Cooper Kupp injured his hamstring at the beginning of August in training camp and has since aggravated it; despite seeing a specialist for treatment he was unable to recuperate sufficiently and will not play for at least another month
Last Updated: 09/09/23 9:26pm
The Los Angeles Rams’ star receiver Cooper Kupp will miss the team’s first four games of the new NFL season after being placed on the injured reserve list.
Kupp will now be sidelined until at least Week Five, when the Rams host Philadelphia on October 8.
The Rams also put new tight end Hunter Long on injured reserve on Saturday, just one day before their season opener in Seattle against the Seahawks.
Kupp injured his hamstring August 1 in training camp, and he aggravated the injury late last month. The Super Bowl 56 MVP got treatment and saw a specialist in Minnesota in recent days but didn’t improve enough to play.
Kupp also missed the final eight games of last season with an ankle injury. He won the triple crown of receiving in 2021 and was named the AP’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year before leading the Rams to their Super Bowl victory over Cincinnati.
The Rams also signed kicker Brett Maher and quarterback Brett Rypien from their practice squad ahead of their trip to Seattle to face the Seahawks. Rypien will be the backup to Matthew Stafford in the absence of Stetson Bennett, who wasn’t put on injured reserve despite a shoulder problem which is likely to prevent him from suiting up in Seattle.
Los Angeles also signed linebacker Troy Reeder from its practice squad, ahead of the trip to Lumen Field.
Week One of the 2023 NFL season continues Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers visit the Steelers, with coverage from 4.30pm ahead of kickoff at 6pm, followed by the Dolphins at Chargers at 9.25pm. Stream with NOW.
Ndamukong Suh is joining the Sky Sports NFL coverage later this season!
Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will join the Sky Sports NFL coverage for four weeks during the 2023 season.
The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro brings with him 13 seasons worth of expert knowledge, during which he has recorded 600 tackles and 71.5 sacks while winning one Championship ring across spells with five teams since being drafted by the Detroit Lions as the No 2 overall pick in 2010.
Suh arrives on the back of featuring in the Philadelphia Eagles team that reached Super Bowl LVII, where Nick Sirianni’s side were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs.
He previously starred in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, led by Tom Brady, that toppled Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV at the end of the 2020 season, having made the first of his three Super Bowl appearances with the Los Angeles Rams team that came up short against the New England Patriots in 2018/19.
The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is now set to bring his insight to your screens as part of Sky Sports NFL’s Sunday coverage in a four-week stint starting from October 1.
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Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh discusses Lions head coach Dan Campbell and explains why their fans deserve a Championship run.
Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh discusses Lions head coach Dan Campbell and explains why their fans deserve a Championship run.
“You can expect a lot of excitement, great insights on football, especially from somebody who’s been doing it for 13 years plus and potentially 14 years,” Suh told Sky Sports.
“We’ll see how things pan out after my amazing time over in the UK with you guys so just looking to have a lot of fun and give great insights.
“I’ve explored the UK a lot. I think this will be probably my seventh or eighth time over. I’m looking forward to getting to my favourite restaurant in London, and then obviously to go check out some great football as you guys call it over there. I grew up playing since I was three and love watching the Premier League.
“UK fans, I’m excited to spend time with you guys. We’re gonna have lots of fun, lots of exclusive insights, and look to share many of those with you, not only in the studio, but also in person and around the game. So tune in and then let’s enjoy!”
The key to winning a Super Bowl…
The race to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas is on, with Suh able to vouch for the prime ingredients to any Championship contender.
“Outside of the little bit of luck, a lot of hard work,” he says. “Along with consistency and a team coming together, you’ve been able to see teams, dynasties that have core members for long periods of time, but then you’ve been on the flipside to see a team just put it together at the right time, which I think when you look at my run with Tampa Bay and winning a Super Bowl.
“We had an amazing group of guys on defense, amazing group of guys on offense and we all put it together collectively as a team at the right time. Because we went through plenty of struggles throughout that season and it was not smooth sailing like it was when I was in Los Angeles.
“My first Super Bowl, when I went to it was smooth sailing outside of one blemish during the regular season against the Saints and then maybe a couple towards the end of the year. But overall it’s like we’re just running over most of the NFC, even the league when we got into the playoffs, and then just at the very end, we couldn’t put it together to cement the deal. But I think there’s a combination of ways you get to this to the Super Bowl but it always comes down to hard work.”
The winning feeling
Suh finally captured his first Super Bowl ring a decade after entering the league, the wait only making the feeling of eventual victory even sweeter.
“That emotion was pure joy and excitement,” he recalls. “It was probably one of the best years of my life, if not the best year of my life. One not only winning a Super Bowl but bringing my kids in, my twin boys into the world as champions.
“And I’ve always said this, my wife is been a huge part of my success. She first moved in when I was living in Los Angeles, and that was my first year to get to a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win it, but I was in the NFC Championship Game and then ever since then have been vying for one and been in three of the last six Super Bowls.
“She’s a big part of my corner, so you’ve got to have a strong woman behind every great man.”
Suh is coming to the Sky Sports studio!
Can Suh’s Lions surprise the NFL?
Suh’s introduction coincides with a season in which his former team Detroit have been touted as one of the league’s potential surprise packages after a sparkling end to the 2022 campaign.
“I think the biggest story I’m excited to watch and see is the city of Detroit and the Lions,” said Suh. “I’m excited to see them hopefully get back to an elite level like we were when I was playing there. We had some great seasons but 2014 especially.
“Aidan Hutchinson. Jared Goff, who I played with, and then obviously I wish the best for Dan Campbell, who was my interim head coach in Miami and spent some good time with him. Always respected him and and loved playing for him and then also against him when he was at the Saints.
“He (Campbell) is a ball of energy, just full non-stop bouncing off the walls. Great energy guy. There’s no quiet time around him from recollection. But a coach that you love to play for. Always brings excitement to the game, even through tough times. He finds a way to be very positive and push people, which I’ve always appreciated about him.”
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Peter Schrager has predicted that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be this season’s Rookie of the Year
Peter Schrager has predicted that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be this season’s Rookie of the Year
Having spent five seasons with Detroit from 2010-2014, the former Nebraska Cornhusker is eager to see Lions fans treated to another Super Bowl run.
“There’s no question you wanna see about some loyal fans,” he added.
“Detroit has some of the most loyal fans and normally the only fans that I would pick over them as loyal fans would be the University of Nebraska, which are obviously the best fans in college football!
“I definitely believe that city is deserving of a Super Bowl, and I wish I could be there. Part of something of that nature because I know it would be amazing. I got so much joy and support from them and I love that city deeply.”
Watch the 49ers at Steelers live on Sky Sports NFL on Sunday, with coverage beginning from 4.30pm ahead of kickoff at 6pm, followed by the Dolphins at Chargers at 9.25pm. Stream with NOW.
San Francisco 49ers reportedly “considering all options” with regards to quarterback Trey Lance with Sam Darnold to act as back-up to Brock Purdy; Lance was signed by San Francisco less than three years ago but has been hampered by injuries and started just four games
Last Updated: 23/08/23 9:23pm
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance’s future is unclear
Sam Darnold has won the back-up quarterback role for San Francisco 49ers, casting doubt over Trey Lance’s future with the California team.
The 49ers traded three first-round draft picks to acquire Lance less than three years ago but are now reportedly “considering all options” with regards to their next move.
NFL Network first reported that Darnold had beaten out Lance for the back-up job behind No 1 Brock Purdy.
Lance spent his rookie season supporting Jimmy Garoppolo, starting just two games as an injury replacement and being hampered by a finger injury on his throwing hand.
Sam Darnold (left) will be back-up quarterback to Brock Purdy for 49ers this season
The 23-year-old was handed the starting position last season, but that lasted less than five quarters as he broke his ankle early in Week 2 and was sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Purdy, taken with the last draft pick in 2022, came on late in the season and won his first seven starts to take over the starting slot.
San Francisco signed Darnold in free agency and he did enough in training and preseason games to beat out Lance.
Lance has completed 56 of 102 passes in his brief NFL career for 797 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
If San Francisco can find a trade partner for Lance, his four starts will be the fewest for any quarterback for the team that drafted him in the top five in the common draft era.
Jack Thompson started five games for Cincinnati after being taken third overall in 1979.
Dalvin Cook agrees one-year deal worth up to $8.6m with New York Jets, where he will team up with ex-NFC North rival, quarterback Aaron Rodgers; Ezekiel Elliott’s one-year deal with the New England Patriots reportedly worth up to $6m
Last Updated: 15/08/23 8:24am
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets
Two big-name NFL running backs have new homes, with former Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook signing with the New York Jets and ex-Dallas Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott joining the New England Patriots.
The Jets and Cook have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8.6m, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday. Cook confirmed the deal by reposting social media posts about the news.
After being released by the Vikings on June 9 following his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, the four-time Pro Bowler will team up with an ex-NFC North rival, Aaron Rodgers, in New York. The Jets’ backfield is currently led by Breece Hall, who averaged 5.8 yards per attempt across seven games as a rookie last season before tearing his ACL.
Cook was slated to earn $11m in 2023 with Minnesota, where he rushed for 5,024 yards and 43 touchdowns the past four seasons.
The 28-year-old is coming into this season off the back of surgery in February, the latest in a series of major shoulder issues that include a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum.
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott with wear the No 15 with the New England Patriots
Elliott’s one-year deal with the Patriots is worth up to $6 million, according to sources. He confirmed earlier reports of the agreement when he announced on social media that he will wear No 15 for the Patriots, which had been his number in college at Ohio State.
The 28-year-old was released by the Cowboys in a salary-cutting move in March. He will provide important depth in New England behind starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Elliott, who led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018 and posted four 1,000-yard seasons in Dallas, was slowed in the second half of last season because of a knee injury and posted a career-low 876 yards at 3.9 yards per carry.
He ranks third in Cowboys history in rushing yards (8,262) and rushing touchdowns (68) behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
Aaron Rodgers fired back at Sean Payton, saying: “It made me feel bad that someone who’s accomplished a lot is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall”; Payton had been highly critical of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett
Last Updated: 30/07/23 10:20pm
Aaron Rodgers has responded to a war of words with Sean Patyon. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Aaron Rodgers defended offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett after the latter recently was slated by Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.
The New York Jets quarterback responded to the critical comments Denver Broncos’ head coach Payton recently made about Hackett.
On Thursday Payton told USA Today that Hackett’s 15-game stint with the Broncos last season “was one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL”.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers works with Nathaniel Hackett
The Broncos were 4-11 when they fired Hackett and finished 5-12.
Payton also said there were “20 dirty hands” around Russell Wilson’s career-worst season, and directed some pointed remarks at the Jets – Hackett’s new team where he and Rodgers are reunited after enjoying success together at Green Bay.
Payton subsequently apologized for his comments on Friday. However Rodgers didn’t let it end there.
“It made me feel bad that someone who has accomplished a lot in the league is that insecure that they have to take another man down to set themselves up for some sort of easy fall if it doesn’t go well for that team this year,” Rodgers told NFL Network.
“I think it was way out of line, inappropriate, and I think he needs to keep my coaches’ names out of his mouth.”
Rodgers, acquired by New York in April from Green Bay, said Hackett is “arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL”.
They worked together for two of Rodgers’ four NFL MVP awards in 2020 and 2021 with the Packers.
Payton also criticized the Jets for being the latest NFL team “trying to win the offseason” – something he said the Broncos tried to do under Hackett and were “embarrassed”.
On Thursday Jets coach Robert Saleh said: “Hackett’s doing a phenomenal job here.”
He added: “There’s a lot of people that are hating on us and a lot of people looking for us to fail.”
Rodgers said Hackett is “arguably my favourite coach I’ve ever had in the NFL”
Payton on Friday said he regretted the remarks in which he disparaged Hackett, and said he would reach out to him and Saleh “at the right time”.
“Listen, I had one of those moments where I still had my Fox hat on and not my coaching hat,” said Payton, who’s returning to the sideline this season after a year’s sabbatical during which he worked as a studio football analyst for Fox Sports following a 15-year stint with the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers told NFL Network he thought Payton’s initial comments “were very surprising, for a coach to do that to another coach”.
Meanwhile, the back-and-forth makes the Jets’ matchup in Denver in Week 5 on October 8 a bit spicier.
Payton acknowledged it “certainly will bring more interest to the game when we play them, but that seems like years from now”.
The Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines is expected to need surgery after the incident, which would keep him out of the whole 2023 NFL season; another rider collided with the 26-year-old while he was sitting on a jet ski, according to reports
Last Updated: 24/07/23 8:40pm
Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines (20) celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown on a kick return
Nyheim Hines will miss the whole 2023 NFL season after suffering a serious knee injury in a jet ski accident.
Another rider collided with the Buffalo Bills running back while he was sitting on a jet ski, according to reports.
The 26-year-old was expected to be the Bills’ primary kick returner and a back-up running back used primarily on third downs.
Hines will need surgery and will be out for the whole season
Hines was sitting on a stationary jet ski when he was struck, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
It is thought Hines will require surgery after suffering a significant injury to his ACL in the incident.
It was not immediately known when he was hurt or where the accident took place.
Hines joined the Bills in a trade with Indianapolis last November and appeared in a combined 16 games and started five. He caught 30 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown and ran 24 times for 33 yards and a TD.
NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson for a record $6.05 billion I All 32 team owners voted for the sale, which is the highest price paid for a professional sports team
Last Updated: 20/07/23 10:33pm
NFL owners unanimously approve the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson for a record $6.05 bn
NFL owners have unanimously approved the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders franchise to a group to a group led by Josh Harris and including Magic Johnson.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed though reports in April said the agreement was for an NFL-record price of $6.05bn.
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The group led by Harris, who is a managing general partner at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), includes Maryland businessman Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson, who won five NBA titles during a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Congratulations to Josh Harris and his impressive group of partners,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“Josh will be a great addition to the NFL. He has a remarkable record in business, sports, and in his communities. The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties and we welcome them to the NFL as well.”
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones beamed as he walked off an escalator and headed toward the meeting room, granting a brief interview with reporters about the impending sale of his team’s division rival.
“It’s a hallmark day,” Jones said. “I’m excited about the prospects of going into Washington and giving them some capital punishment.”
Separately, the NFL also released the findings of the independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and financial improprieties made by former employees of the Commanders.
Due to the findings, outgoing owner Dan Snyder will pay $60m to the league “in resolution of the findings and all outstanding matters.”
Mayors in cities across the U.S. want to loosen rules that can slow the pace of office-to-residential conversions. In some instances, cities have offered generous tax abatements to developers who build new housing.
“We have a great opportunity to change the uses in the downtown,” said Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser at a December 2022 news conference in support of her housing budget proposals.
“It’s absolutely a budget gimmick” said Erica Williams, executive director at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, referring to Bowser’s 2023 proposal to increase the downtown developer tax break. “We fully support the idea that some of these buildings could be turned into residential properties or into mixed-use properties, but that we don’t necessarily need to subsidize that.”
In New York City, a task force of planners assembled by Mayor Eric Adams is studying the effects of zoning changes, and possible abatements for developers who include affordable units in conversions.
Cities like Philadelphia have previously embraced these policies to revitalize their downtowns. In Philadelphia, homeowners and investors received more than $1 billion in tax breaks for their renovation projects.
A small collective of developers have taken on this challenging slice of the real estate business. Since 2000, 498 buildings have been converted in the U.S., creating 49,390 new housing units through the final quarter of 2022, according to real estate services firm CBRE.
Prominent investors Societe Generale and KKR have worked with developers like Philadelphia-based Post Brothers to finance institutional-scale office conversions in expensive central business districts.
“Capital has gotten much more limited,” said Michael Pestronk, CEO of Post Brothers. “We’re able to get financing today. … It is a lot more expensive than it was a year ago.”
Many experts believe local governments will alter zoning laws and building codes to make these conversions easier over the years.
“Our rules are in the way, and we need to fix that,” said Dan Garodnick, director of New York City’s Department of City Planning.
Watch the video above to learn how cities are getting developers to convert more offices into apartments.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby apologized Friday for hopping on a private plane to get out of the New York area earlier this week while thousands of United passengers were stranded because the airline canceled so many flights.
“Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers who were waiting to get home,” Kirby said in a statement issued by the airline. “I sincerely apologize to our customers and our team members who have been working around-the-clock for several days — often through severe weather — to take care of our customers.”
Kirby concluded by promising “to better demonstrate my respect for the dedication of our team members and the loyalty of our customers.”
A bill to extend internet gambling in New Jersey for another five years is in the hands of Gov. Phil Murphy following its approval by the state Legislature.
A bill to let Danish offshore wind energy developer Orsted keep tax credits that it otherwise would have to return to New Jersey ratepayers was approved by the slimmest of margins in the state Legislature Friday afternoon.
New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a $54.3 billion budget. It boosts spending 7% over last year.
Officials and residents of several New Jersey shore towns say the state’s law decriminalizing marijuana use is having an unintended effect: emboldening large groups of teenagers to run amok on beaches and boardwalks, knowing there is little chance of them getting in trouble for it.
Kirby caught the private flight from Teterboro, New Jersey, to Denver on Wednesday, when United canceled 750 flights — one-fourth of its schedule for the day. That figure does not include flights on United Express.
Kirby blamed disruptions in Newark last weekend on a shortage of Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers. He said in a note to employees “that the FAA frankly failed us” by reducing the rate at which planes could arrive and depart the airport, where United is the dominant carrier.
Canceled flights left United planes and crews out of position, hobbling the airline when bad weather hit on Sunday, Kirby said.
As United continued to struggle throughout this week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whose department includes the FAA, said on Twitter that airlines had recovered from the storms “with the exception of United.” He drove home the point by including a bar graph that compared United’s cancellation rate with the rest of the industry.
United’s operation has improved since midweek. The percentage of canceled flights fell from 26% on Wednesday to 18% Thursday and 8% through Friday evening, according to tracking service FlightAware. However, even on Friday, United was on pace to lead all U.S. carriers in canceled flights for a seventh straight day.
United vowed to fix its operation in time for the July 4 holiday weekend, which promises to be a hectic one at the nation’s airports. More than 2.7 million people were screened Thursday at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, and Friday was expected to bring similar crowds — possibly bigger.
United passengers have taken to social media and talked to reporters about long airport lines and sleeping in airports after flights were canceled.
Unions representing the airline’s pilots and flight attendants have joined in the criticism, accusing United management of poor planning, a lack of crew schedulers, and operating too many flights.
Chicago-based United said it did not pay for the CEO’s flight on Wednesday. The airline declined to say whether Kirby frequently takes private planes.
A Denver police officer who was working during Thursday’s parade to celebrate the Nuggets’ NBA title suffered a significant leg injury when he was struck by a fire truck along the parade route.
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Nine people were wounded in a shooting in Denver as fans were out celebrating the Nuggets’ first NBA title in the franchise’s 47-year history. Two suspects were arrested and the wounded are all expected to survive. CBS Colorado’s Karen Morfitt reports.
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Three people are in critical condition after a shooter opened fire in Denver, Colorado, early Tuesday, authorities said.
A total of nine people were shot in the 2000 Block of Market Street, in addition to a suspect who has been taken into police custody.
Both the suspect and the six remaining victims suffered non-threatening life injuries.
“This is a complex, ongoing investigation in its early stages. Preliminary info indicates multiple shots were fired during an altercation involving several individuals,” the Denver Police Department wrote on Twitter. “Updates will be provided as they become available.”
This comes as the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship after they defeated Miami Heat 94-89 Monday evening in Game 5 of the playoffs. It’s unclear if the events are connected but the shooting took place near where large crowds were celebrating the team’s win, and just under a mile from Ball Arena, the venue of the game.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
DENVER (AP) — Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans was cited for disturbing the peace after a dispute he said he had with a United Airlines employee over carry-on luggage at the Denver airport last week, police said Monday.
Wayans said on Instagram that a gate agent told him he had too many bags and, despite consolidating his luggage, he was told he would have to gate check his bag rather than carry it on. Wayans, who said his treatment constituted harassment, said he took his ticket and began walking onto the plane.
In response to questions about what had occurred, United issued a statement that did not refer to Wayans by name.
“In Denver on Friday, a customer who had been told he would have to gate-check his bag instead pushed past a United employee at the jet bridge and attempted to board the aircraft. The customer did not fly on United to his destination,” it said.
Wayans said he booked a flight instead on American Airlines to Kansas City, saying he would rather fly coach on another airline than fly first-class on United. He apologized to his fans in Kansas City for missing a performance.
“Sorry KC I’m gonna miss tonight’s shows due to a United gate agent who probably hated white chicks,” Wayans said on Twitter, referring to his 2004 movie which also starred his brother Shawn Wayans.
A spokesperson for Wayans, Leslie Sloane, said Wayans had a backpack, a small carry-on and garment bag with a suit jacket in it and put his backpack inside the garment bag but was still told he had to check his bag on a flight that was not full.
She said it’s important to Wayans that everyone feels safe and respected when flying, no matter what class they are in.
“He felt none of that,” she said.
The citation issued to Wayans says he must appear in court in Denver on July 11.
DENVER (AP) — Former Colorado state senator Mike Johnston claimed victory as opponent Kelly Brough conceded Tuesday night in a runoff election to become Denver’s next mayor.
Unofficial results showed Johnston with 54.05% of the vote to 45.95% for Brough late Tuesday night. Johnston was ahead by 8,000 votes shortly after polls closed and that lead grew to nearly 11,000 votes as the night went on.
Johnston will be the city’s first new mayor in more than a decade, replacing Michael Hancock, who was elected in 2011 and was term-limited.
Brough, the former president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, told supporters Tuesday night that she had called Johnston and “wished him godspeed in the work ahead because our city is challenged and it needs a lot of work.”
The two moderates were the top vote-getters in a 16-way race in April, sending the race to Tuesday’s runoff.
Denver has become the tech and business hub of the Mountain West but now faces problems similar to those in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Johnston will helm a rapidly growing city faced with out-of-control housing costs and increased homelessness.
The job of Denver mayor has launched careers, notably that of John Hickenlooper, a Democrat who went on to become Colorado’s governor and is now a U.S. senator. Another Democratic mayor, Frederico Peña, went on to become U.S. Energy Secretary under former President Bill Clinton.
Peña endorsed Johnston, who also had a larger warchest, including nearly $5 million raised from outside contributions.
A tech and aerospace hub, the Denver metro area’s population has almost doubled over the past three decades, reaching 3 million. Fears that rapidly growing Denver is lurching toward a fate like other major cities defined the race.
Candidates debated whether to enforce a ban on growing homeless encampments, further fund the police, impose rent control and allow what are often called “safe injection sites” — where people may use drugs under supervision to prevent overdoses.
The ban was a legacy of Hancock’s administration.
Johnston, who got slightly more votes than Brough in the April election, has said voters want the next mayor to do a good job of taking multiple approaches to problems.
“We do have the same problems that San Francisco and Seattle face,” he said in April. “If we get that wrong, you end up like a lot of other big cities where no middle class people can live.”
Brough campaigned on her knowledge of Denver and experience as a CEO. Besides leading the Denver chamber of commerce, she has been chief strategy officer for Metropolitan State University of Denver and was Hickenlooper’s chief of staff for three years when he was mayor.
Denver’s homelessness rate has grown by over 12% over the past two years. Whether to enforce the ban divided candidates in the April election but Johnston and Brough both have said they would enforce it.
The future mayor will also inherit a city experiencing a rise in gentrification, the highest crime rate in decades, and a surge in opioid overdoses that reached 473 deaths in 2021.
The top-seeded Denver Nuggets cruised past the Miami Heat 104-93 to take Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night at Denver’s Ball Arena.
After clinching the first NBA Finals berth in franchise history with a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals on May 22, Denver showed no signs of rust in Thursday’s Game 1, jumping out to a 17-point lead in the first half with four of the Nuggets’ five starters finishing with double digits in points.
Denver continued building on the lead to start the second half, leading by as many as 24 points in the third quarter.
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic tallied his ninth triple-double to extend his record for most in a single postseason in NBA history. He finished with 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds in the victory.
Jokic’s 14 assists are the most by a center in Finals history. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists as the team captured its first win in an NBA Finals in the franchise’s 47 years in the league.
“We respect that team a lot. They fight. They never quit,” Jokic said after the game. “We just wanted to get the first punch. You know the first three rounds, (the Heat) won the first game when they traveled … and we didn’t want that to happen, and I think we did a good job.”
The Heat, seeking to become the NBA’s first No. 8 seed to win a championship since the 16-team playoff format began 39 years ago, struggled with their shots in the opening two quarters, going 18-of-48 from the field. Postseason stars Caleb Martin and Max Strus were a combined 0-for-12 in the first half.
In the fourth quarter, Miami got off to a hot start, breaking off on an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to 10 points. Despite trailing by single digits later in the fourth, the Heat’s comeback bid fell short.
Heat center Bam Adebayo scored a team-high 26 points, while Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jimmy Butler managed only 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were awarded marketing rights to Ireland and Northern Ireland this week as part of the NFL’s International Home Marketing Areas initiative; the Steelers have a long-term relationship with Ireland courtesy of the Rooney family.
Last Updated: 25/05/23 10:23pm
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a welcome return to Croke Park. Pictured is Steelers director of business development & strategy Daniel Rooney
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long-term plans to play a regular season NFL game in Ireland, the team said Thursday during a visit to celebrate its long-standing ties with the Emerald Isle.
The Steelers touched down in Dublin days after the NFL awarded the team marketing rights for Ireland and Northern Ireland, all part of the league’s push to expand its audience internationally.
“Our aspirations long term are to play a game in Ireland,” said Daniel Rooney, the team’s director of business development and strategy. “As we move through the process, we’ll be evaluating all options.”
Ireland has never hosted a regular season NFL game, but the Steelers beat the Chicago Bears 30-17 in a preseason matchup at Croke Park in 1997.
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Croke Park, home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, holds 82,300 and would almost certainly be the site of any future Steelers game.
GAA president Larry McCarthy joined Rooney at a news conference at Croke Park and said the organisation is “delighted to be associated with [the Rooneys] and such a famous name and brand in the Steelers.”
Brett Gosper, NFL head of UK and Europe, was also on hand and called the Steelers and Ireland a “perfect fit.”
“There are so many connections, obviously the family’s heritage [and] the Steelers organising that first and only game – so far – in Ireland,” he said.
The late Daniel M. Rooney was U.S. ambassador to Ireland from 2009-12.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who play in London every year, were also awarded marketing rights to Ireland.
The programme was designed to help individual teams build their brands abroad through commercial activity and fan engagement similar to what they do in their home markets. Rights are granted by the league for at least a five-year term.
San Francisco Bay Area to host Super Bowl for third time after being confirmed as venue for 2026; Levi’s Stadium to stage Super Bowl LX; game also played in Bay Area in 1985 and 2016
Last Updated: 22/05/23 11:30pm
Super Bowl 50 was held at Levi’s Stadium in 2016, with the event to return to the venue in 2026
Super Bowl LX will head to the San Francisco Bay Area with Levi’s Stadium confirmed as the host venue in 2026.
The stadium, home of the San Franciso 49ers, last held the showpiece match in 2016 when Denver Broncos beat Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.
The Bay Area will stage its third Super Bowl, with the game also taking place at Stanford Stadium in 1985.
On that occasion, the 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement on Monday: “The Bay Area was an incredible host for Super Bowl 50, and we are thrilled to bring the Super Bowl back.
“We look forward to working with the 49ers and the Bay Area Host Committee to create an impactful Super Bowl LX in 2026 that showcases all the great things the region has to offer.”
49ers president Al Guido said: “We are honored to host the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium once again, and to be stewards of one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
“Since hosting Super Bowl 50 in 2016, Levi’s Stadium has cemented its reputation as a world-class venue. I’m confident Super Bowl LX will be a terrific event that benefits the entire community.”
Super Bowl LVIII will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11 2024, with the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans to stage Super Bowl LIX on February 9 2025.
Is high potency marijuana bad for individuals with preexisting mental health conditions?
The answer, according to university researchers, is yes.
But it depends on which mental health condition.
Researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus pointed to two studies showing that very potent marijuana is associated with psychosis. But it also offers some benefits, such as reducing anxiety and depression.
Colorado’s General Assembly had tasked the school to conduct a review of the scientific literature into the physical and mental health effects of high-potency THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana.
The marijuana market has been shifting toward high-concentration products.
Critics, who view the trend as alarming, often say today’s marijuana is “not your parent’s pot.”
“The potency of THC, the high-inducing ingredient in the marijuana plant, is the strongest it has ever been,” the group One Chance to Grow Up says on its website, adding the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of THC, increasing the risk of addiction. “This is not the marijuana of the past. In fact, the potency has tripled since the 1990s. Dutch health experts concluded that THC potency above 15% classifies it as a hard drug.”
Dr. Elizabeth Stuyt, an addiction psychiatrist, said adolescents, in particular, face the risk of addiction to drugs or alcohol because they’re in a…
JJ Watt: “I believe in what [chairman] Alan (Pace) is doing at Burnley and what Vincent (Kompany) is building. It’s just a matter of coming in at the right time. We really enjoyed our time in Burnley and we’re looking forward to coming back”
Last Updated: 01/05/23 6:55pm
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Former NFL star JJ Watt and wife and soccer player Kealia Watt spoke of what they hope to achieve at Burnley after announcing their investment into the club
Former NFL star JJ Watt and wife and soccer player Kealia Watt spoke of what they hope to achieve at Burnley after announcing their investment into the club
Former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife Kealia Watt, a former USA international, have announced their investment in Burnley Football Club.
JJ is a three-time defensive player of the year winner. The 34-year-old retired from the game at the end of the 2022 season after 12 seasons with the Houston Texans (2011-20 and Arizona Cardinals (2021-22).
Kealia enjoyed a successful club career with Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, representing the US national team on three occasions in 2016. She retains the record for scoring the fastest goal of any debutant for the women’s national team, netting 48 seconds into her international debut.
Three-time NFL defensive player of the year JJ Watt retired from the sport at the end of the 2022 season
The couple have always had an interest in English football, with JJ having been a fan of Chelsea and Kealia of Arsenal, she told Sky Sports News, but their loyalties lie firmly with Burnley now after announcing their investment into the club.
“We went to Burnley, visited the town and we just fell in love,” Kealia said. “It’s such an incredible place.
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Burnley’s celebrations begin after their victory against Blackburn to seal the Championship title!
Burnley’s celebrations begin after their victory against Blackburn to seal the Championship title!
“What Vincent (Kompany) has done with this team is unbelievable. We cannot wait to watch this [next] season.
“We’re so excited. It’s going to be so cool – we’ll be there on opening day. We’re counting down the days, we cannot wait.”
JJ added: “It’s all about the opportunity to have an impact in the club.
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Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says there is no better way to win after beating their biggest rivals Blackburn to secure the Championship title
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says there is no better way to win after beating their biggest rivals Blackburn to secure the Championship title
“Chelsea is obviously an unbelievable club and they’ve built something incredible there, but I believe in what [chairman] Alan (Pace) is doing at Burnley and what Vincent is building.
“It’s just a matter of coming in at the right time. We really enjoyed our time in Burnley and we’re looking forward to coming back.”
The Watts spent time at the club and within the local community earlier in the season, when they attended the Clarets’ 3-0 victory over Wigan at Turf Moor. They are also due to be in attendance for Burnley’s final home fixture of the season against Cardiff City on Monday, May 8.
The pair also spoke of how following Wrexham’s story since the club’s takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney proved to be an inspiration.
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the National League trophy after their promotion to the fourth tier
Kealia said: “We watched the documentary a few months ago and it was so cool to see what they’ve done.
“That’s kind of what we’re modelling this after. They’re just incredible and Wrexham are such a fun team – we’ve followed that and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here.”
JJ added: “I’ve spoken to Rob about his experience and I’ve tried to gain some insight into what he’s done, and I’ve spoke to Ryan too to try to get his ideas on what has worked and what hasn’t.
“Obviously they’re in a different league and a different situation, with what Wrexham are doing, but they’ve done an incredible job.
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Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made an ambitious bid to get Gareth Bale out of retirement and sign for his team
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made an ambitious bid to get Gareth Bale out of retirement and sign for his team
“Our goal is to come in and get involved with the community. With the [Burnley] supporters, we want to earn their trust, we understand that we can’t come in and expect them to trust us right away.
“And then we want to help tell their story to America and beyond. We want people to know about the Clarets.”
Alan Pace, Burnley chairman, said of the Watts’ investment in a statement: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome JJ and Kealia into the Clarets family.
“This is a conversation that has been happening for some time and over the course of this season we’ve been hugely impressed by their passion and interest in both the club and the Burnley community. I am very much looking forward to working with them.”
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were briefly grounded nationwide Tuesday for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, leading to more than 2,200 delayed flights just four months after the carrier suffered a much bigger meltdown over the Christmas travel rush.
The hold on departures was lifted by mid-morning Eastern time, according to Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration, but not before traffic at airports from Denver to New York City backed up.
“Southwest has resumed operations after temporarily pausing flight activity this morning to work through data connection issues resulting from a firewall failure,” the Dallas-based airline said in a prepared statement. “Early this morning, a vendor-supplied firewall went down and connection to some operational data was unexpectedly lost.”
Southwest urged customers to check on their flight status “and explore self-service options” for travel as the airline worked on restoring its operation.
By late afternoon on the East Coast, more than half of all Southwest flights were delayed, and the airline accounted for half of all delays nationwide. On the positive side, Southwest had only about a dozen flights canceled, roughly in line with other major airlines, according to FlightAware.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg retweeted an FAA post about the ground stop, adding, “We are here to ensure passengers have strong protections when airline failures like this affect their plans.” He referred travelers to a Transportation Department checklist of passenger rights, and his press secretary noted that “no other airlines experienced disruptions.”
Tuesday’s delays added to the picture of an airline that has struggled more than most with technology issues.
“It was a 17-minute ground stop. This will have no long-lasting affect on Southwest’s reputation,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. “What matters now for Southwest is getting to the cause and doing all it can to ensure incidents like this don’t occur again.”
Rob Britton, a former American Airlines executive who teaches crisis management at Georgetown University, said the damage from Tuesday’s incident will be minor but will add to the erosion of Southwest’s image. He said Southwest has underinvested in technology while growing rapidly, and it suffers from an “insular culture” that “keeps them from looking outside for solutions.”
In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights in a 10-day stretch around Christmas — wrecking holiday travel plans for well over 2 million people — when a winter storm shut down its operations in Denver and Chicago and the airline’s system for rescheduling pilots and flight attendants was overwhelmed.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who led that hearing, said Tuesday’s breakdown “is another demonstration that Southwest Airlines needs to upgrade their systems and stop the negative impacts to individual travelers.”
The airline’s unions have said they warned management about problems with the crew-scheduling system after a previous meltdown in October 2021.
CEO Robert Jordan has embarked on a campaign to repair the airline’s damaged reputation. Southwest said last month it would add deicing equipment and increase staffing during winter weather that is cold enough to limit the amount of time that ground workers can stay outside.
Shares of Southwest Airlines Co. fell Tuesday nearly 1% while its closest rivals — American, Delta and United — all gained at least 1.5%.
