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Trump Dips Toes in WNBA, NFL Players 'Salty' After Ban

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👋 Hey FirstFans!

This edition is packed with the week's most explosive headlines. We've got MLB's shocking slumps and record-setting drama, plus the NBA's off-court chaos, from a stolen jersey to a public feud. Get the latest on the WNBA's controversies and the NFL's biggest battles, including a new ban and a high-stakes contract standoff.

Get ready for fresh insights, highlights, and stories that fuel your passion for the game.

Let’s dive into the action!

Today’s WOW moments from sports world!

🧢 YANKEES’ WOES
🚨 JAMES JERSEY THEFT
🏈 SMELLING ‘SALTY’ PLAYERS
🏀 TRUMP TAKEOVER IN WNBA?

⚾️ Bronx Bombers' Blues, Boomer's Blast & Toronto's Tear

The New York Yankees are in a tailspin, and even their former rivals are taking notice. After getting swept by the Marlins, the Yankees dropped two of three games to the Rangers, ending a five-game losing streak just before it became a full-blown crisis.

Relief pitcher Devin Williams was at the center of the collapse, blowing a save one night and giving up the decisive runs the next. Their sudden funk has left even legendary Red Sox hurler Pedro Martinez in disbelief, proving that when the Bronx Bombers struggle, the whole baseball world watches.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are on the opposite end of the spectrum, looking like they've unlocked a cheat code against the Colorado Rockies. In a dominant three-game sweep, the Jays set a new MLB record with a mind-boggling 63 hits. Their offensive onslaught was relentless, outscoring the hapless Rockies 45-6 in a series that was more of a batting practice session than a competitive matchup.

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The baseball world’s attention then turned to Juan Soto, who found himself on the receiving end of some major criticism. During a loss to the Guardians, he broke up a no-hitter in the ninth inning with a solo home run.

The issue? He was seen smiling as he rounded the bases, a move that did not sit well with many. With the Mets' season spiraling, Soto’s attitude quickly became the main topic of conversation.

Former NFL QB and current radio host Boomer Esiason was one of the loudest critics, blasting Soto for his "loafing" and attitude. Esiason insisted that as the team's highest-paid player, Soto should be a leader, like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani. It seems even breaking up a no-hitter isn't enough to earn a pass when your team is losing and your demeanor isn't what the critics want it to be.

🤔 The James' Jersey, Feud & Missing Act

When Luka Doncic signed his extension with the Lakers, Bronny James and his father, LeBron James, were not present. Veteran analyst Dan Patrick made a hue and cry about the 20-year-old missing the occasion when other players were present.

Amidst all the rumors of a possible trade, it was revealed that senior James was in constant touch with the Lakers as he kept tabs on what the franchise was doing to give him a chance to fight for another title.

The James’ became a part of a feud between Gilbert Arenas and his former teammate Kwame Brown, who have been going back and forth after the former’s federal arrest. Brown claimed Arenas was a bootlicker who wants to stay in the James’ good books.

James’ 2013 NBA Finals Game 7 Miami Heat jersey sold for $3.7 million a few years back. Turns out, it was part of a major theft conducted by a former Heat security officer. The Miami Police Department veteran is now facing charges after a thorough FBI investigation.

Marcus Morris, on the other hand, managed to leave prison after paying a $291K settlement that led to the Las Vegas casinos dropping their charges against him. Unlike this instance, Stephen A. Smith is worried that Arenas joking about his arrest could land him in trouble.

De’Aaron Fox received a massive 4-year, $229 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player on the Spurs. Meanwhile, Kevin Love wants to reunite with LeBron James and has shortlisted the Lakers as a potential stop.

🏀 NSFW Chaos, Trump's Prank & WNBA's Federal Fears

2 more NSFW toys were thrown onto WNBA courts, the latest of which was of a different color. Another toy did not land on the court. Instead, it hit a fan, and that led to the arrest of an 18-year-old who is facing charges.

The WNBA tried to stop this from continuing and issued a ‘no bag policy’. But that did not deter a fan from throwing the latest purple one during the Sky’s game against the Dream. Even Donald Trump’s son joined in the prank and posted a meme of his father throwing on from the White House rooftop.

Stephen A. Smith fears President Trump might get involved in calls for a federal investigation into a probe involving the WNBA. A Wall Street Journal article questioned the WNBA’s attempts to protect Caitlin Clark.

Clark sat courtside as her Fever were embarrassed by former teammate DeWanna Bonner and the Mercury. There are concerns about the team’s latest 2 losses, but their head coach is not worried.

WNBA legends Candace Parker and Nancy Lieberman reiterated that Clark was a great player, and that the Fever would be ‘scary’ once she returns to the court. Even though there is still no timeline, some expect the point guard to return towards the end of this month.

Angel Reese is also out for an unspecified time after her back injury did not heal well enough. Without her, the Sky are continuing to lose games. In the meantime, the forward connected with the creator of ‘Hunting Wives’, and has proposed a possible cameo appearance in season 2.

🏈 NFL's Ban Backlash, Parsons' Standoff & Preseason Injuries

The Cleveland Browns are struggling with injuries to their quarterbacks and were forced to sign Tyler Huntley to add to their roster. This situation could end up being a blessing in disguise for Shedeur Sanders, who was initially listed as their 4th best option.

The NFL caused a furor after banning ammonia inhalants and smelling salts over concerns they mask concussion symptoms. After a lot of backlash, especially from 49ers star George Kittle, the league reiterated that it had only banned teams from supplying them.

The league also suspended WR Jordan Addison for the first 3 games of the season after he violated the league’s substance abuse policy. This came as a jolt for Vikings fans after rumors of JJ McCarthy’s struggles spread.

Teams have been contacting Jerry Jones over the possibility of a trade for Micah Parsons, but the billionaire is adamant that he can get a deal done as quickly as he bought the franchise.

Teams kicked off preseason games, and Raiders head coach Pete Carroll faced off against his former team, but the game ended in a tie. The only highlight was when Marshawn Lynch, serving as a cameraman, elbowed Seahawks running back George Holani to keep him away from his camera.

Injuries were the theme of the day after Colts QB Anthony Richardson exited with a finger injury after taking a sack. In the same game, Ravens rookie corner Bilhal Kone, suffered a gruesome knee injury, ruling him out for the season.

Thank you folks for reading our newsletter! Will see you in the next edition with more exciting highlights from the sports world curated for you! 🙏