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Sydney Sweeney jeans controversy making advertising great again

Why did the Sydney Sweeney ad for American Eagle become such a national sensation that has lasted multiple weeks? 

What made this story unique is that it wasn’t the outrage that prolonged the story but the reaction to that outrage. It represented a win for normalcy after many years of abnormal hysteria. 

Sydney Sweeney has great jeans, proclaims the American Eagle ad released toward the end of July. The ad has been called racist, sexist and more. The controversy ostensibly stems from a pun. The accusation that the play on words, that Sweeney actually has good genes, means celebrating eugenics. 

In one video, Sweeney says, ‘Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue.’

Thousands of internet commenters weighed in angrily about the ad, both because of the pun and because they didn’t approve of Sweeney’s classic American blonde hair, blue eyed beauty. Vanity Fair called the ad a ‘very, very bad idea.’ Megan Graham at the Wall Street Journal called the ad ‘male-geared’ and quoted TikTok users who used the term ‘male gaze,’ a silly film term that alleges women are often portrayed only for the consumption of a male audience.

The New York Times took issue with Sweeney doing so many ads for different brands. ‘Why does an actress who has two Emmy Award nominations and has been featured in a number of films and TV shows — including the hit rom-com ‘Anyone But You,’ which brought in over $200 million worldwide — need to lend her face to so many brands?’ they wondered while closely inspecting her bank account.

The Sweeney ad didn’t just show a beautiful girl in tight jeans. It represented a shift in culture, the left felt it and it made them angry. But the real test of that shift is what came next. Nothing. 

It’s one thing for a brand to make what used to be considered a fairly safe ad featuring a pretty girl wearing the clothes in a provocative fashion. It’s another for that brand to stand by it amid backlash. American Eagle put out a short statement noting ‘it’s always been about the jeans.’ What would have been a groveling apology just a few years ago was suddenly a terse comment telling people, essentially, to get over it.

One of the top comments on their Instagram page noted ‘It’s giving ‘I’m sorry you feel that way” which is another way of saying it’s a non-apology. That’s exactly right. American Eagle isn’t sorry and they shouldn’t be. Sweeney hasn’t commented publicly about the non-controversy at all.

Sweeney has been the center of dumb internet storms before and it’s possible she learned some lessons. Three years ago, Sweeney posted photos from her mom’s 60th birthday and, in the blurry background of some of the photos, red hats in the style of the Trump campaign’s MAGA hats are visible. Her brother pointed out that the hats actually read ‘Make Sixty Great Again,’ which did little to assuage the mob. 

At first, Sweeney tried to brush it off, posting on her then-Twitter account that ‘An innocent celebration for my moms milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions.’

But it was 2022 and the mob had total control over the narrative. A year later, in an interview with Variety, Sweeney somewhat capitulated and noted, ‘The people in the pictures weren’t even my family.’ In that same interview, Variety described her bikini photo shoot with them as channeling ‘a ’90s-throwback magazine queen.’ Somehow she wasn’t catering to the male gaze then.

In the parsing of the American Eagle story, some outlets have pointed out that Sweeney posted a Black Lives Matters post in 2020, which feels particularly Soviet. Does this person really believe? Is their zeal real? Is she for us or against us? Then the news broke that Sweeney had registered as a Republican.

A few days ago, the president gave new life to the story when he was asked about it. President Donald Trump responded, ‘You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans. That’s what I wouldn’t have known. But I’m glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!’ The truth is, the ad is fantastic whether she’s a Republican or not. 

The larger win here is for giving people what they want. American Eagle wasn’t making a political statement, it was making a marketing one. Pretty girls wear our clothing and you should too. In May, American Eagle was forced to downgrade their outlook for the year after lackluster sales. Since the controversy, their stock price is up. 

If it’s true that they have good jeans, their growth will continue. They’ve done a service for the American people by standing their ground and focusing on their product.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Nagasaki mayor issues chilling warning on 80th anniversary of atomic bombing

As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings, the mayor of Nagasaki is warning that the world could see the same kind of devastating attack again.

Approximately 2,600 people, including representatives from 90 countries, attended the memorial event on Saturday at Nagasaki Peace Park, according to the Associated Press. At 11:02 a.m., the exact time the bomb exploded over the city, the attendees held a moment of silence. Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki, whose parents survived the 1945 attack, addressed the crowd and called for global action against nuclear weapons.

‘Conflicts around the world are intensifying in a vicious cycle of confrontation and fragmentation,’ Suzuki told a crowd on Saturday, according to a translation by The Mainichi. ‘If we continue on this trajectory, we will end up thrusting ourselves into a nuclear war. This existential crisis of humanity has become imminent to each and every one of us living on Earth.’

Mayors for Peace, which brings together mayors and city leaders from across the globe, is holding its 11th General Conference in Nagasaki this weekend as the city mourns the tragic day. The organization’s aim is to abolish nuclear weapons, a point Suzuki emphasized in his remarks.

‘In order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site, it is essential to show a specific course of action for achieving the abolition of nuclear weapons. Procrastination can no longer be tolerated,’ Suzuki said, according to The Mainichi. 

The mayor also noted that the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ‘will represent a crucial moment capable of swaying the fate of humanity.’

Every five years, world leaders meet to review the provisions of the NPT, which was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, 25 years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan three days apart. The first was dropped on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and the second was dropped on Nagasaki three days later, on Aug. 9. The bombs decimated both cities, leading to Japan’s surrender on Aug. 15, 1945, and later the end of World War II.

A bomb nicknamed ‘Little Boy,’ weighing approximately 9,000 pounds and producing an explosive force equivalent to 20,000 tons of TNT, detonated 1,800 feet over Hiroshima, causing massive devastation. ‘Fat Man,’ the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, weighed 10,000 pounds and detonated at approximately the same altitude as ‘Little Boy.’

‘I would like to express my deepest condolences for the lives claimed by the atomic bombings, and to all of the victims of war,’ Suzuki said, according to The Mainichi. ‘In marking 80 years from the atomic bombing, Nagasaki has resolved to continue our duty to relay, both inside Japan and overseas, the memories of the bombing, which are a common heritage to all humanity and should be passed down for generations throughout the world.’

He concluded with a declaration, which was also translated by The Mainichi: ‘I hereby declare that in order to make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site now and forever, we will go hand-in-hand with global citizens and devote our utmost efforts towards the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of everlasting world peace.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Fever lose two guards for rest of season; Caitlin Clark unsure of return

The Indiana Fever will be without guards Sydney Colson (ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken foot) for the rest of the season.
These injuries come as the Fever are already playing without star guard Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury.
Clark expressed frustration with her injury-riddled season on Sue Bird’s podcast.

The Indiana Fever, who are already without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, announced Friday they have lost two more guards — Sydney Colson (left ACL tear) and Aari McDonald (broken right foot) — for the remainder of the season.

League rules don’t allow the Fever to sign a hardship player until after Saturday’s game against Chicago, meaning they will have nine players available for that contest. The teams meet at 8 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Colson and McDonald each suffered injuries during the Fever’s loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, Aug. 7. Colson was injured in the first quarter of the game in Phoenix while trying to track down the basketball near the Fever’s bench. McDonald left the game limping in the fourth quarter. Neither player returned.

For her part, Clark appeared on Sue Bird’s podcast, ‘Bird’s Eye View,’ on Friday and spoke about the frustrations of her injury-filled season and not having a grip on when she will be able to come back. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2024, Clark has played in 13 of 32 games this season and remains out indefinitely with a right groin injury.

“Obviously, there are really frustrating days and there are days where it’s a little bit easier and you’re very motivated and you’re close to the finish line of getting back,’ Clark told Bird on the podcast.

“It’s not like I have a training camp to build up to play in my first game again. It’s like no, you’re tossed into game 30 — like, ‘Go try to play well.’ It’s hard, it really is.”

Clark is averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds and 8.8 assists while shooting 36.7% from the field, including 27.9% from 3-point range.  

‘It’s just been so challenging being active, playing four games, and then not,’ Clark said. ‘Not feeling the best and then frustrated of how hard I worked in the offseason and all I do is rehab and continue to do this process.

‘That’s been the hardest part, the stop-and-go of everything.’

Clark shared that she understands how much fans enjoy seeing her play and plans to continue to travel with Indiana Fever regardless of her injury.

‘You want to play,’ Clark said, knowing that people bought tickets for her games to get the chance to see a deep 3-pointer or amazing pass. ‘But I still try and make it memorable. I am going to sign autographs for way longer when I am hurt than when I am not injured.’

Clark started the season with a left quad injury, then injured her left groin and now the right. She said her mom texted her after the most recent setback and urged her to take the time she needs to heal.

‘She said, ‘You have given so much to the game, take some time for yourself,” Clark said.

Clark also eluded about her career after basketball, joking about becoming a college coach because of the lack of defense played at that level. She then talked about being on the sidelines at games, ‘coaching the refs.’

‘I should be ref,’ she joked. ‘I’d wouldn’t miss a call.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Bed Bath & Beyond relaunches with first store in Nashville, plans dozens more

Bed Bath & Beyond is back — kind of.

The bankrupt home goods chain is being resurrected by the owners and licensees of its intellectual property, which opened the first new Bed Bath & Beyond store in Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday with potentially dozens of more to come.

This time around, the store has a new name — Bed Bath & Beyond Home — and marks a “fresh start” for the beloved brand, said Amy Sullivan, the CEO of The Brand House Collective, the store’s operator.

“We’re proud to reintroduce one of retail’s most iconic names with the launch of Bed Bath & Beyond Home, beautifully reimagined for how families gather at home today,” Sullivan said in a news release. “With Bed Bath & Beyond Home we’re delivering on our mission to offer great brands, for any budget, in every room. It’s a powerful addition to our portfolio and a meaningful step forward in our transformation.”

In honor of the brand’s legacy, the new store will accept the brand’s famous 20% coupon, regardless of when it expired.

“We encourage guests to bring in their legacy Bed Bath & Beyond coupons which we will gladly honor,” the company said in a news release. “The coupon we all know and love is back and for those who need one, a fresh version will be waiting at the door.”

Bed Bath and Beyond 2.0 has been several years in the making and involved a rigmarole of corporate acquisitions and rebrandings. When the original Bed Bath and Beyond filed for bankruptcy in April 2023 following a string of corporate missteps, it struggled to find a buyer and ended up liquidating and selling off its business in parts. Overstock.com later bought the brand’s intellectual property, rebranded its business to Beyond Inc. and launched an online-only version of Bed Bath and Beyond.

What followed from there was a dizzying array of corporate deal-making. Ultimately, Beyond took an ownership stake in Kirkland’s Inc., a home decor chain with around 300 stores across the U.S., and gave it the exclusive license to develop and create Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores, as well as Buy Buy Baby stores.

Kirkland’s later rebranded to The Brand House Collective and plans to convert some of its existing Kirkland’s Home stores into more Bed Bath and Beyond shops. Friday’s launch in Nashville is the first of six planned for the market and, pending the results, it plans to convert around 75 additional stores through 2026.

The company said it chose Nashville for the launch because of its proximity to its corporate headquarters, which will allow it to “closely manage every detail and set the standard for future rollouts.”

While the relaunch is exciting for fans of the legacy brand, it comes at a difficult time for the home decor market. In many ways, Bed Bath & Beyond’s bankruptcy was the fault of its management team and execution missteps, but it also faced macro challenges as well, experts said at the time. Competition from players like Amazon, Walmart, Home Goods and Wayfair has made it harder for other brands to capture customer spend, and the overall sector has been soft for several years because of high interest rates and the sluggish housing market.

Even the current leaders in the home decor space have seen soft trends and it’s unlikely that will change until interest rates fall and the housing market picks back up, some analysts have said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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MIKE DAVIS: Eric Tung is Trump’s pick to bring sanity to the Ninth Circuit

On July 15, President Trump nominated my friend and former Gorsuch clerk colleague Eric Tung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. If confirmed, Tung will succeed Judge Sandra Ikuta, who recently assumed senior status after a distinguished tenure. Judge Ikuta leaves behind a strong legacy, one Tung is more than equipped to uphold and extend.

Tung’s credentials are exceptional. He earned a philosophy degree from Yale in 2006 and graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School in 2010. While there, he served as managing editor of the University of Chicago Law Review, one of the most rigorous legal journals in the country.

Following law school, Tung clerked for two of the most respected jurists in America: then-Judge Neil Gorsuch on the Tenth Circuit and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. These clerkships are offered only to the legal elite. Even among that group, Tung stood out.

Although President Trump made inroads during his first term in balancing out the nation’s most liberal federal appeals court outside of Washington, D.C., of the 29 active judges, 16 were Democratic nominees. Tung replacing Ikuta won’t change that balance, but it will ensure the vacated seat remains in the hands of a strong constitutionalist.

Tung’s brilliance, ethics, and temperament have earned him bipartisan respect. A letter supporting his nomination was signed by fellow Supreme Court clerks from across the ideological spectrum, from Justice Ginsburg’s to Justice Thomas’. That level of cross-aisle support is rare and speaks volumes.

One signer, Danielle Sassoon, a former federal prosecutor who has publicly disagreed with the Trump administration, went out of her way to endorse Tung. Her support underscores how widely admired he is for his intellect and integrity, regardless of politics.

Ultimately, what really matters is Tung’s record, and it’s unimpeachable. He is a brilliant legal mind, a fair-minded jurist, and a committed constitutionalist.

Tung’s experience goes far beyond the top of the legal profession. He served in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy, where he helped vet judicial nominees, giving him a firsthand look at what makes a good judge. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, he prosecuted serious criminal cases, gaining invaluable courtroom experience. Now a partner at Jones Day, Tung handles complex appellate and trial work at a national level.

Although President Trump made inroads during his first term in balancing out the nation’s most liberal federal appeals court outside of Washington, D.C., of the 29 active judges, 16 were Democratic nominees. Tung replacing Ikuta won’t change that balance, but it will ensure the vacated seat remains in the hands of a strong constitutionalist.

Despite this impeccable record, Tung’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was marred by partisan theatrics. Several Democrat senators ignored his qualifications and fixated instead on social media posts I had written. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., quoted part of an old post of mine and demanded Tung ‘condemn’ it. Tung, noting the canons of judicial ethics, rightly declined to weigh in, clarifying that my opinions are not necessarily his.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., followed suit, hitting Tung over a post where I had labeled certain Democrats ‘evil Marxists.’ Booker then attempted to cast himself as a model of bipartisan civility, citing his friendship with Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., conveniently omitting that he once claimed supporters of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court were ‘complicit in evil.’ Again, Tung refused to be drawn into political grandstanding, displaying the restraint and poise we should expect from a federal judge.

This guilt-by-association line of attack is dishonest and irrelevant. Tung’s record speaks for itself. Rather than engage with his legal merits, some senators tried to hijack yet another Judiciary Committee  hearing to score cheap political points. Tung never took the bait.

His nomination also highlights the double standard in how judicial diversity is treated. As the son of Chinese immigrants and a fluent Mandarin speaker, one would think Democrats would celebrate Tung at least for their sacred metrics of representation and diversity on the federal bench. But because he’s a conservative, his background is downplayed, or even used against him. The selective celebration of diversity and identity politics in judicial nominations is glaring.

Ultimately, what really matters is Tung’s record, and it’s unimpeachable. He is a brilliant legal mind, a fair-minded jurist, and a committed constitutionalist. His combination of courtroom experience, academic rigor, and ethical clarity makes him an ideal appellate judge.

The Senate should rise above political posturing and confirm Eric Tung without delay. His confirmation will not only fortify the Ninth Circuit, but strengthen the rule of law nationwide. President Trump’s reshaping of the federal judiciary with principled, constitutionalist judges will take a significant step forward with Tung’s appointment.

Eric Tung is exactly the kind of judge Americans want: sharp, steady, and scrupulously fair. The Senate must act upon its return and confirm him in September.

Mike Davis is the founder and president of the Article III Project.

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Browns coach mum on QB competition after Shedeur Sanders debut

Shedeur Sanders enjoyed a quality preseason debut in the Cleveland Browns’ 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Despite Sanders’ strong performance, Kevin Stefanski didn’t immediately make it clear whether that would help the 23-year-old rookie move up Cleveland’s crowded quarterback depth chart.

‘We’re really just focused on developing our players,’ Stefanski told reporters when asked about the Browns’ quarterback competition in a postgame news conference. ‘We’re in evaluation mode. I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into the quarterback competition.’

Sanders, listed as the team’s fourth-string quarterback, started and played a majority of Cleveland’s preseason debut. He was granted the opportunity as the team’s 40-year-old listed starter, Joe Flacco, was held out of the game while second- and third-string quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel missed the game due to hamstring injuries.

Sanders played 10 of Cleveland’s 13 drives, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns across his extensive action. The Colorado product was sacked just twice, did not throw an interception and posted an impressive 106.8 passer rating.

Stefanski called the reps Sanders received ‘invaluable.’ He also implied the young quarterback would have a big role in Cleveland’s offensive game plan in the team’s preseason Week 2 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘He’ll get a ton of reps next week as well,’ Stefanski said. ‘That’s all a part of our development of our young players.’

Still, it remains unclear whether that development will include a move up Cleveland’s depth chart.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Shedeur Sanders makes NFL debut as Browns face Panthers: Highlights

Shedeur Sanders made his much-anticipated Cleveland Browns debut on Friday. The fifth-round rookie lived up to the hype and put together an impressive performance in a 30-10 Browns win.

Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes during the contest for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked just twice during the game and didn’t turn the ball over while playing most of the first three quarters of the game.

Sanders’ chance to start for Cleveland came as Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel missed the game due to hamstring injuries while 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco was simply held out of the game.

That opened the door for Sanders to star, while recently signed fifth-string quarterback Tyler Huntley (6-for-8 passing, 51 yards, one touchdown) also fared well.

USA TODAY Sports tracked live updates from Sanders’ Browns debut. Here’s a look at the major highlights from the contest.

Ryan Fitzgerald makes 32-yard field goal

The Panthers got on the board for the first time since the first quarter in the final two minutes of the game. Fitzgerald, a rookie kicker, was given a chance to attempt a 32-yard field goal and made it. That should put a bow on the Browns-Panthers preseason game, as Cleveland will likely take a knee, up 20 points in the final couple minutes. Browns 30, Panthers 10.

Tyler Huntley hits Cade McDonald for 6-yard touchdown

Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdowns to Kaden Davis. Tyler Huntley’s score went to Cade McDonald, who broke free on the left side of the field and waltzed untouched into the end-zone.

The Browns made the extra point to extend their lead to 23. Browns 30, Panthers 7.

Dustin Hopkins makes 23-yard field goal

Tyler Huntley got the Browns into scoring position on his first drive of the game. Hopkins capped it off with a chip-shot field goal make to extend Cleveland’s lead. Browns 23, Panthers 7.

Shedeur Sanders stats today

Below is a full look at Sanders’ stats from his preseason debut:

Completions/Attempts: 14/23
Passing yards: 138 yards
Passing touchdowns: 2
Passer rating: 106.8
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing yards: 19 (four carries)
Sacks: 2

Shedeur Sanders replaced by Tyler Huntley

Sanders’ NFL debut is now in the books. With 2:12 remaining in the third quarter, the Browns trotted onto the field with Tyler Huntley in at quarterback. That will put a bow on a strong showing from Sanders, who did well to state his case to move up Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart.

Browns score on 4-yard jet sweep

Gage Larvadain has found his way into the end-zone. On a fourth-and-1 from the 4-yard line, the rookie receiver got the ball on an end-around carry. He found space to the outside and ran it into the end-zone to put the Browns up 14.

Sanders wasn’t credited with a touchdown on the run, but he completed both of his passes on the drive for 27 yards.

Shedeur Sanders sacked for second time

Cleveland went three-and-out on its first drive of the second half and saw Sanders sacked for the second time. He was brought down by Demani Richardson from behind for a loss of 5 yards.

The sack marked the first time Sanders was tackled hard on a passing play. His previous sack saw him get pushed out of bounds while running toward the sideline.

LeBron James praises Shedeur Sanders

Deion Sanders isn’t the only one praising his son for his performance Friday. LeBron James, who is a big Browns fan, also took to social media to praise Sanders and encouraged the Cleveland quarterback to ‘Keep going UP!!!’

Shedeur Sanders halftime stats

Sanders’ Browns debut has gone well so far. Cleveland has a 14-7 halftime lead, and Sanders has been responsible for both of the team’s scores.

Below is a look at his stats from the first half:

Completions/Attempts: 11/18
Passing yards: 103
Passing touchdowns: 2
Passer rating: 113.9
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (Lost): 0
Rushing yards: 20 (three carries)
Sacks: 1

Shedeur Sanders throws second TD of first half to Kaden Davis

For the second time of the first half, Sanders finds Davis for a touchdown. This time, the Colorado product hung in the pocket as his running back made a nice block on a Panthers defender. Sanders spotted Davis breaking open over the middle of the field and hit him for the score.

Once again, the Browns made the extra point. They now have their first lead of the game. Browns 14, Panthers 7.

Shedeur Sanders completes 29-yard pass to Luke Floriea

Sanders’ strong first half continues. This time, he finds Floriea open down the right sideline after scrambling away from pressure and into a throwing position.

Sanders layered his throw into the coverage well. Floriea managed to make a brilliant one-handed catch on the ball to create Cleveland’s biggest play of the first half thus far.

Deion Sanders praises Shedeur Sanders after TD throw

Shortly after Sanders tossed his first touchdown throw, his father took to social media to praise him for the play.

Shedeur Sanders sacked for first time

The bad news: Sanders was sacked for the first time of the game to end the Browns’ fifth offensive drive of the game. The good news: it was just for a 1-yard loss, as he managed to scramble around the backfield for a long time before eventually running out of bounds after losing the angle to the sideline.

Sanders may not be able to continue to get away with scrambling deep into the backfield as his NFL career continues, but thus far, he has managed to elude many significant mistakes.

Shedeur Sanders converts third-down on strike to Gage Larvadain

The Browns faced a third-and-9 from inside their own 9-yard line when Sanders found Larvadain on the left side of the field. Sanders hung amid pressure at his feet near the goal-line and delivered a rocket to his receiver, who made the catch and generated a few yards after it.

Shedeur Sanders throws first TD pass with Browns

Sanders got the Browns into the end-zone following the botched punt, and the score was a thing of beauty. The Colorado product bootlegged to the left after a play-action fake and saw he had a small window to fit the ball into Kaden Davis.

Sanders threaded the needle between two defenders to perfectly deliver it to Davis. The Browns converted the ensuing extra point to tie the game. Browns 7, Panthers 7.

Browns stall out, get second chance after botched punt

A few Browns rush attempts, a little miscommunication and a muffed punt by Carolina’s Trevor Etienne led to a second chance to put points on the board for Sanders and the Browns offense. They took over on the Panthers’ 10-yard line

Bryce Young hits Jalen Coker for 5-yard touchdown

The Panthers got on the board first during Friday night’s clash. Young found Coker open in the end-zone on a third-and-goal and feathered a pretty pass to the Holy Cross product.

The Panthers brought Matthew Wright on to attempt the extra point and he made it. That gives the Panthers an early lead and will put Sanders on the comeback trail. Panthers 7, Browns 0.

Xavier Legette, Rayshawn Jenkins ejected after brawl

The Browns vs. Panthers game got chippy early, as Legette threw a few punches at Jenkins, who ripped the helmet off the second-year wide-out as part of the melee.

Legette and Jenkins were called for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and were ejected from the game.

Shedeur Sanders throws ball away after being pressured on fourth-and-1

Kevin Stefanski gave Sanders and the Browns offense a chance to prove itself on a fourth-and-1. The rookie quarterback once again found himself under pressure and tried to escape it by running backward. He couldn’t shake the defense, falling back near midfield before uncorking a throw toward the right sideline that harmlessly felt incomplete.

Sanders is now 3-for-7 passing for 30 yards during his Browns debut. He also has 10 yards on one scramble.

Shedeur Sanders uses legs to pick up first down

Sanders was pressured on a third-and-9 but managed to escape. He found a lane to the right side of the field and ran for 10 yards before sliding down to keep the chains moving.

The scramble put the Browns at the back end of potential field-goal range.

Shedeur Sanders completes pass to Kaden Davis, can’t convert third down

Sanders is officially on the board with his first completion. He found Davis for a 4-yard gain, but the receiver was tackled inches shy of the line to gain.

As a result, the Browns decided to punt, meaning Sanders’ first drive will end in a 3-and-out.

Shedeur Sanders’ first pass incomplete to Diontae Johnson

Sanders’ first throw as a member of the Browns was intended for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson. The rookie quarterback targeted the former Pittsburgh Steelers star on a slant over the middle but couldn’t connect. The throw was a little high and bounced off Johnson’s hands.

Browns vs. Panthers start time

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025 
Time: 7 p.m. ET

The Browns vs. Panthers game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET Friday. That will be NFL fans’ first chance to get an extended look at Shedeur Sanders, who is starting the game. 

Browns vs. Panthers TV channel 

Cable TV: NFL Network
Local TV: News 5 (Cleveland) | WJZY (Carolina)
Streaming: NFL+ | Fubo

NFL Network will broadcast Shedeur Sanders’ Browns debut against the Panthers. Those in the Cleveland market will be able to catch the game on News 5 while those in the Carolina area will be able to catch the game on WJZY.

Those choosing to live stream the game can turn to Fubo, which carries a free trial.

Watch NFL Network with Fubo (free trial)

What number is Shedeur Sanders?

Sanders is wearing the No. 12 jersey during his rookie season with the Browns. 

Sanders wore the No. 2 jersey during his college days at Colorado. That number belonged to receiver-slash-return specialist DeAndre Carter when Sanders joined the Browns.

Sanders has not commented on the significance of the No. 12 jersey. It’s worth noting his college teammate Travis Hunter wore the No. 12 at Colorado. Tom Brady, who has been a mentor to Sanders, also wore the No. 12 throughout his professional career with the Patriots and Buccaneers.

Shedeur Sanders draft pick

Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 144th overall selection. He was the sixth quarterback selected and the first taken on the draft’s third day.

Browns QB depth chart

The Browns have six quarterbacks currently on their 90-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order among the group. 

Joe Flacco 
Kenny Pickett 
Dillon Gabriel 
Shedeur Sanders 
Tyler Huntley 
Deshaun Watson 

Watson isn’t expected to play in 2025 after suffering multiple Achilles tears in a three-month span last season. Flacco, Pickett and Gabriel will not play in the preseason opener, as the latter two deal with hamstring injuries while Flacco, 40, will simply not be active.

Shedeur Sanders passing yards

Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against the Panthers.

Browns vs. Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under

The Panthers are favorites to defeat the Browns, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2025 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code. 

Spread: Panthers (-6.5) 
Moneyline: Panthers (-300); Browns (+240) 
Over/under: 32.5 

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered. 

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

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WNBA issues statement about arena safety in midst of sex toy trend

The WNBA issued a statement Friday about the sex toys have been thrown in arenas and onto the court at games over the past two weeks.

“The safety of everyone in our arenas remains a top priority,’ a WNBA spokesperson said in a statement. ‘We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement to pursue all appropriate actions — including arrest and prosecution with felony charges where applicable — against anyone engaged in this conduct or otherwise involved in sponsoring this reckless and unacceptable behavior.”

Most of the toys thrown on the court have been green and a cryptocurrency meme coin creator took responsibility for the trend.

The group said they are planning more ‘pranks’ as a protest against the ‘toxic’ environment in the crypto world and they’re not meant to disrespect women athletes.

Seven known incidents of sex toys being thrown at WNBA games, with four reaching the court during live game action, have taken place since July 29. The latest incident came on Thursday night when the Chicago Sky played host to the Atlanta Dream. Two sex toys came down from the stands in the waning minutes. One made it to the court and play had to be stopped.

The first incident occurred on July 29, when the Golden State Valkyries were playing the Atlanta Dream at the Gateway Center Arena.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure and criminal trespass. A second individual was also arrested for one of the incidents at a different WNBA game.

The Crypto group spokesperson stated that the two individuals arrested were not part of the group.

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBAPA, also released a statement on behalf of the players’ union regarding the situation.

“Upon our request for an update, the league advised the players’ union that it was investigating claims that individuals were being incentivized to carry out these unsafe stunts,” Jackson said.

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Panthers’ Xavier Legette, Browns’ Rayshawn Jenkins ejected after brawl

The anticipated preseason matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers got chippy early on Friday night.

Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins got into a scuffle on Carolina’s second drive of the game. The two were tangled up after the play before Legette, a second-year pro, threw a few punches at Jenkins.

Jenkins, a nine-year veteran, then proceeded to grab Legette’s helmet while the receiver tried to tackle him. As Legette went to the ground, Jenkins was able to rip off his helmet.

Officials threw several flags as a result of the melee. After an extended huddle, they called Legette and Jenkins for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejected them from the game.

Jenkins, who is battling for a backup safety role in Cleveland was replaced by fellow veteran Damontae Kazee.

Meanwhile, Legette’s exit gave fellow second-year wide-out Jalen Coker more time to play with Bryce Young. The Holy Cross product made the most of it, catching a 5-yard touchdown to cap off Carolina’s second drive of the evening.

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Deion Sanders reacts to son Shedeur’s NFL debut

It’s prime time for Prime Time’s son.

Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut during the Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers preseason Week 1 matchup, and he found the end zone with a pretty throw for his first taste of NFL paydirt in the first half.

Of course, Deion Sanders was glued to the TV, and he had a quick, satisfactory reaction to his son’s touchdown.

‘Yes Lawd! Yes! @ShedeurSanders,’ the elder Sanders posted on X on Friday night.

Later, after Sanders’ second TD pass to Kaden Davis, Coach Prime fired up the X machine once again to post another celebratory reaction.

‘Oh yeah what now! #CoachPrime’ he posted.

After a slow start for the fifth-round pick, the younger Sanders notched the two touchdown passes and finished the half 11-of-18 passing for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

The greatest score, however, may be the joy and elation from his dad.

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