Anthonique Strachan advances in the 200
By BRENT STUBBS
TOKYO, Japan
— With the field of competitors she’s stacked against, Bahamian veteran sprinter Anthonique Strachan feels she’s in good company to make her presence felt at the 20th World Championships.
Coming off her win at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Grand
Bahama last month, Strachan opened her campaign at the Japan National Stadium on Thursday night with a season’s best of 22.57 seconds for second place in the fourth of six heats.
JONQUEL JONES, Page 4
SPRINTER IAN KERR: ‘NOW I KNOW BETTER FOR NEXT YEAR’
By BRENT STUBBS
TOKYO, Japan —
The 32-year-old Strachan battled back from behind for a close second place at the line in 22.57 behind American Brittany Brown, the winner in 22.50 and they were joined by Daryll Neita of Great Britain, who got third in 33.59 as they cinched the three automatic spots for the semi-finals on Thursday.
“I feel very good. I’m still working up to these games,” Strachan told the media during her post-race interview. “I sort of sacrificed and put all of my eggs in Tokyo, so I believe in fully betting on myself and being fully dedicated to myself.
“So this year I’ve done that. With all of the struggles and everything, I stayed locked in and focused on these games.” Strachan, still looking for her first senior medal to go with her double 100/200m titles at the World Junior Championships in 2012, was ninth overall going into the semifinals on Thursday at 9:24pm (8:24 am EST).
As the fourth member of the team to advance out of the first round, Strachan
BRITTANY BROWN, right, of the US, competes to win the 200 metres heat next to The Bahamas’ Anthonique Strachan at the World Athletics Championships on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
will run out of lane six in the first of three heats to secure one of the eight spots for the final on Friday at 10:22pm (9:22am EST).
“I believe I have a season’s best again. I probably
have to run as close to my PB (personal best) as possible,” said Strsachan of her lifetime best of 22.15 she ran on May 28, 2023.
“I believe a 22.1 should be more than safe to get
me into the final. But I am going to try to run that semifinal like a final because I was a little bit reserved today. “
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Olympian Ian Kerr said he expected a little more in his appearance in the heats of the men’s 200 metres at the 20th World Championships. The 29-year-old, coming off his appearance at the Olympic Games last year in Paris, France, admitted that he didn’t execute and it cost him dearly in his debut at the championships.
The Queen’s College graduate, who went to attend Western Texas College & Adams State University, struggled from behind coming off the curve and into the home stretch where he ended up seventh in the fourth of six heats in 20.92.
“That’s on my part,” said Kerr about his slow start out of the blocks. “Now I know better for next year and what to work on and take it from there.”
In May, Kerr was here to compete in an international meet at the Japan National Stadium, so he was quite aware of the surroundings. But it was his start that prevented him from advancing to the semifinals.
“That’s one of the things I have to work on,” said Kerr, coming off an appearance at the Olympics last year in Paris, France. “I was able to pull myself out of the race, so that’s something
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TEAM BAHAMAS’ PERFORMANCES SO FAR
two days of competition.
Women’s 100m - Anthaya Charlton advanced to the semifinals with fifth in the heats in 11.18 seconds for 19th overall. She was sixth in heat two of the semifinals in 11.14 seconds for 14th overall.
- Camille Rutherford fifth in heat four of the heats in 11.40 seconds for 35th overall.
Women’s 200m
- Anthonique placed 2nd in her heat in a season’s best of 22.57 to advance to the semifinal.
Women’s 100m hurdles
- Devynne Charlton finished sixth in the final in a season’s best of 12.49 seconds.
- Devynne Charlton advanced to the final with her third place finish in a season’s best of 12.51 seconds.
- Devynne Charlton advanced to the semifinals with second place in heat six in 12.69 for ninth overall.
- Denisha Cartwright seventh in heat one in 13.50 for 40th overall.
- Charisma Taylor sixth in heat four in 12.96 for 24th overall.
Women’s 400m
- Printassia Johnson placed sixth in her heat of the women’s 400m in 50.81 seconds.
She ends up at number 17 in the world.
- Printassia Johnson advanced to the semifinal with her 4th place in heat four in a personal best of 50.53 for 14th overall.
- Javonya Valcourt seventh in heat three in the preliminaries in 52.00 for seventh place for 36th overall.
Men’s 100m - Terrence Jones advanced to the semifinals with third in heat three in 10.16 for 19th overall.
- Terrence Jones sixth in heat two of the semifinals in 10.10 for 16th overall.
Men’s 200m - Ian Kerr finished seventh in the seventh heat in a time of 20.92 for 45th overall.
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Triple jumper Kaiwan Culmer looking for sponsorship
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
TOKYO, Japan —
Kaiwan Culmer reflected on how he made some great sacrifices from his training base and his family situation to live out a childhood dream to compete against the best in the world.
Although things didn’t pan out the way he anticipated, Kaiwan Culmer was still pleased with his effort at the 20th World Championships as he struggled with his approach on the runway.
In qualifying for the championships with his lifetime best of 56-feet, 8 14-inches or 17.29 metres on August 1, Strachan took to the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday where he popped a best leap of 16.39 metres for 14th place.
He ended up 23rd overall in a field of 32 competitors.
“It was a good day but just some technical fouls that really cost me on the whole,” Culmer said.
“I didn’t get my approach together. That was what killed me at the end of the day.”
The 28-year-old graduate of St Augustine’s College and the University of Nebraska noted that he adjusted his approach and he got some big jumps, but it all fell apart because his approach wasn’t where he needed it to be. “I had two
good fouls and they could have possibly got me in the finals, but it just wasn’t there,” insisted Culmer, who had three jumps to work with.
required, so I just have to get back on the drawing board and come back ready to do even better.”
Jordan Scott of Jamaica popped a best of 56-4 3/4 (17.19m) and was the only automatic qualifier for the final.
The only automatic qualifier was Yasser Triki of Algeria with the mark overall with 56-7 1/2 (17.26m).
Looking at the competition, Culmer said because of the way things were going for him, he just tried to ensure he got in a safe jump on his second attempt. But it wasn’t far enough to get him to qualify.
“Everything was just off balance, so it wasn’t a good jump, so technically, it was a bad jump. It just wasn’t there.”
“It was tough, but I was mentally there. I wasn’t afraid. I was ready. I was competing, but it’s just that you’re on the level with the best and this is what’s
All his life, Culmer said he dreamed about competing at this level and he finally got it, but the Bahamian national champion said he was just thrilled that it finally came.
“I finally got the opportunity to be there and I finally got the opportunity to see
what it’s like to warm up, to be next to the people who are on top of the world and to be able to compete against them,” he stated.
“So I’m grateful because starting out the season, I wasn’t no where close. But I was able to put together a great season. I made some adjustments to get here so I’m grateful to God for putting me in this position and giving me everything else that I needed to be here.”
He’s referring to leaving his construction job in The Bahamas to begin the journey last year in Florida training with Bahamian national record holder Leevan “Superman” Sands, who won a bronze medal at the edition of the championships in Paris, France in 2003.
But when he became the third Bahamian to break the 56-foot barrier with his lifetime best of 56-8 3/4 or 17.29m on August 1, following only Sands’ (57-8 1/2 or 17.59m) and Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Frank Rutherford (57-1 1/2 or
17.41m), Culmer said he was motivated to compete.
“I know where I could be. I felt it out there. I knew that I could get into the final,” he said. “It’s just that when you’re on this level, you don’t have any room for error and that is the problem with me today.
“It’s just those little errors. I have to get more mature as a jumper and come back and fix it.”
With his wife expecting to give birth to their first child in late October, Culmer said that’s where his focus is right now but, at some point, he’s going to have to make some drastic decisions about his future in the sport.
He noted that with Sands moving to Lexington, Kentucky, to take up the assistant coaching job at the University of Kentucky, he has to decide if he’s going to make that transition as well. It will all come down to whether or not he can secure some financial assistance to help his training because he will first have to provide for his family.
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TRIPLE jumper Kaiwan Culmer is all smiles at the 20th World Athletics Championships (Outdoors) in Tokyo, Japan.
HOW TEAM BAHAMAS HAS FARED SO FAR
Men’s high jump
- Donald Thomas, competing in Group A, was tied for 10th at 7-feet, 3-inches (2.21m) for 19th place overall.
Men’s triple jump - Kaiwan Culmer was 14th in Group B with 16.38m, placing him 23rd overall.
Men’s javelin - Keyshawn Strachan was 12th in Group A with his best toss of 80.08 metres for 22nd overall.
Up next
Thursday - Women’s 200m semifinal at 9:24pm (8:24am EST)
Friday Women’s javelin throw qualifying rounds at 7:30pm (6:30am EST) or 9pm (8am EST)
- Rhema Otabor, depending on which group she is placed in.
Women’s 200m final at 10:22 pm (9:22 am EST).
Saturday Men’s decathlon first five events. - Kendrick Thompson. Women’s javelin final at 9:05pm (8:05am EST).
Sunday Men’s decathlon - final five events - Kendrick Thompson
‘It’s been a long season, but I’m still proud of my performance’
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
TOKYO, Japan — As the youngest competitor in the men’s javelin competition, Bahamas national record holder Keyshawn Strachan said he will use his debut at the 20th World Championships as a learning experience.
The 21-year-old Strachan, who will return to the University of Nebraska for his junior year, tossed the spear 265-feet, 6-inches or 80.93 metres for 12th place in Group A and was 22nd overall.
His round of competition, Strachan started out with a heave of 80m before he scratched the second attempt, which put him out of contention for one of the 12 qualifying spots for the final.
“It’s been a long season, but I’m still proud of my performance,” said Strachan, a graduate of the Nassau Christian Academy.
“I’m happy for myself, the youngest in the field, so to God be the glory. I give it all to him.”
All season long, Strachan said he was working for this opportunity after he fell short of qualifying for the Olympic Games last year in Paris, France.
“I’ve been training, sticking to the programme and listening to what my coach has to say,” he pointed out.
“I just wanted to stay on top of everything.”
And even though he’s recovering from an injury in his right throwing arm, which may require surgery, Strachan said he’s using it as an excuse for his performance.
“I’m still young, I have a couple more years to go. So no pressure, no stress. I’m just going with the flow,” he stated. He noted that he’s had a wonderful experience here so far, culminating with him in the Japan National Stadium competing against the best in the world, including Grenada’s defending two-time world champion Anderson Peters, who was the top qualifier out of his group with a season’s best of (89.53.) Strachan, with a lifetime best of 84.27, which turned
out to be a new national record on April 22, 2019, said he is enjoying his first experience on the senior national team, especially in Tokyo. “The experience has been great,” he pointed out. “I’ve been almost everywhere since I came here. It’s been a good experience competing with the big dawgs, some of the world leaders, some Olympic champs. I’m just grateful to be out there.”
What he’s learned from the championships, Strachan said he will take to
college and
“It’s just good to be around greatness. Everybody out there competes
Diamond Leagues and for their country,” Strachan stressed. “Just to be among greatness means a lot to me.”
Brought to you by Brent Stubbs...
BAHAMAS’ Keyshawn Strachan waits for the start in the men’s javelin throw qualification at the World Athletics Championships Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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BAHAMAS’ Keyshawn Strachan makes an attempt during the men’s javelin throw qualification at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Anthonique advances in the 200
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The St Augustine’s College graduate admitted that she is not used to the long bus ride from the warm up track and to the stadium and then still had to wait in the call room, having to deal with her injury as well.
“And in this humidity, I didn’t want to do too much,” she pointed out.
“And cost myself because I didn’t want to run too fast in the heats and didn’t have anything for the semis.
“We don’t have any rest in between. It’s heats, semis and final. And these girls are already comfortable with their bodies. I’m still trying to trust my body for this season and I’m literally running myself into shape.”
Coming off fractures in both of her legs last year doesn’t help either because Strachan said she’s still dealing with some pain in the right leg, although it’s not as intense as it was last year. With that in mind, she said she’s here to make it work.
“I’ve been talking to my coaches and rehabbing and still a little bit of polio, trying to lock in on some speed work and
speed endurance for these games.”
Having run on the pro circuit since 2013, Stra cham acknowledges that the field for the 200m is just as loaded as it was for the 100m in just about all of the other global senior international meets that she’s competed in.
“I would never underestimate anybody that I run against,” she stated. “I don’t care what country they are from, what times they have, I treat everybody as if they are the world record holder. I don’t disrespect or count anybody out because when you do that, that is when you tend to get a little bit of a surprise and I don’t like surprises.”
Over the years, competing in both the World Championships and the Olympic Games, Strachan said she has learned a very valuable lesson in the sport. And that is not to “count the chickens before they hatch,” so she’s taking it round by round.
BRITTANY BROWN, right, and Anthonique Strachan compete in a 200 metres heat at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) —
Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas each scored 15 points to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 86-60 in Game 2 last night, evening the bestof-three playoff series. The decisive Game 3 will be Friday night in Phoenix. Sabally was coming off one
of the worst shooting games of her career when she was 2 for 17 in Game 1, but said in practice Tuesday that she was confident she’d bounce back. Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner each had 14.
New York had a huge emotional lift before the game with Breanna Stewart able to play after spraining the MCL in her left knee in overtime of Game 1 on
Sunday. She was in her customary starting spot, but was mostly ineffective with just six points in 20 minutes. The boost from Stewart playing didn’t last long.
After the 75-69 Game 1 loss, Phoenix players felt they missed a lot of shots they normally hit. Those shots were falling on Wednesday night.
Phoenix led by 14 at the half and scored the first six
points of the third quarter to take a 20-point lead.
The Mercury held the Liberty without a basket in the third until Emma Meesseman scored with 1:35 left in the period.
New York missed its first 12 shots before that.
Meesseman had 11 points to lead the Liberty, who only got 32 points out of their starting group. Jonquel Jones contributed
seven points, one assist and 13 rebounds. Phoenix took control of the game in the second quarter behind Sabally and Thomas.
The Mercury led 36-30 before going on a 13-0 run to extend the advantage to 19 with just under 3 minutes left in the half.
New York got within 51-37 at the half as Natasha Cloud hit a 3-pointer from
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“I have to learn how to fix and move on from there.”
While the 29-yearold Kerr, with a lifetime best of 20.33 from May 18, 2023, admitted that he didn’t feel any jitters, Kerr said he didn’t execute his race and the results came as a result.
If he’s going to be a contender, running the low 20s or even dipping to the 19-second barrier, Kerr said he will have to have a conversation with God and follow the instructions from his coach so he can “come back strong next year and be much better.”
But with that all said, Kerr said he’s enjoying a wonderful experience at his first global championships, other than his appearance at the Olympics last year.
“I’ve been here in May to compete, so it was just a matter of coming back and executing,” he said.
“I didn’t execute and that was why the results were where they were.”
the corner with 1.8 seconds left that brought the sellout crowd which included Spike Lee, Tracee Ellis Ross and Sue Bird to its feet.
The Liberty could have been a bit closer, but they struggled from the foul line in the first half. Sabrina Ionescu, who shot 93% from the foul line during the regular season, missed her first four free throws before finally hitting one.
Brought to you by Brent Stubbs...
BRITAIN’S DARYLL NEITA, Bahamas’ Anthonique Strachan, and United States’ Brittany Brown race in a 200 metres heat at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
MCDANIEL MAINTAINING HIS COOL AS 0-2 DOLPHINS TRAVEL TO FACE AFC EAST RIVAL BILLS IN PRIME TIME
By JOHN WAWROW AP Sports Writer
ORCHARD PARK,
N.Y. (AP) — Amid the Miami Dolphins’ 0-2 start, a plane circling overhead on Sunday towing a banner calling for his job, and facing a short week and trip to Buffalo, where he’s never won as a head coach, Mike McDaniel hasn’t lost the plot or his composure.
McDaniel was his familiar cool and calm self this week by refusing to flinch when asked about maintaining his focus and sanity.
“Buffalo,” he said.
“I’m very understanding that in this business it’s result-based. My job is, the more that other people talk about anything, the less I even hear it. Buffalo, that’s what it is, and the Miami Dolphins.”
An early season, primetime showdown between AFC East rivals tonight has suddenly turned into a referendum on McDaniel’s status barely four years into his tenure.
The dynamic offence he introduced in helping the Dolphins reach the playoffs in each of his first two
seasons is a distant memory after a 2-6 start to last season led to Miami missing the playoffs at 9-8. The concerns and criticisms have become magnified with Miami opening this season with a 33-8 dud at Indianapolis followed by a rash of issues — communication, fundamentals and a fourth-quarter letdown — contributing to a 33-27 loss to New England on Sunday. And now, the Dolphins face what amounts to a significant test in travelling to play the five-time defending division champion Bills (2-0) in a stadium they’ve not won in since 2016, and an opponent they’ve defeated just once in 14 meetings. “I don’t care what our record is, we’re going to Buffalo,” defensive tackle Zach Sieler said. “We’ve got to go set the tone up there.”
It’s been business as usual in Buffalo, where the Sean McDermott-coached and Josh Allen-led Bills maintain a week-at-a-time, respect-your-opponent approach.
McDermott shrugged off a question regarding
Buffalo’s home dominance over Miami as meaningless, and expressed sympathy when McDaniel’s job security was mentioned.
“It’s an unfortunate part of our business, number one, for anyone to have to go through that,” said McDermott, into his ninth season. “Two, is we focus on our team and trying to improve really every day.”
What matters is the Bills building off their first two wins, however different each one was achieved. Buffalo rallied from a late 15-point deficit to pull out a season-opening 41-40 win over Baltimore, and then clamped down defensively in coasting to a 30-10 win over the New York Jets.
Allen is the NFL’s reigning MVP and overseeing an offence that essentially returns intact. He’s 12-2 against Miami in the regular season and his 37 touchdowns passing against the Dolphins are the most against any opponent.
“None of that matters,” Allen said. “It doesn’t have any bearing to what this week will bring.”
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
appreciates the challenge ahead.
“My wife texted me Monday morning and she’s like, ‘Hey, hang in there,’” Weaver said.
“And I’m like, ‘The time for grieving was yesterday, baby. Today is for fighting.’ And that’s what we’re doing. It’s time to fight back.”
Visor time
Allen wore a visor on his helmet in practice this week, and expects to do so on Thursday night to protect his nose, which was bruised and bloodied in the first quarter against the Jets.
“It doesn’t really impact much,” Allen said. “It’s a little warmer in there. Your voice kind of echoes off of it, too. So just a little bit weirder.”
Otherwise, his nose is fine, as is the quarterback’s sense of humour.
“Yeah, I’m the third Bosa brother in the league now,” Allen said, referring to teammate Joey Bosa and 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa.
Joey Bosa laughed saying, Allen more resembles his brother.
Defensive frustrations
One of the biggest surprises to start the season has been the struggles of Miami’s defence, a unit that finished 2024 ranked fourth in total defence after allowing just 314.4 yards per game. Miami is ranked 26th in total defence and has the second-worst scoring defence in the NFL, allowing 33 points per game.
Opponents have scored on 13 of 15 possessions against them, excluding drives that ended with kneel-downs.
“I feel like we are either being too conservative or not being sound enough up front where we need to work together as a unit better,” Sieler said. “I’ll take the ownership of that.”
Intense rivalry
McDaniel’s first glimpse of the Bills-Dolphins rivalry came as a kid, when he saw former Miami linebacker Bryan Cox come out of the tunnel at what was then Rich Stadium in Buffalo and made an obscene gesture with both hands in 1993. “I was like, ‘whoa, that’s intense,’” McDaniel. “I knew about that rivalry
MIAMI Dolphins head coach
Mike McDaniel looks for a play during the half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
from whenever that was — early 90s — as a kid, and off the rip I was like, that’s a different set of fanbases that are both very prideful so stuff is going to pop off.”
McDaniel noted Bills fans have greeted him with a similar gesture.
“You can feel the intensity,” he said. “It makes it a really cool road atmosphere when we go up there because they are pretty nice people that when it comes to football they black out and say a lot of things.”
Pro Picks: Eagles will beat Rams in a playoff rematch
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
SAQUON Barkley had to give the Los Angeles Rams nightmares throughout the offseason.
Barkley had 460 yards rushing and four touchdowns against the Rams in two victories for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, including a playoff game.
Three of the four TD runs were 70-plus yards and the other was a 62-yard scamper. He ran for 255 yards in Los Angeles in the regular season and 205 yards on a snowy field in Philly in January.
Yet, the Rams (2-0) came within 13 yards of eliminating the Eagles from the playoffs in the divisional round before Jalen Carter sacked Matthew Stafford on third down and forced him to throw incomplete on the next play to secure a 28-22 win.
The Eagles (2-0) hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy after two more lopsided victories.
The unbeaten teams meet Sunday at the Linc. The Eagles are 3 1/2-point favourites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Stafford and Davante Adams have clicked but the Rams need a boost from the run game. Their defence continues to be impressive.
The defending Super Bowl champs keep winning despite a sluggish offence. Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown have responded whenever critics attacked the pass offence in the past.
The Rams are 5-0 against the spread in their past five games and 7-0 ATS in their past seven road games. The Eagles are 9-1 straight up and 8-2 ATS in their past 10 games against the Rams.
Pro Picks leans toward Philadelphia.
EAGLES: 27-23
Kansas City at New York Giants Line: Chiefs minus 6 1/2
The Chiefs are 0-2 for the first time since 2014, Patrick Mahomes has the first three-game losing streak in his career and plenty of folks are proclaiming the end of Kansas City’s dynasty. Same people did that to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots several times before he led them to another three Super Bowls. Russell Wilson showed he indeed can still play last week,
Malik Nabers is a stud and New York’s defensive line is disruptive. BEST BET: CHIEFS: 30-17
Houston at Jacksonville Line: Jaguars minus 1
The Texans (0-2) are struggling but they were in this position two years ago when DeMeco Ryans was a first-year coach and C.J. Stroud was a rookie and they still ended up winning the division. They have to protect Stroud and be more productive in the red zone. The Jaguars (1-1) missed an opportunity when the defence let Jake Browning drive the Bengals 92 yards for a comeback win. The Texans swept the series last season, but the Jaguars covered the spread in both games.
UPSET SPECIAL:
TEXANS: 23-20
Miami at Buffalo Line: Bills minus 12 1/2 Tua Tagovailoa got Miami’s offence going but the defence and special teams let the Dolphins (0-2) down. Josh Allen and the Bills (2-0) have a balanced offence thanks to James Cook, and their defence improved after a rough start. The Bills are 11-0 in their past 11 home games. The Dolphins are 3-7 in their past 10 road games.
BILLS: 34-16
Indianapolis at Tennessee Line: Colts minus 3 1/2 The Colts (2-0) are off to their best start since 2009 behind Daniel Jones. “Danny Dimes” has led the offence to 14 scoring drives and no punts and Jonathan Taylor leads the league in rushing yards. The rebuilding Titans (0-2) have held second-half leads against the Broncos and Rams. They need to learn to finish. And, the offensive line needs to protect Cam Ward, who has been sacked 11 times. The Colts are 1-4 against the spread in their past five road games, but 5-1 ATS in their past six games vs. AFC South opponents. The Titans are 0-9 ATS in their past nine home games.
COLTS: 19-16
Cincinnati at Minnesota
Line: Vikings minus 3
It’s Jake Browning vs. Carson Wentz in a battle of backups. Browning replaces Joe Burrow for the Bengals (2-0). Wentz takes
over for J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings (1-1). Browning was 4-3 as a starter in 2023 and led a comeback win after Burrow got hurt vs. Jacksonville. Minnesota also won’t have running back Aaron Jones and could be down to its thirdstring left tackle if Justin Skule (concussion) can’t return. Wentz hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2022. The Bengals have lost six in a row in Minnesota. The Vikings are 5-1 ATS in their past six games played in September.
VIKINGS: 24-19
Green Bay at Cleveland Line: Packers minus 8 Micah Parsons has energised the defence and Jordan Love is playing error-free, efficient football for the Packers (2-0). The Browns (0-2) are off to their worst start since 2018 and Myles Garrett is tired of losing. Cleveland’s defence has stopped the run, though. The Packers are 7-3 ATS in their past 10 games. The Browns have lost eight straight games, going 1-7 ATS.
PACKERS: 27-17
Pittsburgh at New England Line: Steelers minus 1 1/2
Aaron Rodgers needs better protection. On defence, the Steelers (1-1) have to improve against the run. Drake Maye and the Patriots (1-1) rallied to give Mike Vrabel his first win with New England. The Steelers are 1-4 ATS in their past five road games. The Patriots are 2-3 ATS in their past five home games.
STEELERS: 20-17
Atlanta at Carolina Line: Falcons minus 6
The Falcons (1-1) got Bijan Robinson going in Week 2 and rookie edge rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker made an impact. The Panthers (0-2) need to play the way they did in a second-half comeback that fell short last week. Protecting Bryce Young got harder, though, with injuries to two starters on the offensive line. The Falcons are 2-7-1 ATS in their past 10 games. The Panthers are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 games.
FALCONS: 24-20
New York Jets at Tampa Bay Line: Buccaneers minus 7
The Jets (0-2) with Aaron Glenn haven’t looked any better than with any another coach. It’s still too early. Justin Fields will miss the game because of a concussion, leaving Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for the Jets.
Baker Mayfield has led the Buccaneers (2-0) to consecutive victories on go-ahead scores in the final two minutes. But the offensive line is banged up and the defence lost lineman Calijah Kancey for the season. The Jets have lost 11 straight games as underdogs in Florida. The Bucs are 15-1 at home against teams coming off a loss.
BUCCANEERS: 26-16
Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Line: Commanders minus 3 1/2
Geno Smith said he has to be better after throwing three picks. He needs to
be for the Raiders (1-1) to be competitive. The Commanders (1-1) could be turning to Marcus Mariota if Jayden Daniels can’t play because of a knee injury. That’s a drop-off. The Commanders are 7-2 against the spread as a home favorite under coach Dan Quinn.
COMMANDERS: 23-22
Denver at Los Angeles Chargers Line: Chargers minus 3
Special teams cost the Broncos (1-1) last week in a game the offence couldn’t put away and the defence didn’t do enough to prevent it from slipping away. The Chargers (2-0) have been impressive and can make it three straight division wins to start the season. The Broncos are 4-4 ATS as road underdogs with Bo Nix. The Chargers are 9-1 ATS in the past 10 games as favorites vs. AFC opponents.
CHARGERS: 23-19
New Orleans at Seattle Line: Seahawks minus 7 1/2
The rebuilding Saints (0-2) have kept it close, but have lost 14 of their past 17 games. A balanced offence and opportunistic defence helped the Seahawks (1-1) even their record. They were just 3-6 at home last season. The Saints are 1-4 ATS in their past five games. The Seahawks are 1-7 ATS in their past eight at home.
SEAHAWKS: 24-17
Arizona at San Francisco
Line: 49ers minus 1 1/2 The Cardinals (2-0) haven’t played their best
football but are undefeated. They’ve got some injury concerns in the secondary. Mac Jones filled in for Brock Purdy and tossed three touchdown passes for the injury-depleted 49ers (2-0). The Cardinals are 9-4 ATS in their past 13 games. The 49ers are 4-12 ATS in their past 16 home games.
49ERS: 24-20
Dallas at Chicago Line: Bears minus 1
Thanks to Brandon Aubrey and Dak Prescott, the Cowboys (1-1) overcame a pass defence that allowed 450 yards to Russell Wilson. They’ve got to generate a pass rush to help the secondary. Ben Johnson and the Bears (0-2) were embarrassed by his former team in a return to Detroit. Can he get Caleb Williams and the offensive playmakers on track this week? The Cowboys are 6-3 ATS in their past nine games. The Bears are 2-5 ATS in their past seven games and have lost six straight home games.
COWBOYS: 30-27
Detroit at Baltimore Line: Ravens minus 5 The Lions (1-1) put up 52 points and 511 yards, silencing the critics who thought losing Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator would slow down the offence. The Ravens (1-1) only needed Lamar Jackson’s arm — not his legs or Derrick Henry’s — to rout Cleveland with help from a couple of defensive scores. Oddsmakers are disrespecting the Lions with this line, especially with linebacker Kyle Van Noy and cornerback Marlon Humphrey injured for Baltimore. Jackson has a passer rating of 124.3 with 1,949 yards and 22 touchdowns in nine games on “Monday Night Football.” RAVENS: 33-26
Last week: Straight up: 12-4. Against spread: 10-6. Overall: Straight up: 25-7. Against spread: 18-14.
UB teams wrap up international cross country competition
THE University of The Bahamas men’s and women’s cross-country teams wrapped up international competition at the Embry-Riddle University Cross-Country Classic on Saturday.
UB men’s five-member team placed 10th overall as a team while the women’s team did not field a full team to compete in the team competition.
In cross country team competition, the team’s top five performers are scored to determine a team score.
“I am quite pleased with the men’s team because as a team, they are no more than one minute apart. They are working together as a group and faster than they were,” Rolle said. “I was excited for the women’s performance and the good thing about the team is that it is a fresh team and it is a new experience for them, so they have to get through the jitters.”
Crossing the finish line first for UB was Lhevinne Joseph in the 8K when he stopped the clock at 31:23.6. He finished 55th overall.
There were 96 competitors.
“We were more comfortable this time especially as a team. I paced myself better in this race and overall, it was a great meet,” Joseph said.
Crossing the finish line first for the UB women’s team was Najihah Mortimer after clocking 26:33.5 to place 46th overall in the 3K. There were 63 competitors.
“It was a rough course, and it had a lot of hills and muddy. I almost tripped a couple times, but I am glad that I was able to finish. I was not completely pleased with my time,” Mortimer said.
Kenold Jean was the second Mingoes man to cross the finish line with a time of 31:34 for a 60th place finish. He was followed by Jackson Ozias who was 66th overall in 32:21.8. Devilus Culmer ran 33:16.9 for a 74th place finish. Jason Ferguson rounded out the competition for UB men with a
time of 35:06.7 for an 83rd place finish.
Bernechia Nelson was just behind Mortimer for a 47th place finish after posting 26:45.3.
“Running up the hills was rough. I just did what I had to do and kept going,” Nelson said.
Marquell Newbold placed 55th overall when she posted 29:25.9.
Both teams have the weekend off and will prepare to compete in their UB Cross Country 2K25 Invitational on Saturday, September 27, at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center.
Photos by UB Athletics
SIMPLIFIED LENDING RUNS WITH MINGOES AS UB CROSS COUNTRY TITLE SPONSOR
SIMPLIFIED Lending has stepped up as title sponsor for the fourth annual UB Cross Country Invitational set for September 27 at The Queen Elizabeth Sports Complex.
The Invitational, powered by Simplified Lending, started in 2021 as a way to fill the void of middle distance and long-distance competitions.
“We are excited to support the events at UB as a strong corporate citizen but also as a part of Love Simplified which is our corporate social responsibility programme,” said Simplified Lending’s acting chief financial officer Kethera Thompson.
“We believe in supporting the development of our young people in The Bahamas while developing a big part of athletics that has been underrepresented in the country.”
Simplified Lending is part of the Simplified Group of Companies, a dynamic organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional financial services.
Thompson said it was especially important for her as an alumnus of The University of The Bahamas to be a part of Simplified Lending’s sponsorship.
“This is a full circle moment for me as UB is where most of my professional development took place,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without UB and this great to be able to give back.” UB Athletics director Kimberley Rolle added that the event has grown every
year and the sponsorship will help with the continued development of the sports.
“With Simplified Lending coming on board as the title sponsor this year shows the growth and importance of the event,” Rolle said. “Simplified Lending has come on as
a corporate partner as we fulfil our mission of development not only on the tertiary level but across the board as we have runners from primary school right up to collegiates and open competing.”
Mingoes head coach Ednal Rolle added that
the title sponsorship of Simplified Lending shows corporate Bahamas’ commitment to developing athletes in the county.
“Cross country and longer distance events are sometimes overlooked,” Rolle said. “This initiative demonstrates that
corporate Bahamas recognises the importance of supporting and developing all areas of athletics in The Bahamas.”
The event is set for a 7am start on September 27 at The Queen Elizabeth
the
Sports Center near
Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
SIMPLIFIED Lending signs on as title sponsor for The University of The Bahamas Cross Country Invitational. Pictured at the announcement: Mingoes mascot Blu, Simplified Lending’s senior manager of Group Transformation & Synergy Gerlia Nairn, Simplified Lending’s acting chief financial officer Kethera Thompson, University of The Bahamas director of athletics Kimberley Rolle, UB cross country head coach Ednal Rolle, UB Cross Country Invitational open division defending champion Lhevinne Joseph, and Simplified Lending’s business lead Kinara Lloyd.
Photo: UB ATHLETICS
‘Basketball Beyond the Walls’ soaks up success
THE “Peace on the Streets” Basketball Classic - an ongoing tournament - was taken to another level as the pastors and politicians took the game behind the gates of The Bahamas Department of Correctional facility this past weekend.
Organised by Carlos Reid, a number of pastors and politicians, led by the Zane Lightbourne, joined forces to take on the residents of the maximumsecurity facility.
A competitive back and forth game saw the pastors and politicians down at halftime 18-13. They managed to close within a point in the second half, only to see the residents of BDOCS take the game with a final score of 35-30.
At the end of the game, the officials, led by Randy
Cunningham, did an outstanding job in controlling the game, and if for only a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still.
Although a game was played, the day was all about camaraderie and bonds shared between the players and spectators.
Minister Lightbourne congratulated the residents for their outstanding game. He referenced their playing the game of life, as he encouraged them to always strive together for common good in achieving the best positive result possible.
Mr Reid was excited at the idea to have the game
played, and as he plans to expand the tournament to the family islands, he also looks forward to playing again at the correctional facility. He concluded the day with a stirring message of hope and encouragement to the residents. Home-cooked meals were distributed among the residents, and tangible gifts and donations were left behind.
There were no bragging rights on this day, as it was a victory for everyone.
Although the game itself had a final score, the sportsmanship and camaraderie continues.
THE Bahamas has been chosen by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as the host site of their next regional Level 2 Officiating School for Referees.
The school, which started on September 16, accommodates nine students from six countries in North America and the Caribbean.
The schools are designed to improve the quality of officiating from grass roots to grand slams with four levels of officiating: National, Level 1 (ITF Green Badge officials), Level 2 (White Badge) and Level 3 (Bronze, Silver, Gold Badge).
The school will be held over five days and will cover, in great detail, the rules of tennis, the duties and procedures of umpires, code of conduct for players and the specific rules of the various tennis tours such as juniors, masters, beach and wheelchair.
A review of the professional code of behaviour and integrity for officials will also be covered.
Esther Newton, who was endorsed by the BLTA officiating manager Mickey Williams, was selected by the ITF to attend the school. This is the first time an official from The Bahamas has been chosen for an ITF school in over 20 years. Esther has worked diligently with The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association since 2017 and her record includes officiating at national and international tennis tournaments. Her roles over the past eight years included tournament director, tournament referee, assistant referee, chief umpire and roving umpire. This is another historic moment in Bahamas tennis on two levels, not only for the country being selected as the host nation but also the fact that one of our local officials was selected to be a participant.
The BLTA is thankful for this opportunity to be the host nation and we wish for a very successful Officiating Referee School in The Bahamas.
BASKETBALL Beyond the Walls was organised by Carlos Reid and a number of pastors and politicians, led by the Zane Lightbourne, who joined forces to take on the residents of the maximumsecurity facility. The BDOCS won 35-30.