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Joe Graf Jr. Joins RCR Driver Roster

Published in Racing
Friday, 26 April 2019 08:02

WELCOME, N.C. – ARCA Menards Series regular Joe Graf Jr. has joined Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program.

Graf will pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro in select NASCAR Xfinity Series events this year for the team. In addition, Graf will also work as a marketing and communications intern at RCR. He is currently a freshman at New York University.

The 20-year-old’s first race will be at Michigan Int’l Speedway this June.

“This is an amazing opportunity that wouldn’t be possible without NYU and RCR working together,” said Graf. “For my internship to be with one of the most recognizable teams in NASCAR is unbelievable. To then think that I will also have the opportunity to drive the No. 21 car is really exciting.”

“I am pumped for the opportunity to learn all facets of this business,” continued Graf Jr. “From inside the cockpit to the corporate office. The quality of the RCR organization speaks for itself, especially celebrating their 50th anniversary this season. I am eager to learn, contribute and compete.”

While racing for RCR this season, Graf will also have the chance to learn the science of racing, by spending behind-the-scenes time with the competition and engineering teams. Graf will have the opportunity to attend competition meetings and debriefs, get simulator time, and assist with pit stop practice.

“We’re happy to have Joe joining us in such a unique developmental role as a driver and intern,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “It’s not often that drivers get the opportunity to learn both in and out of the race car, and we hope that’s what Joe is able to do with his dual role here. It’s very helpful for drivers to understand the technical and business side of the sport, and Joe gets that. We’re confident he’s going to be successful both on and off the track for RCR.”

Graf is currently competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series, and will balance his internship and starts with RCR with his current race schedule. During his 2018 debut season in ARCA, the Mahwah, N.J., native secured one win, six top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He was also involved in the closest finish in ARCA history when he placed second at Talladega Superspeedway in a statistical tie.

Man City are like Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods - Pep

Published in Soccer
Friday, 26 April 2019 08:30

MANCHESTER, England -- Pep Guardiola has compared Manchester City to Usain Bolt and Tiger Woods because of the way they have set a new standard in the Premier League.

City won last season's title with a record 100 points, and will be champions again if they win their final three games of the season.

They have won their last 11 games and must extend that to 14 -- starting at Burnley on Sunday -- to be the first club to defend the title in a decade.

"Before it was easier than last season -- everybody could lose to anybody. This season, two teams won a lot of games. That's the standard we have set," Guardiola told a news conference.

"Like Usain Bolt when he does a 100 metre race -- that's the standard. Other people have to reach it. Like Jack Nicklaus with 18 Grand Slams and Tiger Woods, that's the standard, it's the same.

"One hundred points last season? If you want to compete, you have to do that.

"I say right now, to maintain that level now after what we've done, I'd sign for that. I don't expect more than that.

"To do that we have to push each other, knowing the other teams are at the same level as us, focus on every single game, do what you have to do to win that game, respect the opponents, work hard and improve on what we have done this season -- that's the only way I know."

Kevin De Bruyne is ruled out of the trip to Turf Moor with a hamstring injury, while Fernandinho faces a late test on a knee problem.

City beat Burnley 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium earlier in the season, but Guardiola said he expected a much tougher afternoon away from home.

"Always it is hard there, they do really well what they do," he added. "We have to prepare and we are prepared. It's the end of the season, the last games, and everyone feels pressure.

"Today we have day off and then we prepare for Burnley's tough points."

Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, IPL 2019, Chennai April 26, 2019

The Report by Ankur Dhawan

Toss Super Kings chose to bowl v Mumbai Indians

Filling in for MS Dhoni, who misses his second match of the season - this time due to fever - Suresh Raina won the toss and opted to bowl, pointing out that dew could be a problem in the second half of the game.

Overall, Super Kings made three changes to their team that beat Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Dhoni, Faf du Plessis and Ravindra Jadeja making way for Dhruv Shorey, Mitchell Santner and Murali Vijay. Mumbai Indians also made a couple of changes with Evin Lewis and Anukul Roy - on IPL debut - coming in for Ben Cutting and Mayank Markande.

Super Kings, who top the table with 16 points will be assured a playoff berth, should they extend their winning streak at Chepauk tonight. A win for Mumbai, on the other hand, will help them displace Delhi capitals in second position on the table, due to a superior net run-rate.

Super Kings have lost just one of their last 18 matches at Chepauk, and that defeat incidentally came against Mumbai Indians in 2015. The visitors also had the better of the Super Kings when the teams met in Mumbai earlier in the season, winning that contest by 37 runs on the back off Hardik Pandya's allround brilliance.

Super Kings:1 M Vijay, 2 Shane Watson, 3 Suresh Raina (capt), 4 Kedar Jadhav, 5 Ambati Rayudu (wk), 6 Dhruv Shorey, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Harbhajan Singh, 11 Imran Tahir

Mumbai Indians:1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Evin Lewis, 4 Kieron Pollard, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Suryakumar Yadav, 8 Anukul Roy, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Lasith Malinga

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Big picture

The bottom of the IPL 2019 table has lit up over the last few weeks. Three teams are now tied on eight points after 11 games, and each of them still has a chance to make the playoffs. Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have put themselves in this position through small tweaks; Royals changed their captain and their batting order, and now have a batting line-up that looks more potent than it did before Steven Smith took over.

The agenda for them against Sunrisers Hyderabad is straightforward - win. They need to win all three of their games to stay in contention. But they have a massive challenge: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes have left for England, and Smith will soon be gone as well. The stakes are automatically higher as a result.

Sunrisers have lost Jonny Bairstow to England's World Cup camp as well, but at ten points from ten games, they have a match in hand and a slightly higher margin for error - two wins out of four games will still keep them in contention. They also have only minor changes to endure as far as overseas talent goes, and will be looking to wrap up the league stage in good form.

In the news

Buttler, Archer and Stokes will take no further part for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and Bairstow flew out to England on April 24 following Sunrisers' game against Chennai.

Kane Williamson, who had flown back to New Zealand for personal reasons before the Super Kings match, has returned ahead of the tie.

Previous meeting

Sanju Samson's silken unbeaten 102 helped Royals post 198 in Jaipur, but a 110-run opening stand between David Warner and Bairstow put Sunrisers on course for a win they completed with an over to spare.

Likely XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 Kane Williamson (capt), 2 David Warner, 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Vijay Shankar, 5 Shakib Al Hasan/Mohammad Nabi, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Wriddhiman Saha (wk)/Sreevats Goswami (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Sandeep Sharma/Siddarth Kaul

Rajasthan Royals: 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Rahul Tripathi/Liam Livingstone, 5 Ashton Turner/Ish Sodhi, 6 Stuart Binny, 7 Riyan Parag, 8 Shreyas Gopal, 9 Dhawal Kulkarni/Mahipal Lomror , 10 Varun Aaron, 11 Oshane Thomas

Strategy punt

  • Sunrisers are likely to have more comfort in batting at Sawai Mansingh Stadium than the home team - their batsmen have scored more non-boundary runs (47.6%) than any other team and will play at the venue that has had nearly just as many (47%) non-boundary runs. Williamson, Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar should be encouraged to play to their accumulative strengths.

  • While Martin Guptill is available to replace Bairstow at the top with Warner, Sunrisers will be well served if they let Williamson return to form in the position where he's had most success for them.

  • Royals could be tempted to build their house on legspin: Ish Sodhi and Liam Livingstone will both offer that option, and with Riyan Parag now playing a primarily batting role, Shreyas Gopal might find a buddy at the other end as he could be handed more late-overs duties than before.

Stats that matter

  • The last time Royals beat Sunrisers was in 2015. Sunrisers have a 4-0 win record since that game.

  • Ajinkya Rahane needs 53 more runs to reach 5,000 in T20s.

  • Rashid Khan is two wickets away from 50 wickets for Sunrisers.

  • Royals' 74.5% catching efficiency is marginally better than Sunrisers' 73.1%, but their ground fielding has saved a net six runs through this season, as compared to Sunrisers' negative 15.

Thirty-four years ago, the future of the New York Knicks franchise rested inside a square-foot-sized white envelope.

It was early afternoon on May 12, 1985, and Knicks executive Dave DeBusschere sat nervously on the dais on the 18th floor of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan, holding his head in his hands ahead of the first-ever NBA draft lottery.

As seven envelopes tumbled inside a spinning plastic globe next to NBA commissioner David Stern, DeBusschere was looking for all the luck he could muster. Hours earlier, DeBusschere had attended mass at a church near his home, admitting that he was "a little selfish" during his prayers. The Hall of Fame forward also brought a horseshoe with him from a successful racehorse.

Knicks fans know what happened next. Stern pulled an enveloped -- creased at the corner, conspiracy theorists note -- that gave the Knicks the No. 1 pick in the draft.

DeBusschere famously pounded his fist when the pick was revealed. Minutes later, DeBusschere showed the world a No. 33 home white Knicks jersey that he'd brought with him. It had Patrick Ewing's name on the back.

"Everyone knows who our No. 1 pick is going to be," DeBusschere said that night.

A few minutes before 8:30 p.m. ET on May 14, 2019, Ewing himself will settle into his seat on the dais in Chicago and hope for that same lottery luck. The Hall of Fame center will represent the Knicks on the first night of, arguably, the most important offseason in franchise history.

Everyone knows who their first pick would be.

If Ewing and the Knicks land it -- New York, Phoenix and Cleveland each have 14 percent odds -- it opens up a world of possibilities. The club can keep the pick and add presumptive No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson to its roster. Or it could use the pick as a package in a trade for a veteran superstar like the New Orleans Pelicans' Anthony Davis.

"If we're ranking teams heading into the offseason, New York probably has the best tools in the toolshed," one Western Conference executive said. "Maybe they get it right this time."

Ewing finished his career as the franchise's leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played -- putting forth a strong argument for the title of greatest Knick ever. He requested a trade in 2000 because the club declined to extend his contract. The resulting transaction, which sent Ewing to the Seattle SuperSonics in his 16th season, began an inauspicious run for New York. The club has won just one playoff series since.

And it's been a run brimming with drama, lopsided losses and dysfunction. This season, the Knicks have said all of that -- the meddling from owner Jim Dolan, the in-fighting, the public sniping -- is behind them.

"Going into free agency, we've got a lot of things that we can show about how this is going to be a different deal going forward with the Knicks," Knicks coach David Fizdale said this week on ESPN's The Jump. "And I think we're going to end up doing some good things."

If they can do what many around the NBA expect them to -- sign two stars this summer and draft an elite college prospect in late June -- they might be able to back up that rhetoric.

"I can tell you," Dolan said last month on ESPN Radio, "from what we've heard, I think we're gonna have a very successful offseason."


The four-paragraph letter arrived via email in Knicks season-ticket-holders' inboxes in early April. It was a missive from team president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry, discussing the Knicks' 17-65 season and their future. In nearly 300 words of executive speak, one section in particular stood out:

"We have created a tremendous amount of financial flexibility, which has put us in a position to potentially sign up to two max free agents. Most importantly, we will use our cap space diligently and only on players who believe in our plan and are committed to building the New York Knicks into the championship team that you deserve."

Translation: We have the opportunity to make the misery of past seasons a distant memory. So stick with us.

Why would a team that has won just one playoff series in the last 18 years, coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history, feel so good about turning things around? Kevin Durant.

It's easier to find street parking in Manhattan than it is to find an NBA executive, player or coach who doesn't think Durant is going to sign with the Knicks in July.

Some of Durant's former teammates think it's going to happen, per ESPN sources. Several of his current teammates have told friends that they think it's going to happen, sources said. Opposing agents believe it's a fait accompli: "Just a matter of putting pen to paper," is how one agent of another top free agent in the 2019 free agent class put it.

Why would Durant come to the Knicks when he could stay with the Golden State Warriors or sign with other teams with stronger supporting casts, such as the LA Clippers or Brooklyn Nets?

One opposing executive monitoring Durant's situation closely believes that the opportunity to win in New York -- and push the notion that he jumped on the bandwagon to win rings in Oakland from the forefront of fans' consciousness -- is a pull for the two-time Finals MVP.

"Winning there would change the narrative around him," one executive said.

If Durant comes to New York, he's not coming to be part of a rebuild. So it's hard to see him committing to the Big Apple without another star in tow. Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, who has a close relationship with Durant (remember All-Star Weekend?), is one of the players who could join Durant in the Big Apple. Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker also has fans in the Knicks organization. Multiple executives doing their homework on the free agent class, though, fully expect Durant to sign with the Knicks and Irving to join him.

There's growing evidence to support the theory:

  • After telling Celtics fans he plans on returning to Boston earlier this season, Irving acknowledged that the Knicks were on the list of teams that he'd consider as a free agent. He also softened that commitment to the Celtics in early February.

  • During the regular season, some close to Durant suggested to people with a rooting interest in the Knicks that they should remain calm amid New York's struggles this season. This was seen by those familiar with the conversations as further proof that Durant intends to sign with the Knicks.

  • And then there's the oft-cited factor of Rich Kleiman, Durant's manager, business partner and co-founder of his media company, being a Knicks fan. Kleiman, for what it's worth, attended several Knicks games at Madison Square Garden when the Warriors weren't the visiting team.

If Durant, Irving -- or both -- decide to sign elsewhere, it would leave the Knicks in a tough spot. They could go after Kawhi Leonard -- people close to Leonard saw New York as a possible destination for him prior to his trade to the Toronto Raptors -- but the general feeling around the league is that Leonard is more likely to end up with the Clippers or back in Toronto than a team in New York.

And it would surprise some opposing executives if the Knicks signed a player other than Durant, Irving or Leonard to a long-term contract this summer. Those executives expect the Knicks to use their projected league-high $74 million in cap room in other ways this summer -- acquiring a draft pick in a salary dump, signing players to short-term deals -- if they miss out on those top free agent targets.

From any other rebuilding franchise, that approach would make sense. But how would the long-suffering fan base -- and ownership -- react to a disappointing summer after a 17-win season? Particularly when the Knicks opened up cap space by trading the face of their franchise in Kristaps Porzingis?

The Knicks say they feel no added pressure to land a free agent in the wake of the Porzingis trade. "We're excited that we have some flexibility there. We're excited with what we did get in this trade," Knicks GM Scott Perry said on the night of the Porzingis trade.

"Again, we'll let the summer take care of itself."

If the Knicks land Durant and another max free agent, they will be looking to add other veterans via free agency and trades. Obviously, they will keep a close eye on the Anthony Davis situation. There are potential Knicks-Pelicans deals that work financially.

If the Knicks luck out and land Williamson in the draft, a package centered around him and other first-round picks or young Knicks -- such as Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson or Allonzo Trier -- might be enticing to the Pelicans. Even if the Knicks don't trade their first-round draft pick -- and there is no consensus that the organization would definitely trade its 2019 No. 1 pick in a package for Davis, sources said -- the Knicks would need to find a way to surround any incoming stars with other veterans.

If New York signs two max free agents, that would leave only the $5.5 million room exception and veterans minimum contracts to offer other free agents. So the Knicks would have work to do if they land their dream summer scenario of Durant and Irving.

"They're going to have to convince some veterans to take less money," said one Western Conference exec.


In mid-September, Mills, Perry and Fizdale sat on a Madison Square Garden stage in front of hundreds of fans, delivering a message of hope. Knicks fans have heard that word before, but as Mills noted that night, there was an important distinction between this year and seasons past.

"In our circles that we travel and the people that we talk to," Mills said, "we know that there is a change in how people perceive us.

Mills, Perry and Fizdale repeated that point often in the ensuing months. Fizdale said recently that he had heard praise from people around the league about how hard his team played and how they treated players, traits that haven't been associated with the team in recent seasons.

"Those [perceptions] were the things that were holding the team back more than anything," Fizdale said in an interview with ESPN Radio.

As you'd expect, there is some skepticism around the league about a potential Knicks makeover. "Maybe it's just me, but I'd like to see the results on the court before making any bold statements about perception," one rival executive said.

The doomsday scenario for New York is Brooklyn landing top free agents while the Knicks strike out and sign lesser free agents to big money, as they did with Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 before missing out on LeBron James. But they insist that won't be the case this summer, that this is the year they're getting it right.

"We put ourselves in position where we've created cap space, which gives us the flexibility to attract free agents or use it to continue the planning that we laid out before [to build with young players]," Mills said in an ESPN Radio interview.

"It put us in a position where we're really excited about the future of the team."

Will all the excitement and optimism lead to a successful offseason? It all starts with Ewing on the dais in a few weeks. Fizdale, for one, is optimistic that the franchise's fortunes are about to turn.

"We're doing things the right way," Fizdale told ESPN Radio. "We have a great set up to do something that's long-standing."

Premiership: Newcastle Falcons v Northampton Saints

Published in Rugby
Thursday, 25 April 2019 06:26

Newcastle make two changes to their side for the crucial game against Northampton Saints as the Falcons battle for Premiership survival.

Fiji number eight Nemani Nagusa returns while Callum Chick comes into the back row in their only other switch.

Luther Burrell and Tom Collins both come back into Northampton's starting line-up as they chase a top-four place.

Saints travel to Newcastle searching for their third consecutive away victory in the Premiership.

The Falcons go into the game seven points adrift at the bottom of the league with three matches still to play.

Northampton are sixth and four points off fourth-placed Harlequins ahead of their trip to the north east.

Newcastle: Hammersley, Goneva, Harris, Matavesi, Sinoti, Flood, Takulua, Mulipola, McGuigan, Ah You, Green, Davidson, Chick, Wilson, Nagusa.

Replacements: Cooper, Lockwood, Davison, Robinson, Graham, Young, Swiel, Williams.

Northampton: Tuala, Collins, Hutchinson, Burrell, Naiyaravoro, Biggar, Reinach, van Wyk, Marshall, Hill, Ratuniyarawa, Lawes, Gibson, Wood, Harrison.

Replacements: Ma'asi, Waller, Franks, Coles, Onojaife, Mitchell, Grayson, Kellaway.

For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter.

If Glasgow Warriors supporters had started dreaming about what life might be like with the former All Black Aaron Cruden running the show at Scotstoun in the coming years, then now is the time to wake up.

Cruden, a protege and friend of Glasgow coach Dave Rennie and the subject of all sorts of chat linking him with a move from Montpellier to Scotland, will not be playing his rugby for the Warriors next season. "He's not coming," said Rennie.

"There was a lot of speculation around Aaron and has been for a long period of time. I'm constantly talking to him. I know him well and we're pretty close. I'd love him to join us. I think he'd be great around educating our young 10s, Adam [Hastings] and Brandon [Thomson], but he's not coming."

'Adam can be better than Finn'

On the eve of the third instalment of the Scottish derby at Scotstoun on Saturday - a tantalising game that could see Glasgow reach an all-important home Pro14 semi-final while dumping Edinburgh not just from the play-offs but also from the Champions Cup next season - Rennie expanded on a few themes, from rugby to family.

One area in particular raised an eyebrow. Rennie believes Glasgow are better now than they were last season when they had Finn Russell at the helm. It's quite a claim, given the brilliance Russell is capable of. Russell is one of the world's top 10s, you say. "In your opinion," Rennie replies, intriguingly.

"I truly believe Adam has the ability to be better than Finn," says Rennie of 22-year-old Hastings. "Look, Finn's a really talented player but his ability to read play and build pressure still has a wee way to go, as has his work off the ball. You see a little inconsistency around Finn's game and Adam is probably the same but he's a young man who's probably going to get a lot better.

"He's had an excellent season. We were able to build more pressure with Adam in the 10 seat because he doesn't feel the need to do something fancy after four phases because we're not going anywhere. Adam is on track to develop into a really good 10 who will put pressure on Finn."

Those comments can only buoy Hastings' confidence before Saturday. Perhaps that was the point.

'Cockerill is trying to play the poor cousin card'

This game didn't need any more edge - skin and hair have flown often in recent meetings - but it has it nonetheless. Both must win, but for very different reasons. With seven Pro14 victories in a row, Rennie's team have the momentum, but with the head-to-head record in the last two seasons standing at 4-1 in Edinburgh's favour, Richard Cockerill's men have the psychological edge.

Cockerill has had fun at Glasgow's expense before previous meetings. He's almost mocked them at times, referring to their "pin-up boys" before the first derby of the season, a game Edinburgh won 23-7. "I keep hearing how tough they are," he said. "They've been to fight club in pre-season and they're all now pretty hard. We'll see..."

We did. Not only did they win the first game, they won the second as well. Cockerill took great relish in pointing out Edinburgh's physical dominance on both of those days.

Rennie isn't one to bite on the trash talk, but in conversation the other day there was a hint of a retort. "It's his opinion," he says of his Edinburgh counterpart's mind games. "I'm not too concerned what he thinks about us. Often he's trying to play the poor cousin card - a lack of money, a lack of this and a lack of that, but seven of that Edinburgh pack started against England and Bill Mata is one of the best players in the competition. They have a good side.

"They've won eight of the last 10 derbies. Initially, we probably had a lack of respect, our guys probably thought they didn't have to work as hard. Historically, [the fixture] has been something that brings out the worst in us.

"Edinburgh play risk-free footie and they do it very well. It's got its limitations and that's probably why they've lost a handful of games this year. If every team played that style it probably wouldn't be too exciting for the people sitting in the stand. You'll end up with the nines kicking 30 times each. We just want a bit of balance to our game."

'I won't walk away from my contract'

Rennie extended his stay at Glasgow recently by a year. He's now contracted until June 2020 and says he'll honour that commitment no matter what. There's been talk Australia might make a move for him post-World Cup, but even if they do he wouldn't countenance another job until his time in Scotland is done.

"I've signed and I won't walk away from that contract. I'm not saying that Australia is impossible but it's improbable. They'd need to wait until 2020, which is pretty unlikely. I'm really happy here.

"We only signed for one more year and, to be honest, it's more around family. I'm not sure I could convince my wife to sign for two years because that would be two more years away from children and grandchildren. Our three sons and the grandkids are all in New Zealand. Family is important to us and she is tugged a little bit to go home. We Skype three nights a week and get videos sent every day by our daughter-in-law. It helps, but it's not quite the same."

For now, and for a season after this one, there is a focus on winning something and a realisation this is as good a chance as they may get. A win on Saturday - or a highly unlikely Munster loss to Connacht - will give them a home semi-final against Ulster or Connacht, which could lead to a final down the road at Celtic Park. The size of the opportunity is lost on nobody at Glasgow.

A defeat, on the other hand, would almost certainly pitch them into a quarter-final and then, if they got through it, an away semi-final against Leinster. If they want to give themselves the best chance, Saturday is must-win.

"We got ourselves in a reasonable spot last year and limped home. We have much better momentum this time and a better team and a better understanding of the kind of game we're trying to play. We're more patient, we're prepared to build more phases and we have a better balance to what we're doing. We're trending in the right direction but it's a tough finish. Nothing is easy, but we're throwing everything at it."

Glasgow team: Hogg; Seymour; Steyn, Johnson; Matawalu; Hastings; Price; Bhatti, Brown (capt), Z Fagerson; Cummings; Gray; Harley, Gordon, M Fagerson. Replacements: Stewart, Allan, Rae, Tameilau, Wilson, G Horne, P Horne, Hughes

FROST: Motorsports Professionals Away From The Track

Published in Racing
Friday, 26 April 2019 06:10
Tim Frost

WILMETTE, Ill. — We know how hard motorsports professionals work at the track, but this month we will examine the off-track business activities of industry professionals.

Life as a driver, crew chief and team owner can be a lucrative endeavor. However, similar to time between races, substantial time is spent working away from the track.

The length of a career can also vary widely. Many will stay in the sport for years, but factors such as funding, sponsorship, performance, management and manufacturer support will play a big role. The development and importance of safety has also contributed to the longevity of a driver’s time behind the wheel.

Many are taking a proactive approach to the next stage of their careers. Traditional paths lead to broadcast booths, studio shows, team ownership or driving coach. The racing family receives the familiar face and voice warmly.

Motorsports requires being resourceful. Define the problem and develop a solution. To be competitive, stay motivated and take calculated risks, and most importantly be passionate.

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The importance of teamwork cannot be underestimated. Working with engineers and mechanics requires cooperation and specific understanding of strengths and weaknesses. Staying focused is key to taking the checkered flag.

These are also qualities needed to be successful as an entrepreneur.

The transition from the track to the business world can be challenging. Developing and maintaining an identity away from the car requires a commitment.

The status of being a former professional driver can have its advantages. The ability to network and leverage relationships may be enhanced by celebrity status. Demonstrating humility and grace will get one through an open door.

The typical model sees companies utilize drivers as brand ambassadors. Brands will leverage the power of stars to market products and reach consumers. These relationships remain central to marketing strategies, but equity-based partnerships are emerging.

Since retiring, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon has taken a multi-directional path. It has primarily focused on motorsports and the automotive sector. His on-track performance served as the basis for a unique relationship with team owner Rick Hendrick. Post-driving ventures include car dealerships, team ownership, broadcasting, a vineyard and a charitable foundation.

Brad Keselowski has recently launched a manufacturing company. The goal is to utilize 3-D printing to develop products for the aerospace, military and other industries. Along with his father, Bob, they had experience in the design, engineering and manufacturing of parts.

Many drivers have off the track business ventures.  Fernando Alonso has taken an ownership stake and board position in a motorsports gaming company, Kevin Harvick a sports management agency, Sarah Fisher a karting entertainment center, Max Papis owns a steering wheel manufacturer, Bobby and Terry Labonte started a chassis bussiness, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has entertainment venues.

We are seeing another trend in which athletes are becoming early stage investors in start-up companies.

The ability to engage directly with fans and develop a personal brand is driving the influence of individual athletes. Access to investment opportunities with venture capital fueled by technology and transparency is lowering barriers to entry.

Professional sports create high-net worth individuals. This allows for deal consideration and the ability to invest and deploy capital. Leagues are doing a better job of educating their athletes for life after sports with tools for responsible financial management.

The ability to invest in a familiar industry aligns with the personal affiliation and experience creates natural synergies.

Sports tech offers many opportunities. Merchandise, data and safety are only a few of the areas that are ripe for investment. Technology, venture capital and sports are coming together for funding rounds resulting in higher valuations.

Motorsports and investing in start-ups can be high risk and return, but following this line around the track may result in a successful performance.

Four clubs fight for two spots in mad dash for UCL

Published in Soccer
Thursday, 25 April 2019 14:28

With three rounds of matches to go in the Premier League season, the race to qualify for the Champions League has become a battle between four clubs seemingly unable to grasp the opportunity.

Third-placed Tottenham, sitting on 70 points, took a huge leap towards confirming a top-four spot with a late home win against Brighton on Tuesday, but Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, separated by just three points from fourth to sixth, continue to drop points.

United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday in a game that is now crucial for both clubs' aspirations, but with time running out to make the top four, who needs the Champions League most, which clubs are best-equipped to cope with a year in the Europa League and who is facing a nightmare scenario by failing to qualify?

3rd place: Tottenham, 70 points

Remaining Fixtures: West Ham (H), Bournemouth (A), Everton (H)

Why they need a top-four finish

Tottenham have finally moved into their spectacular new stadium, but they now have to pay for it and the money that comes from being in the Champions League is crucial in ensuring that the finances remain healthy enough for the club to avoid having to sell their best players.

As this season's run to the semifinals, and potentially beyond, has shown, Spurs are an emerging force under coach Mauricio Pochettino and are a team capable of winning the Champions League.

But missing out on qualification and ending up in the Europa League would leave Spurs vulnerable to losing their top stars, and Pochettino, to clubs who can offer Champions League football.

If Spurs finish in the top four, their business model and football development will only become stronger.

What happens if they miss out?

Christian Eriksen is stalling on a new contract, while Toby Alderweireld can leave for £25 million this summer, so Spurs would find it difficult to keep those two key players if they can only offer Europa League football.

And for a club that has not added to their squad since January 2018, recruitment plans would be hit badly if Champions League football is not booked.

Of all the clubs chasing a top-four finish, Spurs are arguably most at risk of the ramifications of missing out because of the delicate balancing act of keeping the team together and paying for the stadium, so Champions League qualification is absolutely vital.

Prediction: The win against Brighton has put Spurs in pole position and, with two home games to come, they will secure qualification by finishing third.

4th Place: Chelsea, 67 points

Remaining Fixtures: Man Utd (A), Watford (H), Leicester (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

With Eden Hazard increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea need to be able to offer Champions League football in order to attract a top quality replacement.

There is also the question mark over the future of coach Maurizio Sarri, who might just cling onto his job if he can guide the club back into the Champions League.

Chelsea are in the midst of a transitional period and their rebuilding plans would be accelerated by a return to the tournament, both in terms of finance and the ability to attract better players.

But, of course, they still have the problem of a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA. They do still hope to get the ban paused, or overturned, to be able to deal this summer.

The funding of owner Roman Abramovich will always insulate Chelsea from the financial hit of not being in the Champions League, but as the only London club ever to win the competition, there is a determination at Stamford Bridge to regain the prestige of being back among the elite.

What happens if they miss out?

Any slim prospect of keeping Hazard would evaporate if Chelsea face another year in the Europa League and Sarri might follow the Belgian out of the door.

But there could be a positive element of missing out on the Champions League for Chelsea in the shape of their emerging youngsters.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been given first-team chances this season and, if Chelsea are unable to offer Champions League football to prospective signings, the club's hugely successful youth policy could finally bear fruit with more senior graduates.

Financially, Chelsea are in a stronger position than Spurs to ride out another year in the Europa League, but if a new coach comes in and turns to the youngsters, the transition may take even longer.

Prediction: Everything hinges on Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, and Arsenal can take advantage and leave Chelsea finishing in fifth.

5th Place: Arsenal, 66 points

Remaining Fixtures: Leicester (A), Brighton (H), Burnley (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

Arsenal's business model has always been heavily reliant on the money earned from playing in the Champions League and two seasons in the Europa League has hit them hard.

Coach Unai Emery has been restricted in the transfer market and Arsenal simply cannot compete financially with their top-six rivals as long as they sit outside the Champions League.

Traditionally London's biggest club, Arsenal as a Champions League team are an attractive proposition to potential signings, but they are forced to shop in the second tier as a Europa League outfit.

So Arsenal need to be back among the big boys for reasons of finance and prestige. Another year out will see them drop even further behind.

What happens if they miss out?

Emery's transfer budget is already restricted and he will be forced to find a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, leaving on a free transfer to Juventus, as well as bolstering every other department of his squad this summer, namely the defence.

The former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain coach has worked wonders simply to make Arsenal competitive for the top four this season, but his task will only become harder if they miss out on the Champions League for 2019-20.

Petr Cech has announced his retirement, so a back-up keeper will be needed, and Danny Welbeck is out of contract, so perhaps more than any club, Arsenal need the Champions League riches to keep the wheels turning.

Prediction: If Arsenal can win one of their two remaining away games, they should end the season in fourth position.

6th Place: Manchester United, 64 points

Remaining Fixtures: Chelsea (H), Huddersfield (A), Cardiff (H)

Why they need a top-four finish?

Financially, United can withstand missing out on the Champions League for one, maybe even two seasons, and there is even a school of thought that such a failure would actually trigger the reality check required to make the club focus properly on the challenge of returning to the top of the game.

But even United feel the pain of not playing in the Champions League, especially when their biggest rivals -- Liverpool and Manchester City -- are becoming potential European champions.

Champions League football would enable Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rip up his squad and attract top quality players to Old Trafford. A year in the Europa League would force United to pay bigger fees and higher wages to get their main targets and, after upsetting the pay structure to sign £400,000-a-week Alexis Sanchez last season, that is the last thing the club wants to expose itself to.

What happens if they miss out?

The biggest pain felt by United would be to their pride, as the self-styled "biggest club in the world" missing out on the Champions League for the third time in six seasons would be a real humbling proposition.

Solskjaer would be under no financial pressure to sell any of his players and United would continue to generate millions off the pitch, but they would be a less attractive proposition on it to stars whose sole focus is playing in the Champions League.

No team has won the Premier League after starting the season in the Europa League, so United would already be on the back foot domestically and, with Solskjaer under pressure to oversee a "cultural reset" at Old Trafford, being out of the Champions League would only make life more difficult.

Prediction: United need to win all three remaining games to have any hope, but their recent form suggests they will fall short and finish sixth.

There have been many families in sports in which the talent extends beyond one generation. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for instance, has been absolutely demolishing minor league pitching, hitting .331 and slugging .531 across four seasons and reminding pretty much everyone of his Hall of Fame dad. With Vlad Jr. getting called up to the major leagues, it's a good time to take a look at some of the most successful father-son duos in sports history.

We also take a glimpse into the future with some up-and-comers to keep an eye on in the next generation.


MLB

Ken Griffey Sr./Ken Griffey Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Ken Griffey Sr. played 19 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He was part of the Big Red Machine that won World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Griffey Sr. was a three-time All-Star and finished his career with a .296 batting average, 152 home runs and 859 RBIs. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1980 All-Star Game and has been inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.

How his son followed: Ken Griffey Jr. also had a long career, playing 22 seasons in the big leagues, including 13 with the Seattle Mariners and nine with Cincinnati. Griffey Jr. was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 after a stellar career. He is seventh all-time with 630 career home runs and was a 13-time All-Star along with winning 10 Gold Gloves for his play in center field. He was the American League MVP in 1997 and led the AL in home runs four times during his career. In 1990, Griffey Sr. and Griffey Jr., both playing for the Mariners, made history when they became the first father-son duo to hit back-to-back home runs in a game.

Bobby Bonds/Barry Bonds

Father's accomplishments: Bobby Bonds played the majority of his 14 seasons with the San Francisco Giants and became just the second player to hit 300 career home runs and steal 300 bases, joining Willie Mays. He set records for most times leading off a game with a home run in a season (11) and in a career (35) -- both of which have since been broken. Bonds was a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner.

How his son followed: Barry Bonds played 22 seasons, mostly with the Giants, and was a seven-time National League MVP. Bonds holds the record for most career home runs, with 762, and for most home runs in a single season, with 73. He was a 14-time All-Star, 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner and eight-time Gold Glove Award winner. Bonds tied his father for the most seasons with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases with five. He also holds the MLB records for most walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688) during his career.

Sandy Alomar/Roberto Alomar/Sandy Alomar Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Sandy Alomar Sr. played 15 seasons and could play all infield and outfield positions. He was an All-Star in 1970 and played a full 162-game season that year and in 1971. Alomar Sr. was a talented bunter and aggressive on the basepaths, totaling 227 stolen bases during his career, including 39 in 1971.

How his sons followed: Twelve-time All-Star Roberto Alomar was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He won World Series championships with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. Roberto Alomar won more Gold Gloves (10) than any other second baseman and finished his 17-year career with a .300 batting average, 2,724 hits and 210 home runs. Sandy Alomar Jr. was the first rookie catcher to start an All-Star Game, winning Rookie of the Year and a Gold Glove Award in 1990. Alomar Jr. was named an All-Star six times during his 20-year career and had a 30-game hitting streak in 1997.

Cecil Fielder/Prince Fielder

Father's accomplishments: Cecil Fielder was a three-time All-Star and won a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 1996. In 1990, Fielder was the first player to hit at least 50 home runs in a season since George Foster did in 1977. Fielder led the American League in home runs in 1990 and 1991 and in RBIs from 1990 to '92. Fielder hit 319 career home runs with 1,008 RBIs and was a two-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award.

How his son followed: Prince Fielder is the youngest player to hit 50 home runs in a season (his age-23 season), and Cecil and Prince Fielder are the only father-son duo to each hit 50 home runs in a season. Prince Fielder was a six-time All-Star and won the Home Run Derby twice -- once as an NL All-Star and once as an AL All-Star. Fielder totaled 319 home runs for his career, the same number as his father, and drove in 1,028 runs. Fielder was a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.


NBA

Dell Curry/Stephen Curry/Seth Curry

Father's accomplishments: Dell Curry retired as the Charlotte Hornets' career scoring leader (9,839 points) and ranked first in 3-pointers made (929). Curry was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1994 and averaged 11.7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game during his 16-year career.

How his sons followed: Stephen Curry has led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships and been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player twice. Curry is a five-time All-Star and was the NBA scoring champion in 2016. He holds the NBA record for most made 3-pointers during a regular season, with 402, and most regular-season consecutive games with a made 3-pointer, with 157. Seth Curry was a two-time NBA D-League All-Star and has spent time with several NBA teams, including averaging 12.8 points over 70 games in 2016-17 with the Dallas Mavericks. He signed recently with the Portland Trail Blazers during free agency.

Doc Rivers/Austin Rivers

Father's accomplishments: As a player, Doc Rivers was known for his defense, but he did average a double-double during the 1986-87 season with 12.8 points and 10.0 assists per game. He was an NBA All-Star in 1988 and played with four teams during his 13-year career. Rivers was named Coach of the Year in 2000 with the Orlando Magic and led the Boston Celtics to an NBA title as their coach in 2008. He has been head coach of the LA Clippers since 2013.

How his son followed: In 2015, Austin Rivers was traded to the Clippers and became the first NBA player to play for his father. Rivers has averaged 9.4 points per game during his six-year career, including 15.1 PPG in 2017-18 with the Clippers. In June 2018, he was traded to the Washington Wizards for Marcin Gortat.

Mychal Thompson/Klay Thompson

Father's accomplishments: Mychal Thompson, the No. 1 pick in the 1978 NBA draft, won back-to-back NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988. Thompson was on the All-Rookie team in 1979 and went on to average 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds a game during his career. He averaged a double-double in 1981-82 with 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

How his son followed: Klay Thompson has won three NBA championships with the Warriors. Mychal and Klay Thompson became just the fourth father-son duo to have each won an NBA title as a player and the first to have both won back-to-back championships. Klay Thompson, a four-time All-Star, was named to the All-Rookie team in 2012 and won the 3-Point Contest in 2016. He holds the NBA playoff record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 11.

Joe "Jellybean" Bryant/Kobe Bryant

Father's accomplishments: Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played eight seasons in the NBA before heading to Europe and playing seven seasons with teams in Italy. He scored 53 points in a game twice during the 1987-88 season with Pistoia. Bryant played into his 50s, suiting up in the American Basketball Association.

How his son followed: Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is third in career scoring with 33,643 points. He played 20 seasons for the Lakers and was named an All-Star 18 times. Bryant was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2008 and the Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010. He was the NBA scoring champion in 2006 and 2007 and was named to the All-NBA first team 11 times and the All-Defensive first team nine times. Kobe has had both his No. 8 and his No. 24 retired by the Lakers.


NFL

Archie Manning/Peyton Manning/Eli Manning

Father's accomplishments: Archie Manning was a quarterback in the NFL for 13 seasons, mostly with the New Orleans Saints. Despite never leading a team to a winning record, Manning made the Pro Bowl in 1978 and 1979. He threw for 125 touchdowns and rushed for 18 more during his career. Manning has been inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor and Saints Hall of Fame.

How his sons followed: Peyton Manning was the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft and holds the NFL records for career passing yards (71,940) and passing touchdowns (539). He is the only starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl for two franchises. A 14-time Pro Bowler, Peyton Manning was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player five times and a first-team All-Pro seven times. Eli Manning was the first pick in the 2004 NFL draft and has led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl titles, earning Super Bowl MVP honors both times. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and ranks sixth in passing yards in NFL history, and he started 210 consecutive games from 2004 to 2017, the second-longest streak by a quarterback in NFL history.

Howie Long/Chris Long/Kyle Long

Father's accomplishments: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection Howie Long played his entire 13-year career with the Raiders organization. The defensive end helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl in 1984 and he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. Long finished his career with 84 sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He also made 10 fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his time in the NFL.

How his sons followed: Chris Long was the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NFL draft and has won back-to-back Super Bowls -- with the New England Patriots in 2017 and with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. The defensive end has recorded 63.5 sacks during his 10-year career and was named to the All-Rookie team in 2008. Kyle Long, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is a guard for the Chicago Bears. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2014 and made the All-Rookie team in 2013.

Clay Matthews Jr./Clay Matthews III/Casey Matthews

Father's accomplishments: Clay Matthews Jr. played 19 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in 278 games, the most by a linebacker, and recorded 1,561 tackles, 69.5 sacks and 16 interceptions during his career. Matthews was a four-time Pro Bowler and was first-team All-Pro in 1984, recording 12 sacks that season.

How his sons followed: Clay Matthews III, a six-time Pro Bowler, helped the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title after the 2010 season. The linebacker was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and has totaled 80 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and six interceptions during his nine-year career. Linebacker Casey Matthews played 2011-14 for the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded 2.5 sacks.


NHL

Bobby Hull/Brett Hull

Father's accomplishments: Bobby Hull received the Hart Memorial Trophy twice as the NHL's most valuable player and also earned the Art Ross Trophy three times as the NHL's leading points scorer. The left wing won the Stanley Cup in 1961 with the Chicago Blackhawks and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Hull led the NHL in goals seven times and was the second-leading goal scorer in NHL history with 610 when he retired (now 17th). Hull won back-to-back All-Star Game MVP awards in 1970 and 1971.

How his son followed: Brett Hull scored 741 goals during his career, the fourth-highest total in NHL history. The right wing won Stanley Cups in 1999 with the Dallas Stars (including scoring the championship-winning goal) and in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings. Hull scored at least 50 goals in five consecutive seasons, and his 86 goals in 1990-91 are the third most in NHL history for a single season. He was named the NHL's MVP that season and received the Hart Memorial Trophy. Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, joining his father to become the first father-son duo in the Hall.


Auto racing

Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Dale Earnhardt won 76 Winston Cup races, including the 1998 Daytona 500. Earnhardt also claimed seven NASCAR Winston Cup championships, tying Richard Petty for the most all time. It was 22 years before Jimmie Johnson matched the accomplishment again in 2016. Earnhardt died as a result of a collision in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2010.

How his son followed: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won 26 Cup series races, including the Daytona 500 twice (2004, 2014). He also had 260 top-10 finishes in Cup races during his career. Junior was a fan favorite, winning the Most Popular Driver award 15 times. He was the Busch Series champion in 1998 and 1999 before being named NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 2000. He is retired and a broadcaster now.


Honorable mention: Ray Boone/Bob Boone/Bret Boone/Aaron Boone; Felipe Alou/Moises Alou; Tom Gordon/Dee Gordon/Nick Gordon; Rick Barry/Brent Barry/Jon Barry; Bill Walton/Luke Walton; Larry Nance/Larry Nance Jr.; Tim Hardaway/Tim Hardaway Jr.; Bruce Matthews/Jake Matthews/Kevin Matthews; Jackie Slater/Matthew Slater; Gordie Howe/Mark Howe; J.P. Parise/Zach Parise; Peter Stastny/Paul Stastny; Lee Petty/Richard Petty/Kyle Petty; Mario Andretti/Michael Andretti/Jeff Andretti/Marco Andretti; Ken Norton Sr./Ken Norton Jr.; Calvin Hill/Grant Hill; Peter Schmeichel/Kasper Schmeichel.


Next generation

Vladimir Guerrero/Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a top prospect in the Blue Jays organization and showing flashes of the same power that made his father a nine-time All-Star.

Fernando Tatis/Fernando Tatis Jr.: Infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is a top prospect in the Padres organization but underwent thumb surgery in July that ended his 2018 season. ESPN's Keith Law rated Tatis as the No. 1 prospect in baseball at the season's midpoint. His father, Fernando Tatis, once hit two grand slams in the same inning.

Bobby Witt/Bobby Witt Jr.: Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the son of former pitcher and World Series champion Bobby Witt, is the early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 MLB draft.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez/Dereck Rodriguez: Pitcher Dereck Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2018 for the Giants and went 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA on the other end of the battery from where his Hall of Fame father played for 21 seasons.

Craig Biggio/Cavan Biggio: Cavan Biggio is a highly ranked prospect in the Blue Jays organization, following his Hall of Fame father's lead and playing at second base.

Roger Clemens/Kody Clemens: Second baseman Kody Clemens, the 2018 Big 12 Player of the Year, is in the Detroit Tigers organization and showing his power at the plate; his father, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, brought the heat from the mound.

Dante Bichette/Bo Bichette: Shortstop Bo Bichette is a highly touted prospect in the Blue Jays organization, playing in the infield; his father was an outfielder.

Andre Rison/Hunter Rison: Sophomore Hunter Rison has transferred from Michigan State to Kansas State and is looking to have the same kind of success as a wide receiver that his father, a Super Bowl champion with the Packers and five-time Pro Bowler, did during his 12-year NFL career.

Randy Moss/Thaddeus Moss: LSU sophomore Thaddeus Moss transferred from NC State and is a pass-catcher like his soon-to-be Hall of Fame father, but he plays tight end instead of wide receiver for the Tigers.

Michael Irvin/Michael Irvin II: Michael Irvin II is a junior tight end for the Miami Hurricanes. Will he find success like his Hall of Fame and three-time Super Bowl champion father, who also played for the Canes?

Larry Allen/Larry Allen Jr.: Larry Allen Jr. is a senior offensive lineman at Harvard and plays guard, like his Hall of Fame and 11-time Pro Bowl father did during his 14-year NFL career.

Marion Barber Jr./Thomas Barber: Thomas Barber is a junior linebacker for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was first on the team in tackles in 2017. His father also played at Minnesota, as a running back, and went on to play in the NFL. Thomas' brothers, Marion III and Dominique, also played in the NFL.

John Bosa/Joey Bosa/Nick Bosa: Nick Bosa is a junior defensive end for Ohio State and was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2017. His older brother, Joey, is starting his third season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers and was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. Their father was also a defensive end in the NFL.

Shaquille O'Neal/Shareef O'Neal: Shareef O'Neal, a four-star recruit at UCLA, will miss the entire 2018-19 season after doctors discovered a heart ailment that required surgery. The power forward expects to return after a medical redshirt season in 2018-19. His Hall of Fame and four-time NBA champion father played center.

Greg Anthony/Cole Anthony: Cole Anthony is No. 3 in the ESPN 100 basketball recruits for 2019. The point guard is undeclared; his father, also a point guard, played in the NBA for several different teams from 1991 to 2002.

Keith Tkachuk/Matthew Tkachuk/Brady Tkachuk: Left wing Matthew Tkachuk was drafted at No. 6 in 2016 by the Calgary Flames, and his brother, Brady, was selected at No. 4 in the 2018 draft by the Ottawa Senators. Their father, a left wing like his sons, is one of only five American-born NHL players to score at least 500 goals.

Michael Nylander/William Nylander/Alexander Nylander: William Nylander was selected at No. 8 in the 2014 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and named Rookie of the Month in October 2016 and March 2017. His brother, Alexander, was drafted at No. 8 in 2016 by the Buffalo Sabres; both sons look to have long NHL careers like their father did.

John Harkes/Ian Harkes: Ian Harkes received the Hermann Trophy as the top college soccer player in the country in 2016 and is playing for D.C. United like his father -- who won two MLS Cup titles with the club and is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

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