Kyler Murray
It’s been a week for the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray. On Monday, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million deal that will keep him in Arizona for the next seven years. However, there was an “independent study clause” that required the QB to study at least four hours of film a week independently of the team. Well, friends, this was an internet sensation.
The addendum, which said Murray could not study while distracted by video games, television or the internet became public Monday, and backlash ensued. The Cardinals came under fire. Murray came under fire. It was THE topic of the week at Cardinals’ training camp, and Murray held an impromptu press conference Thursday to defend himself and his work ethic. By Thursday night, the clause was removed.
Do I smell drama in the air? It must be *almost* football season.
Ryan Jensen
A few days into training camp, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are down a man. Center Ryan Jensen was carted off the practice field on Thursday after suffering an injury to his left knee. The injury took place during team drills.
Though MRI results will determine how long Jensen will be out, head coach Todd Bowles said the center will miss “significant time.” We are sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Chase Young
Washington Commanders’ pass rusher Chase Young is still rehabbing his knee and will miss the Commanders’ season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 11.
Young tore his right ACL last November and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If he were to open the season on the PUP list, Young would miss at least four games, but one day at a time.
MLB Trades
Major League Baseball’s August 2 trade deadline is a few days away, but the New York teams are already making moves.
On Thursday, the New York Mets acquired OF Tyler Naquin and left-handed relief pitcher Phillip Diehl from the Cincinnati Reds for two minor league players. Naquin is batting .246 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs thus far this season. He’ll go from worst-to-first as the Reds are in last place in the NL Central and the Mets lead the NL East with a three-game lead over the Atlanta Braves.
Earlier in the week, the New York Yankees and their MLB-best record acquired outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals. It was super convenient, as the Royals were playing the Yankees, so Benintendi didn’t have to go far for his Thursday game. He led off against the team that flew him to New York. Life comes at you fast, friends.
Ryan Kerrigan Retiring
After 11 seasons, defensive standout Ryan Kerrigan announced Friday that he is retiring from the NFL. Kerrigan spent 10 seasons in Washington and one in Philadelphia. He will sign a one-day contract with Washington and retire as a Commander.
Kerrigan is a four-time Pro Bowler and finishes his career with 95.5 sacks. His career-high was 13.5 sacks in 2014. Kerrigan was a first-round draft pick out of Purdue in 2011. Congratulations on a great career!