tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85284992020-11-25T03:21:35.365-06:00www.SoonersBlog.comCovering former Sooners in the NFL, NBA, MLB and other professional sports leagues.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-8305373160291580742020-07-23T18:26:00.001-05:002020-07-24T20:12:14.561-05:00Lamb, Cowboys agree to 4-year rookie contractDallas Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb have agreed to four-year, $14.01M rookie contract, <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidMooreDMN/status/1286308016267108354?s=19" target="_blank">David Moore of Dallas Morning News reports</a>.<br /><br />The deal includes $7.7M signing bonus, Moore adds. It includes a fifth-year team option.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-QuGV1zbg/XqMpLTiPGjI/AAAAAAAAAdw/zGqrIcCtFM4gA2jfHP-yidOsYks07c9DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5d8fa447de0f1.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK-QuGV1zbg/XqMpLTiPGjI/AAAAAAAAAdw/zGqrIcCtFM4gA2jfHP-yidOsYks07c9DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/5d8fa447de0f1.image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Maule, Tulsa World</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lamb, the 17th overall selection in this year's National Football League Draft, will join other teammates at Cowboys rookie camp in Frisco, Texas. The remainder of the team will report July 28.<br /><br />Lamb is represented by Jimmy Sexton, Tory Dandy of Los Angeles-based Creative Artist Agency, <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/ceedee-lamb-47611/" target="_blank">according to Spotrac</a>.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com</i>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-62109563655472269142020-07-19T22:08:00.000-05:002020-07-19T22:08:12.790-05:00Sooners reaction to Madden NFL 21 ratingsEA Sports released the <i>Madden NFL 21</i> player ratings ahead of August 28 release date this week.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPUU-drg6Tg/XxQlbnPmhcI/AAAAAAAAAlU/fLTVWY5GHGQxH_fLWlDTLJVVG6DmOtwcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Redskins_Cardinals_Football_87516.jpg-4feb6_c0-238-3918-2522_s885x516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="885" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPUU-drg6Tg/XxQlbnPmhcI/AAAAAAAAAlU/fLTVWY5GHGQxH_fLWlDTLJVVG6DmOtwcACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Redskins_Cardinals_Football_87516.jpg-4feb6_c0-238-3918-2522_s885x516.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AP Photo/Rick Scuteri</td></tr></tbody></table>The exclusive 99 club, included five players (Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, Stephon Gilmore, Christian McCaffrey, Michael Thomas), none of which included former University of Oklahoma players.<br /><br />Here's how they reacted on social media to their ratings:<br /><br /><b>Adrian Peterson, WAS, RB: 78 overall, 89 speed, 89 acceleration.</b><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div>Feel free to boost me to a 99 overall when you’re playing cpu<br /><br />Nobody has to know 🤞🏾 <a href="https://t.co/w03fECiGj5">https://t.co/w03fECiGj5</a></div>— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdrianPeterson/status/1283219112668217345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><br /><b>Joe Mixon, CIN, RB: 89 overall, 91 speed, 93 acceleration</b>.<br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/EAMaddenNFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EAMaddenNFL</a> how do you give me a 75 strength like I’m some lil boy out there?! But y’all gave me the arm bar? Make it make sense! Also why don’t I have human joystick/make one miss if clearly to y’all my best trait is making people miss?</div>— ⚡️Primetime!!!⚡️ (@Joe_MainMixon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joe_MainMixon/status/1284318623247429632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><br /><b>Kyler Murray, ARZ, QB: 77 overall, 91 speed, 92 acceleration.</b><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="und">Na... <a href="https://t.co/g1NDY6mPfl">https://t.co/g1NDY6mPfl</a></div>— Kyler Murray (@K1) <a href="https://twitter.com/K1/status/1282742771007225856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com</i>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-71036858627447210162020-07-18T23:46:00.000-05:002020-07-18T23:46:03.700-05:00Joe Mixon ranked in the top five of running bank rankingsA trio of Oklahoma running backs are considered among the top backs in the league.<br /><br />Maurice Jones-Drew, a three-time Pro Bowl running back, released his “<a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-all-32-rb1s-heading-into-2020-saquon-barkley-at-no-6" target="_blank">Ranking all 32 RB1s heading into 2020</a>” on NFL.com.<br /><br />As 35-year-old Adrian Peterson continues his workhorse production at running back, Jones-Drew bases his rankings on who’s likely to start. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAPX3UTrfI/XxPP1UQachI/AAAAAAAAAlI/OkiV9eC29QQ2g3g2f5ImyOBHb7zmk3eEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hi-res-dcf21ff78f2151c0f832988d776122cc_crop_north%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvAPX3UTrfI/XxPP1UQachI/AAAAAAAAAlI/OkiV9eC29QQ2g3g2f5ImyOBHb7zmk3eEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hi-res-dcf21ff78f2151c0f832988d776122cc_crop_north%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Lyons/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Washington uses a running back by committee approach, Jones Drew ranks the starting running backs for each team – based on who he believes who will have the most production this season.<br /><br />“Despite Derrius Guice being the more explosive running back, Peterson gets the nod because, well, Guice can't stay healthy,” Jones-Drew writes, NFL.com.<br /><br />Peterson is ranked 23rd by Jones-Drew.<br /><br />After stating six of the 11 games he appeared last season – Damien Williams had 498 yards on 111 carries, including five touchdowns in his seventh season in the league.<br /><br />He would eventually re-earn his starting job after initially named starter ahead of training camp, last season, but was slowed by a hamstring injury. Williams would contribute the final two touchdowns in, 31-20, Kansas City victory over San Francisco in Super Bowl LV as starting running back.<br /><br />“He'll have a role in Andy Reid's offense, but Williams will benefit from his experience and the limited offseason. The Chiefs will lean on Williams early on, and what happens from there is dependent on how well the rookie plays,” Jones-Drew says.<br />Williams is ranked 18th on the running back rankings.<br /><br />At near the top of the rankings, third-year running back Joe Mixon is expected to have ‘best year yet,' Jones-Drew writes.<br /><br />Mixon, started all 15 games last season, recorded only five touchdowns, though, after 278 carries, averaging 4.1 yards-per-carry.<br /><br />“This is going to be Mixon's best year yet. The Bengals' offensive line will be healthier. A.J. Green will be back. And Cincinnati drafted two major offensive weapons in quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Tee Higgins,” Jones-Drew writes.<br /><br />Mixon is ranked fifth.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com</i>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-20931539171591584942020-07-16T19:23:00.000-05:002020-07-16T22:17:51.240-05:00Buddy Hield joins team after recovering from COVID-19Buddy is back.<br /><br />Kings guard Buddy Hield joined his teammates at Walt Disney Sports Complex in Reunion, Fla. on Sunday, per <a href="https://www.sacbee.com/sports/article244232987.html" target="_blank">The Sacramento Bee</a>.<br /><br />He was among <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/buddy-hield-among-positive-coronavirus.html" target="_blank">four players on Sacramento roster to test positive for COVID-19</a>, which included Jabari Parker, Alex Len and Harrison Barnes.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNPJuJhVDSA/XvLAxLexKPI/AAAAAAAAAjg/afSUsPsTbUU0g1BT2mSfXCDEu5MbL5bEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/buddy1jpg_3_t670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="670" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNPJuJhVDSA/XvLAxLexKPI/AAAAAAAAAjg/afSUsPsTbUU0g1BT2mSfXCDEu5MbL5bEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/buddy1jpg_3_t670.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“I wasn’t scared or nothing like that,” Hield said, per The Sacramento Bee, in his first media availability since testing positive in June.<br /><br /> “I tested positive and I was just concerned for the people around me like my daughter and my girl and my family. I didn’t want nobody getting infected by it. I didn’t want my carelessness causing someone to lose their life or something like that.”<br /><br />The 27-year-old said he had minor symptoms, "a little head cold" and "chills one night."<br /><br />Hield competed in a Skinz League game in Edmond, Okla. in June, was asked if he would have taken more precautions in the tournament that features former NCAA players including international players.<br /><br />"I wouldn't do nothing differently," Hield said, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29461256/kings-harrison-barnes-tests-positive-coronavirus-quarantine" target="_blank">ESPN.com</a>, "I don't think I got it playing basketball because a lot of guys I was playing with, none of them got it."<br /><br />Kings open play in Orlando against San Antonio Spurs, July 28.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-48978890979174911472020-07-16T04:29:00.002-05:002020-07-16T06:21:50.614-05:00Kenny Stills, others arrested after trespassing at Kentucky AG's residenceKenny Stills faces a felony charge.<br /><br />The Houston Texans receiver was released Wednesday morning following his arrest by Louisville Metropolitan Police Department (Louisville, Ky.) Tuesday.<br /><br /> Stills, 29, was charged on Wednesday accused of intimidating a participant in the legal process, a felony, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass – misdemeanors, <a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2020/07/15/houston-texans-kenny-stills-arrested-breonna-taylor-protest/5441564002/" target="_blank">Louisville Courier-Journal reported</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpL3l9OGwFY/Xpfoz2kJVqI/AAAAAAAAAcg/rsmLRhiIByM-WWqAfysm9UyQPgWTj8TiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1177850362.jpg.0.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="920" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpL3l9OGwFY/Xpfoz2kJVqI/AAAAAAAAAcg/rsmLRhiIByM-WWqAfysm9UyQPgWTj8TiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1177850362.jpg.0.webp" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Hickey/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Stills and 86 others were taken into custody after "peacefully protesting," as described by Stills, at the residence of Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky, on Tuesday. The demonstration organized by Until Freedom drew over 100 people, including Stills to the neighborhood of Cameron.<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">“Good trouble” with my brothers and sisters- organized by <a href="https://twitter.com/untilfreedom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@untilfreedom</a>.<br /><br />Arrested for peacefully protesting. While Breonnas Taylor’s murderers are still out on the street.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArrestTheCops?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArrestTheCops</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JusticeForBreonna?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JusticeForBreonna</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a> <a href="https://t.co/GmJUjl7Ezv">pic.twitter.com/GmJUjl7Ezv</a></div>— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KSTiLLS/status/1283455434771165184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />The Courier-Journal reports Stills, and others were arrested after ‘protesting' on Cameron's lawn, "at (Cameron's) request, they were trespassed from the property," LMPD spokesman Lamont Washington told the paper.<br /><br />The group assembled at Cameron's residence demanding charges against three Louisville officers accused involvement in the fatal shooting death of Breonna Taylor, 26, after officers entered her residence with a “no-knock warrant.”<br /><br />Taylor was shot eight times.<br /><br />No officers have been charged involved in Taylor's death on March 13.<br /><br />Elizabeth Kuhn, spokeswoman for Cameron's office said, per <a href="https://nyti.ms/2ZtOTFv" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>, following the arrest of demonstrators, “ultimately, any charges will be subject to the legal process and further review by prosecutors."<br /><br />Stills, an outspoken advocate of police reform, will be joined by players across the league in kneeling during National Anthem, including Baker Mayfield, Adrian Peterson and Kyler Murray after the deaths of Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Aubrey this year.<br /><br />“There is a lot of hate in this world, but at the same time, what’s happening and what we’re seeing right now, it’s huge.” said Murray, Arizona Cardinals quarterback. “I’ll be kneeling. I stand for what’s right. … I’ll definitely be taking a knee.”<br /><br />Both, <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/baker-mayfield-joins-adrian-peterson-in.html" target="_blank">Peterson, Mayfield echoed his sentiment</a>.<br /><br />“Yeah, without a doubt, without a doubt,” Peterson, a 13-year league veteran, said when asked if he'll kneel in solidarity. Mayfield said, too, “Absolutely. I am,” he posted on social media.<br /><br />National Football League players reacted to Stills' arrest on social media:<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Free Kenny Stills.</div>— Reag (@jalenreagor) <a href="https://twitter.com/jalenreagor/status/1283473950765441025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Free my dawg Kenny Stills!</div>— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJDeuce_/status/1283406500359294978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">SMH they arresting the wrong ppl! How you’re going to arrest him for protesting but the cops who killed Breonna Taylor haven’t been arrested?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeKennyStills?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeKennyStills</a> <a href="https://t.co/vxVzVtngET">https://t.co/vxVzVtngET</a></div>— Tytus Howard (@levelstothis_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/levelstothis_2/status/1283410334091534338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-39050365731585636632020-07-15T12:24:00.000-05:002020-07-16T21:38:45.173-05:00Madden NFL 21 releases CeeDee Lamb game ratingDid CeeDee Lamb get snubbed by Madden?<br /><br />Lamb earned All-American honors at Oklahoma, its unsurprising the 17th overall selection in this year's National Football League <a href="https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-21/player-ratings" target="_blank">draft is highly-rated in EA Sports’ marquee gaming title</a> – <i>Madden NFL 21</i>.<br /><br />A class widely regarded for its talent at wide receiver with six taken in the first-round. Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs led the way selected at 12th overall selection by Las Vegas Raiders, followed by teammate Jerry Jeudy taken by Denver Broncos at 15th and Lamb followed being drafted by Dallas Cowboys.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7g1Gtb7v1-Y/Xw842zu4iWI/AAAAAAAAAkw/GfsZz8w36pMHW2ZxD3nT4rQzB4xi2SEyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ceedeelamb_oklahoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7g1Gtb7v1-Y/Xw842zu4iWI/AAAAAAAAAkw/GfsZz8w36pMHW2ZxD3nT4rQzB4xi2SEyACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ceedeelamb_oklahoma.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</td></tr></tbody></table>While, both Lamb, Jeudy have same overall rating (75), Ruggs gets the nod for highest initial rating overall (76); moreover, his speed (98) and acceleration (97) attributes were the highest among the class.<br /><br />However, Lamb wasn’t rated the highest outright at any attributes – his rating is exceptionally high at strength (69), a class-high at awareness (76-tied). Lamb had a rating of 90 at both speed and acceleration.<br /><br />Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, quarterback Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City had the highest rating: 99 overall.<br /><br />Avid players of the Madden franchise will see quarterback Lamar Jackson of Baltimore Ravens on the cover when Madden NFL 21 is released Aug 28.<br /><br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-49962860882238790952020-07-14T07:50:00.000-05:002020-07-16T04:31:41.955-05:00DeMarco Murray part of ownership group seeking to buy MLB franchiseAdd professional sports franchise owner to the titles DeMarco Murray holds?<br /><br />A group of investors led by Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez submitted an initial bid of $1.7 billion for Major League Baseball franchise ownership of the New York Mets, <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/07/13/jennifer-lopez-alex-rodriguez-mets-bid-adds-nfl-star-power/" target="_blank">New York Post</a> reported on Monday.<br /><br />DeMarco Murray, who played six season in the NFL, <a href="https://overthecap.com/player/demarco-murray/621/" target="_blank">earned over $25 million in career earnings</a> is joined by Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, retired lineman Joe Thomas, among others.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syz1wIihOhw/Xw2m4VBCjlI/AAAAAAAAAkk/yjiKdXwA-2AYIJjkVc7crrNfRI_AdGvPACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AP589065649560.2e16d0ba.fill-735x490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="735" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-syz1wIihOhw/Xw2m4VBCjlI/AAAAAAAAAkk/yjiKdXwA-2AYIJjkVc7crrNfRI_AdGvPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AP589065649560.2e16d0ba.fill-735x490.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Perez / Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table>A competing ownership group is led by minority owner Steve Cohen, a billionaire hedge-fund manager, and his partners Florida Panthers owner Vinny Viola and Vitaminwater co-founder Mike Repole.<br /><br />Cohen’s ownership group is reportedly the favorite to buy the franchise after a recent bid of $2 billion, <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/07/13/jennifer-lopez-alex-rodriguez-mets-bid-adds-nfl-star-power/" target="_blank">The Post reported</a>.<br /><br />However, Jeff Wilpon, Mets Chief Operating Officer, would prefer to sale the franchise to the group of former athletes and Lopez, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29455748/brian-urlacher-travis-kelce-demarco-murray-join-jennifer-lopez-alex-rodriguez-bid-buy-mets" target="_blank">ESPN's Vaughn McClure</a>.<br /><br />“It’s especially cool to be involved with Alex. Alex is the man. You’ve got Kelce, Joe Thomas, DeMarco Murray. It’s great to be in a group with them,” Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher told ESPN.com.<br /><br />“We couldn’t be more excited to have such high-quality individuals as part of our group, ” Lopez and Rodriguez said, per The Post.<br /><br />Its unclear if Lopez, Rodriguez group, organized by Jim Cantelupe, co-founder of New York-based Summit Trail Advisors, a wealth management fund will bid on SNY, the regional carriage network for the club, which <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/infographics/mlb-team-values.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg valued at $1.2 billion</a> in 2013.<br /><br />The initial round of bidding ends Thursday, and the sale must be finalized by Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manford.<br /><br />The finalization of sale is expected in October, <a href="https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/07/13/report-brian-urlacher-travis-kelce-demarco-murray-join-alex-rodriguez-jennifer-lopez-bid-new-york-mets/amp/" target="_blank">CBS New York</a> reported.<br /><br /><i><b>Correction: </b>This article incorrectly stated Bloomberg valued SNY at $1.3 billion.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-77559569751325803832020-07-13T00:53:00.000-05:002020-07-16T04:32:05.529-05:00Analysts: Kyler Murray worthy of franchise contractPatrick Mahomes signed the richest contract in sports, a 10-year, $503M extension with the Kansas City Chiefs last week.<br /><br />The 24-year-old quarterback has rewrote National Football League record books in three-seasons, becoming the second member in league history of the 50 touchdowns, 5,000-yard club, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29418825/sources-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-agree-10-year-extension#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20and%20Super%20Bowl,season%2C%20the%20team%20announced%20Monday." target="_blank">is now signed through 2031</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdmBypyv2w/XcbXfLi1aaI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jreDSX23xscD-IlkQ3AfsZY8HVMzJErZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/az-kyler-murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="768" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdmBypyv2w/XcbXfLi1aaI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jreDSX23xscD-IlkQ3AfsZY8HVMzJErZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/az-kyler-murray.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norm Hall/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In a league top heavy of up-and-coming quarterbacks such as DaShaun Watson, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff.<br /><br />The NFL Network posed the question— after Mahomes: Which quarterback would you offer such a contract to?<br /><br />A surprising answer among a couple: <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/search/label/Kyler%20Murray" target="_blank">Kyler Murray</a>.<br /><br />Maurice Jones-Drew, a network analyst, didn’t hesitant in choosing Murray.<br /><br />"I'm taking the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kyler Murray. The kid is a ripe 22 years old and the centerpiece of an Arizona Cardinals team on the comeup.” Jones said, per <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/mahomes-deal-which-other-qb-would-you-want-for-next-12-years">NFL.com</a>, a three-time Pro Bowl back for Jacksonville Jaguars.<br /><br />Murray, soon-to-be 23 on Aug 7, alongside Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury improved the last ranked Cardinals’ offense in 2018 to 16th in his rookie campaign last season.<br /><br />“The 2019 No. 1 overall pick lived up to the hype as a dual-threat quarterback who thrilled in Kliff Kingsbury's Air Raid offense with impressive throws and timely rushes. Some might argue that Lamar Jackson would be a better choice, but Murray's playing style isn't quite as concerning as the reigning league MVP's."<br /><br />However, the throwing ability Mahomes possesses is unlike any other, says Kurt Warner, who led the most prolific offense until 2010s – St. Louis Rams to one Super Bowl victory.<br /><br />"The answer is nobody! Twelve years in the NFL feels like an eternity. No other quarterback has proven that type of worth or is young enough to make me believe he can carry my team for that long,” said Warner, a two-time league most valuable player.<br /><br />“I know that's not the answer you were looking for, so for the sake of providing an answer, I'll say ... Kyler Murray."<br /><br />Murray, Cardinals open training camp July 28.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-69373438454230946682020-07-09T15:15:00.000-05:002020-07-16T04:32:28.894-05:00Obo shows he's healthy, ready to compete for starting role in Los AngelesHe’s ready.<br /><br />Linebacker Ogbonnia "Obo" Okoronkwo showed he’s in shape, ready to compete for starting role -- posting a workout video on social media recently.<br /><br />“Everybody thinks that we’re these chiseled body-builder types. But a lot of the time a lot of the guys don’t have that traditional body-builder look,” 25-year-old reserve said in April, per<a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/21/nfl-rams-obo-okoronkwo-2020-season-shape/" target="_blank"> USA Today's Rams Wire</a>, after a string of injuries sidelined him.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Ima need allat.. 😤 <a href="https://twitter.com/DLcoachEd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DLcoachEd</a> <a href="https://t.co/BCq8KDdZ7X">pic.twitter.com/BCq8KDdZ7X</a></div>— Ogbo Okoronkwo (@OgboOkoronkwo) <a href="https://twitter.com/OgboOkoronkwo/status/1280896221016543233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />Okoronkwo, Big 12 co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, began the offseason in hopes of earning a starting position. After being a year removed of concerns of being cut by Los Angeles, who won the Super Bowl in 2019, a contest he missed after being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in his rookie season.<br /><br />“When the season picks up then I’ll definitely be back,” Okoronkwo said. “But I just feel good, a lot of energy. My body feels really clean. I feel like energized when I wake up, yeah. I’m loving it.”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCeLnXUC6Ik/XwdklJVaSrI/AAAAAAAAAkE/pDtWIz7VidsGLpNax6Jv7mtJRSNot2xsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GettyImages-1163790233-1024x683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zCeLnXUC6Ik/XwdklJVaSrI/AAAAAAAAAkE/pDtWIz7VidsGLpNax6Jv7mtJRSNot2xsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/GettyImages-1163790233-1024x683.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Okoronkwo was drafted in the fifth round with the 160th overall pick by the organization, after being named an All-American honorable mention his senior season at Oklahoma. However, the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder has suffered a number of setbacks including a broken foot that sidelined him the entirety of the 2018 season after undergoing surgery. A sore hamstring, last season, limited Okoronkwo to ten games.<br /><br />“A lot of guys are very skilled, so they don’t have to be super strong or super fast, or they don’t have to look like a superhero to be really good at what they do. They’re intricate and very detailed in their skills. So that’s what makes them so much better than everybody else,” he added in preparation for the upcoming season.<br /><br />Los Angeles Rams open training camp July 28.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-2150613594291339932020-06-30T19:29:00.002-05:002020-07-16T04:32:54.437-05:00"They don't need me to win" – Trent Williams on joining 49ersA relationship between Washington and Trent Williams, Kyle Shanahan helped the All-Pro land in San Francisco.<br /><br />Williams knew after being traded from Washington Redskins in April, the 49ers didn’t ‘need' him to win after Super Bowl LIV appearance.<br /><br />"I say this all the time: It was an attractive destination, not just because of Kyle and the quarterback (Jimmy Garoppolo), of course, but they don't need me to win, " Williams said.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxOdK2hbw7g/Xj65yNkFRiI/AAAAAAAAARE/DrrgFsBd5V8s-Taf-k8QWGN6Q11h06EcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hi-res-b8d37ebce6c8304bbb45df1e70d9629b_crop_north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxOdK2hbw7g/Xj65yNkFRiI/AAAAAAAAARE/DrrgFsBd5V8s-Taf-k8QWGN6Q11h06EcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hi-res-b8d37ebce6c8304bbb45df1e70d9629b_crop_north.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Tenally/Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table>Their relationship dates back to Washington where he served as offensive coordinator between 2010-13. And where Williams earned six Pro Bowl appearances, the relationship later soured after a dispute between him and the club.<br /><br />“To me, it gives me the chance to come in and not feel like the world is on my shoulders and I have to do everything, I’m just a small piece of the puzzle to a well-tuned machine,” Williams said, per <a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/49ers-trent-williams-explains-real-close-kyle-shanahan-relationship" target="_blank">NBC Sports</a>.<br /><br />It could be argued their offensive line was upgraded after losing Pro Bowl tackle Joe Staley in the offseason.<br /><br />"We just always had a real close relationship,” Williams continued. “Even when he left, when he went to Cleveland and Atlanta, we always kept in touch. We talked about reuniting the day he left his office in Washington and it was spoken into existence."<br /><br />Shanahan, John Lynch, the 49ers general manager, knew trading for the thirty-one-year-old tackle without an extension in place was an assumed risk.<br /><br />“We felt like even though we were assuming some risk without the Trent Williams thing being done, that was a risk we were willing to take," Lynch said, via <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/04/trent-williams-traded-to-san-francisco.html?m=1" target="_blank">ESPN.com</a>.<br /><br />"I think the plan was to land him right now and then let the rest kind of work itself out," Lynch added.<br /><br />Last month, the 49ers restructured Williams' contract – prorating a portion of the $12.5M he's due on an expiring five-year, $68M.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><br /><br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-7470059704216420522020-06-29T18:42:00.001-05:002020-07-16T04:33:27.224-05:00Trae Young to join Rich Paul's Klutch Sports GroupTrae Young announced last week he will switch agencies.<br /><br />He will leave Octagon Sports to join Klutch Sports Group after his agent Omar Wilkes was named head of basketball operations of the Los Angeles-based agency.<br /><br />Young, 21, will enter his third season of 3-year, $18.2M rookie contract next season with Atlanta Hawks after being drafted fifth overall by Dallas Mavericks in 2018 National Basketball Association Draft.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oioWIa7PdA8/XlBXrFfD_II/AAAAAAAAAU0/l8FPCbXXpOEqt7YwEVnAGrfZs39q4_gogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/trae-young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oioWIa7PdA8/XlBXrFfD_II/AAAAAAAAAU0/l8FPCbXXpOEqt7YwEVnAGrfZs39q4_gogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/trae-young.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Brown / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/trae-young-leaves-agency-possibly-join.html" target="_blank">Wilkes’ decision to head basketball ops </a> founded by agent Rich Paul comes after Paul's decision to expand his agency's football operations.<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m just getting started... It’s just different❄️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KLUTCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KLUTCH</a> <a href="https://t.co/q03wrf22jx">pic.twitter.com/q03wrf22jx</a></div>— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTraeYoung/status/1276641579479052292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />In October, the Hawks decided to exercise their third-year option on Young, including options on John Collins, Kevin Huerter.<br /><br />They have the opportunity to a fourth-year option on Young in 2021-22 season valued at $8.3M, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/atlanta-hawks/trae-young-26971/#" target="_blank">Spotrac figures</a>.<br /><br />Klutch has negotiated over $1B in NBA contracts since it’s inception in September 2012.<br /><br /><i>Do you have a tip, suggestion, complaint or see an error? E-mail me at gilbert.sam @ www.soonersblog.com. </i><br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-58390668320094301772020-06-25T16:14:00.002-05:002020-06-29T18:32:55.839-05:00Trae Young leaves Octagon Sports agency Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young informed Octagon Sports he will leave the agency effectively immediately, according to <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-trae-young-leaves-sports-agency-octagon-expected-to-eventually-join-klutch-sports-175752242.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! Sports Chris Haynes</a>.<br /><br />The came departure after his agent Omar Wilkes accepted a position at Klutch to run the agency's basketball operations.<br /><br />Young, an NBA All-star, informed Octagon of his decision on Thursday, and will reportedly begin the process of interviewing agents and will weigh ‘all his options.’<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Y_zHasr3Y/XkLjhMVEPLI/AAAAAAAAIvg/jW-56FutwQcLpsv6FnrDZBMi2IbHffs8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5db332c3545c9.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Y_zHasr3Y/XkLjhMVEPLI/AAAAAAAAIvg/jW-56FutwQcLpsv6FnrDZBMi2IbHffs8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/5db332c3545c9.image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Schwegler/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>The 21-year-old is entering the final year of 3-year, $18.2M rookie contract next season, the team exercised their 2020-21 player option in October, they will have an opportunity, again, in 2021-22.<br /><br /><b>RELATED: </b><a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/trae-young-pledges-millions-to-norman.html" target="_blank">Trae Young pledges millions toward Norman sports complex</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29359355/agent-omar-wilkes-klutch-sports-head-basketball-allowing-rich-paul-expand-reach?platform=amp" target="_blank">ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday</a>, it's believed Young will likely join Wilkes.<br /><br />The Los Angeles-based Klutch founded by Rich Paul, part of United Talent Agency, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/companies/klutch-sports-group/#250ba0375de4" target="_blank">represents $814M in contracts in the NBA</a>, including Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Ben Simmons.<br /><br /><i><b>Correction:</b> The previous version incorrectly stated the team had an opportunity to exercise their player option next season.</i><br /><br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-5400357472816765032020-06-24T23:05:00.000-05:002020-06-25T00:15:40.580-05:00Buddy Hield tests positive for coronavirus<a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/02/report-buddy-hield-unhappy-with-sixth.html?m=1" target="_blank">Sixth man Buddy Hield</a> is among the three Sacramento players that tested positive for the coronavirus, The Athletic's <a href="https://twitter.com/sam_amick/status/1275956024109748224?s=19" target="_blank">Sam Amick</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1275956022499258377?s=19" target="_blank">Shams Charania</a> first reported on Wednesday.<br /><br />Jabari Parker confirmed his positive test, “Several days ago I tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately self-isolated in Chicago which is where I remain, ” he said in a statement via <a href="https://www.kcra.com/article/nba-owners-approve-22-team-season-restart-plan/32770486#" target="_blank">KCRA</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1275989677900734471?s=19" target="_blank">Charania later reported</a> an additional player had tested positive – Kings center Alex Len.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTqXrFDTtig/XkVUi8VJvLI/AAAAAAAAASY/f9PESXmwrisZP8hNdP6x25sz7mR2R51YACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hi-res-02288792fabef1824a2823ce98922733_crop_north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTqXrFDTtig/XkVUi8VJvLI/AAAAAAAAASY/f9PESXmwrisZP8hNdP6x25sz7mR2R51YACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/hi-res-02288792fabef1824a2823ce98922733_crop_north.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Kings (28-36) are among 22-teams that will compete in Orlando, Fla., to conclude the season in late July after the National Basketball Association Board of Governors approval in early June.<br /><br />The board approved a sixteen playoff after an eight-game regular season.<br /><br />On Wednesday, Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martin told Orange County officials, per <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/magic-ceo-nba-to-play-all-day-long-at-disney-world-relaunch-211828148.html" target="_blank">Yahoo! Sports</a>, it's anticipated that despite a spike in virus cases it’s expected they will play ‘all day long' once the season resumes.<br /><br />As for the Kings -- despite coach Luke Walton moving the guard to sixth man midseason, Hield has a career-high 32.0 minutes per game, and averaging 19.8 points, shooting .429 percent from the field, per <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/SAC/" target="_blank">Basketball Reference</a>.<br /><br /><b>RELATED: </b><a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/02/report-buddy-hield-unhappy-with-sixth.html" target="_blank">Report: Buddy Hield Unhappy With Sixth Man Role</a><br /><br />The remainder of the season is slated to return July 30.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-24436597800225271132020-06-24T17:38:00.000-05:002020-06-24T20:17:40.143-05:00Kyler Murray earns more comparison to elite quarterbackThe Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson comparisons have existed before the 5-foot-10 quarterback declared to play in National Football League in January 2019.<br /><br />Murray now has one-year under his belt after starting all 16 games in his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals, division rival San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York compared Murray to division quarterback Wilson.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdmBypyv2w/XcbXfLi1aaI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jreDSX23xscD-IlkQ3AfsZY8HVMzJErZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/az-kyler-murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="768" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZdmBypyv2w/XcbXfLi1aaI/AAAAAAAAAHg/jreDSX23xscD-IlkQ3AfsZY8HVMzJErZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/az-kyler-murray.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norm Hall/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>“The Seahawks, the way the regular-season ended last year. Obviously there’s a huge awesome rivalry between us and those guys up north,” York said, via <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/06/23/jed-york-expects-a-lot-of-awesome-football-this-year/" target="_blank">Pro Football Talk</a>.<br /><br />“Is there a better division from top to bottom in the NFL? You’ve got a young quarterback [Murray] who reminds you a lot of Russ [Wilson] and things he can do to make plays from anywhere on the field.<br /><br />Murray, Cardinals finished 1-5 (5-10-1) in the ultra-competitive NFC North last season.<br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-87749164572252093652020-06-23T21:58:00.000-05:002020-06-24T16:17:05.642-05:00Buddy Hield had one of best seasons in 'one-and-done era'Basketball U.<br /><br />A trio of NBA stars with Oklahoma ties were named in the top-15 of ESPN's ‘top 50 individual seasons of the one-and-done era.’<br /><br />The era includes the likes of Naismith Player of the Year award winners Kevin Durant (Texas, 2007), Anthony Davis (Kentucky, 2012), and JJ Reddick (Duke, 2006).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNPJuJhVDSA/XvLAxLexKPI/AAAAAAAAAjg/afSUsPsTbUU0g1BT2mSfXCDEu5MbL5bEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/buddy1jpg_3_t670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="670" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNPJuJhVDSA/XvLAxLexKPI/AAAAAAAAAjg/afSUsPsTbUU0g1BT2mSfXCDEu5MbL5bEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/buddy1jpg_3_t670.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Associated Press</td></tr></tbody></table>NBA Insider John Gasaway ranks Buddy Hield’s (2015-16) season the seventh-best in the era known as ‘one-and-done'. Hield would earn Player of the Year honors on the way to the Final Four, shooting over 50 percent beyond the arc, averaging 25.0 points.<br /><br />Per <a href="https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/Article/Oklahoma-Sooners-basketball-one-and-done-era-Buddy-Hield-Trae-Young-Blake-Griffin-148356862/Amp/" target="_blank">OUinsider</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"You don’t often see a star shoot percentages close to 90, 50 and 50 on free throws, 2s and 3s, respectively, at hero-ball levels of usage. If that doesn’t convince you, factor in that the guy got a standing ovation on the road at Kansas, for goodness sake. It was off the charts.”</blockquote><br />A season removed after being,amed McDonald’s All-American while at Norman North (Norman, Okla.), Trae Young recorded 27.4 points, shooting 35 percent from the field, Young's only season (2017-18) was ranked ninth.<br /><br />Per <a href="https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/Article/Oklahoma-Sooners-basketball-one-and-done-era-Buddy-Hield-Trae-Young-Blake-Griffin-148356862/Amp/" target="_blank">OUinsider</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“While the freshman was a prize recruit, he was not top-10 material nor was he especially imposing as a physical specimen. Even so, Kruger saw something and he was exactly correct. Never mind the 25 missed shots in one game, Young was an assist factory who generated made free throws at will.”</blockquote><br />Blake Griffin's Naismith award-winning season in 2008-09 ranked 11th, the first overall pick in the 2009 National Basketball Association Draft averaged 65% shooting, 14.4 percentage and 22.7 points.<br /><br />Per <a href="https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/Article/Oklahoma-Sooners-basketball-one-and-done-era-Buddy-Hield-Trae-Young-Blake-Griffin-148356862/Amp/" target="_blank">OUinsider</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“Griffin recorded one of the most concentrated outbursts of domination the Big 12 has ever seen when he posted a 40-23 double-double (on 16-of-22 shooting) against Texas Tech in a mere 31 minutes.”<br /><br /></blockquote>Zion Williams' single-season in 2019 at Duke was the top-ranked season.Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-86271413306600651242020-06-23T12:29:00.000-05:002020-06-24T13:07:31.360-05:00Keliani Ricketts, teammates speak out after team tweetFormer All-American pitcher Keliani Ricketts apologized on Monday night following a tweet by Scrap Yard Dawgs, an independent fastpitch softball team.<br /><br />“Mortified, sick,” <a href="https://twitter.com/laniricketts10/status/1275231285280210944?s=19" target="_blank">Ricketts tweeted on Monday night</a> following the team tweeting, “Hey @realDonaldTrump Pro Fastpitch being played live @ussssaspacecoast @usssapride Everyone respecting the FLAG!”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVsrjzyzO_c/XvI5_20Yj7I/AAAAAAAAAjU/mQZeddI5D_gzoJIBuhhva0_hDfh2hJ5EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/large960_blur-2f12dc1f9f0a790ff71458c4f255ad2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="960" height="379" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YVsrjzyzO_c/XvI5_20Yj7I/AAAAAAAAAjU/mQZeddI5D_gzoJIBuhhva0_hDfh2hJ5EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/large960_blur-2f12dc1f9f0a790ff71458c4f255ad2e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Phipps / The Oklahoman</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ricketts, Scrap Yard Dawgs opened a seven-game stand against USSAA Pride Monday in USSSA World Fast Pitch Championship at Space Coast Stadium located in Melbourne, Fla.<br /><br />Aubree Watson, a Ricketts teammate, <a href="https://twitter.com/Aubree_Munro1/status/1275247782648053760?s=19" target="_blank">alleges team general manager Connie May sent the tweet</a>, “Tonight we were misrepresented by Connie May who acted on behalf of @ScrapYardFP I’m appalled by the insentivity & will not represent Scrap Yard ever again.”<br /><br /><b>RELATED: </b><a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/kyler-murray-i-plan-to-stand-for-whats.html" target="_blank">Kyler Murray: I plan to stand for what's right</a><br /><br />Ricketts concluded her tweet, “HEARTBROKEN 4 my teammates & especially the black players on the field with us tonight. I do NOT stand for what @ScrapYardFP tweeted out & represent. We were blindsided by that stance tweeted out during the game. All lives do NOT matter until #BlackLivesMatter”<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Mortified, sick & HEARTBROKEN 4 my teammates & especially the black players on the field with us tonight. I do NOT stand for what <a href="https://twitter.com/ScrapYardFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScrapYardFP</a> tweeted out & represent. We were blindsided by that stance tweeted out during the game. All lives do NOT matter until <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlackLivesMatter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlackLivesMatter</a></div>— Keilani Ricketts Tumanuvao (@laniricketts10) <a href="https://twitter.com/laniricketts10/status/1275231285280210944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> <br />Paige Lowary, a former pitcher at Oklahoma, echoed her statement via Twitter, “making a political statement on behalf of your whole team without their knowledge isn’t the move.”<br /><br /><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Hey, <a href="https://twitter.com/ScrapYardFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScrapYardFP</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/TheConnieMay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheConnieMay</a>, making a political statement on behalf of your whole team without their knowledge isn’t the move. <a href="https://t.co/PwL19ff4VK">pic.twitter.com/PwL19ff4VK</a></div>— paige lowary (@paigelowary) <a href="https://twitter.com/paigelowary/status/1275240924902232066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /><br />The Pride defeated the Dawgs, 4-0.<br /><br /><br /><br /><script sp-form-id="6645f5bff58cdd8aacca38965678910cea189028257b911c2c3d410156868a7b" src="//web.webformscr.com/apps/fc3/build/loader.js"></script>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-57984247956481561362020-06-22T19:43:00.000-05:002020-06-22T19:56:54.846-05:00Cavalli, Prater sign MLB contractsDefending World Series Champions Washington Nationals have agreed in principal with Cade Cavalli, the 22nd overall pick in Major League Baseball Draft, <a href="https://twitter.com/Nationals/status/1274063598118211585?s=19" target="_blank">the club announced on Friday</a>.<br /><br />Cavalli a 21-year-old left handed pitcher maintained ‘perspective' through the process, “I was grateful to even have my name called. You’ve got to keep a really good perspective, ” Cavalli said, per <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/cardinals-finalize-agreement-with-oklahoma-lefty-prater-their-third-round-pick/article_56536b75-b332-53c2-b720-557b356797cd.html" target="_blank">Federal Baseball</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouj2314-EbE/XvFOdqESsTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/7uUdxZigALM7RPtXwkQKwCHfceIZIa6rACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5ce48d2a702cb.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ouj2314-EbE/XvFOdqESsTI/AAAAAAAAAjE/7uUdxZigALM7RPtXwkQKwCHfceIZIa6rACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/5ce48d2a702cb.image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan Terry/ The Oklahoman</td></tr></tbody></table>“There’s mock drafts where they put you in — wherever, they said I slid, or whatever, but I know I ended up in the right place, the right organization, and I know it’s in God’s hands, I’m going to be around great people, great organization, I can’t be happier.”<br /><br />The financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed. Although, at 22nd overall his slot value is $3.02M.<br /><br /><b>Cardinals sign Prater</b><br /><br />Levi Prater joined Cavalli in finalizing agreements with clubs, the 21-year-old pitcher selected 93rd overall inked a slot value of $625k contract, including $575k bonus, per <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/cardinals-finalize-agreement-with-oklahoma-lefty-prater-their-third-round-pick/article_56536b75-b332-53c2-b720-557b356797cd.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Dispatch</a>.<br /><br />Oklahoma baseball coach Skip Johnson praised the 21-year-old right handed pitcher, “I think he’s better than a lot of the guys who went ahead of him. I think the St. Louis Cardinals stole a guy. He’s that good. I relieve that. If I had to win a game on my career, I would want him to pitch in it, ” Johnson said, per The Dispatch.<br /><br /><script sp-form-id="6645f5bff58cdd8aacca38965678910cea189028257b911c2c3d410156868a7b" src="//web.webformscr.com/apps/fc3/build/loader.js"></script>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-18771824805300746242020-06-22T12:43:00.001-05:002020-06-22T19:56:36.547-05:00Philadelphia coaches impressed by Jalen HurtsJalen Hurts growth at a ‘mental standpoint' is impressing Philadelphia coaching staff.<br /><br />After investing a second-round pick in quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Alabama turned Oklahoma quarterback has been impressing the Eagles coaching staff.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6v9NpK_HNfQ/XvDsMI5M2mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/PCjnbU2q6WkXePCgRjUNuIG7vFhMHFbuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Jalen-hurts-qb-oklahoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="512" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6v9NpK_HNfQ/XvDsMI5M2mI/AAAAAAAAAi4/PCjnbU2q6WkXePCgRjUNuIG7vFhMHFbuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Jalen-hurts-qb-oklahoma.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“[His] growth as a mental standpoint from the beginning of the offseason to now has been very good and his ability to recall plays and recite plays, and one thing (quarterbacks coach) Press Taylor has done is put him into a huddle situation where he’s calling plays and being able to spit that back to him, ” Pederson said, per <a href="https://www.al.com/sports/2020/06/jalen-hurts-impresses-philadelphia-coach-with-offseason-work.html?outputType=amp" target="_blank">AL.com</a>.<br /><br />As a graduate transfer, Hurts racked up 32 touchdowns, 3851 passing yards at a 69.7 competition percentage in Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley's dynamic offense, he added another 1298 yards and 20 on the ground last season.<br /><br />“With young quarterbacks, you always have an idea or an understanding of where they are not only at the beginning of your offseason but at the end,” Pederson said.<br /><br />At Oklahoma, Riley steadily improved Hurts’ output, <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2019/11/draft-analyst-jalen-hurts-is-third-day.html" target="_blank">regarded as a fourth-to-fifth round prospect last November</a>. He improved his completion percentage by 6.9% from his freshman season, Hurts’ quarterback rating as a senior jumped 51.9% compared his first season at Alabama, <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jalen-hurts-1.html" target="_blank">according Sports Reference figures</a>.<br /><br />“And now it’s just a matter of once we get him on the grass, he’s got to do it for real and go from there. But I’ve been really impressed with his progress this spring.”<br /><br />Hurts, Eagles are expected to open training camp late July.<br /><br /><br /><script sp-form-id="6645f5bff58cdd8aacca38965678910cea189028257b911c2c3d410156868a7b" src="//web.webformscr.com/apps/fc3/build/loader.js"></script>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-69061639538248356272020-06-21T17:47:00.000-05:002020-06-22T12:08:43.571-05:00Gerald McCoy: Change doesn't happen overnightIn celebration of Father’s Day, Tampa Bay Times asked prominent African-American fathers in sports about addressing the challenges of raising a family in today's climate fighting inequality and racism.<br /><br />‘Stop spreading so much hate,’ Gerald McCoy wrote.<br /><br />He joined longtime National Football League coach Tony Dungy and World Series Champion Gary Sheffield among others.<br /><br />“In today’s times and climate, everybody raises their children differently, but I think what gets misunderstood and what people don’t know is the types of conversations as an African-American man you have to have with your sons, the love you have to show your family.” <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aW11CuG1A0/Xk9ZACJuCYI/AAAAAAAAAUo/E0F90wI5Iv4HxPKwbC6LS9NEt_1PMz7YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KISXI24ICBGADDMJLO4FL7BBPQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aW11CuG1A0/Xk9ZACJuCYI/AAAAAAAAAUo/E0F90wI5Iv4HxPKwbC6LS9NEt_1PMz7YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/KISXI24ICBGADDMJLO4FL7BBPQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica Herndon, Tampa Bay Times</td></tr></tbody></table>McCoy, his wife Ebony have five children ranging from ages one to 18, his oldest son Marcellus attends a Tampa Bay area private school. He will attend his father's alma mater while he recognizes the privileges of being a professional athlete, he understands his children are black in America.<br /><br />“I’ve been blessed to be put in a situation where I’m able to live in a certain area, my kids go to certain schools,” McCoy writes.<br /><br />After attending Southeast High School in Oklahoma City, his family calls Tampa Bay home after being drafted third overall in 2010 National Football League Draft.<br /><br />“Because you being a black kid walking up the street, the police see you and they’re going to assume the worst.”<br /><br />McCoy knows change doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with a conversation.<br /><br />“Don’t be afraid to have these conversations. It’s going to take everybody to create this change. It’s not going to happen overnight.”<br /><br />To read more visit <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/06/19/gerald-mccoy-i-have-to-prepare-my-kids-for-prejudice/" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Times</a>.<br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-83042430901377279002020-06-20T00:19:00.001-05:002020-06-20T00:38:03.911-05:00Roy Finch faces assault charge after arrestFormer Oklahoma running back Roy Finch was charged Wednesday in Cleveland Country District Court.<br /><br />He faces two felony charges after being arrested on Tuesday, per <a href="https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=oklahoma&number=CF-2018-1846&cmid=3652439" target="_blank">Oklahoma Supreme Court Network</a> including a felony of domestic assault and battery resulting in great bodily harm.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lf6kNBfxrg/Xu2bUKoNDxI/AAAAAAAAAig/CCH7TqotPRA3AeNCXsReoc3NU7YPo2EUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Roy-Finch-Calgary-Stampeders-23june2017-Photo-Scott-Grant117621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="916" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lf6kNBfxrg/Xu2bUKoNDxI/AAAAAAAAAig/CCH7TqotPRA3AeNCXsReoc3NU7YPo2EUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Roy-Finch-Calgary-Stampeders-23june2017-Photo-Scott-Grant117621.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Scott Grant</td></tr></tbody></table>Norman Police Department (Norman, Okla.) responded to a call by a female on Tuesday when Finch is alleged to have interrupted or prevented an emergency phone call after the alleged assault, according to the incident report.<br /><br />As described in detail, per <a href="https://oklahoman.com/article/5664951/former-sooner-finch-charged-with-felony-assault-and-battery" target="_blank">The Oklahoman's Ryan Aber</a>, “the victim alleged Finch woke her up and began harassing her. After she asked him to stop, she said she grabbed a belt to get him to leave her alone before Finch grabbed it and slapped her, knocking her over.”<br /><br />The female had dried up blood on a lip and visible red marks on her cheek caused Finch, Aber added. In addition, the victim suffered a broken jaw.<br /><br />Finch, who hasn’t played a down since 2017, played 47 games at Oklahoma (2010-13) before a brief stint in the National Football League with New England Patriots after going undrafted.<br /><br />In Canadian Football League, he would earn special teams Player of the Year honor in 2017 with Calgary Stampede after three seasons in the CFL with Calgary and Ottawa franchises.<br /><br />Finch, 28, is currently awaiting a jury trial in Oklahoma County for an April 2018 arrest.<br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-27783460793260804572020-06-17T17:04:00.000-05:002020-06-22T12:08:43.371-05:00Kyler Murray: I plan to stand for what's rightArizona quarterback <b><a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/search/label/Kyler%20Murray" target="_blank">Kyler Murray</a></b> ‘plans to stand for what’s right' in kneeling.<br /><br />Murray recently joined the dialogue over social injustice, he’s hopeful we will see change “I do feel like we’ll see change,” twenty-two-year-old Murray said in a conference call, via the <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2020/06/17/arizona-cardinals-kyler-murray-says-he-kneel-national-anthem/3207401001/" target="_blank">Arizona Republic</a>.<br /><br />“I hope so, first of all,” Murray said. “My generation, we’re so diverse. . . . My parents’ generation grew up in segregated times, and now it’s all coming together. I feel like it’s tough, but I do feel like we’ll see change.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mh_RPIug6A/XkWd4QjbW_I/AAAAAAAAASk/7Qht1aHGoEY6jhQa-XyAGo4pyppQ36ZWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="840" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mh_RPIug6A/XkWd4QjbW_I/AAAAAAAAASk/7Qht1aHGoEY6jhQa-XyAGo4pyppQ36ZWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/download.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table><br />“There is a lot of hate in this world, but at the same time, what’s happening and what we’re seeing right now, it’s huge. I don’t condone rioting and stuff like that, but the peaceful protests I think they’re great. They’re amazing. I think that’s just the start of it. . . . Whether it takes years, I feel like we’re getting there. At least we’re making a step toward it.”<br /><br />Murray said he will join other plans around the league, including <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/baker-mayfield-joins-adrian-peterson-in.html" target="_blank">Baker Mayfield and Adrian Peterson</a>, in kneeling during the National Anthem.<br /><br />“I’ll be kneeling. I stand for what’s right. … I’ll definitely be taking a knee.”<br /><br />Murray, Cardinals are scheduled to open training camp late July.<br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-53200202786449050012020-06-15T06:18:00.000-05:002020-06-22T12:08:43.521-05:00Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield among top ranked deep passersA pair of former Oklahoma quarterbacks are among the top deep-ball passers in the league.<br /><br />Both Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield are ranked among the league's <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/dak-prescott-russell-wilson-headline-nfl-s-top-10-deep-passers" target="_blank">top deep passers according to Nick Shook</a>, an NFL.com columnist, heading into the 2020 season.<br /><br />His rankings most weighted metric ‘is completion percentage above expectation, which is the difference between a quarterback's actual completion percentage and expected completion.’ It gives each throw that is beyond 20 yards a positive or negative grade in regard to the expectation of the completion of a throw.<br /><br />Shook predicts Mayfield's numbers (35.9% +3.9% last season) will be ‘boosted’ this season after his top receiving targets Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham recover from off-season surgeries.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va2Y8BgFyJU/XsRWngbsqbI/AAAAAAAAAgo/SZIejWMmRPANPoTcx_3XQY_y4_jgjO-sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Kyler-murray-cardinals.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Va2Y8BgFyJU/XsRWngbsqbI/AAAAAAAAAgo/SZIejWMmRPANPoTcx_3XQY_y4_jgjO-sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kyler-murray-cardinals.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralph Freso/Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>“Interestingly, Mayfield's deep-ball passer rating was significantly worse than his rookie season (as was much of his game from Year 1 to Year 2), dropping from 106 to 72.9,” Shook writes, who ranks Mayfield the tenth best deep passer in the league.<br /><br />“The heaves for big plays turned into heaves for big turnovers in 2019 for Mayfield, who was one of two quarterbacks on this list to post an even or worse TD-to-INT ratio on deep passes.”<br /><br />Murray completed 41.0 percent of his deep passes, +6.6 percentage points above expectations his rookie season.<br /><br />Shook, who ranks Murray fifth, writes “Murray was the beneficiary of open receivers (third-highest rate in this group of QBs) and a very low pressure rate (13.1 percent, by far the lowest of these QBs) in launching his deep passes, but that's not to diminish what the No. 1 overall pick did as a rookie.”<br /><br />“His total number of DIMES (six) rivaled the rest of those passers on this list, and he often benefitted from defenses who respected his ability to run enough to avoid rushing him with full intensity, instead protecting against the big run and also allowing him to read defenses, ” Shook adds.<br /><br />Shook ranked Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott his <a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/dak-prescott-russell-wilson-headline-nfl-s-top-10-deep-passers" target="_blank">top deep passer ahead of the 2020 season</a>.<br /><br /><b><i>Correction: </i></b><br /><i>It previously stated Shook's “rankings take into account if a completion of a throw beyond 20 yards is above or below expectation.” </i><br /><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-45402988847636156452020-06-14T20:04:00.001-05:002020-06-22T12:08:43.468-05:00Baker Mayfield joins Adrian Peterson in plans to kneel“Yeah, without a doubt, without a doubt.”<br /><br />Adrian Peterson vows he and fellow National Football League players, including Baker Mayfield will kneel during National Anthem.<br /><br />A chorus of players plan to kneel in solidarity when the season kicks off in September after George Floyd, 58 years-old died in police custody.<br /><br />Floyd's death sparked a national outcry following the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S223EpWgMK0/XubIOOGCJ7I/AAAAAAAAAiE/IQZmqzMoTHk3Oh6ur2Armbhl6OWhBM96QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ad-kneel-post.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="916" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S223EpWgMK0/XubIOOGCJ7I/AAAAAAAAAiE/IQZmqzMoTHk3Oh6ur2Armbhl6OWhBM96QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Ad-kneel-post.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John McDonnell/The Washington Post</td></tr></tbody></table>“Just four years ago, you’re seeing Kaepernick taking a knee, and now we’re all getting ready to take a knee together going into this season, without a doubt,” the 35-year-old veteran running back Peterson said, via <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/Veteran-RB-Adrian-Peterson-speaks-out-on-Drew-15321271.php" target="_blank">Houston Chronicle</a>.<br /><br />Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said he would join his Cleveland teammates in kneeling after a follower asked him on Instagram not to join teammates and others across the league.<br /><br />“Pull your head out. I absolutely am, ” Mayfield responded.<br /><br />“Everybody so upset about my comment doesn’t understand the reasoning behind kneeling in the first place,” Mayfield later wrote, further explaining his decision, per <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/browns-baker-mayfield-plans-kneeling-national-anthem-if-i-lose-fans-thats-okay.amp" target="_blank">FOX News</a>.<br /><br />”Nate and Kap came to an agreement that kneeling was the most respectful way to support our military while also standing up for equality.”<br /><br />Mayfield, Peterson, and other athletes, including Trae Young are aware they will alienate a portion of their fan base – the keep politics out of sports crowd.<br /><br /> “I definitely lost a couple of followers for speaking my voice and speaking my opinion,” Young said in a conference call, per <a href="https://oklahoman.com/article/5664573/trae-young-on-losing-social-media-followers-for-protesting-racial-inequality-thats-ok-thats-necessary" target="_blank">The Oklahoman</a>. “That’s OK. That’s necessary.”<br /><br />Young, 21, recognizes the impact he has through sports, pledging $4M toward a Norman Sports Complex, and speaking out about Julius Jones’ case.<br /><br />“For me being a basketball player and the way I’m looked at, I know I have a lot of privileges. I’m looked at a certain way and I know I have a platform," Young said, via <a href="https://oklahoman.com/article/5664573/trae-young-on-losing-social-media-followers-for-protesting-racial-inequality-thats-ok-thats-necessary" target="_blank">The Oklahoman</a>.<br /><br />"Being a Black athlete is definitely something I’m aware of and I know it’s something I need to speak on it. I know I’m not just a basketball player. I’m a role model."<br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-86835746592602917742020-06-14T13:46:00.001-05:002020-06-22T12:08:43.619-05:00'I really want to fight that good vs. evil fight' – Dimitri FlowersDimitri Flowers announces the next chapter in life.<br /><br />He announced on social media his acceptance into the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Flowers, who served as Oklahoma's fullback 2014-17, <a href="https://twitter.com/treeflowers36/status/1270791271175598080?s=19" target="_blank">tweeted it was</a> ‘one of the best days of my life,’ receiving the news.<br /><br />Flowers, 24, played last season with Dallas Renegades in XFL, adding he “can’t wait to get back to Norman to start changing the world!”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agy0yqzwj8A/XuZuy1nV9TI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SbCEM_qIkXow3KnaAiQTR3osf9M22zAQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/usa_today_10512701.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agy0yqzwj8A/XuZuy1nV9TI/AAAAAAAAAh4/SbCEM_qIkXow3KnaAiQTR3osf9M22zAQACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/usa_today_10512701.0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</td></tr></tbody></table><br />He told <a href="https://www.normantranscript.com/oklahoma/i-want-to-help-beat-evil-former-ou-fullback-dimitri-flowers-is-headed-to-law/article_73f11006-adc7-11ea-9466-ff0c03848150.html" target="_blank">The Transcript</a>, he recently passed LSAT, the admissions exam to enter law school after the abrupt end of XFL season due to covid-19 in March.<br /><br />“I think I’m entering at a perfect time to come out, really make a difference and advocate,” Flowers told <a href="https://www.normantranscript.com/oklahoma/i-want-to-help-beat-evil-former-ou-fullback-dimitri-flowers-is-headed-to-law/article_73f11006-adc7-11ea-9466-ff0c03848150.html" target="_blank">The Transcript</a>. “At the end of the day, I really want to fight that good vs. evil fight. That’s what I wholeheartedly believe it comes down to in a lot of issues in the world, it’s good vs. evil. And I want to advocate for good, I want to do good, I want to be good and I want to help beat evil.”<br /><br />Flowers, a four-star prospect from San Antonio, performance on the field was exceptional tying Demarco Murray in career touchdown receptions (14), and fourth in receiving yards (886) for a running back.<br /><br />His workhorse mentality, and protection of Baker Mayfield, 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, earned him an interview with every team except Cincinnati Bengals at 2018 Senior Bowl, he told the <a href="https://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/college/ou/ou-football-only-one-nfl-team-didnt-speak-with-dimitri-flowers-during-senior-bowl-week/article_ed63fbd9-430a-5c3d-81c3-882e72397b58.html" target="_blank">Tulsa World</a>.<br /><br />“They mentioned that there wasn’t a position listed for me because I do a whole bunch of different things,” Flowers said, via Tulsa World.<br /><br />In his post-football life, he said in wake of social unrest over the last few years, it helped him pursue this new chapter in life.<br /><br />“Instead of seeing it all over social media — this happened, that happened — things have finally started to develop,” he told The Transcript.<br /><br />‘It’s good vs evil.’<br /><br />Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8528499.post-62745738992986368592020-06-13T18:08:00.000-05:002020-06-13T18:40:55.754-05:00Trae Young pledges millions toward Norman sports complexTrae Young commits millions to hometown.<br /><br />Young, 21, has pledged $4M to a sports complex project that is reportedly $37M over budget. The project, in-part, is part of Norman Forward passed by residents in 2015, which includes an indoor basketball facility and an aquatic center.<br /><br />City council members approved the combination of the projects, ballooning the cost over $58M after rising design and construction cost, according to <a href="https://www.normantranscript.com/oklahoma/ou-mens-basketball-trae-young-family-agrees-to-donate-4m-toward-norman-multi-sport-facility/article_dbbf0168-abea-11ea-ac0a-6fe373724d7a.html" target="_blank">Norman Transcript</a>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oioWIa7PdA8/XlBXrFfD_II/AAAAAAAAAU0/l8FPCbXXpOEqt7YwEVnAGrfZs39q4_gogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/trae-young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oioWIa7PdA8/XlBXrFfD_II/AAAAAAAAAU0/l8FPCbXXpOEqt7YwEVnAGrfZs39q4_gogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/trae-young.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Brown / Getty Images</td></tr></tbody></table>Young, an NBA All Star, cut his teeth at Cleveland Country area YMCA.<br /><br />“We had a little goal in our front yard he would shoot on, but we lived at the YMCA,” Rayford Young, Trae's father, told <a href="https://oklahoman.com/article/5586015/ou-basketball-the-gym-that-built-trae-young" target="_blank">The Oklahoman</a>.<br /><br />“Early morning workouts when he's swimming and we're lifting weights and just in the gym — I can't even tell you how big that was. Playing against the older, grown men at the Y, all that stuff was just really cool and I think it's helped him get to where he is now.”<br /><br />Young has continued to use his rising platform to speak out about social issues, and giving back to the community, including <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/nba-star-trae-young-pays-off-million-medical/story?id=68152905" target="_blank">canceling millions in medical debt for Atlanta-area residents</a>.<br /><br />Last week, Young spoke out at a rally in Norman, Okla. after the death of George Floyd, he also, <a href="http://www.soonersblog.com/2020/06/young-griffin-asks-governor-board-to.html" target="_blank">joined Russell Westbrook and Blake in asking to Governor and Pardon & Parole to review Julius Jones’ death penalty case</a>.<br /><br />City council members will approve the Young family donation on June 23.<br /><div><br /></div>Gilbert Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02391840615354953676noreply@blogger.com