“I need centers,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said, speaking in a radio interview after the draft. “That’s my biggest fear as a coach.” Centers. Not a blindside hit to the quarterback. Not a non-contact knee injury at one of the skill positions. Centers. Fear can be worsened by experience. A turbulent cross-country trip can increase a fear of flying. One flub of a phrase can exacerbate a fear of public speaking. Gruden has seen Kory Lichtensteiger convert from guard to center only to get hurt repeatedly, prompting a similar conversion for Spencer Long. Now, Long is expected to miss about two weeks while recovering from a knee arthroscopy, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. No wonder Gruden worries. Long, entering his first full season as the Redskins starting center, is expected back by or around Week 1 of the regular season. He may not have played in the fourth preseason game regardless, meaning that Long could effectively … [Read more...]

The Pac-12 has been called the Conference of Quarterbacks and it looks like it will really live up to that this season. USC’s Sam Darnold leads a strong group of returning QBs, including Jake Browning of Washington and Josh Rosen of UCLA. But there are some newcomers, too. Oregon State has community college transfer Jake Luton, while Utah’s Tyler Huntley wrested away the starter’s job from a senior incumbent after a glimpse of the field last season. A primer for the quarterbacks that will lead the league’s teams this season: SAM DARNOLD, USC: When fans last saw Darnold, he was throwing for 453 yards and five touchdowns in USC’s comeback win over Penn State in the Rose Bowl. As a redshirt freshman last season, Darnold started 10 games and threw for 3,086 yards with 31 TDs. Now the Trojans are ranked No. 4 in AP’s preseason poll and he was named a preseason first-team All-American. “Obviously there are some grand expectations for … [Read more...]

Brandon Saad figured he’d be in Columbus for the long haul. Two summers later, the Pine native is working on selling his house there and buying a new place in Chicago, the result of a June 23 trade that reunited Saad with the Blackhawks. Not that Saad has anything to complain about. In addition to a long-term contract that will pay him a total of $24 million over the next four seasons, Saad loved Chicago, the teammates he had and the relationships he built while winning a pair of Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015. “I’m going back to a familiar city, so it makes it much easier,” Saad said Tuesday afternoon following an informal skate at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. “I can’t say I didn’t enjoy my time in Columbus. It was great. But going back to where you had success, and to play with some of the top players in the world, that’s always an exciting moment, for sure.” The expectation is that Saad will resume his familiar spot … [Read more...]

Opper Films, the leader in delivering on-demand extreme sports films and the creator of TheSurfNetwork, announced today that Vaporvue, the pioneering subscription movie service for the action-packed worlds of skiing, snowboarding, paddling, mountain biking, surfing, skateboarding, BMX, motocross, and much more, is now available on Amazon Channels. Amazon Prime members can now feel the thrill of extreme sports from their sofa or anywhere else in the world for $4.99 a month with a 7-day free trial. SOLANA BEACH, Calif. (PRWEB) August 22, 2017 Opper Films, the leader in delivering on-demand extreme sports films and the creator of TheSurfNetwork, announced today that Vaporvue, the pioneering subscription movie service for the action-packed worlds of skiing, snowboarding, paddling, mountain biking, surfing, skateboarding, BMX, motocross, and much more, is now available on Amazon Channels. Amazon Prime members can now feel the thrill of extreme sports from their sofa or anywhere … [Read more...]

The Latest on efforts to remove Confederate monuments and the nationwide fallout from a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia (all times local):3:50 p.m.The mayor of Charlottesville says an outbreak of anger at a city council meeting shows how deeply traumatized the community was by a violent white nationalist rally.Mayor Mike Signer told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the outbursts at the meeting a night earlier were the "beginning of the process of catharsis."The protests forced the council to abandon its agenda, and members instead took comments from the crowd.Toward the end of the meeting, the council voted to cover two Confederate statues with black fabric to signal the city's mourning for Heather Heyer, who was killed when a car slammed into a crowd protesting the rally.Signer says city staff are sorting … [Read more...]

Some of the local bitterness and acrimony over the Katy Independent School District's new 12,000-seat, $70.3 million Legacy Stadium should subside now that it's finally ready for "Friday Night Lights" football, Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt said shortly before the official dedication. "Everybody in this community agreed there was another stadium that was needed. There was just a difference of agreement on the cost and the size," Hindt said. "You will see how this pulls the community together." In 2013, Katy voters rejected a more expensive price tag for the stadium but in 2014 approved a bond that included a $58 million version. However, infrastructure improvements meant another $12 million added to the final cost. But all that's now in the past, Hindt said, standing on the green field between the home team and visiting team side. "This is something the community wanted," he said. "We may be the most expensive stadium for a little bit but another one will come." He said … [Read more...]

The exterior lights at Legacy Stadium will shine a familiar shade of blue Aug. 31 as the venue hosts its first official football game. Katy ISD's second-oldest school will kick off an enticing three-game week to debut the district's shining new facility. Taylor hosts Foster in the historic opener at 6:30 p.m. Taking in the atmosphere during dedication night Aug. 17 only enhanced the Mustangs' anticipation for the first game. "It's a great honor," Taylor coach Trey Herrmann said. "Our kids are really excited about it. They've done a great job, built a world-class facility here. I would compare it with some colleges. It's a great environment for our kids. It's going to be a whole lot of fun." Taylor and Foster begin a trio of nights at Legacy that continues with Katy hosting Austin Westlake on Sept. 1 and concludes with Seven Lakes hosting Memorial on Sept. 2. The first features teams which combined for 23 victories, including five playoff wins, in 2016. Taylor finished 9-3, … [Read more...]

As he addressed those in attendance at the Aug. 17 dedication ceremony of Legacy Stadium, Katy ISD Superintendent Lance Hindt recalled the opening of another prestigious venue sitting less than 100 yards away. In 1982, Hindt and the Taylor football team took the field at Jack Rhodes Memorial Stadium against a Katy High School team in its first season with Mike Johnston as head coach. Both were on the temporary stage near the south end of Legacy Stadium on Aug. 17, with Hindt among those recognizing the esteemed former Tigers coach. Mike Johnston Field represents a leader who, among other successes, brought three state football championships (1997, 2000, 2003) to Katy. But many acknowledged his stellar 200-76 win-loss record at Katy as merely part of his legacy. "He's not just a coach whose team won 13 district titles and three state championships," Hindt said. "He's a teacher who's mentored thousands of students to college, in the classroom and on the field. "Since Coach … [Read more...]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Conor McGregor's improbable challenge of Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be seen by a staggering 50 million people in the United States as fans and the curious gather in small and large parties.The fight Saturday night threatens the pay-per-view revenue record set by Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao two years ago and could dwarf it in viewership as people use the event as a reason to have friends and family over for a little escapism and controlled violence."It's a cultural event that crosses all demographics and all social and economic factors," said Mark Taffet, who formerly ran pay-per-view for HBO. "People are getting together to have a great time and we surely need an excuse to have a great time."Taffet said that while an average of 5-6 people normally watches a pay-per-view, he wouldn't be surprised if the fight … [Read more...]

The Little League World Series is in full swing, and pre-teen baseball players flood our televisions with their unbridled joy and pain. There is pressure that comes with performing in front of millions of people. Pressure can break a child's spirit, exposing them to criticism on a scale no pre-teen should endure. But others argue that high-pressure exposure is great for getting them prepared to perform in the big moment, or showing grace in defeat. What do you think?  PERSPECTIVES When you were 11 or 12, what were you doing? Probably worried about homework, or what another boy or girl thought about you. Now imagine dealing with all that, and having millions of eyes on your every move on a baseball field waiting to see you fail. That is pressure. Pre-teens face enough pressure performing in front of their coaches and parents when they play in the little league. They don't need the unsolicited eyes of strangers watching them too. Having nationally televised games put way … [Read more...]

Latest in series of awards for famed SaaS startup Calabasas, CA (PRWEB) August 22, 2017 InviteManager, whose web and mobile apps make it easy for companies to take clients to events and prove the ROI, has been named one of LA’s Best Places to Work by LA Business Journal for the third year in a row. This recognition is the latest in a series of high-profile awards InviteManager has received, including:     Inc Magazine’s Best Places to Work in 2017     Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies (3rd straight year)     100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies by LABJ (2nd straight year)     Deloitte Tech Fast 500 for stellar revenue growth     24 Hottest Startups in LA by Symmetry50 LA Business Journal spotlights the companies whose hiring and employee development make them best in class across a large segment of industries. Companies who have created … [Read more...]

Terry Harman and his son waited for more than four hours at Monday's Houston Texans practice with hopes that he could get J.J. Watt to autograph Harman's pencil-drawing of Watt that he drew himself. Just when it looked like Harman would have to head back home to Santa Fe without the autograph, Kendall Lamm saved the day. Although Watt was signing tons of autographs after practice, it didn't look like he was going to make it over to Harman and his son, so Harman opted to have other players sign the portrait. AT THE SAME PRACTICE: J.J. Watt signs superfan's tattoo of his face When Lamm saw the drawing, he asked if Watt had seen it yet. When Harman told him he hadn't, Lamm sprung into action. "He said, 'Don't worry, I got you man,'" Harman said. Lamm ran over to tell Watt about the portrait, then went and retrieved it so he could show it to Watt. "He goes over to J.J. and comes back with this big grin on his face," said Harman, who arrived at Monday's practice at 6:15 a.m. … [Read more...]

File under: Not news, but somewhat worth documenting. Tom Savage is the Texans’ starting quarterback. Of course. #AsExpected. Like, duh. Bill O’Brien publicly attached the term “starter” to Savage on Tuesday and made it transparently clear that Deshaun Watson is officially a rookie backup in waiting. For some reason, that was treated like major news on local radio. I’m sure it was also a bummer to national media outlets that tried to create a heated Savage versus Watson debate for months.  Was there a moment after the Texans’ first preseason game that Watson closed the gap? Is his unique athleticism impossible to ignore? Sure. Was Savage the starter since March and always expected to be the Texans’ Week 1 answer in 2017? Yes to both. At HoustonChronicle.com: Tom Savage looking like Texans' top QB option If there was an opening for Watson to make this a real race, it closed last Saturday against New England. … [Read more...]

Meet the exceptional women of the Corn Producers Association of Texas, who journeyed from city to farm, and discovered that farming today is based on advance science and sophisticated technology that maximizes production while conserving resources. New York, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2017 In 1920, one out of three Americans lived and worked on farms and ranches. Today, that’s about one out of fifty. The change from a rural, agricultural nation to one that is mostly urban and industrialized has been constant over the past century. But for every trend, there are exceptions. Recently, the Corn Producers Association of Texas teamed with YourUpdateTV to discuss a group of women who grew up in cities, moved to farms, and are now actively engaged in growing our food. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: http://bit.ly/2vTtiYw These women are part of an organization known as CommonGround, a group of women farmers who are having conversations about the food they … [Read more...]

Building God’s Way announced this week that Derek Johnson will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Ogden, UT (PRWEB) August 22, 2017 Building its strong leadership team to address the growing needs of ministries across the country, Building God’s Way announced this week that Derek Johnson will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. He will succeed Steve Hartman, who left a battle with cancer behind to join his Savior several years ago. Since then, Mike McIntosh has skillfully filled the gap, but can now fully devote himself to his area of expertise as the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer. At the helm of Building God’s Way, Derek will direct the organization’s efficiency and growth, establish partnerships with like-minded companies, and celebrate and equip each person to advance ministries throughout the country. Addressing the BGW team in Ogden, BGW Founder Daniel Cook … [Read more...]

Caption Close SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — At the Little League World Series, the question now is not whether anyone can beat the team from Greenville, North Carolina. It's whether anyone can get a hit. Neither Sioux Falls, South Dakota, nor Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was able to do so against Greenville's pitching staff in the first two rounds. It's the first time at Little League World Series that a U.S. team has thrown consecutive no-hitters. Japan did it in 2002. Greenville used three pitchers in its 6-0 first round win Friday against Sioux Falls. Chase Anderson, Matthew Matthijs and Carson Hardee combined for 10 strikeouts and no walks to complete the seventh perfect game in LLWS history. Two days later, Greenville walloped Rancho Santa Margarita 16-0 in five innings — the game was halted because of the mercy rule. Anderson and the 6-foot-1 Matthijs dominated again, and the Southeast bats produced 18 hits and two home runs. It wasn't just the top of the … [Read more...]

Lane Kiffin will call or text former Baylor coach Art Briles "once in a while" to talk offense. The Florida Atlantic coach told The Sun-Sentinel his offense is Briles' system. "Obviously, he's done unbelievable things on offense," Kiffin said Monday. "It's his system that he started years and years ago. Every once in a while, I'll text or call him and bounce something off of him." Briles' son, Kendal, is Kiffin's offensive coordinator. On Sunday, he said he talks to his father on a regular basis about the offense. "Obviously, he has ideas," said Kendal, who added his father hasn't been on campus. "He wants to know personnel and different guys and making sure we're getting those guys in the right spots and getting them touches and all that stuff. He's a football coach, that's all he's ever been. He's definitely involved and we talk daily." Art Briles was fired by Baylor last year after investigations by the university and reporters uncovered a culture of sexual … [Read more...]

Caption Close CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have more to worry about than Andrew Miller's sore right knee. The defending AL champions absorbed a double blow on Tuesday when Miller went back on the disabled list with tendinitis for the second time in 20 days and starter Danny Salazar was placed on the DL with an elbow issue. Miller, an All-Star and arguably the most indispensable player on Cleveland's roster, made just seven pitches — all fastballs — in Monday night's win over Boston before taking himself out. The left-hander was making his second appearance since being activated from the DL on Friday. The Indians are hoping that more rest will help Miller, who was a key in them getting to the World Series last year and is crucial to them getting back. While he's had another solid season, Miller has not been nearly as dominant and his velocity has dropped considerably in the past month. He's 4-3 with a 1.65 ERA and two saves in 48 games. Manager Terry Francona … [Read more...]

WEST SENECA, NY—Expressing a mixture of alarm and heartache over the boy’s recently discovered disorder, the parents of diehard 8-year-old Buffalo Bills fan Cody Brenner told reporters Tuesday that their son had begun showing early signs of masochism. “A year ago we identified the first stages of his condition, and it’s been absolutely devastating as a parent to see our little boy struggling with something like this,” said the boy’s mother Julia, noting with sadness that the little boy’s self-flagellation includes watching the entirety of every Bills preseason game, regularly checking their official team Twitter page, and, in perhaps the most tragic and definitive confirmation of his disorder, recently purchasing a Tyrod Taylor poster to proudly display in his bedroom. “I thought something might be wrong when Cody made himself so angry by obsessively rewatching clips of the Bills blowing late-game leads last year, but it was his … [Read more...]

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa will open the season against talented Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen without one of its starting cornerbacks. Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday that sophomore Manny Rugamba will be suspended for the Sept. 2 home game against the Cowboys because of an offseason violation of team policy. Rugamba is one of two new starting cornerbacks this season for Iowa (8-5 in 2016), which lost Desmond King and Greg Mabin to the NFL. Michael Ojemudia will move into a starting spot for the opener along with first-teamer Joshua Jackson, Ferentz said. Freshman defensive back Matt Hankins will likely see time as well. Allen, a 6-foot-5, 233-pound junior, is considered by many to be a future NFL draft pick after leading Wyoming to the Mountain West title game in 2016. “We’ve been working with that in mind,” said Ferentz about Rugamba’s suspension. “We’ll be ready.” As for who will start at quarterback for Iowa against the Cowboys … [Read more...]