US Sports News

Wyoming QB Andrew Peasley Signs UDFA Deal With New York Jets

The New York Jets announced a series of roster additions on Monday that included the signing of former Wyoming and Utah State quarterback Andrew Peasley. The move comes following the conclusion of the Jets' rookie minicamp over the weekend.

Peasley shared the news on X with the simple caption of "Let's work."

In 2023 at Wyoming, Peasley rushed for seven touchdowns in addition to 20 passing touchdowns and five interceptions. He threw for 1991 yards with a completion percentage of 62.4.

Peasley finished his college career that included four seasons at Utah State and two at Wyoming with 4395 yards through the air with 37 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He rushed for 1273 yards and 12 touchdowns in that time.

The Oregon native will now compete for playing time behind starter and former NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as well as veteran backup Tyrod Taylor and fellow ookie Jordan Travis (Florida State).

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

NBA Playoff Schedule: Full Rundown for Conference Semifinals

The first round of the 2024 NBA postseason had some great matchups, and things will only get better from here on out. Saturday marked the start of the second round of the playoffs, when true contenders battle against one another in an effort to reach the final four of their conference. Iron sharpens iron, after all, and this year's slate of Round 2 contests look pretty great across the board.

Fewer games means fewer overlapping broadcast times, too. After two weeks with up to three NBA games on every night, we're more or less back to the standard of an Eastern Conference tip-off around 7 p.m. ET and a Western Conference tip-off around 10 p.m. ET.

For your viewing habit purposes, here is the full schedule for the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs, organized by series.

NBA Playoff Schedule for Second Round

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics v. (4) Cleveland Cavaliers

• Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Tuesday, May 7 (7 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Thursday, May 9 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
• Game 3: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Saturday, May 11 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
• Game 4: Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Monday, May 13 (7 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Wednesday, May 15 (TBD)
• Game 6 (if necessary): Celtics vs. Cavaliers, Friday, May 17 (TBD)
• Game 7 (if necessary): Cavaliers vs. Celtics, Sunday, May 19 (TBD)

(2) New York Knicks v. (3) Indiana Pacers

• Game 1: Pacers vs. Knicks, Monday, May 6 (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Pacers vs. Knicks, Wednesday, May 8 (8 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 3: Knicks vs. Pacers, Friday, May 10 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
• Game 4: Knicks vs. Pacers, Sunday, May 12 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Pacers vs. Knicks, Tuesday, May 14 (TBD)
• Game 6 (if necessary): Knicks vs. Pacers, Friday, May 17 (TBD)
• Game 7 (if necessary): Pacers vs. Knicks, Sunday, May 19 (TBD)

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder v. (5) Dallas Mavericks

• Game 1: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Tuesday, May 7 (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 2: Mavericks vs. Thunder, Thursday, May 9 (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
• Game 3: Thunder vs. Mavericks, Saturday, May 11 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
• Game 4: Thunder vs. Mavericks, Monday, May 13 (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Mavericks vs. Thunder, Wednesday, May 15 (TBD)
• Game 6 (if necessary): Thunder vs. Mavericks, Saturday, May 18 (8:30 p.m. ET)
• Game 7 (if necessary): Mavericks vs. Thunder, Monday, May 20 (8:30 p.m. ET)

(2) Denver Nuggets v. (3) Minnesota Timberwolves

• Game 2: Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Monday, May 6 (10 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 3: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Friday, May 10 (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
• Game 4: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Sunday, May 12 (8 p.m. ET, TNT)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Tuesday, May 14 (TBD)
• Game 6 (if necessary): Nuggets vs. Timberwolves, Thursday, May 16 (8:30 p.m. ET)
• Game 7 (if necessary): Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Sunday, May 19 (TBD)

Key Dates for the 2024 NBA Playoffs

Aside from the all the above, the NBA postseason generally has a few key dates.

The first have already passed in the form of the play-in tournament, as well as the start of the first round. The Nuggets and Timberwolves kicked off the second round on Saturday, May 4. Below are several other key dates to look forward to.

• Conference Finals start dates: May 19-22, depending on the length of the second-round series.
• NBA Finals start date: Thursday, June 6 will be Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Sunday, June 9 will be Game 2. Game 3 will take place on Wednesday, June 12. Friday, June 14 will be Game 4.

First Round Results

Below are the full results for the first round of this year's postseason.

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics def. (8) Miami Heat in 5 games

(2) New York Knicks def. (7) Philadelphia 76ers in 6 games

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers def. (5) Orlando Magic in 7 games

(6) Indiana Pacers def. (3) Milwaukee Bucks in 6 games

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder def. (8) New Orleans Pelicans in 4 games

(2) Denver Nuggets def. (7) Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games

(3) Minnesota Timberwolves def. (6) Phoenix Suns in 4 games

(5) Dallas Mavericks def. (4) Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games

And that's everything you need to know about the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Enjoy watching!

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

2024 Fantasy Football Top 200 Rankings

The NFL’s offseason has been a wild ride, as several big-name players will be wearing new uniforms this year. We’ve seen high-end fantasy players get traded, released and re-signed, not to mention a number of potential fantasy stars have their names called during the 2024 NFL draft.

All of these moves, of course, have seriously altered individual player values in many cases. With that said, below is my list of the top 200 fantasy players heading into the 2024 NFL campaign.

At quarterback, the biggest mover is obviously Justin Fields. Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and projected to back up Russell Wilson (at least initially), Fields went from a top-12 field general to being ranked outside the top 200. That could change depending on what happens in the weeks and months to come, but for now Fields is no more than a late-round draft flier as a No. 3 fantasy quarterback.

That's crazy, isn't it?

At running back, where we saw an absolute boatload of player movement, you’ll see slight upticks for Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Derrick Henry with their new teams. A few other RBs, including Zack Moss and Zamir White, have also seen their value rise based on player movement on their respective teams this offseason. The top rookie, Jonathon Brooks, didn't crack my top 50.

The top of the wide receiver list has changed slightly, as I moved Justin Jefferson from No. 1 to No. 3 after the departure of Kirk Cousins. For now, CeeDee Lamb and Tyreek Hill are my top two receivers. Speaking of Cousins, his presence in Atlanta has Drake London’s stock on the rise. He’ll be a popular breakout player. Top rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is in my top 40.

Some of the receivers who have seen their value decline are DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, who will contend for targets with rookie Rome Odunze in the Windy City rather than being their team’s clear top option. Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins hurt each other’s ceilings in Tennessee, and Marquise Brown’s presence in Kansas City makes Rashee Rice (who could be suspended) a bit less attractive. The selection of speedy rookie Xavier Worthy also has Rice's stock in a state of fantasy flux.

At tight end, I moved Kyle Pitts back into my top 10 with Cousins under center. With questions about his return from a torn ACL, I have T.J. Hockenson at No. 11. He would normally be in the top three with Sam LaPorta and Travis Kelce. Speaking of Kelce, this is the first time he hasn’t been the top-ranked tight end since, well, I can’t even remember! My top rookie, Brock Bowers, is a low-end starter.

Being that it’s only May, this list of 200 is going to change in the next few months. But for now, this is how I'm seeing player fantasy values and draft positions pan out based on all the roster data.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy! Fantasy football season is never too far away!

Rk. Player - Pos - TM - FA

1. Christian McCaffrey - RB - SF - 2026

2. CeeDee Lamb - WR - DAL - 2025

3. Tyreek Hill - WR - MIA - 2027

4. Justin Jefferson - WR - MIN - 2025

5. Amon-Ra St. Brown - WR - DET - 2029

6. Ja'Marr Chase - WR - CIN - 2026

7. Bijan Robinson - RB - ATL - 2028

8. A.J. Brown - WR - PHI - 2027

9. Breece Hall - RB - NYJ - 2026

10. Saquon Barkley - RB - PHI - 2027

11. Jahmyr Gibbs - RB - DET - 2028

12. Jonathan Taylor - RB - IND - 2027

13. Puka Nacua - WR - LAR - 2027

14. Garrett Wilson - WR - NYJ - 2027

15. Travis Etienne - RB - JAC - 2026

16. Kyren Williams - RB - LAR - 2026

17. Davante Adams - WR - LV - 2027

18. Michael Pittman Jr. - WR - IND - 2027

19. Mike Evans - WR - TB - 2026

20. Josh Jacobs - RB - GB - 2028

21. Derrick Henry - RB - BAL - 2026

22. Isiah Pacheco - RB - KC - 2026

23. Chris Olave - WR - NO - 2027

24. Brandon Aiyuk - WR - SF - 2025

25. Marvin Harrison Jr. - WR - ARI - N/A

26. Jalen Hurts - QB - PHI - 2029

27. Rachaad White - RB - TB - 2026

28. Josh Allen - QB - BUF - 2029

29. De'Vone Achane - RB - MIA - 2027

30. Drake London - WR - ATL - 2027

31. James Cook - RB - BUF - 2026

32. Nico Collins - WR - HOU - 2025

33. Alvin Kamara - RB - NO - 2026

34. Ken Walker - RB - SEA - 2026

35. DK Metcalf - WR - SEA - 2026

36. Jaylen Waddle - WR - MIA - 2026

37. Joe Mixon - RB - HOU - 2027

38. Sam LaPorta - TE - DET - 2027

39. Deebo Samuel Sr. - WR - SF - 2026

40. Travis Kelce - TE - KC - 2026

41. Rashee Rice - WR - KC - 2027

42. D.J. Moore - WR - CHI - 2026

43. Stefon Diggs - WR - HOU - 2025

44. Patrick Mahomes - QB - KC - 2032

45. Mark Andrews - TE - BAL - 2026

46. Cooper Kupp - WR - LAR - 2027

47. Devonta Smith - WR - PHI - 2029

48. Lamar Jackson - QB - BAL - 2028

49. Amari Cooper - WR - CLE - 2025

50. Trey McBride - TE - ARI - 2026

51. C.J. Stroud - QB - HOU - 2027

52. D'Andre Swift - RB - CHI - 2027

53. David Montgomery - RB - DET - 2026

54. Rhamondre Stevenson - RB - NE - 2025

55. Joe Burrow - QB - CIN - 2030

56. George Kittle - TE - SF - 2026

57. Anthony Richardson - QB - IND - 2027

58. Nick Chubb - RB - CLE - 2025

59. Malik Nabers - WR - NYG - N/A

60. Tee Higgins - WR - CIN - 2024

61. Calvin Ridley - WR - TEN - 2028

62. Christian Kirk - WR - JAC - 2026

63. Jonathon Brooks - RB - CAR - N/A

64. Zay Flowers - WR - BAL - 2028

65. George Pickens - WR - PIT - 2026

66. Tank Dell - WR - HOU - 2027

67. Keenan Allen - WR - CHI - 2025

68. Aaron Jones - RB - MIN - 2025

69. Dak Prescott - QB - DAL - 2025

70. Zamir White - RB - LV - 2026

71. James Conner - RB - ARI - 2025

72. Tony Pollard - RB - TEN - 2027

73. Evan Engram - TE - JAC - 2026

74. Terry McLaurin - WR - WAS - 2026

75. Dalton Kincaid - TE - BUF - 2027

76. Najee Harris - RB - PIT - 2026

77. Jayden Reed - WR - GB - 2027

78. Zack Moss - RB - CIN - 2026

79. Kyle Pitts - TE - ATL - 2025

80. Jordan Love - QB - GB - 2025

81. Brian Robinson Jr. - RB - WAS - 2026

82. Austin Ekeler - RB - WAS - 2026

83. Javonte Williams - RB - DEN - 2025

84. David Njoku - TE - CLE - 2026

85. Courtland Sutton - WR - DEN - 2026

86. Ladd McConkey - WR - LAC - N/A

87. Diontae Johnson - WR - CAR - 2025

88. Keon Coleman - WR - BUF - N/A

89. Brock Bowers - TE - LV - N/A

90. Jordan Addison - WR - MIN - 2027

91. DeAndre Hopkins - WR - TEN - 2025

92. Chris Godwin - WR - TB - 2025

93. Kyler Murray - QB - ARI - 2029

94. Rome Odunze - WR - CHI - N/A

95. Brock Purdy - QB - SF - 2026

96. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - WR - SEA - 2028

97. Marquise Brown - WR - KC - 2025

98. Christian Watson - WR - GB - 2026

99. Jake Ferguson - TE - DAL - 2026

100. Devin Singletary - RB - NYG - 2027

101. Kirk Cousins - QB - ATL - 2028

102. Tyler Lockett - WR - SEA - 2026

103. T.J. Hockenson - TE - MIN - 2028

104. Dallas Goedert - TE - PHI - 2026

105. Jaylen Warren - RB - PIT - 2025

106. Jared Goff - QB - DET - 2025

107. Xavier Worthy - WR - KC - N/A

108. Tyjae Spears - RB - TEN - 2027

109. Jayden Daniels - QB - WAS - N/A

110. Brian Thomas Jr. - WR - JAC - N/A

111. Trevor Lawrence - QB - JAC - 2026

112. Gus Edwards - RB - LAC - 2026

113. Mike Williams - WR - NYJ - 2025

114. Tua Tagovailoa - QB - MIA - 2025

115. Justin Herbert - QB - LAC - 2030

116. Matthew Stafford - QB - LAR - 2027

117. Ezekiel Elliott - RB - DAL - 2025

118. Zach Charbonnet - RB - SEA - 2027

119. Jakobi Meyers - WR - LV - 2026

120. Curtis Samuel - WR - BUF - 2027

121. Gabe Davis - WR - JAC - 2027

122. Trey Benson - RB - ARI - N/A

123. Aaron Rodgers - QB - NYJ - 2026

124. Dalton Schultz - TE - HOU - 2027

125. Caleb Williams - QB - CHI - N/A

126. Chase Brown - RB - CIN - 2027

127. Tyler Allgeier - RB - ATL - 2026

128. Pat Freiermuth - TE - PIT - 2025

129. Ty Chandler - RB - MIN - 2026

130. Rico Dowdle - RB - DAL - 2025

131. Xavier Legette - WR - CAR - N/A

132. Quentin Johnston - WR - LAC - 2028

133. Jameson Williams - WR - DET - 2027

134. Chuba Hubbard - RB - CAR - 2025

135. Romeo Doubs - WR - GB - 2026

136. Blake Corum - RB - LAR - N/A

137. Antonio Gibson - RB - NE - 2027

138. Jerry Jeudy - WR - CLE - 2028

139. Josh Downs - WR - IND - 2027

140. J.K. Dobbins - RB - LAC - 2025

141. Brandin Cooks - WR - DAL - 2025

142. Darren Waller - TE - NYG - 2027

143. Cole Kmet - TE - CHI - 2028

144. DeMario Douglas - WR - NE - 2027

145. Baker Mayfield - QB - TB - 2027

146. Hunter Henry - TE - NE - 2027

147. Deshaun Watson - QB - CLE - 2027

148. Adonai Mitchell - WR - IND - N/A

149. Alexander Mattison - RB - LV - 2025

150. Ja'Lynn Polk - WR - NE - N/A

151. Marvin Mims - WR - DEN - 2027

152. Adam Thielen - WR - CAR - 2026

153. Dontayvion Wicks - WR - GB - 2027

154. Michael Wilson - WR - ARI - 2027

155. Bucky Irving - RB - TB - N/A

156. Ricky Pearsall - WR - SF - N/A

157. Rashid Shaheed - WR - NO - 2024

158. Josh Palmer - WR - LAC - 2025

159. Jaleel McLaughlin - RB - DEN - 2026

160. Jahan Dotson - WR - WAS - 2027

161. Wan'Dale Robinson - WR - NYG - 2026

162. Kendrick Bourne - WR - NE - 2027

163. Jalin Hyatt - WR - NYG - 2027

164. Tyler Boyd - WR - FA - N/A

165. Roshon Johnson - RB - CHI - 2027

166. Cade Otton - TE - TB - 2026

167. Roman Wilson - WR - PIT - N/A

168. Malachi Corley - WR - NYJ - N/A

169. Khalil Shakir - WR - BUF - 2026

170. Jerome Ford - RB - CLE - 2026

171. Elijah Moore - WR - CLE - 2025

172. Kendre Miller - RB - NO - 2027

173. Derek Carr - QB - NO - 2027

174. Treylon Burks - WR - TEN - 2027

175. MarShawn Lloyd - RB - GB - N/A

176. Zach Ertz - TE - WAS - 2025

177. Jermaine Burton - WR - CIN - N/A

178. Elijah Mitchell - RB - SF - 2025

179. Russell Wilson - QB - PIT - 2029

180. Will Levis - QB - TEN - 2027

181. Khalil Herbert - RB - CHI - 2025

182. Jalen McMillan - WR - TB - N/A

183. A.J. Dillon - RB - GB - 2025

184. Bryce Young - QB - CAR - 2027

185. Jaylen Wright - RB - MIA - N/A

186. D'Onta Foreman - RB - CLE - 2025

187. Rashod Bateman - WR - BAL - 2027

188. Keaton Mitchell - RB - BAL - 2026

189. Drake Maye - QB - NE - N/A

190. Miles Sanders - RB - CAR - 2027

191. Braelon Allen - RB - NYJ - N/A

192. Chigoziem Okonkwo - TE - TEN - 2026

193. Audric Estime - RB - DEN - N/A

194. Geno Smith - QB - SEA - 2026

195. Dameon Pierce - RB - HOU - 2026

196. Kenneth Gainwell - RB - PHI - 2025

197. Samaje Perine - RB - DEN - 2025

198. Darnell Mooney - WR - ATL - 2027

199. Jalin Hyatt - WR - NYG - 2027

200. Tank Bigsby - RB - JAC - 2027

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Will Ferrell Reportedly Buys Minority Stake in Leeds United

Will Ferrell bought a minority stake in EFL Championship club Leeds United joining the club's group of general partners, according to The Sun.

Ferrell is the latest name of American celebrities to invest in an English club following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's success with Wrexham.

Leeds United was relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. The club nearly achieved automatic promotion back this year, but fell short to Leicester City and Ipswich Town. Leeds will compete in a playoff for the third and final promotion spot.

🎙️ “𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀”
Daniel Farke reflects on today’s clash with Southampton and looks ahead to the upcoming play-off semi-finals pic.twitter.com/aDnlUlTGhY
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 4, 2024

Ferrell is notably a part-owner of Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC. The club made its MLS debut in 2018 as an expansion side. LAFC won its first and only MLS Cup in 2022 when names like Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Vela played for the side.

Leeds United has not officially confirmed Ferrell's investment, though The Athletic broke down Ferrell's role. "The indication from Elland Road is that Will Ferrell falls firmly into the limited partner category. He’s another famous face in the mix but he won’t be calling any shots in the boardroom," The Athletic's Phil Hay and Ben Burrows reported.

Ferrell joins notable names like Michael Phelps, Jordan Speith, Larry Nance Jr, Russel Crowe and more as part of the ownership collective.

Leeds United plays Norwich City in the EFL play-off across two legs. If Leeds advances, the club will face the winner of Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. Bouncing right back up to the Premier League will be a massive achievement for manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds was promoted back in 2020-21 season and finished in the top half of the table. The 2021-22 season saw Leeds stay up but just three points, but the club was subsequently relegated the following season.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

DeMeco Ryans Perfectly Responds to J.J. Watt’s One Exception to Return to NFL

J.J. Watt noted over the weekend that 2024 would be the last year he would answer Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans's call about returning to the NFL if the team needed him, and the coach promptly answered back about a potential reunion.

“I love to hear J.J. saying he’s ready," Ryans said, via SportsRadio 610's Sean Pendergast. "I’ve got his number ready to go just in case we need him. ... I may need to make that call, so I'm happy that it's open from him."

This comment comes after Watt told reporters over the weekend that he told Ryans last year, his first year coaching the Texans, to not call "unless you absolutely need it." And if Ryans did need Watt, he would be there.

Reporters then asked Ryans what circumstances would need to happen in order for him to make the call to Watt. Although Ryans didn't give a specific example, it sounds like he's ready to jump on the opportunity if he needs to.

"I need him now, I need to make that call right now," Ryans added. "Anytime J.J. Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.”

#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans exchange with the media today on J.J. Watt saying Saturday that if DeMeco needs him to play DeMeco can call him.
DeMeco: “I need him now! Anytime JJ Watt’s ready to go, I’m ready to go.” pic.twitter.com/yerBDO37hw
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) May 6, 2024

Watt played 10 seasons in Houston before ending his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons. He retired after the 2022 season, and it doesn't seem like he has intentions on coming back to the NFL, but he's continuing to train as if he's in the league.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

TRANSFER PORTAL: Texas Reportedly Lands San José State DB Jay’Vion Cole

Per a report from Pro Football Focus, former San José State corner back Jav'Vion Cole has committed to the University of Texas for the next stage of his college football career.

Cole will be a junior after spending the 2022 season with Cal Poly and the 2023 seasons with Brent Brennan's spatan squad. Brennan accepted the head coach position at Arizona this offseason and was replaced by former Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo.

In 2022 with Cal Poly, Cole played in 11 games with four interceptions and nine passes defended. In 2023 with SJSU, Cole started all 13 games with three interceptions and 13 passes defended. He also had a sack and three tackles for loss last season.

Cole will have two seasons of eligibility remaining as he joins a Longhorns team that went 12-2 and reached the college football playoff last season. Texas begin the 2024 season on August 31 when they host Cole's former Mountain West rival in Colorado State.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

LIV Golf’s Talor Gooch Will Play PGA Championship Thanks to Special Exemption

Last week Talor Gooch said he would not attempt to qualify for either the U.S. Open or British Open. But Monday Gooch learned he'll play at least one major this year: the PGA Championship, thanks to a special exemption.

The PGA had yet to confirm the news to SI but Gooch shared it via his social media account.

Looking forward to Valhalla next week!
Thank you for the invitation @PGA 🙏🏼 See y'all there. pic.twitter.com/0Rcm652KMP
— Talor Gooch (@TalorGooch) May 6, 2024

The year’s second major championship typically has numerous exemptions to give and often fills out its field by inviting those who are among the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking and not otherwise exempt.

But it has discretion to give spots to anyone it deems deserving, and Gooch—who was the No .1 player in the LIV Golf League standings in 2023—was given a spot in the tournament where he missed the cut a year ago. He is 644th in the OWGR.

Also given an exemption was LIV’s David Puig, a Spaniard who has played on LIV for a majority of the past two years. He has also won twice in the past year on the Asian Tour.

In his last 10 worldwide events outside of LIV Golf, Puig has nothing worse than a 15th-place finish, with six top-5s and two victories. He is 106th in the OWGR.

Gooch has become somewhat of a controversial figure in the game because last year the USGA changed its exemption criteria for the 2023 U.S. Open by tweaking wording that would have otherwise seen him exempt for the tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. He elected not to attempt to qualify, then missed the cut at the British Open.

None of the major championships give direct spots to the LIV Golf League, something the circuit has been seeking but which major-championship officials have pushed back against due to LIV Golf’s closed structure.

The PGA is expected to announce all of its exemptions and its full field soon.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Heat’s Pat Riley Had Blunt Message for Jimmy Butler About Trolling Celtics

Pat Riley isn't thrilled with Jimmy Butler's public comments about the Boston Celtics.

Butler missed the first round of the NBA playoffs while dealing with an MCL injury, and his Miami Heat were outclassed by the Celtics. Miami was ousted in five games while playing without their six-time All-Star forward. Over the weekend, Butler said, "If I was playing, Boston would be at home." Riley was not happy.

On Monday, the Heat president said Butler should keep his mouth shut because he wasn't on the court. Video is below.

Pat Riley on Jimmy Butler's comments that the Heat would've won over Boston if he were healthy... "you should keep your mouth shut" pic.twitter.com/K1K3RVo0lt
— WPLG Local 10 Sports (@Local10Sports) May 6, 2024

Riley certainly seems annoyed with Butler, but reading too deeply into those comments may be taking things too far. That said, he also claimed the Heat wouldn't just give Butler a new max contract extension if the star asked for it and would instead consider if he was going to be available every night.

Butler is owed $48.8 million for the 2024-25 season, then holds a $52.4 million player option for the the 2025-26 season. He'll be 35 at the start of next season and his numbers declined across the board during the 2023-24 campaign. He finished the season averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes over 60 games.

The Heat and Butler need to get on the same page about the team's future. Having their star publicly trolling rival teams after washing out of the playoffs likely isn't helping that relationship.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Anthony Edwards Explained Why He Wants Michael Jordan Comparisons to ‘Stop’

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has been the center of many elite NBA comparisons after his incredible Game 1 performance vs. the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals on Saturday.

After scoring his postseason career-high 43 points in the Timberwolves' victory on Saturday, multiple NBA stars and analysts have compared Edwards to a young Michael Jordan. Even ESPN's Kendrick Perkins and Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green referred to the 22-year-old as the next big player in the NBA.

When asked how he feels about these comparisons to Jordan, Edwards told Fox Sports' Melissa Rohlin that it should "stop."

"I want it to stop," Edwards said. "He's the greatest of all time. I can't be compared to him."

Despite many people comparing him to the six-time NBA champion, Edwards simply rejects the comparison and doesn't feel any pressure to play like Jordan necessarily.

"No, no pressure," Edwards said. "It's just not possible."

Edwards's 43 points made him just the second player in NBA history to score consecutive 40-point plus points in playoff games at the age 22 or under. The only other player to do so was Kobe Bryant. Edwards averaged 31 points per game in the first round series sweep of the Phoenix Suns.

6 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

American League Rookie Roundup: Colton Cowser Leads Orioles’ Youth Movement

Anyone who’s ever started a new job knows the feeling. You’re new to the area, perhaps you don’t know the workspace layout very well. Coworkers’ names prove elusive. Maybe you do something mildly embarrassing to leave a shaky early impression—for example, in the case of Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, throw away a treasured keepsake of your nine-time All-Star closer.

There’s a reason they call them rookie mistakes: It’s because rookies make them. A lot of them.

But fear not, newbies, because the 2024 season is now more than a month old, giving plenty of opportunities to shake off the early butterflies and settle into your new lives as big leaguers. To mark the occasion, we present to you the first edition of Sports Illustrated's Rookie Roundup. Each week, we’ll check in on the latest from the game’s standout first-year players, alternating between the American and National Leagues.

The idea is to shine a spotlight on the best (and most entertaining) happenings from rookies far and wide. We’ll cover the headliners, of course—and with the steady influx of young talent, there are plenty of already big names to track—but also aim to uncover hidden gems making names for themselves as the season progresses.

This week’s focus is simple: We’ll highlight the five best AL rookies so far, with the NL’s top five coming next week. All of the players considered have, of course, made their fair share of rookie blunders. But they’ve made up for them (and then some) with their stellar play to this point.

1. Colton Cowser, OF, Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore’s organizational rebuild (read: tank-a-thon) from the late-2010’s resulted in the franchise picking in the top-five of the draft in four consecutive years from ’19 to ’22. One of those picks turned into Cowser, whose 26-game debut last season (with a .115 batting average and zero home runs) left a lot to be desired. Named to the Opening Day roster by manager Brandon Hyde after posting a 1.136 OPS during spring training, Cowser seized an everyday role by the season’s second week and hasn’t looked back.

Cowser’s hitting profile is a modern twist on the "three true outcomes" template: lots of walks and strikeouts, sure, but plenty of hard contact (rather than merely home runs). His 34.3% strikeout rate is the eighth-highest among players with at least 90 plate appearances, and his 38.1% whiff rate is the seventh-highest. But a quick glance at his Baseball Savant page shows plenty of red bars, as Cowser’s barrel rate, hard-hit rate and expected slugging percentage all rank in the 90th percentile or better. Combine all that with a 10.1% walk rate and excellent defense, and Cowser could follow in Gunnar Henderson’s footsteps and make it back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards for the Orioles.

Oakland Athletics pitcher Mason Miller — Miller has struck out 29 batters in 14 1/3 innings so far this season.

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2. Mason Miller, RP, Oakland Athletics

If they gave trophies to teams for putting together five-and-a-half weeks of mediocre play when almost everybody in the baseball world expected nothing short of total ineptitude, the Athletics would get one. The franchise is in an abysmal position, with an owner resolved to move the team to Las Vegas and coming off consecutive 100-plus loss seasons. While the roster is low on household names (an A’s staple as old as time itself), the team has outperformed projections to this point with a 17–18 mark, and Miller’s been a key reason.

A five-year college career spent at Division III Waynesburg (with one season at Gardner-Webb) didn’t keep Miller from being drafted by Oakland in the third round in 2021. He logged just 28 2/3 minor league innings from ’21 to ’23 before debuting in April of last year. Miller pitched in 10 games for the A’s last season—six of them starts—and impressed enough to make the roster out of spring training this season as a part of the bullpen.

That’s an extremely truncated acceleration timeline, which is sort of fitting given how quickly Miller has ascended into becoming the league’s most dominant closer. His fastball averages (yes, averages) 100.7 mph, and he’s struck out 29 of the 54 batters he’s faced this season. Miller is a perfect 8-for-8 in save chances, helping Oakland to a 7–5 record in one-run games. His FIP currently sits at -0.06, and while it’s sure to climb out of the red eventually, Miller’s already established himself as one of baseball’s most electric pitchers.

3. Wilyer Abreu, OF, Boston Red Sox

Abreu earned himself a late August call-up in 2023 but retained his rookie status coming into ‘24. He hit well in his debut, and has built on last year’s showing to quickly become one of Boston’s most important pieces so far.

Abreu ranks fourth among AL rookies in runs scored (16) and RBIs (13), adding strong defense in right field and speed on the base paths, going a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts. If there’s a reason to temper optimism a bit, it’s the fact that his .297/.381/.473 slash line is buoyed by a .403 BABIP. Statcast paints a far less enthusiastic view of Abreu, with an expected batting average of .225. Even if regression is on the way, he’s shown enough to solidify promise as a bonafide everyday player.

New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil — Gil gave up just two hits and no runs with five strikeouts in his last start against the Orioles.

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4. Luis Gil, SP, New York Yankees

New York’s rotation has collectively risen to the occasion in reigning Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole’s absence, and Gil has more than done his part in the efforts.

The 25-year-old has allowed two runs or fewer in four of his six starts. His most impressive outing was also his most recent: 6 1/3 shutout innings against the Orioles on Wednesday. Gil averages 11.61 strikeouts per nine innings, fourth-most among pitchers who have thrown at least 30 frames. Walks have been an issue, though one that’s trending in the right direction: He gave up 17 free passes in 19 2/3 innings in his first four outings, but has allowed only three in his last two starts.

5. James McArthur, RP, Kansas City Royals

A Royals team coming off of a 106-loss campaign has been one of 2024’s biggest surprises so far, with a 20–15 record and the second-highest run differential (plus-44) in the AL. There’s plenty of credit to go around the roster, but McArthur’s emergence as a lockdown closer (Sunday’s blown save against the Rangers notwithstanding) deserves recognition.

McArthur’s best asset is his control. He’s walked only two of the 66 batters he’s faced so far, compared to 18 strikeouts. Missing bats is also a strength, as McArthur has a whiff rate of 34.9%. Sunday’s meltdown was his first blown save since taking over as the team’s closer, but even then, his strengths were on display. He drew 18 swings on his 30 pitches—with eight of them whiffs—and he didn’t walk a batter. McArthur spent six years in the Philadelphia Phillies’ system working primarily as a starter before being traded to the Royals in 2023, beginning his transition to the bullpen. He seems to have found his rhythm there, and has so far played a crucial role in one of MLB’s best success stories.