Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had an underwhelming outing against the New England Patriots’ defense during a joint practice session on Wednesday. Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ offense came under scrutiny as they sought to find a rhythm under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
However, Hurts’ poor performance, conceding three interceptions and a pick-six, became the highlight of the afternoon, as fans poured onto social media to share their reactions.
“I can’t wait til we’re smoking everybody in the regular season. Hurts has taken better care of the ball than your favorite QB over the last few years, guaranteed. It’s the offseason. He will be sharp and ready to go when the time comes. Always is.”
“Dart clears this bum. Glorified running back and without the tush push is nothing.”
How Jalen Hurts’ performance affected the Eagles’ offense
The Eagles’ offense struggled to make an impact against New England’s starting defense. Hurts’ passing was greatly limited during the two-minute drill by the Patriots’ well-executed blitzes.
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The Eagles’ drive was effectively disrupted by a Kevin Byard pass breakup and a sack by defensive end Christian Barmore to end the practice.
Meanwhile, former Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown dropped a dominant performance against his former teammates. He connected with quarterback Drake Maye for a team-high seven catches.
Brown added a layer of intrigue to the reunion during his interview after the practice. He admitted that he hasn’t spoken to Jalen Hurts since he got traded.
Hurts and the Eagles have another opportunity to redeem themselves with a second joint session scheduled for Thursday. It is a window for the team to clean up its sloppy execution and find its footing before Saturday’s preseason matchup.
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The stakes are high for Jalen Hurts entering the new season. Tasked with leading an offense that’s essentially in a transition period, the 28-year-old has much to prove.
A major talking point will be his ability to perform without Brown in front of him.
Aug 19, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Victor Bericoto (78) advances to third on a double by right fielder Jung Hoo Lee (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Victor Bericoto singled off Brayan Rocchio’s glove in the fourth inning to score Rafael Devers, and three pitchers combined for a shutout as the visiting San Francisco Giants beat the Cleveland Guardians 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Devers led off the fourth with a double against Parker Messick (9-8) before scoring on Bericoto’s two-out single that caromed off Rocchio’s mitt as he dove into the hole at shortstop. It was the only hit with runners in scoring position in 11 combined opportunities.
Adrian Houser (4-7) pitched five-plus innings of relief for the win, striking out three. Dylan Smith worked the final two innings for his third save and had five strikeouts, completing the collective six-hitter.
Bericoto, the left fielder, also made the defensive play of the game in the bottom half of the fourth to keep Cleveland off the board. He sprinted to make a diving grab of Angel Genao’s low liner with two on and two outs.
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All-Star rookie Messick tied his career high with 10 strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings, giving up one run on six hits without a walk. The left-hander hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his eight starts since the start of July.
Giants pitcher Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson started and tossed two innings in his major league debut, allowing one hit against the seven hitters he faced. The lefty didn’t have a strikeout or walk.
The 6-foot-1, 250-pounder, who was drafted by Cleveland in 2023, was traded to the Giants in exchange for starting catcher Patrick Bailey on May 9.
Willy Adames had three hits for San Francisco, while Genao and Angel Martinez singled twice for the Guardians. With the loss, Cleveland fell 1 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card position.
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Guardians outfielders Jo Adell (left kneecap contusion) and Chase DeLauter (mild left hamstring tightness) were unavailable Wednesday, and first baseman Rhys Hoskins (lower back inflammation) was placed on the IL before the game. The club promoted utilityman David Fry from Triple-A Columbus as a result.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett passed for a career-high 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 64.7% of his passes in 2025. Only 12 NFL quarterbacks tallied more passing attempts, yet 13 of them yielded more passing yards. Yet, instead of simply assessing Brissett by his statistics, perhaps general manager Monti Ossenfort’s contractual extension weighs in more on Brissett’s innate value.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) works out with his teammates during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 3, 2026.
Brissett is a true veteran, and his $15.5 million contract revision in July was deserved. Ossenfort and newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur don’t need Brissett to be a super hero. Instead, they need him to be competent. LaFleur needs to rebuild team camaraderie, and prying the franchise from Brissett’s hands simply to defer to reserve Gardner Minshew or rookie Carson Beck would be oddly premature and problematic.
Brissett’s primary passing target, tight end Trey McBride ranked No. 2 in the NFL in total receptions, No. 2 in touchdown receptions, and No. 6 in receiving yards last season. With improved play from wide receiver Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., Brissett should be capable of giving LaFleur some resolve as he navigates his first stead at head coach. Ultimately, Brissett’s veteran leadership and vigor is the essence of his value, especially for a franchise needing to badly renovate.
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Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
BALTIMORE (AP) — Pete Alonso‘s drive down the left-field line in the seventh inning was ruled foul, and the New York Yankees took advantage of that reprieve, scoring twice in the top of the eighth to beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 on Wednesday night.
Alonso, who had already homered in the third, nearly went deep again with the score tied at 3. His fly to left was initially called foul. One replay seemed to show the ball on the fair side of the pole, but it wasn’t clear what angle it was shot from.
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After a review, the call stood and Alonso ended up striking out.
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The following inning, Cam Sanders (1-1) loaded the bases with a walk and two hit batters. Yennier Cano came on with two outs, and George Lombard Jr. hit a slow roller for an infield single to put New York ahead. Then a wild pitch made it 5-3.
Ben Rice homered for New York, and Alonso and Dylan Beavers went deep for the Orioles. Baltimore has lost three straight since pulling briefly ahead in the race for the American League’s final wild card.
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The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the first on a double steal. Gunnar Henderson swiped second base while Jackson Holliday dashed from third to home.
Ryan McMahon‘s RBI single in the second tied it, and Lombard followed with a sacrifice fly.
Rice’s 34th home run went 431 feet in the third to make it 3-1. The ball landed just under the big scoreboard in right-center field at Camden Yards.
But Alonso extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a drive to the same part of the ballpark, just a little shorter than Rice’s. He has 29 homers in his first year in Baltimore.
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Beavers tied it in the sixth off Fernando Cruz with an opposite-field drive to left — just to the right of where the wall out there deepens.
Up next
The Yankees try for a sweep Thursday night with Gerrit Cole (6-6) on the mound against Baltimore’s Kyle Bradish (7-11).
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) celebrates after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
DT Domonique Orange is a charming, energetic guy.
He and I had a quick chat following the Vikings and Ravens joint practice at TCO Performance Center. Along the way, Orange talked about his power as a defensive tackle, his impression of joint practices, and whether the scouting report about his pass rush (or lack thereof) was warranted.
VT Chats with Domonique Orange
Domonique Orange’s “Big Citrus” moniker is well earned. The Vikings list him as being 6’2″ and 322 pounds (numbers I won’t dispute).
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Obviously, there’s a game taking place with the young fella’s last name: Orange = Citrus. But then there’s his hulking size. Even against NFL linemen Orange stands out as being particularly large and rugged. As it turns out, Orange can get into the backfield, as well.
“I know I’m a run stuffer,” Orange said, “but don’t get it twisted: I can pass rush.” Not long afterwards, the DT clarified that a lot of his college responsibility was to “take on triple teams, double teams, and I take that with pride.” And then a great quote: “Yeah, I’m going to push against that scouting report a little bit. Of course I’m going to take pride in playing the run but I can rush the passer.”
Nov 8, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Kevorian Barnes (2) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Cael Brezina (9) and linebacker Rylan Barnes (41) and defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Check out the play Mr. Orange and I discussed:
Keep your eyes on 97. Nifty swim move.
Lots of times, OL will try to match power with being low and explosive (fair). Getting too frisky, though, can mean a slick swim is all that’s needed to slip by.
He chatted for a bit about his various pass rush moves, bringing things back to power by describing his bull rush. Playing off that is a double-swipe move to get an o-lineman’s hands off of him.
In fact, I asked Orange to physically show me how the swipe is done. I put my arms out and asked him to swipe them away. Reader, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I prefaced my participation with the caveat that he please not hurt me or throw me to the ground. Anybody who has played or coached ball knows that physically doing the rep can be very illuminating.
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So, too, can he integrate a swim into the mix for his bull rush: “It’s hard, but it’s definitely possible.” He’s probably not going to remind onlookers of Everson Griffen but it’s in there.
Oh, and maybe a touch late, but check out what Lance Zierlein had to say in his scouting report: “Orange is a sturdy nose tackle capable of muddying the middle of the field with his first-step quickness and take-on power. His reaction time makes it hard to reach-block him in zone and he has the anchor to play landlord over the A-gaps against double-teams. He gets bounced around on contact but is excellent in recovery and winning the final phase of the rep. Orange is a non-factor as a pass rusher, but his value versus the run should attract teams.”
Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) reacts after a play against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Across four seasons in college, Domonique Orange picked up just a single sack. Not great, right?
Sacks are wonderful but the single number is precisely that: a single number. A defensive tackle who drives the center directly back into the QB’s lap — think back to when Akiem Hicks would push Garrett Bradbury directly into Kirk Cousins — is offering a fantastic pass-rush rep even if there’s not an added “1” in the player’s sack column.
Moreover, Domonique Orange raised a good point when clarifying that he was tasked with playing a specific role in his college defense. Soaking up blockers isn’t glamorous but it allows the team more broadly to shine since linebackers can run free.
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Asked about his impression of joint practices, Orange began with the admission that there was “a lot more fighting than I thought.” More broadly, Orange felt as though he “did really well” while still insisting that he’s looking to improve.
Domonique Orange will take the field yet again tomorrow as he looks to build off a solid day of work.
The upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL), which was earlier scheduled to kick off on September 4, is set to be postponed by more than a month and will start only after October 6. The ISL will start only after the FIFA international match window which runs from September 21 to October 6. The top tier league will also go ahead with 13 teams after the Indian Football League 2025-26 champions Diamond Harbour FC failed to pay the participation fee second instalment amounting to Rs 55 lakh by Wednesday deadline. Diamond Harbour were earlier promoted to the ISL by virtue of winning the Indian Football League 2025-26.
“The ISL is likely to start only in October after the FIFA window,” a top official of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) told PTI.
“We are going with 13 teams in the ISL,” the official added.
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All the 14 clubs were to pay the second instalment of the total Rs 1.1 crore participation fee to the AIFF by August 14 deadline, which was extended for Diamond Harbour till Wednesday.
Churchill Brothers paid, on August 14, the full Rs 1.1 crore fee to feature in the upcoming ISL after Jamshedpur Football Club sold its entire stake to the Goan side.
Jamshedpur FC had pulled out of the ISL and disbanded the first team on July 31, hours after the deadline for paying the first installment of participation fee amounting to Rs 55 lakh.
AIFF condemns ‘unverified claims’ concerning its finances and use of funds
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Meanwhile, the AIFF condemned what it called “incorrect claims that its decision not to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has resulted in a predetermined financial penalty or fine”.
“The AIFF is also concerned about the public circulation of unverified figures and claims regarding its finances without any supporting basis or documentation,” it said in a release.
Earlier last week, India withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, opting to prioritise their high-profile international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil.
It said the decision to host five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata “was taken through the appropriate institutional processes, recognising the exceptional opportunity it presents for Indian football, the national team and millions of fans”.
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“The match will give a morale boost to the Indian national team while driving fans towards Indian football, the impact of which is unquantifiable. The match is a mutually agreed international sporting opportunity between two football federations and should not be portrayed as a one-sided arrangement,” it added.
“The AIFF respects the democratic right to express opinions on Indian football. However, statements concerning the Federation’s finances and use of funds must be based on facts and verifiable information.” The national federation said the circulation of “factually incorrect statements has the potential to adversely affect India’s reputation and standing nationally and internationally”.
“We believe those who have made these claims have the best interests of Indian football in mind and may be misinformed.
“The AIFF, through this statement, seeks to make all aware of the facts. Should the concerned person(s) continue to disseminate incorrect claims, the AIFF will pursue appropriate legal remedies against those who continue to knowingly publish and/or circulate false and defamatory statements.”
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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Marcus Rashford is expected to stay at Manchester United beyond the summer after spending last season on loan at Barcelona
19:52, 19 Aug 2026Updated 20:30, 19 Aug 2026
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Marcus Rashford has sided with Jamie Carragher after Gary Neville continued pressing him about the Manchester United forward following his return to the club. Neville raised the topic on a new Stick to Football episode – a line of questioning that appeared to irritate the former Liverpool captain.
Neville asked: “Marcus Rashford, what do we think? Last question,” to which Carragher fired back: “Oh ***********. Can we do a podcast without mentioning Rashford? Stop it! Oh my god. It’s like the Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Rashford – there was like a little part of the podcast – the Trent part or the Rashford part.”
Neville then moved on and asked: “How is Trent?” prompting Carragher’s exasperated response: “Oh my God!”
Neville tried to clarify, saying: “No, but he’s come back to United,” but Carragher wasn’t having any of it, concluding: “So what? Oh my God. He’s just a good player for Man United!”
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Rashford has since reposted the clip on X, where he appeared to agree with Carragher’s remarks. “Thanks, Jamie,” he wrote. “It would be great to be able to get my head down and play football without my name being mentioned every day,” followed by a crying emoji.
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With the Premier League season just days away, it had seemed likely that Rashford would not be at the club, given how strongly it appeared his future was elsewhere. Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, had the option to sign him permanently for £26million but chose not to activate it, instead moving for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Although the summer transfer window does not close until September 1, the likelihood of Rashford staying at the club is understood to be increasing by the day. Michael Carrick has already held lengthy talks with the England international, who could play a significant role for the club this season.
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“He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,” Carrick said. “I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back.
“He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.”
But until the summer window closes, speculation over his future will continue, even though the attacker’s recent comments suggest he is focused on the season ahead and simply keen to play football. He has not featured in a Premier League match since December 2024.
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Last season, Rashford’s standout performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent World Cup. During his spell at the Camp Nou, he produced 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances and his contributions helped deliver La Liga – the first league title of his career.
Carrick’s side will begin their campaign away at newly‑promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22 (12:30pm BST).
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It’s been six days since the Seahawks reached an agreement to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold. They’ve yet to sign him.
Now that the Seahawks have signed cornerback Trevon Diggs, it’s more than fair to wonder whether the Seahawks will ever be consummating the Arnold deal.
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As one league source explains it — and as comments from G.M. John Schneider in the second episode of Hard Knocks made clear — the Seahawks believed when they reached an agreement with Arnold that he’d be available to participate in practices and games in the preseason. The Seahawks have since learned that he won’t be available to do anything if/when he’s signed, since he’ll immediately be placed on paid leave.
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So where’s the benefit in signing him? Yes, they’d secure dibs on his rights if/when he’s cleared to play. But they could always sign him later, once the eight felony charges are resolved and Arnold can return to the league.
At this point, they’re kicking the can. It’s possible that they’re simply waiting until the preseason ends, when they’d cut a player and put Arnold on the 90-man roster until he’s sent to the Commissioner Exempt list. Even then, Arnold wouldn’t be available to play until he’s removed from paid leave, and until he serves any suspension that could be added to the time he misses with pay.
It’s unknown when the criminal case will end. His next court appearance is set for October 5, and there’s no trial date. It’s hard to imagine the case ending before the conclusion of the 2026 season, if it goes to a full-blown trial.
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A plea deal is always possible. But the league would then figure out Arnold’s punishment, if any, after the plea is finalized. Is it possible he’d be available late in the season? Sure. Again, they could sign him then, without paying him until that day arrives.
Of course, Arnold could choose if/when he’s cleared to return to sign with another team. That’s the biggest risk the Seahawks would take if they don’t sign him. With the date on which the Seahawks would realize a reward for having Arnold on the team currently murky at best, they may decide to save the money they’d spend on paying Arnold to not play and wait to sign him once he’s able to practice and play.
Again, Schneider called the allegations as outlined by The Athletic “very shocking.” No amount of references from Nick Saban or former teammates will change the possibility that prosecutors will prove Arnold’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If that happens, Arnold may not be available to play for the Seahawks or anyone else. Ever.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill waits with teammates Levi Drake Rodriguez and Blake Cashman near the tunnel at Lambeau Field before facing Green Bay. On Nov. 23, 2025, the group prepares to take the field as Minnesota completes its final pregame routine ahead of the NFC North road matchup that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
Some do a stock report. Allow me to pivot in a minor way toward a baseball metaphor.
Vikings training camp involved a well-attended day of work under blue skies and warm sun. At times, the practices got chippy as both sides jostled to win reps. Consider some of the players to have played well versus those who weren’t so impressive. Do so with the understanding that the Vikings had a ton going on, meaning I missed much.
Moreover, I’m not a trained scout or coach, so my take on things isn’t nearly as significant as what the Vikings’ decision makers think. Oh, and another thing: even if I’m bang on with a correct take, what took place earlier was just a single day of work. The Vikings will be assessing the totality of the work.
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Vikings Training Camp Update After Debut Ravens Day
Up No. 1 — LB Blake Cashman
Minnesota Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard converge on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during NFC North action at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Minnesota pass rush created havoc throughout the contest, forcing a key turnover that helped swing momentum early. The play occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, during a divisional showdown in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Recently, so much of the discussion has focused on the draft haul, the perceived lack at edge rusher, and then Chuck Demmings proving capable of playing corner and rapping (don’t forget those quarterbacks, either). Blake Cashman has remained. Better yet, he played well, proving to be quite frisky in a day full of feisty moments. Seeing today’s trend continue means that the veteran has a great contract year.
Down No. 1 — DT Caleb Banks
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To begin, consider a caveat: there’s a lot going on when a pair of teams are battling. Oftentimes, my focus was on watching whichever side was rolling with the starters and Banks was mostly with the backups.
What I did see, though, wasn’t super encouraging.
He looks long out there, which is a good thing. He can long-arm the offensive tackle with a stab move but is too often slowed down before driving his man back or shaking free of the blocker’s hands. Indeed, he looks a hair slow getting off his blocks. Maybe that’s to be expected but there’s room for growth here. Being just okay isn’t good enough for a No. 18 selection.
Up No. 2 — Levi Drake Rodriguez
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Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with Bo Richter in 2024 after an impactful play. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com
He’s a jack-in-the-box just waiting to explode out of his 3-point stance. Mr. Rodriguez is going to earn a nice workload.
He got through for a sack at one point when I was watching (or, at least, what counts for a sack in a training camp setting). Seeing him work off Jalen Redmond means boasting two DTs entering their prime NFL years who have the capacity to create plays behind the line of scrimmage. I like him and you should, too.
Down No. 2 — WR Dontae Fleming
In some ways, Fleming is working against the clock. I didn’t see him do anything egregiously bad but the huge plays weren’t there.
What was sometimes apparent was that Minnesota was leaning on Jeshaun Jones, Tai Felton, and Myles Price a lot when rolling out 11 personnel with the backups. That’s not a good outcome for a player who is looking to snatch away a WR5 or WR6 job. He’s down to less than two weeks before there’s a roster cut, so plays are precious.
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Up No. 3 — CB James Pierre
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Jacob Thomas (39) and cornerback James Pierre (23) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
At one point, James Pierre had a chance for a kill shot on Zay Flowers. Wisely, the veteran corner pulled up rather than wallop Baltimore’s WR1 in a hospital ball over the middle.
Later on, Pierre had a great rep in one-v-one special teams. He’s long and speedy. So, too, does he offer some snarl. Good pickup who looks like he’ll make the corner crew more well rounded.
Down No. 3 — QB J.J. McCarthy
To be sure, the kid QB wasn’t all bad. Nor, for that matter, was every tough rep solely on him. He may have nevertheless desired a better day of work.
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The QB1 job isn’t coming back before Week 1. The Vikings are going to go with Kyler Murray when hosting Green Bay. Maybe something opens up down the road but that’s where the Vikings find themselves.
Some are now questioning whether the third-year 1st-Round passer slides down to QB3. Count me among those who doesn’t think it makes sense but he hasn’t been great.
Former Australia opener David Warner was recently convicted of mid-range drink-driving by a Sydney court and was fined AUD 1,500 for the offence. The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge last month following a random breath test on April 5 (Easter Sunday).
As per a report in The Times of India on Tuesday, August 18, Warner made an attempt to switch seats with a female passenger. However, the police identified him as the driver of the vehicle. The Aussie subsequently underwent testing and blew more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
The report added that Warner must have an interlock device fitted to his vehicle before he can drive again. The technology prevents a vehicle from starting in the event of alcohol being detected in the driver’s system.
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Warner was arrested after he returned to Australia from Pakistan for a brief mid-season trip. The Aussie captained Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Warner played seven matches in PSL 2026, scoring 256 runs at an average of 51.20 and a strike rate of 147.97, with three half-centuries.
Potential repercussions of Australian star Warner’s drink-driving conviction
Warner is set to captain Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. However, with Sydney Thunder being part of a state government campaign that discourages drink-driving, the opening batter’s leadership position could come under the scanner.
Another report in The Guardian quoted Warner’s barrister, Awais Ahmad, as stating that his client should be spared a conviction because the incident had already caused significant damage to his reputation, particularly the media coverage. Ahmad argued that the conviction could potentially impact Warner’s commercial opportunities in Asian countries like India and Bangladesh, where he could explore chances to feature in T20 franchise leagues. Ahmad commented:
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“The consequences of his offending are profound. Commercial opportunities (are) being affected.”
Ahmad further added that ‘media onslaught has been quite profound’ after the NSW Police issued a press release about the Australian cricketer’s arrest.
Judge reacts to David Warner’s conviction
Judge Clare Farnan, who delivered the verdict, acknowledged that the media coverage led to Warner and his wife Candice Warner being subjected to some cruel trolling on social media platforms. She, however, emphasized that the punishment was warranted since there were children in the vehicle at the time of the offence. Farnan said (via aforementioned source):
“I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to reoffend. (But) regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in NSW.”
She also pointed out that over 17,000 people had appeared before the court for mid-range drink-driving offences in the last five years.
David Warner is no stranger to controversies
Former Australian opener Warner has been part of a number of controversies over the years. The southpaw, along with Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, was found guilty in the shocking 2018 ball-tampering scandal during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
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Warner, who was the vice-captain of the Australian Test side back then, was involved in a cheating plan with then skipper Smith. The duo urged Bancroft to use sandpaper on the cricket ball to alter its condition, but the act was caught on camera. Subsequently, Cricket Australia (CA) suspended Warner from international and domestic cricket for 12 months and barred him from leadership roles.
Earlier, following a Champions Trophy match in 2013, Warner punched star England batter Joe Root at the Walkabout bar in Birmingham. He later claimed that he hit the English star since he had misinterpreted Root’s actions with a green and gold wig as being ‘racially insensitive’.
David Warner’s legacy as an Australian cricketer
Warner is second on the list of Australian batters with most runs in international cricket. He played 383 matches across formats and, in 474 innings, amassed 18,995 runs at an average of 42.39 and a strike rate of 86.56, with 49 tons and 98 fifties. Only Ricky Ponting (27,368) has scored more runs for Australia across formats.
Warner was part of the Australian ODI squad that won the 2015 World Cup at home and the 2023 edition in India. He was also the Player of the Tournament when Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title in the UAE in 2021. The southpaw scored 289 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 146.70, with the aid of three half-centuries.
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