Welcome to September! How did we celebrate the end of August? With a sports-filled LDW, of course. Seeing how college football season started up, it’s only fitting that we lead today with two of the best touchdowns of the weekend from none other than Georgia’s Todd Gurley.

 

 

QUIPS FOR THIS WEEK

NFL

How does it feel to get paid $100 million? You’ll have to ask defensive end JJ Watt. That’s right, sources say the Houston Texans have awarded him a new 6 year contract that could pay him up to $100 million. Who else is about to get paid? That would be Alex Smith. The Kansas City quarterback signed a $68 million contract extension for 4 years. It’s a big contract for Smith, and even better to get it done prior to the beginning of the season.

The Gronk is back. Next week marks opening weekend for the NFL and the New England Patriots’ star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, has been cleared to play. After suffering a season-ending knee injury last season, Gronkowski will be ready to go next Sunday when Patriots face the Miami Dolphins. The real question is, will he be able to stay healthy and on the field?

The NFL has made some major changes to their domestic violence policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the changes this past week, which will include an immediate 6-game suspension suspension for a first violation, and a lifetime ban for a second violation.

After an official appeal, Josh Gordon’s suspension stands. The league announced that Gordon will be banned for a year after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. This is a big loss for the Cleveland Browns, as Gordon was one of their star wide receivers and best players.

Michael Sam did not make the final roster for the St. Louis Rams, and was cut on Saturday. After clearing the waivers on Sunday, Sam is now free to sign with any practice squad of his choosing. It’s unclear which team that will be, but we will continue rooting for Sam to accomplish his football dreams.

The NFL kicks off the regular season this week, so finalize your fantasy rosters and get your game-day food ready — it’s RedZone time! Specifically, the Seattle Seahawks (reigning Super Bowl champs) will take on the Green Bay Packers this Thursday (September 4th) at 8:30pm. Woo!

College Football

In a wild first weekend of college football, #1 Florida State overcame a close game against Oklahoma State. The game was full of excitement, including a spectacular running touchdown by quarterback Jameis Winston, and the Seminoles came away with a 37-31 victory. FSU also announced that they are lifting Jesus “Bobo” Wilson’s suspension.

#2 Alabama may have defeated West Virginia in a close game, but that doesn’t mean they had a winning weekend. Two of the Crimson Tide’s starters, Jarrick Williams and DeAndrew White, both suffered injuries that will sideline them for at least a couple games. Also interesting: Coach Nick Saban says Alabama is considering a 2 QB system.

Texas quarterback David Ash is experiencing concussion-like symptoms and will not be able to play this coming weekend. After suffering a concussion last year, Ash took a medical red-shirt and missed 10 games. Unfortunately, after a hit against North Texas, those symptoms have returned.

Baseball

The Houston Astros fired manager Bo Porter and bench coach Dave Trembley on Monday. It’s a big move for the Astros, who have struggled this season.

It was a no-hitter kind of day for the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. The Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 7-0 and under the pitching of Cole Hamels and 3 relievers, the rotation combined for a impressive no-hitter. It’s the 4th no-hitter of the MLB season.

The Oakland A’s have traded for the rights to Adam Dunn of the Chicago White Sox. It’s nearing the end of the road for Dunn, and this might just be his first shot at the playoffs with the talented Athletics squad.

Basketball

Remember that time we told you Kevin Durant might leave Nike for Under Armour? About that… it’s not happening. Nike decided to match Under Armour’s offer, which means he’s getting more than their original $285 million offer. Congrats to Kevin Durant, and congrats to Nike who will keep the two best players in the game (see: LeBron James) on their shoe roster.

Congratulations to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union! The Miami Heat guard and the star actress were married over Labor Day weekend in Miami.

Team USA defeated Team Turkey in a close game on Sunday in Spain at the FIBA World Cup. The Americans also beat Team Finland over the weekend. The United States plays New Zealand in their next game on Tuesday.

Where will Ray Allen play this year? That is the question… no really, we’re curious to see if he will play and if he does, where. So far the rumored squads pursuing the veteran guard include: the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, the LA Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs. Speaking of the Clippers, Coach Doc Rivers signed a 5 year extension with the team.

Other

In all things tennis, Serena Williams has dominated her way into the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open while Caroline Wozniacki defeated Maria Sharapova.  On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic cruised in his last match to reach his 8th quarterfinal in a row and Andy Murray overcame recent struggles to advance as well.  There’s even more great players to watch, so stay tuned as these matches are only going to get more interesting.

Tony Stewart returned to the track this Sunday in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series after three weeks off after the tragic death of Kevin Ward Jr. Stewart didn’t finish the race due to a blown tire.

What do we love more than the regular season? The post-season, and lucky for us it’s the WNBA playoffs! In the Western Conference, MVP Maya Moore led the Minnesota Lynx to a win over the Phoenix Mercury to force a game 3. In the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Fever lost in double overtime to the Chicago Sky to tie up the series.

JUST FOR FUN

College football over everything
Admit it… sometimes you feel like an outsider for not understanding the college football hype. But, here are some reasons that might change your mind!

STORIES FOR INSIGHTS, COOL FACTOR + DEBATE

Star Character
Michael B. Jordan takes on another sport
Friday Night Lights’ QB will be playing Apollo Creed’s grandson in the next installment of Rocky — are you ready for this?!

The Voice
Tom Durkin retires from the races
After a legendary 43 year career narrating horse races, he’s ending on a high note

A Renaissance or a Revolution?
What’s Manziel going to do for Cleveland?
Browns fans and the NFL are looking to Johnny Football to save the franchise

One Man Team
This Brewers’ prospect carried all of the Manatees on his shoulders
He managed to play all nine positions in one game — why wouldn’t the Brewers want him after this?

Everyone loves a good story
Now that we’re nearing the end of baseball season, what are you looking for?
Ready for the Royals to get to the playoffs? Sad to see Derek Jeter retire? We’re excited to see what’s in the cards!

Now let me take a selfie
There’s a new statue at Baylor’s McLane Stadium…
Robert Griffin III got so excited about his statue that he took a selfie with the entire Baylor freshman class