The first play of the season. The first points on the board. And the first… player kicked out for spitting?
Yep. Welcome back, NFL.
And hello, today’s three things!
1️⃣ A Stormy Start to the Season ⛈️🏈
The first NFL game of the season had everything.
🤯 A wild ejection.
⚡ A lightning delay.
🔥 And a finish that came down to the last drive.
🎥 Hit play on these highlights!
Yep, Philly held on to win 24–20. So congratulate the Eagles fans you know!
As for that ejection…
The other day we watched baseball players get kicked out for fighting. Last night, it was Eagles defender Jalen Carter kicked out for spitting.
He’s one of the best young players in the league, but losing control of his emotions meant losing his spot in the game.
Carter apologized after the game: “It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won't happen again.”
💡 The lesson? Emotions run high on the field… but keeping your cool is part of being a pro.
2️⃣ Queens of New York 👑🎾
The US Open women’s final is set!
#1 Aryna Sabalenka looked like a champ. She came back from a slow start to beat #4 Jessica Pegula 4–6, 6–3, 6–4.
On the other side, #8 Amanda Anisimova pulled off a three-set thriller, outlasting #23 Naomi Osaka 6–7, 7–6, 6–3.
And the men?
Their final spots are on the line today. The huge semifinal match is #2 Carlos Alcaraz vs. #7 Novak Djokovic. It’s a clash between one of the hottest players right now and the all-time GOAT. 🌟🏆
3️⃣ About That Balk 🤔⚾
Yesterday, we watched the Astros beat the Yankees. The game flipped because of one of baseball’s trickiest rules: the balk.
So what is it?
Imagine this: You’re the pitcher. A runner’s on base. The batter’s waiting. You either have to throw to the plate or try to pick off the runner.
If you fake it, flinch, or start one motion and change your mind… the umpire yells “BALK!”
One of the things a pitcher has to do when there are runners on base? Come to a complete pause before pitching. It’s called coming set.
🎥 So watch that clip from last night again and see if the pitcher comes set.
The penalty for a balk? The runners each move up one base. Just walk on over!
And here’s the hardest part: the rule is really complex.
There are actually 13 different ways to mess it up. Even most MLB players can’t name them all!
So now you know what it means! And next time you hear “BALK!” you won’t be looking around for a chicken. 🐔 #dadjoke
Tonight: Chiefs vs. Chargers, live from São Paulo, Brazil! 🌎
Have a great Friday, Smallballers!
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That did NOT look like a balk!! Tough rule for the pitcher. Thanks Smallball!