Latest news with #SportsXtra
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
New details emerge as Darren Waller fills tight end void for Miami Dolphins
More details have emerged as the Miami Dolphins fill in the pieces of their offensive puzzle before the season's kickoff, which is less than nine weeks away. After it was announced last week that Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith was leaving the team alongside former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins front office realized they had a problem on their hands. Smith had a historic season in Miami, setting franchise records at the position for catches (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (eight). His absence, coming after the team was unable to compensate him as one of the league's 'top tight ends,' left a clear void. That void was ultimately filled in a shocking twist for the entire football world last week, when one-time Pro Bowler Darren Waller exited retirement to return to the field for the Dolphins. The Dolphins traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the New York Giants, who held Waller's rights, in exchange for him and a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick. The move came at a moment when Miami's need for a proven tight end had never been clearer — and Waller's timing couldn't have been better. Now, more pieces of the puzzle are coming together, as Waller's decision to exit retirement and re-enter the league surfaced early Monday morning through his representation, Drew Rosenhaus. 'I got a phone call from Darren, and he said 'Drew, I've decided that I want to play again,' Rosenhaus, Waller's agent, said during his weekly appearance on WSVN 7's 'Sports Xtra.' ''I miss football. I've got the itch to play. The love of the game is back, and I would like to play for the Miami Dolphins.'' Waller, who retired abruptly in June 2024, cited a desire to focus on his mental health and personal growth, stepping away after an injury-plagued stint with the New York Giants. At the time, he had also begun exploring a music career, releasing a surprisingly prolific number of tracks including his song 'Choose wisely,' which detailed his decision to retire. 'Reaching my decision to retire was quite a journey,' he said last June upon releasing the track. 'There were so many emotions that I had to sit with and let them run their course. Even with all the amazing moments that happened in my career, it was difficult to be my most authentic self and cope with everything that came with being on that stage. That's how I came to write this song.' Though just 31 at the time of his retirement, Waller made it clear he needed space from the demands of professional football. His decision to return just more than a year later caught much of the league by surprise — but was met with open arms in Miami. It also came at the perfect moment for the Dolphins. 'For the Dolphins this was terrific timing after losing Jonnu Smith — to add Waller to the mix was really very fortunate,' Rosenhaus, who notably also represents Smith, said. 'Cause those are some big shoes to fill with Jonnu being part of that trade to the [Pittsburgh] Steelers.' Waller is expected to join training camp at the end of the month. His previous experience playing in a system like Mike McDaniel's —who was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 — means he should be able to quickly fit into the Dolphins' developing offense.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Parents accuse Catholic primary school of 'segregating' pupils who didn't pay for fundraising event
Parents have accused a Catholic primary school of 'segregating' pupils who did not pay for a fundraising event. Christ the King Primary School in Llanishen, Cardiff, held a sports day event during school hours last month which required a minimum entry fee of £1. But 59 children who didn't pay were stuck in their classrooms, while the other 139 pupils were involved in the games which included axe-throwing and archery. The fundraiser amassed £2,224 in total and some pupils paid considerably more to fund prizes such as a £119 holiday camp with Sports Xtra, who ran the event. Furious parents said the schoolchildren who were not involved 'were not even allowed to sit on the field and watch'. 'There are people out there who haven't got the money,' said one parent. 'Children who didn't raise anything were segregated from the event, which was done within school hours. I think it's about pressure: if you don't send the money, your child will not get to do anything. 'Some parents actually did transfer the money but their child was still excluded because they were told it was paid too late in the day. Surely this goes against how schools should make everyone feel included?' After coming under fire the school has vowed to review 'how we can best be more inclusive'. Further concerns were raised by parents over a potential conflict of interest because Sports Xtra is co-run by the husband of the school's deputy head. But the school insisted any funds raised will not go to the company, but towards future 'enrichment activities' for children at the school which 'includes but is not limited to Sports Xtra'. A Sports Xtra spokesman said: 'We have recently provided a free session to support the school's fundraising event. 'In addition to not getting paid for running the activities, we also donated over £1,433 worth of prizes for the fundraising. These included 1-2-1 football sessions, football sessions and free places for a week at our summer camps.' A notice ahead of the event stated children could 'win the following prizes' depending on how much money they raised: £119 for a week-long holiday camp with Sports Xtra £50 for a one-to-one session with a sports coach £33 for a Sports Xtra 'holiday day' £29 to take home a football £9 for a football session One parent said: 'I don't feel that providing options to the children on what they can receive for different amounts they raise should be listed as this puts so much pressure on parents when children are told what they will receive depending on the amount.' Ahead of the fundraiser the school said all money raised 'will be used for the schools sports programmes except costs incurred.' They added that footballs were 'the only physical prize so that was the only cost incurred' and that 'the other prizes were donated by Sports Xtra for free'. Responding to claims that children were 'segregated' for an hour, Christ the King said: 'There was no timeframe given on the event because it was not known how long it would take. It took 30 minutes for each class to complete the activity.' However, the school's headteacher has reportedly responded to complaints by saying they are 'truly sorry'. A school spokesperson added: 'The fundraising event was a 30-minute optional session, delivered by Sport Xtra at no charge to the school. 'The annual event enables the school to raise funds to supplement the school's budget so that it can deliver a programme of activities throughout the year, in addition to sport provided through the curriculum. 'Those wishing to take part in the optional 30-minute session were asked to pay £1, and they could also raise sponsorship money if they wished to, the proceeds of which again went towards the funds to help the school pay for the all-year-round programme of extra-curricular sporting activities. 'There was no obligation nor expectation from the school for the children to take part in the 30-minute fundraiser, and the children not taking part continued to follow the timetable for the day as normal. 'We ensure that all suppliers and service providers used by the school give value for money and quality provision.' Addressing what the money would go towards, the school said: 'Enrichment activities are additional provision [beyond PE lessons] delivered by a range of experienced and qualified external partners. This includes but is not limited to Sports Xtra.' Sports Xtra said: 'We have worked at Christ the King School for over 10 years and before the school's current leadership team were in post. 'As is always the case with these types of events, we do not get involved in decisions regarding attendance or how the money raised is spent. Those are made by the school. 'Our role was to support the fundraising and encourage young people to get involved in sports and be physically active. Our understanding is that all children in the school will benefit from the money raised.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonnu Smith's agent updates contract talks with Dolphins
In a Sunday appearance on WSVN 7's Sports Xtra, Jonnu Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, shared an update on the ongoing contract discussions. Rosenhaus described the negotiations as "still fluid." "Nothing has been resolved yet. It's still an ongoing situation. I would say that it will be resolved I think by training camp, but it's still very active right now and nothing has been finalized at this juncture," Rosenhaus said. Advertisement Dolphins training camp will open next month at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens. Despite the ongoing contract dispute and his recent holdout from mandatory minicamp, Rosenhaus has said previously that Smith's "dream team" is the Dolphins. "Here's what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That's his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end. "His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami," Rosenhaus told the Miami Herald of Smith on June 1. Advertisement While Smith has been involved in Miami trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there remains optimism that Smith and the Dolphins can iron down a contract extension that satisfies both sides. Smith is currently set to enter the 2025 season on the back half of a two-year, $8.4 million contract that he signed with the Dolphins in March of last year. Smith set single-season Dolphins franchise records for a tight end in receptions (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (8). Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shared his stance on whether or not the Dolphins should pay Smith during minicamp. "Oh 100%, that's my guy. That's my dog. Jonnu has done really good for us. I have nothing bad to say about him. I love him as a person, too, outside of football. I think all of our guys that do what they need to do, they should get paid," Tagovailoa said last week. This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Jonnu Smith's agent updates contract talks with Dolphins
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jonnu Smith's agent updates contract talks with Dolphins
Jonnu Smith's agent updates contract talks with Dolphins In a Sunday appearance on WSVN 7's Sports Xtra, Jonnu Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, shared an update on the ongoing contract discussions. Rosenhaus described the negotiations as "still fluid." "Nothing has been resolved yet. It's still an ongoing situation. I would say that it will be resolved I think by training camp, but it's still very active right now and nothing has been finalized at this juncture," Rosenhaus said. Dolphins training camp will open next month at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens. Despite the ongoing contract dispute and his recent holdout from mandatory minicamp, Rosenhaus has said previously that Smith's "dream team" is the Dolphins. "Here's what I will say on behalf of my client: Jonnu would definitely like to stay in Miami. That's his first choice. This is where he lives in the offseason. He had a record-breaking season last year. It was the best season ever for a Miami Dolphin tight end. "His dream team is the Dolphins. Hopefully, everything works out where he can stay in Miami," Rosenhaus told the Miami Herald of Smith on June 1. While Smith has been involved in Miami trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Steelers, there remains optimism that Smith and the Dolphins can iron down a contract extension that satisfies both sides. Smith is currently set to enter the 2025 season on the back half of a two-year, $8.4 million contract that he signed with the Dolphins in March of last year. Smith set single-season Dolphins franchise records for a tight end in receptions (88), receiving yards (884) and touchdowns (8). Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shared his stance on whether or not the Dolphins should pay Smith during minicamp. "Oh 100%, that's my guy. That's my dog. Jonnu has done really good for us. I have nothing bad to say about him. I love him as a person, too, outside of football. I think all of our guys that do what they need to do, they should get paid," Tagovailoa said last week.
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Jonnu Smith's agent Drew Rosenhaus gives update on contract talks with the Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa was here before. In 2024, the franchise quarterback was in the midst of contract extension talks after a Pro Bowl season. The conversation was tense at times – 'the market is the market' was Tagovailoa's famous quote that emerged during organized team activities — yet the deal got done. So when his Pro Bowl tight end found himself in a similar position in 2025, it's no surprise that Tagovailoa picked a side. 'Oh 100%,' Tagovailoa responded Tuesday when asked if the Dolphins should pay Jonnu Smith. 'That's my guy. That's my dog. Jonnu has done really good for us. I have nothing bad to say about him. I love him as a person, too, outside of the football. I think all of our guys that do what they need to do, they should get paid.' The only thing is, there hasn't been much of an update on that side. Smith did, however, sit out of minicamp as he and agent Drew Rosenhaus seek a new contract. Rosenhaus recently called conversations with the Dolphin 'still fluid' on WSVN 7's Sports Xtra. 'Nothing has been resolved yet,' Rosenhaus said Sunday night. 'It's still an ongoing situation.' Added Rosenhaus: 'I would say that it will be resolved I think by training camp, but it's still very active right and nothing has been finalized at this juncture.' Smith's unhappiness with his contract likely stems from his yearly average salary ranking 32 among all tight ends, according to Spotrac. Despite his production, the Dolphins even explored a potential deal with the Steelers that would've landed Smith in Pittsburgh, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. With teams more focused on limiting the big-play ability of receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Smith's 2025 season was the most productive for a tight end in Dolphins history. He set new records for receiving yards (884), catches (88) and touchdowns (eight), the latter two of which led the team. His receiving yards also ranked fourth among all tight ends. 'He really helped us out with taking advantage of the space that was given up to cover some of the deep zones from both 'Reek' and Waddle,' coach Mike McDaniel said Jan. 7. 'The more effective you are at doing that, once you prove that you can march down the field and beat very preventative, cautious defenses, you have time of possession and you score a touchdown, they will try to get you off the field in different ways and that's what opens up the full utility belt of offense.' Without Smith, the Dolphins' tight end room begins to look a little bleak. Only one tight end — Julian Hill — had at least 10 catches and 100 yards receiving in 2024. Hill, much like the Dolphins' Pharoah Brown, the only tight end signed during free agency, primarily serves as a blocking tight end. The other three guys — Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci and Jaylin Connors — have little to no NFL experience. Conner's lone NFL start came in 2024, the same season in which he posted his catch despite being in the league since 2022. Rucci, meanwhile, spent the 2024 season on the practice squad and Connors was a rookie, undrafted free agent signing. With training camp roughly a month away, the clock is ticking for the Dolphins. The offense needs to get back on track in 2025 and Smith's importance cannot be emphasized enough. Despite McDaniel's hesitancy to sometimes comment on contractual issues, even he briefly sung Smith's praises during minicamp. 'Jonnu is a very important player and person to me and to the guys,' coach Mike McDaniel said in early June. 'One thing that we can stand on is his professionalism and how he goes about his business.' It also can't hurt that the franchise quarterback is team 'Pay Jonnu.'
