College Sports

Multiple athletes take part in signing day at ALJ High School – Union News Daily

This slideshow requires JavaScript. CLARK, NJ — On Wednesday, May 14, various staff members and administration at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a signing day ceremony to honor multiple student athletes for their years of service to Crusader Athletics and commemorate their moving on to continue their athletic and academic careers as NCAA […]

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1 month ago

June 4, 2025

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CLARK, NJ — On Wednesday, May 14, various staff members and administration at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a signing day ceremony to honor multiple student athletes for their years of service to Crusader Athletics and commemorate their moving on to continue their athletic and academic careers as NCAA Collegiate Athletes.

The following student athletes were honored:

Xavier Arthur – cross country / track and field – Stockton University, Ospreys, Galloway – D3

Arthur will be continuing his running career in Galloway, where he will be competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference for the Ospreys of Stockton University. Arthur is a two-time Randolph Relay medalist and a five-time UCC Valley Division Conference medalist. For his outstanding efforts, Arthur earned 1st Team All-Conference Valley Division.

“Xavier’s work ethic and passion for the sport has set the tone for our distance team. He’s shown what it means to commit fully – on the xc course, on the track and in the classroom. I have no doubt he’ll thrive at the next level and I’m excited to see him bring that same grit and heart to the collegiate stage,” said head coach Cindy Tarello.

Zachary Belverio – wrestling – University of Buffalo, Victor E. Bull, Buffalo, New York – D1

Belverio will be continuing his grappling career in Buffalo, New York, where he will be competing in the Mid-American Conference for the Division 1 Bulls of the University of Buffalo. Belverio has an outstanding 4.18 grade-point average, ranked No. 38 in his graduating class. Belverio is a member of the Math, Science and Italian National Honor Society and Student Council. He is also a peer leader. He was a captain and four-year gold letter winner for the Crusader Wrestling Program. Some notable career statistics: two-time Dover Tournament Champion, Union County Champion and two-time district champion. Finished his season with a stellar record of 37-03 and a career record of 113-39. Belverio was a regional champion this past season – only the ninth wrestler in ALJ school history to do this – and finished in sixth place in NJSIAA State Tournament – only the eighth wrestler in ALJ school history to place at the NJSIAA state tournament. For his efforts, he was named 2024-2025 Team MVP.

“This young man has put in the time and deserves every bit of the credit and recognition he is receiving. When coaches say, ‘Go earn it,’ he took that to heart and did just that. Through relentless dedication, hard work and a passion for the sport, he transformed himself into one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever walk the halls of ALJ. Though he fell short of his ultimate goal of becoming a state champion, his accomplishments speak for themselves. In just four years, he proved that it’s never too late to start wrestling,” said head coach Ricky Ortega.

Isabella Ciccotelli – basketball – Delaware Valley University, Rams, Doylestown, Pennsylvania – D3

Ciccotelli will be continuing her basketball career in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where she will be competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference for the Rams of Delaware Valley University. Ciccotelli has a 3.92 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 69 in her graduating class. Ciccotelli is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Heroes & Cool Kids. She is a four-year gold letter winner in basketball.

“Bella Ciccotelli was a four-year letter winner whose energy and positivity were a consistent presence in the Johnson Basketball program. She brought spirit and support to her teammates throughout her time with the team, and her commitment to the team was invaluable,” said head coach Joe Marino.

Robert Gallagher, football – United States Merchant Marine Academy, Mariners, Kings Point, New York – D3

Gallagher will be continuing his football career in Kings Point, New York, where he will be competing in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference for the Mariners of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Gallagher has a 4.24 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 33 in his graduating class and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of the Italian Honor Society, Key Club, Heroes & Cool Kids and is a peer leader. Gallagher was a senior captain and three-year letter winner in both football and baseball. He is a four-year gold letter winner in winter track and field as well. Career Statistics: From his quarterback position, he had more than 1,900 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, 1,578 passing yards and 17 passing TDs and contributed defensively as the starting cornerback. In baseball, he has 43 runs scored, 44 hits and 19 RBI, as he gets ready to knock off Governor Livingston this afternoon in the UCIAC quarterfinals. His post-season accolades include 1st Team All Patriot Silver Division, and 1st Team All-Union County and he was the MVP of the football team this past fall season.

“Passion, compete level, and overall will to win is something that you just cannot teach … it must be instilled from within. Robert Gallagher epitomizes all of that. In addition, how he has grown off of the field is even more impressive. He is a positive role model, a leader and someone that has excelled in the classroom. We look forward to seeing what the future holds at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” said head coach Anthony Delconte.

Ryan George – football – Hartwick College, Hawks, Oneonta, New York – D3

George will be continuing his football career in Oneonta, New York, where he will be competing in the Empire 8 Athletic Conference for the Hawks of Hartwick College. George was a three-year letter winner and was captain of the ALJ football team this past fall. This past season, he finished with 1,027 rushing yards and 16 TDs, and on defense, George had 45 tackles, one forced fumble and three sacks. His career totals are outstanding with a whopping 2,600 rushing yards and 33 TDs. George’s post-season accolades include 1st Team All Division, 1st Team All-Union County, and second team Central Jersey All Group 2. He also received the Don Lapenna Memorial Leadership Award. He is also a member of the winter and spring track and field teams throughout his four years as a Crusader, lettering three times.

“Ryan George has come a long way from his freshman year, and turned himself into a dominant player for the Crusaders on both sides of the ball. He has an extremely bright collegiate future and Hartwick College is lucky to have him. We look forward to following his collegiate career over the next four years,” said head coach Anthony DelConte.

Abigail Marcazo – field hockey – Kean University, Cougars, Union – D3

Marcazo will be continuing her field hockey career in Union, where she will be competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference for the Cougars of Kean University. Marcazo has a 4.15 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 45 in her graduating class. Marcazo is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the ASL Honor Society. She is a three-year letter winner for the field hockey program and captained the team this past fall season. Marcazo was selected 1st Team All Division and 1st Team All Union County. She finished the season with two assists and a team-high four goal line saves. Marcazo was the recipient of this year’s Brian Piccolo Award, given out by Clark UNICO.

“Abby was the driving force behind our defensive unit this past fall season. Her excellent technical skills kept her in each and every play, rarely, if ever, letting an opponent past her. She does not back down from a challenge but instead enjoys stepping up to them. She takes motivating the team seriously and you can always count on her to bring energy,” said head coach Gina DeLauro.

Sarah Ponik – ice hockey – Curry College, Colonials, Milton, Massachusetts – D3

Ponik will be continuing her ice hockey career in Milton, Massachusetts, where she will be competing in the Conference of New England for the Colonials of Curry College. Ponik played her travel youth hockey with the Union Thunder as a member of both boys and girls teams competing in the NJYHL and Mid Atlantic Woman’s Hockey Association, where she helped teams win several tournaments and one league championship. Ponik then spent five years with IronBound Elite Tier 1 Hockey Program, traveling throughout North America and competing against the best teams in her age group. As a core member, Ponik enjoyed individual success as well as helping her team win numerous tournaments and two league championships. Ponik is a four-year gold letter winner on the boys ice hockey team. As a rugged defensive minded defenseman, Ponik was never out of position on the ice. She also contributed offensively, chipping in with one goal and 14 assists. Ponik was a 2024-2025 team captain for the Crusaders, and was named Honorable Mention All McMullen Division. She was also a two-year letter winner in the sport of girls’ lacrosse. Ponik was recruited by Curry College and is committed to play NCAA Division III Hockey. She will begin her collegiate athletic career wearing No. 20 for the Colonels.

“Sarah is a wonderful young lady who has had a fantastic career for the Crusaders. She is an extremely hard worker who has been a huge part of the Johnson Ice Hockey program the past four years. She is a hard-hitting stay at home defenseman who was one of the smartest players that I have ever coached. We are excited to see Sarah continue her athletic career for the Colonials next year,” said head coach Christopher Enrico.

Mackenzie Thompson – track and field – University of Vermont, Catamounts, Burlington, Vermont – D1

Thompson will be continuing her track and field career in Burlington, Vermont, where she will be competing in the American East Conference for the Division 1 Catamounts of Vermont University. Thompson has a 4.27 G.P.A. and is ranked 31st in her class. Thompson is a member of the Key Club, Heroes & Cool Kids, S.M.A.C. and multiple National Honor Societies – NHS, Math and Italian. Some of her athletic accolades include: varsity soccer – four-year gold letter winner and captain. Thompson’s post-season accolades included being named 1st Team All-Union County and 1st Team All-Mountain Division. She was named team MVP both junior and senior years for soccer. In basketball, Thompson is a four-year letter winner and was team captain, leading the Crusaders to the quarterfinals this past winter season. Not to be outdone, in her junior year, Thompson was named the girls track and field MVP as well. Thompson took first place in the Union County Valley Division Championship Meet in the 4×400 and long jump.

This past spring, Thompson led the girls track and field team to the 2025 Conference Championship. Thompson also represented ALJ at the NJSIAA National Girls and Women in Sport Day as its outstanding female athlete. Thompson earned an amazing 12 varsity letters – including three gold letters – throughout her career while being a captain for all of her sports her senior year.

“Johnson track and field boasts a true standout in Mackenzie Thompson. Her consistent drive and fierce competitive spirit have made her a force on and off the track. Mackenzie played a key role in the girls varsity team’s Union County Valley Conference Championship victory this year. The University of Vermont is gaining an exceptional talent; Mackenzie is poised to make a significant impact as she enters the next chapter of her track and field career,” said head girls soccer coach Brittany Casares.

Joshua Maltez-Torres – football – Eastern University, Eagles, St. Davids, Pennsylvania – D3

Maltez-Torres will be continuing his football career in St. David’s, Pennsylvania, where he will be competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference for the Eagles of Eastern University. Maltez-Torres was captain of the football team this past fall while starting on both sides of the ball. His leadership and commitment to the sport earned him three varsity letters throughout his high school career. His career statistics include: 723 rushing yards and six rushing TDs, 288 receiving yards and three receiving TDs. Maltez-Torres was awarded 1st Team All Patriot Silver Division for his work on the field as a Crusader this past fall season. In addition to football, Maltez-Torres showcased his athletic versatility by competing in track and field as well, running the 100m, 200m and 4x100m and 4x200m relay events, where he proudly secured six medals. Maltez-Torres has committed to Eastern University, where he plans to pursue a degree in business management while continuing his football career.

“Josh is an all around amazing athlete who always put 110% into everything that he did. Dedicated, loyal, hardworking, and passionate about everything he does, Josh is a true team leader and role model for our younger athletes. I cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work and dedication to this football program. I know that Eastern is not only getting a great football player, but an even more amazing young man,” said head coach Anthony DelConte.

As one can see, the student athletes made the school, and community, extremely proud and have all had wonderful athletic careers as Crusaders.

“All of these student athletes have been an integral part of the success of our athletic programs while competing at Arthur L. Johnson High School the past four years. More importantly, they have been model student athletes that did things the right way both on the fields, in the classroom, and throughout our community. Although it will be sad to see them leave, the Crusader’s loss is their respective college’s gain, and we look forward to following their successful collegiate athletic careers over the next four years,” said Gus Kalikas, athletic director at Arthur L. Johnson High School.

Crusader Athletics would like to wish the best of luck to all of the student athletes moving on to participate in NCAA Collegiate Athletics.

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College Sports

Argument over ‘valid buisiness purpose’ for NIL collectives threatens college sports settlement

Associated Press Less than two weeks after terms of a multibillion-dollar college sports settlement went into effect, friction erupted over the definition of a “valid business purpose” that collectives making name, image likeness payments to players are supposed to have. The new College Sports Commission sent a letter to athletic directors last week saying it […]

Published

12 minutes ago

July 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Associated Press

Less than two weeks after terms of a multibillion-dollar college sports settlement went into effect, friction erupted over the definition of a “valid business purpose” that collectives making name, image likeness payments to players are supposed to have.

The new College Sports Commission sent a letter to athletic directors last week saying it was rejecting deals in which players were receiving money from collectives that were created solely to pay them and don’t provide goods or services to the general public for profit.

A lead attorney for the players responded by saying those instructions went against settlement terms and asking the CSC to rescind the guidance.

“This process is undermined when the CSC goes off the reservation and issues directions to the schools that are not consistent with the Settlement Agreement terms,” attorney Jeffrey Kessler wrote to NCAA outside counsel Rakesh Kilaru in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Yahoo Sports first reported details of the letter, in which Kessler threatens to take the issue to a judge assigned with resolving disputes involved in the settlement.

Kessler told AP his firm was not commenting on the contents of the letter, and Kilaru did not immediately respond to AP’s request for a comment.

Yahoo quoted a CSC spokesman as saying the parties are working to resolve differences and that “the guidance issued by the College Sports Commission … is entirely consistent with the House settlement and the rules that have been agreed upon with class counsel.”

When NIL payments became allowed in 2021, boosters formed so-called “collectives” that were closely tied to universities to work out contracts with the players, who still weren’t allowed to be paid directly by the schools.

Terms of the House settlement allow schools to make the payments now, but keep the idea of outside payments from collectives, which have to be approved by the CSC if they are worth $600 or more.

The CSC, in its letter last week, explained that if a collective reaches a deal, for instance, for an athlete to appear on behalf of the collective, which charges an admission fee, that collective does not have a “valid business purpose” because the purpose of the event is to raise money to pay athletes, not to provide goods or services available to the general public for profit.

Another example of a disallowed deal was one an athlete makes to sell merchandise to raise money to pay that player because, the CSC guidance said, the purpose of “selling merchandise is to raise money to pay that student-athlete and potentially other student-athletes at a particular school or schools, which is not a valid business purpose.”

Kessler’s letter notes that the “valid business purpose” rule was designed to ensure athletes were not simply being paid to play, and did not prohibit NIL collectives from paying athletes for the type of deals described above.

To prevent those payments “would be to create a new prohibition on payments by a NIL collective that is not provided for or contemplated by the Settlement Agreement, causing injury to the class members who should be free to receive those payments,” Kessler wrote.

___

AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

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Inside Gymnastics Magazine | 2025 U.S. Classic Gymnastics Heads to Chicago’s NOW Arena

Chicago Calling! Top U.S. Women Head To 2025 U.S. Classic By Nate Salsman and Christy Sandmaier Formerly known as the CoverGirl Classic, Secret U.S. Classic, GK U.S. Classic and Core Hydration Classic, the U.S. Classic features an elite field of junior and senior gymnasts and is the final qualifying event for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. […]

Published

31 minutes ago

July 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Chicago Calling! Top U.S. Women Head To 2025 U.S. Classic

By Nate Salsman and Christy Sandmaier

Formerly known as the CoverGirl Classic, Secret U.S. Classic, GK U.S. Classic and Core Hydration Classic, the U.S. Classic features an elite field of junior and senior gymnasts and is the final qualifying event for the 2025 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which serve as USA Gymnastics’ annual National Championships, scheduled for Aug. 7-10 in New Orleans.

Traditionally, a women’s event, a men’s field was included in 2022 and 2023. The U.S. Classic, held at the NOW Arena, is being held in conjunction with the 2025 Hopes Championships, a national-level event featuring rising stars from the women’s artistic discipline in the 11-12 and 13-14 year-old age divisions.

Past winners of Classic include Olympic champions Simone Biles, Amanda Borden, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Carly Patterson, Jaycie Phelps, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber.

Scroll for our Inside Gymnastics preview, plus roster updates and links on how to watch!

Who We’re Watching!

With the allure of a home Olympics in LA 2028 beaming on the horizon, the road to the Games promises to be brilliantly star-studded with every twist and turn imaginable. The 2024 Olympic hype and Team USA’s historic achievements in Paris have calmed just a bit, though the magic and memories burn bright. The gold medal-winning team of Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera undoubtedly inspired a new roster of talent and further fueled the dreams of those who have been there, or who maybe just missed. At the U.S. Classic, we’ll see a stacked roster on display, with Rivera leading the way.

Once the youngest of the group, Rivera’s now the veteran of the team, and told us earlier this year she’d love to be World Champion as her starting point on the way to LA. Presumably joining Rivera in the race for the top spots in Jakarta at the individual World Championships later this year are Olympic alternates Joscelyn Roberson, Leanne Wong, and Tiana Sumanasekera.

Notably currently absent from the roster is two-time World team gold medalist, 2024 National All-Around runner up, and Florida Gator Skye Blakely, who told us earlier this year she was targeting a return to Elite gymnastics, on bars and beam to start, but focusing first and foremost on health. For more on Skye, Click Here!

Here’s a look at who we have an eye on heading to Chicago!

Hezly Rivera

Hezly Rivera is coming off a dream 2024 season where she was a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. team. The experience gave Rivera confidence heading into 2025, along with a new set of dreams. So far, Rivera has eased into 2025, making her All-Around debut at the Pan American Championships, where she helped Team USA to gold, and won bronze in the All-Around and on beam. Expect Rivera to improve with each competition and be a top contender at the U.S. Classic and in New Orleans at the Xfinity U.S. Championships in August! We expect Rivera to bring her signature beauty to her bar and beam routines, but this time with the confidence and poise of being an Olympic Champion. We also love her new floor routine and cannot wait to see her shine! Check out our in-depth cover story on Rivera here!

Jayla Hang

Every time Jayla Hang has competed so far in 2025, she seems to be better than before, building momentum at each event with a new-found confidence. Hang has already stacked quite the resume this year–she became the World Cup Series floor champion! She also competed at the Pan American Championships where she won six medals including a gold in the All-Around, recording a 55.666, the highest All-Around total of any American gymnast in 2025, and making her an early favorite for 2025 National Champion! Check out our story on Jayla Hang here!

Simone Rose

Since competing at Olympic Trials, Simone Rose has been on a steady trajectory to the top! She opened 2025 with a bronze medal in the All-Around at Winter Cup and was selected to compete at the DTB Mixed Cup in Germany where she won team gold! Following that event, she competed at the Jesolo Trophy where she won silver with the team and on bars. Watch for upgraded bar work, incredible performance quality on floor, and major upgrades such as a double twisting Yurchenko on vault, new bar connections and a whip + double tuck + front punch on floor! Rose always brings her signature personality and performance quality in her floor routines which always leaves us with a smile.

JOSCELYN ROBERSON

Joscelyn Roberson’s 2025 Elite debut is highly anticipated. Last year, she had the meet of her life at Olympic Trials where she earned an alternate spot on the Olympic team. She’s coming off a strong freshman debut at the University of Arkansas, and will bring difficulty across vault, beam, and floor. With more time to work on execution in college, her bars have also seen an improvement. Should Roberson be able to put all four events together, she could make a run at her first National All-Around podium (or title!) in August, and we know she’ll be a fan-favorite and top contender as she starts her Elite season at the U.S. Classic! Check out our story on Joscelyn Roberson here!

Tiana Sumanasekera

An alternate on the 2024 Olympic team and future UCLA Bruin, Tiana Sumanasekera began her 2025 season by helping Team USA to gold at the Pan American Championships, although she was limited to beam after sustaining a minor ankle injury on floor. Should Sumanasekera be fully healthy in she could certainly contend for multiple medals and a spot on her first World Championship team later this year. Be on the lookout for her powerful vault and dynamic beam, and an artistic floor routine that captivates the entire audience! Check out our story on Tiana Sumanasekera here!

LEANNE WONG

The CEO. 2021 World All-Around bronze medalist and two-time (2020 and 2024) Olympic alternate Leanne Wong is definitely a top contender in every competition she enters. If she’s anywhere near the level she was during the 2024 quad, she’ll be one of the favorites to win in Chicago, and later on in the Big Easy at Championships, with fourth trip to Worlds on the horizon! Wong just wrapped an incredible NCAA career at Florida, and brings a balance to each event that could carry her to massive success in 2025! Check out our story on Leanne Wong here!

DUCLY CAYLOR

Dulcy Caylor hit the ground running in 2025. She’s followed up on the success she had in 2024, where she made it all the way to the Olympic Trials. Caylor has been well-traveled in 2025, taking a trip to Italy for the Jesolo Trophy where she helped Team USA to silver, and to Panama for the Pan American Championships where they won team gold. Heading into Chicago the goal for Caylor is to continue to build her name this season and leading to a run for LA 2028. Watch out especially for her powerful double-twisting Yurchenko on vault and her form on every event!

Ashlee Sullivan

Ashlee Sullivan has been on the rise in 2025! She took home All-Around gold at Winter Cup and helped Team USA to gold at the DTB Mixed Cup! She went on to compete at the Jesolo Trophy where she won team silver, and a bronze on vault and in the All-Around! Sullivan shines on beam and floor where she brings big difficulty. Sullivan switched her NCAA commitment from Michigan to UCLA this year, and should she hit her routines in Chicago and head into New Orleans with confidence, she’ll certainly put herself in the conversation for a trip to Jakarta! Check out our story on Ashlee Sullivan here!

Also On The Radar

Gabrielle Hardie impressed the gymnastics world at the Pan American Championships where she took home three medals including gold on bars! Hardie is on the radar and could very well surprise again in Chicago, along with 2025 American Classic Champion Alicia Zhou who is back strong on the Elite scene. Michigan commit Myli Lew is a standout on bars and beam! An injury took her out of competition last year, but she took 3rd in the All-Around at the recent American Classic and will look to build confidence in Chicago. UCLA commit Nola Matthews will also be in Chicago and we’re so excited to see her on bars, and floor especially where her choreography is like no other!

Also be on the lookout for Izzy Stassi, Reese Esponda, Catherine Guy, Claire Pease, and Alessia Rosa.

Lexi Zeiss, Kieryn Finnell and Kelise Woolford were formerly on the roster but have since been removed per the recent update from USA Gymnastics.

Inside Gymnastics will continue to provide roster updates as we receive them!

USA Gymnastics Coverage Note for 2025

Winter Cup will kick off a USA Gymnastics 2025 livestreaming schedule that includes competitions, camps and podium trainings throughout the country.

The 2025 domestic season will begin with exclusive live coverage of Winter Cup, Feb. 21-23 in Louisville, Kentucky, on USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel, which will carry all competition in the Nastia Liukin Cup, Elite Team Cup and Winter Cup events. USA Gymnastics’ streaming subscription service, FlipNow.tv, will carry podium training.

Note: All other 2025 USA Gymnastics premier events will livestream free on YouTube, including USA Gymnastics Championships elite competition, U.S. Classic and U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

FlipNow.tv will livestream podium training at all premier events in addition to carrying live coverage of a range of competition, including the Development Program National Championships, Rhythmic Elite Qualifier, USA Gymnastics Championships non-arena competition, American Classic, Hopes Classic, Hopes Championships, and the women’s artistic World Championships selection camp. Archival footage, competition highlights and athlete profiles will continue to be uploaded and available on the FlipNow website.

2025 USA Gymnastics streaming schedule (events and specific streaming dates subject to change)

USA Gymnastics YouTube schedule (free access)

Feb. 21-23 – Winter Cup/Nastia Liukin Cup/Elite Team Cup – exclusive live coverage

June 16-21 – USA Gymnastics Championships

July 18-19 – U.S. Classic

Aug. 7-10 –U.S. Gymnastics Championships

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FS1 reportedly cancels three weekday shows, Joy Taylor departs network

One year after revamping its programming lineup with the additions of “Breakfast Ball” and “The Facility,” Fox Sports has canceled both shows and “Speak” in a shake-up that will also result in the exit of Joy Taylor. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Fox Sports has canceled both “Breakfast Ball” and “The Facility” — […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Fox Sports has canceled both “Breakfast Ball” and “The Facility” — which were added to the schedule to replace the canceled Skip Bayless vehicle “Undisputed” — as well as the longer-running afternoon program, “Speak,” featuring Joy Taylor, Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson. Taylor is said to no longer be with the company with the expiration of her contract.

Last year, Taylor was accused in a broader 42-page lawsuit against Fox Sports and then-executive Charlie Dixon of creating a hostile work environment. Taylor subsequently denied the allegations made against her. During a recent appearance on Power 105.1 FM’s “The Breakfast Club,” she explained that they were “in the process of things right now” regarding her contract.

Marchand divulged that FS1 will likely be creating new shows in place of these cancellations and that “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” and “First Things First” will be continuing in their timeslots. On top of that, host Craig Carton could opt to make a return to WFAN, where he starred on morning and afternoon drive shows for over a decade. Chris Oliviero, who brought Carton to the station after he served time in prison for fraud, was recently promoted to serve as the chief business officer of Audacy and has oversight of WFAN.

Carton worked with Danny Parkins and Mark Schlereth on “Breakfast Ball,” which aired in the mornings from New York City. The network then shifted its programming to Los Angeles with “The Facility,” which included Emmanuel Acho,Chase Daniel, James Jones and LeSean McCoy.There are no details regarding the contracts or future of these on-air talents, nor if they could be part of new programming iterations.

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U.S. Classic gymnastics 2025: field of gymnasts, how to watch, schedule

The U.S. Classic, the top tune-up meet for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, airs live on CNBC and Peacock on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. NBC airs highlights Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the 2024 Olympic champion team, headlines the field that will compete in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Rivera, now […]

Published

2 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The U.S. Classic, the top tune-up meet for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, airs live on CNBC and Peacock on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

NBC airs highlights Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.

Hezly Rivera, the youngest member of the 2024 Olympic champion team, headlines the field that will compete in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Rivera, now 17, is joined by 2024 Olympic alternates Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson and Tiana Sumanasekera.

Plus Jayla Hang, who won the Pan American all-around title in June over a field that included Rivera.

Traditionally, not all of the top gymnasts compete on all four events at Classic, though at least Rivera is expected to do so.

Gymnasts are preparing for the U.S. Championships from Aug. 7-10 in New Orleans.

Then a two-day selection competition in early autumn determines the four-woman team for the World Championships in October in Indonesia.

Simone Biles won five of the last six U.S. Classic meets dating to 2018, with Wong taking the other in 2022 during Biles’ break from competition. Biles is now on another break from competition and has not announced whether she plans to return to bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

2025 U.S. Classic Gymnastics Field

Gymnasts are split between two sessions — the first on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on the USA Gymnastics YouTube page and the second at 8 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock.

Sage Bradford (Session 1)
Harlow Buddendeck (1)
Dulcy Caylor (2)
Ally Damelio (1)
Jordis Eichman (1)
Reese Esponda (1)
Catherine Guy (1)
Jayla Hang (2)
Gabrielle Hardie (2)
Myli Lew (2)
Nola Matthews (2)
Annalisa Milton (2)
Malea Milton (1)
Avery Moll (1)
Claire Pease (2)
Brooke Pierson (1)
Hezly Rivera (2)
Joscelyn Roberson (2)
Alessia Rosa (2)
Simone Rose (2)
Izzy Stassi (2)
Ashlee Sullivan (2)
Tiana Sumanasekera (2)
Maliha Tressel (1)
Audree Valdenarro (1)
Sabrina Visconti (1)
Camie Westerman (1)
Halle Shea Wittenberg (1)
Leanne Wong (2)
Alicia Zhou (2)

Artistic Gymnastics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 2

Jordan Chiles called the last three months “very, very difficult” in an interview about her Olympic bronze medal appeal.

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Texas Tech hoping big money and top transfers lead to unprecedented payback in football | Sports

FRISCO, Texas – Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire had already completed his portion of Big 12 football media days when Colorado’s Deion Sanders was asked if he has been paying attention to what the Red Raiders did in the transfer portal. The gist of that question was really about all the money for Texas Tech […]

Published

3 hours ago

July 14, 2025

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The gist of that question was really about all the money for Texas Tech athletes, which is widely reported to be around $55 million for the upcoming school year. A significant chunk of that is expected to go toward the transformation of a football program that has never won a Big 12 title or even had a 10-win season since 2008, six years before three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes played his first game for the Red Raiders.

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College Sports

Penn State Hockey’s Stacked Roster Demands Dominance Over Football

They often say in life, you have to recognize an opportunity when it becomes apparent and do everything to seize it to find ultimate success. Penn State saw that with the ruling by the NCAA that allowed immediate eligibility for Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, coupled with scholarship increases to 26 players, along with the […]

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3 hours ago

July 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

They often say in life, you have to recognize an opportunity when it becomes apparent and do everything to seize it to find ultimate success.

Penn State saw that with the ruling by the NCAA that allowed immediate eligibility for Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, coupled with scholarship increases to 26 players, along with the ability to provide NIL opportunities, it saw an opportunity to make hockey another cornerstone program.

When Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) native Gavin McKenna was open to the idea of playing in the United States and leaving the CHL, Penn State was ready to roll the red carpet out for the prodigy.

Penn State was already stacked with defensemen Jackson Smith, who was a five-star prospect and was selected 14th overall by the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and Mac Gadowsky, who was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season. Add in goaltender Kevin Reidler and forwards Shea Van Olm, who led all WHL skaters with 49 goals last season, along with Calgary Flames prospect Luke Misa, coupled with the returns of forwards Aiden Fink, who was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, Charlie Cerrato, Matt DiMarsico, and JJ Wiebusch the chances of Penn State returning to the Frozen Four were excellent.

When you add in the hockey prodigy that is McKenna, things now have a chance to be historic.

Photo by Penn State Athletics

Typically, hockey prodigies reserved their talents up in the CHL in one of the three leagues: Ontario, Quebec, or Western, then went to the NHL because the NCAA there were no good avenues and its just how it was.

When megadonor Terry Pegula gifted Penn State nearly $102 million to jumpstart the ice hockey programs, it wasn’t meant for the programs to languish in mediocrity. The gifts took the programs from club level groups all the way to being able to compete amongst the nation’s best programs.

I don’t know how much influence Pegula had with the deal to lure McKenna from the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat, but the opportunity to bring the odds on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is enticing, and something Pegula would want to be part of for his alma mater that he has given so much to.

When you think of the greatest players in NCAA history, you think of right off the bat Maine’s Jim Montgomery and Paul Kariya, Cornell netminder Ken Dryden, UMass defenseman Cale Makar, The Fusco Brothers from Harvard (Mark and Scott), or even Minnesota’s Neal Broten.

Even with what each of those players accomplished, McKenna, Van Olm, and Smith have ample opportunity to set the bar higher.

That is what the opportunity is in collegiate hockey with NIL and immediate eligibility, it is more lucrative opportunities for the best in hockey to play in the United States.

The fact Penn State was able to poach so much high end WHL talent shows the direction it is going, but here in lies the opportunity to become the ultimate hockey superpower, where one typically doesn’t exist.

In ice hockey, supremacy shifts from Denver, or one of the many Michigan, Minnesota, or Boston/Massachusetts schools, Penn State has the opportunity to be the ultimate hockey location.

Gavin McKenna in 2024 By Kaiser matias – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155382093

Winning a national championship and in style will only make Penn State much more aggressive for the high end talent. McKenna’s ceiling by many is Connor Bedard, John Tavares, or even Sidney Crosby. If McKenna delivers on that potential, that is the main attraction for all other hockey prodigies.

In style, when you consider that the 1969-70 Cornell team is the only NCAA hockey team to go undefeated and 1992-93 Maine that went 42-1-2 fueled by Kariya and Montgomery is the top of the mountain for Penn State to achieve. The talent is there to do it in a dominant style that it is a legacy team for head coach Guy Gadowsky. The amount of talent he was able to secure puts him in an opportunity to have teams in the same vein as “Badger” Bob Johnson, Murray Armstrong, Red Berenson, or Jerry York.

The key is, where the pressure is, this team will only be together once. This isn’t a team that the “band will get back together,” the NHL will be calling for all this high end talent in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Unlike football where there is a margin of error to breakthrough for them, hockey has stacked the deck so much, error is not an option. The opportunity is here for Penn State Men’s Hockey to achieve ultimate rink supremacy, not just for now but also for subsequent seasons. Penn State has the opportunity to perfect the “one and done” model for its program, something John Calipari did for a bit at Kentucky with Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Fans will understand if football fails, James Franklin’s inability to win a big game is well documented, but the gap Penn State football has with its peers is not as wide as Penn State’s men’s hockey. You could even argue, hockey is only rivaled by wrestling by the talent disparity between them and the rest of the field. When you have such an advantage the pressure is great no matter how much football dominates the landscape.

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