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NBA League Pass discount for the 2024 season: FanDuel promo code for League Pass free trial

NBA League Pass discount for the 2024 season: FanDuel promo code for League Pass free trial

As the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season approaches, FanDuel Sportsbook is offering new users the exclusive opportunity to unlock a free three-month NBA League Pass trial. With this offer you won’t miss any of the action, including the big action on opening night as well as some other big games in the coming days.

To claim your NBA League Pass free trial, just click Open a FanDuel accountplace and win a $5 bet. You will receive your NBA League Pass trial code via email within 72 hours. This unlocks a three-month subscription worth $74.97 (NBA League Pass normally costs $24.97 per month). In addition to League Pass, new users will also receive $300 in bonus bets to use across the sportsbook as long as their first bet is a winner.

With the final preseason games wrapping up last night, NBA fans can now turn their attention to the regular season tipoff, which is just a few days away. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for opening night and beyond.

How to get your NBA League Pass discount on FanDuel

  • Sign up for FanDuel: Create your account via ➡️ Here ⬅️ or by using one of the links on this page.
  • Place your bet: After logging in, place a win Bet at least $5 on an NBA or other sporting event.
  • Get your rewards: Once your bet wins, you’ll receive access to your NBA League Pass and $300 worth of bonus bets within 72 hours.

Participation requirements:

  • This promotion is only available to new FanDuel Sportsbook users.
  • You must be at least 21 years old and located in a state where FanDuel is legal. Check the map below to see if you are eligible.
  • The promotion is valid until October 27, 2024. So don’t miss your chance to get the League Pass offer before opening night.

FanDuel’s promo code offer is available in every state listed on this map. Full terms and conditions are linked below.FanDuel Sports Betting

NBA opening games to bet on

The 2024 NBA season begins with Opening Night on October 22, 2024, where the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, host the New York Knicks. The Celtics will rely on key players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis to continue their dominance, while the Knicks bring in talent like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to challenge them.

Later in the evening, LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead the Los Angeles Lakers as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will count on stars like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.

After opening night, we have a huge slate of 10 games and some exciting fixtures the next day:

  • Indiana Pacers at Detroit PistonsLittle Caesars Arena, 7 p.m
  • Brooklyn Nets at Atlanta HawksState Farm Arena, 7:30 p.m
  • Orlando Magic at Miami HeatKaseya Center, 7:30 p.m
  • Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ersWells Fargo Center, 7:30 p.m
  • Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto RaptorsScotiabank Arena, 7:30 p.m
  • Charlotte Hornets at Houston RocketsToyota Center, 8 p.m
  • Chicago Bulls at New Orleans PelicansSmoothie King Center, 8 p.m
  • Memphis Grizzlies at Utah JazzDelta Center, 9 p.m
  • Phoenix Suns at LA ClippersIntuit Dome, 10 p.m
  • Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail BlazersModa Center in the Rose Quarter, 10 p.m

All times listed are ET.

FanDuel NFL Sunday Ticket Promo Code.

NBA fans in Ohio are among those who can take advantage of FanDuel’s latest promotion.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Play responsibly

While this promotion is exciting, FanDuel and Syracuse.com encourage responsible betting. Set boundaries, understand the rules and avoid chasing losses. If you need assistance, visit our responsible gambling page or call 1-800-GAMBLER for assistance.

Already have a FanDuel account? Check out the latest promotions from DraftKings, BetMGM and Bet365 to make sure you don’t miss out. Please also see FanDuel’s full disclaimer for further details.

Disclaimer

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Which queer horror book you should read based on your favorite scary movie

Which queer horror book you should read based on your favorite scary movie

While the world of horror cinema can often feel like a stale place, with too few original concepts and too many beige sequels and remakes, the landscape of horror literature is not only original and vibrant in contrast; It’s also wonderfully queer! In fact, I would go so far as to say that queer authors are currently dominating the world of horror fiction, pushing the genre into new and strange places.

If you are a fan of horror films and want to see more stories by queer authors or with good representations of queer themes, go to the bookstore instead of the cinema and you will find so many wonderful works of queer horror. And here are the books you must get if you are a horror cinema lover!


Written by transmasculine author Andrew Joseph White, Hell followed us is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world ravaged by a doomsday cult with even more horrors to unleash. This cult raised Benji to be their ultimate weapon, but this transgender kid escaped and found shelter with his new family: a group of queer rebels who want to fight back against the doomsday cult.

While so many post-apocalyptic stories of The street To A quiet placefocus on a small number of survivors who fight daily, Hell followed us is a horror novel that focuses on the liberation of queer people and the fight against those in power, even after they have already caused so much damage.

Seen An American werewolf in London? To read Bored gay werewolf

Bored gay werewolf

Good werewolf stories can be surprisingly hard to find, and Tony Santorella’s novel seems like a diamond in the rough. It tells the story of millennial bartender Brian, the titular bored gay werewolf. As Brian struggles to adjust to his new form, he is tracked down by his tech brother Tyler, a fellow werewolf who has big plans for his kind.

Tyler’s particular brand of toxic self-help bullshit has a surprisingly powerful effect on our queer slacker, but as he learns more about Tyler’s big plans to expand his werewolf pack, caution prevails. However, it could already be too late. Bored gay werewolf is a fantastic horror comedy that explores the lonely capitalist trap of modern male toxicity.

Tell me I'm worthless

Fans of haunted house stories owe it to themselves to read Alison Rumfitt’s dark political horror novel. Tell me I’m worthlessa work of horrific horror about the transgender experience and the sad state of England today. If you like your haunted house stories as hopeless and sad as they can be, then you’ve come to the right place!

Rumfitt’s debut centers on two former friends: Alice, a troubled young trans woman who is currently haunted; and Ila, who gave in to the transphobic cult mentality prevalent across the UK. While studying together, the two spent a night in a haunted house called Albion (get it?). This house has changed them both forever and at some point the truth about that terrible night must come to light.

Damascus camp

Few would argue against Ari Aster’s enormous impact Hereditary has hit the horror scene, and if you’re looking for more cult-inspired works of paranoid terror – which also happen to be wonderfully queer – look no further than Chuck Tingle’s Damascus camp will relieve that itch. And yes, that’s the same Chuck Tingle who wrote My billionaire Triceratops craves gay ass.

The titular Camp Damascus is a hidden gay conversion camp in rural Montana and has a 100% success rate. Rose, a well-mannered heterosexual Christian teenager, lives near the camp. But for some reason, Rose vomits flies and sees images of bound demons in the dark corners of her living room. What happens to her and what does it have to do with Camp Damascus?

Patricia wants to cuddle

With the ecxeption of Sleeping campwhich has become a cult favorite among trans horror fans over the years, most slashers are decidedly heterosexual. Samantha Allen put an end to that with the brilliant title Patricia wants to cuddle. This queer slasher story takes place on an island off the coast of Washington State, where the finale of a Bachelor-style reality show is currently being filmed.

We follow the crew and hopeful finalists as they are picked off one by one by the strange beast that lives on the island. For a long time you will wonder who Patricia is, why she wants to cuddle and what exactly is this book queer? These answers will all come in time!

Seen 28 days later? To read Manhunt

Manhunt for Gretchen Felker-Martin

With Danny Boyle, apocalypse stories can be uncomfortably raw and jagged 28 days later be a perfect example. But even this film has nothing to do with the grotesque world that trans author Gretchen Felker-Martin created in her novel Manhunt. A virus that targets testosterone has turned men into cannibalistic monsters, and TERFs roam the country in gangs, hunting down the transsexuals who have managed to survive.

Our protagonists are Beth and Fran, a pair of trans women who make their way south along the New England coast. To survive, they must hunt, kill and eat the parts of humans. Soon they will find Robbie, a suspicious young trans man who will complete their found family; and the three must continue to survive in this terrible wasteland.

Our women under the sea

Few directors have done body horror as well as David Cronenberg, but lesbian horror writer Julia Armfield doesn’t just show us how to do body horror right; She also makes it gothic and deliciously gay. Our women under the sea follows the married couple Miri and Leah. Leah’s story takes place on a deep-sea submarine, where she is trapped for months when a research trip goes wrong.

But when she finally returns, we read on heartbroken as her wife Miri watches the woman she loves fall apart before her eyes. Leah came back wrong; She vomits salt water and spends all her time in the bath. She’s already gone, but Miri refuses to accept that, even as Leah transforms into something grotesque and impossible. This novel hurts.

The Shining Dead

In cinema, there are some great films in the claustrophobic space horror niche, including alien, event horizon, And sunshine. Caitlin Starling fills this gap in the field of literature. The Shining Deada novel that combines the science fiction terror of Foreigner with the dank underground horror of The descent.

The protagonist, Gyre, has taken on a treacherous task: he must map the underground tunnels of an enemy planet alone, with only a disembodied voice on the radio to offer him guidance and companionship. That voice belongs to Em, and these women aren’t going to get along for a long time. Em is brash and impatient and Gyre is losing control of her isolated little world. But they must maintain their bond if Gyre wants to survive this.

You shall not die tonight

This young adult slasher story is a fantastic homage to the summer camp slashers of old, right down to the novel’s setting, which is a self-aware nod to it Friday the 13this the famous Camp Crystal Lake. In You shall not die tonightKalynn Bayron introduces us to Charity, a teenager who works at Camp Mirror Lake, where an ’80s slasher film was once filmed. Now the guests pay to reenact the movie and it’s Charity’s job to be the final girl.

But things go wrong very quickly. Several of Charity’s colleagues have either disappeared or failed to fully show up. She had to call her girlfriend and a few other friends to take on these roles, but something is still not right. Shadowy figures roam the lakeshore, and soon the missing workers are found dead. What exactly is happening at Camp Mirror Lake? Spoiler: It’s not what you think.

Seen Invasion of the Body Snatchers? To read cuckoo

Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin

Gretchen Felker-Martin’s second queer horror novel honors her Invasion of the Body Snatchersand maybe a little bit about Stephen King’s too IT. This strange work of terror begins when a group of queer teenagers are kidnapped and taken to a conversion camp in the middle of the Utah desert. The camp is a cruel place, but out in the desert lurks something even worse: something that can wear the skin of those it kills.

The five children we follow cuckoo They must survive the pain and torture of the conversion camp, but also work together to escape the sinister thing that is targeting them. Unlike Felker-Martin’s debut, this is a more hopeful novel that focuses on teamwork and queer kids’ struggles against adversity.

Before you go! Autostraddle runs on reader support from our AF+ members. If this article means something to you today – if it informed you or made you smile or feel seen, would you consider joining AF and supporting the people who make this queer media site possible?

Join AF+!

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How to watch the Women’s T20 final between South Africa and New Zealand

How to watch the Women’s T20 final between South Africa and New Zealand

The South Africa vs New Zealand live stream is the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup and marks the conclusion of a fantastic tournament. Both teams will fight for the main prize.

Follow our guide below to know where to watch the Women’s T20 World Cup live stream from anywhere with a VPNpossibly free.

Live stream South Africa vs New Zealand: TV program, dates

Dates: Sunday, October 20th
Just: 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT / 3:00 PM BST / 4:00 PM SAST / 7:30 PM IST / 1:00 AM AEDT (Oct 21) / 3:00 AM NZDT (21 Oct.)
• FREE – Watch on ICC.TV (See below)
• US
— Watch on Willow TV / Sling
• Great Britain — Watch on Sky / Now
• Watch anywhere – try it NordVPN 100% risk-free

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Top 55 eco transport trends in October

Top 55 eco transport trends in October

This October 2024 list of eco-transportation trends highlights significant advances in sustainable travel and innovative vehicle design. From stylish e-bikes to versatile electric vehicles, these trends highlight ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and improve functionality.

A unique micromobility solution, the Estarli E28 e-bike combines classic design with modern functionality and features a lightweight aluminum frame and 28-inch wheels for a smooth ride. Equipped with front suspension, integrated lights and a discreet handlebar display, it offers both comfort and style. Powered by a 250W rear hub motor and a removable 360Wh battery, the E28 offers a range of up to 55 miles on a single charge. It features an 8-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes for reliable performance. The E28 costs around £1,625 and is available via the Estarli website and selected retailers, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and leisure driving.

A full-size vehicle with unique features, the Alpha Motor SUPERREX is a versatile electric vehicle designed for cross-country travel and adventure. With its sporty design and four-door layout, it offers enough space for passengers and equipment. The vehicle features 43.3 cubic feet of interior storage space, accessible by removing the rear seats, as well as additional storage space on the roof. The SUPERREX offers a range of up to 325 miles per charge and supports a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Starting at $60,000, it combines modern design with practical functionality, making it ideal for explorers.

These trends highlight the dynamic and innovative nature of eco-transportation, where advances in design and technology continue to drive progress towards a more sustainable future.

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TikTok achieved 488.2 million downloads in the first half of the year

TikTok achieved 488.2 million downloads in the first half of the year

Even eight years after its launch, TikTok’s popularity hasn’t waned one bit, with the video-sharing platform recording impressive downloads quarter after quarter. According to information from OnlyAccounts.ioTikTok reached 488.2 million downloads in the first half of the year, the second-highest number in the app’s history.

The second highest H1 downloads after 2020

Unlike many Chinese apps that have failed to find success outside of China, TikTok has become one of the most popular apps in the world, with more than 1.6 billion users worldwide. The app’s acquisition of Musical.ly in 2017 helped it break into foreign markets, bringing 80 million users to TikTok’s platform, mostly Americans.

Although TikTok’s success has occasionally been interrupted by privacy controversies and even a possible ban in its second-largest market, the United States, the number of TikTok downloads continues to rise. Data from Statista and AppMagic show the video-sharing app reached 488.2 million downloads in the first half of 2024, 2.2 million more than the same period a year ago. Additionally, this represents the second largest H1 figure after 2020, which is still a record year for TikTok downloads.

Between January and June 2020, TikTok was downloaded 605.4 million times worldwide. In the first half of 2021, downloads fell by a massive 37% to 381 million, but quickly recovered and have continued to rise since then. Statistics show that the first half of 2022 and 2023 brought 415.2 million and 488.2 million downloads, respectively.

According to AppMagic data, TikTok downloads continued to rise over the past three months, helping the app surpass 5.7 billion lifetime downloads across iOS and Android platforms worldwide. This major milestone makes the video-sharing platform one of the most downloaded apps in the world, alongside social media giants Facebook and Instagram.

People spend an average of 31 hours and 43 minutes per month on TikTok, three hours more than on YouTube and twice as much as on Facebook or Instagram

In addition to more and more downloads, the usage time of TikTok has also increased significantly. According to the latest DataReportal Digital Global Statshot Report, Android users had an average of 310 monthly TikTok sessions and spent 31 hours and 43 minutes watching video content on the platform, the highest number in the social media landscape. These numbers are even more impressive when compared to those of other social media giants.

For example, YouTube users spent an average of 28 hours and 41 minutes on the app each month, which is three hours less than TikTok. Facebook and Instagram had significantly lower usage time. Statistics show that Android users spend an average of 18 hours and 45 minutes on the Facebook app every month. Instagram followed with two hours less, an average of 16 hours and 56 minutes.

Full story and stats can be found here: https://onlyaccounts.io/blog/tiktok hit 488 2 millionDownloads-in-h1-the-secondlargest-number-in-the-appsStory/

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Swifties are calling on Taylor to sue Trump campaign over ‘cringe’ video of Lara Trump dancing

Swifties are calling on Taylor to sue Trump campaign over ‘cringe’ video of Lara Trump dancing

A shocking video of Lara Trump dancing to a remixed Taylor Swift song has drawn ridicule from Donald Trump on the campaign trail, prompting the pop superstar to sue over use of the track.

Posted Thursday on the Trump campaign’s official account: The clip functions a crowd of female supporters of the Republican candidate – including the former president’s daughter-in-law, his adviser Lynne Patton and sportswriter Sage Steele. The group, all dressed in pink jackets with Trump logos, bob their heads and gesture awkwardly to an edited version of Swift’s 2012 hit “22.”

“I don’t know about you, but I do,” the remix begins with Swift’s voice before transitioning to a man saying, “Vote for Donald Trump, baby.”

Some viewers of the video were less than impressed with the group’s dance moves and fashion choices.

“They’re all so frightening.” wrote User @lflorepolitics on X

“This looks like a really bad girl group video from 1989,” user @MzBehavn73 added.

And user @ReedStrong2020 takes aim at the bold jackets wrote“This looks like a Pepto Bismol commercial.”

While the clip received criticism for its sensational qualities, many viewers were also shocked that it used a song by Swift, an outspoken anti-Trumper. Some even suggested that Swift should take legal action.

“They’re just begging for a cease and desist.” wrote @AMS2Dad.

“Sue Sue Sue.” urged @GreeneyOfficial.

During the presidential debate in early September, Swift publicly endorsed Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

“I will be voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election,” she said wrote on Instagram Then. “I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for rights and causes. I think I need a warrior to stand up for her. I think she is a level-headed, gifted leader and I believe we can achieve so much more in this country when we are guided by calm and not chaos.”

Days later, Trump would prefer Truth Social to express his dismay at the hugely influential pop star. He didn’t mince his words and wrote: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!”

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Watch Texas vs Georgia Game Today: TV Channel, Time, Streaming

Watch Texas vs Georgia Game Today: TV Channel, Time, Streaming

The SEC Game of the Year is here! Tonight, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns will host the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs under the DKR lights.

The Horns will try to keep the hype train rolling. The Longhorns are undefeated so far, with big wins over Michigan and Oklahoma. But neither the Wolverines nor the Sooners have been as good as preseason prognosticators thought, so Georgia could be the first real test for Texas.

For Georgia, this game is an unconditional victory. The Bulldogs, once the No. 1 team last season, have been shaky so far this season. A few weeks ago Georgia lost to Alabama and last week it was less than impressive against Mississippi State. Another loss could deal a real blow to Georgia’s postseason ambitions.

ESPN will open the day with College GameDay on the South Mall of the UT campus. Scottie Scheffler will serve as guest selector.

What channel is the Texas vs. Georgia game on today? Time, TV program

TV channels: ABC

Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. ET

Texas vs. Georgia will be televised nationally on ABC in Week 8 of the 2024 SEC season. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will host the game from the DKR stand, with Holly Rowe and Katie George reporting from the sidelines.

Where to watch Texas vs Georgia live stream

ESPN+

Watch Texas vs Georgia live on ESPN+

Texas vs. Georgia Predictions, Tips, Odds

Forecast: Did Texas benefit from the easier schedule? We’ll see. Georgia is a talented team that was the preseason No. 1 team for a reason. But UT has been better at almost every position this season.

Until proven otherwise, this team really looks championship caliber.

Texas 38, Georgia 24

OPPORTUNITIES: Texas by 3.5

O/U: 55.5

College football odds via BetMGM:

Texas schedule 2024

  • August 31st:vs Colorado St. (W, 52-0)

  • September 7th: in Michigan (W, 31-12)
  • September 14th: vs. UTSA (W, 56-7)
  • September 21st: vs. UL Monroe (W, 51-3)
  • September 28th: vs. Mississippi State (W, 35-13)
  • Oct 13: vs. Oklahoma (W, 34-3)
  • Record: 6-0

Georgia Schedule 2024

  • August 31st:vs Clemson (W, 34-3)

  • September 7th: vs. Tennessee Tech (W, 48-3)
  • September 14th: at Kentucky (win, 13-12)
  • September 28th: in Alabama (L, 41-34)
  • Oct. 5: vs. Auburn (W, 31-13)
  • Oct 13: vs. Oklahoma (W, 41-31)
  • Record: 5-1

BetMGM is the premier destination for college football and college basketball odds year-round. Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for referring viewers to betting services. Sports betting providers have no influence on the newsrooms or reporting and are in no way dependent on these revenues. General terms and conditions apply. The general terms and conditions can be found on the operator’s website. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24 hours a day at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 9- on. WITH-IT (IN). You must be at least 21 years old to play. Sports betting and gambling are not legal everywhere. Be sure to comply with the laws where you live.

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The federal rescue package is intended to protect 22,500 carpenters from pension cuts

The federal rescue package is intended to protect 22,500 carpenters from pension cuts

play

A troubled union pension fund for more than 22,500 carpenters and millwrights in the Detroit area is getting a $635 million federal bailout to spare retirees big cuts to their pension checks over the next decade.

The Metro Detroit Carpenters Pension Trust Fund was approved Thursday for the special pension program created by the $1.9 trillion 2021 American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden.

The grant will increase the pension fund’s funded status to over 60%, up from 34.3% in 2022, according to Tom Lutz, president of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, whose members receive pension benefits from the fund.

Without this help, the fund would be on track to be insolvent and insolvent by 2033. And if that scenario had occurred, the federal Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. would have had to intervene, which would likely have resulted in massive cuts to pensioners’ pensions, with checks of up to 70%.

Lutz said that based on their actuarial assumptions, which assume 6.5% annual investment returns and constant work hours for currently active contributors, funding levels are expected to increase over time and retirees will receive 100% of their expected pension checks.

“It’s life-changing,” Lutz said.

“People say bailouts, but I keep telling people that the difference between bailouts is that the money goes to people who didn’t pay,” he added. “In this case, I promise you that there is no pensioner who has not paid taxes throughout his working life and does not pay taxes on his pensions today.”

The $635 million donation comes specifically from Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.’s new Special Financial Assistance Program.

The Zimmermann Retirement Fund had previously asked the U.S. Treasury Department for permission to cut its members’ pension checks by amounts such as 16% to 26% in hopes of delaying even larger cuts later, but has withdrawn its request for those short-term cuts because of the new infusion .

“Millions of people work for years and look forward to the day when the promise of a secure, dignified retirement is fulfilled,” Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su said in a statement. “Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on that promise for 22,576 carpenters.”

The carpenters’ pension fund ran into trouble for several reasons, including losses in the early 2000s and the Great Recession of 2007-09, a decline in carpenters’ working hours as there were more than two pensioners for every active contributor – plus over $100 million dollars in risky investment deals, including a time-share resort in Hawaii that wasn’t built and a rural northern golf course that never made any money.

The Carpenters’ Retirement Fund is classified as a multiemployer plan because multiple companies employ the unionized workers and contribute to their pensions. Such plans tend to be financially worse off than those tied to individual employers.

More: The Metro Detroit union poured more than $100 million into risky trades – now retirees could pay the price

Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or [email protected]. Follow him on X @jcreindl

This story has been updated to add video.

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Russini’s what I’m hearing: Wilson over Fields? Steelers QB controversy shocker; Tua return date set

Russini’s what I’m hearing: Wilson over Fields? Steelers QB controversy shocker; Tua return date set

In the aftermath of his heated exchange with local radio hosts, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has succeeded in one thing: deflection.

Despite the team’s blowout loss on his 82nd birthday, Jones has completely taken the heat off his players and coaching staff during their bye week. It’s been all about Jerry’s outburst — very little about the Cowboys’ underachieving offense or the struggling Dallas defense.

Jones told me at the owners meetings in Atlanta that he has no plans to fire head coach Mike McCarthy or any coordinators. He also added that Dallas won’t be making roster moves before the NFL trade deadline in November. He may be an irritated owner at the moment, but he still believes in what “Jerry the GM” has built.

The Cowboys are off this weekend, but we have tons of action starting early on Sunday in London. This is what I’m hearing from around the league:

• Tomlin’s QB choice results in heads being scratched across the league
• Miami Dolphina fans rejoice: Tua has a return date
• Ten names to watch (and one you can probably forget) as the trade deadline nears
• Saquon Barkley says it’s just another game, but is it?
• Kickers have become too good, and the NFL might have a plan to stop them


Tomlin’s bold move

What the hell is Mike Tomlin doing? That’s the question being asked around the league — even in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ own building. Tomlin is set to make a curious quarterback change for Sunday night.

Tomlin has earned the benefit of the doubt. He’s one of the best coaches in the NFL, and he has tons of credibility in league circles and in locker rooms in Pittsburgh and beyond. It’s hard to question him, but this one is a puzzler.

The Steelers are sitting at 4-2 with Justin Fields as the starter, and now Fields is being benched for Russell Wilson, deemed healthy after a training-camp calf injury. Over the last six weeks, Fields has been playing with confidence and has the support of his teammates. Tomlin noted that Fields’ ability with his legs helps this offense get out of trouble time and time again, which is why the Steelers will have a package for Fields — I expect to see him at some point on Sunday.

The biggest worry about Fields when he arrived in Pittsburgh via trade last March — shortly after the team signed Wilson — was his mental state. He’d been through a rough breakup in Chicago, with the Bears giving up on the former first-round pick and starting over with No. 1 overall selection Caleb Williams. Many head coaches and general managers worried that Fields had lost his mojo. Give credit to Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, though. They took a chance in trading for him, and the Steelers built Fields back up.

Some around the league posed this question: If you are going to switch to the QB who hasn’t taken one live regular-season snap, why do it against a fierce Jets defense? Pittsburgh has the Giants next week — wouldn’t that make more sense for Wilson’s debut? Maybe it’s that, if Fields had a great game against the Jets, the door would be completely shut on Wilson.

What made this last week bizarre is that it seemed like every current and former Steeler was raving about Fields (Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger both said publicly the team should stick with him). Yet, Tomlin went the other way. He’s in charge, but on this one he may be on an island.

The Jets are happy about the news. They know Wilson will be knocking off rust and may even be dealing with some nerves. He’s getting his first start as a Steeler in primetime, at home, with former President Trump in attendance. It’s a gamble. Wilson, a former Super Bowl winner and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a different player since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in 2022; his swag is at an all-time low.

How could he have moxie after what he has gone through? For the past two years, Wilson has been absorbing cheap shots from TV commentators, former head coaches, and trolls on social media. For a guy who was once on top of the football world, talking about winning MVPs and finishing his career with multiple Super Bowls, it’s been a hard and humbling fall. Deep inside, even he has to wonder if he can ever even resemble the player he once was.

GO DEEPER

No matter who starts, this won’t be the last we hear from Justin Fields

One other thing to consider that may or may not be impacting this decision: If Fields plays 51 percent of Pittsburgh’s snaps this season, the trade compensation to the Bears changes from a sixth-round pick to a fourth-rounder. I don’t actually believe Tomlin is factoring that into his thinking, but some people I’ve talked to around the league have speculated.

More than anything, league-wide, many are questioning why Tomlin would make a move like this when things are going well. We’ll find out Sunday night if Tomlin is smarter than everyone — or if this decision blows up, as some fear it might.


Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins speaks to Tua Tagovailoa prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida.


If all goes as planned, McDaniel will be calling plays for Tagovailoa in eight days. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Tua has a return date

Many believe he shouldn’t play football again, but Tua Tagovailoa has decided, conclusively, to continue his playing career — and the Miami Dolphins are down with their quarterback’s program.

The NFL said last week that it will defer to independent and team doctors and will not step in to prevent Tagovailoa from playing. Head coach Mike McDaniel, who has a close relationship with his quarterback, shared with his team that Tua’s practice window opens up Wednesday, and the quarterback is expected to practice. As long as there are no setbacks, the hope is for Tagovailoa to play in their Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

It’s easy to see why McDaniel and GM Chris Grier would like to have him back. Miami’s offense has been a disaster in 2024, averaging a league-worst 12.0 points per game after finishing second in the NFL last season (29.2). Miami put Tagovailoa on Injured Reserve immediately after the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, during which the quarterback was diagnosed with a concussion for the third time in two years. The IR designation required him to miss at least four games. This time also allowed the Dolphins and Tagovailoa to step away and discuss the next steps while he was seeing multiple specialists and undergoing tests. I’m told he has not dealt with any lingering issues from the concussion and would play right now if he could, though the required time off was helpful for the team and player — they were able to avoid fluid timelines and erase any additional pressure on Tagovailoa to return.

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Trade deadline names to watch

The trade deadline is 17 days away; many around the league are keeping any eye on these names:

• Panthers QB Bryce Young and WRs Diontae Johnson, Jonathan Mingo and Adam Thielen
• 49ers WR Deebo Samuel
• Bears RB Khalil Herbert and DE Dom Robinson
• Titans WRs Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins
• Browns DE Za’Darius Smith

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Maxx Crosby’s name has come up over the last few weeks, especially last week in the wake of Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. The reality is that every team would want a player like Crosby on their defense, and owner Mark Davis knows that. Davis has been emphatic that they are not trading their captain, and despite Crosby sounding like a player who has heard the chatter, he says he remains focused on winning as a Raider and staying in Las Vegas.


Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets reacts in the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.


The Jets fell to the Buffalo Bills in Jeff Ulbrich’s head-coaching debut. (Elsa / Getty Images)

The interim coach conundrum

Robert Saleh has paparazzi following him around grocery stores in New Jersey, but it’s interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich leading the Jets.

The Jets are going to give Ulbrich every chance to win the full-time job — and won’t be making any more coaching changes before the end of the season. (And no, there is no world in which Bill Belichick winds up the “HC of the NYJ” for a second time; he’s made it pretty clear how he feels about the Jets and owner Woody Johnson.)

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Even if the Jets believe Ulbrich is suitable to take over permanently by the end of the year, they’ll still have to go through the NFL’s hiring process, which requires teams to interview candidates from minority groups, part of the Rooney Rule.

Raiders owner Mark Davis knows a little something about the dilemma Johnson could face if Ulbrich impresses enough to earn the full-time job. Davis, with a push from his star players — now-Jets wide receiver Davante Adams among them — gave interim coach Antonio Pierce the full-time job after last season.

“You have to admit you made a mistake; that’s not always easy, and for me, I haven’t gotten it right yet,” Davis said. “So, hopefully, it’s right with Antonio Pierce. It’s been 13 years since my father passed away, and we haven’t won.”

Pierce was the second interim coach the Raiders have had in recent years. Following Jon Gruden’s 2021 resignation after it was revealed he used racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language in emails, special teams coach Rich Bisaccia was elevated to interim head coach. He didn’t get the full-time job despite leading the Raiders to the playoffs (which Pierce didn’t). The Raiders then hired former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels — who was fired after Week 8 last season and replaced by Pierce, the linebackers coach at the time.

“With Antonio Pierce, I saw the immediate culture change; he returned to believing what it means to be a Raider,” Davis said. “There are 32 teams, and none like the Raiders. He brought that attitude. I know where that came from. He saw the Raiders as a kid growing up, and he knows what that looks like.”

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We’ll see if Davis thinks Pierce is still right for the job after this season. As for the Jets, they haven’t gotten it right in 13 years either, with no playoff appearances since the 2010 season, the longest drought in the four major professional sports leagues, tied with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.


Saquon makes a Giant return

The story of Saquon Barkley leaving New York for the rival Philadelphia Eagles has been one of the major storylines of the 2024 season. Most of the sizzle stems from “Hard Knocks,” which followed the Giants’ front office during their offseason. The show captured owner John Mara telling Giants GM Joe Schoen: “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that.”

Well, Barkley went to Philly, and now the former Giants captain returns to face the team that let him walk. Barkley came on our “Scoop City” podcast during the summer to give his side of what happened, what Schoen told him, and how dealing with angry fans affected his mental state. You can watch the interview here:

No player has been more vital to the success of the Eagles this season than Barkley, and while he’ll say he doesn’t care about facing his former team, the rest of the Eagles do. As Jalen Hurts and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore tried to develop the passing game with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith missing time, Barkley has been a consistent presence for this offense. Now that the Eagles have all their playmakers in the lineup, look for Barkley to have some favorable looks to run against going forward.

While Barkley may say this is just another game, after all we saw and heard it seems it will be anything but.


And the kicker: penalized for too much success?

Kickers in the NFL are good. Maybe too good. Could we see some rule changes because of it?

Kickers made 77 kicks of 50 or more yards through six weeks, which is 14 more than we’ve seen through the first six weeks of any season in NFL history. Those long kicks accounted for 20 percent of the 339 field goals made through Week 6, which are the second-most total field goals at this point in the season in NFL history (behind last year’s 342).

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These are (theoretically) the 32 best kickers in the world, and this season it’s been like those prime years of Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees, only for specialists. But while the NFL tweaked the rulebook to encourage more great passing offenses over the years, they’re considering making life harder for the kickers.

The NFL traditionally uses historical data to try to keep the game consistent from season to season. Now, chatter is picking up that the league could consider narrowing the goal posts in an effort to bring those kicking numbers closer to what we’ve seen in the past. While I don’t expect any changes this season (or even next), it could be brought to the table if these kicking numbers continue to trend up.

One current head coach strongly opposes potentially narrowing the goal posts: “It doesn’t make sense to penalize the improved accuracy of these kickers. This reminds me of the U.S. Open when they bring the fairways in to make them harder to hit; they want to make this the hardest tournament of the year. For the golfers, they can adjust their equipment. The kickers? Well, they just have a foot. We need to embrace the outstanding performances, not penalize them for their improvements.”

We’ll see if this topic continues to gain momentum; data indicates kickers will be less accurate in colder weather as we head into November and December. Then, we’ll see where the discussions land this off-season.

(Photo: Barry Reeger / Imagn Images)

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More than $1.2 million was raised to support nonprofits working to prevent suicides

More than .2 million was raised to support nonprofits working to prevent suicides

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is Part 1 of a two-part series about the Troops First Foundation, its mission and the Soldiers it serves. Today’s article looks at the Foundation’s goals and efforts; Part 2 looks at the people it helped, including local soldiers and combat survivors.

George Strait took the stage and thrilled the audience. Gourmet dishes lined seven serving areas. Drinks were plentiful and stories were told about rounds of golf that evoked laughter and envy.

The annual Vaqueros Del Mar Golf Tournament ran smoothly this week at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort, raising more than $1.2 million for the Troops First Foundation.

Rick, CEO of Troops First

“Isolation is the enemy of this suicide epidemic. We know that a call or conversation at the right time can be life-changing and life-saving.” Rick Kell Troops First CEO

Former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, right, and three-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Ed McCaffrey warmed up the crowd at Tapatio Springs Resort on Wednesday for a four-person “Dream Team” golf game in Cabo San Lucas with Shanahan and Kyle were promoted by Juszczyk, George Kittle and McCaffrey’s son Christian McCaffrey.

Star photos by Jeff B. Flinn

George Strait took the stage at Tapatio Springs to entertain players, sponsors and guests at the Vaqueros Del Mar tournament.

Kell attended the three-day event from the foundation’s main office in Fredrick, Maryland.

“We’re here to do a pretty significant fundraiser, which is great,” Kell said. “The people here understand, they care about the troops and their families. And they have been very supportive of us for 13 years.”

Since 2012, Tom Cusick, Strait and David Feherty of Tapatio Springs have hosted a golf tournament and concert to benefit Feherty’s Troops First Foundation.

Kell explained the motive behind founding Troops First.

“The idea was to build trust and develop programs that were relevant and didn’t duplicate what other people were doing,” he said.

The organization’s service dog program has paired more than 60 dogs with veterans across the country.

Soldiers spend a week in Wisconsin learning and bonding with the dog before “our man returns to his house for a few days” to ensure the dog is properly integrated into the home atmosphere.

There is a housing initiative, the Petry Village of Honor, in Riverdale, Maryland, about 35 miles from Walter Reed Hospital.

“There are seven individual single-family homes. The idea is to be there and start again. We take care of everything except an electric bill,” he said. “That’s their buy-in, there has to be buy-in.”

However, Troops First’s primary focus is suicide prevention efforts.

“Isolation is the enemy of this suicide epidemic we face today,” Kell said. “We know that a call or conversation at the right time can be life-changing and life-saving.”

On the surface, “Warrior Call” is about suicide prevention, “but really it’s about overcoming isolation.”

Kell said Troops First has at least 10,000 active-duty soldiers each year, with people like Boerne native and Army veteran Chris Schwope and (double amputee and blind golfer) Matt Bradford there to tell their stories.

“The whole idea is to motivate and inspire people who need help to raise their hands, reach out to their minister or mental health providers and start a conversation,” he said.

On a trip to Langley Air Force Base next month, Kell and his Troops First crew will be in front of about 4,000 Airmen.

“When we see 4,000 Airmen at Langley, we take 4,000 cards with our Warrior Call promise on one side – ‘Make A Call, Take A Call, Have An Honest Conversation’ – and on the other side the number of an organization called Vets For Warriors,” he said.

Vets For Warriors is a 24/7 call center founded by retired Army Gen. Mark Graham and his wife, who lost two sons within months of each other, one in combat and one to suicide.

As a graduate of Rutgers University, everyone who answers the phone there is a veteran.

“No matter who you are and what your program is, you need a willing participant who wants to accept help and who recognizes, ‘I’m in a bad situation, I need help.’ What our team does is help people evaluate, “Is this me?” NEXT – In Part 2, we meet Chris Schwope, a Boerne High School graduate and Army veteran who works at Troops First and in the Office of the Kendall County Sheriff’s Officer on the move is Investigator Chad Sells, recipient of a special Troops First award.