FOX Rules Guru Dean Blandino on Working with Tom Brady, UFL, & Springfield Officiating Legacies
We had a true heavyweight in the football world join us bright and early on The Starting Lineup. FOX rules analyst and replay guru Dean Blandino called into the studio to break down everything from the high-stakes world of officiating to what it's really like sharing a broadcast booth with the greatest quarterback of all time.
The UFL's Third Season and Expansion Potential
We kicked things off by diving into the recently wrapped third season of the United Football League (UFL). Under the new ownership of Mike Rubin, the league has built some incredible momentum. Dean shared his excitement after an incredible "United Bowl" championship game, which saw the Louisville Kings bounce back from an 0-3 start to take down the defending champion D.C. Defenders. Even better for football fans? The TV ratings are hitting strong numbers—averaging 800,000 to 900,000 viewers—and there is real talk of expansion cities coming down the pipeline in a couple of years.
The Local Mentors of the Ozarks
You can't talk football officiating without bringing it back to our neck of the woods right here in Springfield, Missouri. We asked Dean about his connection to local retired NFL official Larry Nemmers, who lives right here in the community. Blandino didn't hold back his praise, calling Larry one of his absolute favorites, a legendary NFL referee, and a vital mentor who took a genuine interest in his career. We also gave a massive shout-out to our good friend Ron Snodgrass for getting us connected with Dean for this incredible segment!
Inside the FOX Booth with Tom Brady
Of course, Ned, Scott, and Art had to get the inside scoop on what it’s like working Saturdays and Sundays for FOX Sports. Dean travels every single weekend with the A-crew, working alongside Kevin Burkhardt, Erin Andrews, and none other than seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. Dean gave us a peak behind the curtain on Brady's transition to the media side, noting that despite being the "GOAT," Brady comes into the TV world completely coachable, incredibly hardworking, and eager to learn the craft as a phenomenal teammate.
The Future of Replay Technology
To close it out, our technical analyst Art Haines dug into how much replay has evolved over the last ten years. Dean took us back to 1999 when the NFL reintroduced replay in standard definition. Today, command centers have instant access to every single camera feed live, without waiting for television producers. As for what's next? Dean notes that while referees use tablets as confidence monitors, the next 3 to 5 years could see advanced camera technology used to accurately spot the football deep inside a pile.
Trenton Berry on Digital Racing, Rex Merritt Ride-Alongs, & NASCAR's San Diego Security Lockdown
We had a fantastic time catching up with our good friend Trenton Berry from RacingDirt on the morning show today. "T-Bear" always brings the best insights, whether we are talking about local short tracks right here in the Ozarks or what is happening on the national NASCAR circuit. From his early days learning the ropes of broadcast journalism to running a full-scale racing media company, Trenton has seen the landscape evolve completely.
Pioneering the Digital Racing Space
We threw it back to Trenton’s early career breakout in Kansas City working for The Racing Boys, where he got a masterclass in major motorsports media. Long before everyone had a smartphone in their hand, Trenton was learning how to shoot video, work the pits, and run equipment. In fact, his team was on the absolute cutting edge, streaming live studio content back in 2009. He credits his time at Missouri State University for teaching him how to shoot and edit, but it was a chat with a colleague at Kauffman Stadium about being "recession-proof" that drove him to learn every single aspect of the business. Today, he and his business partner, Stick, are still pulling sweat equity—lugging totes up grandstands and keeping their operations completely hands-on.
The Physical Toll of Driving & Wild Rides
We had to dive into Denny Hamlin’s recent third-straight win at Pocono and his announced plan to retire after next season at age 45. Trenton gave us the breakdown on why drivers fall off: it all comes down to reaction time. When you are 25, you see a hole open on the track and hit it instantly; as a veteran, that processing time slows down just enough to miss it. To prove how intense it really is behind the wheel, Trenton shared a hilarious story of taking 15 laps around Lucas Oil Speedway in a 750-horsepower two-seater with local racing legend Rex Merritt. Our own Ned Reynolds chimed in with his own terrifying memory of riding along with Tony Stewart years ago at KY3—proving that racing drivers operate on an entirely different level.
Weather Woes and San Diego Street Course Predictions
The local racing scene has taken a massive hit from Mother Nature recently. Trenton noted that his area has been absolutely pounded with over 20 inches of rain in the last few weeks, causing him to lose nine races between the Heartland Modified Tour and the Heartland Late Model Tour. To escape the mud, he is heading out to Dodge City, Kansas this weekend, crossing his fingers that their current drought holds out just long enough to get two days of late-model racing in the books.
Finally, we looked ahead to NASCAR's unique upcoming stop: the Coronado San Diego street course built right around a naval base. Trenton shared that over 3,000 people had to apply for federal clearance just for the pre-event setup. When it comes to racing on the 3.4-mile, 16-turn course, Trenton’s money is firmly on road-race master Shane van Gisbergen (97) to dominate the field.
MSU Baseball Coach Joey Hawkins Returns to Play; NFL Backup Quarterbacks with Corey Riggs
We love a good local sports plot twist, and our weekly chat with Corey Riggs brought an absolute gem to the table this morning. While the summer heat is settling into Southwest Missouri, things are just starting to warm up over at Route 66 Stadium for the highly anticipated Grip and Rip League this August. We caught up with Corey to discuss everything from NFL backup quarterbacks to local baseball legends making unexpected comebacks.
The Ultimate Gig: NFL Backup Quarterback
Before diving into the local diamond, we couldn't help but marvel at the life of an NFL backup quarterback. Discussing how guys like Kirk Cousins and others manage the dynamics of mentoring younger talent, we agreed there might not be a better job in America than holding a clipboard, running the scout team, and collecting a paycheck without taking the big hits. But while the pros are navigating training camps, the real competitive fire this morning was focused right here in Springfield.
Joey Hawkins Takes the Field
The biggest story of the weekend dropped when the Grip and Rip League held its tryouts, and a very familiar name popped up on the roster sheets: Joey Hawkins. Yes, that Joey Hawkins—the current Missouri State University Bears baseball head coach. As Corey pointed out, the competitive fire in Hawk burns just as bright today as it did back in 2015 when he was an elite senior shortstop playing under the legendary Keith Guttin.
Showcasing the Shortstop Skills
Corey, who travels with the MSU Bears during the spring, let us in on a little secret: Hawk never truly stopped playing. Whether he’s working with Jeff Jimenez or jumping into unique infield drills himself, Hawkins is still flashing serious leather at shortstop during team practices. He’s tracking to bring his absolute "A-game" to the field this August, and it’s safe to say it elevates the entire profile of the league.
Heckling the Head Coach
The burning question now is how the community—and his own players—will react. Will the Missouri State Bears baseball roster show up to Route 66 Stadium in the fall to give their head coach a taste of his own medicine from the stands? We had a lot of fun imagining his players shouting coaching tips from the baseline, telling him to get his "A-swing" off on the first three pitches. One thing is for sure: if Keith Guttin decides to come out of retirement to manage one of these squads, Springfield sports fans are in for an unforgettable summer show.
García and Crews key 5-run 5th inning as Nationals beat Royals 7-3
WASHINGTON (AP) — Luis García Jr. hit a go-ahead single, Dylan Crews added a three-run homer and the Washington Nationals scored five times in the fifth inning to beat the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Monday night.
Washington (38-35) has won seven of 10 and moved three games over .500 for the first time since 2019, when the Nationals won the World Series.
García's two-run single in the fifth gave the Nationals a 4-3 lead. Three batters later, Crews launched a drive to left field for his fourth homer this season.
Curtis Mead got Washington on the board in the third with a two-out single that bounced off the glove of Royals second baseman Nick Loftin and into center field for a 2-0 lead.
Brad Lord (5-0) threw three innings in relief and allowed two runs on two hits while striking out two. Nationals starter Andrew Alvarez gave up one run in four innings, striking out five.
Starling Marte scored for Kansas City in the fourth on Carter Jensen's infield single, and Maikel Garcia added a two-run single in the fifth that gave the Royals a 3-2 lead.
Kansas City starter Mitch Spence (0-1) was charged with six runs and seven hits in four-plus innings.
Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-5, 3.58 ERA) starts Tuesday against Nationals LHP Foster Griffin (7-2, 3.46).
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
© Associated Press
Dustin May perfect into 7th inning and completes 1-hitter as Cardinals blank Padres 3-0
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Dustin May took a perfect game into the seventh inning before finishing a one-hitter as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 3-0 on Monday night.
Jimmy Crooks had a two-run double and Alec Burleson added an RBI double for the Cardinals, who won for the eighth time in 11 games.
May (5-6) struck out nine and walked one. He threw 69 of his 101 pitches for strikes during his first complete game in 71 major league starts.
The 28-year-old right-hander didn’t allow a baserunner until he walked Fernando Tatis Jr. to begin the seventh. Manny Machado singled one out later, putting runners at the corners, but Gold Glove shortstop Masyn Winn turned a nifty double play on Gavin Sheets’ grounder up the middle to keep it 3-0.
May struck out the side in the sixth and eighth. He became the first Cardinals starter to get an out in the eighth inning this year and the first to go the distance since Sonny Gray threw a one-hitter against the Guardians on June 27 last season.
It was the ninth complete game and sixth individual shutout in the majors this season.
Center fielder Jackson Merrill robbed Burleson of a home run against Lucas Giolito leading off the fourth. Giolito retired eight in a row before Lars Nootbaar and Winn had two-out singles. Crooks followed with a double to left-center for a 2-0 lead.
Iván Herrera walked with two outs in the fifth and advanced on a wild pitch before scoring on Burleson's double.
Giolito (2-2) allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings of relief after opener Wandy Peralta pitched a scoreless first. Kyle Hart gave up one hit over two innings.
Hart was recalled from Triple-A El Paso when the Padres placed closer Mason Miller on the bereavement list. Miller, who leads the majors with 19 saves, will miss the series.
Padres manager Craig Stammen served a one-game suspension after Major League Baseball ruled that reliever Ron Marinaccio intentionally hit Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson with a pitch on Saturday. Marinaccio received a three-game suspension, but he appealed and remains eligible to pitch.
Padres RHP Michael King (4-5, 3.46 ERA) starts Tuesday opposite Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (7-4, 3.88).
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
© Associated Press
Breaking Down USA's 4-1 Win, Friday's Australia Preview, and Springfield's Soccer Boom
The World Cup is officially taking over the Red, White, and Blue, and right here in Springfield, Missouri, soccer fever has reached an absolute boiling point! On the latest edition of The Starting Lineup, we sat down with Ryan Blamey, the president of the Springfield chapter of the American Outlaws, to talk about the massive wave of local soccer fandom crashing over the Ozarks. If you thought our town only cared about the Springfield Cardinals or Friday Night Lights, the scene on Commercial Street last Friday night proved that soccer has officially arrived.
A Thousand Fans Storm Commercial Street
We asked Ryan what he was realistically expecting for the US Men's National Team opening match against Paraguay. He admitted that the American Outlaws, Mumbles 1888, and Eurasia Coffee Company hoped to draw around three to four hundred people for a kickoff block party. Instead, Springfield absolutely blew that out of the water. Around 1,000 passionate fans packed the indoor and outdoor seating areas on Commercial Street, creating an electric, shoulder-to-shoulder atmosphere complete with Uncle Sam costumes and relentless chants of "USA!". For the South Siders, Ryan also gave a massive shout-out to Mully's (the old Galloway Station on Republic Road) as another premier family-friendly soccer hub in town.
History Made on the Pitch
While the vibe locally was insane, what happened on the field was historic. Ryan broke down the technical brilliance of the USA's 4-1 victory. Striker Folarin Balogun netted a brace, a feat not accomplished by a US player in a World Cup match in 96 years. Even more mind-boggling, defender Chris Richards set an all-time World Cup record by attempting and completing 83 passes without a single miss. Despite some external concerns over Christian Pulisic’s late-season form with AC Milan, Ryan told us he isn't worried a bit after Pulisic added his third career World Cup assist and terrorized defenders all night.
Breaking Down the Low Block Against Australia
Looking ahead to Friday's 2:00 PM match against Australia, the tactical conversation got deep. Ryan warned us that Australia plays a very similar style to Paraguay—utilizing a "low block" or "bunkering" defense designed to frustrate the attack. While the Yanks decimated Paraguay's defense, Australia poses a quicker threat on the counter-attack.
How to Join the Outlaws This Friday
The American Outlaws chapter has doubled in size since last summer under Ryan’s leadership, and they are ready for another massive crowd. If you plan on "cutting out of work early" to catch the 2:00 PM kickoff against Australia this Friday, Ryan suggests arriving at Mumbles 1888 an hour and a half to two hours early to secure a spot. Doors open at 11:00 AM, so get ready for another epic watch party presented by our local favorites!
Stephen Kolek shines on the mound, Maikel Garcia drives in three as the Royals beat the Astros 4-0
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Stephen Kolek scattered five hits while pitching into the eighth inning, Maikel Garcia had three hits and three RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 4-0 in their series finale Sunday to snap a four-game losing streak.
Kolek (4-1) struck out four and walked one. He's allowed just seven earned runs total over his past six starts.
Bobby Witt Jr. celebrated his 26th birthday with two singles, two stolen bases and two tidy plays in the field. First, he snagged a liner to rob the Astros' Joey Loperfido of a base hit, then Witt casually gloved his sharp grounder to start an inning-ending double play.
Garcia also had one of Kansas City's four stolen bases off Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti (7-2), the reigning AL pitcher of the month, who matched a season high by allowing four runs and eight hits and a walk over six innings.
Arrighetti's only other loss this season came on May 9 in Cincinnati, when he allowed a single earned run.
The Royals jumped on him right away Sunday with singles by Witt and Garcia in the first inning for a 1-0 lead. But the big blow came during a three-run third, when Garcia followed Jac Caglianone's RBI single with a two-run double down the left-field line.
None of the Astros' hits off Kolek amounted to anything. Two runners were wiped out by double plays, Cam Smith was picked off first base, Yordan Alvarez was left stranded in the seventh after extending his on-base streak to 21 games, and Steven Cruz helped Kolek by getting the final two outs of the eighth inning to preserve the shutout.
RHP Kai-Wei Teng (3-5, 3.71 ERA) starts for Houston on Monday night against the Tigers, while RHP Hunter Brown will start Tuesday for the first time since March 31, when the Astros' staff ace went down with a Grade 2 shoulder strain.
The Royals have yet to announce a starter for their series opener against the Nationals on Monday night in Washington.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
© Associated Press
Ryan Kreidler comes through late to lead Twins to 5-4 win against Cardinals
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Kreidler’s RBI double off the center-field wall in the eighth inning scored Luke Keaschall and completed the Minnesota Twins’ comeback in a 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
Kreidler had a pinch-hit single and scored the tying run in the seventh for Minnesota, which took two of three games in the series. Victor Caratini hit a two-run homer for the Twins in the fourth.
Andrew Morris (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning of relief, striking out three of the four batters he faced. Yoendrys Gómez earned his sixth save of the season and fifth with the Twins.
Kreidler made a diving stop and throw from shortstop in the ninth to get José Fermín at first after a successful replay challenge by Minnesota manager Derek Shelton.
Byron Buxton had three hits for the Twins and drove in a run during the seventh-inning rally.
St. Louis reliever George Soriano (3-1) gave up one run and three hits in 1 2/3 innings. He allowed the tying run to score in the seventh after inheriting a bases-loaded jam from JoJo Romero with one out.
JJ Wetherholt and Alec Burleson homered for the Cardinals. Michael McGreevy allowed two runs in six innings.
McGreevy has given up two runs or fewer 10 times in 14 starts this season but hasn’t won since May 8.
Wetherholt had a two-run homer, his 10th, and an RBI single. Burleson opened the scoring with his 13th home run of the season in the fourth. He's homered in five of his past six games and has a career-high 14-game hitting streak.
Cardinals: Return home for a three-game series with San Diego. RHP Dustin May (4-6, 4.21 ERA) starts Monday for St. Louis. The Padres had not announced a scheduled starter.
Twins: RHP Mike Paredes (0-0, 4.35 ERA) makes his second major league start Monday in Texas against LHP MacKenzie Gore (4-5, 4.18) and the Rangers.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
© Associated Press
Vinnie Pasquantino has hand surgery, faces up to 6 weeks out in the latest injury blow to the Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had surgery Sunday on a fractured hamate bone in his right hand and could miss up to six weeks, the latest injury misfortune to befall a club that has struggled to live up to expectations this season.
The Royals recalled outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha to replace Pasquantino on the roster ahead of their series finale against the Astros. Jac Caglianone, who has been their regular right fielder, likely will play the majority of games at first base.
Pasquantino left the Royals' rain-delayed 8-7 loss to Houston on Saturday night after making contact with the ball in the fifth inning.
“I’m frustrated for him, especially as he’s gotten himself going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “You never want to lose any of these guys to injury, and it stinks because I know how hard he’s worked to get back to being productive.”
Pasquantino hit .264 with a career-high 32 homers and 113 RBIs last season, and the Royals hoped that he could build on that breakout performance this season. But much like the club, which began the day 10 1/2 games out of first in the AL Central, the 28-year-old left-handed hitter has gotten off to a slow start, batting just .224 with six homers and 32 RBIs.
“He's gone through injuries before,” Quatraro said, “and it can be a real grind.”
In other injury news, left-hander Cole Ragans is scheduled for an MRI on Monday after experiencing a setback playing catch this week. The former All-Star has been on the injured list since May 8 with a left elbow impingement. Ragans appeared to be close to a return after a 23-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday before the latest pain popped up.
He's not the only Royals starter missing these days.
Seth Lugo is on the seven-day concussion list after he was hit in the head by a 106.6 mph liner during a game against Texas last week. He underwent a CT scan that came back clear, but Lugo developed headaches afterward, and his return date is unclear.
Left-hander Kris Bubic, who has been on the injured list since mid-May because of elbow soreness, sustained a setback when a shoulder issue surfaced during a rough rehab assignment for Triple-A Omaha last week. He allowed five earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings.
In the bullpen, regular closer Carlos Estevez is working his way back from a right rotator cuff strain that landed him on the injured list at the end of March, and reliever Nick Mears is playing catch after dealing with a right shoulder impingement.
All of those injuries have put pressure on Quatraro to piece together a lineup that can compete on a daily basis.
“It's certainly not a fun part of the job,” he said. “These guys work exceptionally hard, and injuries are a part of the game. But you feel for the player. Where they want to be is out here competing. But then you immediately shift to: ‘How do we put this together? What is our next-best option? What matchup gives us our best chance to win?’ That's your thought process.”
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© Associated Press
Reagan Zibilski's Pro Debut, Trophy Scares, and Mizzou Golf Outlook
The road to the LPGA is a grueling grind, but Springfield’s own Reagan Zibilski is already proving she belongs. Fresh off an incredible pro debut that included a spectacular sixth-place finish, the former local standout joined us on The Starting Lineup to recap her whirlwind week, life on the road, and the hilarious saga of a "lost" championship trophy. Presented by Play It Again Sports, we dive deep into what it takes to transition from the college ranks at Arkansas to chasing down a tour card on the Epson Tour.
Navigating the Pro Transition and Epson Tour Life
We talked to Reagan about the immediate cultural shift when stepping onto a professional tour. With fields stacking up to 160 players weekly, she describes it as a bit of deja vu—reigniting old rivalries and friendships from her early amateur days. While being a rookie means dealing with less-than-ideal tee times and missing out on Pro-Ams, Zibilski isn't sweating the small stuff. She’s already exempt past the first stage of LPGA-Q School and is laser-focused on locking down a top-15 finish in the season points standings to automatically secure her LPGA tour card.
Pure Driving Power and Throwing Darts
If you looked at the stat sheet from her opening weekend, you’d think she was a seasoned veteran. Reagan averaged a booming 258 yards off the tee—including a massive 300-yard bomb on the 14th hole during her second round. But it wasn't just the distance that turned heads; she hit an incredible 31 out of 36 greens in regulation. As we noted on the air, if you keep hitting greens at that clip, you’re going to cash some serious checks out there where tournament winners take home around $30,000.
Dad on the Bag and a "Lost" State Trophy
One of our favorite parts of the conversation centered around family. Reagan’s dad is serving as her "co-pilot" and caddy for this opening three-week northern swing, which heads next to Harbor Springs, Michigan. She credits their deep comfortability and shared mental wiring for her early rhythm on the course.
Before heading north, however, Reagan had to resolve a minor crisis regarding the Missouri Women's Amateur Championship trophy. After keeping it at her house for the last year following her state title win, a frantic search ensued at Hickory Hills Country Club before it was successfully delivered to Columbia Country Club just in time for this week's tournament!
Cheering on the Next Generation at Mizzou
Though she’s busy building her own professional legacy, Zibilski is keeping a close eye on local talent, specifically her long-time Hickory Hills practicing partner, Page Bowman. Bowman is set to kick off her collegiate career at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) this fall. Reagan praised Paige as the most hardworking "grinder" she’s ever seen and expressed immense excitement for her future leading the Tigers.