Author: hysport blog

After several media appearances this week, the Joey Votto saga has finally come to an end. Buster Olney reports that the former Cincinnati Reds first baseman has signed to a non-roster deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. In November, the Reds declined to pick up Votto’s $20 million club option. Votto became a free agent this summer, the first time in his career. Votto spent the past week appearing on the Flippin’ Bats Podcast and the Dan Patrick Show, virtually begging teams to sign him. It worked; he has now signed with his hometown team and plans to extend his…

For the first time since 2020, the Florida Gators’ starting quarterback returns for the upcoming season, and there is a buzz in the locker room. Graham Mertz, one of college football’s most experienced and, recently, most effective quarterbacks, returns to Gainesville for his sixth and final year of eligibility. “It’s a big deal for the Florida Gators that Graham Mertz is returning to play quarterback,” said UF head coach Billy Napier after the team’s first spring practice on Wednesday. However, Mertz’s return, and the excitement that accompanied it, were not always certain. A great year in 2023, with 2,903 passing…

Collin Sadler, a Clemson offensive lineman, spoke to the media following spring practice. Take in some of the subjects covered below. “Contagious” describes how the energy has spread. Matt Luke takes pride in his high energy level. He takes satisfaction in not asking his players to perform things he would not do himself. He’s out here bringing the juice every day, and it almost feels like it’s our fault if we don’t match it. So it’s virtually an obligation for us. We’re grateful for him and glad he came to our program. “We’re excited to start building this spring.” On…

Dave Ritchie, the B.C. Lions’ head coach during their historic ’94 Grey Cup triumph over the Baltimore Stallions, died Saturday. He was 85. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, another Canadian Football League team Ritchie led, announced his death. The cause was not immediately disclosed. As Winnipeg’s head coach from 1999 to 2004, Ritchie went 52-41-1 in regular season games. That placed him fourth in club history, below Bud Grant (102), current head coach Mike O’Shea (96), and Cal Murphy (86). However, it was during Ritchie’s time as B.C.’s head coach that his team unified Canada. The Lions defeated Baltimore 26-23 in…

Alabama was the most dominant college football team in the 2010s, capturing four national titles from 2010 to 2019. Alabama wasn’t known for its passing game or fast-paced offense at the time. Instead, they relied primarily on their defense and ferocious football running game. Bo Scarbrough was one of the running backs who helped the Crimson win two national championships. Scarbrough was the last man defenders wanted to see, as Jalen Hurt and Damien White ran side by side, wearing down the defense. When Scarbrough stepped in, the exhausted defenders would have to cope with a 6-1, 235-pound running back…

One of the most difficult decisions the Detroit Lions will confront ahead of free agency is selecting what to do with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Gardner-Johnson, also known as Ceedy Duce, signed a one-year contract with the Lions last offseason but had his season cut short. He suffered a torn pectoral in Week 2 and did not return until the regular season finale. With free agency approaching, the team must make a speedy decision on his contract or risk losing him to free agency. Given his status and demonstrated talent, the Lions may have to fight with several teams to keep…

David Sanders Jr., an offensive tackle from Providence Day School, is currently the most sought-after recruit in Tennessee. The touted prospect has long discussed a return trip to Knoxville and has finally arranged one after a few months of rearranging his calendar. Sanders will visit a number of SEC powerhouses this offseason, including the Clemson Tigers. Clemson, Georgia, and Tennessee are leading this battle, although Alabama and South Carolina are catching up. Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and his staff have done everything up to this point to attract Sanders’ attention. Brentwood Academy quarterback George MacIntyre remains a key…

In stunning news, the Cincinnati Reds’ scheduled starting Noelvi Marte will be out for 80 games after being punished for PED use on Friday. Noelvi Marte, the Cincinnati Reds’ anticipated starting third baseman, will be missing for nearly half of the season after being penalized 80 games for a PED violation. The stunning report comes from Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Reds infielder Noelvi Marte was penalized 80 games for a PED violation. Marte, one of many great players expected to join the Reds’ squad in 2024, made his major league debut in 2023. He appeared in 35…

The Detroit Lions and star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown are in advanced talks about extending his deal, which would place him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. According to Cam Marino, the two sides are negotiating a multi-year contract that would pay St. Brown around $25 million every season. The concept of the Lions prioritizing an extension to lock up St. Brown has been widely speculated. In his year-end news conference, general manager Brad Holmes hinted at the possibility of adding Lions players. St. Brown would be at the top of that list, as an All-Pro in…

The Detroit Lions are hoping to capitalize on a potential deal for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome. The Browns informed teams during the combine that they are open to trade talks involving their cornerbacks, according to Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post. According to Jeff Risdon of The Lions Wire, the Lions have expressed an interest in potentially signing Newsome. “Very strong indications that the Browns are looking to make a move with Newsome,” Risdon tweeted on Friday, March 8. “Also very strong indications the Lions have at least picked up the phone to talk about it.” Newsome is…