'Sport Science' Host John Brenkus Dies At 54
John Brenkus, host of ESPN's 'Sport Science,' died Saturday at 54 years old after 'battling depression,' according to a statement.
'His heartbroken family and friends request privacy at this time and encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help,' the statement reads.
Brenkus created and hosted 'Sport Science,' which ran from 2007 to 2017 and and won six Sports Emmy awards.
The network's 'SportsCenter' aired a tribute to Brenkus over the weekend.
'John was uniquely talented and singularly brilliant at not only analyzing sports but then translating sports and science to generations of fans in memorable ways, because John was memorable,' host Randy Scott said during the tribute.
In 2023, Brenkus said on the 'Never Shut Up' show that while he was living in Utah after he sold 'Sport Science' to ESPN in 2010, he fell into a 'very deep depression.'
'The isolation that you feel living in a mountain town, the cold weather, injuries, things not going right, I spiraled into a deep, deep depression and I was flat-out suicidal,' Brenkus said.
He credited his dog with refusing to leave him alone, prompting him to ask himself, 'What am I doing?' and call his mother for help. He later saw several different psychiatrists and 'found a solution.'
Brenkus added he learned that depression 'is not about being sad.'
'It's about the way we are constructed as humans having thought loops,' he said. 'And people get caught in thought loops and they can't get out of their own way.'
Brenkus wrote 'The Perfection Point' in 2010, in which he sought out the 'absolute limits' of nine athletic events.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
California Sports Org Expands Finals Eligibility After Trump Tantrum Over Trans Athlete
'King Of The Hill' Voice Actor Jonathan Joss Shot And Killed By Neighbor: Police
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Former Indiana team doctor accused of sexual misconduct by at least 15 men's basketball players
Former Indiana team doctor accused of sexual misconduct by at least 15 men's basketball players Content warning: This article contains alleged depictions of sexual misconduct At least 15 former Indiana University men's basketball players allege sexual misconduct by former team physician Dr. Bradford Bomba, according to ESPN. Advertisement Two former Indiana players — Haris Mujezinovic and Charlie Miller — originally filed a lawsuit against the university last October. Since then, at least three other ex-athletes have joined the lawsuit, and 10 additional men are planning to "pursue litigation," their attorney told ESPN. Bomba, who served as the team's physician for roughly 30 years, is accused of regularly giving players rectal exams during physicals. Rectal exams were not considered standard protocol for healthy, college-aged men at the time the exams were allegedly being performed, per ESPN. The former players believe those exams constitute sexual misconduct. They also allege university officials — including legendary coach Bob Knight — were aware of the exams and did nothing to stop them. Players claim they complained about the exams to Knight and former head athletic trainer Tim Garl, who continued to refer players to Bomba. Knight died in 2023. Garl served as the team's head athletic trainer for 45 years. Indiana declined to renew his contract in April. After the initial lawsuit was filed, Bomba was found competent to be questioned about the allegations. He took part in that deposition in December, invoking his Fifth Amendment right multiple times. Bomba, 89, died in May. Advertisement When the allegations dropped, Indiana commissioned an outside investigation into the situation. It determined that while Bomba did perform those exams, he did so in a "clinically appropriate manner." The investigation added there was "no evidence to suggest that Dr. Bomba achieved sexual gratification," per ESPN. At least two men reportedly considering filing suit contradicted those findings, with one claiming Bomba "fondled his genitalia" during a physical. Another man said Bomba performed a rectal exam on the man when he was a minor in high school. Indiana argued in court filings that the allegations by the ex-players fall outside the state's two-year statute of limitations regarding sexual-assault claims, per ESPN. In May, a magistrate judge allowed the plaintiffs to continue gathering records regarding the lawsuit. It's possible a presiding district court judge could dismiss the claims, however.
USA Today
41 minutes ago
- USA Today
UFC 316 pre-event facts: Kayla Harrison can join exclusive club of Olympic, UFC champions
UFC 316 pre-event facts: Kayla Harrison can join exclusive club of Olympic, UFC champions The UFC returns to Newark, N.J., for the third consecutive year on Saturday with UFC 316, whic goes down at Prudential Center with a main card on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. A championship doubleheader tops the card, with both the men's and women's bantamweight titles on the line. In the main event, Merab Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) will rematch Sean O'Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) after taking the belt from him in September, while in the co-headliner Julianna Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) clashes with Olympic champion Kayla Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) for gold. To go inside the numbers behind both title fights, as well as an undercard with many notables, check below for MMA Junkie's pre-event facts for UFC 316. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley Merab Dvalishvili Dvalishvili is one of two Georgian champions in UFC history. Ilia Topuria also accomplished the feat. Dvalishvili is one of nine undisputed bantamweight champions in UFC history. Dvalishvili is one of three fighters in UFC history to win an undisputed championship after starting 0-2 in the promotion. Rafael dos Anjos and Miesha Tate also accomplished the feat. Dvalishvili's 12-fight UFC winning streak is the second-longest active streak in the company behind Islam Makhachev (15). Dvalishvili's 11-fight UFC winning streak at bantamweight is the longest active streak in the division. Dvalishvili's 11-fight UFC winning streak at bantamweight is the longest streak in divisional history. Dvalishvili has earned 15 of his 19 career victories by decision. That includes 11 of his 12 UFC wins. Dvalishvili's 10 decision victories in UFC bantamweight competition are most in divisional history. Dvalishvili has landed 92 takedowns in UFC competition, the most in company history. Georges St-Pierre previously held sole possession of the record since November 2013. Dvalishvili's 79 takedowns landed in UFC bantamweight competition are most in divisional history. Dvalishvili is the only fighter in history to land 10 or more takedowns in four separate UFC bouts. Dvalishvili attempted 49 takedowns at UFC Fight Night 221, the single-fight record for a UFC bout. Dvalishvili has landed 2,092 total strikes in UFC bantamweight competition are most in divisional history. Dvalishvili out-landed Marlon Moraes by 212 total strikes at UFC 266, the largest differential in a single UFC/WEC bantamweight bout. Sean O'Malley O'Malley is one of nine fighters to hold the undisputed UFC bantamweight championship. O'Malley is one of three fighters to win a UFC championship after being signed to the promotion through Dana White's Contender Series. Jack Della Maddalena and Jamahal Hill also accomplished the feat. O'Malley has earned 13 of 18 career victories by stoppage. He's finished all six of his UFC stoppage victories by knockout. O'Malley's six knockout victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind T.J. Dillashaw (seven). O'Malley lands 6.71 significant strikes per minute in UFC competition, the third-highest rate in bantamweight history behind Louis Smolka (7.18) and Victor Henry (7.17). O'Malley lands 61.5 percent of his significant strike attempts in UFC bantamweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. O'Malley landed 220 significant strikes at UFC 299, the single-fight record for a UFC bantamweight championship bout. O'Malley's nine fight-night bonuses for UFC bantamweight bouts are most in divisional history. Julianna Peña vs. Kayla Harrison Julianna Peña Peña is one of six fighters to hold the UFC women's bantamweight title. She is one of two fighters to have multiple title reigns, along with Amanda Nunes. Peña is one of eight fighters in history to win a season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series and a UFC title. Peña's eight victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Nunes (13) and Raquel Pennington (12). Peña's four stoppage victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Nunes (eight) and Ronda Rousey (six). Peña's two submission victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Rousey (three). Kayla Harrison Harrison is one of four Olympic gold medalist to fight in the UFC, along with Henry Cejudo, Kevin Jackson and Mark Schultz. She's the only multi-time gold medalist in company history. Harrison is one of two Olympic gold medalists to fight in the UFC since the organization was purchased by parent company Zuffa. Cejudo is the other. Harrison is a two-time PFL women's lightweight champion. She accomplished the feat in 2019 and 2021. Joe Pyfer vs. Kelvin Gastelum Joe Pyfer (13-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has earned 12 of his 13 career victories by stoppage. That includes all four of his UFC wins. Kelvin Gastelum (18-9 MMA, 13-9 UFC) once again returns to the middleweight division after a two-fight stint at welterweight where he went 1-1. Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix Mario Bautista's (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) seven-fight UFC winning streak at bantamweight is the second-longest active streak in the division behind Dvalishvili (11). Patchy Mix (20-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a former Bellator champion who went 9-1 with the promotion, makes his octagon debut. Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland Vicente Luque's (23-10-1 MMA, 16-6 UFC) 16 victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied for fourth-most in divisional history behind Neil Magny (22), Georges St-Pierre (19) and Matt Brown (17). Luque's 14 stoppage victories in UFC welterweight competition are second-most in divisional history behind Brown (15). Luque's eight knockout victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied with Thiago Alves and Li Jingliang for second-most in divisional history behind Brown (13). Luque's 10 knockdowns landed in UFC welterweight competition are tied for fourth-most in divisional history behind Alves (13), Jake Ellenberger (11) and Brown (11). Luque's six submission victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Gunnar Nelson (seven). Luque's four D'Arce choke submission victories in UFC competition are most in company history. Luque's nine fight-night bonuses for UFC welterweight bouts are tied with Brown for second-most in divisional history behind Chris Lytle (10). Kevin Holland (27-13 MMA, 14-10 UFC) becomes the second fighter to make three UFC appearances in 2025. Melquizael Costa also accomplished the feat. Holland is 5-3 since he dropped to the UFC welterweight division in March 2022. Holland's 14 UFC victories are the most by any fighter signed from Dana White's Contender Series. Serghei Spivac vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta Serghei Spivac (17-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) complete 65.9 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC heavyweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. Spivac has landed 29 takedowns in UFC heavyweight competition, the third-most in divisional history behind Curtis Blaydes (62) and Cain Velasquez (34). Waldo Cortes-Acosta's (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) four-fight UFC winning streak at heavyweight is the longest active streak in the division. Joshua Van vs. Bruno Silva Joshua Van's (13-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC) three-fight UFC winning streak at flyweight is tied for the third-longest active streak in the division behind Alexandre Pantoja (seven) and Andre Lima (four). Van has earned five of his six UFC victories by decision. Van lands 8.1 significant strikes per minute in UFC competition, the highest rate in company history. Van landed 165 significant strikes at UFC 310, the second highest total in a UFC flyweight fight. Jeff Molina holds the record with 189 significant strikes landed at UFC 261. Van, then 23, faced 22-year-old Rei Tsuruya at UFC 313 in the first matchup in UFC history between athletes both born in the 2000s. Brendson Ribeiro vs. Azamat Murzakanov Azamat Murzakanov's (14-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) four-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight is the second-longest active streak in the division behind Carlos Ulberg (eight). Brendson Ribeiro (17-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) has earned 16 of his 17 career victories by stoppage. Ariane da Silva vs. Wang Cong Ariane da Silva (16-9 MMA, 5-6 UFC) competes in her 13th UFC women's flyweight bout, tied for the third-most appearances in divisional history behind Katlyn Cerminara (14) and Andrea Lee (14). Da Silva has scored three knockdowns in UFC women's flyweight competition, tied with Taila Santos and Molly McCann for most in divisional history. Quillan Salkilld vs. Yanal Ashmouz Quillan Salkilld's (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) earned a 19-second TKO victory at UFC 312, the second-fastest finish by a debuting lightweight in UFC history. Terrance McKinney holds the record with a seven-second win. UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on X @MJCflipdascript.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wonderful tributes to Stroud legend as hundreds pack venue
WITH a colourful procession of several hundred people, John Marjoram was laid to rest in the June sunshine, surrounded by a circle of family, friends and the many people who had been inspired by the 'fearless and feisty' former mayor of Stroud. The funeral of John Marjoram, held in the heart of the town in the Subscription Rooms on Monday, was a perfect celebration of a man who lived life as a campaigner for peace and his community. With around 450 people sitting in an intimate semi-circle in the Sub Room's ballroom, with more sitting on the stage and balcony and standing at the back, it was no surprise that the venue reached capacity. Outside on the forecourt a further 50 people stood in the sun coming together to remember and celebrate John. The service opened in the Quaker tradition with a silent contemplation. Fiona Meadley, of Painswick Quakers invited the gathering, to sit in silence and 'reach the peace that lies beyond words.' The eulogy was given by Aaron Mirkin of Stroud's Christian Community who invited us to remember our 'feisty and fearless friend John Marjoram.' He recounted John's 'deep humanity, kindness and courage and his capacity to offer up everything he had for what he believed was right, and doing this by 'thinking globally and acting locally.' 'He had a natural and instinctive vision for a better world - the world how it could be - a vision of the world of peace of love and brotherhood and sisterhood.' The eulogy described John's love of nature, his lifelong pacifism and his commitment to the community of Stroud, and beyond. John grew up in rural Essex in the 1940s, the start of his enduring love of nature. The experiences of his two uncles - one of whom was a conscientious objector during World War One and the other a veteran of the war who told John of the horrors he'd seen - inspired John to campaign for peace throughout his life. He became involved with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Peace Pledge Union, and was twice arrested for breaking into American military bases. John moved to Stonehouse in 1967 and then to Stroud in 1970. He worked as a gardener at Wynstones School and then at the Home Farm Trust in Frocester where he worked for 29 years until he retired. In 1975 John co-founded the Stroud district branch of the Ecology Party, which later became the Green Party. In 1986 he became one of the first Green councillors in the UK and represented the Trinity ward seat on Stroud District Council for 35 years. He was also one of the first councillors elected to Stroud Town Council when it was formed in 1990. He campaigned to save many important landmarks of Stroud - Hill Paul, Woodchester Mansion, Uplands Post Office, Lansdown Hall - and to save the Subscription Rooms from private ownership and Stroud Maternity Hospital from closure. In 2023 John was honoured with the first Honorary Freeman of the Town in recognition of his services to the community. 'We're going to miss our feisty and fearless friend very much,' Aaron told the gathering before encouraging us 'to take up the weighty baton he passed on to us' and remember his mission that; 'if we don't do the impossible, we will be faced with the unthinkable.'' (Image: Annabel Richmond) John's wife Laura Ridolfi read the poem 'I Love You,' by Mario Benedetti which was followed by a prayer and a short song for peace. It is believed to be the first time the Subscription Rooms has ever hosted a funeral, and it was a fitting venue for the funeral of Stroud's former mayor whose life was lived at the heart of the community. John's simple coffin adorned with flowers was carried out into the sunshine on the forecourt and onto a hand cart for a slow procession to Stroud Cemetery. Stroud's Red Band accompanied the colourful procession of several hundred people - some carrying rainbow Peace flags - which made its way up Stroud High Street, past John's home on Castle Street and along Horn's Road to Stroud Cemetery. The procession arrived at the cemetery to the band's gentle playing of Wonderful World and He Ain't Heavy, He's my Brother. John was laid to rest in the beautiful June sunshine, surrounded by a circle of family and friends, the sound of birdsong, wood pigeons, the scent of elderflower, and ending with a rendition of Kahlil Gibran's words on the nature of death, from The Prophet. It was the perfect remembrance of a man whose lifelong work had inspired so many. Following the burial, friends were invited to return to the Sub Rooms for a bring-and-share lunch, and a relaxed memorial gathering to share memories and celebrate John's life. (Image: Annabel Richmond) (Image: Annabel Richmond) Well over 100 people came to remember and share their memories and stories – with contributions from such Stroud icons as Jehanne and Rob Mehta and Will Mercer (aka Earthwards), who performed Jehanne's evocatively beautiful song 'This Place'; the Green Party's Molly Scott-Cato and Lucas Schoemaker and Elvis ('The Poet') McGonagall. Adrian Keefe, music therapist from Mindsong, played some of John's favourite songs. Political and more personal memories were woven with humour, love and a great sense of loss. The assembled gathering also shared CAKE, Lisa's remarkable sugar-free, gluten-free vegan cakes, for John was a great lover of good cake. And perhaps inevitably, the wonderful sharing of memories and stories about John was ended with the old crooner, Frank Sinatra, singing 'I Did It My Way': so often a coarse karaoke cliché, these days, of course, but in the case of John Marjoram and his great life's work, an entirely fitting ending to a memorable day in Stroud's history.
