As the summer sports calendar heats up, the Carolina Panthers are deep into their organized team activities (OTAs) in Charlotte. The sessions, akin to summer practice, see players, including rookies, honing their skills. Top draft pick Tet McMillian is learning from seasoned players like Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen. The Panthers will wrap up OTAs this week and gear up for a mandatory team mini-camp next week.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are already strategizing for the next NHL season. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour is working through the disappointment of the season’s end, assessing which players will return, who will be elevated, and who will depart. Despite the challenges, Brind’Amour remains optimistic about the team’s position. Hurricanes General Manager Eric Tulsky said he plans to be active in free agency, noting the team’s salary cap space and robust minor league system.
In college baseball, Duke University awaits a decision on A.J. Gracia’s one-game suspension. Gracia was ejected for celebrating with a prop after hitting a home run against Oklahoma State, which led to a suspension. The NCAA could overturn the decision, allowing Gracia to play in the Super Regional opener against Murray State on Saturday. Regardless, Duke will host Murray State at Coombs Field. Five ACC teams, the most of any conference, are competing in the Super Regionals, which begin Friday at noon with UNC playing at home.