'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports calledProject: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. Bo Jackson, one of the most powerful running backs in the history of the NFL, a man who once ran over Brian Bosworth with such impunity, it became legend, was asked a simple question: Have you, Mr. Jackson, ever got, got? Meaning, did Jackson ever get blasted himself while playing in the NFL, instead of what normally happened, which was Jackson doing the blasting? The answer Jackson provided is one of the most entertaining NFL stories you will ever hear. It's one of those tales that takes you inside the sport, and illustrates how violent it can be. Jackson has always been a Paul Bunyan-type figure. This story only adds to his legend. And here it goes. Jackson actually told this story some months ago on the "Get Got" podcast with former NFL players Marshawn Lynch (who is a legend in his own right) and Mike Robinson. But for whatever reason this part of the podcast didn't get much attention. Boy, it should have. TheRaiderswere playing the Cardinals, and a trap play was called. "The trap play was designed because I was notorious for cutting back on you at full speed," Jackson said. "I didn't stutter step. I cut back on you and I'm already in fourth gear." It can't be stressed enough how accurate this is. One of the unique things about Jackson as a player was how quickly he got to full speed. Jackson was a shade over 6-feet and about 225 pounds but moved with the quickness of someone much smaller. "We were down on our 5-yard line. So I'm thinking about 95 yards. Imma bust it from 95. And I don't know this brotha's name. But it was a linebacker. This brotha had muscles in his breath." Yes, he saidmuscles in his breath.At this point, Lynch and Robinson start laughing uncontrollably. Have to admit, I was, too. "I didn't see him. It's always the ones that you don't see that get you. And it was an off-trap play to the weak side. … I was going to go off tackle. "Homeboy filled that hole. He hit me on the six and dropped me on the two." Hit me on the six and dropped me on the two. "I never saw him. It was like me running out in front of an 18-wheeler." The player who hit Jackson then helped him up, which Jackson found irritating. On the next series, the Raiders QB, unbelievably, according to Jackson, called the same play. "I looked at him and said, 'Have you lost your (expletive) mind?" Jackson said. "We ran that play. Bo didn't cut back on it." First, one of our super-talented editors did a little digging andfound a clip of the Raiders and Cardinals.Jackson played the Cardinals just once in his career, on Dec. 10, 1989, according to Pro Football Reference. I looked and didn't see that specific play. Did Jackson get the team wrong? Did he mean the Seahawks? Another team? It's possible. The game was a long time ago. I can't remember what I ate yesterday afternoon. Second, who was the player who shookBo Jacksonlike that? (If anyone knows who the player was or has video of the hit please let me know.) Jackson played in the NFL from 1987-1990. A hip injury ended his career. To me, he is the second greatest American athlete ever behind Deion Sanders. (I said what I said.) The league Jackson played in is different from the current version. Today's NFL is still tough and physical but in Jackson's day it was far more brutal. Imagine how hard you had to hit Jackson for him to tell a story like that. These are the types of stories fans need to hear more about. Players need to take people inside the game. One thing we know for sure is that none of us will ever have muscles in our breath. But we can dream. All the NFL news on and off the field.Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Bo Jackson tells a classic story about the violent 1980s NFL

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear

'This brotha had muscles in his breath': Bo Jackson tells a story you need to hear Editor's note: This story is a part of a seri...

Read More

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

With the2025 FIFA Club World Cupapproaching, it can be hard to keep track of the32 squads that will take the fieldthis weekend. However, though the tournament will bea little light on purpose, it certainly won't be lacking in star power. The sprawling club tournament will be a clash of global heavyweights. As a result, some of the best players in the world will be participating across the U.S., and may even have a chance to play each other if their teams make it to the next round. With so much talent taking the field this summer in the Club World Cup, here are 10 of the most exciting players to keep an eye on in the tournament. Inter Miami's selection last fallraised some eyebrows, as the team was seemingly named to the tournament out of the blue. Though FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Inter Miami qualified afterwinning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, the more obvious reason was that this tournament wanted — or maybe needed — Lionel Messi. But the Argentine star and Inter Miami captain is a huge draw for a reason, and is likely to shine just as brightly this summer. After a few injury-ridden years, Messi is finally getting some real playing time with Miami, playing in 13 of the team's 16 matches so far this season. In that span, he's put up an efficient 10 goals and six assists, which puts him in the top five of both categories. The 37-year-old Messi is the highest-scoring player on the team, in part because he shoots more than any of his Inter Miami teammates. So far this season, Messi has 30 shots on target — three times as many as his nearest teammates. Despite beingone of the better non-European clubs, Miami is a little bit of a long shot this tournament (+660 at BetMGM to win it all). But if they do go far, odds are it'll be Messi driving them to that success. In the previous iteration of the Club World Cup, Real Madrid was the most successful club, winning five titles since the tournament was founded in 2000. Now, French star Kylian Mbappé will be among the players to attempt to recreate that success. With players like Vini Jr. and Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid might be one of the most stacked and exciting teams at the tournament. But Mbappé is one to watch throughout the tournament. A year after leaving Paris Saint-Germain andjoining Spanish heavyweight Real Madrid, the versatile French forward is Madrid's top scorer and one of the most dynamic attacking players in the world. Mbappé has had a strong year with Madrid, putting up 31 goals — the most in La Liga. But despite his offensive strength, Real Madrid didn't quite end where it wanted,falling just short of Barcelona for the La Liga title. This tournament offers him a chance to earn his first trophy with the club on a global stage — an opportunity that he'll hopefully take full advantage of. As the best playeron the best team in Europe, Ousmane Dembélé is likely to make a splash at the Club World Cup. Dembélé finished the year with a team-leading 21 goals — a career high — as he moved from a supporting role to a star position in Mbappé's absence. The 2025 PSG team is a unique one: After years of thriving on the star power of some of the biggest names in the sport, this year's squad was built with lesser-known but still talented players, who have made a name for themselves this season. Dembélé is one of those players, taking full advantage of his opportunity to establish himself as an attacking presence. With Dembélé leading the way, but with plenty of other talent alongside him, PSG will attempt to turn their collaborative effort into a victory at the Club World Cup. English striker Harry Kane is riding high heading into the tournament. The 31-year-old forward helped lead Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title last month,earning Kane his first career title. He led the league in goal contributions with 26 goals and nine assists, and earnedBundesliga's Player of the Seasonhonors. KanejoinedBayern Munich in 2023 after a nearly 15-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur. Though his career is long and decorated on an individual level, Kane was notably missing a major title in his trophy case. Now that he's got it, maybe he'll drive Bayern Munich to get another this summer. As one of the favorites to potentially win the tournament, Manchester City will rely on the offensive prowess of Erling Haaland. The 24-year-old Norwegian has slowed down slightly on the scoring front this season, scoring 22 goals across 31 games — down from his 36 goals in his first Premier League season in Manchester. But Haaland is still at the core of Man City's attacking line, and will be an exciting player to watch throughout the tournament. Haaland has a penchant to muscling his way to the goal, and is known for putting up multiple goals in a game; he has 13 hat tricks in three years with Man City, across all competitions. The primary competition in Man City's Group G will be Italy's Juventus. But the other two smaller clubs, Wydad and Al Ain, aretwo of the lowest-rankedin the entire tournament. Expect Haaland to rack up goals in those two group stage games. Heading into this tournament, Cole Palmer has a lot to prove. After a strong 2023-24 Premier League season, the 23-year-old midfielder started off the 2024-25 season well, scoring 12 goals in the first five months of play and putting him on pace for a career best. But the hot start — includinga stunning four-goal performancein September — gave way to a long cold spell. Since January, Palmer has scored only three goals for Chelsea across all competitions, plus three assists. Maybe the Club World Cup will be exactly what Palmer needs to get hot once again. Atlético Madrid might be known for its defensive performances, but the club will be depending on Julián Álvarez to keep things moving on the offensive end. Álvarez had 17 goals and four assists in La Liga this season, second-most on the team, but his versatility as a forward and attacking player is going to be important to help Atlético Madrid advance to the next round. Álvarez is also the club's primary penalty shooter, something that will be especially key in the later rounds. Despite only spending a year with the team, Álvarez's time with Atlético Madrid might be numbered: The 25-year-old Argentine has been linked to offseason moves withLiverpoolandBarcelona. But for now, he'll do his best to get Atlético Madrid through a competitive Group B. 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estêvão is well on his way to becoming the next great sensation, drawing comparisons to Barcelona teen phenom Lamine Yamal. His skills caught the eye of Chelsea, whosigned him awayfrom his hometown club, Palmeiras. But before Estêvão heads to England, the forward will play for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, trying to lead the Brazilian club through the tournament. Though he can score, Estêvão has an ability to read the game and create plays in a way that is beyond his years. Now, weeks after helping send Palmeiras to the knockout round of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, Estêvão will try to do the same in the Club World Cup. Notably, the young winger, who has also drawn comparisons to Messi, will play Inter Miami in the group stage. Coming off a brutal defeat to PSG in theChampions League final, Inter Milan will be looking to redeem itself. Striker and captain Lautaro Martínez, who is in his seventh year with the Serie A squad, will be at the forefront of that fight. Though it's been a slower year for the 27-year-old Argentine forward, Martinez's 12 goals and three assists was still the second-highest on the team. More importantly, it's the forward's ability to pass and move the ball that will be key, as well as his leadership. As the only European squad in their group, Inter Milan is in an easy spot for the first round. But Inter will have a taller task ahead in the knockout round. Like Estêvão, River Plate forward Franco Mastantuono will be departing his squad for another Club World Cup team after the tournament. The 17-year-old isset to officially signwith Real Madrid, completing medical tests this week, and will head to Spain after the tournament. But first, Mastantuono will stay with his hometown club for now, and will try to push River Plate out of a relatively wide-open Group E. Mastantuono has had limited playing time this season, but put up three goals and three assists in 10 matches. The young Argentine has and a strong foot, with the ability to score off free kicks and make plays. Though Mastantuono is young and has plenty of development left, there's a good chance that he'll do something exciting as he takes one last ride with River Plate.

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents

2025 Club World Cup: 10 players to watch including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and rising talents With the2025 FIFA Club World Cupapproachin...

Read More

Trump promises immigration order soon on farm and leisure workers

Trump promises immigration order soon on farm and leisure workers

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said he would issue an order soon to address the effects of his immigration crackdown on the country's farm and hotel industries, which rely heavily on migrant labor. "Our farmers are being hurt badly and we're going to have to do something about that... We're going to have an order on that pretty soon, I think," Trump said at a White House event, adding that the order would address the hotels sector, too. He did not say what changes the order would implement or when it would take effect. Representatives for the White House and Department of Homeland Security had no specific comment about the order, while representatives at the Department of Agriculture could not be immediately reached. "We will follow the president's direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America's streets," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. U.S. farm industry groups have long wanted Trump to spare their sector from mass deportations, which could upend a food supply chain dependent on immigrants. Nearly half of the nation's approximately 2 million farm workers and many dairy and meatpacking workers lack legal status, according to the departments of Labor and Agriculture. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told CNBC that Trump was reviewing all possible steps but that Congress would have to act. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a leading farm lobby, said on Thursday that farm workers were key to the nation's food supply. "If these workers are not present in fields and barns, there is a risk of supply-chain disruptions similar to those experienced during the pandemic," Duvall said in a statement. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in labor shortages and supply-chain snarls, with meat plants forced to idle and dairy farms to dump milk, and consumers encountering emptier shelves at grocery stores. In recent days, demonstrations have been taking place in major U.S. cities to protest immigration raids. Trump is carrying out his campaign promise to deport immigrants in the country illegally. But protesters and some Trump supporters have questioned the targeting of those who are not convicted criminals, including in places of employment such as those that sparked last week's protests in Los Angeles. On Thursday, Trump acknowledged the impact of the crackdown on sectors such as the hotel industry, which includes his company. The Trump Organization has said Trump's adult sons are running his business. "Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace," he wrote on his social media platform. "Changes are coming!" Farmers have a legal option for hiring temporary or seasonal labor with the H-2A visa program, which allows employers to bring in seasonal workers if they can show there are not enough U.S. workers willing, qualified and available to do the job. Rollins said Trump was "looking at every potential tool in the toolkit" and pointed to the length of the temporary H-2A visas. "The president understands that we can't feed our nation or the world without that labor force, and he's listening to the farmers on that," she told CNBC. (Reporting by Jeff Mason, Susan Heavey and P.J. Huffstutter; additional reporting by Bhargav Acharya, Aatreyee Dasgupta, Leah Douglas and Ted Hesson; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Trump promises immigration order soon on farm and leisure workers

Trump promises immigration order soon on farm and leisure workers WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said he would issue an o...

Read More

Nevada GOP governor vetoes voter ID bill that he pushed for in a deal with Democrats

Nevada GOP governor vetoes voter ID bill that he pushed for in a deal with Democrats

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo unexpectedly vetoed a bill on Thursday that would have required voters in the swing state to show a photo ID at the polls — aconservative priority across the countryand something that has long been on thegovernor's legislative wish list. The move brings a dramatic end to one of the legislative session's most surprising outcomes:A bipartisan dealthat combined the requirement for voter identification with a Democratic-backed measure to add more drop boxes for mail ballots that Lombardo had initially vetoed. The billcame together in the final days of the sessionand passed mere minutes before the Democratic-controlled Legislature adjourned just after midnight on June 3. Lombardo had been expected to sign it. In hisveto message, Lombardo said he "wholeheartedly" supports voter ID laws but that he felt the bill fell short on addressing his concerns about ballots cast by mail, because such ballots could still be accepted "solely on the basis of a signature match" under the bill. Because it "would apply voter ID requirements unequally between in-person and mail ballot voters and fails to sufficiently guarantee ballot security, I cannot support it," he said. The voter ID requirements in the bill mirrored a ballot initiative known as Question 7 that Nevada voters overwhelmingly approved last November. But voters would have to pass it again in 2026 to amend the state constitution. The requirement would then be in place by 2028. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager, the Democrat who brokered the deal with Lombardo, said when he introduced the legislation that voters seemed poised to give the final approval, and that enacting a voter ID law would have given the state a head start on ensuring a smooth rollout before the next presidential election. In a scathing statement, Yeager called the governor's decision a "breach of trust," saying that he believes Lombardo gave in to pressure around him to veto the bill, designated Assembly Bill 499. "Lombardo was for AB499 before he was against it, encouraging all legislative Republicans to support it, which they did," Yeager said. Voting rights groups condemned the legislation, saying it would have made it harder for some people to vote, including low-income or unhoused voters, people with disabilities and older voters. Let Nevadans Vote, which describes itself as a nonpartisan coalition, said Thursday in a statement that the governor's veto only temporarily stops what it called "the misguided and ill-conceived implementation of voter ID in Nevada." "Come 2026, Question 7 will still be on the ballot," the group said while describing voter ID requirements as "strict regimes" that "decide who gets to exercise their constitutional right to vote and who cannot." Polls have shown that most Americans support voter ID laws, and that has been consistent over the years and across party lines. A 2024 Gallup poll found 84% of Americans were in favor of requirements for a photo ID at voting places, consistent with Gallup findings from 2022 and 2016. That includes about two-thirds of Democrats, according to the 2024 survey. Voters are either required or requested toshow IDwhen voting in person in 36 states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Not all states require photo ID, though. Some accept documents such as a bank statement, and some allow voters without ID to vote after signing an affidavit. A few states allow poll workers to vouch for voters without an ID. Lombardo on Thursday also vetoed a bill that would have allowed the swing state's nonpartisan voters to cast ballots in Republican or Democratic primary races. The billsought to include the more than 855,000 votersregistered as nonpartisans— the state's largest voting bloc — in the process of nominating major-party candidates for congressional races and statewide offices. A ballot initiative to open up primaries for all registered voters was rejected by voters last November. The sweeping measure, which also attempted to implement ranked choice voting, faced intense opposition from party leaders on both sides who said it was too broad and confusing.

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Nevada GOP governor vetoes voter ID bill that he pushed for in a deal with Democrats

Nevada GOP governor vetoes voter ID bill that he pushed for in a deal with Democrats LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo un...

Read More

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Asthe College World Seriesofficially starts in Omaha, Nebraska,Coastal Carolinaheads into theeight-team, double-elimination tournamentas one of the great storylines incollege baseballthis season. Making just its second trip to Omaha, the Chanticleers are riding a historic 23-game winning streak into their first game at Charles Schwab Field, which is the longest winning streakentering the CWSin over two decades. It's part of the winning culture that first-year coach Kevin Schnall has been able to keep intact after taking over for his former coach and mentor, Gary Gilmore. In his first season, Schnall has led the Chanticleers to new heights while returning the program to national relevance after several "down years" for one of the better mid-major baseball programs in the country. COLLEGE WORLD SERIES:Updated bracket, schedule for NCAA baseball tournament Though he has coached in Omaha before, Schnall is set to make his CWS managerial debut on June 13 at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. local) when No. 13 Coastal Carolina takes on Arizona. Here's what you need to know about Schnall ahead of the CWS: Kevin Schnall is in his first season as the skipper of the Coastal Carolina baseball program, though he has ties with the Chanticleers' program dating back to 1995. A longtime assistant coach at Coastal Carolina,Schnall had been cited by a number of outletsin the past decade as one of the top college baseball assistant coaches in the nation. He was officially named the successor to Gilmore, who had a legendary 29-year coaching career with the Chanticleers,after the 2024 season. "Being given the privilege to coach at my alma mater and now lead this program is one of the greatest honors of my life,"Schnall said in a statement."I am deeply grateful to Matt Hogue, Dr. Benson, and our Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the leadership of our storied baseball program. If it weren't for the opportunity Gary Gilmore gave me 24 years ago, this wouldn't be possible. His leadership and guidance have brought us to where we are today, and I am forever indebted to him. Coastal Carolina is a special place, and my family and I couldn't be more excited!" Good morning, Teal Nation#ChantsUpI@KSchnall9pic.twitter.com/U8QX2nusA4 — Coastal Carolina Baseball (@CoastalBaseball)June 8, 2025 Following a brief two-year minor league career in the Cincinnati Reds organization, Schnall got his start in coaching at Coastal Carolina in 2001. He'd spend 12 seasons at his alma mater before taking a position at Central Florida, which he held from 2013-16. Schnall returned to Coastal Carolina in 2016, the same season that the Chanticleers advanced to and won the CWS for the first time in program history. Since then, Schnall spent nine seasons as Gilmore's associate head coach before taking over full-time after the 2024 season. In his first season, Schnall has led the Chanticleers to one of their best seasons in program history. At 53-11 overall on the season, Coastal Carolina reached the 50-win mark for the third time since 2010. "This is no Cinderella," Schnall said after Coastal Carolina's super regional win. "Coastal Carolina the past century, only eight teams have made the regionals more than us. During that same period we have the sixth-best win percentage and the ninth-most wins. "This is not a Cinderella story. We're one of the most premier, most successful college baseball programs in the entire country." NCAA BASEBALLL WINNERS AND LOSERS:College World Series full of surprises after super regionals The now 48-year-old coach was a standout player for the Chanticleers from 1995-99 during his playing days in college. A starting catcher for Coastal Carolina, Schnall was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year for his senior season in 1999. That season, Schnall set the program single-season record for on-base percentage (.515), while becoming just the second Coastal Carolina player in Big South history to hit over .400 on the season. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 25th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. Prior to being named Gilmore's successor last June, Schnall spent two separate stints on Gilmore's staff in Conway, South Carolina. He also had a brief three-year stint at Central Florida from 2013-15. In his first season as a full-time coach, Schnall has led his alma mater to its third Sun Belt baseball tournament title, fourth regional title, second super regional title and second trip to the CWS in program history. "I got into this profession because of my father's influence," Schnall said after Coastal Carolina advanced to the CWS on June 7,according to The Trentonian."He passed away before I became a head coach. It just felt like he was looking down today and this weekend, the last two weeks. I know he's proud." Here's a look at how the Chanticleers have fared under Schnall: 2025:53-11 overall, 26-4 in Sun Belt play The Chanticleers' appearance in Omaha is a historic one, as it is just the second time in program history that Coastal Carolina is one of the final eight teams in the postseason. But it is also an emotional, bittersweet one for Schnall and his family. Following Coastal Carolina's super regional victory on June 7, Schnall told reporters down in Auburn, Alabama, that the last time Coastal Carolina made it to Omaha in 2016 his family didn't come because his son Jayden had a stroke the previous fall. "This was nine years ago we went to Omaha. In the fall our son had a stroke. When we went to Omaha we decided the kids were going to stay back. He better now and if we every go back, he's coming, there coming and these guys have award him that opportunity."Kevin Schnallpic.twitter.com/5ZajmVqyYt — Brandon Dunn (@BDunnsports)June 7, 2025 "Not to get emotional, but I guess it was nine years ago we went to Omaha and in the fall, our son had a stroke. He ended up having five more strokes. When we went to Omaha, he was in the third grade, he was young and he had a rough year. We decided as a family that our kids were going to stay back," Schnall said. "He's doing great now. He's flourishing and a freshman in high school. We've been talking for years if we ever go back, he's coming (and) they're coming. And these guys have awarded him that opportunity." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall back in College World Series

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS

Who is Kevin Schnall? Coastal Carolina baseball coach leads alma mater back to CWS Asthe College World Seriesofficially starts in Omaha, Neb...

Read More

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Sometimes the professionals can learn from the amateurs. That has been the case with thepitch clockin the sport of baseball. While college baseball has had one implemented since 2011, the MLB added a pitch clock ahead of the 2023 season has helped speed up the game. REQUIRED READING:College World Series bracket: Schedule, matchups for 2025 NCAA baseball championship Just as it was in the 2024 College World Series, pitch clock rules are in place for the 2025College World Seriesin Omaha, Nebraska. For the second straight season,  Division I games must have at least one "action clock" visible on the field. Here's what you need to know about college baseball's pitch clock ahead of the CWS, including how long it is and the differences from the MLB. Pitch clock:20 seconds Yes, college baseball does have a pitch clock. A pitch clock has been in place for all divisions ofcollege baseballsince the 2011 season. Pitchers have 20 seconds to deliver a pitch with no runners on base. With runners on base, a pitcher is required to start the motion of pitching or make a pickoff to avoid the clock violation. Pitchers are allowed one step-off or fake throw to a base per batter to reset the clock. A defensive player or the batter can request a timeout as well, and the clock is reset if it is granted by the umpire. Unlimited step-offs and pick-off attempts are no longer allowed. If a pitcher violates the pitch clock, a ball is added to the count. Which means if it happens on a 3-ball count, the batter is awarded a walk. On the flipside, if a batter violates the clock ― which includes the batter not being in the batter's box and informs the pitcher with no fewer than five seconds on the clock ― a strike will be added to the count. Likewise, if it's a 2-strike count, the batter strikes out. The NCAA approved requirements for all Division I games to have at least one "action clock" visible on the field by Jan. 1, 2024. The requirement is for a visible clock for Division II and II by Jan. 1, 2025. Per the NCAA, the timer shall stop under the following circumstances: The pitcher begins the windup motion or, from a set position, begins the motion to deliver the pitch. The pitcher makes a pickoff attempt (throw) to any base. With runners on base, the pitcher steps off the pitcher's plate to get a new sign or to feint a pickoff attempt. This action counts as a "reset" and is allowed one time per at-bat. The catcher leaves the catcher's box to give defensive signals or to confer with the pitcher from a distance (in which case the timer shall stop, reset, and start again after the catcher returns to the catcher's box). This action counts as a "reset" and is allowed one time per at-bat. The umpire calls "time" for any legitimate reason. The MLB actually followed college baseball's lead of adding a pitch clock to the sport to speed up the game. However, there are differences between the pitch clock in college and in the pros. In the MLB  In there is a 30-second timer in between hitters and pitchers have 15 seconds to deliver a pitch with no runners on and 18 seconds with runners on base (the rule was 20 seconds in 2023). Other major differences include: Batters must be in the box by the eight-second mark in the MLB, or they are charged with an automatic strike. Pitchers are limited to two disengagements (pickoff attempts or step-offs) per plate appearance. However, this limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance. If a third pickoff attempt is made, the runner automatically advances one base if the pickoff attempt is not successful. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:College baseball pitch clock, explained: How long is action clock?

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained

Does college baseball have a pitch clock? Action clock length, rules explained Sometimes the professionals can learn from the amateurs. That...

Read More

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranians reacted to Israeli strikes with anger and fear on Friday, with some urging retaliation while others worried the conflict would spell more hardship for a nation worn down by crises. With Tehran and other cities shaken by a night of Israeli airstrikes, some said they planned to leave for neighbouring Turkey, bracing for escalation after Israel signalled its operation would continue "for as many days as it takes". "I woke up to deafening explosion. People on my street rushed out of their homes in panic, we were all terrified," said Marziyeh, 39, from the city of Natanz, which is home to one of Iran's nuclear sites and where explosions were reported. "I am deeply worried about my children's safety if this situation escalates," said Marziyeh, one of 20 people Reuters contacted in Iran for this article. Israel said it had attacked nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in the operation it said aimed to prevent Tehran from building an atomic bomb. Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes. In an initial wave of panic, some Iranians rushed to banks to withdraw cash on Friday morning. Masoud Mousavi, 51, a retired bank employee said he waited for the exchange offices to open, "so I can buy Turkish Lira and take my family there by land since airspace is closed". "I am against any war. Any strike that kills innocent people. I will stay in Turkey with my family until this situation is over," he said from Shiraz city. Iranians have become accustomed to turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ousted the U.S.-backed Shah and brought the clerical establishment to power, from the 1980s war with Iraq, to heavy crack-downs on anti-government protests and years of biting Western sanctions. Some opponents of Iran's ruling clerics expressed hope that Israel's attack might lead to their downfall, though one Tehran resident said he supported Iranian retaliation, even though he was not a supporter of the Islamic Republic. "We can't afford not to respond. Either we surrender and they take our missiles, or we fire them. There's no other option — and if we don't, we'll end up surrendering them anyway," he said, seething with anger at Israel's attacks. 'I WILL FIGHT AND DIE' Two money changers in Tehran said they were busier than usual, as people rushed to buy foreign currency following the attack. But one of them said people were not too panicked. "We have been through so much already. I don't support Israel's attack and I understand that Iran's leaders feel the need to retaliate," said retired teacher Fariba Besharati, 64, who lives with her children and two grandchildren in Tabriz. "But what about us? Haven't we endured enough suffering?" Many Iranians still believe in Iran's right to a civilian nuclear programme, but some said it was now costing the country too much. "The price we are paying is too high. And now, a military attack, no I don't want more misery," said Mohammadreza, 29, a teacher in the northern city of Chalus. Economic hardship and political and social restrictions have fuelled protests against the clerical rulers in recent years, notably in 2022, when a young woman died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly flouting conservative dress codes. Witnesses in several cities, including Tehran, said that plainclothes agents and police forces had deployed in the streets on Friday. Iran's rulers are facing myriad other crises, from energy and water shortages, to a collapsing currency and growing public anger over economic hardships, caused largely by U.S. sanctions over its nuclear programme and economic mismanagement. But the clerical leadership still has a tight grip on the country, underpinned by loyal security forces. Ali, whose father was killed during the eight-year Iran-Iraq war, said he was ready to sacrifice his life for the Islamic Republic. "I am a member of (volunteer militia) Basij. I will fight and die for our right to a nuclear programme. Israel and its ally America cannot take it away from us with these attacks," he said from the holy city of Qom by phone. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi: Editing by Tom Perry and Sharon Singleton)

byMario Satorik

in

June 13, 2025

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks

Angry and afraid, Iranians brace for more Israeli attacks By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) -Iranians reacted to Israeli strikes with anger a...

Read More