The Olympics in Rio are over and it was very exciting. The US dominated the medal count, and there were so many dramatic stories told.

The USA men's and women's basketball teams got the job done and left with gold. The men played one of their best games in dispatching Serbia in the finals. The women dominated against Spain.

This Olympics will be remembered for names like Katie Ledecky, Michiael Phelps, Simone Biles and Usain Bolt. There was a number of other surprises too.

All in all, it was a dramatic Olympics. Now we can concentrate on baseball pennant races, baby!

The first week of the Olympics is in the books and we have seen a lot of drama, great performances and excitement.

The second week will produce even more action.

We have seen a number of expected stars come through. Michael Phelps was dominant again, finishing his Olympic career (at least for now) with 23 gold medals. Katie Ledecky was also incredible in the pool. Usain Bolt was the world's fastest man, beating Justin Gatlin in the 100 meters. Andy Murray was his second straight gold medal in men's singles.

There was new faces making noise too. Simone Manuel, Maya Dirado and Lilly King shined in swimming. Monica Puig was the surprise gold medal winner in women's tennis.

The biggest early surprise was the US women's soccer team losing to Sweden in the quarterfinals.

It has been fun to see the athletes performing well in Rio.

Friday will be the final day that Alex Rodriguez wears a Yankee uniform.

Will it be the last time A. Rod. wears a major league uniform?

Despite last week's press conference, Alex could decide to come back with another team to make a run at that special milestone of 700 home runs.

Friday night in the Bronx will be sad in a way. Rodriguez and the Yankees should be celebrating his success. Instead, the team is ending the relationship.

It will be dramatic, that is for sure.

Today was the 18th Annual Dick Vitale Family Scholarship Day at the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club. We honored 5 recipients with $1000 each.The honorees were Priscilla Angeles, Caylee Lombardi, Alyson Lorefice, Omar Lyons-Davis, and Alex Menese. Each year we give $5000 to outstanding members.

It was a great moment for me as I selected 3 members from the crowd who were intent on listening during my message of "Chasing Your Dreams".

My wife and I love the chance to help these youngsters each year!

Wednesday was a very tough day.

I was shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of my buddy, John Saunders. He was just 61 years old.

I loved my time working with John. He was such a special person, a family man who cared about others. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. John meant so much to the V Foundation and worked so hard because of his pal, Jimmy Valvano.

John was kind enough to introduce me when I was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He also was the emcee at my Dickie V gala on numerous occasions and did a terrific job.

He will truly be missed. RIP my friend.