No-Brainer: When you are an early enrollee at a major program, facing adversity while earning your place on the team is to be expected. However, for freshman QB D’Wan Mathis, it became life threatening. This past Monday, he was released from the hospital after undergoing emergency surgery for a brain cyst. After experiencing severe sinus pain this last Thursday, University of Georgia medical staff rushed him to the emergency room. An MRI would later reveal buildup of fluid outside the brain and the cyst. According to his father, Terence Mathis, had they waited, it could have claimed his son’s life, “One more day and it could have burst”. Due to care administered by the Bulldogs medical staff and local hospital, D’Wan will survive. He will remain on antibiotics for 30 days. His healing process is expected to take throughout the summer. However, Mathis will be present for non-physical activities and will attend meetings.
Out of the Asylum: Former WWE superstar, Dean Ambrose, announced his signing with AEW in a powerful way this past Saturday during their highly anticipated pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. However, to many connected with the organization, including legendary announcer Jim Ross, the superstar was still in the negotiation phase. “I didn’t know it was going to happen. I knew we were negotiating with him. I asked what was happening with him about 10 days ago, and I was told it was going well, but when it came time for the show, his name wasn’t anywhere on my format sheet. It left my mind because I had more I knew I had to prepare for.” The superstar appeared in the crowd, going by his real name, Jon Moxley, to a thunderous ovation. He proceeded to make his way to the ring and dismantled Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega. Moxley, who spent 8 years with the WWE, left due to being unhappy with the creative team and being forced to cut ridiculous promos. Jon revealed on a recent edition of the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast that the final straw came when he was a part of a promo that featured him getting “vaccinated” so that he didn’t catch anything from the fans. Shortly before his departure, Vince McMahon was about to offer Moxley a new contract. His response was, “I don’t care how many zeroes you want to put on a piece of paper, I am gone.” The WWE better watch out. The AEW is gaining momentum from fans and is putting out a much better product that what their counterpart is.
Jordan Bone “Volunteers” to Stay in the Draft: Jordan Bone, junior guard from Tennessee, announced Tuesday night that he will remain in the 2019 NBA Draft. He averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the floor. This comes as a tough blow to the Volunteers as they now have lost four starters from last season’s squad. Replacing Bone along with Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield will be quite the task for head coach Rick Barnes.
Jacobs Returns to Rave Reviews: This past week, Raiders first round draft selection Josh Jacobs tweaked his hamstring. However, he has quickly mended and has looked impressive thus far in OTAs. Wearing newly assigned jersey number 28, Jacobs shined running routes, catching passes, and going through drills with the rest of the offense. Head coach Jon Gruden loves what he sees so far. “He’s physical, he’s dynamic. He’s a great story indeed. Where this kid came from. There is something inside of him that I didn’t go through as a young man, and I think he’s going to be a centerpiece at some point,” Gruden said. That wasn’t the only head that was turning during OTAs. Former NFL and Raiders legend Marcus Allen took notice as well. “Excited to watch Josh Jacobs run the ball for the Raiders this season. A truly inspiring young man who has come a very long way. Well-deserved Josh Jacobs, you are destined for greatness,” Allen said. That is lofty praise for the rookie. This should excite both Raiders and Alabama fans alike.
I am a 2003 graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in Exercise Science. While at the Capstone, I served as a student assistant with the head strength and conditioning coach of the Crimson Tide football team. I have competed in both powerlifting and bodybuilding for several years. In addition, I have served athletes and people through the arena of personal training. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am a passionate fan of Alabama, but do not make other fan bases miserable because of it. College football has my heart first, but I cover all areas of sports. Follow me on Twitter: @justinriley7!