Sports

Sports coverage from the Orlando Sentinel:

• UCF fans should applaud AAC’s Aresco for trying to ruin Big 12 | Commentary August 1, 2021
  If the Big 12 disappears, the American Athletic Conference suddenly becomes part of the "Power 5."
  Mike Bianchi
• Orlando Pride draw against North Carolina in Becky Burleigh’s debut August 1, 2021
  The match marked Burleigh's first game in a professional league.
  Julia Poe
• 3 things we learned from Orlando City’s 3-2 win over Atlanta United August 1, 2021
  As the Lions’ captain and leading offensive playmaker, no one has come through for Orlando City this season more than Luis Nani.
  Julia Poe
• American swimmer Caeleb Dressel wins his 5th gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, joining an elite club August 1, 2021
  Make it five for Caeleb Dressel. The American star won his fifth gold medal of the Tokyo Games, finishing off one of the great performances in Olympic history. He joins an elite club of just four other swimmers with at least five gold medals at one Games.
  Paul Newberry
• Top US gymnast Simone Biles opts out of the floor exercise at the Olympics but still could compete in the balance beam August 1, 2021
  Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic gold medal on floor exercise. USA Gymnastics announced Sunday that the six-time Olympic medalist has opted not to compete in floor, where she won gold in Rio de Janeiro. Biles still could compete in the balance beam, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
• Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence gets “plus, plus” grades; “real stuff” next August 1, 2021
  Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had an impressive opening week of training camp.
  MARK LONG
• Dolphins’ first-round pick Jaelan Phillips sidelined due to injury August 1, 2021
  Dolphins rookie Jaelan Phillips had a productive start to training camp, showcasing all the skills needed to thrive at his position — pass rushing, edge setting, dropping back into coverage — before leaving practiced early on Friday due to an injury.
  Omar Kelly
• Disgruntled cornerback Xavien Howard admits ‘nothing is getting done’ with Dolphins August 1, 2021
  Despite Xavien Howard's request to be traded from the Dolphins earlier this week — and thorough explanation on an Instagram post about the displeasure he feels about his contract situation — he’s aware there’s a strong possibility he might have to play the 2021 season in Miami.
  Omar Kelly
• Saints arms race: Jameis Winston vs. Taysom Hill in bid to succeed QB Drew Brees August 1, 2021
  Erstwhile Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston says making better decisions with the football doesn't mean adopting a mentality that favors short throws for the New Orleans Saints.
  BRETT MARTEL
• Host Rays top Boston to regain 1st place in AL East August 1, 2021
  Wander Franco had two key run-scoring hits, the Tampa Bay bullpen worked out of a pair of bases-loaded jams, and the Rays moved into first place in the AL East with a 9-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.
  MARK DIDTLER
• Marlins manager Don Mattingly tests positive for COVID-19; Yankees win behind another homer from Rizzo August 1, 2021
  The 60-year-old Mattingly experienced mild symptoms when he arrived at the park for the game. The former Yankees star was vaccinated in mid-April.
• Seby Zavala hits 3 home runs — including a grand slam — but the Chicago White Sox fall to the Cleveland Indians 12-11 August 1, 2021
  Chicago White Sox catcher Seby Zavala had a night to remember Saturday, becoming the first player in major-league history to hit his first home run as part of a three-home run night. Zavala went 4-for-4 with six RBIs. But the Cleveland Indians also did some impressive hitting, topping the Sox 12-11.
  LaMond Pope
• Javier Báez homers in his New York Mets debut — one day after his trade from the Chicago Cubs August 1, 2021
  Joey Votto came oh-so-close to matching the major-league record with a home run in eight consecutive games, but Javier Báez did clear the fence in his New York Mets debut in a 5-4 victory against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night. Báez joined the Mets in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on Friday.
  Associated Press Staff
• Anthony Rizzo homers for the 2nd straight game with the New York Yankees after his trade from the Chicago Cubs August 1, 2021
  Anthony Rizzo homered in his second consecutive game since joining the New York Yankees in a 4-2 victory Saturday against the Miami Marlins on a night Don Mattingly missed the game after testing positive for COVID-19.
  Associated Press Staff
• John Means back at his best in Orioles’ 5-2 win over Tigers August 1, 2021
  In a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers, left-hander John Means went six innings, with a solo home run accounting for all the damage against him.
  Nathan Ruiz
• Phillies fall short against Pirates again August 1, 2021
  Jacob Stallings drove in the winning run with a fielder’s choice in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night.
• NHL to investigate claim that San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane bet on his own games August 1, 2021
  The NHL said it will investigate an allegation made by Evander Kane’s wife claiming the San Jose Sharks forward bet on his own games and has intentionally tried to lose for gambling profit.
  Stephen Whyno
• Former Seminole, UCF star and Buffalo Bills WR Gabriel Davis signs contract with Nike July 31, 2021
  Bills WR Gabe Davis inks contract with Nike
  Chris Hays
• Marcus Maye is out to prove he’s one of the best safeties in the NFL July 31, 2021
  Marcus Maye was candid and admitted it was disappointing that a long-term deal with the Jets couldn’t get done.
  DJ Bien-Aime II
• Dolphins camp: Offensive line experiments, stock up, stock down, Saturday observations July 31, 2021
  The Miami Dolphins used the first week of training camp to experiment with the composition of the offensive line, and one of last year’s rookie starters appears to be on the outside looking in.
  Omar Kelly
• Chicago Red Stars goalie Alyssa Naeher is a steadying force for the U.S. national team after coming up big at the Olympics July 31, 2021
  Much as she did at the 2019 World Cup, U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher came up big at the Olympics in the tensest of moments.
  Anne M. Peterson
• Anthony Rizzo homers in his New York Yankees debut — a day after his trade from the Chicago Cubs July 31, 2021
  Newly acquired Anthony Rizzo homered, singled and walked in his debut with the New York Yankees, who beat the Miami Marlins 3-1 on Friday night. A day after being obtained from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for two prospects, Rizzo snapped a 14-inning scoreless drought for the Yankees with his solo shot in the sixth inning.
  Associated Press Staff
• Column: There’s no room for sentimentality in baseball, as Anthony Rizzo learned on his final day with Chicago Cubs July 31, 2021
  Anthony Rizzo's final goodbye to the Chicago Cubs was on Waveland Avenue, in front of a small crowd of fans who waited to watch him leave the park.
  Paul Sullivan
• Gators land commitment from 2022 Winter Park RB Terrance Gibbs at Friday Night Lights July 31, 2021
  Terrane Gibbs headed to Florida
  Chris Hays
• 7 things to know about BMX freestyle from an Olympic judge’s perspective, including expecting the unexpected and how COVID-19 will affect the event July 31, 2021
  The latest stop on Brian Kachinsky’s BMX journey is the Tokyo Olympics, where the longtime Chicago resident is one of six judges serving on the panel as BMX freestyle debuts as a medal sport.
  Chris Sosa
• Forget the excuses; Team USA issues are egos and it starts with Gregg Popovich July 31, 2021
  Team USA's men's basketball team needs to check its ego at the door and it begins with coach Gregg Popovich.
  Chris Hays
• Orlando City muscles out rival Atlanta United in 3-2 victory July 31, 2021
  Homegrown keeper Mason Stajduhar debuted in the victorious match five years after signing with Orlando City.
  Julia Poe
• Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja says Chris Mueller set to finish season in Orlando July 31, 2021
  Reports out of England have suggested that Chris Mueller was pushing for an early exit from Orlando City before season's end, a notion that coach Oscar Pareja disputed.
  Julia Poe
• Orlando Pride begin new chapter on the road against North Carolina July 31, 2021
  The match will mark Pride interim coach Becky Burleigh's professional debut.
  Julia Poe
• New Magic players Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner introduced at Amway Center July 31, 2021
  The Magic on Friday introduced draft picks Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, the Nos. 5 and 8 selections, respectively.
  Chris Hays
• SEC welcomes Texas, Oklahoma - two football powers with success, tradition in many sports July 31, 2021
  The SEC announced the Big 12 football powers Texas and Oklahoma would become members on July 1, 2025, bringing the number of SEC member schools to 16.
  Edgar Thompson
• Griffin twins from UCF trade jabs long before 1st NFL game as opponents July 31, 2021
  The Griffin twins from UCF already are talking trash three months before they’re on opposite sidelines for the first time in their lives.
  MARK LONG
• Tom Brady’s knee feels fine, and he’s happy to be back to work July 31, 2021
  Tom Brady says his surgically repaired knee feels good and he’s happy to be back to work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  FRED GOODALL
• American Caeleb Dressel sets a world record en route to his 3rd gold medal, and Katie Ledecky caps her Olympics with a win in the 800 freestyle July 31, 2021
  Continuing his march to being perhaps the biggest star of the Tokyo Games, Caeleb Dressel won his third gold medal with a world record in the 100-meter butterfly Saturday. About 20 minutes later, Katie Ledecky claimed her expected gold in the 800 freestyle.
  Paul Newberry
• Host Rays top Boston 7-3 to get a half-game back July 31, 2021
  The host Tampa Bay Rays moved within a half-game of AL East-leading Boston with a 7-3 victory over the Red Sox in the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.
• Simone Biles withdraws from the Olympic vault and uneven bars but could compete in the balance beam and floor exercise next week July 31, 2021
  Simone Biles is opting not to defend her Olympic vault title, pulling out of Sunday’s finals for the vault and uneven bars while she focuses on her mental health. The six-time medalist removed herself from competition during the team finals Tuesday and sat out Thursday’s all-around final as well. She is scheduled to compete in the balance beam and floor exer […]
  Will Graves
• Rizzo hits tape-measure home run in Yankees debut as Marlins toppled by new-look Bronx Bombers July 31, 2021
  A day after being obtained from the Chicago Cubs in a trade, the 2007 graduate of Parkland's Stoneman Douglas High School snapped a 14-inning scoreless drought for the Yankees with his solo shot in the sixth inning.
• Matt Harvey keeps scoreless second half going, Pedro Severino homers twice in Orioles’ 4-3 win over Tigers July 31, 2021
  Pitching a season-high 6 ⅓ innings, Matt Harvey became only the fourth Oriole in the past 40 years with three consecutive starts of at least six innings without allowing a run, joining Kevin Gausman, Fernando Valenzuela and Jim Palmer.
  Nathan Ruiz
• Fundamentals escape Phillies again in loss to Pirates July 31, 2021
  Vince Velasquez struggled on the mound again and Bryce Harper mis-played two fly balls in right field as the Phillies were blanked by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, 7-0, at PNC Park.
• Megan Rapinoe converts and US gets past Netherlands on penalties July 31, 2021
  Megan Rapinoe converted the deciding penalty in a shootout and the United States advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament 4-2 following a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
  ANNE M. PETERSON
• Carlos Carrasco looks great in debut, but Mets lose 6-2 as deGrom injury news sours the mood July 31, 2021
  A cloud of uncertainty involving Jacob deGrom’s setback with more inflammation in his right arm hovered over the evening.
  Deesha Thosar
• Montverde has record 7 players selected in NBA Draft; Cade Cunningham leads way at No. 1 July 31, 2021
  Montverde Academy has record six players chosen in NBA draft
  Chris Hays
• Jacob deGrom further setback with right-arm inflammation; shut down from throwing for two weeks July 30, 2021
  Jacob deGrom’s injury status just went from bad to ... oh, crap.
  Deesha Thosar
• Hyde: What will define a successful season for Tua? | Commentary July 30, 2021
  Dolphins second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a leader. This year will start showing if he's a franchise QB.
  Dave Hyde
• Dolphins CB Byron Jones reacts to getting thrown into Xavien Howard contract saga July 30, 2021
  Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones spoke about getting mixed in with Xavien Howard's contract situation as the player making more than Howard at his same position.
  David Furones
• Dolphins camp: Jason McCourty lends veteran presence, plus stock up, stock down and Friday observations July 30, 2021
  Veteran defensive back Jason McCourty is providing versatility and a veteran presence to the Miami Dolphins' secondary. Meanwhile, WR Robert Foster has himself an impressive third practice, along with several others.
  David Furones
• Miami Hurricanes reel in fifth 2022 four-star prospect in cornerback Tre’Quon Fegans July 30, 2021
  Four-star cornerback Tre’Quon Fegans announced his pledge to Miami’s 2022 recruiting class during an Instagram Live on Friday.
  Khobi Price
• MLB suspends Starlin Castro 30 games under the league’s domestic violence policy and Washington Nationals will release the infielder July 30, 2021
  Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro has been suspended for 30 games without pay and fined an undisclosed amount for violating Major League Baseball’s policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
• Olympics: US women’s soccer team gets past Netherlands on penalties to advance to semifinals July 30, 2021
  Megan Rapinoe converted the deciding penalty in a shootout and the United States advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament 4-2 following a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Friday.
  Anne M. Peterson
• Miami Hurricanes QB D’Eriq King, RB Jaylan Knighton named to preseason watch lists July 30, 2021
  Miami quarterback D'Eriq King has been named to three preseason watch lists during the offseason.
  Khobi Price
• Olympics: US baseball team — made up of prospects and released players — wins their opener behind Eddy Alvarez’s 2 RBI doubles July 30, 2021
  Speedskating silver medalist Eddy Alvarez put the U.S. ahead with the first of his two RBI doubles, and the United States beat Israel 8-1 in the Americans’ Olympic opener on Friday night.
  RONALD BLUM
• Japan expands its COVID-19 state of emergency with infections spiking as Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games July 30, 2021
  Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency to four more areas in addition to Tokyo on Friday following record spikes in infections as the capital hosts the Olympics.
  Mari Yamaguchi
• US swimmer Michael Andrew — who isn’t vaccinated — goes maskless when talking to reporters after his race July 30, 2021
  Michael Andrew, who made waves for saying he wasn’t vaccinated against COVID-19, didn’t wear a mask behind the scenes after swimming his final at the Tokyo Olympics on Friday.
  BETH HARRIS
• Shaquem Griffin looking to bring more than just his inspiring story to Miami Dolphins July 30, 2021
  Shaquem Griffin's story of overcoming adversity is well known. Now, he comes to the Miami Dolphins bringing an extra outside linebacker and special teams contributor into training camp.
  David Furones
• Magic take point guard Jalen Suggs at No. 5, forward Franz Wagner at No. 8 July 30, 2021
  Magic picked Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner in the first round on Thursday.
  Chris Hays
• This was most important NBA Draft in Orlando Magic history | Commentary July 30, 2021
  Mike Bianchi column on Orlando Magic Draft Thursday night
  Mike Bianchi
• UF’s Tre Mann OKC-bound as Gators’ first first-round NBA draft pick since 2012 July 30, 2021
  UF guard Tre Mann selected by OKC with the 18th pick, becoming the first first-round pick for the Gators since Bradley Beal in 2012.
  Edgar Thompson
• South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker sets world swim record at Olympics; Aussies add 6th gold July 30, 2021
  South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker was the star of the day, setting the first individual swimming world record at the Tokyo Olympics. Others shined, too.
  PAUL NEWBERRY
• Pride interim coach Becky Burleigh strives for simple, supportive start in Orlando July 29, 2021
  The coach assumed the interim coach role on Sunday after coach Marc Skinner's departure.
  Julia Poe
• Gators Caeleb Dressel, Bobby Finke swimming in gold at Tokyo Olympics July 29, 2021
  Florida Gators and Sunshine State natives Caeleb Dressel and Bobby Finke won Olympic gold medals in dramatic fashion Wednesday.
  Edgar Thompson