Midwest
Cleveland Browns mourn death of bullmastiff mascot, PETA implores team to rescue dog from local animal shelter
The Cleveland Browns announced via social media last week that their beloved live mascot SJ passed away at the young age of 5.
The team did not reveal the cause of death.
The Browns’ official Instagram page posted a black and white photograph of SJ, a bullmastiff, on Tuesday with the caption, “We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mascot, SJ. We are so grateful for his many years of loyal support and cherish all of the wonderful memories he helped create for fans young and old.”
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SJ, the Cleveland Browns mascot, passed away in early July 2024. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Milkbone, a snack company for dogs, replied to the post, “a true dawg RIP, SJ!” Many Cleveland fans expressed their condolences in the comment section.
On Nov. 10, 2019, at 11-months-old, SJ led the Browns out onto the field at his first official game as a live mascot. The Browns beat the Buffalo Bills at home that day, 19-16.
In a video posted to X the day before his debut, the team hyped up fans with clips of SJ preparing for game day as he sported a gray sweatshirt and warmed up to the “Rocky” theme song. The caption read, “He’s been training for WEEKS for this moment.”
Erin Andrews, NFL sideline reporter for FOX Sports, commented on the post “Awwwww ya!!!”
SJ, one of three live mascots for the team, enjoyed a Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel as a preferred chew toy, according to the Brown’s website.
Though gone too soon, SJ is not the first bullmastiff mascot of the Cleveland Browns to pass away at a young age.
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The Cleveland Browns have two other live dog mascots, Muni and Stripes. Stripes is named after the lines on the Browns’ helmets. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In 2020, Swagger, SJ’s dad, unexpectedly died from a stroke following a yearlong battle with cancer. At the time, Swagger’s handler, Justin McLaughlin, posted to his Facebook account with the sad news of the dog’s passing on Feb, 7, 2020.
Fans bid farewell to Swagger, a 145-pound good boy, on Oct. 13, 2019 during his final game day appearance against the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns were defeated 32-28 at home.
An open casket funeral was held for Swagger and live-streamed in a suburb outside of Cleveland on Feb, 22, 2020. SJ was present at the service and his final goodbye was documented on X. A Cleveland mourner posted to social media that SJ even tried to get into the casket with his dad.
Both Swagger and SJ hailed from FD Farms in Rootstown Township in Ohio. The farm owns, shows and breeds bullmastiffs, French bulldogs and Dogue de Bordeauxs, according to their website.
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In February 2020, the Cleveland Browns said goodbye to their previous mascot, Swagger, who died of a stroke at 5-years-old following a battle with cancer. Swagger was SJ’s dad. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In a statement, Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, called for the Browns to reimagine their mascot and “adopt a logo featuring a brown mixed-breed dog from an undoubtedly overwhelmed local animal shelter,” according to TMZ Sports.
She added that “generations of breeding for a certain look have left bullmastiffs prone to hip dysplasia, cancer, and life-threatening heart issues, among other painful conditions.” She added that she believed Swagger Jr.’s death “should be seen as a damning indictment of an industry that deliberately churns out these doomed breathing-impaired breeds.”
It is unclear if the Browns will recruit a new bullmastiff as mascot or host a memorial service for SJ at this time.
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Detroit, MI
3 Isaiah Stewart Trade Packages That Would Make Sense for Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have put Isaiah Stewart on the trade block with multiple offers swirling around the ever-changing rumor mill.
Several teams would benefit from having Stewart, who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, on a solid 55% from the floor. However, despite linking up well with Jalen Duren, Stewart earning a total of $30 million over the next two years simply doesn’t fit with their future outlook.
Stewart has been linked to the blockbuster three-team trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, if we set that aside, who else could use his talents ahead of the upcoming season?
Stewart embracing the north?
A possible swap involving the Toronto Raptors could be on the cards. The Raptors have been desperate for frontcourt depth, and the Pistons could definitely use more playmaking and shooting options on their roster.
For Detroit, trading Stewart for youngsters Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead makes perfect sense, with the Pistons able to mould them into backups for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
While Shead provided relief for Immanuel Quickley, Dick fell out of the rotation and will be eager for a second chance in the Motor City.
Bringing a much-needed wing player to Detroit, via Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers could bring a talented wing player to Detroit in the shape of Max Strus, whose presence would really help the Pistons.
What they’re short on is two-way wings who can ease the pressure off their stars, and Strus can fit perfectly into that gaping hole.
Beyond his floor-spacing ability, he can also create offense by attacking closeouts, addressing another area where Detroit has struggled.
Look no further than their playoff meeting, which the Cavs won with Strus averaging around 10 points per game in the series, capped with a 20-point showing off the bench in Game 5 that helped swing momentum in the Cavaliers’ favor.
Stewart’s salary and defense helps Denver
One issue that plagued the Denver Nuggets this season was their rim protection, and defense in the paint.
With Stewart, who posted just under two blocks per game last season, his defensive style would really help the Nuggets, but he would be in a similar position to the one he is currently in Detroit: A backup to Nikola Jokic.
Why does this move make sense for both parties? Well, look no further than the money involved. If Denver shipped Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, who are both on the trade block, it would save the Nuggets money and give Detroit two strong players with championship pedigree.
Stewart is under contract for $15 million in 2026-27, with a team option for the same amount in 2027-28, bringing his total value to $30 million. Johnson’s set to make $23 million, and Braun’s is on $21.5 million. This works better for Denver than it would for the Pistons, but having Johnson and Braun only boosts Detroit’s championship credentials.
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Milwaukee, WI
Fatal crash in Milwaukee, 1 killed; driver arrested on scene
MILWAUKEE – One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Milwaukee in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 21.
The driver of the other vehicle was arrested at the scene.
Crash and arrest
What we know:
According to the Milwaukee Police Department, the crash happened at about 1:15 a.m. near 11th and Greenfield.
A vehicle crossed the roadway then struck another vehicle, killing the driver. The victim, a 47-year-old, was being treated for life-threatening injuries but died from those injuries at the scene.
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It is suspected that the driver of the striking vehicle was impaired. The 24-year-old suspect was arrested on scene in connection with the accident, and charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department sent FOX6 the information.
Minneapolis, MN
Mamma Mia Brings ABBA Hits To The Orpheum Theatre In Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (WJON News) — A popular Broadway show will be hitting a Minnesota stage this fall. Mamma Mia! will jump-start the Broadway on Hennepin series at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from September 15th to the 20th.
Mamma Mia! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages.
The 25th Anniversary production of Mamma Mia! made its return to Broadway last year for a limited run at the Winter Garden Theatre, where it got its start. The show also had a record-setting 14-year run on Broadway and toured from 2000 to 2017 with four different touring companies.
Mamma Mia! has grossed over $7 billion at the box office.
It inspired the blockbuster smash starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried as well. The 2018 follow-up, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.
Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd with choreography by Anthony Van Laast. Tickets for the show go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.
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