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The Express Gazette
Friday, September 18, 2026

Syracuse Coach's Sideline Tactics Draw Scrutiny, Kansas Heads to London for Big 12 Clash

Coach Fran Brown's on-field actions are questioned, while the Kansas Jayhawks prepare for an international conference game against Arizona State.

US Politics 2 hours ago
Syracuse Coach's Sideline Tactics Draw Scrutiny, Kansas Heads to London for Big 12 Clash

Syracuse head football coach Fran Brown faced criticism for his conduct during a recent game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack. During the Oct. 12 contest, Brown appeared to attempt to intimidate a game official, a move that was widely observed and commented upon. The effectiveness and appropriateness of his sideline behavior have been called into question, particularly given the team's recent performance, which includes only one win since the previous September, a 66-3 victory over New Hampshire two weeks prior.

In contrast, the Kansas Jayhawks are set to make an international journey for a Big 12 conference game against Arizona State. The matchup is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium in London. The reasons for scheduling a conference game overseas were not detailed, but the event marks a notable international appearance for the league.

Meanwhile, in a separate sports-related discussion, Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney's recent gambling advertisement. Cunningham defended Sweeney, stating that the ad was targeted at a specific audience of sports bettors, a demographic predominantly composed of men. Cunningham's comments align with the perspective that the ad was tailored to its intended market and that criticism from some female athletes was misplaced.

Elsewhere in sports, the medical staff of the New York Mets faced scrutiny following an on-field collision involving Jared Young. While Young is reported to be recovering and expected to be fine, the handling of the situation by the medical team was described as uncertain and somewhat clumsy, drawing attention to their response protocols.

Fans are also anticipating a significant weekend of college and NFL football, with the second Friday of the season underway. The broader sports landscape continues to offer a variety of narratives, from coaching tactics and player endorsements to international competition and team medical responses.


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