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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.

Trading disgruntled star was a win-win for Patriots

It's never easy to watch a relationship crumble over money, but things couldn't have worked out better for the Patriots.

Optimism is dwindling for Phillies heading into crucial stretch

Once the hottest team in baseball, the Phillies have struggled mightily lately. Following another series loss, concern is quickly turning into full-blown panic, and the upcoming stretch of games may be the last chance for a turnaround. 

U.S. men's basketball's gold-medal win rivals 'Dream Team' in viewership

The United States' top basketball stars won gold over France Saturday at the 2024 Paris Olympics, captivating an audience rivaling one of the infamous "dream teams" of the 1990s.

Preseason NFL takeaways: Rookie quarterbacks shine in debuts

Week 1 of the NFL preseason continued on Saturday with nine games. Here are five takeaways from the action, dominated primarily by rookie quarterbacks.

Jayden Daniels wowed HC with impromptu decision in preseason debut

On the opening drive, Daniels connected with wideout Dyami Brown on a 42-yard pass, but he didn't run the play that was called, instead choosing to call an audible at the line.

Son of former All-Pro leads rookie standouts in Friday's NFL preseason action

Here are several rookies who stood out during Friday's action

Staying in the leadoff spot could ruin Shohei Ohtani's Triple Crown bid

The Triple Crown is within reach for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, but one decision could hinder his pursuit. 

Brandon Aiyuk balks at report of renewed contract talks with 49ers

Just as the drama surrounding star wideout Brandon Aiyuk and the San Francisco 49ers seemed to take a turn toward closure, the situation may be back at square one.

Takeaways from Thursday's NFL preseason openers

Week 1 of the NFL preseason kicked off on Thursday, seeing the Patriots top the Panthers, 17-3, and the Giants get the better of the Lions, 14-3. Here are some takeaways from the action. 

Brewers rookie slugger made MLB history twice vs. Braves

On a tear like no other recently, Brewers rookie outfielder Jackson Chourio made MLB history several times Thursday in a 16-7 blowout win over the Braves.

Joel Embiid could be a massive problem for France in gold-medal game

Although he's already one of the top players in the game, a motivated Embiid might be the most dangerous version. 

Jackson Holliday stays red-hot since being recalled, makes history

It's a small sample size but a promising one for Holliday and the Orioles.

Guardians' Jose Ramirez hits historic HR vs. Diamondbacks

Cleveland Guardians All-Star Jose Ramirez is a dark horse in the American League MVP race, and on Wednesday, he provided another reason why he's deserving.

A'ja Wilson continues to dominate in U.S. women's quarterfinal win over Nigeria

Star center A'ja Wilson continued her dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics with another outstanding performance in Wednesday's quarterfinals, helping the U.S. women's basketball team inch one step closer to the gold medal game.

Rafael Nadal reveals status for 2024 U.S. Open

The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion has won the U.S. Open four times.

Colts miss out on another safety upgrade

The free safety position for the Indianapolis Colts remains a significant weakness, yet the franchise has allowed another potential upgrade to pass it by.

Latest findings related to Michigan sign-stealing scandal may disprove lone wolf defense

Nearly a year after the Michigan sign-stealing scandal rocked the college football world, newly released findings may prove that higher-ups were much more involved than the program let on.

Three important decisions the Titans must make before regular season

The Tennessee Titans still have a little housecleaning to do before they're ready for the coming season.

Insider notes curious timing on new contract for star Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill's contract restructuring came at a very fitting time.

Canton wasn't on Julius Peppers' radar, even at the height of his career

Julius Peppers was an all-time talent in the NFL, but he never lost his humility even as he was wrecking opposing offenses.

Former GM reveals problem facing 49ers and WR Brandon Aiyuk

As the turmoil surrounding the San Francisco 49ers and star wideout Brandon Aiyuk over a new contract continues, there appears to be no end in sight.

USMNT's stunning loss to Morocco wasn't as surprising as it sounds

The lesson from Friday's defeat might be hard for the USMNT to swallow.

Rangers' playoff chances weaken after Max Scherzer hits IL

The Texas Rangers received another blow to their playoff hopes on Friday, placing three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer on the injured list with shoulder fatigue. 

Takeaways from weather-shortened 2024 Hall of Fame Game

Due to inclement weather, officials suspended the 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game with 3:31 left in the third quarter, awarding the Chicago Bears a 21-17 victory over the Houston Texans. Here are a few takeaways from Thursday's preseason opener.

Judge overturned $4.7 billion verdict in NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit for curious reason

The plaintiffs are likely to file an appeal, but for now, the case is closed in favor of the NFL.