Orlando
Orlando Magic Media Day 2016
ORLANDO, FL (FNN SPORTS) – September 25th marked the beginning of the Orlando Magic’s season, and Florida National News was present for media day. The Magic’s practice facility was buzzing with excitement as all of the players patiently answered the same questions repeated by the various media outlet. FNN’s Jenny Rosario, brightened up the room and kept the players on their toes with her witty questions outgoing personality. The atmosphere could be described as that first day of school type of excitement. However, the message from the players, Coach Scott Skiles, General Manager Rob Hennigan, and CEO Alex Martins was clear; the Magic are in win now mode.
Coach Skiles told us that on day one he’s preaching defense and accountability. This message is a complete 180 from the Media day message of last year. Even new members Mario Hezonja, Shabazz Napier, and Jason Smith were consistent with their belief that the Magic were ready to make the jump into playoffs. All of the players put in a ton of work this off season, and the physical difference from last season for some of them was obvious. Aaron Gordon told us that he gained back all of the weight that he lost while his mouth was wired shut (due to a broken jaw he suffered this off season while “horse playing” with his older brother) and claims to now stand 7”1” which is a significant leap from 6”9” the height he entered the league at.
The Magic are poised to make some serious noise this year. If they can start the season healthy, they will be a force to reckon with in the east.
– Rob Henlon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.
Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.
Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
NFL
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Scottie Scheffler wins his second red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. Scheffler first won the API in 2022.
Scottie Scheffler wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
The number one ranked golfer in the world, Scheffler finished at 15 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 66 today. Wyndham Clark finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Kurt Kitayama, did not make the cut, this weekend, finishing 7 over par after the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday.
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for the 50th anniversary of The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
