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Nottingham Open: Heather Watson edges past Viktorija Golubic to reach semis - best shots
Watch the best shots as Great Britain's Heather Watson beats Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic to reach the Nottingham Open semi-finals, joining Jodie Burrage and Katie Boulter.
READ MORE: Burrage and Boulter reach Nottingham semi-finals
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Benhard Janse van Rensburg: Bristol Bears sign London Irish centre
Bristol Bears have signed centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg from London Irish after the Exiles filed for administration.
The 26-year-old South African, who can also play at fly-half, has scored 11 tries in 42 Premiership appearances.
"Benhard has been one of the outstanding centres in the Premiership over the past two seasons," Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said.
"His experience, versatility and skillset makes him a superb addition."
Van Rensburg becomes the latest London Irish player to sign a deal elsewhere, after the club were suspended from the Premiership on 6 June and subsequently went into administration.
Lock Chunya Munga, prop Tarek Haffar and back-row forward Tom Pearson have all joined Northampton Saints.
"It's been a tough couple of weeks for me, but I can't wait to get started with the Bears," Van Rensburg said.
Bristol Bears have not disclosed the length of his contract at Ashton Gate.
As Corey Pereira battles U.S. Open field, he's helping girlfriend fight for her life
LOS ANGELES – When Corey Pereira’s 35-foot slider for par dropped on Los Angeles Country Club’s second green on Thursday afternoon, inciting a thunderous applause from the U.S. Open crowd, Pereira turned to his caddie, instructor Phil Dawson, and exclaimed, “This is literally the best moment of my life.”
“That’s exactly what I thought professional would be like as a kid,” said the 28-year-old Pereira, who grew up in Cameron Park, California, just outside of Sacramento.
The same can’t be said for the past eight months.
Pereira’s major-championship debut marks his first tournament since losing his Korn Ferry Tour card in August. He played local and final qualifiers, but that’s it. Instead, he’s shifted focus to his girlfriend of nearly seven years, Leah Bertuccelli, who was diagnosed with cancer last October.
“For him to drop everything to care of me, it’s made me feel so loved,” Bertuccelli said. “He’s been my rock, giving me someone to lean on. He really has motivated and pushed me to stay in this fight.”
Since turning pro in 2017 after an All-American career at Washington, Pereira has been battling his way up the ranks of professional golf. In his second year as a pro, he finished top five on the PGA Tour Canada money list to earn his Korn Ferry Tour card. But halfway through his debut season on golf’s main developmental tour, a lower-back injury sapped Pereira’s performance, and he lost his card after just one campaign. He got his status back through Q-School two years ago, only to notch one top-10 finish and end up outside the top 100 in points.
“Last year was no excuse,” Pereira said. “I just didn’t play good enough golf.”
Golf, let alone bad golf, soon seemed inconsequential, though, as the fall brought Bertuccelli’s devastating diagnosis. A 26-year-old former pole vaulter at Washington, Bertuccelli discovered that a lump in her lower body was actually a tumor, the result of a rare, soft-tissue cancer of the skeletal muscles called rhabdomyosarcoma.
Bertuccelli’s treatment started almost immediately, and Pereira didn’t touch a golf club for nearly four months as he shuttled Bertuccelli back and forth between Sacramento and the Stanford Cancer Center, where she’s now undergone 10 of her scheduled 12 cycles of chemotherapy.
“In the beginning, it was just such a scare,” Pereira said. “Extreme stress, extreme emotions and tears almost every night. We didn’t know what we were going to hear next, and some of those doctor’s appointments were just nightmares.”
When Pereira started practicing again last winter, his golf remained secondary. He usually starts his days a 5 a.m., getting in an early-morning workout so that he has more time for Bertuccelli, who often accompanies Pereira to the gym. They also frequently go fishing and bowl together (Pereira holds around a 207 average and has bowled one 300 game). Last fall, Pereira also changed his diet, eliminating all sugar. He’s now down two pant sizes. And as he continues to show Bertuccelli that she’ll never fight alone, he now sports a shaved head.
Pereira’s father, John, who attended high school an hour from LACC, has felt incredible pride witnessing how selfless his son has been.
“It’s the man he is,” John Pereira said. “It’s been tough, but it’s been rewarding tough in that they’ve struggled through the up and downs of cancer and chemo and radiation, while he’s trying to get some golf in, but his priority was always Leah. He understands that golf gets in the way of life, but life is really the main goal.”
There was a point these past eight months where Corey Pereira contemplated giving up professional golf permanently and getting a day job. But with some urging, he signed up for a U.S. Open local qualifier on April 26 in Mesquite, Nevada. He shot 70 at CasaBlanca Golf Club to grab one of four spots in final qualifying. Pereira then entered the Columbus, Ohio, qualifier, one loaded with PGA Tour pros, and was one of 11 players to advance, shooting 9 under in 36 holes to tie for third.
Just minutes after punching his U.S. Open ticket, Pereira dialed Bertuccelli, who says she burst into tears upon hearing the news that Pereira was headed to Los Angeles.
The only problem: Bertuccelli had her second-to-last chemo cycle slated for the week of the championship.
“But I had to be there,” said Bertuccelli, who emailed her doctors, pleading for them to postpone her treatment until the following week. They obliged.
“I would’ve come even if they said I couldn’t,” Bertuccelli added. “I’d would take doing chemo for the rest of the year to be here. He has supported me through all of this, and now it’s my turn to support him.”
Fueled by adrenaline, Bertuccelli has walked every hole that Pereira has played this week, from nine-hole practice rounds to Thursday’s first round, which saw Pereira go off in the last threesome off No. 1 before he carded a pair of birdies, at Nos. 3 and 6, and rolled in a handful of clutch mid-range putts to shoot 1-over 71.
When Pereira wrapped up his debut round at LACC’s par-4 finishing hole, it was quiet. The sun was starting to dip behind the sprawling, white clubhouse in the distance. The 48 chalets to the left were all empty, the right grandstand holding only about a dozen people. And as Pereira walked out of scoring, only three people were there to greet him.
They were, however, the only three people who mattered – his dad; mom, Cindy; and Leah. And they’d be there to root him on Friday morning as he battles to make the cut.
After the past year, such a challenge seems easy.
“Golf, it’s not anything like fighting for your life,” Pereira said. “Leah is fighting so hard every day, and the least I can do is show some effort in what I’m doing in my career. I’ve tried to match how hard she’s fought. … I’m just inspired by her day in and day out.”
Added John Pereira, tears building in his eyes: “We haven’t seen the best of Corey.”
On the golf course, that is.
Off it, he’s already a major champion.
New York Times files motion to unseal files in PGA Tour-PIF lawsuits
The antitrust litigation that has consumed professional golf for the last year is set to end as one of the conditions of the “framework” agreement announced last week between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, but the secrets the lawsuit attempted to uncover could still be at risk of becoming public.
The New York Times filed a motion in U.S. District Court Friday to unseal files in the antitrust and counterclaim lawsuits, citing both First Amendment and common law standards. The motion argued the public’s right to this information outweighed the Tour and PIF’s arguments that public disclosure of certain documents could cause “competitive harm.”
“At issue are allegations that a major professional sport has been illegally maintained as a monopoly. The purpose of antitrust laws are to protect the public,” the motion read. “Also at issue are claims that a foreign state [Saudi Arabia], using the immense power and wealth of a sovereign investment fund, may have tortiously interfered with a United States enterprise – and, apparently, arguments by those counterclaim defendants that they are not subject to the full jurisdiction of U.S. courts.”
Countless documents have been sealed in the case including the “Subscription and Shareholder Agreement” between LIV Golf and the PIF, which owns 93 percent of the breakaway league, and various communications and requests from both sides in the dispute.
“These are precisely the kinds of public concerns – allegations of harm to the public, affecting an international sport, implicating a sovereign state and the court’s jurisdiction – that weigh heavily in favor of disclosure,” the motion read.
Although last week’s announcement of an agreement between the Tour and PIF called for an end to the litigation, which began last August and originally included 11 players who had been suspended by the Tour for joining LIV Golf, attorneys for the Times argued that the agreement doesn’t alter the public’s right to disclosure.
“As the Ninth Circuit [U.S. Court of Appeals] has explained, settlement does not moot the public’s right of access,” the motion read, adding, “the justification may now be altered or limited by the passage of time and the parties’ recently announced [agreement].”
Bayern Munich are in talks with Kyle Walker over a move to the Allianz Arena with Manchester City prepared to offload the Champions League-winning full-back, sources have told ESPN.
Walker, 33, is under contract at the Etihad until the end of next season, but negotiations over an extension to the England defender's existing deal have yet to progress.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Sources have told ESPN that Walker is prepared to move to the Bundesliga to extend his career at the top level after becoming frustrated by the absence of a firm offer from City to discuss new terms.
The former Sheffield United right-back, who is also the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, was dropped for the Champions League final win against Inter Milan in Istanbul last week with manager Pep Guardiola opting instead to use Manuel Akanji at full-back.
Guardiola had earlier cast doubt on Walker's long-term prospects at City by saying in April that the player, a £45 million signing from Tottenham in 2017, was unable to adapt to a new tactical system which led to John Stones being preferred in a five-man defensive lineup.
But although Walker reclaimed his place in the side and was outstanding in the Champions League semifinal win against Real Madrid, and in particular in his direct battle with winger Vinicius Junior, sources have said that Guardiola is now ready to plan for the future by offloading Walker and replacing him in the squad.
City are facing a summer of high-profile outgoings with Portugal international defender João Cancelo also set to leave after spending the second half of last season on loan at Bayern.
There are also major doubts over the future of captain Ilkay Gündoğan, whose contract expires at the end of this month. On Friday, the midfielder was included on a list submitted to the Premier League of players who can leave on free transfers.
Gündoğan had been silent on his future after leading the club to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies this season, with the Germany international linked with moves to Arsenal and Barcelona.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
Gregg Berhalter is once again manager of the United States men's national team, the U.S. Soccer Federation formally announced Friday, with the coach signing a new contract through the 2026 World Cup.
Interim coach B.J. Callaghan will continue to lead the team in Sunday's Concacaf Nations League final against Canada and during this summer's Gold Cup, which begins June 24, U.S. Soccer said.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
"When I started this search, my focus was on finding someone with the right vision to take this program to new heights in 2026," U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in a statement. "Gregg has that vision, as well as the experience and growth mindset on and off the field to move this team forward.
"Appointing the right head coach for a National Team is a crucial decision that reflects U.S. Soccer's identity and lays the foundation to grow soccer across the country for years to come. I am confident that Gregg is the right person for the job and looking forward to working in partnership with him."
Added Berhalter: "I want to thank Matt, and the entire U.S. Soccer Federation, for the trust they've placed in me. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to build on our achievements at the World Cup and to contribute to this exciting time for soccer in our country.
"The entire group of players and staff have worked incredibly hard to establish our identity on and off the field. We look forward to continuing our journey together to make our fans and our nation proud."
The announcement caps a tumultuous six-month period for Berhalter and the federation.
After leading the U.S. to a round-of-16 finish at the 2022 World Cup, and compiling a record of 37-11-12 since taking over in 2019, Berhalter was in the process of re-signing with the USSF.
But the disclosure by Danielle Reyna, the mother of U.S. midfielder Giovanni Reyna, of a 1992 domestic violence involving Berhalter and his wife, Rosalind, halted those discussions.
The disclosure of the incident was made after Berhalter, speaking at a leadership conference, alluded to a player at the World Cup -- later identified as Giovanni Reyna -- who was almost sent home for responding poorly to a reduced role.
A subsequent investigation by the USSF resulted in the federation being satisfied by the Berhalters' version of events and the restorative steps taken by Gregg Berhalter, enabling him to still be a candidate to resume his role as manager.
Amid all of this, USSF sporting director Earnie Stewart resigned, forcing the federation to find a successor before a new manager could be named.
Former Southampton director of football Crocker was hired in April, and he soon set about searching for a manager to lead the USMNT forward.
Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, who had played and managed in the U.S., was thought to be the front-runner, and Crocker reportedly interviewed 10 candidates for the post.
But ultimately, the search led the USSF back to Berhalter, with the support of U.S. players -- including Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic -- laying the groundwork for his return.
Crocker, the USSF said, "led a worldwide search process and made the final decision to appoint Berhalter," adding that the sporting director "used a mix of data and interviews to evaluate a multitude of domestic and international candidates and determine their capabilities in reaching U.S. Soccer's lofty ambitions to drive the USMNT into one of the top national teams in the world."
"This isn't just business as usual and going back to how things have been in the past," said Crocker. "We have a unique opportunity to evolve the team and improve moving forward, and I want us to take the time to consider how we do that collectively in partnership with Gregg.
"With that as our focus, B.J. will continue to lead through the Nations League Final and the Gold Cup tournament this summer while I work collectively with Gregg on some of the big-picture items away from the team. We're all excited to start that process while continuing to support B.J., the players, and the entire staff as they look to earn two more trophies in the coming month."
Berhalter was named manager of the USMNT back in late 2018 following a five-year spell with MLS side the Columbus Crew. Previously he managed Swedish top-flight side Hammarby from 2011 to '13.
As a player, Berhalter's career spanned 17 years, with most of it spent in Europe. He played in the Netherlands for PEC Zwolle, Sparta Rotterdam and Cambuur Leeuwarden before spending a solitary season with English side Crystal Palace in 2011-12.
He then moved to Germany, playing for Energie Cottbus and 1860 Munich before finishing his career in MLS with the LA Galaxy.
At international level, Berhalter made 44 appearances for the U.S. and was part of the squads that played at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Mexico's rock bottom? It felt like it after big loss to USA
Simply put, Thursday was an embarrassing mess for Mexico's men's national team.
From the ineffective tactics of manager Diego Cocca, to his overwhelmed players, and even up in the stands of Allegiant Stadium where fans took part in anti-gay chants in Las Vegas, the 3-0 CONCACAF Nations League loss to the United States was one of the more significant lowpoints for El Tri in their modern era.
It was also a stark reminder that the once dominant team of the region have continued to lose ground to their rivals. In what was a golden opportunity to wrestle back the spotlight, Mexico's efforts -- including those involved with the national federation and Liga MX -- have regressed even further.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
For Cocca, who was facing his first major test since taking charge in February, there was a cautious timidness in his tactical approach. More worried about losing to the USMNT than about creating attacking pressure, the Argentine coach took risks by not taking any at all, regularly letting the opposition dictate the pace of the game.
An unwillingness to ditch his three-man backline also foreshadowed his eventual failure. With just one U.S. striker to defend, Cocca insisted on having an extra central defender, leaving plenty of space for the U.S. to easily sprint into dangerous areas in transition.
Mexico's players didn't do themselves any favors either. Often a step or two behind the movement of the USMNT, starters like Jesus Gallardo, Israel Reyes, Jorge Sanchez and others were disorganized as they clumsily tried to halt oncoming players.
Down 1-0 by halftime after a goal from American captain Christian Pulisic, Cocca had a chance to alter his tactics at the break. Completely outplayed in the first 45 minutes, he was given a window to bring on another midfielder or to refresh his attack with the immediate incorporation of someone like Feyenoord star striker Santiago Gimenez.
But that's not what happened. Sticking to what didn't work in the first half, Mexico stepped out into the second with the same setup, unsurprisingly allowing a goal just one minute after halftime by Pulisic again.
There afterwards, the match became chaotic and scrappy. Unnecessary aggression from both sides led to a flurry of fouls. Red cards would follow, with two earned per team. El Tri did end up improving slightly amid the disarray through second half substitutions, but that didn't stop the USMNT from deservedly notched the night's final goal in the 78th minute.
The icing on the bitter cake for Mexico in that third goal? It was scored by U.S. substitute Ricardo Pepi, an up-and-coming dual-national forward who selected to represent the USMNT over El Tri in 2021.
"Being here, winning 3-0... [it] reaffirms my decision, and well, it makes me happy," Pepi said after the match.
Unable to do much else in response, Mexico would go on to finish the match with more reds than shots on target. Up in the stands, supporters loudly belted the anti-gay chant during U.S. goalkicks, eventually forcing referee Ivan Barton to temporarily pause the game in the 89th minute. When the match resumed and 12 minutes of injury time were shown, Barton then called the game four minutes early after more instances of the discriminatory chants.
Concacaf told ESPN that the match wasn't abandoned due to protocols regarding the chant, but instead at the "referee's discretion."
Following the largest shutout loss for Mexico against the USMNT since a 3-0 defeat in a 2000 friendly, Cocca looked disheartened and fatigued.
"They beat us, we have to accept it, we have to understand it," said the coach, his first defeat after a modest five-game unbeaten streak (two wins, three draws) which has drawn widespread criticism for his team's performances. "If you believe you're going to fix this in four months, you're completely mistaken. This is a sign that there's still a lot to improve."
The thing is, there's much more to be corrected than what Cocca or his players can do alone.
Mexico's lull extends to the execs in charge
While it's simple to point to figures on the field and on the sideline, those in charge of Mexican soccer have done a poor job in recent years of guiding everything from youth national teams to both the men's and women's senior sides.
Mexico's senior men's team, who flopped out of the the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, are now without a title in both editions of the Nations League and winless in the last six games against the USMNT. On the youth side, the men's U20 squad didn't qualify for 2023 U20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, while the women's senior national team will miss the upcoming 2023 Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
Shaken up by these disappointments, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has gone through a number of staffing adjustments over the last 11 months.
Relating to just the senior men's side, we've seen: The firing of general sporting director Gerardo Torrado and sporting director of national teams Ignacio Hierro, the hiring and eventual exit of Jaime Ordiales as sporting director for men's national teams, the exit of men's coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino, the hiring of Rodrigo Ares de Parga as the executive director of national teams, the hiring of Duilio Davino as sporting director of men's national teams, the hiring of Cocca as the new men's coach, the exit of former FMF president Yon de Luisa, and the election of Juan Carlos Rodriguez as the new FMF president.
To add even more shakeup, Rodriguez transitioned to commissioner president in a restructuring of the federation earlier this week, and as part of that restructure, Ivar Sisniega was given the position of executive president.
In fairness to Sisniega and Rodriguez and the new structure that now includes Liga MX Femenil (Mexico's women's top flight) in the FMF's executive committee, both have set lofty goals that have promised a focus on sporting matters over business and less conflicts of interest.
That said, if you're a manager or player, you're likely not looking over your shoulder and thinking that there's much stability surrounding you or a long-term plan.
And if we're highlighting the deeper issues that have impacted Mexican men's soccer, Liga MX must be mentioned as well, especially with the lack of transfers abroad.
Liga MX also needs to improve
While MLS has made a recognizable effort to send players to Europe that have boosted the depth and strength of the USMNT, Liga MX tends to look more insular in an inflated transfer market that keeps countless Mexican players from moving abroad. This alone isn't the only factor for moves to Europe, but it's a powerful one nonetheless when Liga MX clubs are willing to spend more on domestic players.
For example, remember defender Kevin Alvarez? He's arguably No. 3 in the depth chart at right-back for Mexico right now after Ajax's Sanchez and Barcelona's Julian Araujo. Alvarez had a lackluster Liga MX season in the 2023 Clausura, but still managed an astounding $11 million transfer fee from Pachuca to Club America, according to Pachuca manager Guillermo Almada himself in late May.
Coupled with an ongoing pause on promotion/relegation, a short-season format that makes it difficult to debut academy players, clubs sharing ownership, and a playoff format that is expanded beyond eight teams, it's understandable why many have felt that Liga MX is holding back the Mexican game.
Liga MX president Mikel Arriola did announce changes earlier this month, but those changes are only small steps in the right direction and gradual alterations when the league should be taking greater leaps forward.
Fan resentment and ongoing chant issue
So you take that from Liga MX, the FMF, just one title from Mexico's men's national team since 2016, and what you get is the fan anger that is frequently and inappropriately channeled through the offensive and derogatory anti-gay chant at matches.
In one incident in 2021, a "#SinAscensoNoHayMundial" campaign (#WithoutPromotionTheresNoWorldCup) was created by fans who were frustrated with the lack of promotion opportunities and eligibility for clubs in the lower leagues. Eventually representing wider anger with Mexican soccer, the campaign called on supporters to chant in matches at the 2021 Gold Cup.
The behavior is unacceptable and disgusting, and the Mexican federation and Concacaf should do a much better job of punishing those infractions. Fans have a right for being angry over the team's struggles -- and the high prices they're paying for tickets to these games -- but using the chant to express frustration does not have place in the sport.
"These incidents were extremely disappointing and tarnished what should have been a positive occasion to showcase high-quality football in our region," Concacaf said late Thursday.
Regarding Mexico's on-pitch performance, will anything actually change going forward?
More than likely, the team will bounce back soon. They're no longer the big fish in the pond, but they're still a major carnivore that can effortlessly swallow up the other guppies in the region. And with the USMNT utilizing a more MLS-heavy roster at next month's Gold Cup, Mexico will have no excuses for not lifting that title.
That's where El Tri and Cocca can begin their redemption arc and that's exactly where they can form a base to build off of before the 2026 World Cup. It's also hopeful thinking at this point, and before Mexico can even begin to prepare for the Gold Cup, they'll still have to take part in a consolation prize through Sunday's third place Nations League match against Panama.
And if Mexico lose that game, Thursday's embarrassing mess would be just a small collection of debris in comparison.
Lord's, 2005
0.1, Harmison to Langer, no run
Just short of a good length and outside the off stump, Langer watches the ball carefully and lets it go through to the wicketkeeper, and with that the Ashes are finally underway!
The Gabba, 2006-07
0.1, Harmison to Langer, 1 wide
And it's wild and woolly, a massive wide taken by first slip. Welcome back to Australia, Steve.
Cardiff, 2009
0.1, Johnson to Strauss, no run
Starts with a decent length, if a touch too wide of the left-hander's off stump, and it's left alone
The Gabba, 2010-11
0.1, Hilfenhaus to Strauss, no run
Is it Harmison-esque? No it's not! A straightforward start outside off stump from Hilfenhaus, Strauss leaves it alone and the keeper takes it - not second slip.
Trent Bridge, 2013
0.1, Pattinson to Cook, 1 wide
It's a wide! Not quite Steve Harmison, but Pattinson starts with a very short, loopy bouncer.
The Gabba, 2013-14
0.1, Anderson to Rogers, no run
Good start by Anderson, full at off stump, hint of movement in the air, Rogers shuffles across and defends quite late, the ball runs to gully
Cardiff, 2015
0.1, Starc to Lyth, no run
Starts with a short ball loosener, 87mph, outside off and loops gently through to Haddin as Lyth drops his hands.
The Gabba, 2017-18
0.1, Starc to Cook, no run
Good line, tight to off stump and good carry through, but not express. Cook leaves alone, as you'd expect.
Edgbaston, 2019
0.1, Anderson to Bancroft, no run
Finds a good length and immediately has the ball shaping away, excellent line to the right-hander, who leaves.
The Gabba, 2021/22
0.1, Starc to Burns, OUT
Knocks him over first ball! Full yorker which crashes into the base of leg stump. Burns is nowhere, falling over to the off side as he looks to clip off the pads. Angled into the left-hander from over the wicket, but this actually tailed away late and sharply to hit the base of leg stump. What a start from Starc!
Edgbaston, 2023
0.1, Cummins to Crawley, FOUR runs
Thumped on the up through cover-point! What a shot! Decent length, a lot of width, he strides out and climbs into an amazing cover drive on the up!
Sources: SDSU tells Mountain West it plans to go
San Diego State gave the Mountain West written notice this week that the school "intends to resign from the Mountain West Conference," sources told ESPN.
In the letter, it asked the Mountain West for a "one-month extension given unforeseen delays involving other collegiate athletic conferences beyond our control." As of now, there does not appear to be an invitation to San Diego State from a Power Five conference.
The withdrawal letter, which came from San Diego State president Adela de la Torre on June 13, comes with complexities and prompted a terse back-and-forth between the league and SDSU. That included San Diego State subsequently informing the league that the June 13 letter was "not the official notice of resignation," according to sources.
San Diego State would need to give a year of notice to withdraw next June. If it waits past June 30, the exit fee it'd owe would jump from nearly $16.5 million to nearly $34 million.
San Diego State has long been linked to the Pac-12, which is amid a protracted process of landing a television contract. There's been no formal invitation for SDSU to join the league, and the timeline for that has been linked to either the Pac-12's television deal or the departure of a Pac-12 member. "San Diego State does not have an offer from the Pac-12," according to a source.
San Diego State is attempting to explore all options if it does get to June 30 and the Pac-12 doesn't have a television deal done, according to a source.
The school has also been part of the Big 12's realignment exploration and there have been conversations, per a source. But sources say neither side has prioritized each other to this point.
"SDSU is exploring all of the options and asking all the questions," the source said. "The intention of the June 13 letter wasn't that San Diego State is exiting."
Along with the one-month extension requested in the first letter SDSU wrote to the Mountain West, it also asked the league to be open to discuss the exit fee. SDSU mentioned the income the Aztecs have generated for the Mountain West through the NCAA basketball tournament -- estimated this March to be at least $10 million from NCAA units -- which it won't see any of if it leaves the league.
San Diego State also asked that a four-year installment plan be considered for paying the exit fee. As of now, it would have to pay that money by June 2024, which would include the league withholding payment of the Mountain West's distribution of money to the school.
The Mountain West responded to San Diego State and informed the school in a June 14 letter that the conference had accepted the letter of withdrawal and that the consequences of withdrawing had begun. Those include that de la Torre's seat on the MWC board of directors is being pulled and that the league's policies on financial obligation tied to withdrawal are going to be withheld.
That prompted another exchange from San Diego State to clarify that the June 13 letter was not an official resignation, just a request for a month extension. It also asked that no payments should be withheld, which is the league's practice to apply to the exit fee. (Mountain West schools are expecting a check for nearly $6 million in the upcoming weeks.)
"They're trying to find out what we're willing to do," said a Mountain West source briefed on the exchange. "They want to see if the Mountain West Conference is going to handle this nicely. Well, that's not going to happen. Everyone wants to find the best financial path for themselves, and it's clunky."
The Mountain West Conference held a call with athletic directors Thursday afternoon that detailed the back-and-forth between the league and San Diego State. The news didn't come as a surprise, as SDSU athletic director J.D. Wicker has openly spoken about switching leagues.
That included Wicker telling ESPN in March that SDSU would be "ready to step into a power conference" and telling CBS in January that the Pac-12 would want to give SDSU a full share of the media revenue to prevent it from going to the Big 12 and have that league recruiting in the Pac-12's backyard.
Suit: Normans' negligence led to sexual assault
A Florida girl and her parents have sued LIV Golf League CEO and commissioner Greg Norman and his wife after the girl said she was sexually assaulted during a pool party that Norman's stepdaughter hosted at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
In a civil complaint filed in circuit court in Palm Beach County in March, the girl, identified as Jane Doe and a minor child, said she was invited to the party in September 2021 and was provided alcohol by Norman's wife, Kirsten. The girl, a classmate of Norman's stepdaughter at the time, said she "was incapable of standing on her own and was seen stumbling around the party." She said two other attendees, who were also drinking, simultaneously sexually assaulted her in a grassy area near the Normans' pool.
The girl and her parents are suing Norman and his wife for negligence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. They are seeking more than $50,000 in damages, according to the complaint.
"Defendants breached their duty of care by not safe-guarding or preventing injury to Jane Doe's health and well-being, including, but not limited to, abusive conduct by other minor invitees resultant in part from the provision of alcoholic beverages to the minor invitees," the complaint said.
Norman could not immediately be reached for comment.
The complaint says the girl has suffered "bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of the capacity for the enjoyment of life, expenses for counseling and resulting treatment, loss of earnings, and the loss of the ability to earn money in the future."
"These losses are permanent, and Jane Doe will suffer losses in the future," the complaint said.