National

Sports

Basketball player Brittney Griner has been named an honorary WNBA All-Star and starter, the WNBA announced on Wednesday. 

Why it matters: Griner has been detained in Russia, where she plays during the WNBA off-season, since February after agents allegedly found vape cartridges in her luggage. The U.S. considers her to be wrongfully detained.

A spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview this week denied that Griner is a hostage. He gave no update about a potential release.

What she's saying: “It is not difficult to imagine that if BG were here with us this season, she would once again be selected and would, no doubt, show off her incredible talents," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a news release.

"So, it is only fitting that she be named as an honorary starter today and we continue to work on her safe return to the U.S.”

Worth noting: All-Stars are usually selected through a combination of fan voting and drafting reserves. 

The big picture: U.S. officials have said the State Department has had regular contact with Griner's family. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Griner's wife, Cherelle, in May. 

Cherelle Griner tried to call her wife about a dozen times over the weekend, but there was nobody at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to connect the couple, writes Axios' Erin Doherty.

The two haven't talked since Griner was arrested in February, Cherelle Griner told AP this week.

State of play: A Russian court extended Griner's detention for a second time earlier this month, meaning she will remain in custody until at least July 2. 

Brittney Griner named honorary WNBA All-Star

Griner has been detained in Russia since February.

Brittney Griner driving to the basket in the 2021 WNBA finals. 

Brittney Griner driving to the basket in the 2021 WNBA finals. Photo: Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images

Russia

Shifts in technology and media are changing the way we play, watch and understand sports. Business models are adapting and social change is forcing those in charge of teams and leagues to reconsider decades-old practices.

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

Attempting the world record for pull-ups in 24 hours (currently 7,715) is among the most daunting challenges on Earth. It's also among the most popular.

Driving the news: Former NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles — born with one leg — was the latest to attempt the feat, falling short in a heroic effort last month.

With Guinness officials on hand, Robles began with a strategy of completing ~12 pull-ups in the first 15 seconds of every minute, followed by 45 seconds of rest. He also planned for multiple 30–45 minute breaks throughout the day.

Robles was on pace to break the record (2,721 in less than nine hours) when he felt a pop in his bicep — a torn tendon. He tried to continue, but simply couldn't.

What he's saying: "Not failure, but low aim, is the crime," Robles, 33, told the crowd of 50, channeling Bruce Lee. "In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail."

The backdrop: Former Navy SEAL David Goggins put the pull-ups record on the map when he broke it in 2013 (4,030). It's been broken 12 times since then, with Goggins' bestselling 2018 memoir serving as a catalyst.

Robles read the book, as did former Army Ranger and current record-holder Brandon Tucker, who broke it in 2019 with a different strategy (three pull-ups every 30 seconds, no breaks).

Fun fact: Guinness requires teams of two counters to switch out every four hours because even counting these pull-ups accurately is exhausting.

What's next: Robles, who has a baby on the way, plans to give it one more try when his arm heals.

Former NCAA wrestling champion chases pull-up record

Anthony Robles was the latest to attempt the feat, falling short in a heroic effort last month.

Anthony Robles at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

Anthony Robles at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships. Photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder and his lawyers launched a "shadow investigation" to influence the NFL's internal investigation into workplace misconduct at the team and discredit victims and witnesses, according to investigative findings by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Driving the news: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), chair of the Oversight Committee, said that she plans to issue a subpoena for Snyder's testimony after he declined to testify voluntarily at a hearing Wednesday, citing due process concerns.

Why it matters: The Oversight Committee released its findings ahead of the hearing, which focused on workplace misconduct in the NFL.

Snyder has been accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment at the Commanders. He has denied such allegations.

Before announcing the subpoena, Maloney asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell if he would punish Snyder for refusing to testify before Congress.

Goodell said he doesn't have any control over whether Snyder appears before Congress.

"Mr. Snyder has not been held accountable. His refusal to testify sends a clear message that he is more concerned about protecting himself than he is about coming clean with the American people. If the NFL is unwilling or unable to hold Mr. Snyder accountable, then I am prepared to do so," Maloney said.

What they're saying: "Lawyers for Mr. Snyder used their shadow investigation to create a 100-slide dossier with private emails, text messages, telephone records, and social media posts from journalists, victims, and witnesses who had made credible public accusations of harassment against the Commanders," the Oversight Committee claimed.

"Mr. Snyder’s lawyers had direct access to the NFL and the law firm conducting the investigation, and secretly shared information from their shadow investigation in an apparent attempt to influence the Wilkinson investigation," it said, referring to D.C. attorney Beth Wilkinson, who led the league's internal investigation into misconduct at the Commanders.

The committee claimed Snyder didn't take action against a member of the team's coaching staff accused of groping a public relations employee.

It also said he fired female employees who engaged in consensual relationships with male members of the team’s football operations, while male members did not face tangible punishments.

The other side: "It is clear the outcome of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the Washington Commanders was predetermined from the beginning," a spokesperson for Snyder said in a statement Wednesday.

"The committee’s decision to release a ‘report’ and introduce legislation prior to the hearing is proof-positive this was always going to be little more than a politically-charged show trial, not about uncovering the truth," it continued.

"Hopefully, the committee will utilize its resources going forward for more pressing national matters, instead of an issue a football team addressed years ago."

The big picture: Goodell, testifying under oath at Wednesday's hearing, said that "it is clear to me that the workplace in Washington was unprofessional and unacceptable in numerous respects: bullying, widespread disrespect toward colleagues, use of demeaning language, public embarrassment and harassment."

"No one should experience workplaces like the one they described, especially not in the National Football League. I can say to every victim unequivocally that their willingness to come forward has contributed to a substantially improved workplace."

Goodell said that Snyder faced "unprecedented" penalties and that "the workplace at the Commanders today bears no resemblance to the workplace that has been described to this committee."

House Oversight to subpoena Dan Snyder for testimony

The committee claimed Snyder influenced the NFL's internal investigation into misconduct inside his team.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder speaking in Landover, Maryland, in February 2022.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder speaks in Landover, Md., in February 2022. Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

National Football League (NFL)

Politics & Policy

Axios Sports

The National Women's Soccer League and BreakingT, a rapid-production apparel company, have agreed to a licensed apparel deal.

Why it matters: This is BreakingT's first major pro league license and will enable the NWSL to celebrate and commercialize its most exciting teams, players and moments.

How it works: BreakingT tracks sports trends and fan sentiment in real-time, then capitalizes on viral moments by quickly producing merchandise that's sold online and in brick-and-mortar retail nationwide.

If Thorns wunderkind Olivia Moultrie scores a hat trick next month, there will almost certainly be a shirt to commemorate the moment.

If the league-leading San Diego Wave make a playoff run in their inaugural season, you better believe BreakingT will spin up shirts so fans can show their support.

What they're saying: "Investment in women's sports means more than just cash infusion at ownership and sponsorship levels — it also means improving the fan experience. And that includes merch," BreakingT president Jamie Mottram tells Axios.

The big picture: Fantasy sports have been baked into men's sports for decades; now they're coming to women's sports, too. Merchandise deals like this one are another way to improve, and monetize, fan engagement.

It also makes good business sense: Two of BreakingT's three best-selling shirts ever are the USWNT's "4 Stars Only" and the WNBA's "Bet On Women."

The same is true at the college level, where a "Jocelyn Alo: Home Run Queen" shirt recently became the best-seller of the NIL era.

Exclusive: NWSL partners with rapid-production apparel company

This will enable the NWSL to celebrate and commercialize its most exciting teams, players and moments.

Illustration of woman in jersey with upwards arrow on her back.

Tampa Bay

Axios Tampa Bay

Fool Champa Bay once, shame on you. But Champa Bay cannot be fooled again.

What's happening: Rob Gronkowski formally announced his retirement from the NFL Tuesday.

Yes, but: ESPN's senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reports that Gronkowski's agent Drew Rosenhaus said the Bucs tight end would most likely come back if his BFF Tom Brady called.

Not so fast: Gronk also "retired" in 2019. And fans aren't buying it this time.

Screenshot of @RealFanelli's Twitter feed

Screenshot of @BallsDeepInYm3's Twitter feed

Between the lines: In the 40 days of Brady's faux-retirement, he picked up a movie deal and soon after got a broadcasting gig at Fox Sports for $375 million over 10 years, whenever he actually does retire.

What they're saying: Boxing legend George Foreman told USA Today in March that in his own experience, a big enough check can pull anyone out of retirement.

"​​People look at you and say, 'Man, why don't you just walk away?' I said, 'How can I walk away from this?'"

Bucs fans don't buy Gronk's retirement

Illustration of Rob Gronkowski's football HOF bust with sunglasses and bandana.

Axios Tampa Bay, anchored by Ben Montgomery and Selene San Felice, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top spokesman denied accusations that WNBA star Brittney Griner is a hostage and gave no update about a potential release from Russian authorities, NBC News reports.

Why it matters: Griner was detained in February after landing in Moscow. Authorities said she had vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison in Russia. The State Department says Griner was "wrongfully detained."

The latest: Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, told NBC News that he didn't see Griner as a Russian hostage and that she is no different from the “hundreds and hundreds of Russian citizens that were sentenced for carrying hashish.”

"She violated Russian law, and now she's being prosecuted," Peskov told NBC News. "It's not about being a hostage. There are lots of American citizens here. They're enjoying their freedoms … but you have to obey the laws."

“Why should we make an exemption for a foreign citizen?” he added.

Zoom out: Peskov's comments come days after Griner could not speak with her wife on the couple's fourth wedding anniversary.

Griner tried to call her wife about a dozen times over the weekend, but there was nobody at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to connect the couple, Axios' Erin Doherty writes.

The two haven't talked since Griner was arrested in February, Cherelle Griner told the Associated Press this week. She said she was "very pissed" over the canceled phone call.

What they're saying: A State Department spokesperson said, "We deeply regret that Brittney Griner was unable to speak with her wife because of a logistical error."

"We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas," the State Department spokesperson said, AP reports.

Go deeper... Russian court again extends Brittney Griner's detention

Brittney Griner's wife says U.S. embassy botched long-awaited phone call

U.S. says Brittney Griner "wrongfully detained" by Russia

WNBA star Brittney Griner isn't a Russian hostage, Putin spokesman says

Dmitry Peskov gave no update about her potential release from Russian authorities.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the game.

WNBA star Brittney Griner during a Phoenix Mercury game. Photo: Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has settled with 20 of the 24 women who have filed sexual misconduct cases against him, according to Tony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the women accusing Watson. 

Catch up quick: Watson was first publicly accused of sexual misconduct in March 2021, per a Sports Illustrated timeline.

Most of Watson's accusers were hired by him for massage therapy.

Eight of the 22 women, all who worked as massage therapists for Watson, filed criminal complaints. Two other women also joined in the criminal complaints, which were dismissed in March of this year. 

After the cases were dismissed, Watson was traded from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns, with whom he signed a five-year, $230 million deal, per CNN. 

An investigation by the New York Times this month found that Watson booked massage appointments with at least 66 women over a 17-month span.

The investigation also found that the Texans helped provide the venue for some of his massage appointments.  A team representative for the Texans also gave him a nondisclosure agreement that Watson gave to several women after a massage therapist threatened to expose his behavior.

The Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Details: Buzbee did not provide any specifics about the settlements in his statement and said that the terms and amounts of the settlements are confidential.  

Buzbee did highlight Ashley Solis, one of the first women to accuse Watson and who filed the initial lawsuit, as someone instrumental in getting the settlements for the women, per the statement. 

Solis is one of the four women who have not yet settled, per the statement. 

What they're saying: "Without Ashley Solis, the conduct experienced by these women would likely have continued unfettered," Buzbee wrote in his statement.

Following the settlement announcement, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said: "Today's development has no impact on the collectively bargained disciplinary process." 

Deshaun Watson settles 20 of the 24 sexual misconduct suits against him

Buzbee did not provide any specifics about the settlements in his statement.

Deshaun Watson at Cleveland Browns practice

Deshaun Watson practicing with the Cleveland Browns last week. Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images

NFL, NBA, MLB & NHL

On the heels of the Women's College World Series, two pro softball leagues began play last week.

Why it matters: The existence of multiple leagues is indicative of softball's recent growth, spurred by increasing popularity of the college game and the uptick in investment across women's sports.

AUX is a condensed version of the fantasy-style Athletes Unlimited league that launched in 2020. The standard five-week edition begins its third season in July.

Women's Professional Fastpitch (WPF) replaces National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), which shuttered last year after two decades due to COVID-induced financial losses.

State of play: Jocelyn Alo, the Oklahoma superstar coming off her second straight WCWS title, was drafted No. 1 overall by both leagues.

She chose WPF and debuted on Friday. The league's commissioner, Lauren Chamberlain, is a fellow Sooner whose NCAA career HR record Alo broke in March.

WPF has just two teams for its inaugural, exhibition-style season. Athletes Unlimited has added AUX in year three and inked a two-year broadcast deal with ESPN.

The big picture: Softball is the latest women's sport to see such progress. The WNBA recently raised a record $75 million, the NWSL inked its first CBA and USWNT finally achieved equal pay.

Yes, but: Given the popularity of college softball (the WCWS outdrew the men’s last year), it's surprising that the professional game has yet to truly take off.

Consider that most of Alo's senior teammates' and opponents' careers are now over due to a lack of viable professional options, and it's been that way for decades. One key reason? No external financial support.

The WNBA survived early on thanks to subsidies from the NBA, which still partially owns the league, and the NWSL received similar support from U.S. Soccer. NPF got nothing.

Now, the WNBA and NWSL are thriving, and these nascent softball leagues hope to join them.

What they're saying: "More opportunities for pro softball players is a great thing overall," Athletes Unlimited CEO Jon Patricof tells Axios.

"I continue to be a believer that you need to treat women's sports like sports, not like a niche platform, and that’s where we are."

To wit, the addition of AUX means more compensation for athletes, and "the deal with ESPN ensures tremendous coverage and visibility," adds Patricof.

The growing pro softball landscape

The existence of multiple leagues is indicative of softball's recent growth.

Illustration of softball bats getting progressively taller.

Matt Fitzpatrick delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday at The Country Club, winning the U.S. Open by a stroke to capture his first major championship and first victory on the PGA Tour, period.

The big picture: The 27-year-old Englishman also won the 2013 U.S Amateur at TCC, joining Jack Nicklaus as the only men to win both events on the same course (Pebble Beach: 1961 and 1972).

"The feeling's out of this world. It is so cliché, but it's stuff you dream of as a kid. Yeah, to achieve it, I can retire a happy man tomorrow."

ICYMI: Each of the previous three U.S. Opens at TCC ended in a playoff, and it looked for a moment like this one would, too.

Scottie Scheffler continued his torrid play, finishing at -5 just before the final pairing of Will Zalatoris (-5) and Fitzpatrick (-6) teed off on 18.

Zalatoris hit a perfect drive while Fitzpatrick missed just his third fairway of the day, landing in a bunker 161 yards from the hole.

But as he'd done all day, Fitzpatrick found a way to prevail, hitting what Nicklaus called "one of the great iron shots under pressure I've ever seen." It landed 18 feet from the pin and he two-putted for par.

Zalatoris still had a chance to force a playoff, but missed his 14-foot birdie putt by half an inch, finishing as the runner-up for the third time in his past seven majors.

What they're saying: "I thought even going for it was going to be ballsy," Zalatoris said of Fitzpatrick's shot from the bunker. "[It's] going to be shown probably for the rest of U.S. Open history."

Between the lines: Fitzpatrick's superlative iron play helped him become just the third golfer in the past 30 years to hit 17 greens in regulation in the final round of a major win. 

He earned a record $3.15 million, part of a record $17.5 million purse.

His caddie, Billy Foster, had never won a major despite spending nearly 40 years on the bag for some all-time greats. "Utter relief," he told ESPN's Michael Collins of finally winning the big one. 

Just four of 15 LIV golfers made the cut, none finishing higher than Dustin Johnson (t-24th).

Matt Fitzpatrick's U.S. Open win makes him king of The Country Club

The 27-year-old delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday at The Country Club.

Matt Fitzpatrick winning the U.S. Open (2022) and U.S. Amateur (2013).

Matt Fitzpatrick winning the U.S. Open (2022) and U.S. Amateur (2013). Photos: Warren Little/Getty Images; Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Nashville

Axios Nashville

Fifteen years ago, a billionaire's bid to buy the Nashville Predators signaled the franchise had failed in Music City and needed to relocate to Canada to reverse its fortunes.

The Predators' business operations and standing in Nashville have changed so dramatically since 2007 that the entry of another billionaire — former Gov. Bill Haslam — into the ownership sends a completely different message.

Why it matters: Business and political leaders tell Axios that Haslam joining the Predators ownership group is good news and affirms the stability of the hockey franchise that once had its bags packed for Canada.

What they're saying: After news broke that Haslam is buying into the Predators, Nashville Mayor John Cooper told Axios over text messages that he was "excited for the city."

Cooper highlighted the fact that Haslam is a Tennessean with children and grandchildren living in Nashville. He called Haslam a "great leadership choice."

Flashback: In 2007, original Predators owner Craig Leipold struck a deal to sell the team to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who planned to relocate the franchise to Hamilton, Ontario.

When the sale hit a snag, Nashville attorney and businessman David Freeman led a group of local investors who cobbled together enough capital to buy the team and keep it in Nashville. Importantly, Freeman renegotiated the Predators' Bridgestone Arena lease with the city to provide incentives for holding more concerts and other non-hockey events at the facility.

More drama encircled the Predators' ownership when Freeman began feuding with minority owner Tom Cigarran, who eventually replaced Freeman as chairman.

Cigarran hired Sean Henry and Jeff Cogen as the franchise's top executives, and that trio grew the business into a shining NHL success story. The Predators reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2017, and Bridgestone Arena has regularly been ranked by Pollstar among the top-performing arenas in the world.

The intrigue: If Freeman saved the Predators from leaving town and Cigarran grew the team, Haslam is poised to provide permanent stability.

Over the next three years, Haslam will gradually purchase ownership shares from current majority owner and chairman Herb Fritch.

"These ownership transitions for pro sports franchises are not always easy things," Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Ralph Schulz tells Axios. "This is really, really good news and a positive sign for the long-term operations."

What we're watching: The next big project for the Predators could well be the continued development of Bridgestone Arena.

The team's most recent lease deal grants the franchise redevelopment rights for Bridgestone Arena, perhaps paving the way for a mixed-use project.

Haslam's Preds deal provides stability

"This is really, really good news and a positive sign for the long-term operations."

A Nashville Predators fan holds up an inflatable Stanley Cup before the puck drop of game six of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs between the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes at Bridgestone Arena.  Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports

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