Sports
NFL Expects Fewer Kickoff Returns With New Fair Catch Rule Inside 25
EAGAN, Minnesota – With a focus on player safety, the NFL has driven the kickoff return even further into obscurity.
The existence of the kickoff itself is still being investigated.
The league’s owners voted Tuesday to test an upgraded touchback rule for one year, giving the receiving team the ball at its own 25 with a fair catch of a kickoff anyplace behind that yard line.
“There’ll be a lot more work to be done about how we can continue to evolve going forward,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Can we keep this play exciting but, more importantly, safe?” There will be a great deal of work to be done.”
The plan was approved despite strong opposition from coaches and players across the league, who said the alteration would result in uglier plays with squib and corner kicks, making fair receptions hard.
“I’ve been doing this a long time.” “I’ve seen these types of health and safety discussions,” Atlanta Falcons CEO Rich McKay, head of the competition committee, said. “We tend to get ourselves to the right place, but it’s never that comfortable.”
According to the NFL’s statistical projections, the return rate for kickoffs in 2023 will drop from 38% to 31% under the new rule, and the rate of concussions on the sport’s most dangerous play will be cut by 15%. Concussions on kickoffs occur more than twice as frequently as on plays from scrimmage, and the percentage has increased dramatically in the last two years, according to McKay.
With a focus on player safety, the NFL has driven the kickoff return even further into obscurity.
One possible explanation for the recent rise in head injuries? Kickers’ improved ability to tactically hang the ball longer and higher in front of the goal line gives coverage more time to make a tackle and keeps the opponent’s drive starting deeper than the 25 for an end-zone touchback.
“We understand that there will be injuries in professional football and football at all levels.” “We’re just trying to mitigate those risks,” said Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel, a member of the competition committee that recommended the regulation be approved.
The NFL duplicated a regulation that had just been implemented in college football.
“Not to say there won’t be some unintended consequences, but sitting still and doing nothing was unacceptable,” said Jeff Miller, executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy for the NFL. “There may be more to come because both kickoff and punt continue to have higher injury rates than run or pass plays — and sometimes by a significant margin.” We need to keep an eye on those plays.”
McKay admitted there is no certainty that the kickoff will always be a game feature. The NFL will continue investigating alternatives, like those utilized in spring leagues. The XFL has only 5 yards between the kicking and returning teams, with movement prohibited until the returner has fielded the ball.
“You don’t want this play to be taken out of the game because special teams has been a really good part of our game and a really good part of the careers of a lot of players and coaches,” McKay said. “It’s popular. We just need to figure out how to make the plays safer.”
With a focus on player safety, the NFL has driven the kickoff return even further into obscurity.
In 2016, the league relocated touchbacks from the 20-yard line to the 25-yard line. Only 53 kickoff returns have resulted in touchdowns in the last 12 seasons since kickoff tees were moved up to the 35-yard line from the 30. Before the modification, there were 20 kickoff return touchdowns in 2010.
“I’m sure it’s like a good NFL rule.” “They always have their reasons for putting stuff in,” said Green Bay’s Keisean Nixon, who recorded one of the four kickoff return touchdowns in the 2022 season. “I ain’t never fair caught anything, so I don’t know.”
Coach Matt Eberflus of Chicago projected a tactical change towards squib, drop, and drive kicks.
“I suspect you’ll see more returns rather than less,” Eberflus said. “That’s just what I’m thinking right now,” she says, “but we’ll see what happens.”
GROWTH ON A GLOBAL SCALE
Goodell showed openness to teams spending more time overseas, with the Jacksonville Jaguars scheduled to play consecutive games in London this year.
“We’ll see how it affects the Jaguars,” Goodell stated. “Can we try three at some point?” Possibly.”
The NFL has expanded its global marketing program to include two additional clubs and four other nations, bringing the totals to 21 and 14, respectively. The New Orleans Saints were awarded the rights to France. Ireland and Northern Ireland were acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also acquired Mexico last year. Ireland also joined the Jaguars. The Atlanta Falcons are the fifth team to sign Germany. Austria and Switzerland were granted rights to the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The program was created to assist individual teams in developing their brands outside their home markets through commercial activities and fan engagement comparable to what they do at home. The league grants rights for at least five years.
SOURCE – (AP)
Sports
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
Von Miller, a Buffalo Bills linebacker accused of abusing a pregnant lady, handed himself in Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued for him, according to Dallas police.
Miller, 34, surrendered to the Glenn Heights Police Department Thursday afternoon, hours after the warrant was issued, according to Dallas police.
Von was escorted to the DeSoto Police Department jail and quickly posted $5,000 bond before being released, according to Glenn Heights Police Chief Nick Bristow, according to CNN affiliate WFAA.
Dallas police responded to a “major disturbance call” around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the police department. According to police, a preliminary investigation showed that Miller and the victim had a verbal altercation and that Miller reportedly assaulted her.
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
According to authorities, Von fled the scene before officers arrived, and the woman was treated for minor injuries but not hospitalized.
“This morning, we were made aware of an incident involving Von Miller,” the Bills stated in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this point.”
CNN has reached out to Miller for comment.
When reached by CNN, an NFL spokeswoman stated that the league is aware of the situation and has communicated with the Bills, but declined to comment further.
Buffalo Bills Linebacker Von Miller Turns Himself In After He Was Accused Of Assaulting A Pregnant Woman
Von was born in DeSoto, Texas. He has two Super Bowl rings, one with the Denver Broncos and one with the Los Angeles Rams, and he was awarded the Super Bowl 50 MVP.
Von is the host of the Bleacher Report podcast “The Voncast.” Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is the parent company of both Bleacher Report and CNN. When asked about the arrest warrant, WBD remained silent.
Von is a prominent figure in football, known for his exceptional skills as a linebacker. He played a significant role in the Denver Broncos’ defense for many seasons, contributing to their success.
With his agility and strength, Miller has garnered recognition as one of the top players in the NFL. His impact on the field has earned him numerous accolades, making him a key player to watch during football season.
SOURCE – (CNN)
Sports
Stanley Cup Champion Corey Perry Waived By Chicago Blackhawks For ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct
Following an internal inquiry, the Chicago Blackhawks waived veteran forward Corey Perry on Tuesday.
The National Hockey League (NHL) organization said that Perry “engaged in conduct that is unacceptable” and that he was “in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.”
The Blackhawks did not provide any information on the alleged behavior.
CNN has contacted Perry for comment.
The NHLPA, according to a representative, is “reviewing the matter.”
In the summer, Chicago signed the 38-year-old to a one-year contract to help guide an inexperienced, young roster. He appeared in 16 games and scored four goals while assisting on five others.
Perry hasn’t played since an unexpected healthy scratch against the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 22. After the game in Columbus, head coach Luke Richardson told reporters that it was an “organizational decision” not to play Perry, the team’s third-leading scorer with nine points.
‘Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson said on Saturday that the right winger was “away from the team” and would be for the “foreseeable future.”
The Blackhawks announced: “In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.”
Perry has appeared in 1,273 NHL games and scored 421 goals. In 2007, he won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks.
Corey is a professional ice hockey right winger known for his scoring ability and physical play. He has played for several teams in the NHL, including the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens.
Corey is recognized for his skill in front of the net and has a reputation for being a tenacious competitor. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and earning numerous accolades for his on-ice performance.
SOURCE – (CNN)
Celebrity
WWE Hall Of Famer Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison For Fatal DUI Crash
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, a former pro wrestler, was sentenced to more than 17 years in jail for drunkenly colliding with another automobile, killing a 75-year-old man, while her blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit, according to Florida officials.
Sytch, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, pleaded no contest to DUI manslaughter and other crimes in August. Authorities stated she had an unsealed bottle of vodka in her vehicle and THC in her bloodstream when she was arrested in Volusia County in March 2022.
During her sentence hearing on Monday, she faced up to 25 years in prison. During the hearing, Sunny expressed grief and guilt “deep in my soul” for the death of Julian LaFrancis Lasseter of Daytona Beach.
WWE Hall Of Famer Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison For Fatal DUI Crash
Sytch, 50, had previously been arrested for DUI three times in Pennsylvania, where her driver’s license had been suspended. She didn’t have a driver’s license in Florida.
“The defendant’s history of drinking and driving is horrendous,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza during the sentencing. “It was only a matter of time before her drunk driving killed an innocent and unsuspecting individual.”
Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch Sentenced To 17 Years
Sytch joined the WWE in 1995 and quickly became a fan favorite. She also managed and broadcasted for other WWE stars.
Tammy ‘Sunny’ Sytch is a former professional wrestler known for her time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) during the 1990s. She gained popularity as a manager and valet for various wrestlers. After her wrestling career, she faced legal and personal issues, including multiple arrests and struggles with substance abuse.
Despite her personal challenges, Sytch remains a notable figure in the history of professional wrestling.
Despite her personal challenges, Sytch remains a notable figure in the history of professional wrestling.
WWE, also known as World Wrestling Entertainment, is a prominent American media and entertainment company primarily known for professional wrestling.
It is the largest wrestling promotion globally and has a significant impact on popular culture.
WWE produces scripted storylines featuring professional wrestlers and hosts a wide range of events and programs, including Raw, SmackDown, and pay-per-view events. The company has a massive fan base and continues to be a dominant force in the world of sports entertainment.
SOURCE – (AP)
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