QUENTIN LETTS: Andy Burnham has become the Invisible Man
Where was Andy Burnham? In a few days he will become our unelected prime minister but again there was no sight of him in the Commons for PMQs. Last week some people said his non-appearance was a sign of respect to Sir Keir Starmer, who had just announced his resignation. Had Eyelashes Andy been in the chamber it might have seemed he was gloating, apparently.
This week there was no such explanation for our new ruler's absence. He has become the Invisible Man, a scented vacuum, some distant nimbus on the north-western horizon. Brother Ectoplasm. Parliament's answer to the Sycamore Gap.
Sir Keir, who looks happier since he accepted the inevitable, was asked by Kemi Badenoch if Mr Burnham had accepted the Government's Defence Investment Plan. Specifically, had Eyelashes 'agreed to fund the shortfall' of £5billion that the Opposition claims to have spotted in that plan?
Sir Keir did not answer that directly. He just said the Plan had been 'delivered outside the budget' and that the shortfall would be paid for from 'headroom'. I must tell my wife to try those arguments next time she has one of her tricky meetings with our bank manager at Lloyds. 'Delivered outside the budget' is a fine phrase. Bankrupts across the world will alight on it.
With Mr Burnham having stayed away from PMQs, he could not rise to tell the House – and therefore the country – what he thought of defence spending. Nor could we see his expression and posture for evidence of discomfort or otherwise. An invisible man cannot be scrutinised or held to account. This has a short-term political benefit in that it saves him becoming snared in a row. But absence is also unwise, for it allows uncertainty and unhappiness to procreate. It leaves Labour's backbenchers leaderless at a time when they are desperate for impetus.
Young Jack Abbott (Ipswich), ambitious and reasonably bright, looked exhausted. For two years he has sucked up to a system that is now vanishing. Jolly bad luck. Now he must apply his suction nozzles to an entirely different leadership team.
In a few days Andy Burnham will become our unelected prime minister but again there was no sight of him in the Commons for PMQs
Sir Keir, who looks happier since he accepted the inevitable, was asked by Kemi Badenoch if Mr Burnham had accepted the Government's Defence Investment Plan but did not answer her question directly, writes Quentin Letts
Lola McEvoy (Darlington), another new MP who seems fairly clued-up, gazed at the tip of her right index finger, as one might casually examine the point of a poignard. Pam Cox (Colchester) drifted away to a world of her own. Even that indomitable soul Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the foreign affairs select committee, looked deflated. The dame's dimples had vanished. Her hairdo had slipped – imagine Kenneth More after a hard night. To see her dameship thus becalmed, muted and wan, was sad. Big Bertha rusting in the sidings. The Graf Zeppelin with a slow puncture.
Sir Keir teased the Lib Dems for being more interested in golf courses than hospitals. Alex Ballinger (Lab, Halesowen) tried to mention some England footballer but forgot the man's name. Catherine West (Lab, Hornsey), who once threatened to stand against Sir Keir, told the PM how widely he was respected. The House laughed at her. But it all felt pointless.
Since he took the oath in Westminster last week Mr Burnham has not uttered a word in debates. Is he in important meetings? We are not told. Nor may reporters, or those who are admitted to his royal presence, ask. The only trace of activity from 'the Member for Makerfield' (as everyone refers to him) was on TikTok, where he posted a childish film about designs for a 'No10 in the North'. Do they mean No10 Rillington Place?
Several other 'big names' were missing. Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner and Shabana Mahmood, all of whom will reportedly serve in the Burnham government, were also absent. This is strange. It feels improper. Slightly ominous. A tsunami may be about to hit Westminster yet the kiddies still frolic in rockpools with their buckets and spades. The sandpipers prance and the beach bar plays Begin the Beguine. And they think we won't mind because we're only voters.
Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Athletic Director Pat Kraft says Penn State has "one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics."Mark Wogenrich|
In this story:
Penn State Nittany LionsPenn State has developed new business and marketing partnerships generating more than $1 billion in future athletics revenue, according to Athletic Director Pat Kraft. It also has one of the largest debt services in college athletics, the product of an ongoing $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium.
In a letter to Penn State fans recapping the 2025-26 athletics season, Kraft said that Penn State saw record attendance, fundraising and ticket sales during the year. Penn State generated record revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, topping $250 million in gross athletics revenue for the first time in school history. Figures for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be available early next year.
Penn State also spent more than $250 million for the first time, largely due to increasing NIL payments and the Beaver Stadium renovation. Penn State reported total athletics-related debt of $534.6 million, one of the nation's highest athletics deficits.
Still, Kraft in his letter painted a positive outlook of Penn State's total athletics health.
"Together, we’ve built one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics, securing more than $1 billion in guaranteed future revenue while dramatically increasing philanthropic support for our student-athletes and programs," Kraft wrote. "Those aren’t simply milestones. They’re investments in championships. They’re investments in people. And they’re investments in the future of Penn State Athletics."
One chapter closes, another begins. Here's to what's next.#WeAre | A letter from Pat Kraft: https://t.co/z3QVD7RGGU pic.twitter.com/WV2rcLiSvi
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) June 30, 2026
Kraft's letter marked not only the begininng of Penn State's 2026-27 athletics year and budget but also his fifth year in charge of the department. Kraft has made sweeping changes during his Penn State term, including the new 10-year apparrel deal with adidas that took effect July 1.
Kraft said the deal, whose total value could reach $300 million over its lifespan, would set an "industry standard" in college athletics. Penn State on Wednesday unveiled its new adidas football uniforms and opened a campus pop-up shop featuring adidas merchandise.
Kraft has conducted a significant overhaul of Penn State's athletics department since becoming athletic director in 2022. He negotiated a 15-year, $50 million deal for the naming rights to the field at Beaver Stadium and signed contracts with a new media rights partner and a new ticketing partner, among many others. The adidas deal represents Kraft's most consequential change.
Penn State also reached a milestone in the Beaver Stadium construction, holding a "topping out" ceremony in June that placed the last beam atop the new West Tower. When complete, the tower will reach a peak of 195 feet.
"Every day, the future of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium becomes more visible," Kraft wrote in the letter. "After more than 750,000 labor hours, thousands of tons of steel and the topping out of the final beam this June, we’re creating a game day experience worthy of the greatest fans in college sports.
'Expanded concourses, modern amenities, upgraded premium spaces, enhanced technology and improved accessibility will ensure Beaver Stadium remains one of the most iconic and intimidating venues in America for decades to come."
Built for the loudest crowd in college football. 🔊
— Beaver Stadium (@beaver_stadium) June 30, 2026
The new west side is on the way, and we already know the atmosphere is going to be next level.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/liDjE6PpJ3
Penn State also opened its new Jeffrey Field soccer complex last year as well as the bubble training facility that relieves scheduling pressure on Holuba Hall, which multiple programs shared with Penn State football.
"These investments aren’t simply about buildings," Kraft wrote. "They’re about creating an environment where the best coaches want to coach, the best student-athletes want to compete and where every member of our department has the resources to pursue excellence. They reflect
our belief that when you invest in people, extraordinary things happen."
On the field, Penn State finished 23rd in the Learfield Directors' Cup, the annual all-sports award of college athletics. Having publicly suggested Penn State could win four NCAA titles last season, Kraft setteld for one: the fifth straight NCAA team title for Penn State wrestling.
"As proud as we are of what we’ve accomplished together, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead," Kraft wrote. "The future of college athletics is being written today, and Penn State intends to help write it. We have extraordinary student-athletes. Outstanding coaches. Incredible staff. Unmatched facilities. And the greatest fans in college athletics.
"Most importantly, we have a community that believes in something bigger than itself. Thank you for believing in our vision. Thank you for believing in our student-athletes. And thank you for believing in Penn State. The momentum is real. The future is bright. And we’re just getting started."
We Are—and will always be...Penn State.#WeAre \\\ @adidas pic.twitter.com/FBl7qxTuwT
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 1, 2026
Sign up to our free Penn State Nittany Lions newsletter and follow us on social media.
Published 25 minutes ago
MARK WOGENRICHMark Wogenrich is the editor and publisher of Penn State on SI, the site for Nittany Lions sports on the Sports Illustrated network. He has covered Penn State sports for more than two decades across three coaching staffs, three Rose Bowls and one College Football Playoff appearance.
Follow MarkWogenrichHome/Football
Ricky Pearsall Leads Five NFC West Sleepers Who Could Win Fantasy Football Leagues in 2026
Ricky Pearsall Leads Five NFC West Sleepers Who Could Win Fantasy Football Leagues in 2026
These fantasy sleepers in the NFC West could be difference-makers for fantasy owners.Daniel Outerbridge|
In this story:
San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsSeattle SeahawksThere are the fantasy players who are drafted to build a foundation for your team. Then you have the players who solidify your team. These individuals are called sleepers for a reason. They are stashed away quietly by fantasy owners until one of their starters goes down with an injury, or if they need a boost in production. These players often begin the season quietly in a limited role. Once they get the opportunity to earn playing time, their true identity is shown, and fantasy owners often scramble to acquire these types of players. A sleeper could determine whether you compete for a championship or not, and could produce just enough points to give you the edge. These sleeping giants are sure to awaken at some point during the season. Here is an assessment of the top sleepers in the NFC West for the upcoming NFL season.
Ricky Pearsall: San Francisco 49ers
Pearsall only played in nine regular season games and was limited by an injury he sustained in Week 4. He was given a role as a deep-threat option, and someone who was capable of stretching the field, but was unable to secure a consistent target share (18.4%). The 49ers are expecting Pearsall to transition into the role opposite Mike Evans. He is expected to see a huge spike in his production from a season ago, and he should see plenty of targets coming his way with Evans occupying the opposing team's best cover corner. Pearsall is a sleeper in PPR formats if he can consistently remain in a full-time role.
Jordan James: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers run a lot of play-action and variations of wide-zone concepts designed to create bigger running lanes for their backs. Christian McCaffrey, Raheem Mostert and Elijah Mitchell have had their share of success in Kyle Shanahan's system and have performed quite well. Since McCaffrey is heavily involved in the 49ers' passing attack at times, the opportunities for carries exist. James is a player who should get the chance to capitalize. His contingent upside gives him value, and the 49ers' scheme is designed to create efficient production from their RBs. His value as a handcuff is also important, considering McCaffrey's extensive injury history. He did not play a down his entire rookie season until the blowout loss in the postseason. While at Oregon, James averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 15 TDs, proving that he can handle a full workload in the event McCaffrey goes down.
Michael Wilson: Arizona Cardinals
With Marvin Harrison Jr. solidified as the WR1, Wilson could emerge as a legitimate sleeper candidate. After Kyler Murray went down with an injury in Week 5, Jacoby Brissett stepped in as the starter, and Wilson was able to develop chemistry with the veteran quarterback and saw a huge uptick in production. He was able to achieve his first 1,000-yard season, and he could produce even better numbers once this duo hits the field in Week 1. To be fair, Wilson's production peaked during Weeks 11-15 after Harrison Jr. missed time in concussion protocol. He immediately became Brissett's top target and proved that he is capable of being a legit WR2. Wilson is considered a late-round sleeper in best-ball formats. His ADP sits at 95, and he's slated as the WR 41.
Blake Corum: Los Angeles Rams
Corum has shown flashes of his ability as the primary back up to Kyren Williams. He had the kind of season fantasy owners love to see from a handcuff as he put up solid numbers across the board. The two talented RBs have formed a dangerous platoon, and Corum is expected to get even more carries this season. He is valuable as a flex option in most leagues, and could be the determining factor in helping fantasy owners win their weekly matchup. In an attempt to keep Williams fresh, Corum received a bigger percentage of the carries, and he did not disappoint. He was ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry (5.1), explosive run rate (15.9%) and avoided tackle rate (25.5%).
"He would step right into Kyren Williams‘ fantasy gold mine of a role in the case of an injury"
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) May 20, 2026
Blake Corum is the best handcuff in fantasy football according to @tchmyz pic.twitter.com/RWIt3jzBgV
Rashid Shaheed: Seattle Seahawks
Another weekly flex option to consider is Shaheed. He is expected to take on an expanded role and has a good chance to win the WR2 job opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Early team updates have indicated that the Seahawks would like to get him more involved in the passing game after his chemistry with Sam Darnold was evident. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is implementing shorter and intermediate routes for him instead of only deploying him as a deep threat.
Rashid Shaheed's Full Season Projections 2026-27
Receptions | 70 to 80 receptions |
|---|---|
Receiving Yards | 800 to 900 yards |
Total TDs | 5 to 7 total TDs |
Targets | 100 to 115 total targets |
His improvement as a route runner increases his value in PPR formats, and his big-play ability makes him a valuable commodity in half-PPR formats as well. He could take on a bigger role than fantasy owners realize if his volume continues to increase week to week.
Published 4 minutes ago | Modified 4 minutes ago
DANIEL OUTERBRIDGEDaniel Outerbridge covers the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and MLB with an emphasis on the numbers behind the game. His work breaks down player performance, team strategy, and emerging statistical trends to provide actionable insights for fans and fantasy players. Outerbridge has written for a myriad of other outlets including Anubis Sports and FanSided.
Home/Rankings
