Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on March 15, 2022 under XFL (XFL)
This past week the National Women's Soccer League named Jessica Berman its new commissioner, a rumor broke that San Antonio will host an XFL franchise and Reggie Barlow could be the head coach, and WNBA star Brittney Griner was being detained in Russia on on drug possession charges. Highlights from this week are from the National Women's Soccer League, Major League Soccer, XFL, Indoor Football League, Women's National Basketball Association, National Lacrosse League, NBA G League, NBL Canada, BIG3, American Hockey League, ECHL, Federal Prospect Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Major League Rugby.
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
The National Women's Soccer League announced that Jessica Berman has been named the league's next commissioner. A seasoned sports executive, Berman joins the NWSL after two and a half years serving as deputy commissioner and executive vice president of business affairs at the National Lacrosse League. During her time with the NLL, Berman's responsibilities included overseeing team services, operations, marketing and communications, broadcast and content, community engagement, human resources, and league governance.
Jessica Berman is the new National Women's Soccer League Commissioner. She spoke to "CBS Mornings" exclusively about priorities for the growing organization and building its popularity.
Major League Soccer
There it is! Charlotte FC scored their first official regular season MLS goal against no other than their southeast competitor, Atlanta United. Adam Armour wrote his name down in the club's history books after scoring off a header in the 66th minute to level the game at 1-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
FOOTBALL
XFL
The XFL announced three new additions to its experienced and growing team. Paul White and Anthony Zucconi return to the league as Vice President, Consumer Product Group Operations and Licensing Partnerships and Vice President, Marketing and Brand respectively. Amanda Yan joins the league as Controller and brings extensive sports finance knowledge from her time with the NBA and Madison Square Garden.
BREAKING: San Antonio rumored to be in the XFL!
Reggie Barlow reported to be 1st XFL Head Coach!
United States Football League
The USFL announced its complete 2022 regular-season schedule. All games will be played in Birmingham, Alabama, for the inaugural season. Tickets for all USFL regular-season games can be purchased directly at theUSFL.com. Adult general admission tickets are $10, and each ticketed adult can receive up to three free tickets for children under the age of 15.
Indoor Football League
Massachusetts Pirates kicker Josh Gable knocks in the Field Goal to win the game!
The Massachusetts Pirates have announced that former National Arena League quarterback Sean Brackett has joined the team as the Assistant Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. Brackett leaves the playing field holding 19 Massachusetts' All-Time records including 6,011 passing yards, 137 touchdown passes and a completion percentage of 61.2. He appeared in 37 games for the Pirates and posted a record of 19 and 10 as a starter for a winning percentage of .655. Brackett also holds seven playoff and 13 single game marks including eight touchdown passes and 28 completions. Twice he completed 84 percent of his passes in a game and had an efficiency rating of 158.33.
National Arena League
The Jacksonville Sharks announce the signing of defensive back Kenny Veal who signs for his fourth year of arena football and second season with the Sharks. Kenny Veal (5'11, 185) signed and finished the 2021 season with the Sharks with an impressive 19 solo tackles, 6 interceptions, and 6 assists. Playing in only six games Veal managed to lead the Sharks in interceptions and finished second in the NAL for interceptions and first in the league for interceptions for a score.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Congratulations to the Panther City Lacrosse Club's Nick Damude on his first career goal. Yes, Damude IS a goaltender, thank you very much.
Chase Fraser nets a highlight-reel hat trick in the Bandits win against the Wings.
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) powered by Ticketmaster announced the final eight tour stops of its 2022 season, including three first-time markets in Connecticut, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. Following the All-Star break, the league will travel to Rafferty Stadium at Fairfield University for Week 7 on Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th. This will mark the league's first-ever tour stop in Connecticut.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Sports journalist Tamryn Spruill talks to CNN's Jake Tapper about her petition to secure the release of American WNBA player Brittney Griner after Russian authorities arrested her at a Moscow airport claiming they found cannabis oil during a search of her luggage.
The WNBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm will be held on Monday, April 11. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will announce the draft picks live on ESPN with exclusive coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET. The draft will also be available live on the ESPN App. Top prospects will take part live as the WNBA Draft presented by State Farm returns to an in-person event for the first time since 2019, with the acclaimed Spring Studios, located in the Tribeca section of New York and the home to such iconic events as Fashion Week and The Tribeca Film Festival, serving as the venue for the evening's events.
ESPN Fantasy will introduce next month ESPN Fantasy Women's Basketball, the first full-scale, season-long fantasy game dedicated to a major women's sport. The game will be open for signups in early April ahead of the start of the 2022 WNBA season, which tips off Friday, May 6. ESPN Fantasy Women's Basketball will offer fans a full-scale fantasy game with customizable settings for the number of teams per league, scoring formats, player rosters, and public and private league options, as well as ESPN+ Exclusive Leagues, available only to ESPN+ subscribers.
NBA G League
Long Island Nets Craig Randall II GOES OFF For A Career-High 48 Points vs. Delaware Blue Coats
National Basketball League of Canada
NBL Canada's Electrifying Return - NBLC Cuts is Back
BIG3
BIG3 Dallas Open Tryouts Recap. Dallas had some high level talent! Check out all the action from the first set of 2022 Tryouts. Congratulations to TK Edogi and Thomas Gipson for cashing their ticket to the Combine.
HOCKEY
AHL
Joey Anderson nets his 20th of the season and his league-leading 5th short handed goal for the Toronto Marlies.
ECHL
The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and AHL's Hershey Bears, announced they have relieved Ryan Blair of his duties as head coach and director of hockey operations effective immediately. Assistant coach Brenden Kotyk will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season and Ryan Bourque will serve as interim assistant coach.
Plays of the Week
Federal Prospect Hockey League
FPHL the Michigan goal!!!! Binghamton Black bears!!!!
North American Hockey League
Plays of the Week
Western Hockey League
WHL Top 10
Ontario Hockey League
Plays of the Week
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Top 10 Plays of the Month for February
2022 NHL Draft - Under the Microscope: Gatineau Olympiques defenseman - Alex Blais.
BASEBALL
American Association
Former Lincoln Saltdogs manager Marty Scott has passed away at the age of 68, the club has announced. Scott, who managed the club for three seasons, passed away at his home in West Palm Beach, FL following a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He led the 'Dogs to their only American Association championship in franchise history in 2009. Scott was on the top step of Lincoln's dugout from 2009-2011, winning 151 games and making two playoff appearances. He also managed the Northern League's St. Paul Saints from 1995-2000, winning back-to-back league titles in '95 and '96 after he took the Northwest League's Tri-Cities Triplets (TEX) to a league championship in 1984.
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
Rugby New York earned the Rhino Rugby Try of the Week for Jack Heighton's thriller on the final whistle of the match.
Biggest Hits - Week 5
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
XFL Stories from March 15, 2022
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
