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1. Judge chastises Trump administration plan to push ahead overhaul of DC golf course  NPR
2. Trump calls judge in East Potomac case a 'crazed lunatic' as interior official testifies on who ordered hundreds of trees cut at historic golf course  WUSA9
3. Judge leans toward extending halt on tree clearing at golf course where Trump says redesign should start ‘immediately’  NBC News
4. Tensions flare at court hearing on Trump’s golf course renovation after president says construction will begin ‘immediately’  CNN
5. Trump Golf Course Dispute Sparks Clash Between Judge and DOJ  The New York Times

The Vancouver Canucks provided an update on their injured goaltender.

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1. Muna Safe After Tour Bus Fire  Pitchfork
2. Tour bus carrying indie pop band catches on fire on 5 Freeway in Burbank  KTLA
3. Indie rock band’s tour bus catches fire on California freeway after Stanford concert  San Francisco Chronicle
4. MUNA’s Tour Bus Catches Fire on California Freeway  Consequence of Sound
5. MUNA Safe After Morning Tour Bus Fire: ‘Many Personal Items Were Lost’  People.com

1. DOJ Charges 28 California Residents With Voting-Related Crimes Amid Trump’s Voter Fraud Push  The New York Times
2. Feds arrest alleged noncitizen voters in California amid broader election fight with state  Yahoo
3. DOJ says California cases prove widespread noncitizen voting. Experts disagree  Sacramento Bee
4. Midterm election live updates: The Trump administration’s voter roll fight with California escalates with a slew of arrests  CNN
5. DOJ charges 28 with unlawful voting, other election-related offenses in California  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos

1. 160 people reported killed in escalating drone attacks across Sudan  Al Jazeera
2. Drone attack near market kills 80 in Sudan  The Guardian
3. Drone attacks kill scores in Sudan's West Kordofan state and capital Khartoum  France 24
4. Sudan drone attacks kill 3 children in Khartoum, dozens of civilians in Kordofan  ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
5. Three children killed as army intercepts RSF drones near Khartoum airport  Sudan Tribune

1. Lakers waive former first-round pick Dalton Knecht  ESPN
2. How Bronny James became the last survivor of Lakers' 2024 draft class -- and why that's not a good thing  CBS Sports
3. Lakers Waive Dalton Knecht in Latest NBA Rumors, Top Landing Spots for Former 1st-Round Draft Pick  Bleacher Report
4. Lakers waive Dalton Knecht ahead of season opener, roster deadline after failing to find trade partner  Yahoo Sports
5. Lakers make final roster decision, waive Dalton Knecht as Bronny stays  USA Today

Men's Action Network has offered to meet James McClean after he was reported as saying he would view seeking therapy as a sign of "weakness" [Getty]

A men's mental health charity has offered to meet footballer James McClean after he told a newspaper he views speaking to a psychologist as "weak".

In an interview with the Sunday Independent, the Derry City player said he had never tried therapy because "as a man I would see that as a weakness".

Michael Lynch, from Men's Action Network (MAN), said the charity would welcome the opportunity to meet with him to discuss the importance of encouraging all men to feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.

On Monday night, his wife Erin responded on social media, saying she had been "strongly encouraging him to seek therapy" and that he was "struggling at the moment".

McClean has previously spoken out over his lack of playing time at Derry City this season [Getty]

McClean has been contacted for comment but the club has distanced itself from his views and agreed to meet MAN.

McClean, who is currently not playing for his hometown club amid an ongoing contract dispute, gave the comments during a wide-ranging interview on topics including his new book, which details the social media abuse he has faced for refusing to wear a poppy, as well as death threats he has received.

The former Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City player spoke about his wife's view that he had "built-up anger and frustration" that he had blocked out, to which the interviewer asked him if he had ever tried therapy.

McClean responded that he had heard his brother, fellow Derry City player Patrick McClean, "on a call to a club psychologist, having a lovely chat".

"And a lot of the players speak to him and for me that's just weak.

"As a man, I see that as weakness. I don't need to open up.

"I see it as a weakness that I'd have to speak to someone about my feelings, my emotions."

'He is clearly struggling'

Writing on social media, McClean's wife Erin said she had been encouraging him to seek therapy "to deal with issues from his early life as well as to face the end of his career".

"I do not agree with James' opinion on the subject of therapy and mental health," she said, adding the footballer was "struggling at the moment and has been for some time".

"He may not agree with me sharing that, but I've told him that I need to explain this. I'm working on getting him to a place where he recognises that speaking about this is not a sign of weakness," she said.

When McClean is struggling with stress or anxiety, she added, his instinct is "to lash out".

"It has been a daily battle in a year where I feel he hasn't been given the support that he requires when he is clearly struggling," she said.

Erin McClean added: "I know James to be very supportive to personal friends of ours when they have gone through difficult times.

"While he continues to push back at the idea of therapy for himself, that does not mean he does not care about other people's struggles or the importance of seeking help."

Banner displayed at The Brandywel. Applauded by both Derry City & St Pat's fans when unfurled pic.twitter.com/mOkmzELemc

— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) October 19, 2026

On Monday night, spectators unfurled a banner reading "It is not weak to speak" during Derry City's league of Ireland game against St Patrick's Athletic at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

'Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness'

Lynch said he would welcome a meeting with McClean to discuss his views, as first reported by Derry Now.

He told BBC News NI that McClean was entitled to his views and "neither I nor anyone else is entitled to say otherwise, because men's mental health is such a complex issue".

"In some ways, I agree with him, in the sense that he mentioned that the only person who can decide whether seeking support is right for them is the person themselves, because nobody can do it for you.

"But what I and others involved with MAN would say is that there is certainly still a stigma around men feeling that they cannot reach out at times and say, 'I am not OK and need to seek support', when that is so far from the truth."

Lynch added that "asking for help isn't a sign of weakness".

"For men to recognise that they need support and act on it is incredibly brave."

Lynch said James McClean was an influential figure, particularly for young men from Derry, given his sporting and personal achievements.

"We would obviously welcome a meeting with someone of that stature, for him to come and meet with the people we speak with every day, and we would love for him to have a conversation with us.

"I think it would be really beneficial for people to hear from someone who has achieved so much in his career and has been a role model for so many people, to show what can be achieved with hard work."

Mental health 'our highest priority'

In a statement, Derry City Football Club said McClean's views "do not reflect our core values or beliefs".

"The club places the highest priority on the mental health and wellbeing of our players, staff and the wider Derry City community," the statement said.

"Supported by our in-house psychologist, the club actively encourages anyone facing mental health challenges to speak openly, seek support and know they never have to face such challenges alone."

James McClean has had an acclaimed club and international career, having earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

The 37-year-old began his career at Derry City before moving to Sunderland and appearing for a number of clubs in the Premier League and Championship, including Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, Stoke and Wigan Athletic.

He later made more than 100 appearances for Wrexham in all competitions, scoring eight goals, before returning to Derry City in January last year.

His return to his hometown club, however, has been derailed by a contract dispute which he has described as "incomprehensible".

McClean has described the past few months as "one of the most difficult periods of his life" and also apologised over social media posts in which he aired frustrations over the ongoing issues at Derry.

• McClean hits out at 'incomprehensible' Derry treatment
• 'Issue somewhere' at Derry City - McClean
• James McClean gets a hero's welcome in Creggan

1. Christiane Amanpour Says She Is Leaving CNN After 43 Years  The New York Times
2. Christiane Amanpour announces she will leave CNN next June  CNN
3. CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour to leave network after 43 years  BBC
4. Christiane Amanpour to leave CNN after four decades as Ellison era begins  Reuters
5. CNN’s Christiane Amanpour to depart network after 43 years  NBC News

The Raiders cut offensive lineman Evan Neal from their practice squad on Monday, the team announced.

The Giants released Neal out of the preseason, and the Raiders signed him soon after.

Neal was not active for any games with the Raiders, and he has not played in a game since 2024.

The Giants selected him seventh overall in the 2022 draft, and he began his career at right tackle. The Giants moved him to right guard, and he did not play a snap there last season.

He ended his Giants career with 29 games played, including 27 starts.

The Raiders also cut tight end Chris Myarick from their practice squad. The team had activated Myarick for two games this season, and he played eight snaps on offense and three on special teams.

In corresponding moves, the Raiders signed offensive tackles Amari Kight and Darian Kinnard to the practice squad.

Kight, 25, played for Raiders coach Klint Kubiak last season when Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks. He appeared in four games for Seattle in 2025, but Seattle waived him during the preseason with an undisclosed injury.

Kinnard entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022. The journeyman was with the Packers last season and appeared in every game, starting four.

The NBA is back.

The 2026–27 NBA season begins Tuesday with a tripleheader, starting with a peculiar 3 p.m. ET tip-off between the new-look Celtics and Pistons, last year’s No. 1 seed in the East. 

The revamped Sixers, now featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, will visit the defending champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m., followed by a Western Conference finals rematch between the Thunder and Spurs at 9:30 p.m.

All games will be on NBC and Peacock.

After another chaotic offseason, here are the biggest storylines entering the season:

1. Impact of Offseason Player Movement

The Thunder, Spurs, and Knicks kept most of their core intact—and remain title favorites because of it—but the rest of the league will look noticeably different.

Six 2026 All-Stars are on new teams, and that doesn’t include former All-Stars (LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant) and several who were traded midseason but barely played, if at all, with their new teams (Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ivica Zubac). 

The most intriguing move was LeBron James choosing to sign with the Sixers on a two-year, $8 million deal. James, who turns 42 in December, will command the spotlight—even though he’s arguably not even the best player the Sixers acquired this offseason—as he chases a fifth ring. Indeed, his off-court ventures, including his Polymarket deal and the Fanatics deal that provides the helicopter he uses to commute from New York to Philadelphia, have already gotten a lot of attention.

2. Will Parity Continue?

Commissioner Adam Silver’s NBA has happily promoted parity, constantly pushing its prized factoid: eight different NBA champions in the last eight years.

Many believe the much-maligned second apron is the reason, but Silver has argued parity existed before the second apron took effect in 2023. Regardless of causation, the league is embracing equality. This year, 24 teams have at least five national TV appearances, while 10 have at least 25 appearances. Both are records. 

The league could have a ninth unique champion if the Spurs, last year’s finalists, win the title. They have the second-highest title odds behind the Thunder. If James’s Sixers, third in title odds, were to win, they would also continue the streak.

3. Year 1 of Lottery Reform

The NBA’s tanking problem had gotten out of hand, to the point that several Wizards players admitted this offseason that the team wasn’t giving its all last year in an effort to draft AJ Dybantsa. 

The league’s new draft lottery rules kick in this season, disincentivizing teams from deliberately losing by giving the bottom three teams in the standings fewer lottery balls. 

The reform will have some impact; a look across many rosters shows fewer teams positioned to tank this season. 

But to what degree will the changes impact the league? Will there be a squeeze in the middle of the standings as teams try to compete? Will fewer players be subject to strict load management regimens? Will the league deliver more competitive games in the middle of the season—and could that parlay into a ratings bump?

At least one prominent NBA voice believes in the league’s decision.

“This is their attempt, and I think it’s going to be successful,” ESPN analyst Tim Legler said Monday during a call with reporters. “I do think we’re going to have far fewer blowouts because there’s going to be more teams that are not incentivized to lose.”

4. Fewer Scandals, for Now

A month before the 2025–26 season, Pablo Torre released a bombshell report accusing the Clippers of circumventing the salary cap. A month later, just after the season started, several current and former NBA players and coaches were arrested as part of a federal probe into illegal gambling.

But those cases have since quieted down, particularly after the NBA handed sweeping penalties to the Clippers last month. Former Heat guard Terry Rozier and ex-Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups continue to face legal proceedings.

The NBA continues to face scrutiny from players and fans alike about the prevalence of sportsbooks and prediction markets, and questions continue about potential salary cap circumvention, but the league isn’t facing anywhere near the firestorm it did last year. At least for now.

5. Capitalizing on the Finals Formula

A key storyline during the 2024–25 season was declining viewership numbers. But when the Knicks hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy last year, the league seemed to have found its antidote. The five-game Finals series between the Knicks and Spurs delivered the NBA’s largest championship audience since 1998, Michael Jordan’s final year with the Bulls. 

The league had several things going for it: New York, its biggest market, was clamoring for its first title in more than 50 years but had to climb past burgeoning superstar Victor Wembanyama to do it.

This season will showcase whether the league can carry over that momentum.

The post Five Biggest Storylines for NBA Season: Player Movement, Parity, and Lottery Reform appeared first on Front Office Sports.

Credit: CBS Sports Network

Despite nationwide protests, the NFL is moving forward with its scheduled game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris. And Boomer Esiason has concerns.

The NFL’s International Series continues Sunday, with the Saints and Steelers playing at Stade de France. The game will take place amid civil unrest in France stemming from student-led protests over poor school conditions, which have escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations and some riots.

On Monday morning, a WFAN caller asked Esiason and co-host Gregg Giannotti why NFL commissioner Roger Goodell chose to move forward with the game in Paris despite the civil unrest in France. While the NFL claims there is no concern about the area hosting the game, Esiason wonders whether the game might attract social unrest.

“If you want to amplify your unrest, the best way to do it would be around an NFL football game in France.” – Boomer Esiason https://t.co/9MT3ZYWFRz

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 19, 2026

“They claim where they are going that there is no unrest,” Esiason said. “But if you want to amplify your unrest, the best way to do it would be around an NFL football game in France. It is ugly over there right now, and it’s basically uncontrolled… I don’t necessarily know that the French government has the stones to put it to rest. But right now, it’s about as bad as it’s ever been.”

With the Saints arriving in Paris on Monday and the Steelers set to travel later this week, the NFL has already issued a statement reiterating plans to move forward with the game.

“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL said in a statement released Sunday. “We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”

According to The New York Times, an estimated 1,500 shops and retailers have been damaged, while more than 2,000 arrests have been made. Paris police have also issued a curfew which is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

This isn’t how the league or France expected the NFL’s first regular season game in Paris to be set up. But the NFL isn’t one to make concessions, so it’s not surprising that the league has decided against changing the location of its Paris game. It is, however, surprising that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t yet addressed traveling to and playing in a city overseas amid social unrest.

The post Boomer Esiason concerned NFL game could inspire rioters in Paris appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Brock Purdy has found an unusual way to sharpen his skills away from the football field this year.

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback spends time each day during the offseason working on his vision, using an iPad and 3D glasses to complete exercises designed to improve how quickly he processes movement and information.

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, one exercise involves watching two squares move around a screen and identifying when they converge or diverge. Purdy also practices saccades, a rapid-eye-movement exercise that requires him to follow arrows appearing in different locations on a screen.

The goal is to improve his depth perception, eye movement and decision-making speed — skills that can make a difference when he has to identify defenders and find passing lanes in a split second. It's all helped him earn the nickname "The Layer King" for his ability to layer the ball to his catchers between multiple defenders.

"All those things help me just work on my eyesight, my eyes moving, being quick with my eyes, making quick decisions," Purdy told ESPN. "And then it records my decision-making, how fast, the percentage of getting right and wrong. I do think it helps."

The work complements Purdy's film study and preparation in Kyle Shanahan's offense, where timing and anticipation are essential to completing passes between defenders.

Purdy has put those skills to use during a strong start to the 2026 season. Through five games, he has completed 69% of his passes for 1,196 yards and 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He has also posted a 119.3 passer rating and an 85.7 QBR.

At 26, Purdy continues to look for ways to improve, and his offseason routine shows that some of that work happens far beyond the practice field.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Brock Purdy has an unusual offseason routine to improve his game

Troy Aikman and Joe Buck are on the call for the Oct. 19 edition of “Monday Night Football” between the undefeated San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Commanders.

The drama will not only exist on the field, however. ESPN’s broadcast booth will be under the microscope after Front Office Sports reported last week that the longtime announcing duo got into an argument in the booth before the Oct. 12 “MNF” game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams.

Buck agreed to a contract extension with ESPN last month, but Aikman remaining unsigned beyond Super Bowl 61 has become a point of contention between the two – who consider one another the closest of friends. During a local Dallas radio station appearance Thursday Oct. 15, Aikman essentially confirmed the FOS story and said that he looked forward to being a "free agent" at the end of the season.

If this does indeed mean that Buck and Aikman are splitting after 25 years together, then ESPN once again has to address its “MNF” booth and Buck’s future broadcast partner. Here are six (non-Pat McAfee) candidates.

Greg Olsen

Olsen has to be considered the favorite at this point. His contract with FOX expires at the end of this season. The former tight end has called the Super Bowl (before being demoted for Tom Brady). His voice is No. 1-booth quality, he is in tune with the bigger trends of the game and can incorporate storylines fans of both teams – and beyond – want to hear discussed during a game.

Sean McVay

Were the Los Angeles Rams head coach to make a move to the broadcast booth – and this is merely reading the tea leaves – it would likely be for Amazon’s Prime Video and “Thursday Night Football.” But if McVay actually becomes a free agent for the television world, ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro surely will at least have a meeting with the Super Bowl champion.  

Kirk Herbstreit

Keep it in the ESPN family! Herbstreit just signed his extension with Prime Video for “TNF,” but there’s a world in which a “TNF” shakeup (outlined above) affects Herbie. The hang-up would actually be the schedule. With Herbstreit still prioritizing “College GameDay” and his Saturday college football call, his preparation for Monday night would be inhibited. Nonetheless, Herbstreit is a company man.

Kurt Warner

When ESPN took over NFL Network, it gained one of the game’s more underrated analysts in Warner. He has been the full-time “MNF” analyst for Westwood One (national radio) since 2018. The Pro Football Hall of Famer carries obvious pedigree as well. He has name recognition and can speak “QB.” Warner has already teamed with Jason Kelce and Dave Pasch for television broadcasts, calling the NFL's first two games in London this season.

More: Ranking all 18 NFL broadcast teams for 2026 season. Tom Brady moves up

Jason Kelce

Kelce is still a novice in the booth – referring to the Philadelphia Eagles as "we" is one example – but he will always have an X-factor as an entertainer. The “MNF” booth without a third microphone might prove to be too tall an assignment for someone who does his best work freelancing. But if ESPN wants star power to replace Aikman, they already have one Kelce on their roster.

Travis Kelce

Only Travis Kelce is capable of answering why he would be anything other than a loyal, devoted husband once his playing days end. But the Kansas City Chiefs tight end will always have a place in the rumor mill for these types of high-profile jobs. Whether he has any interest or is any good? Those are post-hire problems for ESPN. Plus, Buck loves a good laugh and would be ideal for Travis in that regard.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kelce and 5 more candidates to replace Troy Aikman on 'MNF'

(Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers mounted their biggest fourth-quarter comeback in over 30 years on Sunday by overcoming a 16-3 deficit to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of the biggest plays of the game came when former Buccaneer Jamel Dean picked off Jalon Daniels and returned the interception inside the five yard-line. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, they were unable to punch the ball in the end zone.

The first play on the ensuing drive was a play action pass intended for Darnell Washington that was broken up. The second play was a run by Jaylen Warren that put the ball to the one yard-line. Then on 3rd-and-goal, Aaron Rodgers threw a jump ball to DK Metcalf that was broken up, which lead to the Steelers kicking a field goal.

Many were critical of the play-calling from Mike McCarthy, but the Steelers’ head coach defended his choice of plays on Monday.

“I get the post evaluation, but those are solid plays,” McCarthy said.

The Steelers were able to overcome not getting into the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Despite the Bucs getting into field goal range and sending the game into overtime, the Steelers drove 12 plays and Rodgers connected with Germie Bernard for the game-winning score.

Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

• Jalen Ramsey is the glue to the Steelers’ defense
• Germie Bernard sets Steelers record in win over Buccaneers
• Steelers stock report after Week 6 win over Buccaneers
• Steelers overcome 16-3 deficit, defeat Buccaneers in OT
• Steelers making calls for wide receiver trade

The now 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers almost fell to 3-3 on the regular season, and the defense's early struggles against a Jalon Daniels-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense were a big reason why. Luckily, the Steelers' defense turned things around in a huge way during the second half, but Pro Football Focus' newly revealed Week 6 grades have given us a better idea of which players were responsible for the near-loss.

From two of the team's top edge rushers to a linebacker who's been heavily criticized this season, here's a look at the Steelers' worst PFF grades on defense.

Worst grades on defense

• 5. LB T.J. Watt — 57.1
• 4. LB Patrick Queen — 46.8
• 3. DE Gabriel Rubio — 43.1
• 2. LB Nick Herbig — 42.8
• 1. CB Brandin Echols — 35.4

Looking for which players saw the most playing time during the Week 6 win over the Buccaneers? Fans can check out our Week 6 defensive snap counts here.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any roster news and injury updates, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 5 worst Steelers defensive PFF grades from Week 6 win over Buccaneers

The Anderson Trojans celebrate after beating the McCallum Knights 21-9 in the Shoal Creek Showdown rivalry game at House Park, Oct. 15, 2026. (Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman)

The University Interscholastic League made multiple decisions Monday that will impact the future of high school sports in Texas. 

The legislative council for the state's governing body for high school sports approved proposals that allowed the higher seed to host the first round of postseason games for numerous sports as well as set a plan for development of girls flag football to become a pilot sport beginning as early as the 2028-29 school year.

These proposals, as well as many others, were voted on at a meeting Monday at the Westin Austin Domain hotel. Each of the green-lit suggestions will need to be approved by the Commissioner of Education before they go into effect. 

Here's what was passed:

MORE:Dripping Springs RB Frank Accetta named Week 8 Central Texas high school football player of week

Postseason home games for first round expanded

Only in Class 5A and 6A football games does the higher-seeded team receive a home-field advantage in the opening round of the postseason, with all other sports being played at a neutral site. However, that will likely change soon. Beginning next school year, the team with the higher district finish in the first round of the playoffs in all football classifications, as well as basketball, soccer, team tennis and girls volleyball, will have the option to host a game or mutually agree to a neutral site. 

MORE:Westlake, Lake Travis football cruise ahead of District 25-6A clash next week

Travis' Ashley Deleon brings the ball in to score while playing LBJ in the first game of the inaugural Austin school district girls flag football tournament at Burger Stadium, May 17, 2025. AISD paired with the Dallas Cowboys to be one of 11 districts in Texas forming a Girls Flag Football League, (Sara Diggins/American-Statesman)
Girls flag football pilot could come as soon as 2028-29

The legislative council also approved the development of girls flag football "in concept" to debut as a pilot program as soon as the 2028-29 school year. The council will gather additional information for rules and guidelines for the sport and make further decisions at future legislative council meetings. 

The pilot program is slated to debut with no more than two classifications.

Girls flag football has skyrocketed nationwide. The sport will debut at the 2028 Olympics, a growing number of NCAA programs are adding the sport to its portfolio and 25 states already sanction the sport. The NFL has been one of the biggest players in the nationwide growth of the sport, including in Texas, where both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans have poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into supporting teams. The two franchises hosted the first Texas girls flag football state championship in the spring.

Brett Stewart, the director of youth development for the Houston Texans, said there's more than 250 schools playing flag football now and more than 6,000 athletes participating in the sport. 

Locally, schools from Austin and Round Rock have both picked up the sport, with many finding success. 

Stewart hopes Monday's UIL decision is the next step in growing flag football in the football-crazed Lone Star state.

"We want to make sure the programs that are interested in being a part of the girls flag have the opportunity and have the resources to do so," he said. "We definitely think that with the UIL's support, it's going to continue to grow because people see that it's going to be an official sport. So we're excited about that."

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This article originally published at UIL eyes flag football pilot and expands playoff home field advantage in rules changes.

1. Burnham vows end to 'rip-off parking charges' under new rules  BBC
2. Andy Burnham outlines new rules to outlaw ‘rip-off’ private parking fines  The Guardian
3. Scottish drivers can challenge unfair parking charges under new code of practice  The Scotsman
4. PM puts the brakes on rip-off parking charges and car scams  GOV.UK
5. Private Parking Code a step in the right direction  RAC Media Centre