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The Wolf Sports Newsletter: June 12, 2023


The Wolf Sports Newsletter is a weekly newsletter giving an efficient update on the recent happenings in the world of sports. In an era where Twitter is a primary news source for many sports fans, you can think of The Wolf Sports Newsletter as a Tweet Sheet delivering key information every Monday. The focus is on football, but big news from other sectors of sports will also be included to keep you in the loop with all the action to start the week.

 

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Another packed edition of The Wolf Sports Newsletter begins with a new huge NFL free agent for this time of year.

 

⭐️ Vikings release star running back Dalvin Cook.

 

  • Cook is a four-time Pro Bowler and has run for 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons.
  • The former second-round pick is second in the NFL (behind Derrick Henry) in yards from scrimmage since 2019 (6,423). He also ranks second in rushing touchdowns (43) the past four years.
  • While some might be concerned about the age (28 this August) at his position, Cook is a very dynamic player—but the hopeful-to-contend Vikings apparently had zero interest in keeping him at his salary.
  • Minnesota is high on Alexander Mattison at running back after re-signing him to a two-year deal during free agency.
  • For Cook, the Broncos and his hometown Dolphins are at least two teams expected to be interested in signing him.

 

 

 

🎲 Colts cornerback and returner Isaiah Rodgers is under investigation for sports betting violations.

 

  • Sports Handle was the first to report this news, adding that these were “pervasive” wagering activities that included Rodgers betting on his own team.
  • There have been whispers that there are more players under investigation for sports betting violations.
  • Obviously, teams must make it as clear as possible to their players what constitutes a violation—or just request that they avoid placing bets at all.
  • However, while ideally there would be better awareness and self-control, these guys are—like just about everyone that watches live television—hit relentlessly with betting ads.
  • According to 9News, the NFL had the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady record a video message warning against bad decisions. Let’s hope it drives the message home.

 

 

 

 

 

❓ DeAndre Hopkins is visiting the Patriots this week after visiting the Titans, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

 

  • Hopkins is first visiting the Titans, and the visit with New England means a potential reunion with former Texans head coach and current Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who traded Hopkins away in Houston.
  • Before his release from the Cardinals, the talk and word from Hopkins himself was that he wanted to play for teams like the Bills (Josh Allen at quarterback) and the Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes at quarterback).
  • But he also wants to get paid, and teams like the Patriots and Titans—even if they don’t have bonafide superstar quarterbacks—might be able and more willing to offer a bigger contract.

 

 

🏟️ Bills break ground on new stadium. Also, the Jaguars revealed plans to renovate their stadium and turn it into a dome.

 

  • The new Highmark Stadium for Buffalo will remain an outdoor stadium, despite talk of a dome.
  • Sticking with an outdoor environment in Orchard Park just feels like the right thing for the Bills.
  • The stadium is expected to be ready for the 2026 NFL season.
  • Meanwhile, the Jaguars want to renovate TIAA Bank Field instead of constructing an entirely new stadium.
  • For the Jaguars, many have noted the similarities to Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium design.

 

 

 

👍 Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

 

  • After it was previously reported that the hope was Garoppolo would be ready for Week 1, this is outstanding news.
  • Jimmy G should be able to build chemistry with his new teammates including Davante Adams throughout the summer, leading up to Week 1.

 

 

🫶 Mandatory minicamps get underway before players get some time off before training camp.

 

  • The biggest highlight is the return of Damar Hamlin on the practice field for the Bills, fully participating for the first time since his frightening incident last December.

 

 

😤 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is not happy with his performance last season.

 

  • During mandatory minicamp, Samuel told reporters that his 2022 season was “awful”.
  • Deebo said he watched film with head coach Kyle Shanahan and that he was shocked at how “sluggish” he looked while promising not to “put something like that on tape ever again.”
  • Samuel also talked up fourth-year receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is receiving a ton of praise from teammates this offseason.

 

 

 

🎮 Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been named the Madden NFL 24 cover athlete.

 

  • The superstar dual threat calls it a “childhood dream” to be on the cover of the game.
  • EA also released a trailer for the game, which will release on August 18.

 

 

 

Other Sports Updates

 

😲 After months of hostility, the PGA Tour and the LIV are merging.

 

 

🎾 Novak Djokovic wins his third French Open and 23rd Grand Slam title.

 

 

🇺🇸 Legendary soccer star Lionel Messi is coming to America, deciding to play for the MLS’s Inter Milan.

 

 

☹️ Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom will get a second Tommy John surgery.

 

 

⛳️ Nick Taylor sinks 72-foot putt to become the first Canadian to win the Canadian Open since 1954.

 

 

🏇 Arcangelo wins the Belmont Stakes as Jena Antonucci becomes first female trainer to win the race.

 

 

🧐 .400 watch: Marlins star Luis Arraez is quietly having one of the best hitting seasons in history, with his average hovering around .400 (currently .397) after a couple of months.

 

 

 

In Case You Missed It

– Dalvin Cook landing spots

– 2023 Fantasy Preview: Arizona Cardinals

– 2023 Fantasy Preview: Atlanta Falcons

– 2023 Fantasy Preview: Baltimore Ravens

– 2023 Fantasy Preview: Buffalo Bills

– Top Ten Tuesday: NFL Street Players