Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
This article is the written edition of the CBS Sports HQ AM newsletter, your comprehensive daily sports briefing. You can subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every morning.
🏈 Good morning, especially to…
Courtland Sutton and the Denver Broncos
The Broncos have secured a four-year, $92 million extension with Courtland Sutton, including $41 million guaranteed. Sutton, 29, enters the last year of his previous deal worth $608.8 million and now earns an average of $23 million annually, ranking him among the top 20 highest-paid wide receivers. Last season, Sutton recorded a career-best 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, marking his first 1,000-yard season since 2019. Though he was less visible in team drills during training camp, that has changed. This extension rewards Sutton and allows the Broncos to strengthen on-field chemistry with their premier receiver as they head into the highly anticipated 2025 season—a win for both player and team. Meanwhile, Bernhardreimann also signed a notable four-year, $100 million contract.
😃 Honorable Mention
⚾ Not so good morning…
Emmanuel Clase and the Cleveland Guardians
MLB has placed Cleveland’s top closer, Emmanuel Clase, on paid leave as part of an ongoing investigation linked to sports betting. Earlier this month, starting pitcher Louis Ortiz was also put on leave under the same inquiry, though it remains unclear if the two cases are connected. The Guardians have confirmed no further players will be suspended, and MLB has not issued additional comments. Clase, 27, led the AL in saves for three consecutive years, earning All-Star nods each season, with an astounding 0.61 ERA and 47 saves out of 50 attempts last year. This year, his performance has dipped slightly with a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves in 29 chances. Ortiz’s investigation stems from a sports betting integrity firm that flagged suspicious patterns in specific pitches during June games.
Last year, Tucupita Marano received a lifetime ban for betting on his own team (Pirates), while four others faced one-year suspensions for betting on unrelated games.
☠️ Old and not-so-honorable mention
Ryne Sandberg, baseball Hall of Famer, dies at 65
Ryne Sandberg, the legendary second baseman who spent 15 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, passed away Monday at 65. Announced in January 2023, Sandberg was battling metastatic prostate cancer, declared cancer-free in August but sadly suffered a recurrence. Nearing the end of his playing career, he debuted with the Phillies before being traded to the Cubs in 1982, becoming a franchise icon with 10 All-Star appearances, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, and the 1984 NL MVP award. Sandberg joined the Hall of Fame in 2005, and the Cubs retired his No. 23 jersey shortly after. MLB Commissioner Manfred praised Sandberg’s all-around excellence, speed, and work ethic. Beyond statistics, Sandberg was a beloved figure to all Cubs fans, embodying the spirit and heart of the team.
MLB Trading Deadline: Who’s buying and who’s selling?
With the deadline on Thursday, rumors and major trades are heating up. Monday saw the Tigers acquire Chris Paddack from the Twins alongside other notable deals. Detroit placed pitcher Reese Olson on the 60-day IL due to a shoulder strain. The Cubs, leading the NL Central, are proactive buyers, looking to strengthen their pitching and third base by the deadline. Conversely, the Diamondbacks have shifted to sellers after recent trades, with notable players like Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk moved, and more departures expected.
Deion Sanders Opens Up About Battling Bladder Cancer This Offseason
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders revealed he fought bladder cancer early this offseason, which kept him away recently. After surgery to remove his bladder, doctors have declared him cancer-free. Sanders has faced several health challenges recently, including emergency surgery for blood clots in his foot and losing two toes in 2021 due to clots. Despite these setbacks, Sanders is confident and ready to return, having lost 25 pounds. Colorado prepares for a significant season following a 9-4 record last year, featuring star players like Travis Hunter and Sanders’ own sons.
Boxing Hall of Famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi Passes Away at 72
The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a former two-division world champion, died Sunday at 72 after battling dementia for five years. Qawi held the WBC Light Heavyweight title from 1981-1983 and the WBA Cruiserweight title from 1985-1986. Known as the "Camden Buzzsaw," he began boxing while serving time in prison and turned professional after release. Post-boxing, he dedicated himself to coaching youth and counseling on drug and alcohol issues.
Tulane Basketball Player Greg Glenn III Dies at 22
Tulane announced the tragic death of standout forward Greg Glenn III over the weekend. No details about his passing have been shared. Glenn transferred from Michigan after his freshman year and averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season, starting all 34 games. The vice president of student affairs praised Glenn’s spirit, dedication, and passion for sports and academics, describing him as a source of joy and light for those around him.
Tuesday’s Sports Schedule
- Orioles vs. Blue Jays at 12:35 pm on MLB Network
- Rays at Yankees at 7:05 pm on TBS
- Padres vs. Mets and Giants vs. Pirates at 9:40 pm on MLB Network
- Sparks vs. Aces at 10 pm on NBA TV
Fan Take: The Broncos locking up Courtland Sutton signals big ambitions for their offense, promising exciting developments for their fans. Meanwhile, the MLB betting investigation highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain integrity in sports, a crucial issue for the future of the game.
