5:05 am | June 27, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
THINGS TO CARE ABOUT
The bizarre night Valentina Shevchenko lost in Oklahoma … The date was Sept. 30, 2010. After much confusion, two unlikely competitors — Liz Carmouche and Valentina Shevchenko — met in a “poorly lit” cage outside. There’s no video evidence to document the bout, but it ended with Carmouche handing Shevchenko one of only three losses in her MMA career. The fighters relive the memorable night ahead of their Aug. 10 rematch. Read More
New rosters, new rankings for all 32 NFL teams … The Patriots still come in at the No. 1 spot because of Tom Brady, but the rest of the NFL landscape is a little less predictable. The Browns are on the rise. The Kyler Murray era is underway in Arizona. Josh Rosen is poised to be the X factor in Miami. The Antonio Brown-infused Raiders expect a major glow-up on offense. The Bears are beholden to Mitchell Trubisky. We took a look at the Pro Football Focus database to rank every roster as it stands now. You’re welcome. Read More
The limitations of VAR … This Women’s World Cup has seen a number of VAR calls (or non-calls) dramatically alter the course of several games. The use of VAR — which stands for “Video Assistant Referee” — was meant to put the emphasis back on the best parts of soccer, to make sure an amazing play isn’t tainted by an incorrect call. Instead, VAR calls have become a subplot of the entire tournament, which shows the technology has a ways to go. Read More
FREE AGENCY CHAOS
The experts predict … It’s the most wonderful (read: chaotic) time of the NBA year. Free agency is upon us and stars are making moves … or aren’t they? Will the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets land two max stars? Will Kawhi Leonard take his talents to the LA Clippers or remain king of the North? With the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Kawhi in the mix it’s bound to be a league-altering offseason. Buckle up. Read More
THINGS TO WATCH
1:03
Vanderbilt pitcher Mason Hickman goes six strong innings giving up only one run and striking out 10 batters en route to the Commodores’ second College World Series title.
1:09
With Kevin Durant declining his player option, Stephen A. Smith believes Durant will end up in New York with the Nets or Knicks.
OVERHEARD
“In September, I signed off my last show saying, ‘I’ll catch you on the flip side.’ Now it’s time to take that vinyl off the turntable (ask your folks), flip it over, and drop the needle on the B-side. There are always great cuts, and hidden gems on the B-side. Thank you for a great run.”
— ESPN legend Bob Ley on his retirement. Read more
REMEMBER WHEN?
On this date last year, we saw one of those simple things that makes sports special to so many. Aaron Judge might not remember playing catch with this kid in the stands before the Yankees played the Phillies, but the kid will remember it for the rest of his life. Watch
WHAT’S ON TONIGHT?
Commey vs. Beltran weigh-in (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+): Raymundo Beltran is set to challenge IBF light heavyweight world titleholder Richard Commey on Friday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Before that particular bell rings, make sure to check out their weigh-in Thursday.
MLB All-Star Selection Show (7 p.m. ET, ESPN): The fans have chosen, and the Starters Election winners for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game will be revealed. Make sure to tune in to see if your favorites got the nod.
O.J.: Made In America, Part 4 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2): Our reair of the Oscar-winning documentary O.J.: Made in America continues with Part 4, which features the infamous bloody glove that might have played a key role in Simpson’s acquittal. Watch the full series here
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