NWSL game paused to recognize sexual harassment allegations
On Wednesday, during the sixth minute of a National Women’s Soccer League game between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit, the game stopped as the players from both teams circled up in a show of solidarity with two players that accused a coach of sexual harassment and misconduct. The NWSL Players Association released a statement saying, “Tonight, we reclaim our place on the field, because we will not let our joy be taken from us. But this is not business as usual.” The coach for the North Carolina Courage, Paul Riley, was fired following allegations. The owner of the Courage apologized to the players for the group’s “failure to create an environment where players felt safe in coming forward,” according to the Associated Press.
Tampa Bay Rays to open ALDS with Red Sox
In the past two seasons, the Tampa Bay Rays have won more games than any other team in the American League. Ahead of their matchup with the Rays, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, “I know they’re really good. They have a great team. Coming into the season, a lot of people thought they were the best team in the big leagues. But we feel we have a good team, and we’re here. We’ll show up. We’ll play and see where it takes us.” The first game of the season will be between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox.
Queen Elizabeth opens Commonwealth Games with Paralympic gold medalist
The launch of the baton relay for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is the first major event that has been held at Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth II since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The queen handed off the baton to Kadeena Cox, a four-time Paralympic athlete. The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is an international relay and connects all of the countries participating in the Commonwealth Games. Borris Johnson, the British prime minister, said, “The U.K. is honoured to host these games in the brilliant city of Birmingham, bringing together 72 nations and territories from across the globe & marking a year of pride and celebration for this country.” The current games and the baton used for the relay incorporated a platinum strand to signify the queen’s 70-year reign as head of state.
Patriots trade Gilmore to Panthers
Former New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for their 2023 sixth-round draft pick. The Panthers hoped to replace cornerback Jaycee Horn, who broke his foot and is out for the season. Matt Rhule, the head coach of the Panthers, said, “I think anytime you can get a (former) All-Pro player for a future sixth, we’re going to do it, right? This was just one of those things where he it was too good to pass up. He’s too good of a player and he’s from here. Football character-wise he just adds to the core of what we are.”
