In a couple of promo videos, Taylor Swift teased her upcoming appearance on the popular New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce podcast.
The global megastar rarely sits for interviews now but the opportunity to appear on her significant other’s show got a green light.
Fans had awaited a Swift appearance on New Heights ever since she started dating Travis Kelce two years ago.
Podcast audience numbers are not easily accessible like traditional TV but the episode should set records.
Swift will reveal details about her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. The episode becomes available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Amazon's Wondery on August 13 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
MLB celebrates umpire Jen Pawol making history
Two decades after the NBA and one decade after the NFL, MLB finally had a woman umpire for a regular season game this past weekend.
Jen Pawol, who spent decades umpiring softball and minor league baseball, called a doubleheader and then was behind the place during the Sunday game.
The only downside is she’s a substitute umpire so her next assignment is to be determined.
TikTok and Instagram constantly show me baseball videos because I watch Jomboy. These often include managers getting thrown out of games by umpires. She will make more history then.
Given her popularity and pioneer status, she may also find her way into a brand marketing campaign.
Fellow glass ceiling breaker, NFL referee Sarah Thomas appeared in Dannon Activa commercials eight years ago, so brands should consider Pawol, too.
Why did it take MLB so long? Probably too mired in tradition, until recent changes like pitch clocks.
Jen Pawol calls a strike during the Marlins-Braves game on Aug. 10, 2025.
Gross: Sex toys rain on WNBA games
The WBNA and its players have had to deal with idiots throwing lime green sex toys on their basketball courts during games the last few weeks.
A meme bitcoin that fit the object finally took credit … or blame. The bitcoin operator said some perpetrators acted alone as copycats.
The incidents took place in five games in four cities.
At least two adults were arrested for throwing the objects on the court. Their mug shots were posted online.
A photo of a third still-at-large suspect was released from a Brooklyn incident in which a 12-year-old girl was hit by one of the objects.
The act is misogynistic and especially offensive to players, coaches and fans. It’s also illegal, disruptive and dangerous — an object thrown under a player’s foot could cause an ACL tear or other serious injury.
The WNBA has made strides recently with attendance and fan interest so this act seems to push back against its success and fan growth.
These aren’t pranks, stunts or guerrila marketing. They are crimes.
The people throwing the objects have been young males — late teens to early 20s. Imagine going for a job interview after doing that. They won’t only be banned by the WNBA from attending games but possibly its parent, NBA, and others. Getting on the no fly list happens to people without warning. Also, the person who claimed responsibility in a USA Today interview, hid his name so he knew it wasn’t a claim to fame.
Donald Trump Jr. seemed to condone it by posting a silly doctored image of his father throwing one onto a court next to the White House.
The media, rightfully, are also disappointed, like this article from The Athletic.
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever was the target of a sex toy thrower last week.
The Call Stands — What and Who We’re Watching
Lamar Jackson dropped a lawsuit against Troy Aikman over the commercial use of the number 8. Aikman wore the number for the Cowboys and has a beer company called Eight. It may be interesting on Sept. 22 when Lamar’s Ravens host the Lions on ESPN’s Monday Night Football with Aikman calling the game for the neetwork. (ESPN.com)
A former Miami Heat security guard is accused of stealing 400 game-worn jerseys and selling 100 of those for $2 million. The remaining 300 were recovered by police. He was former Miami police officer for 25 years and worked as a security guard for the Heat from 2016-21 and the NBA from 2022-25. Definitely seems to have had access to game-worn items. A LeBron James jersey was sold by him for $100,000 and later went for $3.7 million at auction. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. (Front Office Sports)
Kellanova, maker of Pringles, Cheez-Its and Pop Tarts, announced the first sports sponsorship for its entire North American portfolio with the U.S. Soccer Federation before the 2026 World Cup in the United States. (Marketing Dive)
If you’re watching Hard Knocks on HBO Max featuring the Buffalo Bills and don’t want this spoiler, stop reading. Now. Last warning. But if you’re OK knowing, James Cook ended his holdout and re-signed with the Bills (New York Post)
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Brought to you by Eric Wein with Athletes Endorse, a Los Angeles-based athlete marketing agency that creates sales-driven marketing campaigns for brands.
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