Unicyclist Red Panda, a popular halftime performer known for juggling ceramic dishes on her head and feet while riding a 7-foot unicycle, has provided a health update after suffering a scary fall at the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday, July 1.

In a statement provided to ESPN personality Pat McAfee on Wednesday, Red Panda, whose real name is Rong Niu, revealed that she ‘severely fractured’ her left wrist after falling off her damaged unicycle during her halftime performance of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final, where the Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx at Minneapolis’ Target Center on Tuesday. Niu broke the same wrist in 2013.

‘She took a fall at the very beginning of the show,’ Niu’s team said to McAfee. ‘Her left wrist was severely fractured at the same spot for the 2nd time. She was at the hospital for 11 hours last night.’

Niu’s team said the fall was caused by her faulty unicycle, saying, ‘the left (pedal) of her unicycle was damaged during transit.’

Niu has performed countless halftime shows at NBA and WNBA games, dating to 1993 and had performed during Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Shortly after beginning her performance at the WNBA game and letting go of a ladder she used to get on her unicycle, Niu fell off it and crashed to the floor. She instantly clutched her wrist on the floor and was attended to by medical professionals before being wheeled off in a wheelchair.

‘(Niu) is very grateful. She is on her way home now and the doctors in Minneapolis have recommended that as soon as she gets home, she meet with an orthopedic surgeon for the 2nd part of repair,’ the statement added. ‘Thank all of you for the kind wishes and support, it means the world to her.  She much appreciates from her heart the support she is receiving. We’ll keep you all posted.”

Following the injury, Niu received an outpouring of support and get-well-soon messages. Caitlin Clark gave Niu a shoutout in an Instagram Live video posted by Sydney Colson as the Fever celebrated their Commissioner’s Cup win over the Lynx. ‘Red Panda, we love you,’ Clark said.

Niu appeared on Season 8 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ in 2013 and advanced to the quarterfinals before withdrawing for personal reasons.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

(This story has been updated with new information)

None is bigger than nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, whom the Bucks waived Tuesday, July 1, allowing him to test the market as an unrestricted free agent.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a move on Wednesday, July 2 to help shore up their front court, when they agreed to a two-year deal with former No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton, according to reports. Ayton finalized a buyout of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, June 29

In any case, this is the time in free agency when savvy teams can fill holes in their rosters with low-cost players who are often specialists.

Here are the best remaining NBA free agents as of 8 p.m. ET on July 2:

1. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks guard

2024-25 stats: 24.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.1 apg, 44.8% FG, 37.6% 3PT, 92.1% FT

This was as unexpected an addition to the market as could be. The Bucks waived Lillard and stretched the remaining $113 million of his contract, meaning that he will get that money and still have the chance to pick his preferred destination. The tricky part is that Lillard tore his Achilles tendon Sunday, April 27 and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season. That means his next meaningful basketball will likely come in the fall of 2026, when he will be 37. Still, he’s a sharpshooter and three-tier scorer who should have plenty of suitors. Given the nature of his injury, however, Lillard may take his time and be selective when choosing his next stop.

2. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 7.2 apg, 1.2 spg, 46.5% FG, 37.8% 3PT, 78.1% FT

Giddey is a pending restricted free agent in his first season with the Bulls after Oklahoma City traded him for Alex Caruso. Giddey does a little bit of everything for the Bulls, putting together career highs in assists, 3-point shooting percentage, 3s made per game and minutes. His strong play late in the season elevated the Bulls, which had lacked a distributor and creator, into playoff contention.

3. Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors forward

2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2. apg, 45.4% FG, 30.5% 3PT, 66.8% FT

Kuminga is a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer from other teams and retain him. He has missed time with injuries but he’s the kind of youthful, athletic wing the Warriors could use, with further development. With Golden State’s trade for Jimmy Butler, Kuminga fell out of the rotation, though he did re-emerge once injuries forced him back on the floor.

4. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers guard

2024-25 stats: 14.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.0 apg, 46.7% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 75.7% FT

Grimes is a restricted free agent, and he made the most of his opportunity after being traded from Dallas to Philadelphia. Grimes averaged 21.9 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 37.3% on 3s and has scored at least 30 points five times with the 76ers, including 46 in an overtime loss against the Rockets.

5. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets guard

2024-25 stats: 24 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 43.8% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 88.1% FT

Thomas is headed for a raise on his $4 million salary in 2024-25. Limited by injuries that sidelined him for more than half of the season, he can still get buckets and drop 20-plus in just about every game. The Nets reportedly extended a qualifying offer to Thomas, making him a restricted free agent.

6. Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs guard

2024-25 stats: 8.8 ppg, 7.4 apg, 3.6 rpg, 1.3 spg, 42.7% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 92.4% FT

How much more does Paul want to play? He signed a one-year, $10.4 million contract last offseason and will have his choice of teams in unrestricted free agency if he wants to continue his playing career.

7. Malik Beasley, Detroit Pistons guard

2024-25 stats: 16.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 43% FG, 41.6% 3PT, 67.9% FT

A veteran sharpshooter, Beasley is a plug-and-play sniper who should give any team instant contributions just from the volume of shots and accuracy he has from beyond the arc. Though he’s only an occasional starter, Beasley ranked seventh in the NBA in 3-point shots per game (9.3). Now the subject of a gambling probe, his market appears to have diminished.

8. Russell Westbrook, Denver Nuggets guard

2024-25 stats: 13.3 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 spg, 44.9% FG, 32.3% 3PT, 66.1% FT

Westbrook declined his player option for 2025-26 at $3.4 million for the season. After the Nuggets were active in the opening days of free agency, a return to Denver appears unlikely. Still a wildly talented player who sometimes plays out of control, will another team be willing to take him on?

9. Al Horford, Boston Celtics center

2024-25 stats: 9.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.3% FG, 36.3% 3PT, 89.5% FT

This had been another fruitful relationship at the end of Horford’s career. Following the end of a two-year, $19.5 million contract with the Celtics, Horford is an unrestricted free agent. Though he didn’t have as good a season as last, he’s beloved by his teammates.

Hairston is being accused of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and obtained by USA TODAY Sports, alleges on the night of March 24, 2021, Hairston came to the women’s dorm room uninvited. She says she first met Hairston earlier in 2021 outside their shared on-campus residence hall at the University of Kentucky.

‘Plaintiff inquired about the purpose of Defendant’s visit, to which Defendant responded that he wanted to hang out with Plaintiff. Plaintiff declined and further expressed that she was tired and going to bed before turning around and walking away from the door,’ according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit states that Hairston followed the woman into her bedroom and ignored her repeated refusals to engage in sexual contact. Hairston then forcibly removed the woman’s pajama shorts and sexually assaulted her, the suit states.

‘Our client showed remarkable strength in coming forward, and we are proud to stand with her in pursuit of accountability and justice,’ said Peter Flowers, one of the women’s attorneys. ‘No one – regardless of their status or athletic success – is above the law.’

Hairston was selected with the 30th overall pick by the Bills in April’s draft. When asked about Hairston, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that the draft pick was properly vetted.

‘We did a lot of research. I think all teams were aware of the Title IX thing. That was fully investigated by the school. He even volunteered to do a polygraph and had notes. It was one of those where there was zero information saying that this actually happened, to what the accusation was. You can’t take someone’s account and think that’s the truth. But yes, we fully investigated that,’ Beane said. ‘Every person you talk to at Kentucky, teammates, staff there, plus what we’ve done, I would say this is a heck of a young man, every person you ask. That’s unfortunate when things like that are attached to someone’s name; in this case, it doesn’t seem to be anything there.’

The woman, who is seeking a jury trial and compensatory damages on all counts, reported the incident to law enforcement and transferred out of the University of Kentucky.

NHL free agency officially opened at noon ET Tuesday, but general managers had been busy whittling down the list beforehand.

Gone was top target Mitch Marner, who headed to the Vegas Golden Knights after a sign-and-trade deal Monday. Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito reached deals with Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, three days after signing playoff MVP Sam Bennett, giving his team a chance at another title.

In a bit of a surprise, Brock Boeser stayed with the Vancouver Canucks as the clock hit noon ET on Tuesday.

But there were impactful players moving on Day 1. Mikael Granlund signed with the Anaheim Ducks and Vladislav Gavrikov signed with the New York Rangers, who traded defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Day 2 featured Pius Suter and Brent Burns finding new teams, but Nikolaj Ehlers still hasn’t made his decision.

Follow along as USA TODAY tracks signings and trades after July 1:

Avalanche agree to terms with Brent Burns

The 40-year-old defenseman gets one year though terms were not revealed by the Avalanche. Burns has the longest active consecutive games streak in the NHL at 925 games. He last missed a game in 2013-14. His offensive numbers have dropped the past two seasons (he had 29 points in 2024-25), but he has a booming shot and averaged nearly 21 minutes a game in the regular season and nearly 23 in the postseason. He’s still looking for his first Stanley Cup title. The Avalanche could give him a chance.

Red Wings sign Mason Appleton

The Wings gave Appleton two years at $2.9 million average, a hefty price for a forward who topped out at 14 goals in one season in 2023-24 while a member of the high-octane Jets. Appleton had 10 goals in 71 games last season with the Jets. He has 57 goals and 138 points in 400 career NHL games. Appleton played at Michigan State from 2015-17. – Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Devils re-sign Cody Glass

The center will average $2.5 million in the two-year deal. The restricted free agent was acquired at the trade deadline from the Penguins.

Jets sign Gustav Nyquist

Nyquist landed a one-year, $3.25 million contract. He had 28 points in 79 games between the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators last season but had a 75-point season in 2023-24. The Jets are losing Ehlers in free agency.

Islanders sign Maxim Shabanov, Emil Heineman

The Islanders signed Kontinental Hockey League free agent forward Shabanov, 24, to a one-year entry-level deal. He averaged more than a point a game last season with Chelyabinsk and had 25 goals the season before. The Islanders also signed Heineman, acquired in the Noah Dobson trade, to a two-year contract.

Blues sign Pius Suter

The forward will average $4.125 million over two years. Suter set career highs with 25 goals and 46 points in 2024-25 with the Canucks while tying his career best of 21 assists. The Blues earlier placed defenseman Nick Leddy on waivers.

Penguins sign Anthony Mantha and others

The Penguins have signed forwards Anthony Mantha ($2.5 million) and Rafael Harvey-Pinard ($775,000) to one-year contracts. Mantha was limited to 13 games in 2024-25 because of ACL surgery.

Oilers sign Curtis Lazar

Lazar gets a one-year, $775,000 deal for a likely bottom six role. The NHL veteran played his junior hockey in Edmonton and has 47 goals and 78 assists in 572 career games.

Connor Bedard, Blackhawks talking extension

Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 draft, and the Blackhawks are talking about an extension. He’s eligible for one because he’s entering the final year of his contract.

“I probably don’t want to get too far into it, but we are talking,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said, according to NHL.com. “So, I think that’s an indicator of an openness to discuss. He made his thoughts very clear at the end of the season and subsequently in other interviews, that he’s committed to Chicago and wants to be here long-term and we obviously want him here long-term, so there’s mutual agreement there.”

Bedard won rookie of the year in 2023-24 and has 45 goals and 123 points through 150 games over two seasons.

July 1 signings

Oilers sign Andrew Mangiapane

He’ll average $3.6 million in the two-year deal. The Oilers needed scoring depth after trading Viktor Arvidsson. Arvidsson did score 35 goals in 2021-22, though mostly he’s in the 14 to 18 range, including 14 this past season with the Capitals. The Oilers got to see Mangiapane a lot when he played for the Flames from 2017-24.

Hurricanes sign K’Andre Miller after trade with Rangers

The Hurricanes signed defenseman K’Andre Miller to an eight-year deal with a $7.5 million cap hit after acquiring him in a trade with the Rangers. Carolina gives up defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick and Carolina’s 2026 second-rounder in the trade. The Rangers dealt Miller, 25, to free up the space to sign top free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.

Miller gives the Hurricanes a young defenseman for their roster with Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns hitting free agency. ‘Right now, I do not anticipate either of them being back with us,’ general manager Eric Tulsky said. ‘Obviously that could change with one phone call.’

The Hurricanes also signed free agent defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. He played for the Islanders last season.

Rangers re-sign Will Cuylle

New York locked up its top restricted free-agent priority to a two-year, $7.8 million deal on July 1, as first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. It will carry an average annual value of $3.9 million. Cuylle’s coming off a sophomore NHL season in which he scored 20 goals while breaking the franchise’s single-season record with 301 hits. – Vince Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Sharks sign John Klingberg

The veteran defenseman gets a one-year, $4 million deal. He had played for the Oilers last season, suiting up for 19 playoff games and four in the final. The Sharks also signed forwards Philip Kurashev (one year, $1.2 million) and Adam Gaudette (two years, $2 million average) and traded for goalie Alex Nedeljkovic.

Devils sign Evgenii Dadonov

He’ll get a one-year, $1 million deal that could grow with bonuses. He’s coming off a 20-goal season in Dallas, but his ice time shrank in the playoffs.

Stars sign Radek Faksa

His three-year deal will average $2 million. Faksa played his entire career in Dallas, except for 2024-25, when the depth forward played for the Blues. He won 57% of his faceoffs this past season and he kills penalties. The Stars also are bringing back forward Colin Blackwell on a two-year deal with a $775,000 cap hit.

Mammoth sign Vitek Vanecek

The goalie signs a one-year, $1.5 million contract. He split time between San Jose and Florida last season, getting to lift the Stanley Cup. Utah backup goalie Connor Ingram is out indefinitely after entering the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program.

Ducks sign Mikael Granlund

He gets a three-year deal, with a reported $7 million cap hit. Granlund played on an all-Finland in Dallas after arriving in a trade, but the Stars didn’t have the cap room to keep him. The Ducks continue to be aggressive in trying to get back to the playoffs after earlier trading for Chris Kreider.

Wild sign Nico Sturm

He’ll average $2 million in the two-year deal. Sturm is strong on faceoffs and kills penalties. He spilt time the past between the Sharks and Panthers, winning a Stanley Cup with Florida. He started his career in Minnesota.

Islanders sign Jonathan Drouin

He gets a two-year contract with a reported $4 million average. He averaged 0.76 points per game in two seasons in Colorado but missed nearly half of the 2024-25 season.

Devils sign Connor Brown

He’ll average $3 million in the four-year deal. Brown has reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons with the Oilers. He can move up and down the lineup and teams appreciate that versatility.

Mammoth sign Brandon Tanev

He’ll average $2.5 million in the three-year contract. The forward is fast, kills penalties and has the league’s best team head shots.

Red Wings sign James van Riemsdyk

The forward gets a one-year, $1 million contract. His 16 goals this past season were his most since 2021-22.

Kings sign two defensemen, goaltender

Defenseman Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million average) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million average) will fill the roster spots of Vladislav Gavrikov (signed by Rangers) and Jordan Spence (traded to Senators). Goalie Anton Forsberg gets two years at a $2.25 million cap hit. Kings goalie David Rittich signed a free agent deal with the Islanders.

Kings sign Corey Perry, Joel Armia

Perry, 40, had 10 playoff goals during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. He has been to the final five times in the last six seasons, losing all five (he won in 2007). But for a Kings team that has lost four years to the Oilers. they’ll gladly accept a player who regularly gets past the first round and more. Armia is a penalty killing forward with 17 career short-handed goals.

Perry gets a one-year, $2 million contract and can earn other $2 million in bonuses. Armia averages $2.5 million his two-year deal.

Mammoth sign Nate Schmidt

The defenseman will average $3.5 million in the three-year deal. Schmidt had been bought out in Winnipeg last summer and joined coach Paul Maurice in Florida, where he played a key role in the Stanley Cup run. The Mammoth were in need of a defenseman after trading Michael Kesselring to the Sabres. The Mammoth also signed defenseman Scott Perunovich and forward Kailer Yamamoto to one-year, two-way deals.

Blackhawks acquire Sam Lafferty from Sabres

The forward is returning after previously playing in Chicago for parts of two seasons. He struggled in Buffalo with seven points in 60 games. The Sabres get a 2026 sixth-round pick in return.

Kraken sign Ryan Lindgren

The defenseman will average $4.5 million over four years. He kills penalties and is known for putting his body on the line, but that takes its toll. The team later signed goalie Matt Murray to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Flyers sign Christian Dvorak

He’ll get $5.4 million in the one-year deal. He kills penalties and wins faceoffs. The Flyers ranked 20th in penalty killing and were just below 50% in faceoff winning percentage.

Sharks give William Eklund contract extension

The three-year deal, starting in 2026-27, will average $5.6 million. He finished second on the Sharks this past season with 58 points. His brother, Victor, was just drafted by the Islanders.

Bruins sign Tanner Jeannot, per reports

He’ll average $3.4 million in the five-year contract, per reports. Jeannot is a rugged forward with 211 hits in each of the past two seasons. He scored 24 goals in his second season but hasn’t had more than seven goals since.

Rangers sign Vladislav Gavrikov, per report

He’ll average $7 million over seven year, according to multiple reports. He was the top defensive defenseman in the free agent pool and can slot in next to Adam Fox. The Rangers needed shoring up defensively and Gavrikov (140 blocked shots) will fill that role. He also had 30 points, second best in his career. Does this mean K’Andre Miller gets moved out?

Flyers sign goalie Dan Vladar

He’ll average $3.35 million in the two-year deal. Goaltender was an issue with the Flyers last season, and Vladar will make sure that Samuel Ersson has a steady backup.

Capitals extend Martin Fehervary

He’ll average $6 million in the seven-year extension that kicks in during the 2026-27 season. He had career highs with 20 assists and 25 points this past season.

Avalanche re-sign Parker Kelly

He’ll get four years at a reported $1.7 million average.

Canucks re-sign Brock Boeser

He’s staying with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million a year. That’s key for the Canucks after he scored 40 goals two seasons ago. His agent, Ben Hankinson, posted that the deal was reached ‘in the final minutes, really, did you expect him to sign anywhere else?’

Free agency officially open

It’s noon and teams can officially pursue players on other teams.

Bruins-Oilers trade

The Bruins acquire forward Viktor Arvidsson from the Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, Arvidsson had signed a two-year deal with Edmonton last season and did not work out. He was in and out of the lineup in the playoffs. But he did score 26 goals two seasons ago and could fill a middle-six role in Boston. Edmonton saves $4 million in cap space.

Canadiens-Blues trade

The Canadiens acquire forward Zack Bolduc for defenseman Logan Mailloux. Bolduc adds secondary scoring after scoring 19 goals and 36 points in his first full season. Mailloux, who was taken in the first round of the 2021 draft despite asking not to be drafted, has played eight NHL games. The Canadiens recently acquired Noah Dobson, who fills the role of offensive defenseman.

Jake Allen staying with Devils

He’ll average $1.8 million over five years and will remain in a tandem with Jacob Markstrom. That will disappoint teams that may have been looking for a goalie. He was the top netminder out there.

Islanders re-sign Tony DeAngelo

The defenseman gets a one-year deal worth a reported $1.75 million. His offensive role will grow with the Islanders trading Noah Dobson to the Canadiens.

Hurricanes’ Logan Stankoven gets extension

He’ll average $6 million in the eight-year deal. Stankoven, 22, was the key return when the Hurricanes traded Mikko Rantanen to the Stars. He scored five game-winning goals last season. The contract kicks in during the 2026-27 season.

Panthers sign Daniil Tarasov

The goalie, recently acquired from the Blue Jackets, will get one year at $1.05 million, according to reports.

Canucks sign Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland to extensions

Demko will average $8.5 million in his three-year contract and Garland will average $6 million in his six-year contract. Both deals will take effect in 2026-27. Demko has dealt with injuries but was a Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2023-24. Garland is a two-time 50-point scorer.

Panthers re-sign Tomas Nosek

He’ll get one year at $775,000. Nosek joined the lineup with the Panthers down 2-0 to the Maple Leafs in the second round. The new-look fourth line helped lead the Panthers’ comeback and the team rallied around Nosek after his overtime delay of game penalty proved costly in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers have all 12 forwards from their clinching game under contract.

Maple Leafs announce Matthew Knies deal

He’ll get six years at a reported $7.75 million per year. Knies, a restricted agent, played on the top line with Auston Matthews and just-departed Mitch Marner. He had a career-best 29 goals, 29 assists and 58 points.

Golden Knights make Mitch Marner deal official

The Golden Knights officially announced the Mitch Marner deal on July 1. He was acquired from the Maple Leafs for center Nicolas Roy and will get an eight-year, $96 million contract. The $12 million average makes him Vegas’ top-paid player ahead of Jack Eichel ($10 million). Marner will wear No. 93, his junior hockey number with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.

Best remaining NHL free agents

What time does NHL free agency open?

NHL free agency signing period officially begins at noon ET Tuesday.

There will come a time, when sanity and civility are restored and science is once again respected, when we will look back on this period in shame.

Future generations will ask how we responded to blatant wrongdoing and acts of cruelty, whether we had the courage to stand up for what’s right or caved out of naked self-interest.

The leaders at Penn answered that question definitely on Tuesday. They might think their willingness to sacrifice swimmer Lia Thomas will protect them from President Donald Trump’s wrath, but they will soon learn that appeasement never works. Not with this administration or any other that has tried to impose its unlawful will.

Worse, by punishing a young woman who hasn’t been a student for three years and banning the transgender athletes the NCAA already doesn’t allow to compete, Penn put all women at risk by sanctioning the weaponization of Title IX.

“I remain dedicated to preserving and advancing the University’s vital and enduring mission,” Penn president J. Larry Jameson said in a statement. “We have now brought to a close an investigation that, if unresolved, could have had significant and lasting implications for the University of Pennsylvania.”

Translation: The Trump administration was going to go after us just like it did Columbia and Harvard, and we have neither the money nor the spine to fight that.

As if erasing Thomas’ school records isn’t enough, Jameson also said Penn would apologize to those who swam against her. No word on whether Penn is making participation trophies for them, too.

Penn’s actions and its promise it will adhere to ‘definitions of sex – with respect to women’s athletics – that have been set out through two specific Executive Orders,’ is akin to trying to rename the Gulf of Mexico. Doing so does not, will not, change basic facts.

Lia Thomas is still a person who swam competitively at Penn. Her best times were a 47.37 in the 100 free; a 1:41.93 in the 200 free; a 4:33.24 in the 500 free; a 9:35.96 in the 1,000 free; and a 15:59.71 in the 1,650 free.

There still has yet to be a study showing transgender women athletes — not cisgender men, transgender women — have a competitive advantage over cisgender women athletes. There still is not a pack of transgender women crowding cisgender women out of sport.

What was it NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress last year? Oh right. That there are ‘less than 10’ transgender men and women out of the half-million-plus NCAA athletes.

This is about ignorance and fear and hate. And cowardice.

When Title IX was passed 53 years ago, it opened the doors to gymnasiums and playing fields for girls and women. It also took a sledgehammer to the misogynistic stereotypes of how a woman was supposed to look and act. Playing sports helped free us to be the people we knew ourselves to be, not what others expected us to be.

By kowtowing to the Trump administration, Penn puts that at risk. Today it’s transgender women. What happens if tomorrow it’s athletes with Black or brown skin? Or who have hair that’s too short or muscles that are too big? Or whose parents are immigrants? Will Penn say that’s a bridge too far? Or will it throw those women under the bus, too?

I think I know the answer.

Much is made out of public opinion polls showing the majority of Americans favor bans on transgender athletes. But go back and see what the country thought of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement in the early 1960s. Or gay marriage in the early 2000s. Attitudes evolve, opinions change and discrimination that was once deemed acceptable is eventually seen for the small-mindedness that it is.

Lia Thomas did nothing wrong. There is nothing wrong with her. What’s wrong is the shameful way we are treating people who simply want to be their true selves, and someday we will all be asked to answer for that.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

There was actually laughter in the St. Louis Cardinals clubhouse that morning at Dodger Stadium before facing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cardinals didn’t have any tape of the 20-year-old kid who was going to make his major-league debut that afternoon, May 25, 2008. No one had any scouting reports. No one faced him in the minors. So, they began asking each other if anyone knew anything about the Dodgers’ prized prospect.

“Someone said they heard that he could be the next Rick Ankiel,’ Schumaker tells USA TODAY Sports. “No way. There is no way his stuff could be as good as Rick Ankiel’s before he became a position player. So we are laughing that someone thought he could have a curveball as good as Ankiel’s.’

Schumaker was leading off for the Cardinals and stepped to the plate with a game plan.

“I figured I was going to ambush him and welcome him to the big leagues,’ Schumaker says. “The first pitch was an elevated fastball. It was harder and faster than I thought, and I swung and missed. Then he threw a curveball. It was something different. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

“And then, well, I struck out.’

Now, 17 years and one month later – 6,247 days to be exact – that strikeout is immortalized in baseball history.

It was Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s first career strikeout, making Schumaker his first victim.

Kershaw since has produced 2,996 more strikeouts in his future Hall of Fame career, and with three more strikeouts on Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium, he can become only the 20th pitcher in baseball history to strike out 3,000 in his career.

Kershaw, 37, the 10-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young winner, two-time World Series champion and MVP, will be only the fourth left-hander in baseball history to achieve 3,000 strikeouts, joining Hall of Famers Steve Carlton, Randy Johnson and CC Sabathia. Most important to Kershaw, he’ll be only the third to produce 3,000 strikeouts wearing just one uniform, accomplished only by Walter Johnson and Bob Gibson.

“Clayton Kershaw,’ Schumaker says, “is the most dominant pitcher I’ve ever played against in my career. I’ve never seen anybody like him.

“If anybody deserves a statue outside Dodger Stadium it’s Clayton Kershaw. How cool is it for him to have just one uniform, especially in LA, and then have a statue of him in front of that stadium?

“It’s unbelievable what he’s meant to that organization, and really, what he’s meant for baseball.’

Schumaker, a career .278 hitter who hit .300 or better three consecutive seasons and never struck out more than 69 times in a season, faced Kershaw six more times in his career, including twice more that afternoon.

He finished 0-for-7 off Kershaw. And struck out six times.

“The only time I even made contact off him,’ Schumaker says, “I grounded into a double play. How’s that?’

So, does Kershaw ever bring up to Schumaker that he was his first strikeout victim?

“Oh, only every time I see him,’ laughs Schumaker, now a senior advisor with the Texas Rangers. “He remembers. And how could I ever forget?

“You don’t know at the time, it being his first start, but he just has that special unique look, and with the combination of his stuff, it’s just so different. I knew he had a chance to be special, but I didn’t know it was going to be 3,000 strikeouts, three Cy Young awards and 16 years in the big leagues special.’

Schumaker, who was traded to the Dodgers before the 2013 season, fully grasped Kershaw’s greatness in their first game together on Opening Day against the San Francisco Giants.

Kershaw threw a four-hit, complete-game shutout.

“I remember just looking at each other on the bench,’ Schumaker says, “What the hell are we watching here? What is this?’ He’s this dominant on Opening Day? What’s the rest of the season going to look like?’

Kershaw went 16-9 with a 1.83 ERA that season, pitching a career-high 236 innings with an NL-best 232 strikeouts, winning his second Cy Young award.

“Just to see him work, and know what kind of person he is,’ Schumaker says, “that’s what makes this so special. He’s the ultimate teammate. He’s the ultimate competitor. And he’s the ultimate person.’

Kershaw, who won the Roberto Clemente Award for his charitable work in 2012, is revered throughout baseball for his generosity, autographing baseballs, jerseys, or whatever is needed for charities, schools and programs.

When Schumaker was trying to help a group of kids from being discouraged during the 2020 COVID summer that cancelled their travel ball season, Kershaw spent an hour on a Zoom call with Schumaker and 15 kids.

“It was one of the most special moments that these kids will always treasure,’ Schumaker says. “That’s why he’s so easy to root for. I can’t wait to watch him get his 3,000th.’

Kershaw will be the first pitcher to achieve 3,000 strikeouts since Max Scherzer in 2021. The next closest to 3,000 strikeout is 36-year-old Chris Sale with 2,528 strikeouts.

“I think it’s cool man,’ says San Francisco Giants 42-year-old starter Justin Verlander, the three-time Cy Young winner, who leads all active pitchers with 3,471 strikeouts and 262 victories. “I think the game should celebrate stuff like that and people lile him because it’s clearly going away. There are very few of us left. So any time you get a moment to celebrate something like that, you don’t know if you’ll ever see it again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it, and I’ll surely reach out and congratulate him.’

Schumaker, who competed against Kershaw for eight seasons during his career, played with him during the 2013 season, and even managed against him for two seasons while with the Miami Marlins, isn’t about to miss Kershaw’s start either. He plans on plopping down on his couch Wednesday night at home with his 17-year-old son, Brody, who has Kershaw’s autographed jersey hanging in his room, watching history.

“It’s just crazy to see him keep doing this,’ Schumaker says. “You didn’t know if he would even come back after a couple of surgeries. He comes back, and even though he’s throwing 89-91 [mph] now instead of 97, he’s still beating guys inside with his fastball, and pitches with so much intent and conviction.’

Kershaw, who didn’t start pitching this season for the Dodgers until May 17 after undergoing knee and toe surgeries during the off-season, is 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA, striking out 29 batters in 38 ⅔ innings. Who knows how much longer he’ll pitch, or how long his body holds out – but the way he’s going, why stop now?

“It’s cool to have moments like these that shake you up a little bit,’ Verlander says. “Getting to that number kind of puts things in perspective. But the great ones don’t rest on their laurels. They keep working hard, put their nose to the grindstone, and want to keep being great.

“That’s Kershaw.’

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

LOS ANGELES – Clayton Kershaw is close to joining an exclusive club as the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher gets ready for his scheduled start against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, July 2.

The 37-year-old left-hander enters the game needing just three strikeouts to become the 20th pitcher in baseball history to strike out 3,000 batters.

On May 25, 2008, he struck out his first batter as a 20-year-old rookie making his major-league debut with the Dodgers. The strikeouts began to pile up as his 18-year career has unfolded.

‘It’s the last box for Clayton to check in his tremendous career,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game. ‘To be able to potentially do it at home in front of our fans, I think we’re all looking forward to that.’

Kershaw led the National League in strikeouts three times – 2011, 2013 and 2015 – and recorded a career-high 301 in 2015.

Kershaw has tormented batters with his slider and curveball and throws a four-seam fastball that registered as fast as 96 mph. Of course, he has done far more than amass strikeouts.

Before the game Wednesday, he had a record of 216-94 and a career ERA of 2.51. He is considered a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame and will become eligible five years after he retires.

How to watch Dodgers vs. White Sox: Time, TV channel, stream

Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
TV channel: MLB Network
Live stream:Fubo, MLB.TV

Watch on Fubo

Is Clayton Kershaw the greatest Dodgers pitcher ever?

Before the game, Roberts was asked if Kershaw is the greatest pitcher in Dodgers history. In other words: is Kershaw better than Dodgers pitching legends Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale?

“That’s a tough one,’ Roberts said, indicating he had not compared the three pitchers’ accomplishments. But then he referenced Kershaw’s 18-year career.

“It’s hard to not say Clayton is the greatest Dodger (pitcher) of all time, as far as you’re talking about body of work. … Yeah, he’s a unicorn.’

Clayton Kershaw’s first strikeout victim remembers debut

The Cardinals didn’t have any tape of the 20-year-old kid who was going to make his major-league debut on May 25, 2008. No one had any scouting reports. No one faced him in the minors. So, they began asking each other if anyone knew anything about the Dodgers’ prized prospect.

Skip Schumaker was leading off for the Cardinals and stepped to the plate with a game plan.

“I figured I was going to ambush him and welcome him to the big leagues,’ Schumaker told USA TODAY Sports. “The first pitch was an elevated fastball. It was harder and faster than I thought, and I swung and missed. Then he threw a curveball. It was something different. It was like nothing I had ever seen before.

“And then, well, I struck out.’

Schumaker finished his career 0-for-7 against Kershaw with six strikeouts – and grounded into a double play.

“Clayton Kershaw,’ Schumaker says, “is the most dominant pitcher I’ve ever played against in my career. I’ve never seen anybody like him.”

– Bob Nightengale

How many strikeouts does Clayton Kershaw have?

Kershaw enters his start on July 2 with 2,997 career strikeouts – in 2,781 ⅓ innings.

White Sox lineup vs. Kershaw

Chase Meidroth (R) SS
Austin Slater (R) LF
Miguel Vargas (R) 1B
Andrew Benintendi (L) DH
Edgar Quero (S) C
Lenyn Sosa (R) 2B
Mike Tauchman (L) RF
Michael A. Taylor (R) CF
Vinny Capra (R) 3B

Dodgers lineup tonight

Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
Mookie Betts (R) SS
Will Smith (R) C
Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
Andy Pages (R) RF
Max Muncy (L) 3B
Michael Conforto (L) LF
Tommy Edman (S) CF
Hyeseong Kim (L) 2B

Following the rousing success of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, international hockey will return to the forefront in Milan in 2026.

With an agreement officially signed on Wednesday, July 2, the NHL, NHLPA, IOC and IIHF will allow NHL players to participate in the Olympics for the first time since 2014. The agreement also leaves a path for players to play in the 2030 Games in the French Alps.

NHL fans witnessed an amuse-bouche of what to expect during the thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off between the USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, in which Canada won gold with a 3-2 win at the TD Garden in Boston courtesy of a game-winning overtime goal from Connor McDavid. The game reached a pitched intensity early, with three fights in the first nine seconds and goalies Jordan Binnington (Canada) and eventual NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck (USA) putting on masterclasses in a tightly-contested game.

The agreement is new only in signature, as NHL players were already being tapped for the 2026 Olympics. However, it’s a huge breakthrough after the league missed the past two Winter Games.

‘Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage,’ NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said, per The Athletic. “We are proud to collaborate with the IIHF, NHLPA and IOC to bring the best hockey players in the world to the Olympics and make this happen in a way that benefits the game globally.’

Why didn’t NHL players compete in 2018, 2022 Olympics?

Logistics have kept NHL players out of the past two Olympic Games.

2014 was a brutal year for NHL players in the Olympics, with several players suffering injuries in Sochi. John Tavares tore his meniscus, ending his season, Henrik Zetterberg reaggravated a persistent back injury, which resulted in him getting surgery and ending his season, and several other players got injuries that hampered their returns from the NHL’s Olympic break.

While not a direct result of those injuries, the NHL did not return in 2018 because of disputes between the league and the IOC. Questions arose around who would cover insurance for the players. According to Time, the IOC previously paid for travel, insurance and lodging for players but would not have continued to do so in 2018. While the IIHF offered to front $20 million for costs, the looming risk of injury was ultimately too much to bear, according to the league.

Will the NHL have a midseason Olympic break?

Because the Winter Games fall in the middle of the NHL season, there will be a break for the 2026 Games.

The result will be a slightly truncated schedule for the league upon its return.

Will Russian hockey players compete in 2026 Olympic Games?

With the Russia/Belarus doping bans being extended, Russia will not participate in the 2026 Olympics.

That likely closes the door on NHL all-time goal scorer Alex Ovechkin’s − he will be 40 years old in September − chance at a gold medal. Russia was eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

The ‘Olympic Athletes from Russia’ won gold in Pyeongchang in 2018, without Ovechkin due to NHL players not competing. While Russia was technically banned in 2018, it was allowed to compete and had the Olympic banner rather than the Russian flag.

Will NHL athletes compete in 2030?

The question now, of course, is what comes next?

The NHL and NHLPA signed a CBA extension on June 27 that will go into effect for the 2026-27 season and run until the 2029-30 season, and is expected to cover the French Alps iteration of the Winter Games. That extension allows players to participate in the Olympics.

Of course, with the 2034 Winter Olympics taking place in Salt Lake City, players will undoubtedly want to continue to play internationally in perpetuity.