Sports
It's a complex world for Chargers rookies adjusting to life in the NFL and big city
Compared to the countryside of Chatsworth, Ga. — population of 4,871 — Los Angeles might as well be another planet for rookie Ladd McConkey. He is a Southern-twanged Martian adjusting to a new frontier in this sprawling metropolis.
“Chatsworth is a small town, and everybody knows everybody,” McConkey said. “Here, you have a lot more people, and I was not expecting everything to be on top of each other.”
A rural Georgian through and through, all he’s known is the Peach State.
A second-round pick, McConkey grew up in Chatsworth — two hours north of Atlanta. He played at North Murray High before spending four years in Athens at the University of Georgia.
McConkey visited L.A. before as a Georgia Bulldog, when they capped off back-to-back national championships at SoFi Stadium in 2022 against Texas Christian.
This is much different.
Life as an NFL rookie comes with immense pressure. High draft picks, such as McConkey, look to justify the draft capital spent on them. Then there are practice squad rookies, who carry the anxiety of being one organizational decision away from unemployment.
The transition off the field, however, is just as challenging.
To help, McConkey is living with his fiancée, Sydney Horne, in Redondo Beach, a much more manageable spot than living in the heart of L.A. The couple found a place where McConkey opted for an open-floor plan, steering clear of the cramped living spaces often typical of older homes in California.
Having his fiancée by his side has made McConkey’s move to the NFL much smoother, offering him support to help combat the grind of an NFL season.
“It’s awesome,” McConkey said. “After practice, whether it’s a good or bad day, I get to go home and just talk and hang out with her. She’s my support system.”
Although McConkey’s family still lives in Georgia, he stays connected through frequent phone calls, which helps ease the challenge of being so far from home. Family visits during preseason games also have helped bridge the gap.
“Its sucks because my whole family lives in Chatsworth,” McConkey said. “Not being able to drive home and see them is definitely different.”
As with McConkey, a mix of country boys, East Coasters and Floridians are trying to adjust to the faster-paced life in Los Angeles after spending training camp at the team hotel in El Segundo.
For rookies, navigating these changes is made easier with the help of people such as Arthur Hightower.
As the Chargers’ senior director of player engagement, Hightower has guided rookies into NFL life since 2005, from the team’s days in San Diego to their current home in Los Angeles. His role involves overseeing their financial education, life skills, relocation and overall development off the field.
“The one thing they all have in common is that they’re rookies, and everything is new,” Hightower said. “People just assume because they make X amount of dollars, they know everything. But they’re still young professionals. This is their first real job.”
Hightower and his staff’s efforts to help players settle are all-encompassing — from deciding if living with a roommate is more suitable to considering the importance of proximity to the facilities or handling unexpected needs, such as finding a barbershop.
“There are stressors, no matter where you are in life,” Hightower said. “The faster they can get acclimated, the better they will perform.”
Offensive tackle Karsen Barnhart is quickly adjusting to city life after growing up in small towns, though the reality of L.A. has turned out quite different from what he had imagined.
Chargers guard Karsen Barnhart (61) had his perceptions changed of Los Angeles after moving here.
(Jeff Lewis / Associated Press)
“I had the perception of it being like New York,” Barnhart said of the Big Apple, which he dislikes. “The perception was completely off with how everything’s spread out here. There’s a big town every five minutes, and it’s not as packed.”
He sees similarities between El Segundo, where the team’s facility is located, and Ann Arbor, where he played for the Michigan Wolverines — though El Segundo has the bonus of ocean-side property.
Now the ocean is closer for Barnhart, thanks to rookie first-rounder Joe Alt, who offered him a place to stay in Manhattan Beach.
“After training camp, I had found a place and wasn’t going to use some of the rooms, so I just said, ‘Hey, you want to room with me,’” Alt said.
The two tackles became close friends at the NFL combine in February, and their friendship has grown stronger throughout training camp, according to Alt. After years of living alone, Alt liked the idea of sharing a space with someone going through a similar experience.
“It’s great to be tested with somebody else and see what they’re thinking and how they’re processing things,” Alt said.
Chargers rookie Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt is adjusting to life in the NFL on and off the field.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
With both towering more than 6-feet-5 and weighing well over 310 pounds, space is at a premium, which could have led to quibbles.
However, the sleeping arrangement was straightforward. As Barnhart put it, “He gets the bigger room. There was no arguing. He was kind enough to let me stay.”
The starkest contrast to his move comes when he thinks of his hometown, Paw Paw, Mich., a village of just 3,395 residents nestled off I-94.
“Paw Paw is completely different,” Barnhart said. “For a kid growing up in the country … the Cali lifestyle is a completely different transition. But I’m loving it so far.”
Barnhart’s experience with the Chargers isn’t his first visit to the L.A. area. Earlier this year, he traveled with Michigan to play Alabama in the Rose Bowl on the way to a national championship.
It hasn’t taken long for the rookies to embrace California culture. Barnhart already has adopted one quintessential Angeleno complaint — the traffic.
Others are settling for the South Bay’s scenic ocean-side views, soaking up the endless sunshine and indulging in some local delicacies.
Chargers linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste has reunited with college friend Tre’mon Morris-Brash.
(Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press)
“I’m not going to lie, I done run into a lot of good taco places,” Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste said. “I eat tacos at least three times a week.”
Jean-Baptiste shared his love for al pastor and carne asada, a passion he apparently enjoys by himself. With a look of betrayal, his roommate Tre’mon Morris-Brash asked from a neighboring locker, “You getting tacos, bruh?”
“Nah, he ain’t put me on,” Morris-Brash said. “That’s fine.”
Jean-Baptiste, who plays inside linebacker, and Morris-Brash, who plays outside linebacker, find their living arrangement reminiscent of another college year. They were teammates for four years at Central Florida and lived just a few doors apart in the same residence hall.
Now, in L.A., they’re both on the Chargers’ practice squad, continuing a shared experience.
Chargers linebacker Tre’Mon Morris-Brash (57) returns an interception during a preseason game against the Cowboys.
(Matt Patterson / Associated Press)
“It’s cool going to college with him and then having him be here,” Morris-Brash said. “It’s great to see a familiar face every day, and even cooler that we became roommates. It’s definitely sweet.”
The two share a luxury apartment just minutes from team facilities and kept it civil when deciding who got the bigger bedroom, settling it with a game of rock, paper, scissors. Jean-Baptiste came out on top.
Despite their fondness for the complex, the cost came as a bit of a shock.
“Oof, one thing I can say is that the rent in California is very different than where I’m from,” said Jean-Baptiste, who grew up in Florida City, Fla., (population 13,000). “Very pricey.”
The two moved in a few days before the Chargers’ season opener against the Raiders. While they were game planning for Las Vegas on the field, off the field they focused on setting up their wi-fi, which they handled themselves.
“We really just been trying to get our house set up first,” Morris-Brash said.z
This move isn’t a first for Morris-Brash or Jean-Baptiste. Morris-Brash left his hometown of Richmond, Va., to play at UCF in Orlando. Jean-Baptiste moved to Oxford, Miss., for his final year at Ole Miss as a graduate transfer.
The distance from family can be challenging, but Jean-Baptiste credits their support — and the phone — for easing his transition. He often talks with his father, who keeps him updated on the weather in Dade County.
“I talked to my dad yesterday,” Jean-Baptiste said. “He just says one day it’s raining, one day it’s hot as hell. One day it’s raining, one day it’s hot.”
“My family’s behind me,” Jean-Baptiste said, “and being over here allows me to stay focused on my dream.”
Former USA soccer player previews US match against Belgium
Former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein previews the national team’s FIFA World Cup match against Belgium. Bornstein asserts this current generation is the most talented USMNT squad ever, featuring players from top European clubs. He explains how the team’s exciting run is accelerating soccer’s growth and popularity across America, inspiring young fans.
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Belgium is crying foul after FIFA cleared USMNT star Folarin Balogun before Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 showdown in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement on the overturned suspension, saying they were “stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play,” arguing the ruling violates both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 2026 Semafor World Economy conference in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The federation concluded by saying it is “considering all possible options” to protect “the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play.”
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FIFA, however, wasn’t persuaded.
“Pursuant to article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” the FIFA Disciplinary Committee said in an official statement.
The ruling means Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, is eligible to face Belgium on Monday night.
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President Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, thanking FIFA “for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump also praised Balogun’s reinstatement and predicted a strong performance from the Americans against Belgium.
President Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, pose for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 official draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
It’s not hard to see why Belgium wanted Balogun sidelined. The American striker leads the United States with three goals this tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being shown a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review upgraded the challenge.
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US striker Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments of the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
The dismissal immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom believed the punishment was overly harsh.
The U.S. learned of FIFA’s decision while arriving for Sunday morning training in the Seattle area.
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Belgium enters Monday’s Round of 16 match ranked No. 9 in the FIFA World Rankings after handing the United States a 5-2 loss in a March friendly.
But World Cup knockout soccer is a different animal.
Come kickoff Monday night in Seattle, Balogun will be exactly where Belgium hoped he wouldn’t be: on the field.
FULL STATEMENT
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the United States-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards shown earlier during this FIFA World Cup.
“Moreover, and independently of the above, this decision directly contradicts the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, as set out in article 10.5:
“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026.
“This rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before each game and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is considering all possible options.”
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Sports
‘It just feels right.’ Folarin Balogun can play in World Cup round of 16 after red card suspended
SEATTLE — Chris Richards said he first heard teammate Folarin Balogun had been cleared to play in Monday’s World Cup elimination game while on the team bus, heading to a morning training session at the University of Washington.
“We found out through social media,” Richards said Sunday. “There’s a lot of people posting a lot of stuff, so we weren’t sure if it was true or not.”
In this case, it was. FIFA announced Sunday morning, about 30 hours before the U.S. was scheduled to play Belgium in the Round of 16 game, that the one-game suspension Balogun had received for a dangerous challenge in last week’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina is being held in abeyance, making him eligible to play in what is arguably the team’s most important game in at least a generation.
“Really excited, obviously, for him to have this opportunity,” Christian Pulisic said. “He’s our leading scorer in the tournament. He’s a big part of this team. So of course you want a guy like that around.”
President Trump celebrated the reversal on his social media platform while the New York Times, citing three unnamed people familiar with the conversation, reported that Trump spoke personally with FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week and asked him to rescind the red card. Balogun, born to Nigerian parents who live in England, is only eligible to play for the U.S. through birthright citizenship, a principle Trump unsuccessfully asked the Supreme Court to overturn last month.
The Belgium team was not as happy with the country’s soccer federation saying it was “astonished” by the ruling and “investigating all potential options” to block it and “safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair in our sport.” It was unclear what those options might be.
“I didn’t know the game was being played on April Fool’s Day rather than July 6,” Belgian coach Rudi Garcia said. “We’re not defending the national team or federation. We are defending football.”
No American since 1930 had scored three times in a World Cup before Balogun’s first-half goal in a 2-0 over Bosnia in the round of 32. That was the team’s first victory in a World Cup knockout game since 2002 and in the three U.S. wins in this tournament, Balogun has either scored or set up the game-winning goal.
But early in the second half of the Bosnia game, he collided with Tarik Muharemovic and when the Bosnian defender planted his right leg below Balogun’s right foot, the American inadvertently stomped on his right ankle, twisting it awkwardly.
Both players went down, but Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not initially penalize either. After the video assistant referee urged him to watch a replay, however, Claus walked away from the monitor and flashed the red card at Balogun, a judgment many immediately deemed overly harsh.
FIFA ultimately agreed, suspending the disqualification Sunday.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” it wrote in a statement. “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
For Pulisic, that was justice.
“It just feels right,” he said.
“If you look at the foul, it’s zero intent. There were much worse ones that went on this tournament.”
Balogun action’s after the questionable foul may also have inspired FIFA’s leniency. After the final whistle of the Bosnia game, he walked to the center of the field and shook hands with Claus, then politely took ownership of the incident in his first public remarks two days later.
“I think a yellow card would have been fair,” he said last Friday. “[But] it’s something that’s happened, so we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.”
Pulisic applauded his teammate’s humility.
“Balo handled it so well, and I think the team handled it well,” he said. “We weren’t here to complain. You have to handle it in a good way, and you know good things happen.”
U.S. Soccer, which had remained engaged with FIFA since the was suspension, issued its own statement.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” it read in part. ”Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium.”
Balogun is not the first person to have a penalty rescinded by FIFA. Portugal’s Crisitiano Ronaldo was given a straight red card and a three-game international ban after swinging an elbow at Irish defender Dara O’Shea during a World Cup qualifier last fall. But after Ronaldo sat out a qualifier with Armenia, FIFA converted the rest of the penalty into a one-year probation, clearing the Portuguese captain to play in the World Cup.
But it’s the first time FIFA has lifted a suspension during the World Cup since 1962, when Brazilian attacker Garrincha was allowed to play in the final after his nation’s government intervened. Garrincha, who tied for the scoring lead with four goals and was named the best player of that tournament, had been sent off in the semifinal after kicking Chile’s Eladio Rojas.
Brazil, with Garrincha, defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the title game.
If Balogun had missed Monday’s game, the U.S. would likely have replaced him with Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright, but the dropoff would have been significant. Balogun not only tops the U.S. in goals but he has has a team-leading 11 shots and four shots on target in 223 minutes. Pepi and Wright, who have combined for 186 minutes, do not have a goal or shot in the tournament.
Balogun is also good at holding up the ball, buying time to let his teammates join the attack. That’s a skill the U.S. will need against a smart, veteran Belgium team that has warmed into the World Cup, scoring eight times in its last two games.
The U.S. has beaten Belgium just once, in the 1930 World Cup. The last meeting was a March friendly that Belgium won 5-2 and the last time they faced off in the World Cup, in the round of 16 in 2014, Belgium won in extra time in a game in which American keeper Tim Howard made a tournament-record 16 saves.
Kevin DeBruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored while Thibaut Courtois nine saves in goal for Belgium that day. All three are still on the team and played in Belgium’s Round-of-32 win over Senegal in this World Cup last week. No one on the U.S. roster for that 2014 game has played internationally since 2023.
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Toronto Maple Leafs No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna has already been on the ice with the team as it held its development camp this week, but the highly-touted rookie is going to have to make a big change for this fall.
His number.
When he was playing for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and then again at Penn State this past season, McKenna wore the No. 72.
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Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna has revealed that he’ll be opting for a new number for his rookie campaign. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
The expectation was that McKenna would wear No. 72 with the Maple Leafs, and he did so this week at development camp. Plenty of fans have also already ordered No. 72 jerseys with his name on the back.
On most rosters, No. 72 is unique enough that he wouldn’t run into any issues wearing it. However, on July 1, the Leafs signed two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has worn No. 72 for most of his career, except during his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, when he wore No. 35.
So, some were wondering how this would work out. Would the Leafs want their new franchise player to get his pick of the number litter, or would they defer to a two-time Vezina winner?
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Gavin McKenna wore No. 72 in juniors, as well as last season at Penn State. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
Well, it turns out that McKenna will be the one swapping numbers, and he’ll be switching to No. 92 this season.
McKenna had to get creative here because the obvious number changes were a no-go in Toronto. Adding 7 and 2 would be 9, but that was retired in honor of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy.
Another option would’ve been to flip the digits and go with No. 27, but that was retired in honor of Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.
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So, 92 it is.
However, McKenna reached out to one of the three previous players to wear the number, Jeff O’Neill, to ask whether he was comfortable with him using it.
It’s fair to say he was down with the idea.
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McKenna will be a key piece of a Maple Leafs team that is looking to bounce back after a nightmare 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish last in the Atlantic Division.
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