This week’s 5-on-5: five points on five of this week’s biggest sports stories.
- Mac Jones wins Patriots QB spot over Cam Newton
- Rookie Cam Jones was recently named the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, as the Patriots released free-agent Cam Newton.
- Jones said in an interview on “Merloni and Fauria” that he wasn’t surprised by the news, and that he “always prepares to be the starter.”
- Newton, on the other hand, was “absolutely” surprised by his release in a YouTube Live video he posted on his page.
- “I don’t want you to feel sorry for me though,” Newton said, recognizing that his release was just business.
- Newton said that he would have been willing to serve as a backup quarterback, but felt that he would be a “distraction” to Jones.
Watch the full interviews from Cam and Jones
- LA Dodgers Pitcher Trevor Bauer’s administrative leave extended through post season after sexual assault accusations
- Trevor Bauer was accused of sexual assault by a woman who claimed that he choked her uncsonsiuous, sodomized her without consent and beat her to the point of injury.
- The woman accusing Bauer says that her relations with Bauer started consensually, but that Bauer took it too far.
- The Pasadena Police Department has concluded their investigation and turned the case over to the District Attorney’s Office.
- Bauer’s extended leave is not a result of any developments in the investigation.
- Bauer denies both these claims and other more recent allegations against him.
Read more here
- Dallas Cowboys starting right-tackle, La’el Collins, suspended for five games
- La’el Collins was suspended for five games after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy
- Collins’ ban is both unusual and unclear. According to ESPN, multiple sources say he did not fail any drug tests.
- When looking at the NFL’s substance policy, a five game suspension is not even listed as a possible penalty.
- Collin’s lawyers say his behavior should be punished by a fine rather than a suspension, and his coach says it’s “something he can’t speak of.”
- Collins will be eligible to return to the field on October 18th.
Read more here
- Gender justice group protests Cristiano Ronaldo’s return after rape allegations
- Gender justice group, Level Up, flew a banner over Old Trafford reading “Believe Kathryn Mayorga”
- Mayorga said that she had been raped by an unnamed assailant in 2009, before accepting money from Ronaldo’s lawyers in a non-disclosure agreement in 2010.
- Mayorga came forward publicly in 2018, but the case was dismissed in 2021.
- The banner was flown by Level Up during Ronaldo’s first game with Manchester United since rejoining the club after leaving in 2009.
- “Let’s say NO to the culture of silence around abuse from the football community. Pledge your solidarity with Kathryn & survivors,” Level Up said on their Twitter.
Read more here
- President Donald J. Trump guest hosts boxing match on 9/11
- The former president provided guest commentary for the heavyweight fight between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort.
- The fight took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.
- Trump, who was joined by his son Donald Trump Jr., has hosted several matches in the 1980s and 90s at his casinos.
- As the fight was being scored, President Trump also referenced his contention with the election results saying, “It’s like the elections. It could be rigged.”
- The fight ended with a win for Vitor Belfort in the first round by TKO.
Read more here