Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, made a rare public appearance last weekend at the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, ending a six-month hiatus from social media with a post showcasing her outfit for the event. The appearance, which also included her husband, professional golfer Dustin Johnson, has sparked curiosity about their connection to the high-profile couple, though details remain unclear. Gretzky's return to Instagram was brief, as she had not posted in half a year, and observers expect she may retreat from the platform again soon.
Johnson, meanwhile, faces a notable absence from the upcoming British Open after failing to qualify for the tournament. His five-year exemption from winning the 2020 Masters expired, and he withdrew from last month's final qualifying event. This marks the first time since 2008 that Johnson will miss the Open Championship. He is expected to compete instead at a LIV Golf event in the United Kingdom the following week, assuming the tournament proceeds as scheduled.
In a separate development, UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma has stirred controversy with his remarks about WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark. During a sports media podcast, Auriemma argued that Clark's impact on the league should not be compared to Tiger Woods' transformative effect on the PGA Tour. He stated that the hype around Clark was created by others and that she is not a singular force capable of changing the league overnight, unlike Woods, who dominated tournaments and brought significant financial growth to golf.
Critics have pushed back against Auriemma's assessment, pointing to measurable changes in the WNBA since Clark's arrival. Before Clark entered the league in 2024, only one WNBA game in 15 years had drawn over one million viewers. Since her debut, at least 59 games have reached that milestone, with the Indiana Fever alone accounting for 21 such broadcasts during her first season. Additionally, the league's collective bargaining agreement has seen substantial growth, enabling all teams to charter flights—a luxury that was previously unaffordable for many franchises.
The debate over Clark's influence comes amid broader discussions about the WNBA's rising popularity and financial health. Supporters argue that her presence has driven unprecedented media attention and revenue, while skeptics like Auriemma caution against overstating her role. The contrast highlights ongoing tensions between traditional views of individual impact in sports and the realities of modern league dynamics.
In other sports news, the Big 12 conference kicked off its media days this week, with a notable exchange between a reporter and conference commissioner Brett Yormark. During a press session, a reporter asked a lengthy, convoluted question about the conference's future, prompting Yormark to walk over, instruct the reporter to stand and repeat the question, and then immediately walk away without providing an answer. The moment was widely shared on social media, with many commentators praising Yormark's handling of the situation as a display of confidence and authority.
The Big 12 media days are the first in a series of college football preseason events, with the ACC, SEC, and Big Ten scheduled to follow in the coming weeks. These gatherings mark the unofficial start of the football season, as teams prepare for fall practice and the eventual kickoff of games. The conference's expansion and realignment remain key topics, with ongoing discussions about membership changes and scheduling.
Elsewhere, former reality TV star Kristin Cavallari made headlines with claims about her ex-husband, former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, regarding their divorce. While details of her statements were not fully elaborated in available sources, the remarks have added to a pattern of public commentary about their split. Cavallari and Cutler, who were married for seven years, have two children together and have been in the spotlight since their relationship began.
The week also saw a tribute to country music star Toby Keith, who would have turned 64. Keith, who died in 2024, was remembered by fans and colleagues for his patriotic anthems and distinctive style. His song «The Taliban Song» was highlighted as an underrated track, though it has been removed from some streaming platforms. Keith's legacy continues to resonate in the music and sports communities, where he was known for his support of the U.S. military and his frequent performances at events.
As the summer sports calendar progresses, attention is shifting from soccer's World Cup to American football, with college media days serving as a bridge to the upcoming season. The combination of celebrity appearances, league debates, and conference developments underscores the diverse landscape of sports and entertainment in the current news cycle.
