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Bedard stays
with Blackhawks
CHICAGO (AP) -- Connor Bedard never wavered. Whenever the young center was asked about his future, he always responded with similar variations of the same message. He says Chicago is the only place he wants to play.
Bedard’s $75 million, five-year contract with the Blackhawks was announced on Saturday, a day after his 21st birthday. The final details were completed after Bedard had surgery on his left shoulder on July 8.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft is expected to miss the start of the season, but he thinks the adversity will help him become stronger mentally. He also says he would love to play with Patrick Kane if the dynamic winger wants to return to Chicago.
SEC may
go alone
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey says the SEC is having serious talks about breaking away from the NCAA. On Monday, Sankey explained that school presidents are frustrated and considering significant changes. However, he emphasized that this isn’t their preferred solution.
The SEC is dealing with issues like Congressional legislation, new eligibility rules, and transparency around player payments. Despite these challenges, Sankey highlighted the league’s 13 national championships last season as a reason to stay within the current framework. He believes there’s value in participating in a national organization.
WTA begins
gene testing
BERLIN (AP) -- The Women’s Tennis Association is introducing one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players effective from Tuesday - a requirement to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The WTA has updated its women’s eligibility policy to include gender screening “based on biological sex” this week “to preserve the integrity of women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition conditions for all players.”
The new policy takes the organization in line with the eligibility policy introduced by the IOC in March to align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order on sports ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Barkley’s
home targeted
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Police are searching for people responsible for a weekend break-in at the home of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Authorities in Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania, responded to the burglary early Saturday. They said those responsible had fled by the time police arrived.
Barkley and his family were unharmed. Police released a photo of a white SUV that may be involved. The Chester County District Attorney’s office is assisting in the investigation.
They are asking the public to check home security cameras for suspicious activity from early Saturday. Police and the district attorney’s office have not responded to requests for comment.