We cover a whirlwind of sports headlines and a special deep‑dive interview:

🏈 NFL Buzz & Union Drama
• NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell resigns amid scandal, leaving the players’ union in limbo.
• What’s next for the NFLPA’s leadership — and how will it impact players’ rights?

💰 Steeler Star Secures Record Deal
• TJ Watt inks a three‑year, $123 million extension — the richest non‑QB pact ever.
• Breakdown of the annual salary record and how it reshapes defensive pay scales.

🏈 SEC Media Days & Playoff Debate
• Nick Saban rumors swirl: will college football’s winningest coach return?
• Missouri’s Eli Reitzey proposes a radical 30‑team playoff — our take on “too many” teams vs. preserving regular‑season stakes.

🏀 WNBA All‑Star Update
• Caitlin Clark sidelined for All‑Star Weekend after re‑aggravating a groin injury.
• Fever guard Lexie Hull steps in for the three‑point contest — a preview of this year’s shootout.

⚾ Moment of Awe: SEC Media Days “Aggie Fumble” — when Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was accidentally serenaded with the Aggie War Hymn.

🏆 Feature Interview: Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, on preserving the legacy of black baseball pioneers and the forthcoming “Pitch for the Future” museum expansion in Kansas City.

2025 NFLPA shakeup • Lloyd Howell resignation • TJ Watt $123M extension • Pittsburgh Steelers contract • SEC Media Days highlights • Nick Saban return rumors • Missouri playoff proposal • 30‑team college football playoff • WNBA All‑Star injury • Caitlin Clark groin • Lexie Hull three‑point shootout • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum • Bob Kendrick interview • Pitch for the Future campaign • SportsIQ podcast.

On today’s SportsIQ with Larry Smith, we break down the biggest headlines as the 2025 NFL season officially kicks off:
🏈 Chargers Open Camp & Von Miller’s Next Stop
LA welcomes veterans back to camp, and two‑time Super Bowl MVP Von Miller inks a one‑year deal with Washington.
🏈 Saints’ Blockbuster Quarterback Saga
Derek Carr’s surprise retirement clears the way for Spencer Rattler vs. Tyler Chat in New Orleans, and what it means for Kellen Moore’s offense.
🏈 Falcons Insider with Darryl Ledbetter
Michael Penix Jr.’s meteoric rise, Arthur Blank’s win‑now roster, and how Atlanta’s defense is rebuilding under Raheem Morris.

Plus: WNBA first‑half recaps, Jean van de Velde’s “Carnoustie collapse” moment of awe, and the Rangers’ act of goodwill—paying Nathan Eovaldi his All‑Star bonus despite roster snubs. Tune in now on Spotify!

Larry Smith teams up with producer Tony Cordero and editor Josh Ewing for a packed hour:

• ⛳ British Open Preview: Scott Walker of the Edge Podcast joins us to dissect Rory McIlroy’s odds, the depth of this year’s field, and why the Open remains golf’s ultimate test. We also revisit Jean Van de Velde’s infamous 1999 finish and what it teaches us about links golf.

• 🏀 WNBA All‑Star Buzz: With Caitlin Clark’s groin injury in question and rookie sensations ready to shine, we break down the history and hype of this weekend’s festivities. Plus: A recap of the Sparks vs Mystics thriller and A’ja Wilson’s record‑setting sharpshooting.

• 🏀 NBA Summer League Watch: Terrence Shannon Jr. continues his breakout in Las Vegas—can he earn the minutes Minnesota needs? We also spotlight rookie point guard Rob Dillingham’s summer audition for the Timberwolves.

• 🦌 Indiana’s Mascot Makeover: The Hoosiers resurrect their Bison sideline icon for the first time since 1969—what it means for Bloomington’s football identity.

• 🏈 College Football Media Days: From Nick Saban whispers to Kirby Smart’s “fire, passion, energy” mantra at SEC Media Days, we pull out the biggest takeaways shaping 2025.

• ⚾ MLB All‑Star Game Recap: Truist Park went dark for Hank Aaron’s milestone tribute, then lit up again for Kyle Schwarber’s six‑swing, series‑winning homer swing‑off. Why this format still delivers when other leagues can’t.

• 🗣️ Producer Corner: Tony Cordero and Josh swap favorite All‑Star memories—from Bo Jackson’s cannon arm to Pete Rose’s classic collision.

• 😬 Moment of “Oh!”: We close with golf’s greatest collapse: Jean Van de Velde’s triple‑bogey finale at Carnoustie in 1999.

Tags:
2025 British Open • Scott Walker Edge Podcast • Rory McIlroy odds • Jean Van de Velde collapse • WNBA All‑Star 2025 • Caitlin Clark injury • A’ja Wilson • NBA Summer League • Terrence Shannon Jr. • Rob Dillingham • Indiana Bison mascot • SEC Media Days • Kirby Smart quotes • Nick Saban rumors • MLB All‑Star game • Kyle Schwarber swing‑off • Hank Aaron tribute • SportsIQ Podcast

Larry Smith breaks down a whirlwind of sports headlines and exclusive interviews:

• ⚾️ MLB All‑Star Break Preview

  • Tonight’s midsummer classic at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia

  • Cal Raleigh makes history as the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, with family pitching and catching

• ⚾️ Rays Ownership Shakeup

  • Tampa Bay Rays reported for sale at a $1.7 billion price tag

  • Future of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg vs. potential move to Tampa

• 🏀 WNBA Expansion News

  • Return of the Portland Fire as the next expansion franchise (2000–2002 revival)

  • Star guard Rhyne Howard sidelined for July after knee injury

  • A’ja Wilson invests in Boston’s NWSL expansion team

• 🎾 Wimbledon Moment of Awe

  • Iga Świątek’s dominant 6–0, 6–0 victory in the women’s final

  • Only the second “double bagel” in Wimbledon women’s final history

• 🏈 SEC Media Days Recap

  • Key takeaways from Greg Sankey on playoff expansion, new era of NIL and the House settlement

  • Inside look at commissioner collaboration with Big 10’s Tony Petitti

• 🏈 College Football Outlook with Andrew Monaco

  • Evaluating Texas A &M’s culture reset under Mike Elko

  • Returning starters, quarterback Marcel Reed’s leadership, and offseason roster retention

• 🏀 NBA Summer League & Al Horford Update

  • Victor Wembanyama cleared for 2025–26 season after blood‑clot scare

  • Standout performances by Drew Timme, Tre Johnson, Terrence Shannon Jr.

  • 39‑year‑old Al Horford weighing retirement vs. potential roles with Lakers or Warriors

Tags:
MLB All‑Star Game • Cal Raleigh • Tampa Bay Rays sale • WNBA expansion • Portland Fire • Rhyne Howard injury • A’ja Wilson • Wimbledon double bagel • Iga Świątek • SEC Media Days • Greg Sankey • NIL regulations • College Football Playoff • Texas A &M Aggies • Mike Elko • Marcel Reed • NBA Summer League • Victor Wembanyama • Al Horford retirement

On today’s Sports IQ with Larry Smith, we dive into a jam-packed weekend in sports:

🎾 Wimbledon Recap & American Talent
Tennis journalist Amy Lundy joins us to break down the new champions at SW19, the rise of the “new two,” and why a surge of American men—including Ben Shelton and Francis Tiafoe—is finally poised to break through.

⚾ MLB Draft Surprises
The Nationals shock with 17-year-old shortstop Eli Willetts at No. 1, while the Mariners trade up to claim LSU lefty Cade Anderson and shell out an $8.8 million bonus. We look at what these picks mean for Washington and Seattle’s futures.

⛳ Moment of Awe: Joe Pavelski
Just one year into retirement, former NHL star Joe Pavelski sinks a walk-off eagle on 18 at Tahoe to win the American Century Championship. Drama you couldn’t script—our breakdown of the shot that stunned the celebrity field.

🏀 WNBA Rising: Mystics’ Rookie Revolution
Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post explores how Sidney Johnson’s “draft and develop” approach has DC’s youngest roster exceeding all expectations, led by standout rookies Sonja Citron and Shakira Austin.

#Wimbledon2025 #MLBDraft #JoePavelski #AmericanCenturyChampionship #WNBA #WashingtonMystics #SportsIQ

SourcesAsk ChatGPT

📚 FEATURE INTERVIEW: Jane McManus on The Fast Track
Larry and Tony welcome NYU professor and sports journalist Jane McManus, author of The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women's Sports. They discuss the decades-long fight for visibility and equity, the WNBA’s surge, the economics behind rising franchise valuations, and the possibility of future co-ed pro leagues.

🏈 Coach Prime Steals the Show at Big 12 Media Days
Deion Sanders lights up the mic with gratitude, swagger, and strong words about NIL, program building, and recruiting without his sons.

🏀 Caitlin Clark’s Friday Night Spotlight + WNBA Preview
Larry sets the stage for the ION WNBA doubleheader, with Clark making her long-awaited Friday debut and Seattle looking to bounce back in Game 2.

💰 NBA's Next Dynasty? OKC’s $822M Core Locked In
Thunder ownership makes a bold statement by securing Jalen Williams, SGA, and Chet Holmgren on max deals — can they build a long-term contender?

⚾ MLB Comebacks, Collapses, and Hot Streaks
The Yankees erase a 5–0 deficit, the Red Sox and Orioles roll, and the A’s walk it off in extras. Plus, concerns mounting in Atlanta.

🎓 Will March Madness Expand Again?
The NCAA mulls new formats beyond the current 68-team bracket, with a decision likely before mid-August.

🏟️ Bears & Browns Stadium Drama
New stadium battles heat up in Chicago and Cleveland — but who pays for it all?

Jane McManus The Fast TrackWNBA Expansion 2025Deion Sanders Big 12 Media DayColorado Football 2025Caitlin Clark Friday Night GameOKC Thunder ContractsNBA Summer League Bronny JamesNCAA March Madness ExpansionNFL Stadium Chicago ClevelandSportsIQ Podcast Larry Smith

On today’s SportsIQ, Larry Smith breaks down a massive Friday in sports:

🏈 Florida State football in crisis mode — Peter Holland Jr. (Tallahassee Democrat) joins to explain what went wrong in 2024 and how the Seminoles are trying to course-correct with new staff, recruits, and a reset.

⚾ Detroit Tigers surging — Columnist Shawn Windsor (Detroit Free Press) shares how AJ Hinch, homegrown talent, and smart clubhouse chemistry have the Tigers eyeing a playoff push. From Scuba's dominance to the bullpen’s emergence, it’s Detroit’s most exciting run in years.

🎾 Moment of Awe: Taylor Fritz reaches his first Wimbledon semi-final and faces defending champ Carlos Alcaraz. Can he become the first American male finalist since Andy Roddick in 2009?

🏀 NBA contracts explode — Larry and Tony react to record-breaking salaries for Devin Booker and Paolo Banchero and debate whether these stars are really worth the money.

🏀 WNBA drama & dominance — Caitlin Clark returns, Golden State continues to stun, and Alyssa Thomas and Tina Charles headline a powerful week.

📢 Plus: Updates on MLB headlines, College Football Playoff expansion, and rising pressure on Mike Norvell’s FSU program.

Florida State footballPeter Holland Tallahassee DemocratShawn Windsor Detroit Free PressDetroit Tigers 2025 seasonTariq Skubal Cy YoungTaylor Fritz Wimbledon 2025Carlos Alcaraz WimbledonDevin Booker NBA contractPaolo Banchero extensionWNBA Friday Night on IonCaitlin Clark injury returnAlyssa Thomas Tina CharlesSportsIQ podcast Larry Smith

On this episode of SportsIQ, host Larry Smith covers a packed midweek slate of sports headlines and in-depth conversations:

🏈 Notre Dame football recruiting is red-hot — Eric Hansen of Blue & Gold Illustrated joins Tony Cordaro to break down the Irish’s newest commits, NFL legacy prospects, defensive back dominance, and the Marcus Freeman effect in South Bend.

🏀 WNBA rising stars & team identity shifts — Stephen PridGeon-Garner from PHNX Sports returns to talk Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and how adversity has revealed emerging leadership in Angel Reese, Camila Cardoso, and Haley Van Lith.

⚾ Moment of Awe – Giants catcher Patrick Bailey hits the first walk-off inside-the-park homer by a catcher since 1926. Nearly 100 years of history in one wild sprint.

🏀 Plus: Updates on Asia Wilson’s injury, Sabrina Ionescu’s big night, and the Liberty vs. Aces rivalry.
🏈 Big 12 media days get spicy, and Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire takes a shot at Brian Kelly and the SEC.

• Eric Hansen (Blue & Gold Illustrated – Notre Dame football)

• Stephen PridGeon-Garner (PHNX Sports – WNBA)

Notre Dame football recruitingMarcus FreemanEric Hansen Blue & GoldAngel Reese Chicago SkyCamila Cardoso BrazilHaley Van Lith WNBAStephen PridGeon-Garner PHNXPhoenix Mercury surprise teamAsia Wilson injury newsPatrick Bailey GiantsInside-the-park walk-offSportsIQ with Larry SmithJoey McGuire Brian KellyBig 12 Media DaysWNBA Liberty Aces Caitlin ClarkCollege football playoffsTexas Tech footballMLB moments of awe