NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system's debut at Hall of Fame Game

NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system's debut at Hall of Fame Game

Move over, chain gang. A new measurement system has been introduced to the NFL, and fans got their first glimpse of it during Thursday's preseason game between theDetroit Lionsand theLos Angeles Chargers. The NFL's virtual measurement systemdebuted during the first half of theHall of Fame Gameafter a 10-yard run by Lions running backCraig Reynolds. Rather than having the chain gang run out to the field, the officials simply waited for the virtual measurement system to calculate whether the veteran running back had made the line to gain. Below is a look at how the process played out: Introducing the new virtual measurement system for first downs, which allows the NFL to accurately and efficiently measure the distance between the spotted ball and the line to gain.pic.twitter.com/QvlsSmWnSo — NFL (@NFL)August 1, 2025 The virtual measurement was handled efficiently and didn't disrupt the flow of the game. That left several prominent NFL voices impressed with the process and optimistic it will serve as a quality replacement for the chain gang, which remains on the sideline in case of an emergency. The virtual measurement reveal is the hottest thing I've ever seen — Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak)August 1, 2025 Virtual measurement is ELECTRIC 🔥pic.twitter.com/TCE9OkYHeI — DraftKings (@DraftKings)August 1, 2025 Virtual measurement! So sick. — Jake Marsh (@JakeMarsh18)August 1, 2025 turn me on with 5 words:"timeout for a virtual measurement" — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball)August 1, 2025 We tested the virtual measurement system during a@RamsNFLpreseason game last summer at SoFi. It worked well. Easy integration into the broadcast. — Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano)August 1, 2025 However, a smaller cohort was reluctant to trust the new protocol. Others joked the process would be less aesthetically appealing than watching the chain gang determine whether a player generated a first down. I really don't know how to feel about this…It's the new virtual measurement system for first downs….give me chain gang all day.pic.twitter.com/rmgpanmELN — Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel)August 1, 2025 The new new virtual measurement system for first downs will never be as advanced as thispic.twitter.com/n2snKaXXf0 — NFL Memes (@NFLHateMemes)August 1, 2025 "Timeout for a virtual measurement"pic.twitter.com/JbxvkZnDId — betr (@betr)August 1, 2025 As long as the NFL's virtual measurement process remains efficient, the league will probably not have too many regrets about switching to it as the primary method for measuring first downs. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system replacing chain gang

byAlpha World

in

August 01, 2025

NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system's debut at Hall of Fame Game

NFL world reacts to virtual measurement system's debut at Hall of Fame Game Move over, chain gang. A new measurement system has been int...

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MLB pitcher's barking dog credited with a save at home and a thwarted break-in

MLB pitcher's barking dog credited with a save at home and a thwarted break-in

LOS ANGELES — It appearsYoshinobu Yamamoto's doghelped keep things safe at home when the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher was on a road trip. The dog's loud barking and a staff member who turned on lights likely helped thwart a burglary attempt early Wednesday morning at the Dodgers phenom's Hollywood Hills home, law enforcement told NBC Los Angeles' NBC4 Investigates. Three people jumped over the back fence at about 5:30 a.m. and broke a rear glass door but never entered the residence, authorities said. Nothing was taken. Staff members were home at the time and turned on the lights. Coupled with aggressive barking from Yamamoto's dog, the would-be thieves turned tail, law enforcement told NBC4 Investigates on Thursday. Someone at the home called a private security member, who then called police. Video from NewsChopper4 showed the dog by the pool at the home later Wednesday morning. In an interview with Spectrum Sports, Yamamoto said he adopted the dog from an animal shelter. "Since I was a kid, I always loved animals because my mom used to work at the veterinary clinic," Yamamoto said through an interpreter in the interview earlier this year. "Last year, while I was on the IL [injured list], my mom visited me in L.A. She wanted to visit the animal shelter, so we went there and I fell in love with my dog. So, I adopted him." A private security team member was at the scene in an unmarked car. Authorities are trying to determine how the intruders bypassed the officer. Police told NBC4 Investigates that anyone hiring private security should have them in a marked vehicle to provide a visual deterrent. No arrests were reported, but law enforcement sources said three people were seen on security camera video. Police, who are looking at security camera video, are trying to determine whether the crime is connected to one of the many burglary crews operating in Los Angeles. The Dodgers were wrapping up a series Wednesday against the Reds in Cincinnati. Yamamoto, 26, of Japan, is 9-7 with a 2.63 ERA this season. He pitched seven innings Monday, giving up just four hits and striking out nine in the Dodgers' 5-2 win. The attempted burglary is the latest crime targeting the homes of professional athletes in Los Angeles and across the country. Dodgers, Rams and LAFC players have all been recent targets. Break-ins were reportedat the homes of Dodgers infielders Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman in 2023. Aburglary was reportedat the Los Angeles home of LAFC striker Olivier Giroud in February. In December, theFBI issued a warningto pro sports leagues about athletes' displaying valuables on social media. The best-practices memo, part of standard practice of communicating with businesses and companies about relevant crime trends, urged athletes to limit images of valuables on social media.

byAlpha World

in

August 01, 2025

MLB pitcher's barking dog credited with a save at home and a thwarted break-in

MLB pitcher's barking dog credited with a save at home and a thwarted break-in LOS ANGELES — It appearsYoshinobu Yamamoto's doghelpe...

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Appeals court in Bosnia confirms sentence for Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik

Appeals court in Bosnia confirms sentence for Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — An appeals court in Bosnia confirmed Friday an earlier court ruling that sentenced the pro-Russia Bosnian Serb president, Milorad Dodik, to one year in prison and banned him from politics for six years over his separatist actions as tensions mount in the fragile Balkan state. The landmark ruling in Sarajevo came after a year-long trial that ended in February on charges that Dodik disobeyed the top international envoy overseeing peace in the country. Dodik has repeatedly called for the separation of the Serb-run half of Bosnia to join neighboring Serbia, which prompted the former U.S. administration to impose sanctions against him and his allies. Dodik was also accused of corruption and pro-Russia policies.

byAlpha World

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August 01, 2025

Appeals court in Bosnia confirms sentence for Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik

Appeals court in Bosnia confirms sentence for Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — An appeals court in B...

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Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Gaza aid site amid outrage over starvation under Israel's assault

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Gaza aid site amid outrage over starvation under Israel's assault

PresidentDonald Trump's Middle East envoySteve Witkoffand U.S. Ambassador to IsraelMike Huckabeewere set to make an extremely rare visit toGazaon Friday amid the spiraling hunger crisis in the enclave under Israel's deadly offensive and aid restrictions. Witkoff and Huckabee were making the trip as part of an effort from Washington to secure a plan to see more food delivered to Palestinians in Gaza asdeaths from starvationin the enclave continue to rise, according to the White House. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing Thursday the delegation would be traveling into Gaza to "inspect the current distribution sites" and "meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand" about the "dire situation on the ground." It was not clear how arrangements for the visit, including the meetings with local Palestinians in Gaza were being arranged, with Israel having maintainedstrict control over access to Gaza throughout the war,barring international media and foreign officials from entering the territory independently. The trip comes as a growing number of Palestinians continue todie from starvationdespite months of warnings from humanitarian groups about the impact of Israel's offensive and the strict aid restrictions it has upheld. Leavitt said Witkoff and Huckabee would brief Trump "immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region." She said more details would be forthcoming once the plan was "approved and agreed on by the president of the United States." Their visit to Gaza comes after Witkoff traveled to Israel and met with Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuin Jerusalem on Thursday to address the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. It comes days after the world's leading body on hunger, theIntegrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, sounded the alarm that the "worst-case scenario of famine" was now unfolding in Gaza. Trump said earlier this week that"real starvation"was taking place, citing images he had seen on TV in a break withNetanyahuwho has denied there is starvation in the enclave and sought to blame Hamas for the crisis. Israel over the weekend announced it would have "tactical" pauses in military operations and lift some restrictions to allow more aid into the enclave, but aid groups have said there is still not enough aid entering the territory to stave off famine. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

byAlpha World

in

August 01, 2025

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Gaza aid site amid outrage over starvation under Israel's assault

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Gaza aid site amid outrage over starvation under Israel's assault PresidentDonald T...

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Fernando Alonso in doubt for Hungarian Grand Prix as he misses practice with injury

Fernando Alonso in doubt for Hungarian Grand Prix as he misses practice with injury

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Fernando Alonso will miss the first practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday because of a back injury and could be in doubt for the race itself. Aston Martin said in a post on X that the two-time Formula 1 champion "has been managing a muscular injury in his back" since last week's Belgian Grand Prix He will be replaced by reserve driver Felipe Drugovich for the first session Friday and continue treatment before the team decides who will compete. "A decision will then be made on Fernando's participation in (second practice) and the remainder of the weekend in due course," Aston Martin said. Brazilian driver Drugovich is in his fourth season as Aston Martin reserve but has yet to race in F1. He was the 2022 champion in Formula 2. ___ AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

byAlpha World

in

August 01, 2025

Fernando Alonso in doubt for Hungarian Grand Prix as he misses practice with injury

Fernando Alonso in doubt for Hungarian Grand Prix as he misses practice with injury BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Fernando Alonso will miss the f...

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