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3 years ago

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1:46 PM ET

Northwestern has fired defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil and two other assistants following a 1-11 season that marked its worst since 1989, the school announced Tuesday.

Longtime defensive line coach Marty Long and wide receivers coach Dennis Springer are also out.

“Our entire football family is grateful for what these three men brought to our program on and off the field,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said in a statement. “They recruited and developed student-athletes who will be prepared for life and make our university community proud for years to come.

“Ultimately, these difficult decisions were made with the intention of putting our team in the best position for success on gameday moving forward.”

Fitzgerald hired O’Neil in early 2021 following the retirement of decorated defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz, who had been at Northwestern since 2008. Northwestern’s defense regressed significantly the past two seasons, ranking 91st nationally in points allowed and 117th in yards per rush allowed.

Fitzgerald worked with O’Neil as assistants at Northwestern in 2003 and 2004. O’Neil then began a career in the NFL, serving as defensive coordinator for the Browns and 49ers.

Long had been with Northwestern since the 2008 season and produced several top pass-rushers, but the line has struggled recently, especially at the defensive tackle position. Springer joined the staff before the 2011 season.

Northwestern recorded its third losing season in the past four after finishing under .500 during the regular season just twice between 2007 and 2018. The Wildcats won their opener against Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland, before dropping their final 11 games.

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White Sox place Vargas on IL with oblique strain

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15 mins ago

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August 3, 2025

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White Sox place Vargas on IL with oblique strain

  • Associated Press

Aug 3, 2025, 04:32 PM ET

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Chicago White Sox placed infielder Miguel Vargas on the 10-day injured list on Sunday because of a left oblique strain.

Vargas, 25, was scratched from Saturday night’s 1-0 victory at the Angels. Vargas, who was acquired from the Dodgers as part of a three-team trade in July 2024, is batting .229 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs in 106 games.

The White Sox also recalled infielder Curtis Mead from Triple-A Charlotte before their series finale against the Angels. Left-hander Bryan Hudson and right-hander Elvis Peguero were claimed off waivers from Milwaukee and assigned to Charlotte.

Mead, 24, came over when the White Sox traded right-hander Adrian Houser to Tampa Bay on Thursday. Mead hit .226 with three homers and eight RBIs in 49 games with the Rays this year.

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After red flag, White’s 2 HRs let Braves lap Reds

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15 mins ago

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August 3, 2025

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After red flag, White's 2 HRs let Braves lap Reds

  • Associated Press

Aug 3, 2025, 04:00 PM ET

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Eli White hit a three-run homer and a solo shot, helping the Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 on Sunday in the rain-delayed MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway.

White’s first homer of the afternoon gave Atlanta a 3-1 lead in the second inning at the historic racetrack. The ball hit the safer barrier after clearing the outfield wall and the track itself.

He added his sixth homer of the season on a leadoff shot in the seventh.

Cincinnati went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left 12 on base. Brent Suter (1-2) got the loss.

Atlanta came in having clinched the season series, winning four of the first six games. The teams split the first two in Cincinnati before coming to Bristol.

The game was scheduled for Saturday, but it was suspended in the first inning because of persistent rain.

Hurston Waldrep (1-0) was on the mound for Atlanta when play resumed. The right-hander was brought up from Triple-A Gwinnett and traveled about 250 miles to Bristol Motor Speedway early Sunday morning. He pitched 5⅔ innings of one-run ball for his first career win.

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Rockies closer Halvorsen (elbow strain) put on IL

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3 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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Rockies closer Halvorsen (elbow strain) put on IL

  • Associated Press

Aug 3, 2025, 01:19 PM ET

DENVER — The Colorado Rockies have put closer Seth Halvorsen on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain after he had to leave Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh.

Interim manager Warren Schaeffer said at the time the injury didn’t look good — following the right-hander’s exit after throwing five pitches in the ninth inning. Halvorsen leads the Rockies with 11 saves.

Colorado also recalled right-hander Nick Anderson and catcher Braxton Fulford from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, and the Rockies optioned infielder Michael Toglia to Albuquerque.

The 25-year-old Halvorsen is 1-2 with a 4.99 ERA this year. He made his big league debut in August of 2024.

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