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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 02-02-2026

The SportsLine golf prediction model, created by DFS pro Mike McClure and renowned for correctly forecasting 16 major champions, simulated the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open 10,000 times and delivered some unexpected results, projecting several surprising performances and value bets at Torrey Pines; notably, a top favorite like Si Woo Kim is predicted to finish well outside the top five, while Patrick Cantlay is highlighted as one of the better value plays, and the model even identifies an extreme longshot at +28000 as the best positive expected value sleeper — all of which could lead to big payouts for bettors who back these picks.
A Pro Football Hall of Fame voter publicly addressed why he didn’t include legendary coach Bill Belichick on his ballot for the Class of 2026, explaining that while he personally believes Belichick deserves Hall of Fame induction, the current voting format — which limited voters to selecting three of five finalists — influenced his decision to cast his votes for other deserving candidates like senior figures instead; he emphasized that his choice wasn’t meant as a judgment on Belichick’s career, but rather a strategic use of his ballot given the voting rules, though the omission of Belichick — who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots — has drawn widespread criticism and highlighted perceived flaws in the selection process.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 01-26-2026

The Buffalo Bills interviewed former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers on January 23, 2026, as part of their search for a new head coach following Sean McDermott’s firing, drawing attention because Rivers has no prior NFL or college coaching experience beyond leading a high school team in Alabama and had just returned from a brief unretirement to play three games for the Indianapolis Colts; his strong relationship with Bills QB Josh Allen and offensive acumen made him an intriguing candidate, but days after the interview Rivers chose to withdraw from consideration and remain focused on his current coaching and family commitments, leaving Buffalo to pursue other coaching candidates.
Duke quarterback Darian Mensah has filed an emergency motion in Durham County Superior Court asking a judge to reconsider a temporary restraining order (TRO) that currently bars him from enrolling at another school after entering the NCAA transfer portal, arguing that the TRO — granted at Duke’s request and set to last until a February hearing — could effectively block him from meeting enrollment deadlines at interested programs; his motion also sought to accelerate the next hearing date, saying neither he nor his counsel were aware of enrollment cutoffs at the original hearing and that waiting until Feb. 2 would cause “manifest injustice,” as the legal dispute stems from Duke’s lawsuit contending Mensah breached a multiyear Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) contract by seeking to transfer.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 01-19-2026

Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold injured his left oblique during a Thursday practice ahead of Seattle’s NFC Divisional Round game with the San Francisco 49ers and was listed as questionable on the injury report, but he said he feels confident he’ll play and believes the chances of him missing the game are “very low, probably closer to zero.” Darnold felt the oblique while throwing, didn’t push through it, and got treatment and limited practice work thereafter, with Seattle’s coaching staff remaining optimistic about his availability; backups Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe were prepared to step in if necessary.
The Chicago Bears publicly lauded Indiana lawmakers for advancing Senate Bill 27, which would establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority empowered to acquire land, finance improvements and enter into long-term leases with private entities like an NFL team, marking what the franchise called a “significant milestone” in discussions about potentially building a new stadium in Northwest Indiana instead of their current Arlington Heights site; team officials thanked Governor Mike Braun and state legislators for moving the legislative framework forward as they continue evaluating options outside Illinois after earlier efforts to secure support there stalled, with NFL leadership and Bears executives touring both Indiana and Illinois sites amid ongoing uncertainty over the team’s future home.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 01-12-2026

The “Rivier Roundup: Women’s hockey wins, men bow to SNHU” article reports that Rivier University’s women’s ice hockey team earned a solid 3–1 victory over Nichols College, improving their season record and showcasing balanced scoring contributions, while the men’s ice hockey team fell 6–4 to Southern New Hampshire University, with SNHU’s Brendan Lynch scoring a hat trick to lead the Penmen past Rivier in a non-conference matchup.

The article “HS Hoop Roundup: Titan boys, Cardinal girls get first wins” highlights local high school basketball action from Jan. 7, 2026, noting that the Nashua North Titan boys secured their first regular-season victory with a win at Concord, led by contributions from players like Tyon Hoang, and the Bishop Guertin Cardinal girls also earned their first win of the season in their respective matchup, marking key early milestones for both teams as the winter basketball season gets underway.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 01-05-2026

Alabama fans were visibly dejected and frustrated after the Crimson Tide’s heavy Rose Bowl loss, expressing disappointment that the team fell short of expectations and lamenting that a program accustomed to national championship contention had such a lopsided defeat, with many saying this has increased pressure on head coach Kalen DeBoer and sparked speculation about his job security if results don’t improve; while some supporters still back the coach and the team’s overall spirit, the blowout loss has provoked wide criticism, intense reactions on social media, and debate over the direction of the program.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year, honoring his historic season leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a franchise-record 68 wins and the NBA championship, while also earning NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors — a remarkable achievement that underscored his on-court excellence and growing cultural impact. The award, one of the most prestigious in sports and given to the athlete who best represents achievement and sportsmanship, also recognized SGA’s influence beyond basketball, including community work in Oklahoma City and Canada, making him the first Canadian to win the honor outright since Wayne Gretzky.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 12-29-2025

The “90th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic in the News – December 23” roundup highlighted the buildup to the 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, set for Dec. 31 as part of the expanded CFP bracket, featuring No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 10 Miami along with previews, stories and media coverage about the teams and event. In the days that followed, coverage focused on Miami’s defensive improvements and game-week notes leading into kickoff; after the game, Miami upset defending national champion Ohio State 24-14, advancing to the CFP semifinals, with individual honors such as Mark Fletcher Jr. being named the Classic’s offensive MVP and Keionte Scott earning defensive recognition among other postgame highlights.

In a Week 16 NFL highlight, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw a career-high five touchdown passes to lead San Francisco to a 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, spoiling Philip Rivers’ homecoming in his brief 2025 playing return and helping keep the 49ers in the NFC top-seed hunt while also clinching several other playoff spots around the league. Meanwhile, Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf was suspended for two games without pay after a physical altercation with a fan during Pittsburgh’s game against the Lions, a punishment he plans to appeal.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 12-22-2025

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced it is awarding $6.3 million in grants to six Metro Atlanta school districts over the next three years to expand access to sports programs for middle and high school students. The funding, made in partnership with Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons, and PGA TOUR Superstore, aims to establish new sports programs, improve athletic fields and facilities, reduce participation costs, and remove barriers that have limited student involvement in athletics, benefiting thousands of young athletes in the region. 

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson has been named a first-team All-America all-purpose back by The Sporting News, adding to an already impressive list of postseason honors for his standout 2025 season. The recognition from The Sporting News is one of several first-team All-America nods he’s earned this month — including from Sports Illustrated, On3, and CBS Sports — along with second-team selections from other major outlets. Johnson rushed for 1,451 yards, led the Big Ten in rushing yards per game, ranked fourth nationally, and also led all FBS running backs in receptions, putting him among the most productive offensive players in college football this year. This distinction makes him the first Nebraska player named first-team All-America since 2011 and the first Husker running back to receive such honors since Heisman winner Mike Rozier in 1983.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 12-15-2025

Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker earned a spot on FOX Sports announcer Gus Johnson’s coveted “Got It!” team after a standout performance in the Big Ten Championship Game, where he hauled in six receptions for 126 yards and made pivotal plays to help Indiana defeat Ohio State 13–10 — including a key 51-yard catch and a game-clinching 33-yard reception on third down that helped seal the Hoosiers’ first Big Ten title in 58 years. Johnson praised Becker’s size, route running and “gifted” hands, highlighting him among the season’s top performers selected for the elite list.

Matthews Arena — a historic 115-year-old Boston venue at Northeastern University where Babe Ruth once played hockey and which served as the original home of the Boston Bruins and Celtics — is closing after more than a century of use, with its final events being recent collegiate hockey games before a scheduled demolition to make way for a new multipurpose athletics and recreation complex on the same site; the building hosted not only major sports but also concerts and political events over its long life, and its closure marks the end of an era in Boston sports history.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 12-08-2025

Over 400 high school students and educators attended the fourth annual High School Sports Media Conference hosted by the Ouachita Sports Digital Network (OSDN) at Ouachita Baptist University on Nov. 12, where participants from about 35 schools took part in free sessions led by professionals in areas like broadcast production, sports photography, podcasting and journalism. The event featured panels with industry experts and OSDN alumni, aimed at giving attendees practical insights they can bring back to their own media programs and showcasing Ouachita’s communications opportunities, with organizers hoping the record turnout reflects growing interest in sports media careers.

“Put me in, coach” highlights how Leveling the Playing Field (LPF), a nonprofit that collects and redistributes donated sports gear to help students access youth athletics, is expanding its impact by encouraging local community members to donate new or gently used equipment; the piece notes that Kent Island High School senior Joseph Huber helped set up the first LPF donation bin at his school to support teams with limited funding and boost participation opportunities for athletes who might otherwise be sidelined due to cost barriers.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 12-01-2025

Caitlin Clark reportedly played a key role in Stephen Curry’s surprising split from Under Armour — though she wasn’t the only factor. Sources say that Curry and his team were frustrated by Under Armour’s perceived “under-investment” in his signature line, and things came to a head when the company failed to sign Clark to join his brand. Under Armour’s offer to Clark reportedly lagged behind Nike’s bid (four years, $16 million vs. Nike’s eight-year, $28 million deal), and Clark ended up signing with Nike instead — a “sore point” for Curry that reportedly contributed to his decision to part ways.However, multiple reports emphasize that while the failed pursuit of Clark added fuel to Curry’s frustration, it was not necessarily the sole or decisive reason for the split; broader issues like weak sales, declining investment in the brand, and a shift in company priorities played major roles too.

St. Louis Cardinals have traded veteran right-hander Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-hander Richard Fitts, left-handed pitching prospect Brandon Clarke, and cash (or a player to be named later). Gray — a three-time All-Star who struck out 201 batters in 2025 while going 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA — waived his no-trade clause to make the deal possible. The trade signals a rebuilding push by the Cardinals, while Boston adds a proven veteran arm to bolster its rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet ahead of the 2026 season.

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Monthly Newsletter

November 2025 Newsletter

It is hard to believe that summer is already winding down here in the Midwest. As we come down from the immense high of Sports Philanthropy World, we are excited about the collaborations and partnerships that have emerged from SPW2025. Organizations are locking in details for the remainder of 2025 and well into planning their 2026 calendar year. We know that once Labor Day hits, the business world moves at a different speed.

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Monthly Newsletter

October 2025 Newsletter

It is hard to believe that summer is already winding down here in the Midwest. As we come down from the immense high of Sports Philanthropy World, we are excited about the collaborations and partnerships that have emerged from SPW2025. Organizations are locking in details for the remainder of 2025 and well into planning their 2026 calendar year. We know that once Labor Day hits, the business world moves at a different speed.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 11-24-2025

In the CBS News story, California’s 2026 governor candidates offer sharply diverging views on whether transgender students should be allowed to play on school sports teams according to their gender identity. Some candidates, like Republican Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, argue for repealing the current law — citing fairness and protecting girls’ sports — while others, such as Democrat Betty Yee and Tony Thurmond, support inclusion under existing protections. Some want limits (for example, based on puberty), while others say these decisions should be handled by sports governing bodies, not political offices.

Dayton Raiola, a three-star quarterback in Nebraska’s 2026 recruiting class and the younger brother of Huskers’ QB Dylan Raiola, has decommitted from Nebraska and reopened his recruitment just weeks before the early signing period. He had committed in September 2024 over offers from Appalachian State and Charlotte. With his exit, Nebraska now has no quarterback commitment in the 2026 class, and Dayton says his recruitment is “100% open.” Given his family ties (his father Dominic played at Nebraska, and his uncle Donovan is on the Huskers’ coaching staff), the move has sparked speculation — especially with roster depth at QB and his brother Dylan recently suffering a season-ending injury.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 11-17-2025

Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto signed a four-year, $30 million extension on Nov. 13, which starts in the 2026–27 season. The deal has an average annual value of $7.5 million. At 25 years old, Pinto was set to become a restricted free agent, but the Senators locked him into their core as his ice time and production continue to grow — this season he has posted 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) in 17 games while averaging a career-high nearly 19½ minutes per night. GM Steve Staios called him “an important part of our core” and said the extension gives the group a chance to build together.

Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown was released from a Miami jail after posting $25,000 bail following a not-guilty plea on a second-degree attempted murder charge. A judge ordered him to wear a GPS ankle monitor and stay under low-level house arrest as he awaits trial, where he could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. According to the indictment, the charge stems from a May 16 incident in Miami — after a celebrity boxing match — in which Brown allegedly grabbed a gun from security and fired two shots at a man he had previously fought with; one bullet reportedly grazed the man’s neck. Brown’s attorney disputes parts of the affidavit, claiming he used his own gun and didn’t aim at anyone.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 11-10-2025

The “Battle for the Bones” is a college-football trophy game pitting the Tigers of the University of Memphis against the Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with the winner taking home a 100-pound bronze rack of ribs. The trophy was introduced in 2006 to add flair to the rivalry, which dates back to 1997 on the gridiron and has roots in earlier matchups. The article notes how the trophy captures local flavor (with ribs being a regional staple) and how realignment in conferences caused the series to pause for a stretch, but both schools have embraced its revival and the symbol it carries.

The upcoming 7th Annual Pasadena Adaptive Sports Festival is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookside Park (360 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena). Organized by Triumph Foundation in partnership with the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, the free inclusive event gives participants of all abilities the chance to try a wide variety of adaptive sports—such as wheelchair basketball, hand-cycling, archery, pickleball, fencing, and more—with all equipment and coaching provided. A resource fair and interactive art workshop are also part of the day’s activities, lunch will be provided to registered adaptive athletes, and the festival aims to promote wellness, inclusion, and fun for everyone—from participants to families and friends. 

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