The delay is due to lightning being detected within in eight-mile radius of Plainsman Park, despite no rain falling at the time the delay began.
Coastal Carolina led Auburn 6-3 at the time of the delay, but put up a scoreless frame in the top of the sixth before the delay was called. Much of the offense came in a four-run fourth inning surge, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of Blagen Pado.
Auburn right fielder Ike Irish hit a home run of his own in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to three runs, but the Tigers will have to wait to try and continue the rally.
A federal judge signed off on arguably the biggest change in the history of college sports on Friday, clearing the way for schools to begin paying their athletes millions of dollars as soon as next month as the multibillion-dollar industry shreds the last vestiges of the amateur model that defined it for more than a century.
Nearly five years after Arizona State swimmer Grant House sued the NCAA and its five biggest conferences to lift restrictions on revenue sharing, U.S. Judge Claudia Wilken approved the final proposal that had been hung up on roster limits, just one of many changes ahead amid concerns that thousands of walk-on athletes will lose their chance to play college sports.
The sweeping terms of the so-called House settlement include approval for each school to share up to $20.5 million with athletes over the next year and $2.7 billion that will be paid over the next decade to thousands of former players who were barred from that revenue for years.
The agreement brings a seismic shift to hundreds of schools that were forced to reckon with the reality that their players are the ones producing the billions in TV and other revenue, mostly through football and basketball, that keep this machine humming.
The scope of the changes — some have already begun — is difficult to overstate. The professionalization of college athletics will be seen in the high-stakes and expensive recruitment of stars on their way to the NFL and NBA, and they will be felt by athletes whose schools have decided to pare their programs. The agreement will resonate in nearly every one of the NCAA’s 1,100 member schools boasting nearly 500,000 athletes.
The road to a settlement
Wilken’s ruling comes 11 years after she dealt the first significant blow to the NCAA ideal of amateurism when she ruled in favor of former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon and others who were seeking a way to earn money from the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL) — a term that is now as common in college sports as “March Madness” or “Roll Tide.” It was just four years ago that the NCAA cleared the way for NIL money to start flowing, but the changes coming are even bigger.
Wilken granted preliminary approval to the settlement last October. That sent colleges scurrying to determine not only how they were going to afford the payments, but how to regulate an industry that also allows players to cut deals with third parties so long as they are deemed compliant by a newly formed enforcement group that will be run by auditors at Deloitte.
The agreement takes a big chunk of oversight away from the NCAA and puts it in the hands of the four biggest conferences. The ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC hold most of the power and decision-making heft, especially when it comes to the College Football Playoff, which is the most significant financial driver in the industry and is not under the NCAA umbrella like the March Madness tournaments are.
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Friday at 8:39 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 9:30 p.m. for Elmore, Montgomery, Macon and Bullock counties.
Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 8:39 p.m., Doppler radar tracked strong thunderstorms along a line extending from Emerald Mountain to near Sprague. Movement was east at 20 mph,” according to the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Montgomery, Tallassee, Milstead, Pike Road, Shorter, Auburn University In Montgomery, Emerald Mountain, Snowdoun, Waugh, Lagoon Park, Eastdale Mall, Mount Meigs, Sprague, Tysonville, Victoryland, Pinedale, Blue Ridge, Mitylene, Carters Hill and Brassell.
According to the weather service, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Preparing for impending lightning strikes: Expert safety recommendations
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s a clear indication of nearby lightning.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Driving through downpours: Safety guidelines for wet roads
Rain can turn roads into hazards. Stay informed and follow these tips from the weather service to ensure safety during heavy rainfall:
Beware of swollen waterways:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
A fire erupted at a Florida resort condo Friday afternoon and a cause continues to be investigated by officials.
According to a Facebook post by the Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, the fire occurred at Long Beach Resort Tower 3 and left several units with damage. However, no injuries have been reported.
WMBB reported that the fire began in one unit on the fifth floor of the tower and then spread to the sixth floor.
According to the outlet, Panama City Beach Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Tim Smith said firefighters worked to put the fire out, “within minutes.”
“We train for this all the time. So guys made a rapid ascent up the stairs connected into the building’s standpipe and got water on the fire very, very quickly. And, you know, we’re able to, you know, put the fire out within minutes and ensure that there were no victims anywhere in the area.”
Smith said two individuals were in the unit where the fire began but were able to escape the without injuries.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
A south Alabama mayor is upset with recent comments made by Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch regarding gang violence after he said he wishes “we could be put them in the same arena and let them kill the hell out of each other.”
Burch said in a press conference that the shooting was gang-related and was frustrated due to innocent people being harmed as a result of the feuds.
“It’s gangs and frankly, I wish we could put them in the same arena and let them kill the hell out of each other,” Burch said. “That would solve the problem. It’s the innocent people who get shot.”
But Prichard Mayor Jimmie Gardner took exception to Burch’s comments and posted a video on Facebook calling them, “inhumane and unrealistic.”
“To imply such an inhumane and unrealistic approach to public safety is unacceptable from any public official, especially one in a position of law enforcement leadership,” Gardner said.
“These are not just issues to casually discuss or project personal frustrations onto — they are real, devastating tragedies that destroy families, traumatize children, and scar entire neighborhoods.”
Gardner said that although Burch acknowledged innocent people get hurt as a result of the violence the sheriff’s “choice of language undermines the seriousness of this crisis.”
Gardner also rebutted Burch’s claim that the Prichard Police Department did not respond to a 4 a.m. shooting on Wednesday.
Gardner said that the call logs demonstrated that Prichard’s dispatcher never received a call at that time and questioned why Burch would make such a claim when evidence proved otherwise.
Burch has repeatedly criticized Prichard’s Police Department and on Wednesday again stated that it was, “failing the citizens of that city.”
Gardner said the focus should be on collaboration not finger-pointing.
“I have, on many occasions, publicly expressed appreciation for the manpower and resources the Sheriff’s Office has provided to the City of Prichard,” Gardner said.
“But I will not stand by in silence while inflammatory, misleading, and harmful rhetoric is used to cast blame or distract from the real work needed to address crime. We must focus on accountability, collaboration, and proactive solutions – not finger-pointing or gaslighting.”
A weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 7:39 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 8:15 p.m. for Bibb and Chilton counties.
Residents may experience wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 7:38 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm over Chilton County Motor Sports Park, or 9 miles southwest of Jemison, moving east at 25 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Clanton, Jemison, Thorsby, Maplesville, Chilton County Motor Sports Park, Gap Of The Mountain, Pooles Crossroads, Randolph, Lomax, Isabella, I 65 Rest Area and Cooper.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
When lightning looms: Expert safety tips for thunderstorms
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To guarantee your safety in the midst of a thunderstorm, take into account the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s crucial to have a lightning safety plan in place.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek shelter promptly in a safe location, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that lightning can strike even when a storm seems to have passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, which expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In forested areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re in a group, ensure that individuals are spaced out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If no alternative exists, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. Remember that a tent offers no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. While water and metal don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Prioritize visibility
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
It’s time for the biggest home series in Auburn baseball history.
Now two wins away from the College World Series, the Tigers will host Coastal Carolina in the super regionals. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. and game 2 is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Coastal Carolina holds the best record in the country sitting at 51-11 overall. The Chanticleers are currently on a 21-game winning streak and have not lost a game in six weeks.
Auburn’s pitching rotation is led by senior righthander Samuel Dutton (7-3, 3.84), who has 92 strikeouts and 19 walks in 82 innings.
Here’s a live feed of the action inside Plainsman Park:
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has learned to juggle this offseason at the request of Robert Prince, the NFL team’s new wide-receivers coach.
“RP brought a whole thing in here that we do,” Waddle said on Tuesday. “He was challenging us to learn how to juggle. I learned how to juggle in two or three days. I’m just saying. If anybody can beat that, I don’t know. I was TikTokking and some other stuff about this juggling. RP challenged us to learn. That was actually pretty fun. I’m trying to learn new techniques actually.”
The former Alabama All-American said his new skill was meant to improve hand-eye coordination.
“It’s really tough,” Waddle said. “I didn’t know anything about juggling, but I learned in two days if I didn’t tell y’all that. If I didn’t tell y’all that, I learned in two days. Two days.”
Miami coach Mike McDaniel said juggling was only one way that Waddle had attacked the offseason after the least productive season of his NFL career.
“I see a guy that’s ready to earn growth to a game that’s already top tier within the National Football League,” McDaniel said on Tuesday. “It’s exciting for me and exciting for when I go out on the field, because he’s humbly approaching his craft, attacking it, so that he’s not satisfied with any part of his game.
“I think one thing that has been really cool to watch is his understanding of who he is on the team, how much we depend on his playmaking ability, but also how much we depend on how he is as a football player in extremely non-selfish ways. He’s very active in the run game. He’s very active in just really doing whatever he can to benefit the other pass eligibles.
“Realistically, I’m really excited about what 2025 has in store for him, based upon the excitement that he gives me every day attacking his craft. So today should be a good day, and he’ll go back to the drawing board and chop wood the next. That’s kind of been his formula this offseason, and I think it’s benefiting him.”
After the Dolphins drafted Waddle at No. 6 in 2021, he produced three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. But in 2024, Waddle dropped to 58 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns – all career lows – as Miami went 8-9, its worst record since the wide receiver came aboard.
“Definitely not the year we wanted as a team,” Waddle said. “Definitely the year that I didn’t want as an individual. But lucky for me, we get to go back — same quarterback, same head coach, (offensive coordinator) — and run it back. I think the foundation that we are setting here in OTAs is going to really help us in training camp and lead us to the season.”
A big part of Miami’s problems in 2024 seemed to stem from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health. Waddle’s former Alabama teammate missed six games because of a concussion and a hip injury, and when he wasn’t on the field, the Dolphins struggled to move the football.
In the 10 games in which Tagovailoa went all the way at quarterback, Miami averaged scoring 25.5 points. In the other seven games, the Dolphins averaged 13 points.
“He’s just excited to play, man,” Waddle said. “I think all of us are. He looks confident, coming out with a different swag. He’s got dye in his hair and some other stuff. He looks like he’s just eager to play, man.”
Miami hasn’t won a playoff game since Dec. 30, 2000. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers, whose Amerant Bank Arena is about 20 miles from the Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, started their third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday night with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Last season, the Panthers defeated the Oilers in the NHL championship series.
“They definitely bring an urge to the city,” Waddle said about the Panthers. “They bring excitement to the city. Every professional sport in the city, it’s just like they’re pretty much the standard with all that they’ve accomplished over the past years. It’s definitely lit a fire under us to try to match them.”
Waddle said he’d become a hockey fan since he came to Miami.
“I’m going to go to the Finals,” Waddle said. “I think I’m their good-luck charm because I don’t think they’ve loss since I’ve been. I think they need to invite me sometime soon in an important game because I think they’re pretty undefeated when I’m there. Panthers, hey, I’ll be waiting.”
The Dolphins have three practices remaining in their offseason program – mandatory minicamp on Tuesday through Thursday.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.
Then, he brought up a younger player who he was especially high on.
“Qua Russaw, he’s the guy that I think has a chance to take over the game,” McElroy said on the podcast, published on Monday. “He was a little bit banged up at times last year. Got a little banged up in the Wisconsin game, but there were so many moments throughout the year that you saw those flashes.”
Russaw, a redshirt sophomore edge for Alabama, started six games last year for the Crimson Tide, and saw the field in all 13. He made 36 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, with one sack.
The Carver-Montgomery product also snagged two interceptions and forced a fumble.
“Now, if he can put it all together in his redshirt sophomore year, he’s got All-SEC and All-American potential, for sure,” McElroy said.
Russaw joined the Crimson Tide in 2023, when Nick Saban was still the coach. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound linebacker stuck around through the transition to new head coach Kalen DeBoer and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, and made a bigger impact during his second year in Tuscaloosa.
He earned praise from his coaches during the season, especially when Que Robinson’s season ended due to an elbow injury, making more snaps for Russaw.
“I just think he’s doing a really good job of continuing to stay relentless in this process,” Wommack said of Russaw in November. “And now that, because of injury and because he’s producing at a higher level, he is playing more and more consistent as we go through the season. And certainly when you think about some of the things that have happened in that room, and we’ve got a couple of guys that were down, he’s stepping up at the right time.”
Alabama wrapped up spring football in April will begin preseason camp in early August. The Crimson Tide is scheduled to begin the 2025 season with a trip to Tallahassee, where it will face Florida State on Aug. 30.
“Love Island USA” contestant Yulissa Escobar has released a statement apologizing for using racial slurs in past podcast clips that resurfaced online.
“In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur,” Escobar wrote on her Instagram account.
“I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.”
She continued: “At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn’t take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn’t know better then, but I do now. I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment.”
Escobar was removed from the villa during the second episode of Season 7, which aired on Peacock on Wednesday, with minimal context about the reason behind her departure.
Shortly after Peacock announced the original “Love Island USA” cast ahead of its June 3 premiere, fans exposed the ex-islander for her controversial past, vowing to vote her off the show once submissions opened. In the clips obtained by TMZ, she is heard saying the N-word several times while discussing past relationships.
“I’ve changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others,” Escobar wrote.
“Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability.”
In her apology, Escobar also addressed claims of false statements about her character circulating online since her exit.
“There have also been fake statements circulating, things written or said by others that don’t reflect me or my heart,” Escobar continued in her post.
“I want to clarify that this is my voice and my words. I don’t need anyone to speak for me. I’m choosing to speak for myself because I take full ownership of my actions. Do not listen to the fake statements. This is my official statement. This is me speaking directly to you. To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand, and I apologize. I am sorry.”