SPORTS
Athletes settle in at Games Village
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
ead coach
HTito Moss said The Bahamas’ 15-member team has settled in at the Games Village in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, and is getting ready for the start of the World Athletics Championships at the Tokyo National Stadium.
The championships will get started on Saturday for Team Bahamas with Terrence Jones, Anthaya Charlton and Camille Rutherford entered in the men’s and women’s 100 metres preliminaries, followed by
Devynne Charlton, Denisha Cartwright and Charisma Taylor in the preliminaries of the women’s 100m hurdles on Sunday.
“The full team is here,” said Moss as they waited for javelin throwers Keyshawn Strachan and Rhema Otabor to make their way to Tokyo yesterday to join the rest of the squad, named by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.
Moss noted that the other members, including quarter-milers Javonya Valcourt and Printassia Johnson, sprinter Anthonique Strachan, Terrence Jones and Ian Kerr, high jumper Donald Thomas, triple jumper Kaiwan Culmer and decathlete Kendrick
Thompson, were in earlier and have been getting acclimated to the conditions in Tokyo.
“So far, so good,” Moss said. “We will be having a general team meeting today, but so far everything is going great. Everybody is fine tuning for the competition.”
Moss said the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, the site of the Games Village, has far exceeded the expectations for everyone.
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BLTA placed ‘in dispute status’ by Bahamas Olympic Committee
By JONATHAN BURROWS
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) has been placed “in dispute status” by the Bahamas Olympic Committee concerning its Olympic accreditation – according to documents reviewed by The Tribune. However, when asked for confirmation, officials declined to respond.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has also advised the BLTA to consider postponing its upcoming general elections, scheduled for September
13, until concerns over membership eligibility are fully resolved. In a letter dated September 9 and addressed to BLTA president Perry Newton, the ministry highlighted the importance of transparency and compliance with recent court rulings.
The correspondence referenced the Court of Appeal’s July 22 decision, which declared the BLTA’s 2021 Annual General Elections invalid and directed that “all pending membership applications be processed in keeping with the BLTA’s constitution”.
The ministry also said membership processes “must remain transparent and inclusive,” warning that any refusal to process applications “without just cause could be viewed as inconsistent with the Court’s ruling and the principles of natural justice”.
The letter also said, “court orders carry binding effect”, noting that full compliance was necessary to maintain stability and credibility for both the association and its members. Citing its responsibility
BLTA - See Page E2
“It’s a huge facility with just about all of the athletes staying in the sme accommodations,” Moss said. “They have about 600 rooms split in three towers UPTOP ELITE TOURNAMENT
KRISTOFF MAKES AN IMPACT
WITH the return of school, Jordan Prince Williams is hoping that versatile Kristoff Munroe, who made this year’s CARIFTA team, will inspire other studentathletes to excel in their respective disciplines.
Munroe, who attended Jordan Prince Williams High School from 20212025, transferred to Temple Christian Academy where he is now enrolled in grade 11 with
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
a goal of making his second straight appearance at the CARIFTA Games.
“I’m trying to work on my 400m hurdles, my 400 and the 200m for this
CARIFTA - See Page E2
- See Page E3 Over the past 10 days heading into
the 15-member
Bahamas from September 13-21.
THE Uptop Elite Basketball Club is scheduled to hold its second annual Season Tip-Off Basketball Tournament from September 24-28 at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The starting time is 4pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. The tournament is designed for junior and senior boys’
GAMES VILLAGE: The Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.
MUNROE
Luke Prosa closes out for Team Bahamas at ISA World Surfing Games
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
TEAM Bahamas closed out its appearance at the ISA World Surfing Games at El Sunzal surf break in Surf City, El Salvador with Luke Prosa in action on Tuesday.
Prosa, the youngest member of the three-man team at age 19, finished third in his heat in the repechage heat with 3.6 points as he competed in his second appearance at the games. His heat was won by Eeli Timperi of Finland with 13.00 points, while Mikolaj Przeciechowski of Poland came in second with 6.57 points.
In surfing, it should be noted that the surfers are judged by five judges on a scale of 1-10, which is based on manoeuvres on the waves.
A surfer’s two best wave scores get added together for their heat total.
“The competition was loads of fun, as was the one last year in Puerto Rico,” Prosa said. “We gave it our all but we did face tough conditions for our heats.
“Furthermore, we are limited to how much we can practice surfing as the waves in Abaco are not up to par most of the time.”
As a team, which included Lili Wagner and Joey Gale, who both also made it to the repechage heats, Prosa said they performed to the best of their abilities, but he felt they could do a little more as they look ahead to the future. “Maybe as a team, a surf trip during the summer would be beneficial as it
would allow us to actually get some necessary practice in before the next competition,” Prosa said.
“We are all happy just to be here competing in El Salvador representing our country.”
Tom Glucksmann, who travelled as the coach of the team, said he was extremely proud of the way they performed against the high level competition.
“I think getting three surfers here and competing in their heats, posting decent scores is a huge win,” Glucksmann said.
“We’ve only been back fielding and recruiting teams for the last two years. I’m very proud of our three surfers and how
well they represented The Bahamas.”
With the games over and done with for Team Bahamas, Glucksmann said the Bahamas Surfing Association is developing surfers at the junior level.
“There’s a small talent pool which we’re trying to grow,” he stated. “We’d love to get a full three women at an ISA event also. And let’s see where Luke at 19 can take his surfing. All three who surfed in El Salvador are still tapping into their potential.”
Christopher Albury, also from Abaco, was named to the team but he withdrew before the competition started.
BLTA PLACED ‘IN DISPUTE STATUS’
BLTA - from page E1
under Section 8 of the Sports Act, 2011, the ministry reminded the BLTA of its duty to “uphold fair governance practices and represent the majority of persons engaged in their sport”.
The letter further recommended delaying the elections until all outstanding issues are addressed, emphasizing that the recommendation was made “in the spirit of ensuring fairness, transparency, and continued growth of tennis in The Bahamas”.
The ministry assured it remains open to providing guidance or facilitating discussions, while expressing trust that the BLTA “will continue to act in the best interests of its membership and the sport”.
The BLTA did not comment by the time of going to press.
When a National Olympic Committee (NOC) places a national federation “in dispute status”, it generally signals serious concerns about governance, compliance, leadership, or a combination of all, such as contested elections or constitutional breaches.
This status can put the federation’s Olympic recognition on hold, affecting athletes’ eligibility to compete internationally and potentially blocking entry into major events. It may also lead to frozen funding, paused developmental programmes, and withheld support from the NOC or international federation. In some cases, the NOC may step in with mediation or oversight until the federation’s leadership and operations are resolved.
With the BLTA’s leadership under scrutiny and its Olympic standing in question, much now rests on the outcome of the upcoming general elections, which are expected to determine the path forward for the sport and its athletes.
Jordan Prince Williams hoping versatile Kristoff Munroe will inspire other student-athletes to excel
year,” said Munroe, who competed in the 200 and 400m and both the long and high jumps this year.
While playing baseball, Munroe said two years ago he decided to venture into track and field to “further develop his agility and strength in baseball. “I felt amazing about making the CARIFTA team. It was a great experience for me and so I want to thank my team-mates and coaches for helping me to get there,” he said. “My experience was amazing. It helped me to realise where I’m strengthwise for my running. I felt
pleased to be able to represent Jordan Prince Williams on the CARIFTA team in Trinidad & Tobago.”
This season, Munroe said his goal is to qualify for the 2026 CARIFTA Games in Grenada and hopefully come home with a gold medal in his event.
In the meantime, he will continue to play baseball for the Bluejays in the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) as a pitcher and centre fielder.
“I’ve been playing baseball for 14 years, but the sport I enjoy the most is track and field,” he pointed out. “I enjoy the excitement when I’m running
while listening to the junkanoo music playing in the background.”
Coach Davineir Clarke said Munroe was certainly an inspiration for Jordan Prince Williams and he is hoping that the student-athletes he’s leaving behind will embrace his accomplishments.
“Having a student-athlete from Jordan Prince Williams (High) School just confirms my thoughts and beliefs that you don’t have to go to a big track and field school to be successful,” he said. “What is needed is patience, time and consistency and just being exposed to the right information and
I think there’s nothing that these student-athletes can’t do.”
Munroe, according to Clarke, brought a lot of the Falcon pride that has not been demonstrated in track and field for a long time because basketball always took centre stage.
“Overtime, I believe the kids are becoming more focussed and overtime, they too believe that they can accomplish what Kristoff has accomplished,” he said.
“I see the greatest in these kids every day and the kids have grown more hungry and I think everybody has higher expectations for themselves.
“And I’m just thankful for Kristoff opening the door for the kids to walk through it.”
is scheduled for the weekend of September 26-27 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium for the 12-and under and open divisions. Each team will consist of 12 players. Trophies sponsored by AID will be distributed to the champions and runners-up in each category as well as medals for the third-place teams. Interested persons can contact Sean Bastian at seanbasbastian@gmail.com or call 826-8535 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@gmail. com or call 426-7265 for more information.
NPACBO OFFICIAL
REFEREES IF you are interested in becoming a basketball referee, the New Providence Association of Certified Basketball
Officials is looking for you. The NPACBO is inviting all interested persons to sign up to become a certified basketball referee and a certified table official. All you have to do is call 242-8086839 or 242-423-0328 for email npcobahamas@gmail. com for more information.
TRACK & FIELD
CLASSIC
THE Baptist Sports Federation is slated to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic during the Baptist month of activities on Saturday, October 25 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Odd distance events will be staged for competitors in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under-17, under20, under-40, under-60 and 60-and over categories for men and women. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers category. And trophies will be
While he has transferred to Temple Christian, Clarke said they were delighted to have Munroe as a part of the Falcons’ team because he has caused a lot of the athletes to excel.
“No matter what happens in the future, in terms of track and field, and the progress of Kristoff and the other kids, what is very important to me is they have success on the field, greatness in school and greatness in whatever sport they participate in,” Clarke said.
As a baseball player, Clarke said he watched as Munroe made the sacrifices through his work ethic to become a track athlete and attributed a lot of it to the dedication of his parents to see him excel.
presented to the divisional champions and medals to the top three finishers in each event. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at ann87609@gmail. com or call 425-3667 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@ gmail,com or call 426-7265 for more information. LEGENDS TRACK INVITE
THE Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation is scheduled to hold the Legends Track and Field Devynne Charlton Invitational on January 24, 2026 at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, which is expected to bring in a number of top athletes from around the world, will be held in honour of Charlton for her achievement as the world indoor two-time 60 metre hurdles champion and world record holder.
CARIFTA
KRISTOFF Munroe shows off his Bahamas gear.
LUKE Prosa on the waves in his repechage heat.
Photos: Liz Heiberg
TEAM Bahamas at the at the ISA World Surfing Games at El Sunzal surf break in Surf City, El Salvador with Luke Prosa in action on Tuesday.
‘JJ’ and New York Liberty set to enter playoffs healthy and confident despite No. 5 seed
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) —
The New York Liberty are finally healthy heading into the playoffs and the defending champions have confidence they can win another title.
The road won’t be easy as the team is a No. 5 seed and will most likely have to start the postseason on the road in Phoenix. Since the WNBA changed its playoff format in 2016 to the top eight teams regardless of conference making the postseason, no five seed has ever won a championship.
The only team not in the top two to do it was Chicago in 2021, which was a six seed.
“There’s no panic. We just have to kind of face the adversity we did this year and it’s just one of those years,” guard Sabrina Ionescu said. “We kind of get a fresh start in the playoffs, like everyone is 0-0. What you did in the regular season, the adversity that you faced can only make you stronger.”
When Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart all start and finish a game, the Liberty haven’t lost this season. It just hasn’t happened much lately as at
least one of them has been injured. New York hasn’t had all 12 players available since the first few weeks of the season. “I think that’s kind of the exciting part is we have a chance to rewrite the story of this year and we have a great opportunity to do it with a healthy fresh team,” Ionescu said.
Power poll rankings
Las Vegas has taken over the top spot in the poll this week, edging Minnesota for No. 1.
The Aces have won 14 consecutive games to vault up the standings. Atlanta was third and Phoenix fourth. Golden State and New York were the next two. Indiana and Seattle followed the Liberty in seventh and eighth. Los Angeles, Connecticut and Washington came after the Storm. Chicago and Dallas rounded out the poll.
Sidelined Caitlin Caitlin Clark announced last week that she will miss the rest of the Indiana Fever’s season because of a right groin injury.
“I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season,” Clark said in a statement. “I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn’t a big enough word to
JONQUEL
describe how I am feeling. I want to thank everyone who had my back through all the uncertainty.”
Player of the week
A’ja Wilson was the AP player of the week,
averaging 31 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals to help the Aces continue their winning streak.
and the defending champions have confidence they can win
Other players receiving votes included Veronica Burton of Golden State, Rhyne Howard of Atlanta and Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix. Game of the week WNBA Playoffs on Sunday. The opening games of the best-of-three
postseason begin with all eight teams playing. Playoff matchups aren’t set yet with key games still remaining before the regular season ends on Thursday (tonight).
JONQUEL JONES POSTS 12 POINTS, 11 REBOUNDS TO HELP LIBERTY GET 75-66 WIN OVER WASHINGTON
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likely heading to Phoenix to open the playoffs on Sunday.
New York jumped out early behind Stewart and Meesseman to take a 19-12 lead after one quarter and extended it to 41-26 at the half.
Washington (16-28) got within seven in the third quarter, but could get no closer.
That trio are great pieces to build around for the future.
Iriafen scored 16 points and Citron added 13 against New York.
This was the final game of the season for the Mystics, who lost their last 10 games. In addition, there were a lot of positives for the franchise this year, especially rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Georgia Amoore, who the team drafted sixth, missed the entire season with a torn ACL.
DREAM BEAT SUN 88-72 TO MOVE INTO SECOND PLACE IN WNBA STANDINGS
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Brittney Griner scored 17 points off the bench, Rhyne Howard added 15 and the Atlanta Dream beat the Connecticut Sun 88-72 last night to move into second place in the WNBA standings.
Atlanta (30-14) became just the sixth team in league history to reach 30 wins during the regular season.
The Dream can secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs if Las Vegas (29-14) loses to Los Angeles tonight.
Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray each added 13
points, and Nia Coffey scored 10 for Atlanta. Howard went 3 of 7 from distance to become the ninth player in WNBA history to make 100 or more 3-pointers in a season. Marina Mabrey scored 22 points and Aneesah Morrow had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Connecticut (11-33). Saniya Rivers set a Sun rookie record with 43 3-pointers this season.
Tina Charles scored nine to eclipse 700 points this season, the first time in her 14-year WNBA career she’s hit the mark.
Atlanta took control in the first quarter after closing on a 17-2 run to build a 31-13 lead. The Dream shot 64.7% from the field in the quarter, including 4 of 8 from 3-point range, while Connecticut was 5 of 15 (33.3%) overall. Coffey made a corner 3-pointer with 10.5 seconds left in the second quarter to give Atlanta a 51-28 halftime lead.
The Sun, who trailed by 24, got within 63-54 late in the third after a 16-4 run. But Dream closed the frame by scoring six of the final eight for a 71-58 lead.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Kelsey Mitchell scored 18 points and the Indiana Fever wrapped up the regular season with an 83-72 win Tuesday night over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, who were resting MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. Indiana (24-20) scored the first 10 points of the game and led by as many as 24, an impressive performance without star Caitlin Clark, who has only played 13 games this season and will not play in the playoffs that begin Sunday.
Odyssey Sims scored 15 points for the Fever, who set a franchise record for most wins in a season. Aliyah Boston had 12 points and eight rebounds, breaking her own club record for rebounds in a season with 361. Jessica Shepherd, starting in place of Collier, scored 16 points for the Lynx (33-10), who play their last game at home today against Golden State. They finished 2 of 20 on 3-pointers. Minnesota locked up the top seed on August 30 but
has only gone 5-5 in its last 10 games. Indiana doubled up the Lynx 28-14 after one quarter and it was 49-36 at halftime. Minnesota scored the first nine of the third quarter, getting within 49-45 when Alanna Smith drilled the Lynx’s first 3 of the night. But Indiana pulled away again and led 70-53 after three quarters. Clark and U.S. soccer star Briana Scurry exchanged jerseys during the game with Clark also getting goalie gloves Scurry wore in the 2007 World Cup.
Jones and the New York Liberty are heading into the playoffs
another title.
KELSEY Mitchell scored 18 points and the Indiana Fever wrapped up the regular season with an 8372 win Tuesday night over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. (AP Photo)
Revisiting the Tokyo Olympics as World Athletics Championships open in the capital of Japan
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s National Stadium was fanless four years ago during the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics; zero atmosphere in the $1.4 billion, 60,000-seat venue for the globe’s greatest track and field athletes.
Many recall the sterility of the opening and closing ceremonies, the quiet as Japanese Emperor Naruhito addressed thousands of empty seats to officially begin the Games of the XXXII Olympiad.
The most hyped event of the Olympics is often the men’s 100-metre final. But only silence and a small throng of media serenaded winner Marcel Jacobs — a Texas-born Italian — as he posed at the finish line to celebrate with an Italian flag stretched across his shoulders.
The stadium designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma in central Tokyo is about to get the attention it missed when the nine-day track and field world championships open Saturday.
The championships are sure to enliven a venue with stars like American sprinter Noah Lyles, whose struggles with depression tainted his trip to Tokyo, and pole vault world-record holder Mondo Duplantis. The venue has awaited this kind of event ever since it was completed in 2019.
most of the time you end up spending $1 billion-plus on a facility that sits empty 350 days a year,” Matheson said.
Jingu Gaien
The National Stadium sits adjacent to an area known as Jingu Gaien, a parklike space that includes a famous baseball and rugby stadium and a cherished avenue lined by more than 100 gingko trees.
There are plans approved by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to raze the baseball and rugby stadiums. They are to be rebuilt in the same area, but in reconfigured space.
This will allow developer Mitsui Fudosan and others to build three skyscrapers in what was essentially a park area, some of the most valued real estate in Tokyo.
This is good news for fans hoping to experience an atmosphere that was lacking in 2021. But the focus on the stadium will again raise questions about government spending on a stadium that has struggled to find uses following the Olympics. The Olympics have a long history of producing white-elephant venues created with public money: Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
The background Plans for a new stadium by Zaha Hadid were scrapped in 2015 when costs soared to over $2 billion. That stadium had a futuristic look, some comparing it with a bicycle helmet. Kuma won a second bidding contest, designing a stadium that fit into the existing urban landscape
with more Japanese elements including wood, gardens and flowing water. The new venue replaced the stadium used for the 1964 Olympics, which was razed and was never regarded as an architectural gem. However, Tokyo’s ‘64 Games did generate iconic architecture including the Yoyogi National Stadium, the jewel of those Olympics and a symbol of Japan’s rise following World War II. It’s a smaller indoor arena, the host for swimming in the ‘64 Olympics.
Stadium costs The National Stadium, built with taxpayer money for the Tokyo Olympics,
appears to be a money loser. At least for taxpayers.
Victor Matheson, who studies the economics of sports at College of the Holy Cross, said a stadium like Japan’s National Stadium has too few uses, no permanent tenant, ongoing maintenance and operation expenses and possible payments on debt service.
“There are simply not that many events that require a 60,000-plus capacity,” Matheson wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “There are not many music concerts that can fill a stadium that size. And things like a soccer or rugby World Cup or track and
field championships only come around rarely.”
The National Stadium was reported to be losing about 1 billion yen annually (about $7 million) as late as fiscal 2024. It has since been privatised to reduce publicsector expenses. A private consortium is managing the stadium although the national government still owns it and is picking up some of the bills.
Matheson cited a study that showed large stadiums in the United States, home to NFL teams, typically hosted fewer than 10 major entertainment or sports events per year outside of NFL games. “So,
The zoning changes to allow this high-rise development — it won’t be finished for a decade — were pushed through by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government when the Olympics were on the horizon and the new National Stadium was seen as an urgent priority.
Not only were the 2020 Olympics very costly for taxpayers, they also provided an opening for private developers to encroach on what has traditionally been park-like space.
“When someone else is footing the bill, we tend to build Rolls-Royces and not Toyota Corollas,” Matheson, the economist, said.
“At a price of $1.4 billion, Tokyo’s Olympic stadium costs roughly the same amount as the entire 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, even after accounting for inflation.”
THE NATIONAL STADIUM, a venue for the opening and closing ceremonies for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is seen from an observation deck, on March 25, 2020, in Tokyo.
Pro Picks: Packers will edge out Commanders
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
MICAH Parsons ran down Jared Goff for his first sack with the Green Bay Packers.
Now, he’ll be chasing Jayden Daniels.
Fresh off a convincing victory over the two-time defending NFC North champion Lions, the Packers (1-0) host the Washington Commanders (1-0) tonight to kick off Week 2.
The Commanders ran for 220 yards, including 68 by Daniels, in their win over the Giants. Without Kenny Clark stuffing the middle, the Packers still shut down Detroit’s run game.
Parsons played 45% of the snaps just 10 days after the two-time All-Pro pass rusher was acquired from Dallas in a blockbuster deal. He should see more action on short rest.
The Packers are 3 1/2point favourites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Since 2019, road teams are 46-31-1 against the spread on Thursday night, including Dallas covering last week.
Pro Picks sees a close one.
Packers: 23-21
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Line: Chargers minus 3 1/2
Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers (1-0) sent a message with their victory over the Chiefs in Brazil. They’re a serious contender to prevent Kansas City from a 10th straight AFC West title. Herbert & Co. can’t afford a letdown against Pete Carroll’s Raiders, who aren’t going to be pushovers this season.
The Chargers are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games, and 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. AFC West opponents. The Raiders are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 Monday night games.
Best Bet:
CHARGERS: 30-23
Atlanta at Minnesota
Line: Vikings minus 3 1/2
Michael Penix Jr. played well in Atlanta’s disappointing loss against Tampa Bay. The Falcons (0-1) need to get Bijan Robinson going against a tough defence.
J.J. McCarthy bounced back from a slow start to lead the Vikings (1-0) to an impressive comeback win in his first NFL start. Trends favour Minnesota. The Falcons are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine games.
The Vikings are 5-0 ATS in their last five games played in September.
But Pro Picks expects Atlanta to benefit from Minnesota coming off a short week following an emotional Monday night road win.
Upset Special: FALCONS, 23-30
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Line: Rams minus 5 1/2
The Rams’ ferocious defence frustrated C.J. Stroud. It could be a rough day for rookie Cam Ward, who nearly led the Titans to an upset at Denver. The Rams (1-0) have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games while Tennessee (0-1) is 0-5 ATS in its last five home games.
RAMS: 24-16
New York Giants at Dallas Line: Cowboys minus 6 Russell Wilson and New York’s offence got off to a lacklustre start in Week 1. The Giants (0-1) have a strong pass rush that could put plenty of pressure on Dak Prescott. The Cowboys (0-1) had a chance to stun the Eagles in the opener but missed a few opportunities, including rare drops by CeeDee Lamb. Dallas has won 15 of 16 and eight in a row in the series.
COWBOYS: 24-19
San Francisco at New Orleans Line: 49ers minus 3
The 49ers (1-0) already are dealing with several injuries, including losing George Kittle for at least four weeks. A softer schedule helps. The Saints (0-1) played the Cardinals close and their defence could cause problems for Brock Purdy. The Niners are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games and 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. New Orleans.
49ERS: 23-16
Jacksonville at Cincinnati Line: Bengals minus 3 1/2
The Bengals (1-0) are seeking their first 2-0 start with Joe Burrow after barely beating the Browns. They must play better against the Jaguars (1-0). Liam Coen has Jacksonville heading in the right direction. The Jaguars are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games, but they have lost 11 of their last 12 road games straight up.
BENGALS: 26-20
Seattle at Pittsburgh Line: Steelers minus 3
The Seahawks (0-1) face old friend DK Metcalf for the first time. Aaron Rodgers had a much better debut with the Steelers (1-0) than Sam Darnold did in Seattle. The Seahawks are 0-5 ATS in their last five games. The Steelers are 1-5 ATS in their last six. Something has to give.
STEELERS: 24-20
Cleveland at Baltimore Line: Ravens minus 11 1/2
Baltimore’s defence wasted another stellar performance by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, who also had a critical fumble against Buffalo. The Ravens (0-1) don’t want to start 0-2 again this season. Joe Flacco faces the team he led to a Super Bowl victory 13 years ago after the
Browns (0-1) almost upset the Bengals. Cleveland is going to be better than expected. The Browns covered the spread in four of the last six meetings.
RAVENS: 26-19
Buffalo at New York Jets Line: Bills minus 6 1/2
Josh Allen and the Bills (1-0) already are on their way to another AFC East title following a spectacular offensive display against the Ravens. Their defence needs to tighten up. Justin Fields gave the Jets (0-1) reason for optimism. The Bills are 8-2 straight up in their last 10 games vs. the Jets. New York is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games.
BILLS: 27-17
Chicago at Detroit
Line: Lions minus 6
Ben Johnson returns to Detroit after the Bears (0-1) blew a fourth-quarter
lead to spoil his head coaching debut. The Lions (0-1) missed their former offensive coordinator in a subpar opener. Their next loss matches their entire total from last season. Chicago has lost 11 of its last 12 games. The Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games. LIONS: 29-20
New England at Miami Line: Dolphins minus 1 1/2
The Patriots (0-1) fell short in Mike Vrabel’s debut. Drake Maye had a costly pick against the Raiders but gets a chance to face a defence that was porous last week. The Dolphins (0-1) didn’t show in their opener, giving up scores on all seven possessions by Indianapolis. Miami is 9-0 ATS in the last nine games vs. New England.
PATRIOTS: 23-33
Carolina at Arizona Line: Cardinals minus 6 1/2
An ugly opener for the Panthers (0-1) was reminiscent of the first half of 2024. Bryce Young bounced back last season and needs to do it again. Kyler Murray and the Cardinals (1-0) have a chance for a fast start. Carolina is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games. Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last six home games.
CARDINALS: 24-21
Denver at Indianapolis Line: Broncos minus 2
Bo Nix needs to protect the ball better this week after three turnovers nearly cost the Broncos (1-0) against Tennessee. Denver’s stout defence should give Daniel Jones and the Colts (1-0) a tougher challenge than Miami did. The Broncos are 12-7 ATS with Nix.
BRONCOS: 23-18
Philadelphia at Kansas City Line: Eagles minus 1 Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (0-1) look to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2014 in a Super Bowl rematch against the team that dominated them to ruin their three-peat hopes. Kansas City’s defence has to play better this week against the Eagles (1-0) after getting carved up by Justin Herbert. Philadelphia has more talent and depth than the injury-riddled Chiefs. But Mahomes has never lost three straight games.
CHIEFS: 26-24
Tampa Bay at Houston Line: Texans minus 2 1/2 Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (1-0) are coming off an impressivebut-ugly comeback win on the road. Now, they have an even tougher challenge against a team that’s looking to avoid a 0-2 start. Tampa Bay’s defence needs to generate more pressure. Stroud and Houston’s offence had a difficult time against the Rams. The Texans have won five in a row in the series after losing their first matchup in 2003.
TEXANS: 27-20
Last week: Overall: Straight up: 13-3. Against spread: 8-8. Prime-time: Straight up: 3-1. Against spread: 2-2. Best Bet: Straight up: 1-0. Against spread: 0-1. Upset Special: Straight up: 1-0. Against spread: 1-0. column
Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games.
FANTASY PLAYS: PLAYERS TO START AND SIT FOR NFL WEEK 2
By DORIAN COLBERT
IT IS only Week 2 of the fantasy season, but the stakes already feel high. Week 1 brought us breakout rookies, surprise struggles and more lineup second-guessing than anyone cares to admit. Don’t panic just yet — early weeks are about spotting trends and staying ahead of the curve. Each week, I’ll lay out the best starts, the strongest other locks and the players you should avoid to gain the edge.
Let’s dive into Week 2.
Quarterbacks
Start: Geno Smith, Raiders vs. Chargers Smith opened the season with 362 passing yards and a touchdown, showing complete command of Chip Kelly’s new-look offence.
The Raiders will need him again in a divisional battle against the Chargers,
whose secondary just gave up multiple chunk plays in Week 1. Smith’s efficiency and growing chemistry with his receivers make him a strong start with a safe floor and QB1 upside this week.
Other locks: —Daniel Jones vs. Broncos —Michael Penix Jr. vs. Vikings
—Trevor Lawrence vs.
Bengals
Avoid: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Eagles Mahomes is almost always an automatic start, but this week comes with red flags.
The Eagles defence thrives at pressuring quarterbacks and they held opposing passers to fewer than 200 yards nine times last season.
In what projects to be a lower-scoring, grind-it-out game, Mahomes’ ceiling isn’t high enough to justify a top-end QB play.
Running backs
Start: Dylan Sampson, Browns vs Ravens
Sampson’s Week 1 usage was eye-opening as he handled 12 carries and caught eight passes for 93 total yards. That type of dualthreat workload is rare and immediately makes him a PPR gem, especially against a Ravens team that gave up chunk plays to running backs in space. With Cleveland intent on keeping him heavily involved, Sampson should be locked into starting lineups.
Other locks:
—Alvin Kamara vs. 49ers
—Kyren Williams vs. Titans
—Breece Hall vs. Bills
Avoid: Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. Steelers
Walker split carries almost evenly with Zach Charbonnet in Week 1, a troubling sign for his workload. To make matters worse, the Steelers front seven looked stout,
particularly in limiting rushing lanes. Without a guaranteed majority of snaps, Walker’s Week 2 outlook is shaky at best and he should be avoided until the Seahawks clarify his role.
Wide receivers
Start: Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers vs. Texans Egbuka was one of the most exciting rookies of Week 1, flashing reliable hands and gamebreaking ability. He now faces a Texans defence that allowed multiple passing scores in their opener, making this matchup ripe for continued success. With growing trust from Baker Mayfield, Egbuka has both the floor and ceiling you want in a Week 2 starter.
Other locks:
—Marquise Brown vs. Eagles
—Keon Coleman vs. Jets
—Quentin Johnston vs Raiders
Avoid: DeAndre Hopkins, Ravens vs. Browns
Hopkins looked sluggish in Week 1, catching two passes for 35 yards, and the volume simply wasn’t there.
The Browns secondary is loaded with talent. Between his declining target share and the tough matchup, Hopkins carries far more risk than reward this week.
Tight ends Luke Farrell/Jake Tonges, 49ers vs. Saints With George Kittle sidelined for multiple weeks, Farrell and Tonges step into a suddenly valuable role in the 49ers offence.
Tonges already showed chemistry with Brock Purdy by hauling in a touchdown in Week 1, and Farrell should see his involvement increase. Against a Saints defence more vulnerable to tight ends than receivers, both are sneaky but worthwhile streaming options.
Other locks: —Juwan Johnson vs. 49ers
—Hunter Henry vs. Dolphins
—Harold Fannin Jr. vs.
Ravens
Avoid: David Njoku, Browns vs. Ravens
Njoku has been a steady fantasy option in past seasons, but his role may be shrinking.
Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. drew heavy usage in Week 1, siphoning away targets and establishing himself as a reliable chain-mover. In a tough divisional matchup against Baltimore, Njoku’s limited opportunities make him a risky start.
WASHINGTON Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is chased by New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
GREEN Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the second half on Sunday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
World Athletics Championships Schedule
RIGA, Latvia (AP) — Luka Doncic’s 39 points were not enough for Slovenia as it lost 99-91 to Germany in a thrilling EuroBasket quarterfinal yesterday.
Orlando Magic guard Franz Wagner scored 23 points and captain Dennis Schröder added 20 points and 7 assists for Germany, which will face Finland in the semifinals on Friday.
Germany guard Andreas Obst’s 3-pointer capped a 12-0 run to put the World Cup champions ahead 77-74 early in the fourth quarter.
Slovenia took the lead 86-85 on a Doncic 3-pointer with 4:12 to go before Schröder sank his only 3-pointer — he missed eight other attempts — to make it 88-86, and Germany closed it out from there.
Doncic was assessed a technical foul early on and had 22 points as Slovenia led 51-45 at halftime.
He picked up his fourth foul early in the third
quarter yet kept on scoring, although he appeared inhibited at times by the prospect of fouling out with a fifth foul.
The Los Angeles Lakers star — five of 16 from 3-point range — had his fifth game of the tournament with at least 30 points scored.
Doncic also had 10 rebounds and seven assists. Wagner was 13 of 14 from the free-throw line for Germany, seeking its second European Championship title after winning as host in 1993. Slovenia looked in control until Tristan Da Silva sank a 3-pointer with a halfcourt shot at the thirdquarter buzzer, slashing Slovenia’s lead to four points. The final is on Sunday in Riga, Latvia, which has
hosted all the knockout matches.
Finland holds off
Georgia
Earlier, the Finns held off a Georgia fightback to win 93-79 and reach the semifinals for the first time.
Earlier, Mikael Jantunen led Finland with 19 points and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen contributed 17 points and six rebounds.
“It’s been the same group for a long time. It’s a very tight group, like coming back and playing with your friends,” Jantunen said.
“That’s the kind of basketball culture in Finland.”
The Finns also showcased their depth by scoring 44 points from the bench to Georgia’s four. Finland led by 20 points in the third quarter before
Georgia cut the deficit to six with just under eight minutes left in the fourth. Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia with 22 points. Coming off an upset of Nikola Jokic and Serbia, Finland surged into an early lead on strong three-point shooting and doubled up Georgia 30-15 early in the second quarter.
Highly-rated 18-year-old forward Miikka Muurinen, who is projected to be a potential NBA first-round pick in 2027, scored 7 points off the bench. It was the first time in the quarterfinals as an independent nation for Georgia, which knocked out Olympic silver medallist France in the round of 16 and beat defending EuroBasket champion Spain in the group stage.
SLOVENIA’s Luka Doncic during the Eurobasket, European Basketball Championship quarter final match between Germany and Slovenia at the Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)
Top Bahamian athletes settling in at Games Village
GAMES - from page E1
with one 22 stories, one 28 and one 32. “So everybody is here getting familiarised with each other. The dining room seats about 700 people. So we don’t have to worry about where anybody is. We’re all in the same location.”
As for the weather conditions, Moss said it’s ideal for competition.
“The weather has been fine. We had some light rain, but it’s expected to be very humid during the course of the championship,” Moss said.
“Everything here is well organised and is right on time.”
The team is managed by May Miller, assisted by Sharon Gardiner.
Assisting Moss on the coaching staff are Daren Lightbourne and Corrington Maycock. Sandeep Goud is the team’s doctor and Karen Wert is the therapist/ masseuse.
BAAA president Drumeco Archer, John Ingraham and Laura Pratt-Charlton are the designated members for the congress.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: A general view of Japan’s national stadium during an athletics test event for Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games at National Stadium in Tokyo, May 9, 2021. Top Bahamian athletes are getting ready for the start of the World Athletics Championships at the stadium on Saturday.
(AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
The Countdown
2
Over the past 10 days heading into the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, The Tribune has been running a series of athletes’ profiles, highlighting the 15-member team that will represent The Bahamas from September 13-21. Stay tuned for more Friday...
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