National Sports

Rickwood Field, Willie Mays’ first pro park and monument of opportunity and oppression, welcomes MLB

by WAKA Action 8 News

Rickwood Field will host an MLB game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants on Thursday. It’s the oldest professional ballpark in the U.S. and former home to baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues.

Atlanta Falcons forfeit fifth-round pick, fined for tampering with Kirk Cousins

Atlanta Falcons

by WAKA Action 8 News

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft on Thursday for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules prior to signing quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons and Cousins agreed on a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed shortly after the league’s 52-hour legal tampering window opened.

Expanded College Football Playoff will begin with 1st-round game on Dec. 20 in prime time

College Football Playoffs

by WAKA Action 8 News

The first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff will kick off with a first-round game on Dec. 20 and conclude with the title game one month later in Atlanta.

Heartbreaker: Birmingham-Southern’s magical postseason ends with 11-10 loss in D-3 World Series

College Baseball

by WAKA Action 8 News

Birmingham-Southern’s magnificent, magical ride is over. The Panthers’ inspiring postseason run, which came as the liberal arts college in Alabama was being shut down for financial failure after more than 160 years, ended with an 11-10 loss to Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Division III College World Series.

Falcons QB Cousins remains on track in recovery from torn right Achilles as team approaches minicamp

Atlanta Falcons Football

by WAKA Action 8 News

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins’ recovery from a torn right Achilles tendon remains on track as the team approaches next week’s mandatory minicamp.