After Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters, he received just under 170,000 angry tweets in response. But an analysis by experts at the Wall Street Journal suggests a massive chunk of the outrage came from a coordinated effort by sham accounts.
Why it matters: It's not immediately clear that the response effort was run by the Chinese government — though, at the numbers involved, that seems likely. But if it was a government-led effort, it marks a substantial change in China's modus operandi in dealing with global news events.
The 2-day XFL draft concluded yesterday, with each of the league's 8 teams having put together their initial rosters.
How it worked: Before the actual draft, teams ranked which "Tier One" QB they wanted via a blind-bidding system, then those 8 players were assigned accordingly.
Due to heavy rain in New York yesterday, Game 4 of the ALCS was postponed to tonight, and Game 5 — originally scheduled for tonight — was pushed back to Friday, which was supposed to be a travel day.
Why it matters: The ripple effects of the rainout will be felt throughout the rest of the series, as the Astros and Yankees may have to play 4 games in 4 days if it goes the distance.
A month after his trade request, Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey got his wish and was sent to the Rams yesterday in exchange for two 1st-round picks (and a 4th-rounder).
Why it matters: In addition to shaking up the current NFL season, this trade may have also "ushered in a new era of how NFL superstars view and wield their power," writes WashPost's Adam Kilgore.
The Nationals beat the Cardinals, 7-4, last night, concluding an NLCS sweep that bucked every team narrative and sends the franchise to its first ever World Series.
The big picture: After 4 heartbreaking first-round exits in 6 years, Washington dominated St. Louis so thoroughly that it was almost boring. At no point during the NLCS did they trail, and they had the lead for all but 5 of the 36 innings.
