Orioles infielder Jonathan Villar hit the 6,106th home run of 2019 last night, officially breaking the MLB single-season record with 3 weeks left to spare.
By the numbers: Last season, just 3 players hit 40+ HR. This season, 6 players have already accomplished that feat and plenty more are closing in.
From the "Air Raid" to run-pass options (RPOs), modern NFL offenses are more dangerous than ever because of one word: space. They use the whole field — and they're fast.
The impact: This evolution has resulted in a revolution at multiple positions, both on offense and defense.
Justify, the celebrated American thoroughbred racehorse, failed a drug test a month before winning the 2018 Kentucky Derby, the New York Timesreported Wednesday.
Why it matters: In 2018, Justify became the 13th winner of the prestigious Triple Crown, triumphing in the Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes — paying out $381.56 million in total, according to calculations based on Horse Racing Business data. NYT reports that Justify failed an April drug test, which should've seen the now-retired racehorse banned from the Derby.
The NCAA Board of Governors is urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom not to sign a "Fair Pay" bill that would allow student-athletes to accept endorsement money, arguing that the legislation would "upend the balance" of the collegiate athlete system.
Why it matters: The board of governors argues in a letter to Newsom that the bill would "erase the critical distinction between college and professional athletics" and give schools "unfair recruiting advantages" — making them ineligible to compete in NCAA competitions. If the bill is passed, California would be the only state in the country that allows college athletes to be paid.