The Rock Chalkboard

Kansas' Kwamie Lassiter named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list
On Thursday Kansas football wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter was named to the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy, dubbed as "college football's premier award for community service." According to a Kansas Athletics release, the award factors in several areas, including community service and leadership both in and away from football.

2021 NBA Draft: KU basketball's Marcus Garrett goes undrafted
Marcus Garrett is still looking for his NBA home following the 2021 NBA Draft. The KU basketball senior was not selected in the event, as he now will look to latch onto a team on a two-way contract or as an undrafted free agent.

Kansas football lands commitment from 3-star DB Anthony Davis
The week is shaping up to be a big one for the Jayhawks. One day ahead of a commitment announcement from three-star safety Kaleb Purdy, who is set to reveal his college choice on Friday, the Jayhawks landed another three-star defensive back in the 2022 class.

Study reveals financial blows Big 12 could take with OU, Texas on to SEC
If the Big 12 remains intact and remaining schools do not depart: $938.9 million in annual gross product and 12,623 jobs

If the Big 12 dissolves: $1.3 billion in annual gross product and 18,063 jobs

Ranking the first-year head coaches heading into the 2021 season
Leipold was the head coach at Buffalo since 2015 and did an impressive job with the Bulls. In 2018, he led Buffalo to a 10-win season and Leipold was able to maintain that success. In his last three seasons, Leipold coached the Bulls to an overall record of 24-10. Now, he’ll have to bring that success to the Power Five to a program in shambles after the firing of Les Miles due to allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Kansas’ recruiting didn’t quite improve but perhaps Leipold is the man to bring the Jayhawks back to relevance.

2021 NBA Draft: Clippers take Quentin Grimes at No. 25 overall; reports of trade with Knicks
NCAA tournament star and former 247Sports Composite five-star guard Quentin Grimes goes to the New York Knicks via trade, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, after being selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 25 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Analysis: Examining possible Big 12 expansion candidates
Back in 2016, commissioner Bob Bowlsby and the Big 12 explored expansion. Media reports indicated that 17 universities were reviewed, and the top candidates were identified, but then the Big 12 stayed at 10. The reasons appeared to be two-fold: 1. The owners of the league’s media rights, ESPN and FOX, did not want the league to enforce a pro-rata clause in the contract that could have led to nearly $25 million annually for each added school; 2. Texas didn’t want to expand, likely because new members may disrupt its ability to control every decision the Big 12 might face.

Bits o Chalk

2021 NBA draft: Winners, losers, surprises and bold predictions
The first three picks of the 2021 NBA draft went as planned: Cade Cunningham to the Detroit Pistons, Jalen Green to the Houston Rockets and Evan Mobley to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But then, starting with the fourth pick, chaos ensued, with intriguing selections and draft-night trades taking over the spotlight.

Oklahoma City Thunder get future first-round NBA draft pick, Derrick Favors from Utah Jazz -- sources
Oklahoma City further added to its stockpile of future first-round picks as the Utah Jazz agreed to send a future No. 1 and center Derrick Favors to the Thunder in exchange for a future second-round pick, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday.

Terrence Clarke, former Kentucky Wildcats player who died in car accident, selected by league in NBA draft
Midway through the first round of Thursday night's NBA draft, the league briefly paused its annual selection show to honor the late Terrence Clarke, the 19-year-old basketball prospect out of Kentucky who died in a car accident earlier this year.

Sources - Los Angeles Lakers reach deal to acquire Russell Westbrook, sending 3-player package and pick to Washington Wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a deal with the Washington Wizards to acquire Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the No. 22 pick in Thursday night's NBA draft, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Simone Biles, plagued by 'twisties,' says mind and body not in sync at Olympics
Biles also answered several questions from fans, revealing that she is still dealing with the twisties as of Friday morning, adding, "Sometimes I can't even fathom twisting. I seriously cannot comprehend how to twist. Strangest and weirdest thing as well as feeling."

Eraser Dust

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 Gets Disappointing Update From Nintendo Insider
Over on Twitter, Nintendo insider and leaker Samus Hunter, briefly mentions the highly-anticipated sequel in a larger info dump on Nintendo and its slate of upcoming games. Speaking to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 specifically, the Nintendo insider notes they "doubt" there will be news about the game at September's rumored Nintendo Direct. At most, the leaker anticipates a "small notice that we'll see it in a few months."

First flight of Afghans who risked lives to help American troops arrive in US - CNNPolitics
(CNN)The first group of translators and interpreters who helped US soldiers and diplomats in Afghanistan arrived in the US on Friday, even as thousands more wait in Afghanistan in increasing fear of Taliban reprisals.

Pelosi and Sanders brace for Democratic upheaval over Biden agenda - POLITICO
Bernie Sanders had an urgent plea at a meeting for Senate Democrats this week: We’re with you on this bipartisan bill, so you better be with us on our $3.5 trillion spending package, attendees said.

As new school year looms, debates over mask mandates stir anger and confusion tktk - The Washington Post
School leaders are contending with conflicting health guidance, as well as pressure from state leaders and frustrated parents.

Bigfork bridge owner sues county for 'taking' | Daily Inter Lake
In July 2019, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a Flathead County District Court ruling that determined the bridge is illegal and the commissioners erred when granting a permit.

Amanda Knox blasts Matt Damon flick ‘Stillwater,’ claims it’s cashing in on her wrongful conviction | Fox News
"Does my name belong to me?" she wrote in a Thursday tweet storm. "My face? What about my life? My story? Why does my name refer to events I had no hand in? I return to these questions because others continue to profit off my name, face & story without my consent. Most recently, the film #STILLWATER"

'I spent three years getting drunk after Noel kicked me out of Oasis': How the band's original drummer coped with life after fame - Manchester Evening News
The reason for him being axed depends on who you speak to. Noel claims he wasn't good enough to play the hits he was writing for the second album, which included Don't Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall.

Tony claims he was kicked out because he stood up to a dictatorial and detached Noel one too many times

Poll of the Day