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The play of Clemson Tigers softball players Maddie Moore and Macey Cintron earned each mention on the Softball America all-America team.
Moore, a second baseman, earned second-team honors. Cintron was, a pitcher and utility player, made the all-freshman team.
The pair have helped the Tigers push to a historic season. They’ve already won their first ACC Tournament championship after beating Florida State and swept through their NCAA regional round.
Starting on Thursday, the Tigers will play in the super regionals for the third time in five years and will seek their first appearance in the Women’s College World Series. The No. 11 Tigers will play the No. 6 Texas Longhorns in Austin.
About Macey Cintron and Maddie Moore
Cintron and Moore were also National FastPitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region Mid-Atlantic selections last week.
Cintron has had a terrific freshman season, as she has already been named ACC freshman of the year, all-ACC first team and ACC all-freshman team honors.
As a pitcher, she is 8-2 with a 2.07 ERA in 22 appearances (seven starts), with 46 strikeouts and 21 walks in 61 innings. As a hitter, she has slashed .301/.429/.596 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI.
She has set the program’s freshman record for RBI and set a new program record for walks in a single season.
Moore was selected first-team all-region and was named to the ACC all-tournament team, along with all-ACC first team selection. The senior is capping her Tigers career with her best single season since she joined Clemson in 2021-22.
She leads the team with a .417/.478/.783 slash with 16 home runs and 66 RBI.
Softball America has considered her to be one of the best second basemen in the country this season and was an all-America second team pick in the preseason. She was also selected all-ACC first-team in 2024.
NCAA Super Regional
Clemson at Texas
(best-of-three)
Red & Charline McCombs Field, Austin, Texas
(all times eastern)
Game 1: 9 p.m., Thursday, ESPN2
Game 2: 9 p.m., Friday, ESPN2
Game 3: 9 p.m., Saturday, ESPN2 (if necessary)
More must-reads:
- Big Ten's College Football Playoff expansion idea is 'absurd,' ESPN host says
- Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury
- The 'Second-leading receiver by NFL team' quiz
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Chicago Bears Get Bad News On Preseason Darling After Preseason Finale Vs. Chiefs
The Chicago Bears’ promising preseason came to an abrupt halt with concerning news about one of their brightest young stars. Austin Booker, the second-year edge rusher who had been making a compelling case for an expanded role in the 2025 defense, will likely miss the start of the regular season with a knee injury that has derailed what was shaping up to be a breakout campaign. Head coach Ben Johnson’s assessment after Friday’s preseason finale was sobering for Bears fans who had watched Booker dominate opposing offensive lines throughout the summer. “A few weeks” is how Johnson characterized the expected recovery timeline, a phrase that carries significant weight as the regular season looms just days away. Chicago Bears Austin Booker Injury Booker’s injury represents more than just the loss of depth—it’s the temporary halt of one of the most encouraging development stories in Chicago. The 2024 fifth-round pick had transformed from a raw project into a legitimate pass-rushing threat, leading the entire NFL with four sacks during the preseason while adding eight tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble in just two games. This dramatic improvement didn’t happen overnight. The Bears understood they were taking a calculated gamble when they traded back into the fifth round to select Booker, viewing him as a long-term investment who would need time to harness his explosive athleticism. His rookie season reflected those growing pains—1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss on 283 defensive snaps showed flashes but little consistency. The 2025 preseason revealed a player who had clearly spent his offseason addressing those developmental gaps. Booker began utilizing his length more effectively, improved his hand technique, and showed better understanding of how to convert speed to power around the edge. The statistical explosion was merely the surface manifestation of deeper technical improvements. Perfect System, Perfect Timing Booker’s emergence coincided perfectly with Dennis Allen’s arrival as defensive coordinator. Allen’s aggressive scheme emphasizes the kind of relentless pass rush that plays directly to Booker’s natural strengths—speed, length, and motor. Where the previous defensive system may have asked him to drop into coverage or play more conservatively, Allen’s approach encourages the kind of attacking mentality that allows Booker to maximize his physical gifts. The scheme fit became evident during the preseason, where Booker consistently found himself in one-on-one situations with overwhelmed tackles. His four sacks weren’t just products of superior athleticism but demonstrated improved technique in converting pressure into production. The forced fumble against Buffalo particularly showcased his developing football instincts and ability to affect plays beyond just getting to the quarterback. Even slotted as the No. 3 pass rusher behind established veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, Booker had positioned himself for significant playing time in Allen’s rotation-heavy approach. The defensive coordinator’s history suggests he would have found creative ways to get Booker on the field in obvious passing situations, potentially creating the perfect environment for a breakout season. The Ripple Effect on Depth Booker’s absence creates a cascading effect throughout Chicago’s defensive planning. The Bears had been counting on his development to provide quality depth behind their starting edge rushers, but his injury forces them to reconsider both their immediate roster construction and long-term defensive strategy. The timing couldn’t be worse from a roster management perspective. With final cuts looming, the Bears must now decide whether to carry additional depth at the position to account for Booker’s absence or risk being thin at edge rusher early in the season. Players like Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy, and Tanoh Kpassagnon suddenly find their roster odds improved by circumstances beyond their control. Robinson brings the most upside among the trio, with his combination of size and athleticism offering similar traits to what makes Booker intriguing. Hardy’s value as a special teams contributor could prove decisive in final roster deliberations, while Kpassagnon’s familiarity with Allen’s system from their New Orleans days provides immediate schematic comfort. The Chicago Bears may be forced to keep five defensive ends on their initial 53-man roster—an unusual allocation that speaks to both their lack of proven depth and uncertainty about Booker’s return timeline. This roster construction would limit flexibility elsewhere but ensures adequate coverage during what could be an extended absence. Adjusting the Game Plan Allen’s defensive philosophy emphasizes depth and rotation, particularly in pass-rushing situations. Booker’s injury doesn’t just remove a player—it eliminates a specific skill set that the coordinator had likely planned to deploy in various packages throughout the season. The defensive coordinator will need to adjust his rotation patterns and potentially modify certain pressure concepts that were designed around Booker’s unique combination of speed and length. This could mean more responsibility for established players like Sweat and Odeyingbo, or creative use of hybrid players who can provide pass rush from unexpected angles. Allen’s experience with similar situations in New Orleans suggests he’ll find ways to manufacture pressure despite the personnel loss. However, the absence of Booker’s developmental trajectory represents a longer-term concern about the defense’s ability to generate consistent pressure throughout the season. The Injury Reserve Decision The Bears face a crucial decision regarding Booker’s immediate roster status. Placing him on injured reserve with a designation to return would guarantee his absence for at least four games while freeing up a roster spot for immediate depth. However, this approach assumes his recovery will require the full timeline Johnson indicated. If the injury is on the shorter end of the “few weeks” spectrum, keeping Booker on the active roster might allow for a quicker return while maintaining roster flexibility. This decision will likely depend on medical evaluations over the weekend and the team’s confidence in their current depth. The financial implications are minimal given Booker’s rookie contract status, making this purely a football decision about optimizing both short-term competitiveness and long-term development. Looking Beyond the Immediate Impact While Booker’s injury represents a short-term setback, his preseason performance provides genuine optimism about the Bears’ future pass-rushing capabilities. His development curve suggests that once healthy, he could become a legitimate contributor in Allen’s system and potentially develop into a cornerstone of the defense. The injury also serves as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change in the NFL. Booker went from roster bubble candidate to key contributor to injured reserve candidate in the span of a few weeks, highlighting both the opportunities and precarious nature of professional football careers. The Path Forward For the Bears, Booker’s absence creates both immediate challenges and future opportunities. The coaching staff must find ways to generate pass rush without one of their most promising young players while continuing to develop the depth that will be needed throughout the season. Allen’s track record suggests he’ll find creative solutions to maintain defensive effectiveness despite the personnel loss. However, the true test will come when Chicago faces high-powered offenses early in the season with a potentially thinner pass-rushing rotation than originally planned. Booker’s injury story isn’t finished—it’s simply paused. When he returns, whether that’s in a few weeks or after a stint on injured reserve, he’ll likely pick up where he left off in his development. The foundation he built during the preseason suggests that his breakout season may be delayed rather than derailed. For now, the Bears must navigate the early season without one of their most encouraging defensive developments, while Booker focuses on the rehabilitation that will determine when his promising trajectory can resume.
Cowboys' Micah Parsons seen taking bizarre action in preseason finale
Micah Parsons showed up for the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons in body only. The star pass-rusher showed no spirit and did not dress amid his hold-in for a contract extension. On Thursday, Parsons scrubbed the Cowboys from his social media feed. During Friday's game, he couldn't be bothered to be with his teammates on the sideline watching the whole game. Per a photo posted on X by The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parsons was seen lying down on a trainer's table during the contest. Parsons' actions come amid a turbulent week between his representation and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In separate interviews, Jones told both Michael Irvin and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he did not plan to back down from his agreement with Parsons to work with agent David Mulugheta. During the pregame show on Friday, Jones boasted to 105.3 The Fan that defensive end is where the Cowboys have the most depth on the roster. "Frankly, our defensive ends may be the best depth, where we have the most talent of any position on the field," Jones said via Machota. "I'm excited about our depth and our numbers at pass rusher. ... I'm concerned because of having space on the roster to keep that many of our guys that have pass rushing ability." Following Friday night's game, the Cowboys' preseason is over. The situation between Jones and Parsons is not ideal for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is tasked with trimming the roster to 53 players by Tuesday. If Parsons is traded or chooses not to play in Week 1, Schottenheimer is going to have to decide to take away depth from what Jones sees as a weaker part of the team to boost a unit that is without their best player because he won't negotiate with Mulugheta.
Bengals have major PR blunder over invite to former player for Ring of Honor ceremony
The Cincinnati Bengals do not have the best reputation when it comes to their willingness to spend money. They have been regarded as one of the cheapest teams in the league over how much they are willing to pay players, over their front office, coaching, scouting staff and for pretty much anything else that comes with running a professional sports franchise. Now, one of their all-time greatest players is putting them on blast for the way they invited him to the team's Ring of Honor ceremony in October. Former quarterback Boomer Esiason revealed on his radio show on Friday that his invite to the Oct. 26 ceremony wasn't exactly one that made him willing to jump up and rush back to Cincinnati. Instead of a personal invite, Esiason revealed that he received a form-letter email that he had to RSVP with for the ceremony, two tickets to the game with the opportunity to purchase more on his own and a group rate for a hotel that he would have to book himself, while also providing his own transportation. Here is the entire story from Esiason. On one hand, the common fan is not really going to understand his gripe here, and he might even come off as a little entitled. Maybe spoiled. Maybe even something of a jerk. But, is he wrong when you consider the context? The context being, he is a former professional athlete who is already in the Bengals' ring of honor and a player who made significant contributions to the franchise. He is one of the top quarterbacks -- and players -- to ever suit up for the team. Usually, teams go out of their way to roll out the red carpet for those players and bring them back for events like this. At least, that is probably the type of treatment players are accustomed to from multi-billion-dollar professional sports teams. Could Esiason afford his own plane ticket and hotel room? Could he buy his own tickets to the game? Absolutely. He was a starting quarterback in the NFL for over a decade and is one of the highest-profile radio hosts on the top sports talk channel in the country. He's probably doing fine financially. A trip to Cincinnati probably is not out of his budget. Still, it's the lack of effort from the Bengals that really stands out here, and it's not a great look for a franchise that doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to spending money. Yeah, Esiason can afford it. But so can the Bengals. And if they wanted him — and any other player — to show up, they could at least make it worth their while and a little easier for them. This story also caught the attention of former Bengals running back Corey Dillon, who delivered his own shot at the team on social media. Tough look all around for the Bengals to have former players — all-time great players for the franchise — calling them out.
Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury
Bears HC Ben Johnson has harsh comments about team's offense
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was not happy with his first-team offense following Friday night's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Caleb Williams and the Bears' starters played the entire first half in their team's 29-27 win over the Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Fans had better hope the unit was not in midseason form. On Chicago's first offensive play of the game, Williams fumbled while trying to hand the ball to wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus on a jet sweep. The Bears recovered, but rookie tight end Colston Loveland had a false start on the next play. That drive ended with a punt, as did the Bears' second drive. The third drive resulted in a field goal, and Chicago finally found the end zone on its fourth drive. The Bears trailed 20-10 going into halftime. Following the game, Johnson had some harsh remarks about his offense. "Offensively, the first two possessions was really sloppy football that has plagued us in and out of camp so far, and unfortunately that's what we got here tonight," Johnson said, via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Williams finished the game 11-of-15 for 113 yards and a touchdown, so the numbers were far from terrible. Still, Johnson was more concerned with the slow start and said he "thought we had worked our way out of that." "If the first quarter was really any indication, it's not good enough, so we got to get better in a hurry," Johnson added. "Good news is we will be able to look at this tape and coach it up with our guys and I think it's out of our system hopefully for us going into the regular season. We got to make sure that we start faster on offense and on defense." Johnson also appeared to criticized Williams more directly when asked a question about a sack play. Most teams would agree that preseason play means very little. If anything, Johnson's assessment of the Bears' starting unit on Friday night is a reminder that he has extremely high expectations for Williams and company. Johnson had one of the best offenses in the NFL during his time with the Detroit Lions. That is why the Bears hired him, and he is holding his new team to the same high standard.
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