Sports
Former Mercer QB Whitt Newbauer commits to Oklahoma
Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) deflects a pass from Mercer quarterback Whitt Newbauer (8) that was intercepted by Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News Ex-Mercer quarterback Whitt Newbauer announced Tuesday that he has transferred to Oklahoma.
Newbauer passed for 1,398 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games as a freshman last season. He started the team’s last seven games, including two FCS playoff games.
Newbauer completed spring drills with Mercer early last month before shopping his services. He found the Sooners to be the right fit.
“Forever grateful to Mercer — my coaches, teammates, and the entire community — for believing in me and helping me grow on and off the field,” Newbauer said on social media. “After much thought and prayer with my family, I’m incredibly excited to announce my commitment to the University of Oklahoma #BoomerSooner”
Forever grateful to Mercer – my coaches, teammates, and the entire community – for believing in me and helping me grow on and off the field. After much thought and prayer with my family, I’m incredibly excited to announce my commitment to the University of Oklahoma #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/7zza6nKDd5
— Whitt Newbauer (@whitt_newbauer) May 6, 2025
Newbauer provides depth behind starter John Mateer, the former Washington State star who joined Oklahoma earlier this offseason. Holdover quarterback Michael Hawkins also returns; he passed for 783 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions last season.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Paige Bueckers leaves game after collision, hitting head on floor
Jul 19, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) react after a play during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images Dallas Wings star guard Paige Bueckers suffered a scary fall late in her team’s 90-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday in Arlington, Texas, leaving with 3:33 to play and not returning.
As Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was dribbling down the court, she was fouled and lost her balance. She tumbled into the legs of Bueckers and the second-year player fell straight back, landing on her back.
The back of Bueckers’ head appeared to hit the floor when she fell, and the 24-year-old immediately grabbed her head.
After lying face down on the floor briefly, Bueckers walked off the court on her own but with members of the Wings’ staff flanking her as she continued to hold her head and had a slight limp.
Before walking off the court, she hugged Ogwumike after the two got up. Both players were selected to the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday in Chicago.
Bueckers finished with a game-high 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting — including 2-of-4 from 3-point range — as well as five assists and four rebounds in 32 minutes. Ogwumike led the Sparks (10-15) with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
There was no update provided on Bueckers’ status after the game. Last season’s rookie of the year after being selected No. 1 overall out of UConn, Bueckers entered the day averaging 20.7 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 38.1% from distance.
The Wings are now 17-8, fourth in the WNBA and a half-game behind the Las Vegas Aces for third place.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Yankees option RHP Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A
May 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (71) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The New York Yankees optioned right-hander Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Monday.
Rodriguez, 22, was recalled Sunday before the second game of a split doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers to fill the designated 27th roster spot. He did not pitch in the game.
After making his major league debut April 29, Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA over 17 innings across four starts.
–Field Level Media
Sports
St. Louis City sign D Jaziel Orozco to contract extension
Mar 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis CITY SC defender Jaziel Orozco (99) controls the ball against the San Diego FC during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images St. Louis City SC signed defender Jaziel Orozco to a contract extension through the 2028-29 MLS season.
The deal announced Monday with the 22-year-old Mexico native includes an option for 2029-30.
Orozco has recorded one goal in 17 appearances for St. Louis since signing with the club in 2025. He appeared in four matches for Real Salt Lake in 2022.
“Jazi has put in consistent performances this season and it is clear he has a good understanding of what is being asked of him tactically,” sporting director Corey Wray said. “Over the last six months, he has shown qualities that we value with his tactical flexibility and versatility both in and out of possession. We are excited to keep him at the club for years to come and help him continue developing as a player.”
St. Louis will return from the FIFA World Cup break on Wednesday night against the host Los Angeles Galaxy.
–Field Level Media
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 21, 2026
Paige Bueckers leaves game after collision, hitting head on floor
