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Toronto Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Argonauts to host rival Tiger-Cats at BMO Field on Friday
Published Jul 03, 2025 • 4 minute read Derek Slywka had two touchdowns for the Toronto Argonauts against Ottawa on June 29, 2025. Photo by AJ Mast / The Associated Press Derek Slywka is paid to break up passes and prevent touchdowns. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account He also knows what to do when the football is in his hands. The rookie safety scored two return touchdowns last week in leading the Toronto Argonauts past the Ottawa Redblacks 29-16 for their first win of the season. The six-foot-three, 215-pound Slywka recorded a 105-yard fumble recovery and a 120-yard blocked field goal return, becoming the first CFL player to register 100-yard defensive and kick-return TDs in the same game. Running with the ball, however, isn't foreign to the 24-year-old Waterloo, N.Y., native. He played both ways in high school — including some time at quarterback — and was converted to receiver by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts last summer after signing with the club as an undrafted free agent out of Ithaca College. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'When you're training as a receiver you're working all of the ball drills,' Slywka said. 'You're catching the ball all the time and you really can't drop it, that's kind of your job. 'Growing up I played both ways, I grew up in a small town and I've been doing that my whole life. That helps, so when those off-schedule plays are happening, you don't really feel out of place.' The CFL season has already seen 13 TD returns — six via interception, four fumble returns, two kickoffs and a missed field goal. That included a pick-six by Calgary's Damon Webb on Thursday night versus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. There were 20 in 2024, but only two at this point last season. The record is 45, set in 1995, and the league is on pace for 46 in 2025. The mark for nine teams is 43, established in 2004. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Toronto (1-3) hosts archrival Hamilton (1-2) at BMO Field on Friday. The Tiger-Cats are coming off a 35-17 home win over Montreal last week as starter Bo Levi Mitchell recorded his 100th regular-season win in 144 career starts, achieving the milestone faster than any player in CFL history. Hamilton's defence also figured prominently in the win. Canadian rookie linebacker Devin Veresuk had a pick-six in his first start, while defensive lineman Julian Howsare recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Slywka's returns came in just his fourth CFL contest. And although he's also registered 14 tackles, a special-teams tackle and interception, his performance versus Ottawa was a coming-out party of sorts as Slywka's missed field-goal return went viral on social media. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The goal is always the goal,' Slywka said. 'It's to get the win and then also find ways to have opportunities to make plays yourself. 'I'm not on social media much, especially in-season … but it was pretty cool, my teammates were reaching out to me sending things and I think my mom was probably the most excited about all of it, she loves that stuff.' Slywka's performance came with his college head coach, a former teammate he hadn't seen in some time, and family all at TD Place. 'That was the most memorable part of it, just celebrating that win and also celebrating and seeing the reaction of my family when I walked out in front of the buses,' he said. 'That's something I'll never forget. 'It's like the best part of sports when you're celebrating. That's why I love football because it's such a team game and other sports aren't celebrated in the same way necessarily.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Both offences have relied heavily on their aerial attack this season as Toronto's Nick Arbuckle (1,110) and Mitchell (887) rank first and second in CFL passing yards. Arbuckle is also tied for the league lead in TD strikes (five) and interceptions (six), but has been sacked a CFL-high 12 times. Hamilton (52.7 yards) and Toronto (46.5) are second-last and last, respectively, in rushing, and are the only teams with 72 per cent or more passing plays on offence. Last season, Mitchell led the CFL in passing yards (5,451) and touchdowns (32). More importantly, he guided Hamilton to a 3-0 regular-season sweep of Toronto. 'If you look at all three performances last year, we didn't get to him enough,' Dinwiddie said. 'We've got to take the simple throws away early on, especially on first down. 'If we can disrupt the pocket that's going to disrupt him and make him get rid of the ball a little bit early. That's when the secondary gets its turnovers.' Slywka kept both footballs that he scored with last week, but hasn't decided whether to keep them or send one — or both — to family in the U.S. 'They're probably going to stay here, (but) they might go back across (Canada-U. S border),' he said. 'I know my grandpa would think it's pretty cool. 'I might send one back to him.' World Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA Movies Money News
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Another Indy 500 race not likely until Kyle Larson's NASCAR career ends
Kyle Larson waves as he's introduced before the start of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Kyle Larson, second from left, is checked after he hit the wall in the second turn during Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Jamie Gallagher) Kyle Larson is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) Kyle Larson is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) Kyle Larson waves as he's introduced before the start of the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Kyle Larson, second from left, is checked after he hit the wall in the second turn during Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Jamie Gallagher) Kyle Larson is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley) LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Kyle Larson hasn't spent much time thinking about his latest failed attempt at becoming only the second driver to run all 1,100 miles of the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway again may just have to wait until Larson's NASCAR career ends. Advertisement 'That's not me shutting down the 500 again,' Larson said. "Someday, maybe when I'm done with Cup racing, I would definitely love to do the 500 again, and devote all of my time to it. It's such an awesome event, like it is the greatest event in the world. So I don't want to miss out on that too much.' Larson said Saturday the attempt just doesn't make sense logistically with any small delay, weather or crash throwing off the entire schedule. He's been dealing with a bit of a 'Double' hangover since last weekend's attempt. He also made a quick trip to Mexico to check out the altitude and area for NASCAR's race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 15. He slept much of Friday after getting sick. Larson made his first try at one of the toughest challenges in motorsports in 2024 when four hours of rain delays at the Indianapolis 500 wrecked his plans at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then made him late to Charlotte with the NASCAR race called before he ever took a lap. Advertisement Last week, Larson crashed on Lap 91 of the Indianapolis 500, flew to Charlotte and then had his NASCAR race end on Lap 246 when caught up in a wreck ending his bid to join Tony Stewart who finished sixth in the 2001 Indy 500 before flying to Charlotte where he finished third in the Cup Series race. John Andretti was the first driver to try the double in 1994, and Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch also have given it a shot. Asked what changes could help make competing in both races and finishing the Double possible, Larson said moving the start time up for the Indy 500 wouldn't work. That race already starts at 9:45 a.m. on the West Coast with people there unlikely to wake up earlier. Larson said the Coca-Cola 600 can't start much later. Even with not many cautions, that race still ends after 11 p.m. Eastern. 'I don't know how those guys did in the past, like that must have been perfect, weather and cautions and all that,' Larson said. ___ AP auto racing:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pacers top defender Aaron Nesmith will play in Game 4 of Eastern Conference finals against Knicks
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrates after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, left, is defended by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) is assisted off the court during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) is assisted off the court during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrates after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, left, is defended by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) is assisted off the court during the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs against the New York Knicks Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers will have Aaron Nesmith, their top defender, available Tuesday night for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks. Coach Rick Carlisle had said Monday that Nesmith's sprained right ankle was 'sore' and that he would likely be a game-time decision. But during his pregame news conference, Carlisle confirmed Nesmith would play. Advertisement He's been Indiana's primary defender against All-Star guard Jalen Brunson and after Nesmith left Game 3 in the third quarter, the Pacers blew a big lead in a 106-100 loss. Nesmith did return late in the game but did not look the same. Indiana leads the series 2-1. 'He's doing better than expected,' Carlisle said, before addressing whether Nesmith's minutes would be limited. 'It's to be determined. Not as of now, but I always watch everybody's minutes so, it'll be something that in real time, we'll have to gauge.' Nesmith was injured when he landed awkwardly after making a pass into the corner that sailed into the seats. Nesmith scored a playoff career-high 30 points in Game 1, setting the Pacers' postseason record with eight 3-pointers. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Knicks vs. Pacers: Aaron Nesmith reportedly available for Game 4 after ankle sprain
Aaron Nesmith sprained his right ankle in Game 3 of the series on Sunday. (AP/AJ Mast) Aaron Nesmith is apparently good to go after all. The Indiana Pacers forward is available to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Nesmith had been considered a game-time decision after he rolled his right ankle in Sunday's Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. The Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead over the Knicks headed into Tuesday night's contest in Indianapolis. This post will be updated with more information shortly.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man charged with stabbing Knicks fans at Indiana brewery during playoff series
The Knicks and Pacers are playing each other in the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks and Pacers are playing each other in the Eastern Conference finals. Photograph: AJ Mast/AP An Indiana Pacers fan has been charged with stabbing two supporters of the New York Knicks on the night of their teams' playoff series. According to court documents, 24-year-old Jarrett Funke of Hamilton county in Indiana, was charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, and criminal recklessness committed with a deadly weapon. Advertisement Officers were called to a brewery in Carmel, Indiana, on the evening of 23 May, when the local NBA team, the Pacers, were playing the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals at New York's Madison Square Garden. The Pacers beat the Knicks to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Funke is said to have knocked the Knicks cap off one of the alleged victims. After Funke was removed from the premises, he is said to have returned and confronted the two alleged victims. One of the men who was stabbed said he showed a knife to Funke but did not intend to use it and put it back in his pocket. An altercation ensued during which Funke allegedly stabbed the two Knicks fans. Court documents said one of the fans had a wound to his back, and the other a laceration on one of his legs. Funke claims the Knicks fans were 'talking shit' and punched and shoved him, before he swung his knife in self-defence. According to court documents, several witnesses say Funke was the aggressor in the situation. Funke was scheduled to appear at a hearing in Hamilton county on Tuesday afternoon. The incident is not the first involving friction between Pacers and Knicks fans during the playoffs. A Pacers fan was pelted with garbage near Madison Square Garden after the Knicks' victory over the Boston Celtics in the previous round.
