Johnny Gaudreau passes away

 

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, died in an "unimaginable tragedy," the team confirmed Friday.

Johnny and Matthew were killed after being hit by a car Thursday evening while riding bicycles, New Jersey State Police confirmed to the Associated Press. Police said a car hit the brothers from behind when the driver attempted to pass two other vehicles.

Police added that the driver was suspected of being under the influence and charged with two counts of death by auto.

Senators sign Nick Cousins

 

The Ottawa Senators and unrestricted free-agent forward Nick Cousins agreed to a one-year, $800,000 deal, the team announced Thursday.

Ottawa reached out to Cousins when free agency opened on July 1, but he was seeking a longer contract and more money at the time, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

Cousins spent the last two seasons with the Florida Panthers and helped the club capture its first Stanley Cup championship this spring. He appeared in 12 contests during the playoff run, logging one assist while averaging less than nine minutes of ice time per game.

Brandon Aiyuk signs with 49ers

 

Brandon Aiyuk isn't going anywhere after all.

The All-Pro receiver - who requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers in July - has agreed to terms on a four-year, $120-million contract extension that includes $76 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The offer accepted by Aiyuk is the same deal that's been on the table since Aug. 12 before the wideout started to hold in at training camp, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Taylor Swift candle lights way for Cubs

 

The Chicago Cubs have won three straight games and seven of 10 overall, and manager Craig Counsell said a Taylor Swift candle has brought the club some good fortune.

"I was gifted a Taylor Swift candle, and we've been lighting that before games in my office, clubhouse manager Danny Miller (and I)," Counsell told Marquee Sports' Taylor McGregor earlier this week.

Shohei Ohtani dog “throws” first pitch

Shohei Ohtani and his dog put on a paw-some show in Hollywood on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar hit a home run in his first at-bat in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles after his canine friend, Decoy, was the star of the ceremonial first pitch on the duo's bobblehead night.

Kelce brothers sign $100M Podcast

 

Travis and Jason Kelce signed a three-year podcast deal with Amazon's Wondery worth $100 million, a source told Variety's Todd Spangler.

The lucrative contract gives exclusive ad sales and distribution rights of the NFL brothers' "New Heights" podcast to the Amazon company.

"We couldn't be more excited to team up with Wondery for the next phase of New Heights," the brothers said in a joint statement. "We love this show and the fan base that has grown with us over the last two seasons.

Lamb signs with Cowboys

 

The Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb agreed to a multi-year extension, the club announced Monday.

Lamb is signing a four-year, $136-million extension that places him second among the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The $34-million average annual value trails only Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson ($35 million) among non-quarterbacks, according to Over the Cap.

Tatis Jr. ready to return

 

San Diego Padres star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. took batting practice on the field Friday and said he expects to return in September from a stress reaction in his right thighbone that has sidelined him for two months.

“It felt really good just being outside with the boys, ramping up. Every day a step closer," Tatis said before the Padres played the New York Mets in the second game of a four-game series between teams in playoff contention.

Tatis hasn't played since June 21. He was placed on the injured list on June 24, retroactive to June 22.

Shohei Ohtani joins 40-40 Club

 

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani became the sixth player in MLB history to join the 40-40 club, hitting his 40th home run of the season dramatically with a walk-off grand slam Friday to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays.

Joey Votto retires from baseball

 

Joey Votto created plenty of memories both on and off the field during his illustrious 17-year MLB career before retiringWednesday.

Votto earned a reputation as one of the game's most unique characters, often giving an eccentric quote with his trademark quick wit and sense of humor. On the diamond, the 2010 NL MVP and six-time All-Star authored many moments that could earn him enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Gavin Stone 10K’s

 

Gavin Stone struck out a career-high 10 over seven innings, Gavin Lux and Max Muncy homered in the seventh, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Seattle Mariners 3-0 on Monday night.

The Dodgers have won seven in a row overall and eight straight at home against the Mariners since 2015.

Stone (11-5), a 25-year-old right-hander, recorded eight strikeouts through four innings. He allowed singles to Julio Rodriguez and former Dodger Justin Turner, who returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since his memorable nine-year run with the team ended in 2022. He went 1 for 3.

Montreal acquires Laine

The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Patrik Laine and The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Jordan Harris, the teams announced Monday.

Laine, 26, had requested a trade out of Columbus. He has two seasons remaining on his contract at a $8.7-million cap hit. The Blue Jackets aren't retaining any salary.

Matsuyama wins St. Jude

 

No caddie. No coach. No problem for Hideki Matsuyama.

The 2021 Masters champion won the FedEx St. Jude - the PGA TOUR's playoff opener - by two strokes Sunday despite a roller-coaster back nine.

Matsuyama led by as many as five shots in the final round but momentarily fell off the top of the leaderboard after producing a 4-over par stretch from holes 12-15. However, he jarred a 26-footer for birdie on 17 to retake the solo lead.

Tyreek Hill challenges Noah Lyles

 

Miami Dolphins star wideout Tyreek Hill is asking 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles to sign a deal so the two can race. 

"Sign the contract and lock in that 50-yard race," Hill posted to X on Sunday.

The eight-time Pro Bowler saidpreviously he would beat Lyles in a race and criticized him for his performance in the 200m event at the Summer Olympics.

Lyles doesn't believe Hill is serious about racing him but is willing to do it if the two sides come to an agreement.

Jacob deGrom ready to return

 

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom faced live hitters for the third time in recent weeks on Saturday and said he feels ready to begin a rehab assignment next week in hopes of pitching for the Texas Rangers for the first time since June 2023.

“My arm feels great except now it’s just been, what, how many months? Fourteen?” said deGrom, 36, who threw about 45 pitches in three innings. “You’ve got your guys (teammates) in there. You go face other guys, and I think that’ll help a little bit.”

Aaron Judge 300th Career Homerun

 

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge put his name in the record books Wednesday when he hit his 300th career home run in his 955th game, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach the milestone.

Chisholm Jr lands on injured list

 

The New York Yankees placed Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the injured list with an elbow sprain, the club announced Wednesday.

Chisholm sustained a left UCL injury on a slide at home plate in Monday's loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that the Yankees are still determining the severity of the injury and if surgery will be necessary, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.

Matthews Leafs new Captain

 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a leadership change.

Auston Matthews is expected to be named captain Wednesday, replacing John Tavares, reports TSN's Darren Dreger.

The Maple Leafs have already called a press conference for 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Tavares, who's worn the "C" for the last five seasons, reportedly fully supports the decision. 

Toronto has made the postseason eight years in a row - tied for the longest active streak in the league - but only has one series win to show for it. The Maple Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 in Round 1 in 2024.

Duran suspended for homophobic slur

 

The Boston Red Sox gave outfielder Jarren Duran a two-game suspension for directing a homophobic slur toward a fan during Sunday's game, the team announced.

The ban is unpaid and begins immediately, meaning Duran will miss the first two games of Boston's series against the Texas Rangers. He's eligible to return on Wednesday.

USA wins Basketball Gold

 

Stephen Curry was thinking about this two years ago, after winning his fourth NBA title. The only thing left for him to win was Olympic gold.

And in the ultimate moment, he made sure that medal would be his.

The U.S. is atop the international men’s basketball world once again, after Curry scored 24 points and led the way to a 98-87 win over France in the final at the Paris Games on Saturday night. It was the fifth consecutive gold medal for the U.S. — and the 17th in 20 all-time appearances for the Americans at the games.

Vladimir Guerrero 22 game hit streak

 

Osvaldo Bido and three relievers combined on a two-hitter, Brent Rooker hit his 29th home run and the Oakland Athletics beat the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0 on Saturday for their ninth shutout of the season.

Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled in the first inning, extending his hitting streak to 22 games and matching the longest streak of his career, which he had in 2022. It is the longest active streak in the major leagues.

Guerrero went 1-for-4. He struck out swinging at a 103-mph fastball from right-hander Mason Miller in the ninth with the tying run at first base.

Canada wins Relay Gold

 

Andre De Grasse anchored the Canadian men to a gold medal in the 4x100m relay Friday, upsetting the Americans in Paris and helping his country win the event for the first time since 1996.

The Americans were disqualified postrace after Kenneth Bednarek and Christian Coleman had a bad handoff at the first exchange and stepped outside the legal zone.

McCaffrey battles calf strain

 

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will miss a couple weeks of practice and is unlikely to play in the preseason due to a calf strain, head coach Kyle Shanahan saidTuesday.

The injury is not considered a long-term issue, Shanahan said.

Backup running back Elijah Mitchell is dealing with a hamstring strain and will be out "a week or so," Shanahan added. The 49ers signed veteran running back Matt Breida on Monday to add depth.

Brandon Aiyuk trade framework

 

The ball is seemingly in Brandon Aiyuk's court.

The San Francisco 49ers have negotiated the frameworks of trades that would send the disgruntled wide receiver to the Cleveland Browns or New England Patriots, a source told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

It's now reportedly up to Aiyuk to decide if he will accept the contract terms from either of those teams. Cleveland and New England reportedly presented their best offers to the pass-catcher's camp, and the 49ers already accepted their trade proposals. The Niners are expected to receive a veteran receiver and draft picks in a potential Aiyuk trade, notes Maiocco.

Michigan investigation for sign stealing

 

Former Michigan staff member Connor Stalions was on the sidelines wearing a disguise for Michigan State's season opener against Central Michigan in 2023, according to a draft of the NCAA's notice of allegations obtained by Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel of ESPN.

The draft doesn't state how Stalions received a press pass to be on the Chippewas' sideline for the contest, Thamel and Murphy added.

Central Michigan launched an investigation in late October after photos of an individual resembling Stalions on the sidelines emerged.

Stalions, who was a recruiting analyst for the Wolverines under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, resigned from his position in November. Michigan suspended Stalions with pay in October due to an NCAA investigation into sign-stealing allegations.

Ohtani joins 30-30 Club

 

Shohei Ohtani added yet another accomplishment to his resume on Saturday, as the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar joined the 30-homer, 30-steal club for the first time in his career.

Ohtani clinched his 30-30 season with a stolen base - his second of the game - in the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics.

Scheffler wins Gold

 

Scottie Scheffler won Olympic gold as he tied the course record at Le Golf National with a 9-under 62 on Sunday, finishing 19-under for the tournament.

Great Britain's Tommy Fleetwoodtook the silver medal, one stroke behind Scheffler, and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama claimed the bronze. Matsuyama lost the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in a seven-man playoff.

Scheffler's 29 on the back nine is his first of the season. The World No. 1 adds Olympic gold to a remarkable season featuring six wins on the PGA TOUR, including a victory at the Masters.

Summer McIntosh wins 3rd Gold Medal

Swimming phenom Summer McIntosh won her third gold medal of the Paris Olympics in the women's 200m individual medley on Saturday, making her the first Canadian ever to claim three golds at a single Games.

American Kate Douglass took silver, and Australian Kaylee McKeown earned bronze.

McIntosh had her work cut out for her in the race, trailing at the final turn before chasing down American Alex Walsh for the win. Walsh was later disqualified for an illegal turn.

Blake Snell throws No Hitter

 

San Francisco Giants left-hander Blake Snell threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, striking out 11 during a dominant 114-pitch outing.

Snell got Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz to fly out to right fielder Mike Yastrzemski for the final out of a 3-0 win for the Giants.

Mike Trout 2024 is over

 

Mike Trout's 2024 season is over.

The Los Angeles Angels superstar suffered a second torn meniscus in his left knee, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

Trout hasn't played since his original meniscus injury in late April. The surgery he underwent to repair that tear wasn't supposed to be season-ending.

Summer McIntosh wins SECOND gold medal

Summer McIntosh won her second gold medal of the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 200m butterfly Thursday for Canada's third gold overall.

McIntosh earned her third medal in Paris after capturing gold in the 400m individual medley and silver in the 400m freestyle. This is Canada's first medal ever in the 200m butterfly.

The 17-year-old phenom from Toronto is the first Canadian swimmer since Alex Baumann at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to win two gold medals at the same Games. She's also the first woman to achieve the feat.

Katie Ledecky makes Olympic history

 

Katie Ledecky wrote her spot in the Olympic history books Wednesday, winning the 1,500m free, earning her eighth career gold, and setting an Olympic record time.

Swimming in the prime lane, Ledecky won the second iteration of the Olympic event by more than 10 seconds. She now ties compatriot Jenny Thompson for the most gold medals by a female swimmer in history. Her 12 Olympic medals are the most by an American woman in any sport, and tied for the most by a female swimmer.