By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Sports, I submit, is truly the gift that keeps on giving. After lamenting the NFL’s shameful draft treatment of Shedeur Sanders, an ankle injury has compromised his opportunity to solidify or seize a favorable position in the quarterback hierarchy based on injuries to competitors Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. Irony is too often cruel as the Browns were compelled to sign former Dolphins and Ravens backup Tyrone Huntley from Hallandale to fill out the roster for repetition and practice integrity. I’m curious as to why Shedeur remains fourth on the Brown’s depth chart based on Flacco’s age, Pickett’s fall from grace in Pittsburgh and Shedeur being rated consistently higher as a pro prospect over Gabriel. The Cleveland quarterback situation is probably the most intriguing in the NFL..
The Miami Marlins may be the surprise team of the season after sweeping the Yankees in a three game series at home (five consecutive wins overall), giving them a short-lived 55-55 won- lost (.500) record for the first time this season. That momentum was temporarily stymied by an 8-2 loss to the Houston Astros at Loan Depot Park, leaving them with a 55-56 record. The Marlins currently sit eight and a half games behind the first place Phillies and Mets, who are battling for East Division supremacy. It should be noted that the Marlins have made up a game and half despite the proficiency of the leaders and appears to be content with the roster as presently constructed. Interpretation: no fire sale. Kyle Stowers, obtained in a trade from Baltimore, not only represented the Marlins in the MLB All-Star game, but was also named Player of the Month for July. His numbers were impressive – batting 364 with 16 runs, five doubles, 10 homers and 20 RBIs in 24 games in July. The Marlins have the talent and potential to make a serious run for the NL Eastern Division title.
Finally, in the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Noah Lyles came from behind to defeat Kenny Bednarek in the 200 meters finals in Eugene, Oregon. Lyles past Bednarik in the last 10 meters to win in a blistering time 91-63 seconds. It was the unwelcome stare down by Lyles which raised Bednarik’s ire, illiciting a push in the back by Bednarik, who obviously didn’t appreciate the unsportsmanlike conduct. After exchanging a few unpleasantries, the two eventually shook hands. Bednarik vowed revenge the next time they meet. Sports just keeps on giving.
