The Marlins canceled today's game against the Braves after P Jose Fernandez was killed this morning "along with two friends in a boat crash off South Beach." Marlins President David Samson said, "When you talk about a tragedy like this, there are no words. There is no playbook. We will play tomorrow." Fernandez, "an electric fan favorite," was the team's first-round draft pick in '11 and the NL rookie of the year in '13. He was "expected to make his final start of the season Monday after his appearance Sunday was pushed back." His number 16 was "stenciled at the mound" in Marlins Park and "displayed prominently" around the ballpark (MIAMIHERALD.com, 9/25). MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement said, "He was one of our game's great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut" (MLB).

The Dolphins held a moment of silence before today's home game against Browns to honor Fernandez' memory (NFL.com, 9/25). Red Sox DH David Ortiz told the Rays to cancel a pregame retirement ceremony in his honor, as Ortiz "instead wants moment of silence" for Fernandez (TWITTER.com, 9/25).

Marlins broadcaster Rich Waltz said Fernandez was "such a touchstone of enthusiasm and joy and all of those things to the ball club." Marlins broadcaster Preston Wilson said, "He was passion personified. ... He engaged with the fans" (MLB Network, 9/25). CBS began the "NFL Today" pregame show with a cold opening featuring a report by Spero Dedes from Hard Rock Stadium. Dedes: "This was a day that was supposed to be a celebration. The Dolphins holding their home opener and reopening their brand new refurbished stadium. But as soon as this news of the tragic death of Jose Fernandez broke earlier this morning, the mood here inside the stadium changed completely" (CBS, 9/25).

Several dozen protesters today "were chanting outside Bank of America Stadium as police stood by in riot gear" before the Vikings-Panthers game. Police said that one man had been "arrested for carrying a concealed weapon" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 9/25). Officials said that there would be an "increased law enforcement presence near the stadium" today (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/25). NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said, "League officials have been in constant communication with all parties, and that includes team officials with the Carolina Panthers and Vikings, local officials, the NFLPA, and security" (“NFL Gameday First,” NFL Network, 9/25). ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted new NFL Head of Security Cathy Lanier "will be on hand at this game," and this is her "first week of work for the NFL" (“NFL Insiders: Sunday Edition,” ESPN, 9/25).

NFL Network’s Tiffany Blackmon noted Panthers players chose to arrive at the stadium "all together, not as individuals, perhaps to represent what it's like being a united front" (“NFL Gameday Morning,” NFL Network, 9/25). ESPN’s Mark Dominik: “My main concern is my players are safe and can get in and out of the stadium, whether you're [Panthers President] Dave Gettleman ... or if you're [Vikings GM] Rick Spielman" (“NFL Insiders: Sunday Edition,” ESPN, 9/25). In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes under the header, "Why Vikings at Panthers MUST Be Played Sunday" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/25).

Three Michigan State football players yesterday "held their fists in the air during the playing of the national anthem before the game against" Wisconsin at Spartan Stadium. A few hours later, at least six Michigan football players "did the same before their game against Penn State" at Michigan Stadium (DETROIT NEWS, 9/25). The Michigan players did "not widely discuss the plan with most of their teammates." UM coach Jim Harbaugh "wasn't even aware of the fists until he got to the locker room later" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/25).

MSU coach Mark Dantonio said, "As long as it's done in a peaceful way, this is America. That's what the flag stands for" (ESPN.com, 9/24). Harbaugh said, "Because I'm the football coach doesn’t mean I can dictate to people what they believe. I support our guys. ... This is something that's not going away" (DETROIT NEWS, 9/25).

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick on Friday "delivered a pregame speech" to Castelmont High School football players in Oakland, and he also "spoke to the players at halftime." During the National Anthem, Kaepernick knelt while the players "were outstretched on their backs with their hands raised." After Kaepernick "retweeted a picture of Castlemont players kneeling before their game" on Sept. 16, he "eventually connected" with Castlemont coach Edward Washington (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/25). Watch video of Kaepernick's halftime speech to the players here.

The PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club "got real" before today's final round, which began with six players within five shots of leaders Dustin Johnson and Kevin Chappell. Rory McIlroy and Paul Casey "have a legit chance of denying" Johnson a FedExCup title (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 9/25). CBSSPORTS.com's Kyle Porter: "We have ourselves a golf tournament, people. Finally." There are Ryder Cup "implications, legacy implications and ... large bank account implications." This is the "juice the FedEx Cup (and Tour Championship) needed" (CBSSPORTS.com, 9/24). With a win, Johnson will "claim both the tournament title and the FedEx Cup to go along with his no-doubt-about-it Player of the Year award," a "good look for the PGA Tour" (ESPN.com, 9/24).

Meanwhile, the East Lake Foundation "got at $84,000 pledge of support from golfer J.B. Holmes and several members of the East Lake Golf Club – $1,000 for each of the 84 graduating seniors from the Drew Charter School." The donation "marks the graduation of the inaugural senior class" at the Atlanta-based school (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 9/25).

New Era Cap is offering Bills fans the chance to shave the team's logo "directly into their hair." The company said that Bills fans "should expect to see events like this one at every home game." New Era Corporate Communications Manager Dana Marciniak said, "When we signed on as the naming rights partner with the Buffalo Bills, it wasn't just about having our name on a sign, it was about engaging with the fans as well." The company has "recruited Rust Belt Barbering and Salon Co. to shave Bills logos, players' names and jersey numbers into fans' heads." They will also "offer red and blue hair stenciling and hair braiding" (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/24).

Thunder G Russell Westbrook's new capsule collection, True Religion X Russell Westbrook, was made available today exclusively on the True Religion app. It will be online and in stores on Oct. 6. The 17-piece collection is "very much a reflection of his style." It features skinny jeans, T-shirts and thermals meant for layering, with the "rips and distressing that he has long incorporated into his wardrobe." The collection also has several pieces that "include the 'Why Not?' motto." Westbrook said, "It's what I believe in and what got me to this point, including fashion and everything else, and it's a motto that I stand by" (AP, 9/25).

WNBA Chicago Sky F Elena Delle Donne today will be "wearing her first signature shoe, the Nike Hyperdunk PE," during her team's nationally televised playoff game against the Atlanta Dream at Allstate Arena. Delle Donne has been "recovering from thumb surgery, which she had Sept. 13, so she'll likely show off the shoes at the game but not play." Nike has not "settled on a launch date for Delle Donne's PEs but plans to have the $140 shoes for sale online and at select stores by the end of the year." Nike "approached Delle Donne last fall, and she worked with a Nike designer" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/24).

Discount ticket outlet ScoreBig is facing a potential shutdown of operations after briefly suspending all ticket sales on the site, as well as shutting down its Twitter feed and portions of its website. Sources said the company is facing a serious liquidity crisis, and several ticket brokers have publicly said they have not been paid by ScoreBig in weeks or months. The National Association of Ticket Brokers in a memo to its members wrote ScoreBig’s “senior secured debt holder is now making decisions about operations, wind down, or the sale of the business. Those decisions will be made very soon and are being discussed over the weekend. ... While concern over ScoreBig’s status is entirely warranted, there is no definitive statement from ScoreBig that it will not be paying brokers for this weekend’s games or past accounts. We will know more on Monday.” ScoreBig declined to comment further.

Founded in '09, California-based ScoreBig has operated as a self-described outlet mall for live entertainment tickets, introducing a model in which the identity of sellers is concealed. The company closed on an $18M Series D round of funding nearly two years ago, led by Hearst Ventures.

Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring Day concert at U.S. Cellular Field yesterday "filled the ballpark" with a coalition of 44,000 fans. After a "few early hiccups, Chance and his team delivered a stellar lineup," including cameos from Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, Skrillex and John Legend (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/25). The event was the "first festival at U.S. Cellular Field and the first concert there in more than 13 years." Illinois Sports Facilities Authority officials "hope the venue becomes a go-to concert spot." According to the rental agreement that went into effect Wednesday, $2 from every festival ticket sold "goes to the authority." Festival promoter Madison House Presents rented the space for $100,000 (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 9/24).

Rookie NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Jordan Anderson was able to compete in yesterday's UNOH 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway thanks to a "unique sponsorship drive." Anderson raised the $15,000 he needed by building his own website (sponsorjordan.com). By the weekend, he had "enough to make it to New Hampshire," and he wrote the "name of every contributor on the rear deck of his truck." Anderson said, "The response was unbelievable." He said that he has "heard from three companies that might be interested in a sponsorship" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/25).

Sources said Twitter is "talking with Salesforce.com, Google and others about a possible takeover of the company." Sources added that the talks are in the "early stages ... with no guarantee that a deal will be reached." In particular, sources said that Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is "resistant to selling to some of the potential acquirers." Twitter is also "weighing a possible revamping that could involve divestitures and layoffs" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/24). 

The NHL BOG on Friday "unanimously approved the Ed Snider estate's sale of its Flyers shares to Comcast" (PHILLY.com, 9/23).

NHL Las Vegas Team Owner Bill Foley has had "preliminary discussions" with AHL President Dave Andrews about seeking an affiliate, and the NHL team's Senior VP Murray Craven is "overseeing the process by which the farm team will be established." It is "expected to cost Foley" around $5M to join the AHL if he opts for his own team (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 9/25).

Vin Scully wrote a letter to the fans that was "handed out on Friday" to fans at the Giants-Dodgers game, which was "one of the final games that he'll be broadcasting at Dodger Stadium" (USATODAY.com, 9/23).

The Sounders are wearing "Gears of War 4"-themed jerseys for today's match against the Galaxy in L.A. During the Sounders' final regular-season game Oct. 23, fans will be able to play the Xbox One video game at CenturyLink Field in addition to other matchday activiations (Sounders).

The Ravens will "wear a CB decal on their helmets for the rest of the season in honor of former defensive line coach Clarence Brooks, who died last Saturday after battling stomach and esophageal cancer" (Baltimore SUN, 9/24).

Paralympians Tatyana and Hannah McFadden "threw out ceremonial first pitches" ahead of yesterday's D-backs-Orioles game (Baltimore SUN, 9/25).

West Virginia football's 35-32 win against BYU yesterday at FedExField drew a crowd of 38,207 (WASHINGTON POST, 9/25).

Last night's UFC Fight Night 95 drew an "announced attendance of 8,410 for the UFC's second show in Brazil's capital city" of Brasilia at the Nilson Nelson Gymnasium (MMAJUNKIE.com, 9/25).

"I stand up for Colin doing that. It took a lot of balls to do that" – Pistons F Marcus Morris, on Colin Kaepernick's National Anthem protest (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/25).

"Were I a teammate, were I the coach, were I the owner, in a situation like that, I'd have gotten rid of the guy" – Bob Knight, on Kaepernick ("Fox & Friends," Fox, 9/23).

"[Art] Briles has devoted his life to molding the lives of young men. ESPN (has) done Coach Briles as grave and serious injustice" – Former Baylor President & Chancellor Ken Starr, criticizing how media outlets covered the Baylor scandal (TWITTER.com, 9/24).

"How can we bring in a third party to help validate or arbitrate? We don't know exactly the system yet, but we do want to do that as early as 2017" – Riot Games e-sports co-Dir Whalen "Magus" Rozelle, on the need for third-party oversight in League of Legends e-sports (ESPORTS.YAHOO.com, 9/23).

"If you can't successfully pull off a Hall of Fame game and you have what appears to be enough evidence to convince both parties to conduct an investigation of the concussion protocol, [it's] probably not the right time to think about adding two regular-season games" – NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith, on an 18-game NFL schedule ("PFT Live," NBC, 9/23).

"I don't want them playing 15 years in the pros at linebacker. That's for sure" – Pro Football HOFer Steve Young, on having his kids play tackle football (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/25).

The ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH offers a look back at the first 50 years of the Blues franchise: "Half A Century Of Highs, Lows And Legendary Players." The Blues "have left an indelible imprint, an impression only something new and unexpected makes, an everlasting stamp."

The CHICAGO TRIBUNE features multiple stories on the issue of diversity in baseball: "Baseball's Racial Disparity Continues, From Little League To The Majors" and "As Number Of Latino Players Rise, Latino Managers Vanish."

The N.Y. TIMES asks, "Where have all the Québécois NHL players gone? The province known for grooming many of hockey’s most charismatic stars has hit something of a developmental rut over the last two decades."

Elsewhere:

• Cowboys CB Brandon Carr: marijuana as part of NFL culture.
• Being in media spotlight could help Cubs during playoffs.
• Dick Enberg savoring final moments of play-by-play career.
• Fox' "Pitch" raises question: will women play in MLB one day?
• Impact of SEC Network being felt at Univ. of South Carolina.
• Reactions to National Anthem protests can show people's worst side.
• NBA has history of players taking a stand on racially charged issues.
• Security official advises Eagles players on how to handle police encounters.
• Breaking down Heat's front-office implications of losing Chris Bosh.

I just turned on Pac 12 Network for maybe the first time ever and it’s SD on my cable system. It’s like watching a game from 1997.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 24, 2016

Raiders Malcolm Smith and Bruce Irvin joined the anthem protests today with fists raised in the air during anthem in Nashville.

— Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko) September 25, 2016

The Dolphins' stadium has had naming deals with Jimmy Buffett's beer and Hard Rock Cafe. Panama Jack completes the sunburned dad aesthetic.

— Mike Tunison (@xmasape) September 25, 2016

If you see a tweet we will not want to miss, send it to us at editorial@sportsbusinessdaily.com.

Redskins players raise fists during anthem (via @DCBarno) pic.twitter.com/reDDzlaxaD

— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) September 25, 2016