Good morning, I’m Kevin Sweeney. We’re off for the holiday but will be back in your inbox again Wednesday.
In today’s SI:AM:
🏀 James Harden’s trade request shakes up NBA offseason
💰 The NFL’s latest gambling punishments show league’s integrity issues
🏈 Colin Kaepernick’s continued comeback bid
James Harden’s trade request
Free agency in the NBA begins this evening, but the league’s offseason got its first true bombshell last night when reports surfaced that James Harden is picking up his $35.6 million player option and requesting a trade from Philadelphia.
Author: Michael
Audrey Richardson / USA TODAY NETWORK
During the Rocket Mortgage Classic Pro-Am, Collin Morikawa showed wrestling star The Miz how he is the heavy weight champion on the course.
Collin Morikawa played with WWE wrestler The Miz (Michael Mizanin) during the Wednesday Pro-Am at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The Miz admitted to “trying to do all arms lately” in his driver’s swing because he slices the ball badly.
Morikawa came to the rescue and gave him some pointers in a video from the PGA Tour.
The New York Mets continued their brutal free fall down the NL East standings Thursday night with a 3–2 loss at home to the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Mets, who have been the biggest disappointment in MLB so far this season, are now nine games under .500 and have lost 18 of their last 24 games, which isn’t great.
They actually had a chance to win Thursday night’s game when Starling Marte came up to bat with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Fans watching the 2023 Women’s World Cup in the crowd and at home will get treated to an aspect of refereeing that should remind them of the sort of football played in the NFL, rather than what will take place on the pitch in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
According to ESPN’s Tom Hamilton, referees at the international event will explain VAR decisions to both in-person crowds and those watching on television aloud over each stadium’s loudspeaker.
After a year-and-a-half with the 76ers, James Harden appears ready to move on from Philadelphia as he requested a trade while opting into his player option ahead of free agency. As the Sixers assess the trade market, the Clippers have emerged as the favorite for the point guard, and the feelings between Los Angeles and Harden are reportedly mutual.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Harden is interested in playing for the Clippers, and there is “strong optimism” from his camp that a deal will get done.
Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
In lieu of Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, Max Homa, Tony Finau and other PGA Tour stars reveal their favorite songs from the pop star.
Everyone loves Taylor Swift, even PGA Tour players. Max Homa, Tony Finau and plenty of other players unveiled their favorite songs from her in a PGA Tour video.
Swift’s Speak Now, Taylor’s Version album is coming out in a week, so the social team put the players on the spot.
Finau open the video with a Taylor Swift classic, You Belong With Me.
As we head into July, it’s time to take a good look at your fantasy rosters and gear up for the second half. Bear in mind that your league’s trade deadline may also be approaching in the next 30 days, so start to assign value to your players accordingly. Many times you can fill your needs from the waiver wire, but don’t pass up a good trade opportunity while you can.
Jordan Westburg is an interesting rookie to target this weekend, and I’ve also got a few veterans to keep in mind when you are placing your bids.
Here are five players to consider for your waiver claims this weekend.
Colin Kaepernick’s pursuit of an NFL comeback has surely featured some interesting and, at times, confusing, conversations and feedback from teams. But a workout with the Raiders in 2022 was the first for the former 49ers signal-caller in almost six years.
It also appeared, on the surface, like a real opportunity for Kaepernick to have a chance at an NFL return. The Raiders had Derek Carr as their starting quarterback, with a backup/third-string battle between Jarrett Stidham and Nick Mullens, respectfully.
CROMWELL, Conn. — Eric Cole plays his shot from the first tee during the third round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 24, 2023. | Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Eric Cole is a rising star on the PGA Tour and his actions in Pittsburgh may bring him more notoriety.
Eric Cole is a baller, both on and off the golf course.
Following the Travelers Championship, where he tied for 24th, Cole drove eight hours from Connecticut to Pittsburgh to play in the Frank B. Fuhrer Jr. Invitational, a 72-hole tournament at Pittsburgh Field Club.
Joey Chestnut has nothing left to prove in the world of competitive eating.
Over the last decade and a half, Chestnut has traveled the world, cemented a legacy, eaten his way to records in foods including pepperoni rolls, hard-boiled eggs, mutton sandwiches, poutine, tamales, gyros, burritos (long form), ramen noodles (short form) and, of course, hot dogs. He is the most decorated eater in history. That includes an unprecedented 15 titles in the premier competition in the sport: Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July Fourth.