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Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Watch: Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy sprints into the end zone on first NFL touch

It didn't take long for Worthy to showcase how dangerous he can be in the Kansas City Chiefs offense. 

Five AFC South players to watch in Week 1

The start of the 2024 NFL season is finally here. From the jump, the AFC South features several intriguing matchups and storylines. Here's a player to watch from each team heading into Week 1.

Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to make MVP case with latest feats

While most of the discussion surrounding Caitlin Clark has been about the Rookie of the Year race, the first-year star is making a serious case for MVP consideration. 

Jessica Pegula's persistence pays off in U.S. Open win over No. 1 Iga Swiatek

At long last, Jessica Pegula can call herself a Grand Slam semifinalist.  Pegula upset No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek (6-2, 6-4) in the quarterfinals of the U.S.

Orioles' Gunnar Henderson joins several MLB short lists after franchise record HR

Gunnar Henderson's breakout 2024 campaign continued on Wednesday, as he passed a legendary Hall of Famer to make Baltimore Orioles history while also etching his name onto several shortlists. 

Emerging rival ends Coco Gauff's U.S. Open title defense

Emma Navarro knocked Coco Gauff out of the U.S. Open, handing Gauff her latest loss in what's been a trying year.

Scottie Scheffler wins TOUR Championship, capping off historic, eventful year

The third time was a charm for Scottie Scheffler. After coming up short to win the FedEx Cup the previous two years despite being the No. 1 seed, he finally captured the title and the 2024 TOUR Championship on Sunday, capping off an incredible year. 

Watch: Michigan CB's pick-six seals victory over Fresno State after two nullified INTs

As the snap reached Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, the junior defensive back was already in a full sprint, jumping a wide receiver screen with nothing in front of him but open field.  

49ers rookie becomes latest NFL player to fall victim to gun violence

San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot Saturday during an attempted robbery, becoming the latest NFL player to fall victim to a troubling trend.

No. 1 recruit lives up to the hype in Ohio State debut

The hype behind Ohio State true freshman Jeremiah Smith was no exaggeration.  On Saturday, Smith made his collegiate debut in a 52-6 throttling of Akron by the No. 2 Buckeyes, immediately showcasing why he was the No. 1 recruit in the nation.

Caitlin Clark outshines Angel Reese in clash of WNBA's top rookies

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark might have ended the debate for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award — if there was one to begin with. On Friday, Clark outshined fellow first-year standout Angel Reese in the Fever's 100-81 victory over the Chicago Sky. 

WR Deion Burks makes history in first half of Oklahoma debut

It didn't take long for wideout Deion Burks to make his presence known in an Oklahoma uniform.

Why extending HC Mike McDaniel was right move for Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday, which runs through the 2028 season. Making a long-term commitment so early in the relationship can be risky, but it could pay huge dividends.

Newest detail surrounding Deion Sanders' beef with reporter doesn't make him look better

A new detail emerged surrounding Deion Sanders and his petty beef with Sean Keeler, a reporter for The Denver Post. However, it doesn't cast the Colorado head coach in a better light.

Watch: Rich Hill strikes out first batter faced in return to MLB mound

Boston Red Sox reliever Rich Hill may be 44 years old but he's a crafty 44 years old.

Watch: Colorado WR Travis Hunter scores touchdown on first catch of 2024

It's safe to say Colorado star Travis Hunter is ready for the 2024 college football season.  In Thursday's season opener against North Dakota State, Hunter didn't wait long to show how dangerous he can be.

Why the Colts should be patient with QB Anthony Richardson

Richardson may be entering his second season, but he's far from experienced. He'll be the youngest starting QB in the league for the second straight year.

Watch: White Sox find a new, excruciating way to lose

It's no secret that the 2024 season has been rough for the Chicago White Sox, but Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers proved that even things that look good turn out terribly for the MLB's basement dweller. 

Colts GM Chris Ballard is staying the course despite recent struggles

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballad is seemingly prepared to stay the course, even if he loses his job over it.

After breaking another rookie record, Caitlin Clark makes even more history

Fever star Caitlin Clark was at it again on Wednesday, topping another rookie single-season record.

Recently released catcher joins rare MLB group in Cubs' remarkable comeback win

Roughly two months after being released, veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt joined a rare group, playing a massive role in a 14-10 come-from-behind victory by the Chicago Cubs over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

NFL preseason takeaways: Drake Maye shines for Patriots in relief of injured Jacoby Brissett

Who will line up as quarterback for the Patriots to kick off the 2024 campaign? That's up in the air after would-be starter Jacoby Brissett left Sunday's preseason finale with a right shoulder injury.

AFC South draft watch: Reigning division champions lead the field

Here's how each first-year class in the AFC South has fared thus far.

Week 0 knee-jerk reactions: FSU's revenge tour hits an early roadblock

Florida State fell flat while Montana State roared. Here are some other knee-jerk reactions from Saturday's Week 0 action.

Fever star Caitlin Clark reaches another remarkable milestone

It's honestly scary to think what kinds of numbers Caitlin Clark will put up once she's had a full professional offseason.