A Man and His Helmet
Much to the chagrin of the Oakland Raiders and everyone else on the planet, the Antonio Brown helmet story just won’t go away, mainly because Brown won’t let it.
For background, Brown wants to wear his Schutt AiR Advantage helmet. The NFL says no. It’s over 10 years old, it’s not safe, literally every other player in the NFL has agreed to the new helmet policy, it’s not safe. Brown said, “Cool story bro. I’m out.” (paraphrasing there) Then he changed his mind and joined the Raiders for practice with the new helmet this week. Then he changed his mind again. (Anyone else exhausted just reading this?)
Raiders’ GM Mike Mayock said the team needs the receiver “all in or all out.” And here we are.
Brown’s complaint is that other players were given a year to phase out the old helmet. He wants a year. He also said on HBO’s Hard Knocks that “this lid ugly as f***.” In fairness, we don’t like ugly hats either.
Brown’s most recent grievance hearing was today. Stay tuned as the drama promises to extend far into the season (if he plays).
Chris Sale
The Boston Red Sox are hoping to fight for an AL Wild Card spot, and it’s going to be a battle – but it’s a battle they’ll have to win without ace pitcher Chris Sale.
Sale will miss the rest of the season after receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his pitching elbow. He will avoid Tommy John surgery, so that is some very good news.
In his last start, Sale recorded his 2,000th career strikeout and is the fastest pitcher in MLB history to do so.
Jules and Flash
The Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots’ receiving corps got some good news this week.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman, who missed the first few weeks of training camp with an injured thumb, came off the non-football injury list.
In addition, Josh “Flash” Gordon was reinstated by the NFL on a conditional basis. Gordon, who has battled addiction the last several years, stepped away from football last December. Hopefully, the talented receiver will be able to continue his success on and off the field.
Cam Newton
In last night’s 10-3 preseason loss to the Patriots, the Carolina Panthers also lost their QB, at least for a little bit.
Cam Newton sustained a mid-foot sprain of his left foot after being sacked in the first quarter. The Panthers are “cautiously optimistic” that he will be ready Week 1 vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
See Ya at the Tailgate
College football starts tomorrow!!!! Can you tell we’re excited?
Miami will take on Florida and Arizona will take on Hawaii to kick-off (pun intended) the action.
Earlier this week, the AP released its Top 25 with Clemson ranked #1 and Alabama #2 (not shocking). All six of the SEC’s teams are in the top 16. Michigan is ranked seventh and Ohio State is fifth.
The Pac 12 conference is filled with question marks, but Oregon looks to be where it’s at in the west, as the Ducks came in at 11th overall. Hand over a craft beer and let’s get ready for some football!