Former Ohio State offensive lineman Kirk Barton is facing an aggravated vehicular manslaughter charge following a fatal crash early Saturday morning, according to multiple reports.

Police in Dublin, Ohio, say Barton is suspected of speeding, although they haven’t said how fast they suspect him of driving, when his truck hit a car at 2:56 a.m. ET. The driver of that car, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, died at the scene, ESPN reported Saturday.  

Barton was driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup eastbound on U.S. 33 before he crashed into Perry’s westbound Lexus on West Bridge Street, just west of Franklin Street, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Barton, 40, was hospitalized briefly with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. He was later taken to Franklin County Jail, where he is facing the felony charge. Barton has a court hearing on June 23.

Barton was an offensive lineman for Ohio State from 2003-2007 and started at right tackle for four seasons. In his final season with the Buckeyes in 2007, he was team captain for the 11-2 Big Ten championship-winning OSU team.

Barton went on to play in the NFL, being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. 

Barton has a history of traffic offenses dating back to his first year in the NFL, per The Columbus Dispatch’s report, including speeding and suspicion of OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired).

In all the speeding cases, Barton paid a fine. One OVI charge from 2010 was dismissed, and another from 2017 was pleaded down to reckless operation and failure to stop. He received another fine and a 180-day license suspension.

This is a developing story.

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Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Resilience

In the high-stakes world of college football, the emotional toll of losing key players can weigh heavily on a coach. Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia, has recently navigated the unsettling aftermath of losing 18 pivotal players. This mass exodus has not only reshaped his roster but has also posed significant challenges on the recruiting front. Yet, in the face of adversity, Smart has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a formidable team.

Navigating the Fallout of Player Departures

The departure of such a substantial number of athletes is not merely a logistical headache; it carries with it a profound emotional impact. Each player lost represents not just a statistic but a unique story, a personal connection, and a piece of the team’s identity. Smart, who has built his reputation on cultivating strong relationships with his players, is undoubtedly feeling the weight of these losses. The emotional cost of such a transition can be staggering, often leading to a period of adjustment as the team seeks to redefine its culture and cohesion.

A Surge in Recruiting Success

Despite the challenges, Smart has quickly shifted gears on the recruiting trail, showcasing his ability to adapt and strategize under pressure. In a remarkable display of determination, he secured commitments from four highly sought-after recruits within just a week in June. This impressive feat serves as a testament to his recruiting prowess and the enduring appeal of the Georgia program. Smart’s ability to attract top talent speaks volumes about his vision for the future, even in the wake of significant roster changes.

The NIL Factor in Modern College Football

Central to Smart’s current recruiting strategy is the emerging landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have transformed how college athletes are compensated. The challenge of navigating this new terrain is compounded by financial limitations; a staggering $220,000 NIL hurdle stands in the way of securing a pivotal recruit. This figure underscores the competitive nature of college football today, where financial incentives can heavily influence a player’s decision to join a program.

Smart’s clear stance on NIL reflects a broader philosophy that prioritizes the integrity of the program while still striving to remain competitive. His approach highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between fostering player development and adapting to the evolving dynamics of recruitment.

Looking Ahead: Building a New Legacy

As Kirby Smart continues to chart a path forward for the Georgia Bulldogs, the journey will be marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. While the emotional cost of losing 18 key players cannot be understated, it has also opened the door for new opportunities and fresh talent. The challenge of rebuilding is daunting, yet it is also a chance for Smart to redefine his legacy and solidify his vision for the program.

In the ever-changing landscape of college football, Smart’s ability to navigate these complexities will ultimately determine the future success of his team. As he embraces the challenge ahead, the focus remains on fostering a new generation of athletes who can carry the torch and uphold the proud tradition of Georgia football. The road may be fraught with obstacles, but with each recruiting victory, Smart inches closer to crafting a new chapter in the storied history of the Bulldogs.

Former ESPN star Pablo S. Torre aimed a brutal putdown at FOX Sports host Nick Wright, claiming he is still ‘banned’ from the show and that both he and Larsa Pippen are ‘obsessed’ with Michael Jordan.

Pablo S. Torre, formerly of ESPN, didn’t hold back in his critique of FOX Sports’ Nick Wright this week, suggesting that Wright is still barred from his podcast – while jesting that both he and Larsa Pippen share an “obsession” with basketball legend Michael Jordan.

As the NBA great gears up to step into sports broadcasting next season, Jordan, a six-time champ, is slated to join NBC’s NBA coverage team. At 62, Jordan is shifting focus from his 23XI NASCAR venture to offer special commentary on NBA matchups starting next season.

Despite previous declarations of steering clear from media roles, he’s set to take on a position akin to Tom Brady’s NFL analysis. On his ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out’ podcast, Torre didn’t shy away from calling out Wright for his repeated digs at Jordan, confirming that Wright remains unwelcome on his show.

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“It’s hard for me to tell,” Torre mused about his rapport with Wright. “Is Nick Wright still banned from PTFO? I think the answer must be ‘Yes,’

“And also, ‘Does Nick Wright have something in common with Larsa Pippen?’ I would say, ‘Yes.’

“Yeah, I would say they’re both almost clinically obsessed with Michael Jordan. That seems to be a throughline, so yeah, f— you Nick Wright.”

However, during Thursday’s podcast episode, Torre seemed to soften his stance, acknowledging a shared trait between himself and Wright.

“I just think that Nick Wright and I are both jealous of people who are more ambitious and more creative than us,” he admitted.

“And that’s how I feel about The Rehearsal, and that’s clearly how he feels about this show.

“So the ultimate compliment – the ultimate compliment is that I want to be more like The Rehearsal, I think.”

Jordan is gearing up to kick off his new gig with NBC as they take over broadcasting the NBA season, starting with the 2025-26 regular season.

At Wyoming Area’s June 17 work session, School Board Vice President Pete Butera said he was planning to introduce a motion at the Tuesday regular session to amend the finance report to include an item to form a committee that would explore the possibility of Wyoming Area merging with a neighboring school district.

“I just wanted to make the board aware of that in advance,” he said.

Wyoming Area has, in recent years, found itself in significant financial straits. The school raised taxes for at least the last three years in a row, with a 4.6% increase in 2022, a 5.5% increase in 2023 and a 6.5% increase in 2024.

Business Consultant Tom Melone at the yearly budget meeting in 2024 said the recent tax hikes were the result of a continued increase in Cyber Charter School tuition, as well as declining assessed property values and health insurance costs.

Cyber/charter school tuition for the 2023-2024 school year was at the time projected to be $2,409,095, which was a substantial increase from the amount of $2,019,492 from the year before.

Wyoming Area has also seen continued increases in Cyber/charter school expenditures since 2016-2017. In the school year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount nearly doubled.

As far as property values were concerned, Melone explained last year that they have been steadily declining in both Luzerne and Wyoming County since 2015-2016, with Luzerne County expected to see a small increase by the end of this year.

The most recent tax hike last year brought out many concerned residents who vehemently opposed the tax increase.

Of note, the board will also consider at the regular meeting the resignation of Mark Casper as the head girl’s basketball coach and Mason Byers as the head boy’s lacrosse coach.

The next school board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Secondary Center auditorium, 252 Memorial St., Exeter. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.

Wyoming Valley West

Earlier this month, the Wyoming Valley West School Directors named Charles Suppon Jr. as the district’s next Superintendent.

Suppon will step into the role on July 1, following current Superintendent David Tosh’s retirement on June 30.

According to a press release from the district, Suppon is currently serving as chief operating officer for the Tunkhannock Area School District, a position he’s held since July 2022. Previously, he led Special Education there and in the Wyalusing Area School District.

Additionally, Suppon served as vice principal at Wyoming Valley West from 2014 to 2016.

“I am thrilled and honored to return to Wyoming Valley West,” Suppon said in the release. “It will be a privilege to work alongside such dedicated educators and administrators. Together, I believe we can build a future defined by innovation, opportunity, and excellence for all students. I’m grateful to the Board for their confidence in me and eager to begin listening, learning, and leading, in partnership with the entire school community.”

Board President Rick Kamus said he was excited to welcome Suppon back to the district.

“We have ambitious plans for the future of Wyoming Valley West, and we are confident Dr. Suppon will deliver as our next superintendent. I also want to thank the Board for their dedication to this process.”

The next Wyoming Valley West School Board work session will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6, followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13. Both will take place at 201 Chester St., Kingston, in the middle school auditorium.

The meeting will also stream live on Zoom.

An agenda for that meeting has not yet been posted, but once it’s online, it can be found on the district’s website.

Hazleton Area

The Hazleton Area School District held its Public Budget Meeting this week, where the proposed 2025-2026 General Fund Budget was presented.

The proposed budget is on track to be balanced while maintaining the lowest property taxes in the region, continuing HASD’s fiscally responsible record.

Hazleton Area School District is the ninth largest school district in Pennsylvania, serving more than 13,000 students in both classroom and cyber learning environments. The district is growing at a rapid 8% annual rate and continues to meet the needs of its students, while maintaining the lowest property tax rates in all of Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Carbon Counties.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Uplinger stated, “We are proud to once again present a budget that reflects our district’s commitment to excellence. Despite significant student growth and increasing demands on our system, we are delivering high-quality education while being fiscally responsible with taxpayer money. That’s something our entire community can be proud of.”

A balanced budget is also a positive signal to bond rating agencies, which review school district finances when assessing creditworthiness and long-term investment stability.

Robert Krizansky, HASD business manager, said, “This proposed budget proves that we can grow responsibly while maintaining strong fiscal health. With enrollment steadily increasing, HASD is planning for the future while ensuring that taxpayers receive maximum value for every dollar spent.”

Anthony Lamanna, treasurer and assistant business manager, added, “We’re continuing to be transparent with our financial planning. We have invested wisely in programs, personnel, and infrastructure while remaining committed to academic success, operational efficiency, and community partnership.”

NOTE: The adoption of the 2025-2026 Final General Fund Budget will take place at the Regular Monthly School Board Meeting on Thursday, June 26.

Hanover Area

At a special meeting on Tuesday, June 17, the Hanover Area School Board approved a final budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which will represent no tax increase for residents. Total expenditures are $46,915,890 and total revenues are $46,915,890, with a millage rate of 18.7743.

In addition, the board approved payment to Keystone Sports Construction for the tennis court mill and paving project, which cost $54,801.28.

A number of personnel appointees were approved at the special meeting as well, including Lisette Tapia as the district interpreter, at a rate of $30 per hour; Joseph Gorham as the school safety and security coordinator; and Daphne Pugh as the assistant to the superintendent, at a salary of $118,000.

Greater Nanticoke Area

The Greater Nanticoke Area School Board recommended the adoption of its final budget for the 2025-2026 school year on Thursday, June 19. The tax rate in the budget is set at 12.8083 mills, which the district notes as being enacted “without substantial change” from the previous year.

The full budget is available on the district website.

The next meeting of the school board will be on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m.

Northwest

According to the district’s website, the next school board meeting will take place at 6:45 p.m. July 17 in the Northwest Area Library, unless a different location is posted on the front door of the Northwest Area High School, 243 Thorne Hill Road, Shickshinny.

Dallas

Next meeting: Monday, June 23, Board Room, 7 p.m.

The Dallas School District Board meeting agenda will be made available 24 hours prior to the meeting. Contact Ms. Chris Porasky at 570-675-5201 Ext. 5223 with any questions.

Pittston Area

The next meeting of the Pittston Area school board will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at the high school. Should that meeting time change, a press release will be issued by the district.

Lake-Lehman

According to the district’s website, the next school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 21 in the auditorium of the junior-senior high school, at 1128 Old Rte 115, Lehman.

Wilkes-Barre Area

The board will not meet in July. The next meeting will be held in August at a date to be announced.

Crestwood

The next regular board meeting of the Crestwood School Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, at the secondary campus.