In Memoriam
Former Alabama offensive lineman Bill Searcey died today at the age of 63 after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. Searcey, a Savannah native, was a member of the 1978 and 1979 national championship teams. He’d go on to play in the USFL with the Birmingham Stallions and Houston Gamblers, and would appear in one game with the San Diego Chargers in 1985. Searcey was also a 1992 inductee in the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame.
Searcey penned a memoir titled High Tide: A Story of Football, Freefall, and Forgiveness in 2013, which chronicled his playing days, his battles with substance abuse and obesity, and his story of redemption and forgiveness.
News
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has instructed his team to prioritize the development of Jalen Hurts as the team’s starting quarterback, rather than using the team’s 6th overall draft pick to draft another quarterback. The commitment to Hurts for 2021 answers some key questions about the Eagles’ offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers officially announced today that it has signed exclusive rights free agent J.C. Hassenaeur to a one-year contract for 2021. Hassenauer started 4 games in 2020, primarily as a fill-in at center, and will get a shot at replacing the retired Maurkice Pouncey.
Donta Hall’s 10-day contract with Toronto has officially expired, and he was listed on the transaction wire today as having been released. Toronto doesn’t play again until Thursday, and could sign him to another 10-day contract then, but in the meantime, Hall is now a free agent.
The US Women’s National Team resumed its Olympic preparation, as it began a three-game exhibition series with Team Mexico in St. Petersburg, Florida. The US won tonight 4-2. Haylie McCleney started in centerfield, led off, and went 0-2 with 2 walks and an RBI.
The Canton Charge put out a 22-minute interview with Levi Randolph and Charge coach Nate Reinking tonight, discussing their experiences in the G League Bubble for the last month. The Charge’s season wrapped up last Saturday.
Tua Tagovailoa did a live online promotion tonight Fanatics.
Rivals is partnering with The Players’ Trunk to give fans a chance to buy exclusive team-issued gear, sold by former players. Here are some featured items from Bradley Bozeman and Matt Womack, with lots of X’s in the sizes.
Transactions
- Donta Hall – released by the Toronto Raptors at the expiration of his 10-day contract.
- J.C. Hassenaeur – officially signed to a one-year contract by the Pittsburgh Steeters.
Game Results
SOFTBALL Team USA 4, Team Mexico 2. Haylie McCleney (CF) – 0-2, 2 BB, 1 RBI. BASKETBALL La Union 89, Peñarol 75. Tony Mitchell (PEN) – 7 minutes, 0 points (0-2 FG), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 4 fouls. Delaware 124, Austin 103. Braxton Key (DEL) – 13 minutes, 7 points (1-1 2pg, 1-2 3pg, 1-1 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls. GOLF Cactus Tour Apache Creek Rd 1: Lakareber Abe – 74, +2, T14 Outlaw Tour Moon Valley Classic Rd 1: Joshua Sedeno – 71, -1, T26
