Happy Monday! By now we’re sure you’ve seen many videos of the ice bucket challenge that’s raising awareness on behalf of ALS. We challenge each and everyone of you to support the challenge whether via ice bucket, donation or by learning more about ALS and telling a friend. And, in the spirit, here’s a video of one of our favorite examples of the ice bucket challenge… hint, hint — it’s Duke related! 

 

QUIPS FOR THIS WEEK

Basketball

Team USA defeated Brazil in an exhibition game Saturday night in Chicago, but the bigger story here was Derrick Rose’s return to the court. Rose was saluted by his hometown fans and showed why he’s a former league MVP in a start for the United States. It’s been a long road to recovery for Rose after two devastating knee injuries have kept him off the court, and it’s great to see him return to the game better than ever.

Things continue to look up for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers as sources report that forward Shawn Marion will join the team for the upcoming season. Marion was previously with the Dallas Mavericks and is widely expected to officially sign with the Cavs this week. Marion is a former all-star and will be able to help the young Cavs on both offense and defense with his years of experience in the league.

Paul George spoke with reporters last week about his injury during a Team USA scrimmage and his long road to recovery. He spoke specifically about his desire to come back stronger than ever, the lack of blame he places on Team USA, and the potential to play in the 2016 Olympic Games. Team USA honored Paul in Chicago this weekend with “United We Stand” warm-up shirts.

Baseball

Baseball has officially named their next Commissioner. After a lengthy voting process, Rob Manfred was selected as the man for the job and will replace Bud Selig next season. Manfred has been with the league since 1998 and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer.

Mo’ne Davis is the most exciting thing about the Little League World Series. Davis (age 13) is dominating the field as a pitcher for her team. In fact, she pitched a very impressive shut-out on Friday night that left the sports world in awe. Did we mention that she is only the 4th American girl to play in the LLWS?  In an interview she had this to say: “It’s very unreal, I never thought that at the age of 13 I would be a role model, but now it’s real. I always wanted to be a basketball role model; being a baseball role model is really cool.” — Go Mo’ne, Go!

David Ortiz is now a member of the 400 club and even more of a Boston legend. In a game against the Houston Astros, Big Papi recorded his 400th home run for the Red Sox, making him one of 25 players to have that many home runs for one team in MLB history.

Football

The AP released their first pre-season poll of the upcoming college football season this weekend. Not surprisingly, defending champ Florida State is number 1 to start the season followed by Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma and Ohio State respectively. The countdown to college football season has begun!

In other college football news, Notre Dame is investigating 4 athletes for potential academic dishonesty. Coach Brian Kelly defended his program in a press conference, but there is no set timetable for when the investigation will be completed.

The NFL is reviewing its Domestic Violence Policy and is reported to be strongly considering making changes. It is expected that the new rules would be much tougher on policy violations going forward.

Other

62 minutes. In tennis, that’s how long it took Serena Williams to defeat Ana Ivanovic and win the Western & Southern Open title in Cincinnati, Ohio. The title is a big deal for Serena as it was her first time winning the event (after 6 tries). Congrats!

In racing, Jeff Gordon won his 3rd Sprint Cup victory of the season in Michigan on Sunday. The big win at the Michigan International Speedway is his first win on the track since 2001. Tony Stewart sat out again this weekend after the tragic death of Kevin Ward Jr. last weekend.

Usain Bolt is back to winning things. Bolt won an 100-meter race on Sunday in Rio De Janeiro with a time of 10.06 seconds. Yeah, that’s fast.

In soccer, Man City won a big road match against Newcastle on Sunday. Man City defeated their opponents 2-0 and got their first win of the season.

JUST FOR FUN

Bryant Court
This LED Court, built in China and named after Kobe Bryant, is pretty cool — but, how does it work? #complicated

STORIES FOR INSIGHTS, COOL FACTOR + DEBATE

History
The Story of Danny Almonte
Don’t recognize his name? That’s because Danny was accused of cheating in Little League in 2001

Dynamic Duo
The (two) stars of USA Swimming
Do you prefer Missy Franklin or Katie Ledecky? We love to win, so we like ’em both!

The closest you can get to flying
Robin Williams and his passion for bicycling
Learn about a different side of Robin Williams through the eyes of master bike builder Dario Pegoretti

Spike!
AVP Salt Lake City
Pro volleyball is no joke — check out these awesome photos of the tournament

She’s a Woman
Michele Roberts discusses the elephant in the room during her interview — her gender
Her integrity and passion helps her to rise above gender barriers, but when will the barriers disappear completely?