Post by John Tomase

A controversial red card, a horrible NBA trade and some memorable July 4 sporting events — here are the sports stories we're following today on LinkedIn News. 🧧 I really want to lead off with Jaylen Brown, because I have THOUGHTS, but let's start with the story of more international interest. The U.S. beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup on Wednesday, but the story was striker Folarin Balogun being sent off with a controversial red card, which means he'll be suspended for the round of 16 match with Belgium. While the U.S. has gotten so much more creative in the midfield and on the wings — where it can maintain possession and pressure defenses with Christian Pulisic on the left, Sergiño Dest on the right, and Weston McKennie pretty much everywhere in between — the difference maker has been Balogun. He might already be the most skilled striker in U.S. history, with multiple world-class goals at this tournament alone. His first tally last night, stopping on a dime to collect a deflected pass and then slotting it home, required the kind of composure most U.S. strikers (with the exception of junkyard dog Clint Dempsey) have traditionally lacked. His loss could be decisive on Monday against one of the world's better teams, albeit one on the decline. The play looked worse in slow motion than real time, when Balogun wasn't even whistled for a foul. There was clearly no intent to injure, and American fans are noting that Argentine star Lionel Messi got away with a similar maneuver earlier in the tourney. Even if it's a red card by the letter of the law, it would've been preferable for the referee to exercise some discretion, with the bigger picture in mind. ☘️ OK, Brown. Ugh. Celtics basketball boss Brad Stevens has had the golden touch throughout his decade-plus as coach and executive, but this trade is a dog. Celtics fans had come around on the idea of swapping Brown for MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Paul George and a couple of first-round picks, while making the rival Sixers an instant contender? WHY? It's enough to make me question the ability of new owner Bill Chisholm to afford a championship roster. The Celtics are only two years removed from the franchise's record 18th title (with Brown winning Finals MVP). They needed a shakeup, but not this. What do you think? 🎆 And finally, the Fourth. We're getting a little short on space, so I'll ask: what's your favorite memory? This one doesn't necessarily qualify as a "favorite," but it was certainly memorable: when I was a little kid, I watched Dave Righetti no-hit the Red Sox. He struck out Wade Boggs to end it, and it soured me on America's birthday for a few years, I won't lie. There will be no post tomorrow in observance of the holiday, but we'll be back at it Monday. Enjoy your weekends!