The Nebraska women's basketball team will meet Wake Forest for the first time in school history, when the Huskers travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., to battle the Demon Deacons in the 2021 Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

The official announcement was made by the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented competition in the Challenge between the two tradition-rich conferences last year, but the leagues sent a combined 17 teams to the postseason in 2020, including 15 NCAA Tournament qualifiers.

Wake Forest was one of eight ACC teams to claim a bid to the 2020 NCAA Tournament, despite finishing with a 12-13 overall record that included an 8-10 ACC mark. Nebraska earned a trip to the 2020 Postseason WNIT, advancing to the round of 16 on its way to a 13-13 overall record that included a 9-10 Big Ten mark. The Huskers posted five wins over top-25 teams last season.

In 2019, Nebraska was one of six Big Ten winners in the challenge with the ACC, running to an 83-79 victory over Duke at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Game times, as well as television and streaming video coverage, for the 2021 Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball Challenge will be announced at a later date. All Big Ten home games in this year's Challenge will appear on either the Big Ten Network (BTN), Big Ten Network+ or one of the ESPN networks, while ACC home games in the Challenge will be shown on either the ACC Network, ACC Network Extra or one of the ESPN networks.

2021 Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball Challenge

North Carolina at Minnesota Nebraska at Wake Forest Ohio State at Syracuse Georgia Tech at Purdue Rutgers at Pittsburgh Virginia Tech at Wisconsin

Florida State at Illinois NC State at Indiana Iowa at Duke Miami at Maryland Michigan at Louisville Notre Dame at Michigan State Northwestern at Clemson Penn State at Boston College

The Nebraska women's basketball team will meet Wake Forest for the first time in school history, when the Huskers travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., to battle the Demon Deacons in the 2021 Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday, Dec. 1.The official announcement was made by the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented competition in the Challenge between the two tradition-rich conferences last year, but the leagues sent a combined 17 teams to the postseason in 2020, including 15 NCAA Tournament qualifiers.Wake Forest was one of eight ACC teams to claim a bid to the 2020 NCAA Tournament, despite finishing with a 12-13 overall record that included an 8-10 ACC mark. Nebraska earned a trip to the 2020 Postseason WNIT, advancing to the round of 16 on its way to a 13-13 overall record that included a 9-10 Big Ten mark. The Huskers posted five wins over top-25 teams last season.In 2019, Nebraska was one of six Big Ten winners in the challenge with the ACC, running to an 83-79 victory over Duke at Pinnacle Bank Arena.Game times, as well as television and streaming video coverage, for the 2021 Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball Challenge will be announced at a later date. All Big Ten home games in this year's Challenge will appear on either the Big Ten Network (BTN), Big Ten Network+ or one of the ESPN networks, while ACC home games in the Challenge will be shown on either the ACC Network, ACC Network Extra or one of the ESPN networks.2021 Big Ten/ACC Women's Basketball ChallengeWednesday, Dec. 1North Carolina at Minnesota Nebraska at Wake Forest Ohio State at Syracuse Georgia Tech at Purdue Rutgers at Pittsburgh Virginia Tech at WisconsinThursday, Dec. 2Florida State at Illinois NC State at Indiana Iowa at Duke Miami at Maryland Michigan at Louisville Notre Dame at Michigan State Northwestern at Clemson Penn State at Boston College

Huskers to Face Wake Forest

North Platte, NE – August 3, 2021 Mid-Plains United Way plans to launch their annual nonprofit campaign with a first ever golf tournament at River’s Edge Golf Course. This tournament is set to make a substantial impact in the local community. United Way aims to bring about positive changes and opportunities in the region with the proceeds.

The golf tournament will kick off on Saturday, October 2 at River’s Edge with registration beginning at 7:30 am, followed by a shotgun start at 8:00 am. A luncheon and prizes will be awarded. A silent auction will also be held. The tournament is limited to 24 teams of 4. The cost is $350/team or $500/team &amp; to sponsor a hole. Local businesses, community leaders, and all other individuals are encouraged to join!

Anyone who would like to register for the tournament can do so here: https://www.midplainsunitedway.com/event-details/mid-plains-united-way-golf-tournament Please contact Mid-Plains United Way at 308.532.8870 for any inquiries.

Mid-Plains United Way is a nonprofit organization in North Platte, NE working to build a caring community. Did you know that 98% of all donations stay right here in our community? We primarily conduct fundraising for local non-profits so they have time to focus on providing services to our community. However, we also help with connecting resources. When a business has goods to donate, we help place those donations. When someone needs help, we direct them to an organization that can provide them with food, utility assistance, etc. We also work with other organizations to overcome obstacles that our community is facing.

North Platte, NE – August 3, 2021 Mid-Plains United Way plans to launch their annual nonprofit campaign with a first ever golf tournament at River’s Edge Golf Course. This tournament is set to make a substantial impact in the local community. United Way aims to bring about positive changes and opportunities in the region with the proceeds.The golf tournament will kick off on Saturday, October 2 at River’s Edge with registration beginning at 7:30 am, followed by a shotgun start at 8:00 am. A luncheon and prizes will be awarded. A silent auction will also be held. The tournament is limited to 24 teams of 4. The cost is $350/team or $500/team &amp; to sponsor a hole. Local businesses, community leaders, and all other individuals are encouraged to join!Anyone who would like to register for the tournament can do so here: https://www.midplainsunitedway.com/event-details/mid-plains-united-way-golf-tournament Please contact Mid-Plains United Way at 308.532.8870 for any inquiries.Mid-Plains United Way is a nonprofit organization in North Platte, NE working to build a caring community. Did you know that 98% of all donations stay right here in our community? We primarily conduct fundraising for local non-profits so they have time to focus on providing services to our community. However, we also help with connecting resources. When a business has goods to donate, we help place those donations. When someone needs help, we direct them to an organization that can provide them with food, utility assistance, etc. We also work with other organizations to overcome obstacles that our community is facing.

Mid-Plains United Way Kicks off Annual Campaign with Golf Tournament

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NPHS Athletics: All Parent meeting info

Former Nebraska national champion Chad Wright posted a top-10 finish in the discus at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Wright was the first Husker male athlete to throw the discus at the Olympics. Competing for his native country of Jamaica, Wright recorded a throw of 62.93 meters in the preliminaries to earn one of 12 spots in the finals. In the finals, Wright placed ninth with a throw of 62.56 meters. Wright was the first Husker male thrower to earn a top-10 finish at the Olympics since Sam Francis placed fourth in the shot put at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Wright competed at Nebraska from 2011 to 2014, where he was a six-time All-American. He was a first-team All-American in the discus all four years of his career, placing in the top six at the NCAA Championships every season. Wright finished sixth in the discus as a freshman, was the NCAA champion as a sophomore, finished second as a junior and fourth as a senior. Wright was also the 2014 Big Ten champion in the discus with a throw of 63.96 meters, the longest throw in the history of the Big Ten Men's Outdoor Championships and the second-longest throw in Husker history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By NU Athletic CommunicationsFormer Nebraska national champion Chad Wright posted a top-10 finish in the discus at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Wright was the first Husker male athlete to throw the discus at the Olympics. Competing for his native country of Jamaica, Wright recorded a throw of 62.93 meters in the preliminaries to earn one of 12 spots in the finals. In the finals, Wright placed ninth with a throw of 62.56 meters. Wright was the first Husker male thrower to earn a top-10 finish at the Olympics since Sam Francis placed fourth in the shot put at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Wright competed at Nebraska from 2011 to 2014, where he was a six-time All-American. He was a first-team All-American in the discus all four years of his career, placing in the top six at the NCAA Championships every season. Wright finished sixth in the discus as a freshman, was the NCAA champion as a sophomore, finished second as a junior and fourth as a senior. Wright was also the 2014 Big Ten champion in the discus with a throw of 63.96 meters, the longest throw in the history of the Big Ten Men's Outdoor Championships and the second-longest throw in Husker history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wright Posts Top-10 Finish in Tokyo

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says losing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC could slice the value of the league's next television deal by 50 percent. 

Bowlsby testified at a hearing of Texas state lawmakers on the impact of conference realignment. 

Officials from Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech were invited to testify. 

Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades says the impact is real. He says there are concerns Baylor will sell fewer tickets, less merchandise and that it will be harder to raise money from sponsors and donors. 

Oklahoma and Texas are expected to leave the Big 12 in 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627953454405.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says losing Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC could slice the value of the league's next television deal by 50 percent. Bowlsby testified at a hearing of Texas state lawmakers on the impact of conference realignment. Officials from Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech were invited to testify. Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades says the impact is real. He says there are concerns Baylor will sell fewer tickets, less merchandise and that it will be harder to raise money from sponsors and donors. Oklahoma and Texas are expected to leave the Big 12 in 2025.

Big 12 warns of losing 50% of TV value following UT/OU exit

TOKYO (AP) — American gymnast Jade Carey's long road to the Olympics ended with gold. 

The 21-year-old claimed the top spot in the women's floor exercise, giving the U.S. team its fifth medal of the games. 

Carey's triumph came a day after she narrowly avoided serious injury when she tripped during the vault finals. 

Italy's Vanessa Ferrari won her country's first Olympic medal in gymnastics since 1928 when she earned silver. 

Liu Yang of China won the still rings. Korea's Shih Jenh-wan grabbed the title in men's vault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561399224563.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>TOKYO (AP) — American gymnast Jade Carey's long road to the Olympics ended with gold. The 21-year-old claimed the top spot in the women's floor exercise, giving the U.S. team its fifth medal of the games. Carey's triumph came a day after she narrowly avoided serious injury when she tripped during the vault finals. Italy's Vanessa Ferrari won her country's first Olympic medal in gymnastics since 1928 when she earned silver. Liu Yang of China won the still rings. Korea's Shih Jenh-wan grabbed the title in men's vault.

Jade Carey's long road to the Olympics ends with gold

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Dribble Drive basketball camp: Audio with Coach and Flyer for info

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Carli Lloyd, clutch in so many critical moments for the U.S. women’s soccer team, failed to connect against Canada on Monday night and the Americans won’t play for a fifth Olympic gold medal.

Lloyd’s look in the 86th minute with the United States trailing by a goal hit the crossbar as Canada won 1-0 and dropped the Americans into the bronze medal match. It is the second straight Olympics that the U.S. failed to reach the gold medal game.

The Americans were bounced from the 2016 Rio Games by Sweden in the quarterfinals.

As Canada celebrated wildly at Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, Lloyd knelt to the turf with her head in her hands.

“That wasn’t good enough,” said Lloyd, the oldest player on the U.S. team at 39 and playing in what was likely her last major tournament with the national team.

The U.S. lost starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher when she came down awkwardly after going up for the ball around the 20th minute. Trainers attended to her for some five minutes as backup Adrianna Franch warmed up on the sideline.

Naeher tried to stay in the game, but was replaced by Franch in the 30th minute.

Canada pounced in the 74th minute on Jessie Fleming’s penalty kick, which gave Canada its first win against the United States since 2001.

Fleming booted her PK past a diving Franch and took off toward the sideline, sliding on her knees before teammates swarmed around her.

The U.S. will play for the bronze on Thursday in Kashima against Australia.

Canada will play for the gold Friday at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium against Sweden, which downed the Australians 1-0 in Yokohama.

Canada features Quinn, a midfielder who will become the first openly transgender athlete to win an Olympic medal.

Quinn won bronze in 2016 before coming out as transgender.

It is the second straight Olympics that the Americans, the two-time defending World Cup champions, will not play for the gold medal. The team was uncharacteristically uneven in Japan, starting with a 3-0 loss to Sweden that snapped a 44-game unbeaten streak.

The Americans bounced back to beat New Zealand but then came a scoreless draw with Australia in the group stage. A 4-2 penalty shootout against the Netherlands on Friday advanced the U.S. to the semifinals.

The loss of goalkeeper Naeher clearly hurt the U.S. She was key to the victory over the Dutch in the quarterfinals, with a penalty save during regulation and two more in the deciding shootout. After the semifinal loss, she was on crutches.

The previous time the U.S. played neighbor Canada in the Olympics was 2012 in a controversial semifinal match that went to overtime. Canadian star Christine Sinclair scored three goals, but the United States won it 4-3 on Alex Morgan’s header in the 123rd minute.

The controversy stemmed from questionable calls, including a rare six-second violation against Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod late in regulation. That touched off the sequence that resulted in the tying goal.

“For those of us that were part of the 2012 team, it’s nice to get a little revenge in an Olympic semifinal,” Sinclair said.

After her celebrating teammates had started to leave the field, Sinclair laid down on the field in relief.

“I was just sitting there thinking how proud I am of this team,” she said. “It’s a very unique group. It’s a special group and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

The Canadians have won the bronze medal in the past two Olympics.

“I think this is my first loss ever to Canada,” Megan Rapinoe said. “It sucks not to be able to compete for a gold medal, which is what we wanted. Not a great performance, either. That’s the most frustrating thing.”

U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski has been creative with his lineups throughout the tournament. On Monday, Lynn Williams, originally an alternate, started her second straight game. Lloyd, Rapinoe and Samantha Mewis were on the bench to start.

Lloyd actually had two attempts against Canada. She fired off a shot in the 65th minute that forced Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe to leap to push it over the crossbar. A short time later, Labbe stopped Julie Ertz’s header off a corner from Rapinoe as the United States increased the pressure.

“Definitely had a bit of a momentum shift there in the second half, and came on strong,” Labbe said. “I think for us it was about staying tight defensively and that’s something we’ve done all tournament.”

Fridolina Rolfo scored in the 46th minute for Sweden in its victory over Australia. The Swedes also went to the final in the 2016 Olympics, but fell to Germany and took home the silver.

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Carli Lloyd, clutch in so many critical moments for the U.S. women’s soccer team, failed to connect against Canada on Monday night and the Americans won’t play for a fifth Olympic gold medal.Lloyd’s look in the 86th minute with the United States trailing by a goal hit the crossbar as Canada won 1-0 and dropped the Americans into the bronze medal match. It is the second straight Olympics that the U.S. failed to reach the gold medal game.The Americans were bounced from the 2016 Rio Games by Sweden in the quarterfinals.As Canada celebrated wildly at Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, Lloyd knelt to the turf with her head in her hands.“That wasn’t good enough,” said Lloyd, the oldest player on the U.S. team at 39 and playing in what was likely her last major tournament with the national team.The U.S. lost starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher when she came down awkwardly after going up for the ball around the 20th minute. Trainers attended to her for some five minutes as backup Adrianna Franch warmed up on the sideline.Naeher tried to stay in the game, but was replaced by Franch in the 30th minute.Canada pounced in the 74th minute on Jessie Fleming’s penalty kick, which gave Canada its first win against the United States since 2001.Fleming booted her PK past a diving Franch and took off toward the sideline, sliding on her knees before teammates swarmed around her.The U.S. will play for the bronze on Thursday in Kashima against Australia.Canada will play for the gold Friday at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium against Sweden, which downed the Australians 1-0 in Yokohama.Canada features Quinn, a midfielder who will become the first openly transgender athlete to win an Olympic medal.Quinn won bronze in 2016 before coming out as transgender.It is the second straight Olympics that the Americans, the two-time defending World Cup champions, will not play for the gold medal. The team was uncharacteristically uneven in Japan, starting with a 3-0 loss to Sweden that snapped a 44-game unbeaten streak.The Americans bounced back to beat New Zealand but then came a scoreless draw with Australia in the group stage. A 4-2 penalty shootout against the Netherlands on Friday advanced the U.S. to the semifinals.The loss of goalkeeper Naeher clearly hurt the U.S. She was key to the victory over the Dutch in the quarterfinals, with a penalty save during regulation and two more in the deciding shootout. After the semifinal loss, she was on crutches.The previous time the U.S. played neighbor Canada in the Olympics was 2012 in a controversial semifinal match that went to overtime. Canadian star Christine Sinclair scored three goals, but the United States won it 4-3 on Alex Morgan’s header in the 123rd minute.The controversy stemmed from questionable calls, including a rare six-second violation against Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod late in regulation. That touched off the sequence that resulted in the tying goal.“For those of us that were part of the 2012 team, it’s nice to get a little revenge in an Olympic semifinal,” Sinclair said.After her celebrating teammates had started to leave the field, Sinclair laid down on the field in relief.“I was just sitting there thinking how proud I am of this team,” she said. “It’s a very unique group. It’s a special group and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”The Canadians have won the bronze medal in the past two Olympics.“I think this is my first loss ever to Canada,” Megan Rapinoe said. “It sucks not to be able to compete for a gold medal, which is what we wanted. Not a great performance, either. That’s the most frustrating thing.”U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski has been creative with his lineups throughout the tournament. On Monday, Lynn Williams, originally an alternate, started her second straight game. Lloyd, Rapinoe and Samantha Mewis were on the bench to start.Lloyd actually had two attempts against Canada. She fired off a shot in the 65th minute that forced Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe to leap to push it over the crossbar. A short time later, Labbe stopped Julie Ertz’s header off a corner from Rapinoe as the United States increased the pressure.“Definitely had a bit of a momentum shift there in the second half, and came on strong,” Labbe said. “I think for us it was about staying tight defensively and that’s something we’ve done all tournament.”Fridolina Rolfo scored in the 46th minute for Sweden in its victory over Australia. The Swedes also went to the final in the 2016 Olympics, but fell to Germany and took home the silver.

Canada upsets US with 1-0 win in women’s soccer

Here is the current medal count for the 2021 Olympics in Toyko. The table is organized by total Gold medals.&nbsp;

Here is the current medal count for the 2021 Olympics in Toyko. The table is organized by total Gold medals.&nbsp;<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg">
<thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-0lax">RANK</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">Country</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">Gold</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">Silver</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">Bronze</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">TOTAL</th>
 <th class="tg-0lax">Rank by Total</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-gkrz">1</td>
 <td class="tg-lyrn"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/CHN.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-china.htm">#People's Republic of China</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-china-gold-medal.htm">29</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-china-silver-medal.htm">17</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-china-bronze-medal.htm">16</a></td>
 <td class="tg-9kp7"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-china.htm">62</a></td>
 <td class="tg-gs74">2</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-xi0c">2</td>
 <td class="tg-1ucg"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/USA.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-united-states.htm">#United States of America</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-united-states-gold-medal.htm">22</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-united-states-silver-medal.htm">25</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-united-states-bronze-medal.htm">17</a></td>
 <td class="tg-7cj6"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-united-states.htm">64</a></td>
 <td class="tg-b6h1">1</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-gkrz">3</td>
 <td class="tg-lyrn"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/JPN.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-japan.htm">#Japan</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-japan-gold-medal.htm">17</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-japan-silver-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-japan-bronze-medal.htm">10</a></td>
 <td class="tg-9kp7"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-japan.htm">33</a></td>
 <td class="tg-gs74">5</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-xi0c">4</td>
 <td class="tg-1ucg"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/AUS.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-australia.htm">#Australia</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-australia-gold-medal.htm">14</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-australia-silver-medal.htm">4</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-australia-bronze-medal.htm">15</a></td>
 <td class="tg-7cj6"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-australia.htm">33</a></td>
 <td class="tg-b6h1">5</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-gkrz">5</td>
 <td class="tg-lyrn"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/ROC.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-roc.htm">#ROC</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-roc-gold-medal.htm">12</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-roc-silver-medal.htm">21</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-roc-bronze-medal.htm">17</a></td>
 <td class="tg-9kp7"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-roc.htm">50</a></td>
 <td class="tg-gs74">3</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-xi0c">6</td>
 <td class="tg-1ucg"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/GBR.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-great-britain.htm">#Great Britain</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-great-britain-gold-medal.htm">11</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-great-britain-silver-medal.htm">12</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-great-britain-bronze-medal.htm">12</a></td>
 <td class="tg-7cj6"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-great-britain.htm">35</a></td>
 <td class="tg-b6h1">4</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-gkrz">7</td>
 <td class="tg-lyrn"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/FRA.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-france.htm">#France</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-france-gold-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-france-silver-medal.htm">10</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-france-bronze-medal.htm">7</a></td>
 <td class="tg-9kp7"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-france.htm">23</a></td>
 <td class="tg-gs74">8</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-xi0c">8</td>
 <td class="tg-1ucg"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/GER.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-germany.htm">#Germany</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-germany-gold-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-germany-silver-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-germany-bronze-medal.htm">11</a></td>
 <td class="tg-7cj6"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-germany.htm">23</a></td>
 <td class="tg-b6h1">8</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-gkrz">9</td>
 <td class="tg-lyrn"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/KOR.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-republic-of-korea.htm">#Republic of Korea</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-republic-of-korea-gold-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-republic-of-korea-silver-medal.htm">4</a></td>
 <td class="tg-qmpy"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-republic-of-korea-bronze-medal.htm">9</a></td>
 <td class="tg-9kp7"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-republic-of-korea.htm">19</a></td>
 <td class="tg-gs74">10</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-xi0c">10</td>
 <td class="tg-1ucg"><img src="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resCOMMON/img/flags/NED.png" width="24"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-entries-netherlands.htm">#Netherlands</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-netherlands-gold-medal.htm">5</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-netherlands-silver-medal.htm">7</a></td>
 <td class="tg-2q0x"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-netherlands-bronze-medal.htm">6</a></td>
 <td class="tg-7cj6"><a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/all-sports/noc-medalist-by-sport-netherlands.htm">18</a></td>
 <td class="tg-b6h1">11</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Olympic Medal Count (UPDATED 8/2) 

Dalano Banton became the second Husker basketball player selected in the past three years, as he was a second-round selection during Thursday's NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Banton was taken with the No. 46 pick by his hometown Toronto Raptors.  Banton becomes the first Canadian product drafted by the Raptors in franchise history.

A 6-foot-9 guard from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Banton became the 28th Husker drafted in program history and the first in Fred Hoiberg's two seasons at Nebraska. Banton becomes the seventh Husker basketball player selected in the first two rounds of the NBA Draft, joining Marvin Stewart (2nd, 1971), Rich King (1st, 1991), Eric Piatkowski (1st, 1994), Tyronn Lue (1st, 1998), Venson Hamilton (2nd, 1999) and Isaiah Roby (2nd, 2019).

"Dalano came to Nebraska two years ago with a goal of wanting to reach the NBA and has worked hard to make that goal a reality," Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Everyone in our program is happy for Dalano because so few people are selected each year. It should also serve as motivation for our current team with the system we play that gives our players an opportunity to work in an NBA-style system. 

Banton played in all 27 games, including 22 starts, for the Huskers in 2020-21 after sitting out his first season in the program. He averaged 9.6 points per game while leading the Huskers in both rebounding (5.9) and assists (3.9) per game after transferring from Western Kentucky. Banton finished in the top 20 in the Big Ten in assists (ninth), blocked shots (15th) and rebounding (18th) and became the first Husker since 1974 to lead NU in both rebounding and assists in the same season. 

His 2020-21 campaign was highlighted by the second triple double in school history (13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in just 21 minutes against Doane, one of 14 double-figure scoring efforts on the season. He also had a pair of double-figure rebounding efforts, including 10 rebounds against Wisconsin. Banton also had eight games with at least six assists, including eight dimes against North Dakota State and seven each against both No. 17 Michigan State and Indiana.

Banton will begin his professional career next month in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from Aug. 8-17. All games will be on the ESPN family of networks or NBA TV and on the ESPN App.  The Raptors' first game is Aug. 8 against the New York Knicks at 3:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2.

By NU Athletic CommunicationsDalano Banton became the second Husker basketball player selected in the past three years, as he was a second-round selection during Thursday's NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Banton was taken with the No. 46 pick by his hometown Toronto Raptors. Banton becomes the first Canadian product drafted by the Raptors in franchise history.A 6-foot-9 guard from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Banton became the 28th Husker drafted in program history and the first in Fred Hoiberg's two seasons at Nebraska. Banton becomes the seventh Husker basketball player selected in the first two rounds of the NBA Draft, joining Marvin Stewart (2nd, 1971), Rich King (1st, 1991), Eric Piatkowski (1st, 1994), Tyronn Lue (1st, 1998), Venson Hamilton (2nd, 1999) and Isaiah Roby (2nd, 2019)."Dalano came to Nebraska two years ago with a goal of wanting to reach the NBA and has worked hard to make that goal a reality," Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Everyone in our program is happy for Dalano because so few people are selected each year. It should also serve as motivation for our current team with the system we play that gives our players an opportunity to work in an NBA-style system. Banton played in all 27 games, including 22 starts, for the Huskers in 2020-21 after sitting out his first season in the program. He averaged 9.6 points per game while leading the Huskers in both rebounding (5.9) and assists (3.9) per game after transferring from Western Kentucky. Banton finished in the top 20 in the Big Ten in assists (ninth), blocked shots (15th) and rebounding (18th) and became the first Husker since 1974 to lead NU in both rebounding and assists in the same season. His 2020-21 campaign was highlighted by the second triple double in school history (13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in just 21 minutes against Doane, one of 14 double-figure scoring efforts on the season. He also had a pair of double-figure rebounding efforts, including 10 rebounds against Wisconsin. Banton also had eight games with at least six assists, including eight dimes against North Dakota State and seven each against both No. 17 Michigan State and Indiana.Banton will begin his professional career next month in the MGM Resorts NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from Aug. 8-17. All games will be on the ESPN family of networks or NBA TV and on the ESPN App. The Raptors' first game is Aug. 8 against the New York Knicks at 3:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN2.

Banton Picked by Toronto in NBA Draft

Southeastern Conference university presidents voted Thursday to invite Texas and Oklahoma to the league and create a 16-team powerhouse on the field and at the bank.

The latest step in a move that has potential to help reshape college sports came two days after Texas and Oklahoma requested to join the SEC in 2025. That’s when the schools’ media rights agreement with the Big 12 expires.

The SEC said its leaders voted unanimously to extend invitations to the Longhorns and Sooners and bring them into the conference effective July 1, 2025.

When news of the potential conference realignment broke last week, Texas A&amp;M bristled about letting its old Big 12 and Southwest Conference rivals from Austin into the SEC. But the Aggies ended up falling in line.

“Today’s unanimous vote is both a testament to the SEC’s longstanding spirit of unity and mutual cooperation, as well as a recognition of the outstanding legacies of academic and athletic excellence established by the Universities of Oklahoma and Texas,” Commissioner Greg Sankey said.

Adding Texas and Oklahoma to a conference that already includes football powerhouses such as Alabama, LSU, Georgia and Florida gives the SEC eight programs that have won national championships since 1980.

“It’s already the greatest, toughest conference in America. And with those two teams attempting to join this league, it will only get tougher,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer told reporters.

Now the process goes back to the schools. Texas and Oklahoma both have board of regents meetings schedule for Friday with conference affiliation on the agenda. Whether the boards will move to accept the invitations at those meetings is unknown, but it is almost certain they will at some point.

Then the question becomes: Can Texas and Oklahoma find a way to join their new conference sooner than 2025? It has the makings of being a messy divorce with the Big 12 that could include ESPN.

“Today’s SEC announcement reaffirms that these plans have been in the works with ongoing discussions between the parties and television partner for some time,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “We are disappointed these discussions went as far as they did without notice to, or inclusion of, other Big 12 members.”

Earlier Thursday, ESPN responded to Bowlsby’s accusations of attempting to destabilize his beleaguered conference by saying it has done nothing wrong.

“The accusations you made are entirely without merit,” ESPN executive Burke Magnus, president of programming and content, said in a letter to Bowlsby that was released by the network.

“To be clear, ESPN has engaged in no wrongful conduct and, thus, there is nothing to ‘cease and desist,’” Magnus wrote, adding: “We trust this will put this matter to rest.”

Bowlsby sent a cease-and-desist letter to Magnus a day earlier, alleging ESPN was incentivizing at least one other conference to raid the league in an effort to hasten the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference.

Bowlsby told AP on Wednesday he had “absolute certainty” ESPN was acting inappropriately behind the scenes and that he suspected ESPN was involved in Texas and Oklahoma’s months-long planning to exit the conference. He told AP the schools’ actions were “intentional deception.”

ESPN holds a rights agreement with the Big 12, sharing the conference’s football games with Fox, through the 2024-25 school year.

“Despite our concerns for the process and for the overall health of college athletics, we will do everything possible to make sure that the student-athletes at both universities enjoy an excellent experience throughout the remaining four years of their participation and competition in the Big 12 Conference,” Bowlsby said in his statement.

An early exit could cost Texas and Oklahoma a buyout worth tens of millions of dollars — if the Big 12′s other eight schools keep the conference going.

The conference bylaws state that schools departing before the grant of rights runs out are on the hook for penalties worth the equivalent of a year’s conference distribution for every year it breaks the agreement.

This past year the Big 12 distributed $34.5 million per member, down from recent years because of the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, the Big 12 annual distributions were approaching $40 million per school.

A windfall awaits Texas and Oklahoma in the SEC. The conference is projected to start distributing about $67 million per year to its members in 2024, when its latest deal with ESPN kicks in.

Those projections don’t take into account Texas and Oklahoma, two of the biggest brands and most successful programs in college sports.

ESPN also owns the SEC Network and the Longhorn Network, the cable home of Texas’ athletics.

As the College Football Playoff moves toward expansion from four to 12 teams, the SEC will be adding the only Big 12 team to ever reach the playoff in Oklahoma. The Sooners have won six straight Big 12 titles and have four CFP appearances.

Texas won a football national championship in 2005 and played for another in 2009, but the program has struggled to consistently contend for Big 12 titles in the last decade.

This offseason the Longhorns hired former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to be their head coach, hoping to inject some SEC juice into the program.

Texas is now taking it one step further, renewing its rivalry with Texas A&amp;M and relocating one of the wealthiest athletic departments in the country into the most competitive — and potentially the most lucrative — conference in major college football.

By Ralph D. Russo - Associated PressSoutheastern Conference university presidents voted Thursday to invite Texas and Oklahoma to the league and create a 16-team powerhouse on the field and at the bank.But how soon?The latest step in a move that has potential to help reshape college sports came two days after Texas and Oklahoma requested to join the SEC in 2025. That’s when the schools’ media rights agreement with the Big 12 expires.The SEC said its leaders voted unanimously to extend invitations to the Longhorns and Sooners and bring them into the conference effective July 1, 2025.When news of the potential conference realignment broke last week, Texas A&amp;M bristled about letting its old Big 12 and Southwest Conference rivals from Austin into the SEC. But the Aggies ended up falling in line.“Today’s unanimous vote is both a testament to the SEC’s longstanding spirit of unity and mutual cooperation, as well as a recognition of the outstanding legacies of academic and athletic excellence established by the Universities of Oklahoma and Texas,” Commissioner Greg Sankey said.Adding Texas and Oklahoma to a conference that already includes football powerhouses such as Alabama, LSU, Georgia and Florida gives the SEC eight programs that have won national championships since 1980.“It’s already the greatest, toughest conference in America. And with those two teams attempting to join this league, it will only get tougher,” South Carolina coach Shane Beamer told reporters.Now the process goes back to the schools. Texas and Oklahoma both have board of regents meetings schedule for Friday with conference affiliation on the agenda. Whether the boards will move to accept the invitations at those meetings is unknown, but it is almost certain they will at some point.Then the question becomes: Can Texas and Oklahoma find a way to join their new conference sooner than 2025? It has the makings of being a messy divorce with the Big 12 that could include ESPN.“Today’s SEC announcement reaffirms that these plans have been in the works with ongoing discussions between the parties and television partner for some time,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “We are disappointed these discussions went as far as they did without notice to, or inclusion of, other Big 12 members.”Earlier Thursday, ESPN responded to Bowlsby’s accusations of attempting to destabilize his beleaguered conference by saying it has done nothing wrong.“The accusations you made are entirely without merit,” ESPN executive Burke Magnus, president of programming and content, said in a letter to Bowlsby that was released by the network.“To be clear, ESPN has engaged in no wrongful conduct and, thus, there is nothing to ‘cease and desist,’” Magnus wrote, adding: “We trust this will put this matter to rest.”Bowlsby sent a cease-and-desist letter to Magnus a day earlier, alleging ESPN was incentivizing at least one other conference to raid the league in an effort to hasten the departure of Texas and Oklahoma to the Southeastern Conference.Bowlsby told AP on Wednesday he had “absolute certainty” ESPN was acting inappropriately behind the scenes and that he suspected ESPN was involved in Texas and Oklahoma’s months-long planning to exit the conference. He told AP the schools’ actions were “intentional deception.”ESPN holds a rights agreement with the Big 12, sharing the conference’s football games with Fox, through the 2024-25 school year.“Despite our concerns for the process and for the overall health of college athletics, we will do everything possible to make sure that the student-athletes at both universities enjoy an excellent experience throughout the remaining four years of their participation and competition in the Big 12 Conference,” Bowlsby said in his statement.An early exit could cost Texas and Oklahoma a buyout worth tens of millions of dollars — if the Big 12′s other eight schools keep the conference going.The conference bylaws state that schools departing before the grant of rights runs out are on the hook for penalties worth the equivalent of a year’s conference distribution for every year it breaks the agreement.This past year the Big 12 distributed $34.5 million per member, down from recent years because of the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, the Big 12 annual distributions were approaching $40 million per school.A windfall awaits Texas and Oklahoma in the SEC. The conference is projected to start distributing about $67 million per year to its members in 2024, when its latest deal with ESPN kicks in.Those projections don’t take into account Texas and Oklahoma, two of the biggest brands and most successful programs in college sports.ESPN also owns the SEC Network and the Longhorn Network, the cable home of Texas’ athletics.As the College Football Playoff moves toward expansion from four to 12 teams, the SEC will be adding the only Big 12 team to ever reach the playoff in Oklahoma. The Sooners have won six straight Big 12 titles and have four CFP appearances.Texas won a football national championship in 2005 and played for another in 2009, but the program has struggled to consistently contend for Big 12 titles in the last decade.This offseason the Longhorns hired former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to be their head coach, hoping to inject some SEC juice into the program.Texas is now taking it one step further, renewing its rivalry with Texas A&amp;M and relocating one of the wealthiest athletic departments in the country into the most competitive — and potentially the most lucrative — conference in major college football.

SEC invites Oklahoma and Texas to join conference — in 2025

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby accused ESPN of encouraging other conferences to pick apart the league so Texas and Oklahoma can move to the Southeastern Conference more quickly and without paying a massive buyout.

“I have absolute certainty that they (ESPN) have been involved in manipulating other conferences to go after our members,” Big 12 Commissioner Bowlsby told The Associated Press on Wednesday after sending a&nbsp;cease-and-desist letter&nbsp;to the network.

The letter addressed to ESPN executive Burke Magnus, President of Programming and Content, said the Big 12 had become aware the network had taken actions “to not only harm the Big 12 Conference but to result in financial benefits for ESPN.”

ESPN, which owns the SEC Network, signed a $3 billion deal with the SEC last year that will give the network the broadcast rights to all the conference’s football games starting in 2024.

The network also has a contract with the Big 12, though it shares those rights with Fox. Those deals expire in 2025.

In the letter, Bowlsby said that ESPN has “actively engaged in discussions with at least one other conference regarding that conference inducing additional Members of the Big 12 Conference to leave the Big 12 Conference.”

Bowlsby declined to name the conference in an interview with AP, but a person with knowledge of the situation said the commissioner was referring to the American Athletic Conference. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 didn’t authorize the release of that information.

The American agreed to a 12-year, $1 billion deal in 2019 with ESPN.

“The claims in the letter have no merit,” ESPN said in a statement.

Texas and Oklahoma informed the Big 12 this week they would not be renewing an agreement that binds them to the league and its eight other members until 2025. The grant of media rights runs concurrently with the Big 12′s billion-dollar television contracts with ESPN and Fox.

On Tuesday, Texas and Oklahoma submitted a request to the SEC to join that league in 2025. To join the conference earlier than that could cost the schools tens of millions of dollars — unless the Big 12 were to fall apart because some of the other members left as well.

“ESPN is incentivizing other conferences to destabilize the Big 12,” Bowlsby added.

In addition to the SEC and AAC, ESPN owns the rights to all Atlantic Coast Conference athletics and shares the rights to the Big Ten and Pac-12 with Fox.

Bowlsby told AP that Texas and Oklahoma have been working on a move to the SEC for months, doing so while taking part in Big 12 strategy meetings where proprietary information was shared.

Bowlsby said he suspects ESPN was involved behind the scenes when Texas and Oklahoma were in discussions with the SEC, but he has no proof of that.

“This whole thing has been a complete articulation of deception,” he said.

SEC university presidents and chancellors are scheduled to meet tomorrow, but it is unclear if they will vote on extending invitations to conference to Oklahoma and Texas. Eleven of the 14 members would need to vote in favor of inviting a new member, and it appears that won’t be a problem.

Texas A&amp;M officials had voiced their displeasure last week with the possibility of rival Texas joining the SEC, but A&amp;M’s board of regents on Wednesday directed University President Katherine Banks to vote in favor of the Longhorns and Sooners coming aboard.

By Ralph D. Russo - Associated PressBig 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby accused ESPN of encouraging other conferences to pick apart the league so Texas and Oklahoma can move to the Southeastern Conference more quickly and without paying a massive buyout.“I have absolute certainty that they (ESPN) have been involved in manipulating other conferences to go after our members,” Big 12 Commissioner Bowlsby told The Associated Press on Wednesday after sending a&nbsp;cease-and-desist letter&nbsp;to the network.The letter addressed to ESPN executive Burke Magnus, President of Programming and Content, said the Big 12 had become aware the network had taken actions “to not only harm the Big 12 Conference but to result in financial benefits for ESPN.”ESPN, which owns the SEC Network, signed a $3 billion deal with the SEC last year that will give the network the broadcast rights to all the conference’s football games starting in 2024.The network also has a contract with the Big 12, though it shares those rights with Fox. Those deals expire in 2025.In the letter, Bowlsby said that ESPN has “actively engaged in discussions with at least one other conference regarding that conference inducing additional Members of the Big 12 Conference to leave the Big 12 Conference.”Bowlsby declined to name the conference in an interview with AP, but a person with knowledge of the situation said the commissioner was referring to the American Athletic Conference. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Big 12 didn’t authorize the release of that information.The American agreed to a 12-year, $1 billion deal in 2019 with ESPN.“The claims in the letter have no merit,” ESPN said in a statement.Texas and Oklahoma informed the Big 12 this week they would not be renewing an agreement that binds them to the league and its eight other members until 2025. The grant of media rights runs concurrently with the Big 12′s billion-dollar television contracts with ESPN and Fox.On Tuesday, Texas and Oklahoma submitted a request to the SEC to join that league in 2025. To join the conference earlier than that could cost the schools tens of millions of dollars — unless the Big 12 were to fall apart because some of the other members left as well.“ESPN is incentivizing other conferences to destabilize the Big 12,” Bowlsby added.In addition to the SEC and AAC, ESPN owns the rights to all Atlantic Coast Conference athletics and shares the rights to the Big Ten and Pac-12 with Fox.Bowlsby told AP that Texas and Oklahoma have been working on a move to the SEC for months, doing so while taking part in Big 12 strategy meetings where proprietary information was shared.Bowlsby said he suspects ESPN was involved behind the scenes when Texas and Oklahoma were in discussions with the SEC, but he has no proof of that.“This whole thing has been a complete articulation of deception,” he said.SEC university presidents and chancellors are scheduled to meet tomorrow, but it is unclear if they will vote on extending invitations to conference to Oklahoma and Texas. Eleven of the 14 members would need to vote in favor of inviting a new member, and it appears that won’t be a problem.Texas A&amp;M officials had voiced their displeasure last week with the possibility of rival Texas joining the SEC, but A&amp;M’s board of regents on Wednesday directed University President Katherine Banks to vote in favor of the Longhorns and Sooners coming aboard.

Big 12 accuses ESPN of trying to ‘destabilize’ conference

Eight current or former Huskers traveled to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics. The list of Husker Olympians, along with their event schedules and coverage, are available below. 2020 Husker Olympians

Women's Beach Volleyball Schedule (Canada)

Women's Swimming 200-Meter Freestyle&nbsp;Schedule&nbsp;(Costa Rica)

3-on-3 Men's Basketball Schedule (Japan)

Eight current or former Huskers traveled to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics. The list of Husker Olympians, along with their event schedules and coverage, are available below. 2020 Husker Olympians<ul>
 <li>Jordan Larson&nbsp;(USA Women's Volleyball)</li><li>Kelsey Robinson&nbsp;(USA Women's Volleyball)</li><li>Justine Wong-Orantes&nbsp;(USA Women's Volleyball)</li><li>Mate Koroknai&nbsp;(Men's Track &amp; Field, 400-Meter Hurdles Representing Hungary)</li><li>Amber Neben&nbsp;(USA Women's Road Cycling)</li><li>Sarah Pavan&nbsp;(Canada Women's Beach Volleyball)</li><li>Beatriz Padron&nbsp;(Women's Swimming &amp; Diving, 200-Meter Freestyle Representing Costa Rica)</li><li>Keisei Tominaga&nbsp;(Japan 3-on-3 Men's Basketball)</li>
 </ul>Womens Volleyball (USA):&nbsp;<div><style type="text/css">
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 <th class="tg-bhzh"> DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> OPPONENT</th>
 <th class="tg-irfo"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
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</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Saturday, July 24</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Argentina</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 3-0</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Monday, July 26</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. China</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 3-0</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Thursday, July 29</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Turkey</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 3-2</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Friday, July 30</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. ROC (Russia)</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> 9:05 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Sunday, Aug. 1</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Italy</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> 9:05 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Tuesday, Aug. 3</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Quarterfinals 1 &amp; 2</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Wednesday, Aug. 4</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Quarterfinals 3 &amp; 4</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Thursday, Aug. 5</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> First Semifinal</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Friday, Aug. 6</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Second Semifinal</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> TBA</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Saturday, Aug. 7</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Bronze Medal Match</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> 7 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Saturday, Aug. 7</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Gold Medal Match</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> 11:30 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>Men's 400-Meter Hurdles (Hungary):<div><style type="text/css">
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 <th class="tg-spaz"> DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> EVENT</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Thursday, July 29</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 400-Meter Hurdles Round 1</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 8:55 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Sunday, Aug. 1</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 400-Meter Hurdles Semifinals</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 7:05 a.m.</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Monday, Aug. 2</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 400-Meter Hurdles Final</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> 10:20 p.m.</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>Women's Road Cycling Schedule (USA)<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg">
<thead>
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 <th class="tg-3b6e">DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> EVENT</th>
 <th class="tg-7pxo"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Tuesday, July 27</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Individual Time Trial</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/cycling-road/results-women-s-individual-time-trial-fnl-000100-.htm">5th</a></td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>Women's Beach Volleyball Schedule (Canada)<div><style type="text/css">
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</style>
<table class="tg">
<thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-3b6e">DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> OPPONENT</th>
 <th class="tg-irfo"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Friday, July 23</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Netherlands</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 2-0</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Sunday, July 25</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Germany</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 2-0</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Wednesday, July 28</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> vs. Switzerland</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/23/volleyball-follow-the-four-huskers-competing-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 2-0</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> July 31 - Aug. 6</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> Playoffs</td>
 <td class="tg-cly1"> TBA</td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>Women's Swimming 200-Meter Freestyle&nbsp;Schedule&nbsp;(Costa Rica)<div><style type="text/css">
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 <th class="tg-spaz"> DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> OPPONENT</th>
 <th class="tg-7pxo"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Monday, July 26</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Heats</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/resOG2020-/pdf/OG2020-/SWM/OG2020-_SWM_C73A2_SWMW200MFR------------HEAT--------.pdf">25th</a></td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>3-on-3 Men's Basketball Schedule (Japan)<div><style type="text/css">
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<table class="tg">
<thead>
 <tr>
 <th class="tg-3b6e">DATE</th>
 <th class="tg-3b6e"> OPPONENT</th>
 <th class="tg-7pxo"> TIME (CDT) / RESULT</th>
 </tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Saturday, July 24</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. Poland</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">L,19-20 (OT)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Saturday, July 24</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. Belgium</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 18-16 (OT)</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Sunday, July 25</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. Netherlands</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">L, 20-21</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Sunday, July 25</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. Latvia</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">L, 18-21</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Sunday, July 25 </td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. Serbia</td>
 <td class="tg-588e"><a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx"> L, 11-21</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Monday, July 26</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. ROC (Russia)</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">L, 16-19</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Tuesday, July 27</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> vs. China </td>
 <td class="tg-588e"><a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">W, 21-15</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> Tuesday, July 27</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i">vs. Latvia (quarterfinals)</td>
 <td class="tg-yq3i"> <a href="https://huskers.com/news/2021/7/24/mens-basketball-follow-keisei-tominaga-in-tokyo.aspx">L, 18-21</a></td>
 </tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>

Huskers at the olympics update

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

The U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.

The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”

Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.

The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.

USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.

Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.

The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.

Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.

The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.

Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

U.S. star, Biles withdraws from gymnastics final to protect team, self

Charlotte, N.C.&nbsp; – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the 2020-21 Academic Teams of the Year and the student-athletes who have been named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team lists. Only 28 programs across the country earned the honor of being named the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year in their respective sport. The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team received this honor with a 3.62 cumulative GPA.

"This is the highest academic achievement that a team can be awarded by the NJCAA,” said head coach Kevin O’Connor. “We are very proud of the individual players on our basketball team that made this honor possible.”

Additionally, the men’s basketball team had eight members from the 2020-21 squad named to one of the three NJCAA All-Academic teams.

Charlotte, N.C.&nbsp; – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the 2020-21 Academic Teams of the Year and the student-athletes who have been named to the NJCAA All-Academic Team lists. Only 28 programs across the country earned the honor of being named the NJCAA Academic Team of the Year in their respective sport. The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team received this honor with a 3.62 cumulative GPA."This is the highest academic achievement that a team can be awarded by the NJCAA,” said head coach Kevin O’Connor. “We are very proud of the individual players on our basketball team that made this honor possible.”Additionally, the men’s basketball team had eight members from the 2020-21 squad named to one of the three NJCAA All-Academic teams. Freshman Mitar Cakovic, of Nikšic, Montenegro, and sophomore Slavomyr Marchenko, of Kyiv, Ukraine, showed great success in the classroom which led them to being named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team list, which honors students who have achieved a 4.0 GPA.Teammates Steven Garcia and Caleb Horne, both of North Platte, Neb., and Timur Krupalija, of Sarajevo, Bosnia, were named to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team list, while earning a cumulative GPA of 3.80-3.99. German Plotnikov, of Minsk, Belarus, and Nolan Sughroue, of Hastings, Neb., were named to the NJCAA All-Academic Third Team list with a 3.60-3.79 GPA, respectively.“Although the student-athletes earned the grades, this achievement could not be accomplished without the contributions of our faculty and administration's support of all our athletic programs," said O’Connor.&nbsp;&nbsp;A total of 8,272 student-athletes across the country were honored by being named to one of the NJCAA All-Academic Team lists.

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