The Patriots will now head into the 2026 campaign under interim leadership after the school dismissed Pomfret from both his coaching and teaching positions.

Carroll Fires Head Coach Before Season Opener

Archbishop Carroll High School announced Monday that Pomfret has been removed as head football coach following what administrators described as an “on-field incident at practice.”

Pomfret had already been placed on administrative leave after the incident occurred during the team’s acclimation practices at Ohio Dominican University.

School officials have not released additional details about what happened.

Coach Also Removed From Teaching Role

Principal Matt Sableski confirmed Pomfret’s dismissal from both his coaching duties and his teaching position.

The decision comes less than three weeks before Carroll opens its regular season.

Pomfret, a Carroll graduate himself, spent just one season leading the Patriots, who finished 1-9 under his direction in 2025.

RELATED: North Carolina High School Shuts Down Football Program Weeks Before Season Over Safety Concerns

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Interim Coach Takes Over

Assistant coach and Carroll alumnus Mitch Weitz has been promoted to interim head coach.

Weitz has served as an assistant with the football program while also leading the school’s boys bowling team since 2023.

“We are confident that Coach Weitz and our coaching staff will provide the leadership, support, and stability our players need as they move forward together,” Sableski said.

Season Still Set to Begin Aug. 21

Despite the sudden coaching change, Carroll is expected to open the 2026 season on Aug. 21 against Stebbins High School.

The program now faces the challenge of preparing for Week 1 while adjusting to new leadership following the unexpected dismissal.

TMSPN Take

Losing a head coach this close to the start of the season is never ideal, particularly when few details surrounding the dismissal have been made public. Carroll’s immediate priority will be providing stability for its players as Mitch Weitz attempts to guide the Patriots through an already difficult transition just weeks before kickoff.

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Brock Lesnar announced Tuesday that his legendary career has come to an end, confirming that his loss to Oba Femi at SummerSlam will be remembered as the final match of a remarkable 26-year run that transformed him into one of the biggest attractions the wrestling business has ever seen.

The 49-year-old made the emotional announcement during an appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, bringing an end to years of speculation about when “The Beast Incarnate” would finally walk away for good.

Brock Lesnar Confirms Retirement

Just days after suffering a brutal defeat to Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam in Minneapolis, Lesnar revealed he has no plans to return to the squared circle.

Appearing alongside Pat McAfee and AJ Hawk, the former WWE Champion thanked fans who supported him throughout his career and admitted the decision carried enormous emotional weight.

“I’m here today to let the world know that I am retired and I wanted to say a big thank you to everybody,” Lesnar said. “Saturday was a very emotional day for me.”

Although Lesnar has stepped away from wrestling before only to eventually return, he insisted this time is different.

“I still had some fuel in the tank, but Saturday for Brock Lesnar, that’s it. That’s it for me in the squared circle and for everything else too.”

The announcement immediately sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, with fans reflecting on one of the most decorated careers of the modern era.

RELATED: Brock Lesnar’s Daughter Mya Lesnar Hard Launches Relationship With NFL Star

SummerSlam Becomes Final Chapter

In hindsight, there were signs that Lesnar’s farewell had been building for months.

Following his WrestleMania 42 clash with Oba Femi earlier this year, Lesnar left his boots and gloves in the center of the ring—a symbolic gesture long associated with retirement in professional wrestling.

While many believed he still had one more major run left after returning for SummerSlam, Lesnar confirmed that Sunday’s defeat officially closed the book on his in-ring career.

The decision allows him to leave the sport on his own terms after spending more than two decades as one of WWE’s premier attractions.

From NCAA Champion to WWE Superstar

Long before becoming one of wrestling’s biggest names, Lesnar established himself as one of the nation’s most dominant amateur wrestlers.

After an outstanding collegiate career that included NJCAA All-American honors and an astonishing 106-5 record, he signed with WWE in 2002 and immediately emerged as one of the company’s fastest-rising stars.

His combination of overwhelming strength, athleticism and legitimate combat sports credentials made him unlike almost anyone the industry had ever seen.

Within a remarkably short period, Lesnar captured the WWE Championship and became the face of the company’s next generation.

However, the relentless travel schedule, mounting injuries and growing frustration with creative direction prompted him to leave WWE in 2004, ending his first run after just two years.

Reinventing Himself Inside the UFC

Rather than remain in wrestling, Lesnar pursued challenges few entertainers would ever attempt.

He briefly chased an NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings before shifting his focus to mixed martial arts.

That decision proved to be another career-defining move.

After beginning his MMA journey in Japan, Lesnar signed with the UFC in 2008 and quickly became one of the organization’s biggest pay-per-view attractions.

Despite entering the sport with limited experience, he captured the UFC heavyweight championship by defeating Randy Couture, cementing his place as one of the rare athletes to become champions in both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

His star power helped elevate UFC into the mainstream during one of the organization’s most important periods of growth.

Return to WWE Created Another Historic Run

Lesnar returned to WWE in 2012 and once again established himself as one of the company’s top attractions.

Over the next decade, he collected additional world championships, headlined numerous WrestleManias and developed memorable rivalries with stars including Roman Reigns, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes and many others.

His final WWE run also showcased a different side of his personality, with fans embracing his laid-back “cowboy” persona complete with a beard, ponytail and flannel shirts.

The reinvention introduced Lesnar to a new generation of wrestling fans while proving he remained one of the industry’s biggest draws well into his 40s.

Career Included Off-Screen Controversy

Lesnar’s final years in wrestling were not without controversy.

In 2023, he was named in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon, leading WWE to remove him from creative plans and promotional material while legal proceedings continued.

Lesnar remained away from WWE programming for roughly two years before returning at SummerSlam in 2025 despite the ongoing litigation.

He would wrestle only a handful of matches before announcing his retirement one year later.

A Career Few Will Ever Match

Very few athletes have built the type of résumé Lesnar leaves behind.

He became an NCAA wrestling champion, a WWE megastar, a UFC heavyweight champion and briefly pursued a professional football career—all while becoming one of the most recognizable combat sports figures of his generation.

Whether inside a wrestling ring, an MMA cage or under the brightest lights in sports entertainment, Lesnar consistently delivered moments that captivated audiences around the world.

His combination of legitimate athletic credentials and unmatched star power made him one of the most unique performers the industry has ever produced.

TMSPN Take

Brock Lesnar’s career was unlike almost anyone else’s in modern sports. He dominated college wrestling, reached the NFL, won the UFC heavyweight championship and became one of WWE’s biggest attractions across multiple eras. Whether this retirement truly marks the end remains to be seen given Lesnar’s history of surprise returns, but if SummerSlam was indeed his final match, he walks away as one of the most accomplished and influential figures the wrestling business has ever seen.

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Instead, much of the attention following Saturday’s inaugural contest shifted to the national anthem.

Motown legend Martha Reeves, who performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the league’s opening game in Springfield, Illinois, addressed the criticism after her performance went viral across social media, explaining that difficult weather conditions and technical issues contributed to the challenges she faced.

Martha Reeves Responds to Viral Performance

Reeves, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday, performed the national anthem before the Women’s Professional Baseball League officially began play at Robin Roberts Stadium.

The opening game featured the Los Angeles Queens taking on the New York Heights in what marked the first contest of the league’s inaugural season.

Following the ceremony, clips of Reeves’ performance quickly spread online, with many viewers comparing her vocals to those that made her one of Motown’s most celebrated performers.

In a statement provided to TMZ, Reeves acknowledged that the performance did not meet her own expectations.

“Having just celebrated my 85th birthday, I’ve learned a great deal over more than 60 years of performing live,” Reeves said.

She added that accepting the invitation to perform was an easy decision because of the significance of the event.

“It was an incredible honor to be invited to perform at the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League event and to help celebrate such a historic moment for women in sports. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

RELATED: Cubs Fan Who Slapped Man During National Anthem Speaks Out About What Happened Next

Weather and Technical Issues Played a Role

Reeves explained that several factors affected her ability to perform comfortably.

According to her statement, wet and windy conditions at the ballpark, combined with the absence of stage monitors, made it difficult to hear herself throughout the anthem.

“The field conditions were wet and windy, and without stage monitors I wasn’t able to hear myself as I normally would. While it wasn’t the performance I had hoped for, I’m grateful to have been there in support of these remarkable athletes and this groundbreaking league.”

Reeves was accompanied by two backup singers during the performance.

A Historic Day for Women’s Baseball

Despite the online attention surrounding the anthem, the day represented a milestone for women’s professional baseball.

More than 4,000 fans packed Robin Roberts Stadium for the league’s debut, creating a sellout crowd for the historic opener.

The Los Angeles Queens defeated the New York Heights 10-8 in an entertaining, high-scoring contest that officially launched the new league.

The Women’s Professional Baseball League is the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ceased operations in 1954.

Its four inaugural franchises represent Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and San Francisco.

All teams will play a 15-game schedule at Robin Roberts Stadium before the league crowns its first champion in September.

A Moment Bigger Than One Performance

While Reeves’ rendition of the national anthem became one of the day’s biggest social media talking points, it also served as a reminder of the challenges that come with live outdoor performances, particularly for veteran entertainers performing in difficult conditions.

For the WPBL, the focus now shifts back to the field as the league looks to build momentum throughout its historic inaugural season.

TMSPN Take

Opening day should have been remembered solely for launching the first U.S. women’s professional baseball league in more than 70 years. Instead, the national anthem dominated much of the conversation online. Hopefully, as the season continues, the spotlight shifts back to the athletes and the history they’re making on the field.

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Now, a surprising new controversy has emerged at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, with several women’s teams reportedly accusing rivals of gaining an illegal aerodynamic edge through an unexpected piece of equipment: padded bras.

According to a report from Dutch cycling outlet WielerFlits, multiple WorldTour teams believe some competitors are wearing heavily padded bras during individual time trials to artificially alter their body shape and reduce aerodynamic drag. If true, the practice could violate cycling regulations and potentially influence one of the sport’s biggest races.

Why Would a Larger Bust Make a Rider Faster?

At first glance, the allegation sounds bizarre. However, the science behind the claim has caught the attention of cycling experts.

Researchers refer to the concept as a “chest fairing.” The idea is that increasing the rider’s chest profile changes the airflow around the upper body while in the aggressive time-trial position. Instead of turbulent air becoming trapped between the rider’s chest and thighs, the airflow becomes smoother, reducing drag and allowing the cyclist to move through the air more efficiently.

Aerodynamics researcher Bert Blocken explained the concept in detail.

“We are talking about a Chest Fairing, with which you change the airflow around the body and thus get less overpressure on the thighs. As a result, the rider experiences less air resistance,” Blocken said.

He also emphasized that while the gain isn’t enormous, it could absolutely decide elite races.

“It’s not that you take tens of seconds of advantage in a time trial, but in a ride of 20 to 30 kilometers, it can yield seconds that can be decisive.”

The Potential Time Savings Are Significant

While the alleged modification may sound minor, research suggests the aerodynamic benefit could be substantial.

Testing has reportedly shown that creating a more streamlined airflow around the torso can reduce air resistance by as much as 3.6 percent. In a sport where athletes spend millions of dollars collectively searching for gains measured in tenths of a percent, that’s an eye-opening figure.

Researchers estimate the advantage at approximately 0.78 seconds per kilometer.

That becomes especially important during Tuesday’s 21-kilometer individual time trial at the Tour de France Femmes.

Over that distance, a rider could theoretically gain around 16 seconds solely from the aerodynamic improvement—an enormous margin in professional cycling, where overall race victories are often decided by just a handful of seconds.

Comparisons to Another Olympic Controversy

The allegations have drawn comparisons to another unusual aerodynamic controversy from the 2026 Winter Olympics, when ski jumpers were accused of using penile injections to alter body shape and improve airflow.

Although the sports are vastly different, the underlying principle is the same: manipulating the body’s natural shape to create better aerodynamics.

Elite athletes have long searched for every possible competitive edge, and governing bodies continually adjust regulations to keep innovation from crossing into unfair advantage.

RELATED: Rising Boxer Dies at 26 After Being Struck by Vehicle While Cycling

Could the Practice Violate UCI Rules?

If the accusations prove accurate, the riders involved could face serious consequences.

Under UCI Article 1.3.033, clothing worn during competition must serve only its intended purpose and cannot be used to artificially modify a rider’s body shape or morphology for a competitive advantage.

The rule specifically prohibits equipment or apparel designed to change a rider’s physical profile in a way that improves performance. Riders found violating the regulation can be immediately disqualified.

However, according to the WielerFlits report, several teams believe enforcement has been inconsistent throughout the Tour, raising concerns that competitors may be benefiting from equipment that should not be permitted.

Another Example of Cycling’s Endless Search for Speed

Whether the allegations ultimately prove true or not, the controversy highlights just how obsessed professional cycling has become with marginal gains.

At the highest level of the sport, riders, coaches, engineers, and equipment manufacturers constantly look for innovative ways to shave precious seconds off the clock. Every helmet design, skinsuit seam, bike component, and riding position is analyzed in painstaking detail.

If investigators determine that some competitors have crossed the line by using padded bras as aerodynamic devices rather than ordinary apparel, the issue could become one of the defining stories of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes—and potentially influence the outcome of one of cycling’s most prestigious events.

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During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Patrick Renna and actress Danielle Fishel were asked which former cast member would shock fans the most if they saw him today.

Their answer came instantly.

“Marty York.”

From the Smallest Kid on Set to a Physical Giant

York, who played the loud and energetic Alan “Yeah-Yeah” McClennan in the 1993 classic, has undergone a dramatic physical transformation since his days as one of the neighborhood kids chasing baseballs over the fence.

Renna joked that York was once the skinniest member of the cast.

“He was the scrawniest little guy.”

Today, according to Renna, that’s no longer the case.

“Now he’s just like 200 pounds of pure muscle—as tall this way as that way.”

Fishel agreed with the assessment, laughing as she described York as a “behemoth.”

Renna was quick to clarify that the transformation is an impressive one, saying his former castmate is almost unrecognizable—in the best possible way.

RELATED: Mariners Pull Off ‘Sandlot’ Trick Play to Seal Wild 9th-Inning Finish

The Gang Is Back Together

The conversation came as Renna and Fishel promoted Dugout Dads, an upcoming comedy series that reunites many familiar faces from The Sandlot.

Joining Renna and York are fellow original cast members Tom Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi, Brandon Quintin Adams, Victor DiMattia, Shane Obedzinski, Grant Gelt and Will Horneff.

For fans of the classic baseball film, seeing so many original actors back together is sure to bring a wave of nostalgia.

Don’t Call It a Sandlot Sequel

Despite featuring much of the original cast, Renna stressed that Dugout Dads is not a sequel, reboot or continuation of The Sandlot.

Instead, the actors will portray entirely new characters in a completely separate comedy series.

Renna admitted he intentionally wanted to avoid revisiting the original film because of how beloved it remains.

“The only thing that we brought back is the actual actors. There’s no Sandlot IP. We’re not trying to compete against it because I just didn’t want to do that.”

He added that the writers were encouraged to incorporate aspects of each actor’s real-life personality into their new roles, making the characters feel like exaggerated versions of themselves rather than the kids fans remember from 1993.

A New Chapter Begins

Dugout Dads is scheduled to premiere on YouTube on Aug. 26, with new episodes releasing weekly.

While it won’t continue the story of The Sandlot, it will give longtime fans the opportunity to see many of the actors reunite on screen for the first time in years.

TMSPN Take

The Sandlot remains one of the most iconic sports movies ever made, and that’s exactly why Renna’s approach makes sense. Rather than trying to recreate a classic that means so much to multiple generations, the cast is creating something entirely new. And judging by the stories coming out of the reunion, fans may be just as excited to see how much the actors have changed as they are to watch the new series.

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The Olympic sprint star has reached a revised plea agreement stemming from her January arrest in Orange County, Florida, allowing her to avoid jail time while resolving the high-profile speeding case.

Under the updated agreement, Richardson changed her plea from guilty to no contest. In exchange, she will not serve any jail time but must satisfy several court-ordered requirements, including paying a $500 fine, completing 100 hours of community service and finishing an eight-hour driving safety course.

The agreement brings an end to a legal matter that followed one of the world’s fastest women throughout the first half of 2026.

RELATED: Track Star Sha’Carri Richardson Booked on Excessive Speeding Charge, Mugshot Released

Arrest Stemmed From 104 MPH Traffic Stop

Richardson, 26, was arrested on Jan. 29 after authorities alleged she was driving 104 mph on a Florida highway.

According to deputies, Richardson was not only traveling at an excessive speed but was also allegedly weaving through traffic and following other vehicles too closely, leading to a charge of dangerous excessive speeding.

The incident generated significant attention given Richardson’s status as one of track and field’s biggest stars.

Boyfriend Also Involved

The situation became even more newsworthy when fellow Olympic sprinter Christian Coleman arrived at the traffic stop.

Coleman was later arrested after authorities said he interfered with their investigation, adding another layer to an already highly publicized incident involving one of track’s most recognizable couples.

The speeding case came just months after Richardson dealt with another legal issue stemming from a 2025 domestic violence arrest involving Coleman at a Washington-area airport. That case was ultimately dismissed after Coleman declined to pursue charges.

Back to Winning on the Track

Despite the off-the-track distractions, Richardson has looked like her old self once again this season.

The two-time Olympic medalist recently captured the women’s 100-meter title at the 2026 USATF Outdoor Track and Field Championships, earning her first national championship since 2024 and the third outdoor 100-meter title of her career.

The victory served as another reminder that Richardson remains one of the fastest athletes in the world, and with her legal situation now largely behind her, she can shift her focus entirely back to competition.

TMSPN Take

This is an important step for Richardson, both legally and professionally. Avoiding jail time allows her to move forward while still being held accountable through community service, fines and driving education. Now the focus shifts back to what she does best—competing on the track, where she has already shown she’s capable of returning to championship form.

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Ward’s death was announced by NSW Athletics and the Sutherland District Athletics Club in a joint statement on Thursday, remembering her not only for her success on the track but also for the impact she had on those around her. A cause of death has not been released.

Rising Career Cut Tragically Short

Ward established herself as one of Australia’s emerging middle-distance talents, competing in the 400m, 800m and 1500m throughout her career.

As a junior, she earned a medal in the 1500m at the NSW All Schools Championships before continuing her success at the university level. She claimed a 1500m medal at the 2023 UniSport Nationals and added a bronze medal in the 800m at the 2026 UniSport Nationals earlier this year.

She also competed against some of Australia’s top athletes at the 2024 Australian Athletics Championships, sharing the track with established stars Morgan Mitchell and Claudia Hollingsworth.

RELATED: Tributes Pour In After Rising Sprint Star Dies in Tragic Vacation Accident at 25

Athletics Community Pays Tribute

In announcing Ward’s passing, NSW Athletics and Sutherland District Athletics Club remembered her as someone whose personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

“Natasha was a celebrated middle-distance runner,” the statement read. “Beyond her achievements on the track, Natasha was a greatly loved member of our community.”

The tribute described her as an athlete whose kindness, positivity and determination inspired teammates and training partners alike.

“Her kindness and joy touched everyone fortunate enough to know her, and her magnetic smile and warm personality have left a permanent mark on Australian athletics.”

Heartfelt Messages Pour In

News of Ward’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow athletes, friends and members of the running community.

One woman recalled meeting Ward while shopping for running shoes only weeks before her death, praising her warmth and willingness to help.

“She was incredibly knowledgeable… her warmth and kindness were unforgettable. She truly had the most beautiful presence,” she wrote.

Australian runner Nathan Breen also shared his condolences, writing: “Devastating news. Thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s family and friends.”

Ward’s death comes only weeks after Australian sprinter and 2025 Stawell Gift finalist Jemma Stapleton died at age 25 during a family holiday in Thailand, adding to a heartbreaking period for Australia’s athletics community.

TMSPN Take

Natasha Ward had already built an impressive résumé in Australian middle-distance running, but those who knew her say her greatest legacy was the kindness, encouragement and positivity she brought to every training session and competition. Her passing has left a profound void across the athletics community, with tributes reflecting the lasting impact she made both on and off the track.

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Motown legend Martha Reeves performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before first pitch, but the 85-year-old singer’s rendition drew an immediate wave of reactions across social media as fans focused on the performance rather than the league’s historic launch.

National Anthem Sparks Viral Reaction

Reeves, best known as the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, took the field at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, for the ceremonial performance before the WPBL’s first-ever game.

Instead of setting the tone for the league’s debut, the performance quickly became one of the night’s biggest talking points.

Many viewers criticized the anthem online, with some saying it was an unfortunate way to open a landmark moment for women’s professional baseball, while others joked that the viral moment would bring extra attention to the league.

Some fans also pointed to noticeable issues with the harmony between Reeves and her backup singers during the performance.

Historic League Finally Takes the Field

Once the anthem concluded, attention shifted back to baseball as the Women’s Pro Baseball League officially began play for the first time.

Former Little League phenom and Sports Illustrated cover star Mo’ne Davis helped lead the Los Angeles Queens to a dramatic 10-8 comeback victory over the New York Heights in the league’s inaugural game.

Los Angeles erased an 8-4 deficit by scoring twice in the sixth inning before erupting for four runs in the seventh to secure the first win in league history.

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History Made on the Diamond

Several milestones were achieved during the opener.

Maggie Foxx recorded the league’s first hit with a two-run single in the opening inning, while New York’s Denae Benites blasted the first home run in WPBL history with a two-run shot in the fourth.

Despite rainy conditions throughout much of the evening, more than 4,000 fans packed the historic 101-year-old Robin Roberts Stadium to witness the launch of the new league.

Fans Celebrate New Opportunity

Many attendees said the significance of the league extended far beyond the final score.

Parents spoke about finally having a professional baseball league where young girls can see women playing the sport at the highest level, while merchandise lines stretched around the ballpark before first pitch.

The pregame festivities also honored women’s baseball history, highlighted by 99-year-old All-American Girls Professional Baseball League alum Maybelle Blair throwing the ceremonial first pitch to WPBL star Kelsie Whitmore.

TMSPN Take

The national anthem may have dominated social media early, but the bigger story is that women’s professional baseball is back in the United States. Viral moments come and go, but the WPBL’s successful launch—with a dramatic comeback, historic firsts and thousands of fans in attendance—marked an important milestone for the sport.

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Bankston, a respected figure on and off the court, leaves behind a legacy that stretched from his days as a state champion at Simeon High School to decades spent mentoring young athletes as a high school coach.

Police Investigating Fatal Shooting

According to Chicago police, Bankston was found Wednesday inside a friend’s South Side residence after the homeowner discovered him with a fatal gunshot wound.

Authorities believe the shooting occurred the previous night. Investigators have ruled the case a homicide, though no arrests have been announced and officials have not released a possible motive.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Family Remembers Beloved Coach and Father

As news of his death spread, family members remembered Bankston as far more than a basketball coach.

“My dad is a part of me. I have his name. I can carry his legacy,” his son, Timothy Bankston Jr., said.

His sister, Karolyn Wright, described him as a devoted family man whose impact reached far beyond basketball.

“He was such a beautiful spirit, such a great brother, more than just a basketball coach. More than just a basketball legend. A family man,” she said.

RELATED: Three Suspects Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Chicago-Area High School Basketball Player in Apparent Mistaken Identity Case

A Chicago Basketball Icon

Bankston first rose to prominence as a member of Simeon High School’s 1984 state championship team, one of the most celebrated squads in Illinois basketball history.

That team’s legacy was forever linked to the tragic death of teammate Ben Wilson, one of the nation’s top high school prospects, who was fatally shot later that year.

Following high school, Bankston continued his playing career at Bradley University before transferring to Loyola University Chicago.

He later returned to the game as head coach at T.F. North High School, where he became one of the area’s most respected mentors.

Lasting Impact Beyond the Court

Former players say Bankston’s greatest contributions came away from basketball.

He was known for stressing academics, accountability, honesty and discipline while serving as a father figure for many of the young men who played under him.

“He was not just beloved; he was a mentor that countless alumni credit for being the overriding influence that made them into the positive, productive members of their communities,” Thornton Fractional High School District 215 said in a statement.

Former player Wayne Montgomery said Bankston helped shape his life after losing his own father at a young age.

“Not a bad bone in his body,” Montgomery said. “He was so much more than just a coach. A mentor, a friend, a teacher. He touched so many lives.”

Bankston’s contributions to the sport were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

TMSPN Take

Tim Bankston’s legacy extends well beyond wins and championships. For generations of Chicago athletes, he represented guidance, discipline and unwavering support. While police continue searching for answers surrounding his death, the lives he influenced throughout decades of coaching ensure his impact will be remembered for years to come.

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Court documents filed Friday by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro state that the issues with the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were the result of a faulty renovation, not criminal vandalism.

Charges Stemmed From June Arrest

Hearn, 67, was arrested on June 19 after stopping at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a 52-mile bicycle ride through Washington, D.C.

According to Hearn, he noticed part of the pool’s newly installed liner had become detached and reached into the water to examine the material. Moments later, he was taken into custody.

Federal prosecutors later charged the former Olympian with destruction of government property valued at more than $1,000.

Hearn pleaded not guilty and was released pending trial.

RELATED: Action Star Alan Ritchson Blasts Trump Over UFC Event at White House

DOJ Reverses Course

In Friday’s motion, prosecutors acknowledged that additional information uncovered after the indictment significantly changed the government’s understanding of the case.

According to the filing, officials with the Department of the Interior initially failed to provide complete information regarding the condition of the reflecting pool.

The Justice Department now says the damaged liner was actually the result of a flawed construction project rather than any actions taken by Hearn.

The filing states that the coating installed during the recent renovation began peeling almost immediately after construction was completed.

Renovation Blamed for Damage

According to court documents, investigators determined the problems stemmed from a rushed installation performed by contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings.

The filing alleges the project suffered from overspray issues and improper bonding of protective coatings, resulting in widespread failures shortly after completion.

Prosecutors said the work was allegedly accelerated in an effort to finish renovations before events associated with the America 250 celebrations surrounding Independence Day 2026.

Those findings ultimately led the Justice Department to conclude that Hearn was not responsible for the damage cited in the original criminal complaint.

Attorneys Demand an Apology

Following the DOJ’s decision to seek dismissal, Hearn’s legal team sharply criticized the government’s handling of the case.

In a joint statement, attorneys Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin argued that the prosecution should never have been filed.

“The Trump administration’s case against Davey Hearn should never have been brought,” the attorneys said.

While welcoming the dismissal, they argued it does not undo what they described as an unjustified arrest and prosecution, adding that they believe Hearn deserves a formal apology.

TMSPN Take

If the government’s own investigation now concludes the damage resulted from construction defects rather than vandalism, dismissing the charges is the appropriate step. The case also underscores the importance of thoroughly verifying the facts before bringing criminal charges, particularly in situations involving alleged damage to public property.

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The eight-time Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour champion died unexpectedly on Friday at just 32 years old, the PBA announced. The organization did not disclose a cause of death, and news of his passing quickly prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow bowlers, fans and officials across the sport.

A One-of-a-Kind Talent

Butturff wasn’t just known for winning—he was known for doing it his own way.

His unconventional left-handed delivery made him one of the most recognizable competitors on the PBA Tour, while his fearless style and ability to string together strikes earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s toughest players to beat.

PBA Commissioner Tom Clark remembered Butturff as one of bowling’s most distinctive competitors.

“Fans marveled at his delivery, as he rode a wave of strikes into becoming a top player in the sport, capable of winning at any time, in any event,” Clark said.

He also praised Butturff’s character away from the lanes.

“Jakob was kind, he was respectful, and he was a champion. He will never be forgotten.”

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An Accomplished Career

Nicknamed “Butters” by family and friends, Butturff emerged as one of bowling’s brightest stars during the 2016 season.

That year, he captured his first two PBA Tour titles while dominating the PBA Regional Tour, earning both West Region and Northwest Region Player of the Year honors.

His success only accelerated from there.

Over the next several years, Butturff collected 27 PBA Regional Tour victories and established himself as one of the elite bowlers in the world.

His résumé included:

• Eight PBA Tour titles
• 2019 USBC Masters champion
• 2017 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup champion
• Seven-time member of Team USA
• Multiple international gold and silver medals representing the United States

Whether competing domestically or internationally, Butturff became one of the sport’s most respected and accomplished athletes.

Tributes Pour In

The announcement of Butturff’s death stunned the bowling world, with many of the sport’s biggest names sharing emotional messages.

EJ Tackett wrote that the loss was “nothing short of soul-crushing.”

“The bowling world lost today, and it will never be the same. We all love you buddy. Until we meet again my friend.”

A.J. Johnson remembered Butturff for his infectious personality and generosity.

“You had one of the biggest hearts and made everyone laugh. I love you Butters. Now go give your mom the biggest hug you always gave us.”

PBA legend Jason Belmonte also expressed his disbelief.

“The PBA has lost one of its kindest,” Belmonte wrote. “I am in complete shock.”

He described Butturff as both a fierce competitor and someone whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

“A fierce competitor who every single time he laced his shoes up, he gave it everything. This, intertwined with a heart that had nothing but love for all, made him special.”

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A Lasting Legacy

Born in Las Vegas, Butturff later lived in Phoenix and Binghamton while building a career that inspired countless young bowlers.

His unique style, competitive spirit and warm personality made him one of the most recognizable figures in professional bowling, and his impact on the sport extended well beyond his championships.

Though his life was cut tragically short, Butturff leaves behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered every time bowlers step onto the lanes he helped elevate.

TMSPN Take

Jakob Butturff was far more than an elite bowler—he was one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities and a respected competitor whose passion was evident every time he competed. The tributes from fellow professionals speak volumes about the person he was. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone in the bowling community during this difficult time.

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The unusual remote appearance quickly went viral, with some viewers criticizing the broadcast as unprofessional just days after ESPN’s latest round of high-profile layoffs.

Monica McNutt’s Live Broadcast Sparks Backlash

McNutt joined SportsCenter remotely alongside anchors Michael Eaves and Nicole Briscoe, who initially joked about her location after noticing her unusual backdrop.

When Eaves asked if she was on a private jet, McNutt revealed she was actually at a nail salon receiving a pedicure.

She explained that she had set her phone up on a table next to her chair while watching basketball and preparing for the segment

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Casual Appearance Draws Mixed Reactions

McNutt even showed viewers around the salon, explaining she had chosen a light pink nail color and was enjoying the experience while working remotely.

While Briscoe laughed along and complimented the setup, many viewers on social media had a far different reaction.

Some questioned ESPN’s professionalism, arguing that appearing on national television from a nail salon undermined the seriousness of the broadcast.

Others suggested the timing was particularly poor given ESPN’s recent layoffs, with several longtime on-air personalities losing their jobs.

Criticism Extends Beyond the Broadcast

The segment came just days after McNutt generated debate over her comments about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Following Clark’s remarks that the constant attention surrounding her career had become “emotionally exhausting,” McNutt argued the WNBA star should show greater accountability and awareness regarding her influence within the league.

Those comments divided fans online, and the nail salon appearance added another flashpoint to an already controversial week.

ESPN Layoffs Remain Fresh

The criticism also unfolded against the backdrop of ESPN’s recent restructuring, which included layoffs affecting several veteran personalities and analysts.

For some viewers, seeing a live television hit conducted from a nail salon immediately after those staffing cuts fueled additional frustration with the network.

TMSPN Take

Remote broadcasting has become increasingly common across sports media, but presentation still shapes audience perception. While McNutt’s appearance was intended to be lighthearted, many viewers felt the setting distracted from the analysis itself, making the location just as much of the story as the basketball discussion.

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