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  • Auburn coach Hugh Freeze addresses ‘The Blind Side’ star Michael Oher’s lawsuit against Tuohy family

    Auburn coach Hugh Freeze addresses ‘The Blind Side’ star Michael Oher’s lawsuit against Tuohy family

    Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze spoke publicly for the first time about the lawsuit filed by Michael Oher against Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, lamenting over the situation and expressing his love for all parties involved. Freeze was Oher’s head coach at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee and went on to serve as an assistant coach at Ole Miss during Oher’s playing career with the Rebels. He also considers the Tuohy family to be close friends.

    “I love Michael Oher,” Freeze told Auburn reporters Thursday. “He’s like part of our family. I love the Tuohys. I think it’s sad, and I certainly don’t claim to understand all the ins and outs of adoption, conservatory, all of that. But I know what I witnessed, and I witnessed a family that totally took in a young man. And I think without that, there is no story.”

    Oher’s lawsuit, which was obtained by ESPN, claims the Tuohys entered Oher into a conservatorship while presenting it to be the same process as legal adoption. The lawsuit demanded an end to the Tuohys’ conservatorship of Oher, which has been in place since 2004, just months after his 18th birthday. 

    Entering Oher into a conservatorship allowed the Tuohys to oversee Oher’s financial life and enter into legal deals without his consent, though Oher was not a legal member of the family. In the case of ‘The Blind Side,’ the award-winning film grossed more than $300 million and earned actress Sandra Bullock an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy. 

    Oher’s attorneys claim the four biological members of the Tuohy family were all compensated $225,000 and 2.5% of “defined net proceeds”.

    The Tuohy family and their legal team called accusations “hurtful and absurd.” Attorneys for the family said Wednesday the $500,000 in proceeds from…

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  • After years of going all-in, Rams now need young, unproven players to ‘figure stuff out’

    After years of going all-in, Rams now need young, unproven players to ‘figure stuff out’

    THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Matthew Stafford didn’t have much of a relationship with Stetson Bennett before the Los Angeles Rams drafted the rookie quarterback in the fourth round. But Stafford and Bennett have two major things in common: They are former Georgia Bulldogs and each of them have won a championship at SoFi Stadium, albeit on different levels.

    “He’s like all the other young guys on this team, just trying to figure it out and trying to figure out what it’s like to be an NFL player, where to be, what to do and continue to try to kind of carve his way, which is fun to see and fun to be a part of,” Stafford said of Bennett. “He’s a really talented kid, runs around, makes plays, throws it great, but he’s like every other rookie. They’re just doing the best they can to try and figure stuff out as quickly as possible.”

    Stafford’s comments symbolize the current state of the Rams. Entering training camp, the Rams roster included 36 rookies. Fourteen of them were selected by the club in the 2023 draft.

    Rookies and young, unproven players fill the Rams’ roster. They are trying to “figure stuff out” with the regular season less than a month away.

    It’s beneficial that the Rams have two sets of joint practices, against the Las Vegas Raiders this week and the Denver Broncos next week, in addition to three preseason games.

    ‘Going to get a little hot-headed’: In NFL joint practices, teams challenged to keep cool

    Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett in action during the preseason game against the Chargers.

    “I think what we can try to do is challenge them to use the tools, not be afraid to fail so that you can actually have some of that growth occur in a smart way,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “You want to be able to try out some of these fundamentals and techniques in a situation, in a setting like these practices. Go shoot your shot in some of these preseason games, but I think the more that we can create those situations and scenarios, whether it be on…

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  • With cloudy future, so much is at stake for Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh in 2023

    With cloudy future, so much is at stake for Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh in 2023

    Back in the winter, just as he and his Michigan football staff began to conceptualize what this next team may look like, Jim Harbaugh was asked whether he planned to remain in his post beyond 2023. He could have responded with a strong declaration reminding his audience of the long-term commitment he made to his alma mater.

    But he didn’t.

    Each of the past two offseasons launched with Harbaugh entering the mix for an NFL job opening, which signaled his future in Ann Arbor was tenuous. He didn’t seem to dispel that notion, indicating that coaching the Wolverines had become a year-to-year proposition for him.

    “That’s something you assess,” he said. “You assess … after every season. That’s something that I will do after every season.”

    HIGH RANK: Michigan starting No. 2 is a shortcut to College Football Playoff

    The words hung in the air. Almost six months later they still do, leading some to wonder what will factor into the calculus behind his next big decision and whether the final outcome for this Michigan team will sway Harbaugh one way or another.

    Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on the field during the spring game at Michigan Stadium, April 1, 2023 in Ann Arbor.

    It’s a fraught question, which is probably why Harbaugh didn’t seem keen on answering it when it was presented Tuesday.

    Instead he chose to recite the mantra of his father, Jack.

    “Attack each day,” Harbaugh began. “Attack this day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”

    MORE FROM SABIN: Jim Harbaugh stole the spotlight from Michigan’s promising team … again

    Throughout a 27-minute news conference, Harbaugh tried to steer the conversation away from what lies in the distance back toward the here and now. He ran through the depth chart, dispensing compliments to the players who make up a team picked No. 2 in the country in both…

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  • Alex Collins dies at 28: Former Ravens, Seahawks running back passes away after motorcycle accident

    Alex Collins dies at 28: Former Ravens, Seahawks running back passes away after motorcycle accident

    Former NFL running back Alex Collins died Monday as a result of a motorcycle accident, the Seattle Seahawks announced. He was 28 years old.

    “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning,” Collins’ family said in a statement, which was released through the Seahawks. “Alex was cherished by his family and friends as well as supporters from all around the world. All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality. We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.”

    Collins was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the team for one season before moving onto the Ravens for two years. After a year off, he came back to Seattle for two more seasons. He most recently played for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL.

    “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins,” the Ravens said in a statement. “Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went. May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.”

    Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also released a statement, saying, “Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly. I’ll always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered. He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed to a lot of our success during his time in Baltimore. We send our heartfelt condolences and support to Alex’s family. May he now rest in God’s eternal peace.”

    The Seahawks also posted their condolences: “Absolutely heartbroken. Prayers are with the Collins…

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  • 23 compelling storylines, teams, coaches, players that will dominate the 2023 college football season

    23 compelling storylines, teams, coaches, players that will dominate the 2023 college football season

    Welcome to Year 154 of college football where, still, some things never change. They were talking about paying players (improperly) back in the 19th century. Coaches are still overvalued and overhyped. Bowl games are still a big deal. (Hey, what else are you going to watch in December?)

    This season might as well be the jumping off point for the future. It is the last year of the four-team College Football Playoff, after all. We are on the brink of paying players (legally) beyond NIL. And realignment just … won’t … stop. That’s why there will never be another season like 2023.

    As Texas coach Steve Sarkisian likes to say, “adapt or die.” Deion Sanders is bringing in the equivalent of a small front-range mining town to Colorado via the transfer portal. Jim Harbaugh has his best team ever at Michigan and may be a no-show in the first month.

    Look for some new blood in the CFP if the likes of USC gets hot. Their potential excellence, along with that of Washington, is part of a bittersweet farewell in 2023 of what used to be the “Conference of Champions.” The Pac-12 appears to have saved (some of) its best for last.

    Nevertheless, the game will endure. Here are 23 things to watch before wading into Season 154.

    College football’s 23 for 2023

    1. Georgia three-peat? The two-time reigning champions will attempt to win three national titles in a row. That’s never been done before in the wire service era (since 1936). And that’s all that counts. Before then, you could win a national championship by proclamation of the guy’s poll down the street. These Bulldogs are on the brink of completing the greatest run of all time. Coach Kirby Smart has installed a culture of “eating off the floor.” His players have bought in. In the process, Smart has…

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  • Rookie Quentin Johnston ‘not satisfied’ with debut

    Rookie Quentin Johnston ‘not satisfied’ with debut

    Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston celebrates after scoring a touchdown in a 34-17 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick in the 2023 draft, was not pleased with his overall performance Saturday. (Kyusung Gong / Associated Press)

    The Chargers opened their 2023 preseason slate with a 34-17 victory over the Rams on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Some takeaways from the game:

    First-round pick’s bounce back

    He caught a touchdown pass and two other balls, but it was the two passes he failed to secure that Quentin Johnston was thinking about afterward.

    “I’m not satisfied,” the rookie said. “Hopefully, [I’ll] come back next week and be better.”

    A first-round pick — No. 21 overall — Johnston dropped a pair of passes from Easton Stick early in the game, one coming on a long well-placed ball down the right sideline.

    Drops were an issue for Johnston at times during his career at Texas Christian and something the Chargers largely have dismissed, at least publicly, since acquiring him.

    “Just focus,” Johnston said. “Obviously a big stage, just not as dialed in as I would like to be. I thought I was. Obviously, I wasn’t. Just a learning experience for me.”

    Asked if the two passes were ones he should have caught, Johnston said, “Oh, yeah, 100%.”

    Read more: Chargers defense thwarts Justin Herbert and Kellen Moore in scrimmage

    Late in the first half, it appeared that Johnston was done for the night as the Chargers, executing their two-minute offense, moved deep into Rams’ territory.

    On first-and-goal at the eight-yard line, he hurriedly re-entered and caught a score from Stick.

    Lined up in the left slot, Johnston made a quick move inside to sneak past Richard LeCounte and then snagged Stick’s dart of a throw before Jason Taylor II could close the gap.

    “You’ve seen that throughout [training] camp,” coach Brandon Staley said. “He can make that guy miss. He can create that separation. He’s…

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  • Seneca football looks to replace major graduation losses for another big season

    Seneca football looks to replace major graduation losses for another big season

    The start of the 2023 District 10 football season is right around the corner. Visit GoErie.com throughout August for updated videos and photos from team camps. Here is one in a series of previews for all 39 D-10 teams:

    Seneca Bobcats

    Coach: Jack Corey (2nd season, 9-3)

    2022 record: 9-3 (3-2 Region 2)

    2022 playoff results: Defeated Northwestern 46-13 in the District 10 Class 2A quarterfinals before losing to Farrell 48-6 in the semifinals.

    Assistant coaches: Seth Hembree, Eric Albrecht, Walter Chevalier, Dave Tome, Jerry Adamus, Brian Roberts

    Preseason prep: Everything you need to know for the 2023 District 10 football season

    Leading the way

    Seneca has one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks returning this fall in Nolan Seabury. The senior threw for 1,059 yards and 14 touchdowns to just five interceptions last fall. He also ran for 965 yards and 16 touchdowns as Seneca’s second-leading rusher. Seabury has been a big part of the Bobcats’ offense throughout his career and led Seneca with three interceptions on defense last fall. Seabury was a leader for the Bobcats last fall and will face another challenging year as Seneca lost numerous starters to graduation.

    Starting over

    Seneca has some work to do in camp to replace numerous starters gone to graduation. One of the biggest losses is Ryan Miller, who ran for 2,473 yards and 33 touchdowns and caught 12 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns as a senior. Miller also led the defense with 125 tackles, three sacks and had two interceptions. Seneca also lost Dylan Ellenberger and Trey Pound on the offensive and defensive lines and playmaker Collin Libra as well. Libra was the Bobcats’ top receiver with 37 catches for 568 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Anthony Buscemi had 10 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown, and Beau Barber had six catches for 143 yards and one touchdown….

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  • C.J. Stroud plays two drives in Texans’ first preseason matchup vs. Patriots, throws INT

    C.J. Stroud plays two drives in Texans’ first preseason matchup vs. Patriots, throws INT

    USATSI

    The Houston Texans got their first look at their new prospective franchise quarterback on Thursday night, as rookie signal-caller C.J. Stroud started Houston’s first preseason matchup against the Patriots in New England. He played just two series in the Texans’ 20-9 victory, and unfortunately did not get the offense moving in his first professional action. 

    Stroud played 11 snaps, and completed 2 of 4 passes for 13 yards and one interception. The Ohio State product also rushed twice for 6 yards, and took a 15-yard sack on the fourth play of the game.

    Stroud’s interception came on Houston’s first drive of the night on a third-and-21. Veteran defensive back Jalen Mills read the rook like a book, and stole possession away for the Pats. New England then capitalized on the short field with a successful 44-yard field goal.

    “Got to make a play smarter and not put my defense in a bad situation, put them right in field goal range, and that’s my mistake,” Stroud said. “Even though I’m a rookie, still trying to play as a vet and play sound football and not only protect my offense but to protect the defense, as well.”  

    Stroud didn’t get much of a chance to show what he’s capable of in his first 11 preseason plays. A big reason for this was the play of his offensive line — which struggled immensely against the Patriots’ pressure.

    The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist during his time in Columbus, and recorded the most passing touchdowns in a two-year span in Big Ten history with 85. Stroud led an offense that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in points per game (45.0) and yards per game (526.0) over the past…

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