from 'mob rule'

"Anarchists" who damage US monuments should face up to a decade in prison, the president says.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53201784

FOX NEWS:- Bronx precinct commander quits in protest over lack of support from city officials

Bronx precinct commander quits in protest over lack of support from city officials



Mayor Bill de Blasio appears more concerned with placating rioters; reaction from Seth Barron, editor at City Journal.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167624503001

FOX NEWS:- Federal judge says New York officials were wrong to limit worship services while condoning protests

Federal judge says New York officials were wrong to limit worship services while condoning protests



Judge Gary Sharpe issues an injunction holding that New York state's coronavirus lockdown policies illegally discriminated against worshippers; reaction from civil rights lawyer Harmeet Dhillon.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167622658001

FOX NEWS:- Court orders Roger Stone to report to Bureau of Prisons on July 14

Court orders Roger Stone to report to Bureau of Prisons on July 14



U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson on Friday delayed Roger Stone’s surrender date until July 14, after his attorneys had requested an extension into September, due to coronavirus concerns. 

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/court-orders-roger-stone-to-report-to-bureau-of-prisons-on-july-14

FOX NEWS:- Kellyanne Conway: Trump staying on top of economy, pandemic, and unrest

Kellyanne Conway: Trump staying on top of economy, pandemic, and unrest



Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Trump, react to polls putting Biden ahead of Trump.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167614845001

FOX NEWS:- Fallout from new surge in coronavirus cases in US

Fallout from new surge in coronavirus cases in US



The White House Coronavirus Task Force gave their first briefing in more than a month; reaction and analysis from the 'Special Report' All-Star panel.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167613922001

FOX NEWS:- Frank Luntz on campaign word choices, tone and issues that resonate with voters

Frank Luntz on campaign word choices, tone and issues that resonate with voters



Pollster Frank Luntz joins Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier on 'Special Report.'

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167610309001

FOX NEWS:- Trump signs executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues

Trump signs executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues



President Trump announced Friday that he signed an executive order to protect American monuments, memorials and statues and threatened those who try to pull them down with “long prison time.” 

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-to-protect-american-monuments

FOX NEWS:- Biden says he would use mandate face masks amid coronavirus pandemic

Biden says he would use mandate face masks amid coronavirus pandemic



Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden says he ‘would insist that everybody in public be wearing that mask;’ Peter Doocy reports on the latest.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167606261001

FOX NEWS:- Trump downplays pandemic as US cases near 2.5M: ‘Artificial problem’

Trump downplays pandemic as US cases near 2.5M: ‘Artificial problem’



Trump calls the coronavirus pandemic an ‘artificial problem’ as US cases experience a surge; Chief White House correspondent John Roberts reports.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167606170001

FOX NEWS:- Trump signs executive order to prioritize skills-based hiring

Trump signs executive order to prioritize skills-based hiring



The order will affect the hiring process of over 2 million federal government employees.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/trump-executive-order-prioritize-skills-based-hiring

New on Sports Illustrated: NHL Draft Lottery Results 2020: Top Pick to Be Determined After Play-In Round

Phase 1 of the 2020 NHL draft lottery is complete, and the owner of the first pick is yet to be determined. But we now know the order for the rest of the top eight.

Phase 1 of the 2020 NHL draft lottery is complete, and the first overall pick is still up for grabs.

Picks Nos. 2-8 have been determined, but the top spot was claimed Friday evening by a still-competing team. That means we'll have to wait for the NHL's play-in round to be completed, after which the eight teams who have been eliminated will have an equal 12.5% chance in a second lottery draw for the top pick in the draft. 

That second lottery will be completed at a later date, some time between the end of the qualification round and the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoff quarterfinals. The seven teams in the second lottery that do not win the No. 1 pick will be slotted into picks 9-15.

Left wing Alexis Lafreniere is projected to be the top pick in the 2020 NHL draft. The 18-year-old Rimouski, Quebec, native was the leading scorer in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with 112 points (35 goals and 77 assists) in 52 games.

This year's draft lottery was a little different amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a typical season, a Stanley Cup champion would be crowned by now, but the playoffs have yet to begin due to the league's suspension since mid-March.

The Senators will pick twice in the top five since they also previously acquired San Jose's first-round pick, which ended up being drawn at No. 3. The Kings received the No. 2 pick, while the Red Wings—who had the best odds at the No. 1 pick (18.5%)—will pick fourth.

2020 NHL Draft Lottery Phase 1 Results:

1. TBD

2. Los Angeles Kings

3. Ottawa Senators

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. Ottawa Senators

6. Anaheim Ducks

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Buffalo Sabres

June 27, 2020 at 06:23AM
NHL Draft Lottery Results 2020: Top Pick to Be Determined After Play-In Round

NSW Parks lands biggest conservation purchase in state's history

10 times the size of the Royal National Park in far north-west NSW

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Trump's use of military funds for Mexican wall illegal, court rules

Administration was not authorised to use $3.64 billion in Pentagon money for part of the border wall, court rules, but long-term implications are unclear as Supreme Court earlier ruled in Trump's favour.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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NSW Parks lands biggest conservation purchase in state's history

10 times the size of the Royal National Park in far north-west NSW

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BBC NEWS - US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials over Hong Kong security law

The sanctions aim to punish Beijing over a planned security law that could erode Hong Kong's autonomy.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53201664

New on Sports Illustrated: Gambling 101: What is a Middle Betting Result?

Our Sports Gambling 101 series continues with a look at what it means to “middle” a sports betting option. Since middling is the most desirable wagering result - how do bettors hit the sweet spot?

Cashing tickets on one side of a betting option is fantastic, but collecting on both sides is even better. Prior to discussing the present, let’s take a quick look at one of the most famous middle results in sports gambling history.

Known as “Black Sunday” in Las Vegas - Super Bowl XIII was a thriller for bettors and a nightmare for bookmakers. Played on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Pittsburgh versus Dallas was a much anticipated championship matchup.

Sportsbooks in Las Vegas posted Pittsburgh as the early favorite with a -3.5 point spread. Bettors quickly pounced on the line and wagered heavily on the Steelers. The line was moved up to -4 but that didn’t deter Pittsburgh backers and bookmakers still didn’t take in much money from Dallas bettors. When the line moved up to -4.5 money streamed in on the Cowboys. After Dallas scored in the final minute - Pittsburgh won 35-31 and sportsbooks lost a bundle on both sides.

How do Bettors Create a Possible Middle Result?

Middle opportunities are common when betting on point spreads and game totals. A wise practice to follow, prior to placing any sports wager, odds shopping is the main key to creating a possible middle result. Funding an account at two or more sportsbooks is the easiest way to set up wagers with a middle opportunity. Since bookmakers often post similar odds, betting on a middle result requires taking a risk that will pan out as a generous profit or a small loss due to juice.

Odds on the Detroit vs. Chicago contest during the 2020 NFL season offers an example of a possible game total middle.

To set it up, a wager is required on the UNDER at DraftKings (44.5) and the OVER (43.5) total at FanDuel. If $110 is bet on both sides, and the final score adds up to exactly 44 points, bettors cash both tickets and collect a $200 profit. The negative here is any score, other than 44 total points, will result in a net $10 juice loss on the two wagers.

Player and Team Prop Options are Prime Middle Targets

Proposition options are often a prime middle candidate as different odds are available at various bookmakers. During his 2020 rookie NFL season with Cincinnati, bookmakers were conflicted on how many passing yards Joe Burrow would post. Bettors could wager on the UNDER (3800.5) prop odds at FanDuel and the OVER (3700.5) total at DraftKings. With the rather expansive 99-yard cushion - if Burrow posts between 3701 and 3800 pass yards both tickets cash.

Middle Result Betting Bottom Line

Attempting to cash in on middle betting options requires diligent odds shopping and picking the proper spots. Bettors need to have a keen eye to spot line discrepancies and then wager on the odds before they disappear. Since results need to be very precise, players are reminded that taking shots at hitting the middle often results in more losing tickets than winners. That said, the original investment risk is low so bettors can take a chance at middling when an opportunity exists.

MORE GAMBLING TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

June 27, 2020 at 05:41AM
Gambling 101: What is a Middle Betting Result?

New on Sports Illustrated: Zion Williamson, Pelicans to Open NBA Restart vs. Jazz

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will play in the NBA's first game back in action since March 11.

Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans will take part in the first game of the NBA's restart and face off against the Utah Jazz, the league announced Friday evening. 

The NBA's first game back will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET on July 30 and will be aired on TNT. It will be followed by a matchup between the Lakers and Clippers, which is set to tip off at 9 p.m. ET on July 30 and also air on TNT.

A number of the league's other marquee teams will resume play on July 31, with action starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Earlier Friday, amid a surge in positive coronavirus tests in Florida, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said that the league's "level of concern has increased, not just because of the increased levels in Florida, but throughout the country." But added that the league still feels "very comfortable right now with where we are."

As it pertains to broadcasts in particular, Silver said Friday that games will be presented as a broadcast product with enhanced audio for players and coaches, never-before-used camera angles, an app that lights up the arena in a team’s colors, virtual concerts, halftime performances and more.

Each of the 22 NBA teams taking part in the Orlando restart will play eight games. There will be a maximum of seven total games per day, with tip-offs between 12 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. ET. Games will be played on three total courts.

The 88 seeding games, which were selected from the remaining 259 regular-season matchups, will count toward the final 2019-20 regular season standings and regular season statistics. 

The NBA's playoff format will remain the same despite discussions involving potential alternatives. However, a play-in tournament between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds will occur for the first time in each of the two conferences if the No. 9 team is within four games of the No. 8 seed by the time the seeding games have concluded. 

The NBA suspended the 2019-20 season on March 11 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The league formally announced Friday afternoon that it had finalized its comprehensive plan to return. 

June 27, 2020 at 05:00AM
Zion Williamson, Pelicans to Open NBA Restart vs. Jazz

WA egg farmers will crack under supermarkets' cage-free demands, warns industry

West Australian egg producers are fearful for their futures given the push by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ban caged eggs.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Police shoot asylum seeker dead after stabbing spree in Glasgow

The man was reportedly sick of the "same spaghetti and macaroni cheese all the time" while in hotel quarantine.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Flabbergasted': Dastyari calls for judicial inquiry into foreign influence in politics

The former Labor senator Sam Dastyari called for a royal commission or commission of inquiry to "get to the bottom of it".

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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WA egg farmers will crack under supermarkets' cage-free demands, warns industry

West Australian egg producers are fearful for their futures given the push by supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ban caged eggs.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'Dubious' qualifications: Pakistani airline grounds 150 pilots

Officials say Pakistan International Airlines knew two years ago that pilots had falsified exams to obtain licenses.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The latest illustrations from artist Andrew Dyson

Some of his best work

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Naughton and Lloyd await scans, in doubt for next round

The extent of Naughton's ankle injury is unknown while Lloyd has injured his collarbone, with tests to find out if it is broken. 

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Best of cartoons, June 26, 2020

The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Dixie Chicks drop Dixie, change name to The Chicks

The band checked in with a New Zealand duo also called the Chicks to ask if they could share the name.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Howzat? Cricket's golden couple open up about life, love and iso living

Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc first met in primary school, where they shared wicketkeeping duties. They discuss how they balance their relationship with their schedule and the annual award they both covet.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The sperm donor who became a legal father

Hear Greg Callaghan's story about the sperm donor who asked the High Court what makes a father, followed by a discussion with a lawyer about legal ramifications for sperm donors.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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IMF warns sharemarkets at risk of a 'swift' correction

A day after warning the global economy's recession will last longer than expected, the IMF has turned its attention to stockmarkets.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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NSW MP's Sydney home raided as ASIO probes China links

Federal agents have raided the Sydney home of a NSW Labor MP this morning amid allegations Chinese government agents have infiltrated his office to influence Australian politics.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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When is the Women's World Cup? All you need to know about the tournament

A joint Australia and New Zealand bid to host the tournament was announced as successful in the early hours of Friday morning. But what else do we know?

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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IMF warns sharemarkets at risk of a 'swift' correction

A day after warning the global economy's recession will last longer than expected, the IMF has turned its attention to stockmarkets.

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Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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FOX NEWS:- Pelosi dismisses idea of impeaching AG Barr amid calls from some Democrats

Pelosi dismisses idea of impeaching AG Barr amid calls from some Democrats



House Speaker Nancy Pelosi brushed off the idea that House Democrats would try to impeach Attorney General Bill Barr over accusations that he politicized the Justice Department.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/pelosi-dismisses-impeaching-ag-barr

FOX NEWS:- NC lieutenant governor warns he may sue governor over coronavirus response

NC lieutenant governor warns he may sue governor over coronavirus response



North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said in a letter Thursday to Gov. Roy Cooper that he intends to sue him over his executive orders issued during the coronavirus pandemic.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/nc-lieutenant-governor-warns-may-sue-governor-over-coronavirus-response

FOX NEWS:- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in latest statehood push, says federal government 'encroaches' on autonomy

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in latest statehood push, says federal government 'encroaches' on autonomy



D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined congressional leadership in a press conference Thursday, one day ahead of the House of Representative’s vote on D.C. statehood.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-federal-government-encroaches-statehood-push

Homicide squad called after body found in Cranbourne car park

Police are investigating after a man's body was found in a Cranbourne car park on Friday morning.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Bolton, in VOA Interview, Calls Trump Erratic, Dangerous

Former White House national security adviser John Bolton defended his scathing critique of President Donald Trump as an "erratic" leader, willing to undercut American security to improve his reelec

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I turned down a diamond engagement ring – then came the judgement

I hadn’t expected so much opposition to what felt like a logical position of not wasting money on a ring I didn’t need or particularly want.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Don't blame Milford, blame me: Seibold

Brisbane's coach has ignored calls for him to dump Anthony Milford, saying it was his fault the half has not fired a shot in attack over the past month.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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'World record' sporting crowd tipped for AFL bonanza in Perth

Up to 90,000 AFL fans will head to the footy in Perth in round seven to attend a western derby and a Friday night blockbuster between Victorian rivals Geelong and Collingwood.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Large explosion in Tehran caused by gas tank, officials say

A large explosion near a military base has been captured on social media.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Homicide squad called after body found in Cranbourne car park

Police are investigating after a man's body was found in a Cranbourne car park on Friday morning.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox

The latest work by Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist Cathy Wilcox.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Martin, Baker likely to return as Tigers make changes

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says he is expecting to make three to four changes to his side for the clash with St Kilda on Saturday.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Ipswich-based Western Corridor confident about NRL bid

Bid boss Steve Johnson says his Ipswich-based bid ticked all the boxes in their bid to become the NRL's 17th team.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Round seven fixture to be released on Thursday

The AFL will release the round seven fixture on Thursday, with Geelong to play Collingwood on Friday July 17 in Perth, pending WA government approval, which is not expected to be a problem.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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BBC NEWS - Jessi Combs: US racing driver given female speed record in 2019 fatal crash

Jessi Combs is awarded the fastest land-speed record by a female, a feat she died trying to achieve.


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53173707

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Qantas to axe 6,000 jobs due to pandemic

The airline says the collapse in billions of dollars of travel revenue means it has "little choice".


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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-53173929

BBC NEWS : Coronavirus: Qantas to axe 6,000 jobs due to pandemic

The airline says the collapse in billions of dollars of travel revenue means it has "little choice".


June 25, 2020 at 05:43AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-53173929

BBC NEWS : Olympus quits camera business after 84 years

Once a huge camera-maker, it is looking to carve off that part of its business and focus elsewhere.


June 24, 2020 at 10:45PM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53165293

Tablet interactive: Coronavirus outbreak

Follow news and events as they happen.

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CSL buys in to 'long term' haemophilia treatment in $655m deal

The biotechnology giant has a plan to commercialise a treatment which could reduce treatments for haemophilia patients.

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FOX NEWS:- Kayleigh McEnany calls John Bolton 'a disaster'

Kayleigh McEnany calls John Bolton 'a disaster'



White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany speaks out against John Bolton's book release.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167033692001

FOX NEWS:- Reporter's Notebook: On police reform, Congress may have missed its 'moment'

Reporter's Notebook: On police reform, Congress may have missed its 'moment'



It’s easy to score political points, but tougher to move the same bill through the House and Senate and deposit it on President Trump’s desk.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/police-reform-congress-tim-scott-missed-its-moment-pergram

FOX NEWS:- Bolton: Important for Americans to understand what Donald Trump really is

Bolton: Important for Americans to understand what Donald Trump really is



Former National Security Adviser John Bolton speaks out about working in the Trump administration.

via FOX NEWS http://video.foxnews.com/v/6167033177001

FOX NEWS:- Kevin McCarthy op-ed rips 'left-wing mob' for destroying statues

Kevin McCarthy op-ed rips 'left-wing mob' for destroying statues



House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tore into the protesters who have been tearing down statues around the country in recent weeks, arguing “they aim to upend society, not reform it” in a new op-ed.

via FOX NEWS https://foxnews.com/politics/kevin-mccarthy-op-ed-rips-left-wing-mob-for-destroying-statues

New on Sports Illustrated: Kings F Jabari Parker Tested Positive for COVID-19

Parker, 25, has appeared in just one game with the Kings since being acquired from Atlanta in a Feb. 6 trade.

Kings forward Jabari Parker tested positive for COVID-19 several days ago, the team announced Wednesday. 

In a statement, Parker said that he is progressing in his recovery and "feeling well." 

"I look forward to joining my teammates in Orlando as we return to the court for the resumption of the NBA season," Parker added.

He has been self-isolating in Chicago following his positive test.

Parker, 25, is in his first season with Sacramento, having been acquired by the team in a Feb. 6 trade with the Atlanta Hawks. He has appeared in just one game with the Kings this season and 33 games overall. 

After getting drafted No. 2 overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Bucks, whom he averaged 15 points and 5.5 rebounds for over four seasons, Parker has gone on to play for the Bulls, Wizards, Hawks and now Kings. The 25-year-old has a $6.5 million player option for next season which appears likely to be exercised.

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings' decision to sign veteran guard Corey Brewer on Tuesday was a response to the revelation of Parker's positive test. 

Sacramento (28-36) is set to resume the season as the No. 11 team in the Western Conference and is 3.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Grizzlies.

June 25, 2020 at 05:35AM
Kings F Jabari Parker Tested Positive for COVID-19

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Turner Opting Out of UEFA Champions League Contract

Turner Sports has reportedly opted out of its deal to broadcast the UEFA Champions League through next season, effective immediately.

Turner Sports has opted out of its deal with the UEFA Champions League, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal. The decision will reportedly take effect immediately, and Turner will not show any league matches when play resumes this summer.

Turner's deal was originally set to run through next season. Univision will still retain Spanish-language rights to the UCL through 2024.

While SBJ reports that UEFA has not had any discussions with potential American media companies for the Champions League rights, CBS is viewed as the likely favorite. The network reached an agreement with UEFA (along with Univision) in November to carry Champions League matches from fall 2021 to spring 2024. The deal was reportedly worth around $150 million annually.

Other networks expected to be included are ESPN, FOX, NBC, Amazon and DAZN, per SBJ.

Turner and Univision's current deal is roughly $100 million per year, with Turner responsible for around $60 million.

Turner's acquisition of Champions League media rights was viewed as a shock around the sports media world. Prior to its deal with UEFA, Turner had not carried any kind of soccer programming in at least 27 years.

Last week, UEFA announced its plan to complete this season's Champions League in Lisbon, Portugal, with an eight-team, single-elimination tournament held at two venues over 12 days, beginning on Aug. 12. 

The Champions League had four second-leg Round of 16 matches postponed in March at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester City. Those clubs all want to host the return games on the Aug. 7-8 dates allocated, UEFA said.

June 25, 2020 at 05:06AM
Report: Turner Opting Out of UEFA Champions League Contract

Police charge man over domestic violence murder of Karen Gilliland

Officers tried to revive mother-of-three Karen Gilliland, 42, on Tuesday night. A man believed to be her estranged husband is expected to face court on Thursday.

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Assange faces fresh allegations in US indictment

A broadened case against the WikiLeaks founder alleges he sought to recruit hackers at conferences to feed classified information to the website, though no new charges have been laid.

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Police charge man over domestic violence murder of Karen Gilliland

Officers tried to revive mother-of-three Karen Gilliland, 42, on Tuesday night. A man believed to be her estranged husband is expected to face court on Thursday.

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US Open to hold wheelchair event after player backlash

The US Open will include a wheelchair tournament at this year's event in New York following a wave of player backlash over the initial decision to scrap it.

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CSL buys in to 'long term' haemophilia treatment in $655m deal

The biotechnology giant has a plan to commercialise a treatment which could reduce treatments for haemophilia patients.

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Why Richmond are the winners of West Coast's draw

In round five, the reigning premiers will play the team that won the flag in 2018 in neutral territory, a month into the other team's sulking sojourn to Queensland and in front of tumbleweeds.

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BHP tightens health rules as COVID-19 cases among Chilean miners mount

The resources giant announced stricter health measures after coronavirus cases at its Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world's largest, reached 150 this week.

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13 racehorse trainers charged in Queensland drugs investigation

More than a dozen Queensland racing participants have been charged by the state's racing integrity commission with possession of unregistered substances.

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Coach says Barca lacking spark, Napoli keep touch in Serie A

Barcelona ground out a dour 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to retake top spot in La Liga but the effects of the COVID shutdown continue to linger in Catalonia.

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Big-name US companies criticised for CEO bonuses just before filing for bankruptcy

Department store giant JC Penney, which has filed for bankruptcy protection and has closed 154 stores, paid its chief executive Jill Soltau a $US4.5 million bonus.

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Probe finds no crime in NASCAR noose case

Authorities in the US say a noose found in the garage of the only African-American driver in NASCAR's top tier may have been there since last October.

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Hackers push the world to the brink of Cold War 2.0

Australia's warning of a state-backed cyber attack may prove just the beginning of a new era of digital warfare.

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UK's internet use surges to new highs during lockdown

Coronavirus will leave a digital legacy as UK finds solace online, says Ofcom.

from BBC News - Technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53149268

Big-name US companies criticised for CEO bonuses just before filing for bankruptcy

Department store giant JC Penney, which has filed for bankruptcy protection and has closed 154 stores, paid its chief executive Jill Soltau a $US4.5 million bonus.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Business https://ift.tt/3i5FaN4
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Hackers push the world to the brink of Cold War 2.0

Australia's warning of a state-backed cyber attack may prove just the beginning of a new era of digital warfare.

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Porsche driver Richard Pusey withdraws second bid for bail

Richard Pusey, 41, had lodged a bail application with the court which was to be heard on Thursday morning. However, the court has been notified that Mr Pusey has withdrawn the application. 

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Man dies of coronavirus, 20 new cases and surge in replication rate in Victoria

A man has died and Victoria has recorded another 20 new cases of coronavirus in the past day. Those infected with the deadly virus are passing it on to an average of 2.5 people each.

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Two more charged over the death of Zane Meyer

Three people have now been charged with murder over the death of Zane Meyer, whose body was found in a paddock in Melbourne's south-east last week. 

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UK to relax 2-meter social distancing rule from July 4

A woman wearing a face mask takes a bus in London, Britain, June 15, 2020. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua)

"This vital change enables the next stage of our plan to ease the lockdown,

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US Intel: China ordered attack on Indian troops

Washington DC [USA], June 23 (ANI): A senior Chinese general authorised his forces to attack Indian troops in the Galwan River valley last week, resulting in a brutal skirmish that killed dozens and d

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Pak fails to charge Indian citizen as 'global terrorist'

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Porsche driver Richard Pusey withdraws second bid for bail

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Isaac Luke out to inspire battlers Brisbane

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North Korea says Kim Jong-un suspending military action against South

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Two more charged over the death of Zane Meyer

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'I'm sick and tired of it': Betts to keep fighting racism

A hurting Eddie Betts has questioned his AFL future as a result of constant racial vilification but is determined to keep fighting for what he believes in.

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ASX to inch higher after NASDAQ sets new record

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BBC NEWS : Trump targets foreign workers with new visa freeze

Foreign tech workers, non-agricultural seasonal helpers, au pairs and executives will be affected.


June 23, 2020 at 05:53AM

from BBC News - Business
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
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'Serious disorder': UK finances were close to collapse, says Bank of England governor

The Bank of England was forced to save the British Government from potential financial collapse as markets seized up at the height of the coronavirus crisis, says governor Andrew Bailey

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Woolworths underpayments blow out to $390 million, flags redundancies

Woolworths has revealed the total cost of its worker underpayment scandal has increased by $75 million and the company has also flagged job redundancies.

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'Nowhere near the end': Virus surge jolts prospects for world economy

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Tech stocks, miners fire as ASX rises on Wall St lead

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New on Sports Illustrated: COVID-19 Is Having an Impact on the Market for Veteran Contract Extensions

While Jamal Adams and Dak Prescott in the news, it's worth noting that uncertainty over the salary cap is clogging up the market. Plus, notes on Day 1 of the NFL's Quarterback Coaching Summit.

It’s Monday afternoon, let’s go …

• With Jamal Adams’s contract situation in the news, it’s certainly worth looking into how slow the pace of veteran extensions has been in general this offseason. Digging through it, I could find just three examples of guys getting big-time extensions with years left on their deals since America went into lockdown, without a trade being part of it (DeForest Buckner and Darius Slay got paid as part of trades). One was Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey, another was Texans OT Laremy Tunsil and a third was Bills S Jordan Poyer (whose deal was done before things went really crazy). Meanwhile, contract-year stars like Joey Bosa, Jalen Ramsey, Ronnie Stanley, Ryan Kelly, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook, Chris Godwin, George Kittle, Keenan Allen, Patrick Peterson, Von Miller, and, yes, Adams are waiting for theirs. So the natural question: Is this COVID-related? And the answer is yes. The looming revenue shortfall doesn’t just make cash an issue for some teams, it also makes projecting the cap a problem. If there are big losses in 2020, that means the league and union will have to borrow from future years to keep the 2021 cap level to this year, which could mean ramifications reaching into 2022 and ’23. You may remember back in 2010 and early ’11, teams were hesitant do long-term deals for guys because of salary cap uncertainty. Same thing, to a degree, this year. Which might mean a lot of guys waiting a while for deals. And that could add an interesting twist to the seasons of some teams.

• And that brings us to Dak Prescott, and how the uncertainty over the cap might make it tough to project how a deal at $40 million per season will be accounted for in the coming years. Let’s say he does a deal with flat cap numbers. And let’s say, absent the pandemic, the cap was going to be around $270 million in 2023, which may be conservative based on the expected influx of TV and broadcast money. Under those conditions, Prescott’s deal, then in its fourth year, would account for 14.8% of Dallas’s cap. Now, let’s say, the coronavirus impact knocks the cap number in 2023 down to $220 million. In that case, Prescott’s deal is accounting for 18.2% of the team’s cap. That’s a pretty massive difference, when you consider this is one of 53 contracts. And it doesn’t mean the Joneses won’t get Prescott done. But it does explain why it could complicate things for him, and the other 13 guys who are currently franchised.

• Speaking of that, Prescott became the ninth franchised player (and 10th tagged player, if you count Cardinals transitioned RB Kenyan Drake) to sign his tender. That leaves five guys unsigned in the group: Bucs OLB Shaq Barrett, Bengals WR A.J. Green, Chiefs DT Chris Jones, Jaguars DE Yannick Ngaukoe and Broncos S Justin Simmons. All the tagged guys have until July 15 to do deals. So what’s the difference for these five? They can wait until Week 1 to sign, if they’d like, without losing a dime, because they’re not under contract.

• I really enjoyed Day 1 of the NFL Quarterback Coaching Summit (a joint venture by the Black College Football Hall of the Fame and the NFL), which I wrote about in last week’s GamePlan, so here are some good tidbits. Titans coach Mike Vrabel was the first speaker, and he dove into his philosophy on leadership (“We will treat you the same as you treat the team”), and how to interview (he passed out iPads on his interviews, rather the traditional “book” that coaches keep) before explaining keys in assembling a staff. I thought maybe the most interesting part was how he said having diversity of race and background on hand was important, to give a staff the best chance of reaching every individual player on the roster. Also, he mentioned how it was important to support the ambitions of assistants, and that losing them to promotion “means you’re hiring the right people,” and he listed the trainer with the GM and owner among the most important relationships a head coach has. There was also this, on the idea of culture: “When you’re winning, culture is easy. … Culture is what you look like at the worst moment. I hope everyone has a good culture at 7-1, but what does it look like at 2-5?”

• Also great was a panel hosted by my buddy Steve Wyche of NFL Network, one that included Steelers owner Art Rooney II, Giants owner John Mara, former Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, Bucs coach Bruce Arians and Texans limited partner Javier Loya. Both owners acknowledged the trend toward offensive coaches, and it was interesting to hear Mara admit that he’d fallen victim to those sorts of things in the past. “A lot of us have fallen into that trap, looking at the Sean McVay, the Kyle Shanahan, and you think you’re just going to get the next one,” Mara said. “I look at the head coach now as more of a CEO. I don’t care if he’s an offensive play-caller or a defensive play-caller.” Rooney echoed the point, saying that looking at the Steelers’ stability, from Chuck Noll to Bill Cowher and now to Mike Tomlin, there has been a common thread. “The most important thing all three of them had in common, they’re all great communicators,” Rooney said. “If there was one thing we were always looking for in a head coach, it would be that.” Rooney also advocated for finding a way to slow down the process of coach hiring (it’s how he found Tomlin, even with legit candidates in house), though he added that he understood how competition for guys makes that idea difficult to implement.

• Arians, for his part, was passionate on the call. He said doing your job well, whatever that job might be at the moment, should come first, because that’s how you build respect among your peers. “Respect among your peers is the most important thing,” he continued. “I had respect among my peers, I didn’t give a damn if I got a job.” So what difference can that respect make? Arians recalled telling anyone who’d listen, on Vic Fangio, “If he’s not at the top of your list, you’re missing the boat.” Arians also pointed out how his very diverse staff is made up of a lot of guys he identified as potential coaches when he had them as players, which is something he hopes coaches get more aggressive doing. “These guys all played for me, so I had a long pool of guys I worked with,” Arians said. “You don’t hire strangers in my office, you hire guys I trust.”

• Another point of discussion was how narratives (i.e. hot candidates) can drive coaching searches. That’s where Newsome jumped in, explaining that the Ravens always keep lists of coaches of interest. “We create our own lists,” Newsome said. “We come to a collective agreement on the people we want to interview, and that’s based on the information we get when we talk to our area scouts, and our coaches and people around the league.” That, he mentioned, is how they found an Eagles special teams coach to be particularly intriguing. John Harbaugh’s been a pretty good hire.

• Sorry to sink the whole column into this—but it really was a pretty awesome deal, and there’s more coming Tuesday. Among the other parts of Monday’s festivities: Ex-Browns coach Hue Jackson with a detailed breakdown on the first 30 days on the job for a head coach; Saints assistant D.J. Williams on being a quality control coach; Stanford OC Tavita Pritchard on QB drill work; and Maryland OC Scottie Montgormery and Bucs OC Byron Leftwich on staff/coordinator dynamics. (I’ll try and get you some more info Tuesday on Twitter.)

• One thing from Falcons coach Dan Quinn, left over from this morning’s column, that I found particularly fascinating: He’s going to build all the possibilities he can think of for the fall of 2020 into his training camp schedule, and that means all of them. “What I do know is the teams that adjust the best are gonna be the ones that preform the best. Because what we’ve all seen is there’s been a lot of moving parts and things have changed, so there’s gonna be change during the season—players out due to COVID and all that,” Quinn said. “So during camp, when we do get together, we’ll have time where, and I’ll do it for myself first, OK, I’m out, or the playcaller’s out, where we keep showing them, here’s where adjustments have to take place, and we’re able to hit them, so we have contingency plans.” Pretty smart thinking there, and it’s not exactly hard to conjure a scenario where such a contingency plan might have to be enacted.

• The NFL re-opened its New York office on Monday. So if you want some good news on where all this is headed, there’s some for you. And, by the way, the Raiders opened their facility in Nevada, too, which means they’ve officially left California after spending their first 60 seasons in the nation’s most populous state.

• Question or comment? Email us.

June 23, 2020 at 05:12AM
COVID-19 Is Having an Impact on the Market for Veteran Contract Extensions

New on Sports Illustrated: NBA Futures: Fade the Favorite for Sixth Man of the Year

SI Gambling analyst Corey Parson states his case for two intriguing underdog candidates for the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

The NBA Sixth-Man of the Year award might as well be named the Lou Williams Award, as the longtime sharpshooter, Williams, is once again of the top candidates again this year.

Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schröder is the betting favorite at -190. Schroder has been having a great season averaging 19 points per game, with four assists and three rebounds per game, Schröder is playing 30 minutes a night for a Thunder team that could actually end up being the third seed in the East.

I think Schröder deserves to be in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year, but not the favorite.

The Thunder are a great team with no one piece of the puzzle greater than the other. I even think Billy Donovan has a great case for Coach of the Year.

Yet when it comes to Sixth Man of the Year, I would put my money on Williams (+420) because winning this award is simply what he does.

Williams has taken it home three times in the last five years, but as AllClippers Insider Farbod Esnaashari reminds us, Williams may actually sit out the rest of the season and not participate in the bubble in Orlando.

“Finding that balance is the hardest part of an NBA return. The difficulty in finding that balance is why it's so difficult for Lou Williams to commit to a decision. In the upcoming days, he'll be figuring out ways to maximize his voice as an NBA player.”

If Williams sits out, that leaves his teammate Montrezl Harrell in the driver’s seat for the award. Harrell is having a career season averaging 18 points per night for the team with the third-best record in the league.

With voters potentially focusing on his career year, the +210 value for Harrell could be the extra boost to get bettors on-board. 

June 23, 2020 at 05:07AM
NBA Futures: Fade the Favorite for Sixth Man of the Year

New on Sports Illustrated: Mystics Guard Natasha Cloud to Forego Season, Work on Social Justice Reform

Cloud: "I have a responsibility to myself, to my community, and to my future children to fight for something that is much bigger than myself."

Mystics guard Natasha Cloud announced on Monday she will forego the 2020 WNBA season in order to pursue social justice reform. 

"I will be foregoing the 2020 WNBA season," Cloud wrote on Instagram. "There's a lot of factors that led to this decision, but the biggest being that I am more than an athlete. I have a responsibility to myself, to my community, and to my future children to fight for something that is much bigger than myself and the game of basketball."

"I will instead, continue the fight on the front lines for social reform, because until black lives matter, all lives can't matter." 

Cloud is the latest WNBA player to announce she is skipping the 2020 season in favor of social justice work. Dream guard Renee Montgomery announced her decision to forego the 2020 season on June 18, noting, "there's work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community."

Cloud participated in a march on Washington alongside Wizards guards Bradley Beal and John Wall on June 19. She has played with the Mystics for all five seasons of her career after being selected in the second round of the 2015 WNBA Draft.

The 2020 WNBA season will resume on July 24. There will be a 22-game regular season, with the playoffs expected to end in October.

Players will be permitted to forego the 2020 season and still receive their full salary. 

June 23, 2020 at 04:49AM
Mystics Guard Natasha Cloud to Forego Season, Work on Social Justice Reform

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Players Association Rejects MLB's 60-Game Proposal

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred can now "unilaterally implement a schedule of his choosing," per ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers.

The Major League Baseball Players Association rejected MLB's proposal for a 60-game season on Monday, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers. 

The MLBPA reportedly voted 33-5 to reject MLB's proposal. Commissioner Rob Manfred can now implement a schedule for the 2020 season, which will "likely be between 50 to 60 games."

Owners across MLB could still vote to cancel the 2020 season, per Passan and Rogers. It would take eight "no" votes from the owners in order to cancel the 2020 season. 

"Earlier this evening, the full Board reaffirmed the players' eagerness to return to work as soon and as safely as possible." The MLBPA said in a statement on Monday. "While we had hoped to reach a revised back to work agreement with the league, the Players remain fully committed to proceeding under our current agreement and getting back on the field for the fans, for the game, and for each other."

The 2020 season could also be canceled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. MLB closed all spring training facilities on June 19 following positive tests at Phillies' camp in Clearwater, Fla. 

The Blue Jays also closed their spring training facility on June 19 after a player showed symptoms of COVID-19, according to Passan. Toronto's facility is five minutes from Philadelphia's. 

June 23, 2020 at 04:11AM
Report: Players Association Rejects MLB's 60-Game Proposal

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Trevor Ariza Opts Out of NBA Restart to Spend Time With Son

Ariza will spend a month with his 12 year-old son as the Blazers seek their seventh straight playoff appearance.

Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza is opting-out of the NBA's resumption of the 2019-20 season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Ariza will reportedly spend the season's restart spending a one-month visitation with his son. He is "involved in a custody case over his 12-year old son," which involves a court-ordered one month visitation, per Wojnarowski. 

The 34-year-old forward has started 21 games with Portland in 2019-20, averaging 33.4 minutes and 11 points per game. Ariza has played for nine teams across 16 seasons, winning the NBA Finals with the Lakers in 2009. 

Ariza is the second player to opt out of the NBA's restart. Wizards forward Davis Bertans will join Ariza in skipping the season's resumption, choosing to do so before he enters free agency in the 2020 offseason. Bertans is having a career year in his first season with Washington, averaging 15.4 points per game on 42.4% from three. 

The Blazers are seeking their seventh straight playoff appearance in 2019-20. They currently sit No. 9 in the Western Conference at 29–37. 

June 23, 2020 at 04:02AM
Report: Trevor Ariza Opts Out of NBA Restart to Spend Time With Son

New on Sports Illustrated: Where Should Bettors Expect Jamal Adams to Play in 2020?

With Jets safety Jamal Adams demanding a trade out of New York, SI Gambling insider Frankie Taddeo evaluates the trade market, along with his next landing spot from a betting perspective.

One of the biggest news items around the NFL was that one of the best young defensive players in the league has demanded a trade.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, New York Jets star safety Jamal Adams wants out of Gotham.

The former sixth overall pick in the 2017 Draft, and face of the Jets defense, has reportedly told team brass that he has a list of teams he wants to be traded to. Adams is seeking a new contract despite having potentially two years left on his current rookie deal (2020 final year with a club option for 2021).

During the 2019 NFL season, the Jets reportedly considered trading the star safety to Dallas. Since those rumors, reporters like CowboyMaven’s Mike Fisher have stoked the fire attempting to link Adams with an eventual move to Jerry’s World, going as far as to highlight Adams playing golf close to Dallas’ headquarters.

Adams’ hometown is Lewisville, Texas. My take at that moment was that Adams playing offseason golf in his native state translates to “nothing see here.”

Regardless, his name has come up many times, including the weeks leading up to the 2020 NFL draft in April. The Jets decided at the time that no offer was worthy of them parting with arguably the heart and soul of the franchise.

As Fisher reported late Sunday, a video has now surfaced of Adams interacting with a fan in Lewisville where he states, “He is trying” (to become a member of the Dallas Cowboys). This comes on the heels of Fisher reporting that there are no legs to the rumors that Adams is demanding a contract extension at $20 million per season.

“The Jamal Adams camp vehemently denies an ESPN report that the disgruntled All-Pro safety is asking for "$20 million per year'', a source told CowboysSI.com.

With the team failing to offer a new contract, Adams has decided to take the negotiations to social media, prompting BetOnline Sportsbook to release odds for which team could potentially land Adams via trade.

Odds courtesy of BetOnline

The Baltimore Ravens (+250), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3/1) and Dallas Cowboys (4/1) are the frontrunners according to the oddsmakers.

JetsCountryMaven Kristian Dyer recently spoke with former Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum who proclaimed, “the best thing for the New York Jets is to re-sign Jamal Adams. But if that doesn’t happen, things could accelerate towards the player possibly being traded.”

Here’s the most important thing bettors should take away from Tannenbaum’s interview with Dyer:

“I would wait till much closer to training camp. I would try to get together with him and his agent and try to be a good listener, figure out the issues from an economic standpoint, a non-economic standpoint.”

That leads me to the “other” market involving Adams currently being offered by BetOnline:

I believe this market speaks volumes with the “No” being such a prohibitive favorite at odds of -600. I am willing to bet that Jets General Manager Joe Douglas will not be as foolish as Tannebaum was when he traded future Hall of Fame shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis during his prime in the midst of a contract dispute. 

Current Jets play-by-play radio announcer Bob Wischusen nailed it best on Twitter:

I hate to disappoint Cowboys fans, but unless Dallas is willing to part with a package of a first-round pick, wide receiver Michael Gallup or Cee Dee Lamb AND a starting offensive lineman or a second-round draft pick---there is simply no way the Jets will move their star safety, especially while holding all the power with up to two potential years left on his rookie contract, plus another year if he gets the franchise tag. 

The animosity developed between the Jets and Cowboys over the past year or so has not only driven up the demands from Florham Park, but it has most likely taken the Cowboys out of any consideration should the Jets decide to move on from their disgruntled star safety.

Furthermore, Jamal Adams has shown himself to be a leader both on and off the field.

The Jets appear reluctant to talk about a contract because they own his rights for another two years, plus a potential franchise tag in 2022. Adams is on record as wanting to become the NFL's highest-paid safety and deservedly so. He has out-performed his rookie deal and is the best player at his position.

As Teddy “KGB” famously said in the movie Rounders: “Pay him. Pay that man his money.”

Douglas and the Jets’ front office will eventually repeat those words because of the business side of the NFL. Both camps will ultimately take their time in getting the best deal they can, likely keeping the first-rounder with the Jets for years to come.

June 23, 2020 at 04:00AM
Where Should Bettors Expect Jamal Adams to Play in 2020?

New on Sports Illustrated: With Coronavirus Surging, MLB's Return Plan Doesn't Matter

As COVID-19 cases continue rising, baseball would be better off with no season.

The 30 Major League Baseball owners want to play 60 games this year. The players want to play 70. Here’s a better idea: How about 0?

On Monday afternoon, the players voted against the owners’ most recent proposal, leaving it to commissioner Rob Manfred to mandate a season. He will likely try to set a schedule of 50 or so games. It doesn’t matter. This isn’t safe anymore. It probably never was.

Many of us have been distracted in recent days by calculating teams’ EBITDA when we should have been calculating states’ coronavirus case rates. I wrote last week that the owners are being intransigent. They are. But the news on Friday of COVID-19 outbreaks in Phillies camp, in Clearwater, Fla.; and in Blue Jays camp, in Dunedin, Fla.; and in Giants camp, in Scottsdale, Ariz., have made it clear: The labor issue is not the problem. The virus is.

This was supposed to be the easy part. Only a handful of players have reported to spring training facilities, and they are not yet playing games. All the teams had to do was test players and staff a few times upon arrival and then keep them isolated. And yet here we are, with all 30 camps shut down as the league tries to formulate a consistent testing protocol. That’s right: The league and the union have spent three months arguing over money. The teams have opened their facilities. And yet they still lack a consistent testing protocol.

Sports are a treat you get when you live in a functioning society. We do not live in a functioning society. We live in a society in which more than 118,000 people have died of COVID-19, the curves are pointed upward … and states are responding by reopening.

One of MLB’s early plans called for it to stage the season in a quarantine bubble of sorts—with teams either clustered in Arizona or split among Arizona, Florida and Texas. That option might have kept everyone safe. But it evaporated when players scoffed at the idea of months locked in hotels and owners decried the loss of stadium sponsorships. So they settled on the more dangerous plan of playing in their home ballparks, flying from state to state and then returning to their families—and to their local grocery stores.

Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Texas and Washington all reported record highs in cases in the last two weeks. Those seven states represent the homes of 14 MLB teams—15 if the Blue Jays are unable to travel from Toronto and need to play at their spring training site in Dunedin, Fla. As bars and restaurants welcome back customers, young people have found themselves disproportionately stricken. And scientists continue to caution that we do not know what the long-term effects of this disease will be. Even people who recover are often left with lung damage, hardly ideal for a professional athlete.

The virus is not going anywhere. The discussions between the owners and the players aren’t, either. So how about this? Manfred and union head Tony Clark should cancel the season, take two weeks off and then spend the next nine months negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement to replace the one that is due to expire in December 2021. At this point, after all the leaks and counter-leaks, proposals and counter-proposals, statements and counter-statements, the sides distrust each other as much as they ever have. It’s hard to see how they will avoid a work stoppage in ’22.

Even if they scrape together a season this year, it will not feel legitimate. Some players will opt out entirely, focusing on their own health or those of their high-risk family members. Many of those who remain, especially pitchers, will be forced to decide whether to risk injury in pursuit of a World Series that will always have an asterisk attached. The joy we usually associate with the sport—the high fives after home runs, the dogpiles after walk-offs—will be banned in an attempt to keep the players safe. They won’t even be allowed to spit. And a flare-up could scuttle the whole thing at any point.

Almost no one in baseball truly believes that the players will be able to stick to a strict quarantine. The belief that you are invincible allows you to stand in the box and face 99 mph on the black. It also makes you likely to go to a bar during a pandemic. And then what? If the Phillies and the Blue Jays and the Giants are any indication, it will be nearly impossible to contain an outbreak. For months people around the sport have asked: What happens when a player tests positive? A better question would be: What happens when half a dozen players test positive?

A canceled season would affect thousands of team employees who make their livelihoods from the sport. Most of the major league players should be able to survive on the $170 million salary advance the league doled out in March. The owners, most of them billionaires, claim they would lose $640,000 for each regular season game played without fans. In that case, they can take the money they will save on major league salaries and pay everyone else.

For a few weeks in April, people in baseball were captivated by the idea of being the first sport to return. That did not happen. Maybe that was for the best. Now baseball has a chance to be the first sport to do the right thing: not play at all. 

June 23, 2020 at 03:54AM
With Coronavirus Surging, MLB's Return Plan Doesn't Matter