1. Missouri men’s basketball unofficially kicked off its 2018-2019 campaign with media day.

Cuonzo Martin and his players met with the media on Wednesday, and it seems like their were only a few bits of housekeeping news. The first is that KJ Santos is considered week-to-week with a foot injury. That might be a concern, considering Santos has had previous foot injuries.

The second is that Mitchell Smith’s status with the team is still undetermined after his recent DWI arrest.

Among the other quick-hit notes, let’s take a run through Missouri media Twitter:

And, finally, this might be the coolest, most heart-warming news of the day:

2. Former Missouri players get a shot in new professional football league.

The Alliance of American Football is apparently a thing and its Birmingham franchise signed three former Missouri players: L’Damian Washington, Aarion Penton and Harold Brantley.

Birmingham apparently has first right to sign players who went to Mississippi State or Missouri, and the “allocation process” gives them the opportunity to sign players with recent CFL experience, hence, Harold Brantley.

Here’s more information on the AAF. And if you’re wondering how the salaries look, this is from that AL.com article:

AAF players sign non-guaranteed contracts worth $250,000 over three years. They’ll have the opportunity to earn more through a variety of bonuses tied to performance, statistics and fan engagement. Players who complete one season in the league will earn an educational stipend.

3. Bye-week blues

Now the realization is setting in that we don’t have Missouri football to look forward too — but we’ve still got some football content during this slow time.

• Dave Matter writes that there’s no cruise control for Missouri during the bye week (via STLtoday.com)
• Daniel Jones does a great job breaking down the blocked punt that left Missouri with an uphill battle against Georgia (via ColumbiaTribune.com)
• Missouri uses the bye week to clean up mistakes, writes Eli Lederman of the Columbia Missourian.

Yesterday at Rock M

• We know Missouri is 3-1. But what will Missouri’s record be at the end this year?
• Cuonzo Martin is reuniting Missouri basketball with its history

More Links:

• Cameron Teague-Robinson writes on how Missouri soccer player Bethany Coons has developed into a leader after an injury-filled season.
• Corey Fatony named a William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist, which is given to college football’s best scholar athlete.