Latest news with #Samuel
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Commanders Coach Delighted With Deebo Samuel Despite Viral Narrative
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Now that the outspoken Deebo Samuel is in a new situation with the Washington Commanders, the former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has a major spotlight on him. As Samuel joined one of the NFC's biggest risers, the star wideout is expected to give them a big enough boost to help the Commanders get over the hump and potentially into the Super Bowl. As Samuel works through the early process of making such a large change in his career, NFL fans have found a reason to spread a negative narrative around the versatile threat. Earlier this week, a video of Samuel running through a route at mandatory minicamp went viral for reasons that weren't ideal. Many have suggested that Samuel looked noticeably heavier than usual, and seemed to be moving slower than what fans are used to seeing. Put Deebo Samuel in motion and watch him work. — Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 11, 2025 Did Commanders head coach Dan Quinn catch wind of the viral narrative? He didn't comment on that exactly, but he did go out of his way to praise Samuel for his speed and ability to break away from defenders in the secondary after witnessing Samuel up close on his team for the first time this week. "Deebo, I think, has been very impressive to me for maybe a different reason than I thought," Quinn told reporters this week. "He was such a difficult person to tackle that you spent so much time [thinking], 'How are you going to tackle this person?' And somewhere along the way, I've forgotten how fast he is. And so, sometimes when you're playing against the receiver, you say, 'Man, you better either get him at the line or you better be on top of him.' With him so many times, there were so many run after catch plays that we had a tackling plan, and how would you go about it? Then I can remember one time he just ran by somebody down the field on a deep ball and I was like, 'Yeah, I forgot about that.' It didn't surprise me, but it was maybe I missed talking about it to that space because it was easily reminded, he's one of the fastest players on the team." Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Santa Clara, Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Santa Clara, has already found success in the NFL as a double-threat on offense. After 81 games with the 49ers, the veteran has produced 4,792 yards for 22 touchdowns in the receiving game, while rushing for 1,143 yards and 20 touchdowns. One viral clip online caused many to suggest the peak has been surpassed. Quinn wanted to remind the public that Samuel is still very much the offensive threat they spent a fifth-round pick on this offseason.
New York Post
a day ago
- Science
- New York Post
Invasive Asian insects spreading across 20 US states can cause hives, vomiting — and even death
The spotted lanternfly might be the least of your worries this summer. Experts are sounding the alarm about the Asian needle ant — a tiny but dangerous insect moving across the US whose sting can lead to severe and even deadly reactions. As Americans flock outdoors to soak up the sunshine, scientists are urging caution so that your summertime fun doesn't end with a trip to the emergency room. 4 Asian needle ants have a unique and highly painful sting. Samuel – What are Asian needle ants? Known to scientists as Brachyponera chinensis, the Asian needle ant hails from China, Japan and the Koreas. It was first spotted in the States back in the 1930s, according to a report by the US Forest Service (USFS). These ants are small — about 0.2 inches long — with shiny dark brown to black bodies. They're often mistaken for other species, making them easy to miss. Where are they now? Asian needle ants have popped up in 20 states so far, mainly in the Northeast and Southeast, but reports have come in from as far as Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Washington, according to These pests can survive cooler weather and start appearing as early as March, but their numbers peak in June and July. Asian needle ants are often found in moist, shaded areas, like leaf litter, under rocks and inside dead logs. They can also nest in potted plants, under wood piles and in lawns. 4 Asian needle ants are commonly found in forested areas. Diane Macdonald – 'People don't typically notice them,' Dan Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia, recently told the university. 'Unlike, say, fire ants, which build a mound, the Asian needle ant doesn't establish foraging trails — those lines of ants you can see.' Why are they dangerous? Asian needle ants aren't as aggressive as fire ants and usually flee from humans. But when disturbed — like if you reach into their mulch or wood piles — they'll sting in self-defense. And that sting packs a punch. 'Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh,' Benoit Guénard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong who studied the ants in North Carolina, told USA Today. 'It's a very sharp, acute pain but it's quite local,' he added. 4 Redness of the skin and mild to severe hives are common symptoms of a sting. RFBSIP – To make matters worse, the pain can come and go in waves. 'The first, initial pain lasted a few seconds. Then about five minutes later, when the pain had eased, I felt 'ouch!' as if somebody had stung me again in the same place,' Guénard said. 'For me, it goes on for about two hours … But I know in some people it lasts for as much as 24 to 48 hours.' Victims can also develop skin reactions like hives, itching and flushed or pale skin. In more serious cases, stings can trigger nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a rapid pulse, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing and even psychological symptoms, like a sense of impending doom. The biggest threat is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can strike within seconds of being stung. 4 If you have a history of allergic reactions to insect stings, you might be at a greater risk for anaphylaxis. brizmaker – A study from the ants' native range found that 2.1% of people stung suffered severe, potentially life-threatening reactions. Experts say those with allergies to other insect stings are especially vulnerable. In Georgia alone, Suiter received three calls last year about anaphylactic shock following stings from Asian needle ants. 'I fully expect that some people who end up in the emergency room were stung by them but didn't realize it,' he told Scientific American. 'If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like,' he warned. 'And it might be smart to carry an EpiPen.' The USFS urges anyone experiencing an allergic reaction to seek immediate medical attention.
American Press
a day ago
- Business
- American Press
SLC deals with settlement
When it comes to dealing with the House settlement, not all Southland Conference programs are alike. Three of the league's schools are expected to opt out of the agreement in the first season, as the conference appears split on how to proceed with the 10-year, $2.8 billion settlement that takes effect on July 1. 'Each institution has to do what is in the best interest of them and their student/athletes,' said Thomas Samuel, SLC Deputy Commissioner. Samuel is running point for the league as it deals with the settlement. 'Our schools have to balance a lot of things as they make these decisions,' Samuel added. 'There is no right way or wrong way to go about this. We will continue to support each school in its decision-making process. 'We are each learning as we go along. These schools may decide they want to opt into the settlement after the first year.' The three schools expected to opt out in the first year are Nicholls, Houston Christian, and Incarnate Word. Schools have until June 15 to make a final decision. 'Being a private school, it is different for us,' said Houston Christian Athletic Director Steve Moniaci. 'For us, it is about roster caps. We count on revenue from student tuition, so capping the number of roster spots would hurt our student enrollment.' While for the first couple of years roster spots are supposed to be grandfathered in for schools, that will change in the coming seasons with the settlement. 'That may change for us as we see how things progress,' Moniaci said. 'We are going to look at it year-by-year, and if we need to, we can change. For this year, this is best for us.' Opting out doesn't mean the schools won't have to pay past NCAA athletes. That number is expected to be $180,000 for the first year in Southland schools and will increase to between $250,000 and $300,000 for the final nine years. Those schools opting out will also still have NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) for their athletes; they will simply continue to do business through private businesses and collectives, rather than in-house. 'We will just be doing all that the same way we have for the last few years,' said Moniaci. McNeese, for example, will bring its NIL in-house with the school working directly with athletes. As a more professional-type business model takes hold, concerns arise about the future of Olympic sports and those that don't generate the same revenue as others. Stephen F. Austin dropped three sports in May: men's and women's golf, bowling, and beach volleyball. 'That is definitely a concern,' Southland Commissioner Chris Grant said. 'We are all looking at all ways to help those Olympic sports in the future. We would like to create more opportunities for them and their athletes.' McNeese Director of Athletics Heath School is all too familiar with this issue. He had to drop a couple of sports following the COVID-19 pandemic and while rebuilding his athletic department after the 2020 hurricanes. Schroyer also started a beach volleyball program two years ago. 'Sometimes these decisions aren't popular with everyone, and that's OK,' Schroyer said. 'I get it. The only constant in life is change; college athletics have undergone significant changes in the last few years, and this trend is likely to continue.' While McNeese is one of the nine SLC schools opting into the settlement, Schroyer also ensured that he kept future options open. 'We've decided to opt in and bring our collective/NIL in-house and participate in revenue sharing,' he said. 'We'll keep the same scholarship numbers this first year for each sport. During this first year, we will evaluate both our financial situation and the national landscape.' All parties believe that there will likely be more lawsuits forthcoming as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kittle defends ex-49er Deebo after viral video receives backlash
Kittle defends ex-49er Deebo after viral video receives backlash originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area George Kittle has gone from blocking defenders on the football field for former 49ers teammate Deebo Samuel to blocking out his haters on social media. Advertisement As footage of Samuel at Washington Commanders minicamp this week went viral, mostly for the wrong reasons, Kittle quickly came to the receiver's defense. The 21-second clip shows Samuel running routes with his new team, which garnered plenty of criticism for the perceived lack of effort from the 29-year-old. But Kittle, an eight-year vet, attributes Samuel's effort to the simple fact that it's only minicamp, and a time when coaches and teams are in the process of teaching and practicing a specific set of plays, formations or concepts. The social media football experts, however, weren't as understanding. Advertisement Leave it to Kittle, though, who was teammates with Samuel for six NFL seasons, to have his forever brother's back. Even repping a different jersey, the red and gold loyalty runs deep for Kittle. Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
George Kittle slams critics as Deebo Samuel's weight sparks backlash over ‘lazy' minicamp footage
George Kittle backs Deebo Samuel after viral minicamp route draws flak (Image via Getty) As the NFL offseason continues, a single route run by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel during minicamp has sparked widespread reaction online. A video showing Samuel's seemingly slow movement during a drill quickly went viral, triggering criticism from fans and analysts. However, tight end George Kittle has publicly come to his teammate's defence, calling the scrutiny unwarranted. Viral video triggers criticism, but George Kittle calls it overblown The video, circulated by popular NFL pages on social media, led to questions about Samuel's fitness and commitment—particularly with trade rumors surrounding the 28-year-old wideout. However, Kittle addressed the issue on the Sports Seriously podcast, stating that Samuel remains one of the league's most unique and versatile threats. Kittle highlighted Samuel's proven ability to play multiple roles across the offense and his unmatched yards-after-catch skills. 'Debo is one of the most unique players in the NFL. He's one of the best guys with the ball in his hands,' he said, adding that isolated practice clips don't reflect his actual game performance. 49ers' unity evident amid offseason speculation While speculation linking Samuel to teams like the Patriots and Steelers continues to grow, Kittle's comments reflect the internal support the wide receiver still commands. Despite some ambiguity in Samuel's recent social media activity, the locker room stands firmly behind him. The episode also points to a broader trend—where offseason footage is often overanalyzed without context. Kittle's response serves as a reminder that within team circles, chemistry and trust carry more weight than viral impressions. Also read: 'Not my friend walking in': John Spytek dismisses Tom Brady connection, plots fresh path for Raiders In the age of social media scrutiny, George Kittle's words stand as a strong endorsement of Deebo Samuel's value—not just as a player, but as a core part of the 49ers' identity.
