Nov 6, 2019

The Cam Newton era might be over for the Carolina Panthers

Kendall Baker

Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers placed Cam Newton on injured reserve Tuesday, a move that effectively ends his season and could also spell the end of his tenure in Carolina.

Looking ahead: Newton has one more year left on the extension he signed after being named MVP in 2015, but the Panthers could save $19 million by cutting or trading the injury-prone star this offseason, per OverTheCap.

The bottom line: While it seems unlikely that the Panthers will cut Newton, they could seek a trade partner — especially if his replacement, Kyle Allen, keeps on winning (5-1 in Newton's absence).

  • Two winters ago, the Chiefs sent Alex Smith to Washington, and last winter, the Ravens sent Joe Flacco to Denver. Where might the Panthers send Newton? Chicago?

Go deeper: Professional sports leagues get creative with ownership options

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Kendall Baker

Report: Bezos eyeing NFL team

Photo: Leonard Ortiz/Digital First Media/Orange County Register/Getty Images

Jeff Bezos is interested in purchasing an NFL team and "has strong support within the league to eventually join their ranks," CBS Sports reports.

Potential targets: No teams are currently on the market, but that could change soon.

Go deeperArrowNov 12, 2019
Marisa Fernandez

MLB weighs new opioid testing policy for players

Tyler Skaggs died at age 27 in July from opioid-related causes. Photo: Mike Carlson/Getty Images

Major League Baseball players could be randomly tested for the first time for opioids like oxycodone and fentanyl as the sport grapples with how to address the opioid epidemic, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Why it matters: Professional athletes, who are especially prone to injury, risk greater exposure and addiction to opioids due to pain management. The discussions between the league and its players' union were prompted by the July death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, who had oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol in his system.

Go deeper: Where the major sports leagues stand on weed

Keep ReadingArrowNov 27, 2019
Sara Fischer

The new power brokers in sports media

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The sports media landscape has shifted significantly over the past few months, with flagship sports brands falling victim to layoffs, shutdowns and consolidation, while newer players report strong growth.

Driving the news: Minute Media, a holding group that owns other digital websites — including sports sites like 90min and The Big Lead — announced last Thursday that it had acquired Derek Jeter’s Players Tribune. Deal terms were not disclosed.

Go deeperArrowNov 26, 2019