Month: July 2020

Sankey: federal NIL law needed to ensure fair competition

Sasha Banks wants to lead by example in and out of the ring

Sasha Banks is setting an example atop the wrestling world through her actions and her words.

“For me, being a role model and a leader is what I have to give back to the universe,” said Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Kaestner-Varnado. “It’s not easy to be so exposed and so open and so raw, but I’m here to show people that I’m a real person, too. I am just lucky and fortunate enough to be living my dream in front of millions of people. If that connects with people, if that resonates, all I can do is be myself and hopefully show people that no matter what they go through–whether it’s good, bad, or hard–we’re all in this together.”

An old interview of All Elite Wrestling star Sammy Guevara recently resurfaced during which he mentioned Banks in a horribly inappropriate manner. Guevara, who has been suspended by AEW for his comment, stated four years ago on the Raw’s 4th Hour podcast that he wanted to “go f—— rape” Banks. Though Banks had every right to admonish Guevara in her reply, she instead issued a statement filled with dignity and class, stressing accountability in order for true growth to occur.

“As you can see on social media, I left my comment out there, I made my statement,” said Banks. “I don’t feel like I need to touch upon it any more than I did, but as a role model, I have to lead by example. I can’t show hate with hate. I only can show through education, dignity, and integrity.”

Setting an example for her fans across the globe is paramount to Banks.

Banks calls herself “The Boss,” but that persona and state of mind took time, toil, and tears to build. She is open and honest about battling abandonment issues as a child, noting that her self-esteem was severely altered after her father left the family when she was only five. She looked toward her mother for guidance and strength, qualities she now shares with her fan base, a massive group that is both loyal and dedicated.

“We all have a journey and a story, and we’re able to tell people what we’ve overcome,” said Banks. “No one’s perfect, no one’s had an easy road or an easy life, but overcoming difficulty makes us who we are. I’m so thankful for everything that I’ve ever been through since I was a kid. If I didn’t go through those things, I wouldn’t be the strongest person I’ve ever been in my whole life.”

As captivating as Banks is on the microphone, her work in the ring is even more compelling. She steps in the ring Wednesday night at NXT’s Great American Bash special in a must-see match against Io Shirai.

Shirai is one of wrestling’s most phenomenal talents, and the possibility exists for a masterpiece when she shares the ring with Banks. She is also NXT Women’s Champion, a title Banks held in 2015. Banks had a transcendent run in NXT, and her TakeOver: Brooklyn match five years ago with Bayley helped set a new standard in wrestling.

“I’m just coming down here today to show people that this is not their NXT,” said Banks. “This has always been my NXT, and that’s what I’m going to show tonight.”

Since Banks and Bayley won the Women’s Tag Team Championship, they have wrestled across WWE’s entire lineup of shows, starring on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT in a manner that feels fresh and invigorating. Her main event this past Monday on Raw, teaming with Dolph Ziggler against Asuka and Drew McIntyre, was filled with tension and suspense, common denominators in Banks’ work.

“I used to wrestle five days a week,” said Banks. “It’s nothing new. Working three times a week is easy for me. If I need to work Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Reaching and sustaining stardom in WWE is far from easy, but Banks continues to add a unique vigor and excitement to the product. Using her fame to set the right example, Banks has served as a beacon of light for WWE amidst the pandemic. And with such a passionate fan base behind her, she was asked if her next goal is to headline next year’s WrestleMania.

“No matter where I am on the card, I always headline,” said Banks. “I’m always the main event. Whether it’s first, second, third, fourth, or fifth, I am the main event no matter where you put me.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com . Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.

Our Sports Gambling 101 series continues with a breakdown of National Hockey League betting. How do bettors get in on the action and what are popular NHL wagering options?

Established in 1917, the NHL is the second oldest of the four major professional sports in North America. Known as the “Original Six,” Montreal, Toronto, Chicago, Boston, New York and Detroit, were the first six cities with NHL teams. With Seattle (2021) as the newest franchise, 25 teams are based in the United States and seven teams are located in Canada. Available during the 82-game regular season, plus four rounds of playoff action, NHL odds are plentiful.

Puck Line NHL Betting Odds

Known as point spreads in basketball and football, plus run lines in baseball, puck lines are offered as the spread betting option in the NHL. Puck line favorites are saddled with a -1.5 goal pregame handicap and need to win by at least two goals to cash winning tickets. Pregame underdogs receive a +1.5 goal head start and must win outright or lose by just one goal. Average puck line juice ranges from +100 to upwards of +/-300 depending on the teams involved.

Moneyline NHL Betting Odds

Available as a standard “big three” hockey betting option, NHL moneylines are often reasonably priced. Moneyline favorites are posted with a negative number while underdogs are listed with a positive price. In the odds example below, Buffalo (-140) is the favorite. The Sabres need to win, in regulation time or overtime, for bettors to earn a $100 profit for every $140 wagered. Ottawa (+120) is the underdog and bettors earn $120 on every $100 bet if the Senators win.

Game Total NHL Betting Odds

NHL total odds ask bettors to predict the combined goals scored in a game. Two-way odds include regulation time and one goal is added if a match goes into overtime. Three-way goal total odds add a TIE into the mix and those bets are always graded at the end of regulation time. Lines range from 5.0 to 6.5 goals and juice prices are usually within the +100 to +/-130 range. Bettors should consider OVER when a high scoring squad faces a team with a leaky defense.

NHL Futures and Prop Betting Odds

From Stanley Cup playoff futures, to a variety of player and team props, exotic NHL betting options are plentiful. During the preseason, and while the season plays out, bettors can place futures wagers on division and conference champs plus the Stanley Cup winner. From leading scorer, to top goaltender, player props are also available as futures bets. From the 2020 Stanley Cup odds below, bettors earn an $800 profit on every $100 wager if Colorado claims the Cup.

Shop Around for Best Priced NHL Odds

Shopping for best-priced odds is important prior to placing bets. Land based sportsbooks, plus online betting apps, are now available in many states. That makes funding an account at more than one bookmaker quick and easy. Comparing prices can help bettors generate a larger payout or reduce original risk. NHL Eastern Conference odds illustrate that as Washington and Pittsburgh prices are better at FanDuel while Philadelphia has added moneyline value at DraftKings.

NHL Betting Bottom Line

Since NHL betting action is available throughout the year, players are reminded to set a steady pace. Along with proper bankroll management, bettors also need to research the sides involved prior to placing bets. Comparing offense and defense statistics, along with recent history of the teams involved, are solid starting points. Key injuries, team travel, plus home and away records, should also be reviewed. Check our NHL updates for additional gambling information.

MORE GAMBLING TERMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Up to 500 Kansas City Royals fans can purchase a plastic cutout of their likeness for $40 apiece that will be displayed in a seat at Kauffman Stadium.

Damm was once considered a good bet to go to Europe, but he arrives in Atlanta after time with Tigres UANL.

Atlanta United has added another key weapon to its already vaunted attack.

The Five Stripes signed Mexican winger Jurgen Damm on a free transfer from Liga MX power Tigres UANL on Wednesday, bringing another potentially dynamic piece into the fold. Atlanta lost star forward Josef Martinez to an ACL tear in a season-opening win over expansion side Nashville SC, and while Damm is not a like-for-like replacement, he does give manager Frank de Boer another intriguing player to mix in with the likes of Pity Martinez and Ezequiel Barco.

It wasn’t long ago that Damm, now 27, was one of Mexico’s top rising prospects, ripe for a move to Europe. It never panned out, but the still-talented winger can still be an asset for Atlanta if he finds his top form–both in the immediate term with productivity and in future profits off a purchase that cost nothing, if Europe does wind up coming calling.

“It’s exciting to add a player with Jürgen’s pedigree and winning mentality and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club,” Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He’s excelled in Liga MX, as well on the international level with the Mexican National Team and we believe he can make an immediate impact in MLS. Jürgen is versatile to play on either wing, and with his pace and ability to beat defenders 1-v-1 to deliver a cross, he gives us another valuable weapon in our attack.”

Atlanta had to part with $50,000 in general allocation money to secure Damm’s discovery rights from the Houston Dynamo. In his 172 appearances with Tigres, Damm scored 13 goals and had 23 assists.

Atlanta is due to face the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew in the MLS Is Back Tournament in Orlando, which is slated to begin next week (betting odds can be found here). Atlanta was one of four MLS teams to begin the season 2-0-0 (and the only one in the Eastern Conference).