Author: Gesi Lloyd

The NCAA rolled out a new public service announcement Today as part of its Draw the Line campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the harassment student-athletes face because of sports betting. The timing was deliberate. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the new spot will run throughout March Madness, the tournament that generates the most betting activity in American sports. Harassment tied to sports betting is getting worse The numbers behind the campaign are difficult to dismiss. A recent NCAA study found that nearly half of Division I men’s basketball players have experienced online, verbal or physical…

The viewing experience on YouTube may soon feel longer for millions of people watching on their televisions. The platform has approved a new advertising format that allows 30 second ads that viewers cannot skip when streaming on smart TVs and other big screen devices. For users who rely on the free version of the service, the change could signal a tougher ad environment as Google deepens its advertising strategy across one of the internet’s most popular platforms. YouTube expands ads for the big screen YouTube has become a dominant source of entertainment on television screens. Many viewers now stream creator…

The Trump administration is weighing a temporary pause on a century old shipping rule as officials search for ways to slow rising gasoline and oil prices across the United States. The policy under review centers on the Jones Act, a law that governs how goods move between American ports. The White House is considering issuing a 30 day waiver that would allow foreign vessels to transport fuel and other essential commodities along domestic shipping routes. Officials familiar with the discussions say the proposal remains under development, but it reflects growing concern inside Washington about the economic ripple effects of rising…

A morning on campus turned chaotic at Old Dominion University after gunfire erupted inside an academic building, leaving two people critically injured and the suspected shooter dead. The shooting unfolded late This morning at Constant Hall, the building that houses the university’s College of Business. Authorities said the gunman opened fire shortly before eleven a.m., prompting emergency alerts and a rapid response from campus and city law enforcement. Within minutes, the university warned students and staff of an active threat. People were urged to follow run hide fight safety guidance while police moved toward the scene. Old Dominion campus shaken…

Lamar Odom has left a rehabilitation facility in Los Angeles and is actively pursuing opportunities in college basketball coaching, according to sources familiar with his recent activities. Odom, a two-time NBA champion, checked out of iRely Recovery in Los Angeles after a 30-day stay and has since traveled to meet with several college basketball programs. Those meetings have included conversations with athletic departments and coaching staffs about a potential role in player development. The Triangle Offense is his calling card The centerpiece of Odom’s pitch to college programs is the Triangle Offense, the system he learned and executed during his…

Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers is coming to an end. The team is expected to release the 27-year-old wide receiver as early as Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, making him one of the more notable players to hit the free agent market when the new league year officially opened at 4 p.m. Aiyuk was selected 25th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons establishing himself as one of the better receivers in the NFC. He caught 269 passes for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns through those four…

A blizzard warning took effect this evening across the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula as a powerful storm system brought whiteout conditions to mountain passes and threatening wind gusts to lowland communities across Western Washington. The National Weather Service issued the warning for Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and the Olympics, covering a period from 6 p.m. Today through 5 a.m. Thursday. Forecasters warned that heavy snow combined with wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph would reduce visibility on roadways to below a quarter mile. The criteria for a blizzard warning require large amounts of snow, winds exceeding 35…

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with linebacker Channing Tindall on a one-year contract Today, continuing an offseason effort to rebuild a linebacker room that took a significant hit when Kaden Elliss departed in free agency. The deal was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with Tindall’s agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown confirming the agreement. Tindall, 25, arrives in Atlanta after four NFL seasons split between the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals. The signing also carries a homecoming element. Tindall played his college football at the University of Georgia, appearing in 50 games for the Bulldogs and finishing with…

Stryker, one of the world’s largest medical technology companies, confirmed Today that it was struck by a cyberattack that caused a global disruption across its Microsoft systems, with a pro-Iran hacking group claiming responsibility for the incident. The Portage, Michigan-based company said its teams were working to understand the full scope of the attack and that business continuity measures were in place to continue serving customers and partners. The company said it had no indication of ransomware or malware and believed the incident was contained. Employees were sent home from Stryker facilities Wednesday morning after receiving instructions not to connect…

The New England Patriots continued an active free agency period by agreeing to terms with linebacker K.J. Britt on Wednesday, addressing one of the team’s remaining defensive needs heading into the offseason. Britt’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey confirmed the signing. New England had already added an edge rusher, a wide receiver, and a starting offensive guard earlier in the offseason. The off-ball linebacker position was among the last clear gaps on the roster, and Britt fills it with a profile that fits how the Patriots have approached the position in recent years. A young player with an unusual…