This week, elite college sports officially entered a new era, Detroit learned it’s getting a new pro basketball team, and the Pistons made moves to replace a player facing an investigation.

Michigan Public sports commentator John U. Bacon joined Morning Edition host Doug Tribou to discuss that and more sports news.

Doug Tribou: The House settlement – the legal agreement that creates dramatic changes in college sports – officially kicked in this week – on July 1st. Now colleges can pay their athletes directly, roster limits have changed, and all athletes can be offered a scholarship. What will you be keeping an eye on in the early stages under the new rules?

John U. Bacon: Well, it’s Wild West now, so heads up. The first thing is just a ton of money sloshing around. Now universities have a $20.5-million salary cap, if you will. And they’re going to pay back pay to former athletes of $2.8 billion. What does that mean? Michigan and Michigan State are going to pay it and [Eastern Michigan University], and [Central Michigan University] and Western Michigan are going to have a hard time funding their programs, frankly. So, you’re going to see some programs at the Big Ten level and down, eliminating non-revenue sports.

But that’s not all, Doug. Check this one out. They’re also going to have NIL monitoring of deals — all deals more than $600, which is virtually all of them — to determine what the fair market value is to make sure you’re not overpaying name, image, likeness for your quarterback. What is the fair market value of a Van Gogh painting? Whatever the guy just paid, that’s what it is. So, that’s going to be impossible.

And then, of course, you’ve got the question of, “Are they student athletes or employees?” Now the NCAA still wants to say they’re student-athletes, but I’m willing to bet that the IRS and the courts will say otherwise. So heads up student athletes, you’re about to get taxed.

DT: And there’s all of this carrying over beyond the revenue sports, as well. Beyond the football and basketball teams, you’ve got these dollars being divvied up and trying to cover the [athletes in] non-revenue sports. And the name, image, likeness enforcement plays in there at some level. It’s very complicated.

JUB: What does it all mean? Nobody knows anything. Trust me on this one. Don’t worry about following it. It’s impossible.

But I want to throw this one out there. The NCAA has also abdicated most of its role as rule enforcer. Which is why it was created in 1905. That’s been left to the College Sports Commission, a newly created thing, and the conferences. They’re not going to do much.

So they used to be the sheriffs, the NCAA. Then they became the sheriff and saloon keeper, and now they’re dropping sheriff to focus on saloon keeping, because it turns out that’s a lot more lucrative. There you go.

DT: [Laughs] I’ll try to process that analogy…

JUB: [Laughs] At the bar later.

DT: All right. Let’s turn to the NBA. Malik Beasley set a Pistons’ record for three-pointers last season and helped the team during its historic turnaround. But now he’s the subject of a federal investigation into unusual betting action around a game when he played for Milwaukee in 2024. There are also many reports Beasley has had significant debt issues. He has not been charged – so it’s not fully clear where the investigation’s headed.

In the meantime, Beasley is a free agent and Detroit seems to be moving on and filling in the gaps with some players with local ties…

JUB: And indeed, they do. A couple of things: One, as far as Beasley goes, I can’t say, you can’t say, what’s happened there. But I can say, with so much legalized sports gambling swimming around all these sports, even the college sports, these things are bound to happen more, not less, in the future.

But in the meantime, the Pistons pick up Duncan Robinson, who was a transfer from Williams College, Division III, to Division I Michigan, and now is one of the best three-point shooters in the [NBA]. And Caris LeVert, another Michigan alum who, by the way, was in my class ten years ago when I was earning $10,000 to teach him. And he’s going to earn $29 million for two years. So kids, consider your career path.

DT: [Laughs] The WNBA is coming back to Detroit. The league announced this week that it’s adding to earlier expansion plans. Detroit’s new franchise will start playing in 2029.

Detroit was previously home to the Shock. The Shock won three WNBA titles in the early 2000s, but after the 2009 season they became the Tulsa Shock and are now the Dallas Wings. What do you make of the news that Detroit will soon have a team again?

JUB: Well, good for Detroit, good for the WNBA. Detroit is a great basketball town and good for Tom Gores, who, of course, owns the Detroit Pistons and is now one of the lead investors on this team as well.

It’s all because [of], frankly, Caitlin Clark. I’ve heard experts say that she is worth $1 billion to this league. So, now is the time to do it. I’ve heard others say that the league is a bubble that’s going to burst, and both could be true. I have no idea. But the timing is good to hop in this pool, I would say. And Gores is doing it.

DT: John, the Tigers remain firmly in first place in the American League Central Division. They’re having a special season so far and that’s in no small part because of pitcher Tarik Skubal. He’s got 10 wins and just 2 losses this season and was absolutely dominant on Sunday against the Twins. Can you give us an idea of how great he’s been so far?

JUB: Well how about this. The greatest in my lifetime so far. I’ve got to go back to Denny McLain, who won 31 games in 1968 — the last major league pitcher to do that, by the way. But I was four and I don’t recall it. So Skubal you’re it, man. Now it’s up to the Tigers to resign him before they lose this singular talent.

Editor’s notes: Some quotes in this article have been edited for length and clarity. You can hear the full conversation near the top of the page.

The University of Michigan holds Michigan Public’s broadcast license.

The Florida State Seminoles have come under fire recently as the entire college football world ushers in a new NIL era of revenue sharing. As of July 1, schools across the country have adopted a new model that allows them to negotiate and pay players directly, a practice previously handled through third-party collectives and endorsements.

The problem described by one Big 10 general manager as “not normal” arose from the generally “aggressive” fine print that Florida State has included in its preliminary player contracts. For instance, an athlete can be charged up to $2,500 for losing equipment or face a total contract termination due to injury, according to Chris Hummer of CBS Sports.

While the Seminoles attempt to maneuver in the new NIL landscape, multiple figureheads in the college football world have spoken out. The Triple-Option host Mark Ingram has openly criticized the specific language used in the contracts, saying it could deter Florida State from landing some of the nation’s top talent.

“Players aren’t going to go there because, for one, this contract gives Florida State way too much control over your future and your money. It exposes you to risk, injury, discipline, loss of leverage,” Ingram said. “All that. So, if you’re a top player and you’ve got Florida State as your top university and they give you this, I’m sure there’s another university that is going to give you better conditions and treat you like a partner, not an asset.”

Sportscaster and former head coach Urban Meyer also viewed the contract details with hesitation, stating that the power struggle approaching between universities and student-athletes is unforeseen and will hurt recruiting. He went on to express skepticism about the entire ordeal, saying that Florida State’s “days are numbered” if the contracts are finalized.

“I think what’s happening is the pendulum swung so far that the players could leave anytime, unlimited transfers, NIL, no limitations, no guardrails, and now it’s swinging backa nd some people that shouldn’t be involved are getting too involved and they’re putting this power struggle that I’ve never seen anything like that,” Meyer said. “Recruiting, it’s over. You can’t recruit, and in case you haven’t noticed, college football is about recruiting.”

“I’ll make this statement,” Urban Meyer said. “If this is legit, if this goes through, which I’m so skeptical, then the days of Florida State are numbered. It won’t happen. It can’t happen. No chance.”

Florida State released a statement defending its new contract proposals and emphasized its commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships. They acknowledged the uniqueness of each situation’s circumstances.

“As we enter into a new age of collegiate athletics, Florida State has put together an agreement that provides deliverables and expectations for all parties,” the statement read. “Each individual situation will be unique, and the hypotheticals are impossible to predict. However, we are committed to continuing to provide an elite experience for our student-athletes in all aspects of their collegiate career. Florida State is looking forward to the mutually beneficial partnerships with our student-athletes in this new era.”

Still, as the NIL era evolves, Florida State finds itself at yet another crossroads. While the university defends its approach moving forward, critics argue that the language being used may alienate the athletes that it is trying to attract. Whether the ‘Noles will be trailblazing into the new NIL era remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: clarity and trust are starting to become just as valuable as compensation.

What they offer

Owner Beth Dauzat said the gymnastics center will offer recreational gymnastics classes for children of all ages, starting with programs with parent or guardian involvement for 1-year-olds.

The facility will also have a warrior program, with American Ninja Warrior-style courses, tumbling classes, a competitive developmental program to prepare participants for college-level gymnastics, day camps, open gym time and birthday parties, Dauzat said.

The background

A former gymnastics coach in the Central Texas area, Dauzat previously operated Intensity Gymnastics in Louisiana.

She said she’s partnering with coaches at other local gyms to open the Georgetown location.

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TEMPE – The Sun Devil Football program will be featured at Big 12 Football Media Days as it returns to Texas for a two-day event taking place July 8 and 9.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt, defensive back X Alford, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, defensive lineman C.J. Fite, offensive lineman Ben Coleman, and defensive lineman Clayton Smith will represent Arizona State along with Head Coach Kenny Dillingham. Sun Devil Football will attend the first portion of Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday, July 8 at The Star – the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility – in Frisco, Texas. 

Big 12 Football Media Days could be considered a turning point for last year’s Arizona State team, as they were picked to finish 16th out of 16 teams in the Preseason Big 12 Conference Media Poll. The league opted not to conduct a preseason poll this season. Eight of the teams will spend Tuesday previewing the 2025 season with local, regional and national media.

Both days of the event will be broadcast live in their entirety on ESPNU and ESPN+, with portions of the day broadcast live on ESPN2 for the first time ever. Additionally, the event will broadcast on Big 12 Studios from 8:30 AM – 1 PM MST. Head Coach Kenny Dillingham is scheduled to be on the main stage from 11:20-11:35 AM MST for his media availability, which can be viewed on ESPN+. Sun Devil Fans will have many reasons to be paying attention on Tuesday, July 8 …

You’ve waited this long. What’s one more week? #ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/U7q74EJxr7

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) July 1, 2025

Sam Leavitt, Quarterback (IG | X)

• Finished his first year in Tempe as the school record holder for total offense by a freshman with 3,328 yards and second in program history in passing yards by a freshman at 2,885.
• The 3,328 total yards of offense are eighth in ASU single-season history regardless of class.
• Named the Big 12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year.
• The nation’s second-highest graded freshman player (true or redshirt with 400 snaps) on either side of the football by PFF (88.9), behind only Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith (89.8).
• His 88.9 grade for the season was the eighth-best among all FBS freshman quarterbacks in the PFF era since 2015 (min. 400 snaps played). Of the seven players ahead of him, six started an NFL game last season (Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud and Spencer Rattler).
• His grade was higher than the freshman year grades of NFL starting quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Daniel Jones, Jordan Love, Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels.
• The grade was good for 12th among all FBS quarterbacks in 2024.
• After having just three touchdown passes in his first four games, he finished with 21 over his final nine games played with just four interceptions.
• Had eight passes for 50+ yards, most in Big 12 and tied for second most in the FBS for the season, only ASU player this century to have more in one season was Jayden Daniels in 2019.
• Among players with at least 300 dropbacks, Leavitt tied for third in the FBS with just five turnover-worthy throws on the season, according to Pro Football Focus.
• His six interceptions were tied for sixth-fewest in the FBS among those with at least 300 dropbacks.
• Was one of just four with 20+ touchdowns (24) with six or fewer interceptions (six) AND turnover-worthy throws (5) (min. 300 dropbacks).
• Only 20 of his passes were broken, good for the 20th-lowest total in the FBS. His four passes batted at the line of scrimmage at tied for 25th-lowest in the FBS (min. 300 dropbacks).
• Leavitt showed his ability to keep his composure under pressure, with 708 passing yards while pressured – good for 19th nationally despite missing a game. His 7.8 yards per attempt while under pressure were 12th-best in the country. His 5 under pressure touchdowns were 20th.
• His 74.8 NFL QBR while under pressure was 30th in the nation. He picked up a first down with his arm 41 times on 143 pressures – 13th-most in the FBS.
• Set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting dudes in stride to the tune of 58.6 percent of his total yardage coming after the catch – good for third nationally.
• Rushed for 435 yards on 51 scrambles, good for the second-most among quarterbacks in the FBS.
• Picked up a first down or touchdown on 47.1 percent of those QB scrambles, good for 11th among FBS quarterbacks (min 25 scrambles).
• Had the nation’s sixth-best rushing grade when scrambling at 76.4. His 79.1 overall rushing grade was 18th among FBS quarterbacks.
• First ASU quarterback to have six games in a season with three or more touchdown passes (6) since Mike Berocovici in 2015 (6). The six games were tied for second-most this century behind only Andrew Walter’s seven in 2004. The last Big 12 freshman to have that many performances in a season was Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford in 2007 (eight).
• Thrice earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and also earned the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Week honor following the K-State contest.
• First Sun Devil to post three consecutive games with three touchdown passes and no picks since Jayden Daniels did it three times in 2019.
• He had his first career 300+ yard game on the road against Oklahoma State, finishing 20-of-29 for 304 yards and three touchdowns with no picks.
• Named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week following his four-touchdown effort against Kansas, including the game-winner with less than a minute remaining. The four touchdowns were the most for any quarterback in the country in Week 6 as he was the highest-graded quarterback in the Big 12 for the week by PFF and ninth best in the FBS (89.4).
• Leavitt’s 258 passing yards in his starting debut against Wyoming were the third-most by a Sun Devil making his debut since 1996, behind only Joey Yellen (292 in 2019) and Jayden Daniels (284 in 2019).

Sam Leavitt links and features

CJ Fite links and features

• Speak of the Devils Podcast Sitdown Series: Defensive tackle C.J. Fite
  
  Ben Coleman, Offensive Lineman (IG | X)
• One of the conference’s top returning lineman
• Key leadership piece offering a plethora of experience at the Division I level
• Finished 16th among all FBS players with just four pressures credited by PFF this season (min. 250 pass block snaps). His 1.2 pressure allowed percentage on 325 pass block snaps was 17th in the FBS.
• Coleman was not credited with allowing a sack last season.
• His 89.6 pass blocking grade was 6th among all FBS players and 4th among guards (min. 250 pass blocks).
• Has paved the way for ASU’s revamped offense, anchoring a line that was essential to a balanced attack.
• Road grader for ASU’s All-Everything running back and Heisman candidate, Cam Skattebo.
• Had not played a college football game in 646 days prior to his exceptional season.
• Completed his second Master’s degree in the Spring of 2025

 Ben Coleman links and features

Media coverage

Local outlets covering the Sun Devils at Big 12 Media Day
In addition to the heavy national attention that Sun Devil Football will be receiving at Big 12 Football Media Day, several prominent local media outlets will be in attendance and covering the event.

Live appearances
Kenny Dillingham
8:15 AM MST – Big 12 Radio/Tune-In (Radio Row)
11:20 AM MST – Media Availability on Main Stage (ESPN+)
12:15 PM MST – College Football Live (ESPN2)

Players
11:30 AM MST – Big 12 Studios
12:00 PM MST – Big 12 Radio/Tune-In (Radio Row)
12:30 PM MST – ESPN Set (ESPNU/ESPN+)

How to watch
ESPN2 (College Football Live starting at 12 PM MST)
ESPNU (All Day Coverage)
ESPN+ (All Day Coverage)
Press Conferences (Kenny Dillingham scheduled for 11:20-11:35 AM MST)
Big 12 Radio (Tune-In)

Walter Camp Preseason All-American Teams
The Walter Camp Football Foundation released their Preseason All-American Teams at the end of June and Sun Devil Football has a pair of representatives. Quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson each landed on the Walter Camp Preseason All-American Second Team. They are two of the 11 individuals to earn the national recognition. The Sun Devil offense will feature one of the nation’s best quarterback-wide receiver duos. Arizona State is one of 11 schools to have at least two players be named Preseason All-Americans by Walter Camp.

Walter Camp Preseason Second Team All-Americans
Second Team Offense
QB: Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)
WR: Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
RB: Makhi Hughes (Oregon), Isaac Brown (Louisville)
TE: Justin Joly (North Carolina State)
OL: Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M), Cayden Green (Missouri), Jordan Seaton (Colorado), Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State)
C: Logan Jones (Iowa)

Walter Camp Preseason All-Americans by school
Alabama, Clemson, Indiana, Penn State, Texas – 3
Arizona State, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M – 2

Athlon Sports Preseason Big 12 Honors
A total of 15 Sun Devils received Big 12 Preseason All-Conference recognition from Athlon Sports. Leading the way was wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who landed on the First Team Offense of Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-American Team. Tyson also was a First Team Big 12 All-Conference selection and is joined by fellow Media Day attendees Sam Leavitt, Ben Coleman, and X Alford in earning the distinction. Here is a full list of preseason honorees from Athlon Sports.

Texas to Tempe
Eight of the 16 returning starters for the Sun Devils this year are from Texas. The list includes Jordyn Tyson (Allen), Josh Atkins (Mansfield Timberview), Keith Abney (Waxahachie), Xavion Alford (Shadow Creek), C.J. Fite (Tatum), Clayton Smith (Texas High School in Texasarkana), Prince Dorbah (Highland Park) and Jordan Crook (Duncanville).

Elite experience
Eight Sun Devils started all 14 games last year, and seven of them return. C.J. Fite, Josh Atkins, Ben Coleman, Max Iheanachor, Javan Robinson, Myles Rowser and Keith Abney II were 14-game starters. Center and second-team Walter Camp All-American Leif Fautanu is the only 14-game starter who doesn’t return in 2025.

Protecting home turf
Arizona State (6-0) was one of 16 teams to go undefeated at home in 2024 and the only Big 12 team. Oregon, Boise State, Alabama, Missouri, Army, Memphis and Tennessee all went 7-0, while Miami, Ohio, Marshall, UTSA, Georgia and Washington joined ASU at 6-0. Indiana went 8-0, while Georgia Tech went 5-0. ASU travels to one-home loss Big 12 teams from last year Iowa State (6-1), Colorado (5-1) and Baylor (5-1). The Sun Devils didn’t lose a home game for the first time since 2004.

Comfortable when it’s close
Arizona State was 6-2 in one score games (5-1 in games of seven points or less) in 2024. The only teams with six or more wins in one-score games were Arkansas State (7-1), Sam Houston State (6-0), Texas Tech, Duke and Missouri (all 6-1) and Syracuse (7-2).

Fo(u)rks Up
ASU made 18 fourth-down conversions in 2024. After converting on those 18, ASU had 12 touchdowns, 2 field goals and took a knee to end the Mississippi State game. The only three times it didn’t work as it had an interception, a missed field goal and turned it over on down later in the drive.

Undefeated in November
ASU went undefeated in November for the first time since 2013 and just its third time from 1976-present. ASU also was undefeated in November in 2013 (4-0), 1996 (3-0), 1975 (5-0), 1972 (4-0), 1971 (4-0), 1970 (3-0), 1969 (5-0), 1968 (5-0), 1967 (3-0), 1965 (3-0), 1963 (4-0), 1959 (4-0), 1958 (4-0), 1957 (5-0) and 1950 (4-0).

Returning AP All-Americans
Jordyn Tyson earned Third-Team Associated Press All-American honors last and is one of 16 returners from those teams in 2025. He is one of five returning AP All-Americans returning on offense along with center Jake Slaughter (Florida), wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Eric Rivers (Florida International) and tackle Spencer Fano (Utah)

Big 12 Honorees are back
Arizona State has six returnees from the 2024 All Big 12 Team returning next year, led by wide receiver and first-team honoree Jordyn Tyson (Offensive Newcomer of the Year), quarterback and second-team honoree Sam Leavitt (Offensive Freshman of the Year), defensive back Xavion Alford (first), tight end Chamon Metayer (second), defensive lineman C.J. Fite (second) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (second).

ASU alumni on Sun Devil Football 2025 roster (listed alphabetically)
Xavion Alford, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
Coben Bourguet, BSE Engineering Management, 2024
Ben Coleman, MA Communication, 2024
Anthonie Cooper, BA Interdisciplinary Studies (Communication/Nutrition and Healthy Living), 2022
Prince Dorbah, BS Communication, 2024
Adama Fall, BA Liberal Studies
Zyrus Fiaseu, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Cameron Harpole, BA Communication, 2025
Max Iheanachor, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Chamon Metayer, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Elijah O’Neal, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
Kyle Scott, BS Psychology, 2025
Ian Shewell, BS Clinical Exercise Science, 2025
Clayton Smith, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Justin Wodtly, BA Liberal Studies, 2025

Sun Devil Football on social
For exclusive content, the latest updates, and more information on the Sun Devil Football program, follow our X (@ASUFootball) and Instagram (@sundevilfb) accounts, like our Facebook page (facebook.com/SunDevilFootball), and visit our website (sundevils.com). Follow Coach Dillingham on X (@KennyDillingham).