Sport & Story Daily July 22, 2024

Questionable Employees

July 22, 2024

Good morning! From Athlete to Entrepreneur

Jaguars sue Amit Patel, ex-employee who stole funds
Former Jacksonville Jaguars employee Amit Patel stole $22 million from the team and was sued for $66 million in damages. Patel oversaw the team’s virtual credit card program. The money he stole went to paying off gambling debts and fund a life of luxury.
^ESPN

2024 NBA free agency: Evan Mobley, Cavaliers reportedly agree to 5-year, $224 million maximum extension
At 23 years old, Evan Mobley agreed to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie-scale extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal could be worth $270 million if he makes an All-NBA team or wins Defensive Player of the Year next season.
^{Yahoo Sports}

Stephen A. Smith opens up on Skip Bayless-ESPN speculation after ‘Undisputed’ bombshell
After eight years, Skip Bayliss is leaving FS1’s “Undisputed.”
“I’m past all of that,” Smith said. “And me connecting and reigniting things with Skip Bayless is not what I want my future to be. That is a past that I’ll always celebrate and be appreciative of, but that ain’t where I’m at now. I got bigger plans for myself that don’t include him nor anybody else as a partner.”
^{NY Post}

CBS beats ESPN to claim U.S. TV rights to EFL – and has bold plan to tap into ‘the drama’
CBS Sports is the new home of the English Football League and Carabao Cup in the United States. CBS will air at least 250 EFL matches per season starting next month when the new season begins until the end of the 2027-28 season.
^{NY Times}

Jason Wright out as Washington Commanders team president, plus more
Jason Wright is no longer the team president of the Washington Commanders. He became the league’s first Black team president when he joined the Commanders in August 2020. Wright will now be in a senior advisory role while the search for his successor is ongoing.
^{SportsPro Media}

Thom Brennaman to return to broadcasting with The CW over 4 years after homophobic slur
On Aug. 19, 2020, Thom Brennaman was calling the Cincinnati Reds-Kansas City Royals game when he said “One of the f- capitals of the world,” on air. He attempted to apologize later in the game, but in the end, was fired. Now, he is back to broadcasting for The CW as part of the Pac-12 package where he will make his debut on Aug. 31 when Oregon State hosts Idaho State.
^{NY Times}

Euro 2024 in numbers: Attendance records, viewership peaks and a boost in alcohol-free beer sales
Approximately 2.67 million fans attended the 51 games played across ten stadiums. Each tournament venue was at least at 96 percent capacity. The governing body made around $328 million in ticket revenue. The opening game of the tournament saw 22.5 million Germans tune in.
^{SportsPro Media}

How Mississippi-based Blue Delta became the unofficial jeans of the SEC's elite class, one $450 pair at a time
Blue Delta Jeans is a custom jean brand that has taken over the Southeastern Conference. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey owns at least 10 pairs. You will see that Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian, Ole Miss football coach Lane Kiffin and Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari also rep the brand. How much for a single pair? $450.
^{CBS Sports}

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