On This Day – 7/18/25

• 1921 – Babe Ruth hits a 575 feet HR which made him the all-time HR leader. Some reports say the home run went 600ft+ but 575ft was the number i kept finding doing my research.
• 1927 – Ty Cobb records his 4,000th career MLB hit.
• 1948 – Pat Seerey from the Chicago White Sox hits 4 HR’s in 11inn game.
• 1954 – Down 8-1 to the Phillies, the Cardinals forfeit in 5th inning.
• 1970 – Willie Mays hits hit 3,000th career MLB hit.
• 2018 – Kawhi Leonard traded to Raptors for Demar Derozan, Jakob Poltl and 2019 first round pick

Damian Lillard Back Home in Portland

Damian Lillard has always been one of those names around the league where you do your best to resemble him. He always had heartfelt connections with fans, players, and even within the Blazers organization. From the practice facility security guard, to the people behind the scenes who help kelp the team going day-to-day. Lillard appreciated that Portland was a place where he can comfortably raise his family and live year-round.

Now after a two season stint with the Bucks, and a contract buy-out later, it will be Dame Time once again in Portland with Lillard agreeing to a three-year/45m deal with a player option in 27’-28’ and a no-trade clause.

“My relationship to the city, and the fans here, the organization… It’s never-ending,’’ Lillard said when he first returned to compete against the Trail Blazers after joining the Bucks in 2023. “(Portland) is a huge part of my journey, an important part of my journey. And I will always appreciate that and I will always hold that close to me.”

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T.J.Watt and Steelers agree on 3yr/123m deal

T.J. Watt has officially been designated as the Watt families go-to guy to give the check to, after signing a deal that makes his the highest paid non-QB with 108m of the 123m being guaranteed. This overtakes Myles Garrett’s contract as the highest-paid non QB. Watt recently took what some would argue is a pay cut on his last contract. Which was valued at 5yr/90m, in my opinion he deserved to hit at least 100m but here we are, talking about the record-breaking contract Watt has signed. The Steelers now lock down Watt for three more seasons, and show their determination in making this season better than the last.

All eyes are now on the Bengals and Trey Hendrickson as well as the Cowboys and Micah Parsons as both may be ready to sit out training camp’s and other activities as they enter the last season of their contracts.

Rashee Rice Facing Suspension for 24’ Crash

Rashee Rice will most certainly be facing a suspension from the NFL after pleading guilty to two, third-degree felonies, including collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury, the Dallas County court confirmed.

Rashee Rice will be sentenced to five years of deferred probation, 30 days in jail which he can serve at any time during the next five years, as well as paying restitution to the victims out-of-pocket medical expenses, which total 115,418.91$

“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas. There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole,” Rice’s lawyer Royce West said in a statement on Rice’s behalf in the release. “I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart. Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”

In a preliminary investigation into the crash, police determined that Rice’s Lamborghini and former SMU teammate Theodore Knox’s Corvette were racing at high speeds when Rice struck the median wall. Rice and Knox ran from the scene, while two other drivers involved in the crash were treated for minor injuries and two occupants of another vehicle were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

An arrest warrant was issued for Rice after the crash, and he turned himself in to police one day later.

Rashee Rice hasn’t played in a game since Week 4 in 2024, when he tore his lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, effectively ending his season.

Jordan Bianchi Gives Update for 26’ NASCAR Season

Full credit to Jordan Bianchi for all this info, make sure to read his article here for more info and follow his Twitter/X here!

• NASCAR wants to return to Mexico, and vice versa, but scheduling and logistics could play an issue. 2026 seems unlikely with 2027 being a good chance for Mexico to return.
• Chicago Street Course could return with the right deal, with state and local support now wanting another race.
• Chicagoland could make a return as soon as 2026 if a spot opens up in the schedule. Some improvements are set to be made but NASCAR is ready to pick up the bill. San Diego, Mexico and Chicago Street Course remain NASCAR’s top priority.
• Expectation is that a deal for a race in San Diego could also happen as soon as 2026. Bianchi mentioned that talks are going good and an announcement is slated for as early as the end of the month.
• North Wilkesboro may return as the All-Star Race with COTA also seeing a return.

The Bears Buzz at a Glance

• Shemar Stewart won’t return to Texas A&M; coach says
• Snoop Dogg becomes co-owner of Welsh soccer team, Swansea City
• Josh Giddey could request trade amid contract talks stalling
• WNBA CBA talks stall in Indy despite solid turnout
• Braves send Jose Ruiz to Rangers in exchange for RHP Dane Dunning
• Bronny James drops 18 in Summer League for the Lakers
• Chargers WR Mike Williams announces retirement
• Ohtani, now 3-way player, pitcher, fielder, and now author. Will release children’s book based off his dog, named ‘Decoy Saves Opening Day’