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Knicks crush Cavaliers in Game 2, take commanding 2-0 lead in series behind Josh Hart's career night

Thu, 21 May 2026 23:10:58 -0400

The New York Knicks didn’t need a historic comeback to take Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals from the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

Instead, it was a dominant victory in regulation, 109-93, as the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series to Cleveland this weekend.

There was no hangover for the Cavaliers to begin the game, as they owned a 27-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. But the Knicks found their way into the lead by halftime.

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It was the third quarter where New York started to pull away, getting the lead up to 18 points as the Madison Square Garden crowd went ballistic. The Knicks went on an 18-0 run at one point as well, which was reminiscent of Game 1’s fourth-quarter comeback.

However, Cleveland wasn’t letting off the gas despite the deficit. The Cavaliers cut the 18-point lead in half with around 8:30 left in the fourth quarter, as New York struggled to buy a basket.

KNICKS STORM BACK TO SHOCK CAVS IN GAME 1 AS JAMES HARDEN'S DEFENSIVE PLAY COMES UNDER SCRUTINY

But once OG Anunoby knocked down a three-pointer from the left wing, things were back to normal for the Knicks crowd.

Mikal Bridges, who had a stellar night on both ends of the floor, hit a wide-open three with 6:12 remaining in the fourth that got the lead back up to 13 for the Knicks, and they would coast from there.

Jalen Brunson, the team’s All-Star point guard, was phenomenal in the comeback on Tuesday night, dropping 38 points. But Cleveland made their game plan known right away in this matchup, putting pressure on him to the point where he’d be giving up the rock in double-teams.

As a result, the Cavaliers were fine with Josh Hart taking shots instead. While the plan seemed to work in the first half a bit, Hart found his groove in the second and set a new career high with a team-high 26 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. He also got on the board with seven assists, four rebounds and two steals.

Meanwhile, Brunson tallied 19 points and dished out a playoff career-high 14 assists for New York. And once again, Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, playing efficiently for Mike Brown’s Knicks.

With the lead back up to 18 for the Knicks, all starters were pulled with under two minutes to play, as the crowd gave their squad a standing ovation for a job well done.

The Knicks shot 52% from the field and only saw 14 foul shots all game long, but they held the Cavaliers to just 39% shooting as a team. Cleveland also failed to capitalize on key free throws late in the game, as they were in the bonus with over nine minutes to play. As a team, they shot just 69% (22-of-32) from the charity stripe.

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Evan Mobley also had 14 points in the first half, but he curiously didn't take a single shot in the second half for Cleveland. Donovan Mitchell matched Hart's 26 points, though he shot 8-of-18. James Harden also went 6-of-15 for 18 points.

With the win, the Knicks have now won nine straight playoff games.

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Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford locks in extension with Rams worth up to $60M with incentives

Thu, 21 May 2026 20:47:11 -0400

There was no doubt Matthew Stafford would be returning for the 2026 season after saying so during his 2025 MVP Award acceptance speech, but the Los Angeles Rams officially reached an agreement on an extension with their starting quarterback on Thursday.

Stafford and the Rams agreed to a one-year extension, the team announced on Thursday. The extension is worth $55 million, and it can go as high as $60 million with incentives, according to ESPN.

He now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on his contract with the Rams.

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Stafford had one more year remaining on his two-year, $84 million deal he signed with Los Angeles before the 2025 season, but inking this extension shows the 38-year-old’s desire to play past this upcoming campaign.

It’s clear Stafford still has more in the tank for his career after tallying 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in his MVP season a year ago.

RAMS COACH SEAN MCVAY EXPLAINS WHY HE LOOKED UNHAPPY AFTER THE TEAM SURPRISINGLY SELECTED TY SIMPSON

This year, Stafford will turn 39 one week before Super Bowl LXI, which just so happens to be set for the Rams’ home stadium, SoFi Stadium. It’s also where Stafford helped deliver the Rams their most recent Super Bowl title during the 2021 season.

Stafford will be entering his 18th season in the NFL, his sixth with the Rams since he was traded by the Detroit Lions prior to the 2021 season.

Detroit made Stafford the No. 1 overall pick out of Georgia in 2009, and he spent 12 years with the franchise before their blockbuster trade, which involved their current starting quarterback, Jared Goff.

And while Stafford is now set through the 2027 season, the Rams clearly thought about their quarterback future this offseason, adding Alabama’s Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. It’s widely viewed that Simpson will learn behind Stafford, and ultimately become his successor.

Stafford’s mindset was clear for the 2026 season, telling everyone at the NFL Honors, "I’ll see you guys next year."

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But the future Hall of Famer seems to want another year added to that clock, focused on continuing his run with Rams head coach Sean McVay.

Alexi Lalas dreading thought England could win World Cup on America's 250th birthday: 'Cannot have that'

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:51:23 -0400

There is no clear-cut favorite heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but if you ask Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas who he believes will lift the trophy at the end of the tournament, he’ll give you one answer.

"I don’t care who wins as long as it’s not England," he said during Fox Sports’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day on Wednesday in New York City. "I can abide by a lot of things happening this summer, but one thing I cannot is having England come over on our shores, on our 250th birthday of what I feel is the greatest country in the world, and for them to win a World Cup.

"If you think they’re insufferable now, could you imagine they came over and won that World Cup and it’s coming home through our country. I cannot have that, so anybody but England."

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The U.S.-England rivalry in soccer was in full force in 2022, when they were pitted against each other in their group stage in Qatar. It was a 0-0 draw in a hard-fought match for both sides, but in 2026, they’ll have to get out of their respective groups if they are to meet in the tournament.

But Lalas couldn’t imagine England taking home its first World Cup since 1966 — the country’s only victory in the tournament of all tournaments.

US SOCCER GREAT THINKS AMERICAN TEAM CAN SHOCK THE WORLD AT UPCOMING WORLD CUP

There is no denying, though, how great the English squad will be this year, as Lalas knows.

"They’re really good," he said. "As much as it pains me to say, they are very, very good. The soccer gods have a wicked sense of humor. Please not England, anybody but England."

Lalas’ Fox Sports colleague, host Rebecca Lowe, is a West Londoner who has dreamed of her country winning it all since she can remember.

"Every four years of my play since 1990, I think about England winning the World Cup," she said after Lalas’ rant. "So, I’m now getting to a stage where if I now go against them, they’re going to do it.

"I’m going to be courageous. It is going to come home."

Lowe and Lalas said that they will have a bet in place once the tournament begins where, if England does indeed win it all, the latter will have to do something and vice versa.

Carli Lloyd, Stu Holden, and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez also gave their predictions about who would win. Hernandez was on Lowe’s side believing England could win it all, though he hopes his home country, fellow host site Mexico, can do so instead.

Lloyd and Holden both think France, which fell in penalties to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final, will get the job done at MetLife Stadium in July.

"The French, I just look at this team, they continue to get stronger. When they go down a generation, the next generation comes," Holden said.

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"I’m going to go with France as well," Lloyd added shortly after. "The depth, the experience. I know firsthand losing in 2011 at the World Cup, coming back and really having that desire to really want to win in 2015. There’s something about that."

The panel was hopeful the U.S. men’s national team can make a run on home soil, but it’s hard to deny the talent level elsewhere as the best players and countries in the world converge on North America in just a few weeks.

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Alexi Lalas doesn't want to hear about Team USA pressure during home World Cup: 'Cry me a river'

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:08:29 -0400

Alexi Lalas’ first FIFA World Cup was in 1994, which was also the last time the biggest tournament in soccer was played in the United States.

So, 32 years later, he’s the right person to talk to about what the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) will be going through come June 12, when they begin their World Cup schedule against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Lalas, though, didn’t mince his words when discussing his expectations for the USMNT during Fox Sports’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Day in New York City.

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"Cry me a river when it comes to the pressure. Bunch of whiners. If they’re whining about the pressure of playing in a World Cup, then they’ve already lost," he told the media in attendance.

If you listen to Lalas’ analysis on any given match day, words like that shouldn’t surprise you. However, Lalas’ blunt nature is because he believes this team is equipped with the talent and resources to do something special on home soil this time around.

US SOCCER LEGEND LANDON DONOVAN TALKS TEAM'S WORLD CUP CHANCES, RECALLS HONOR OF REPRESENTING COUNTRY

"Let me be a grumpy old man for a little bit," he added. "This is a generation that’s been given absolutely everything, both on and off the field in terms of resources, in terms of opportunities, in terms of pathways. I don’t think I’m being unrealistic, I don’t think I’m being unfair by saying that we should expect more from this group."

Lalas’ broadcast partner, Stu Holden, shares the same thoughts regarding the talent this USMNT will possess come next month.

"Look, this is a talented group of players playing in some of the biggest clubs that we have seen in history," Holden, who played for the U.S. during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. "On any given day in the Champions League on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you’re going to catch eight or nine U.S. players playing in those matches. We haven’t had that in our history.

"The hardest part to really quantify and analyze is how the team is going to lean into being the host. Do they crumble under the pressure, or do they thrive in it? Understand that this is a huge opportunity and responsibility, of course, but enjoy the moment. I think if the team can find a way to come together as individuals and play as a team, they can do something special.

"Legacies are defined in a World Cup, and this team will forever be looked upon and judged upon what happens this summer."

Holden went as far as to say it’s "absolutely paramount" that the U.S. wins its first match in Group D against Paraguay. And winning in the World Cup is something Carli Lloyd, who will be among those giving analysis for Fox Sports throughout the tournament, knows all too well.

Lloyd has two Women’s World Cup titles under her belt, and she is one of the most recognizable soccer players in the country. But she was candid about how important this tournament is for the U.S. men – a talented group that has the opportunity to become household names instead of those international stars coming over.

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"I think this group needs to do a good job of harnessing that pressure, thriving in that pressure, embracing that pressure. You talk to a lot of people here in America, ‘Name some soccer players.’ We got the Messis, the Ronaldos – let’s talk about some Americans," she said. "This is the opportunity for some U.S. players have this summer to emerge as stars. This is life-changing for Alexi in the World Cup, life-changing for me. This is a moment in time where we can start to talk about Weston McKennie. Christian Pulisic is a star, but let’s see some other stars. Let’s take some pride in this country this summer, and the players have to go out and play well and inspire. We’ve got to have more Americans talking about the American players instead of the players overseas. That’s the opportunity they have."

Lalas added: "We, as a nation, should expect more from these young men in terms of the talent that they have. And I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t believe they could live up to it. So, whatever pressure they feel…tough. There is nothing better playing in a World Cup than playing in a home World Cup."

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Cooper Flagg leads NBA All-Rookie First Team alongside former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:06:15 -0400

It’s no secret that Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 overall pick who won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, was a part of the league’s All-Rookie first-team that came out on Wednesday night.

But other bright, young stars of the NBA were named alongside him.

Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel, Flagg’s Duke Blue Devils teammate in college and runner-up to the Rookie of the Year Award, as well as Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe were also named unanimous All-Rookie First Team members alongside Flagg following voter tallies.

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Rounding out the first team were San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper and Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward. All five players received votes for this year’s Rookie of the Year Award.

There were 100 ballots tallied for the teams, and Harper was seven votes shy of another unanimous selection. He had seven second-team votes, while Coward had 29 first-team votes and 67 second-team votes for a total of 125 points.

COOPER FLAGG WINS NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AFTER KON KNUEPPEL'S PLAY-IN TOURNAMENT STRUGGLES SWAYED VOTERS

Flagg narrowly beat out Knueppel, who went three picks to the Hornets after his Duke teammate, earning 56 first-place votes compared to Knueppel’s 44 in that tally. Edgecombe finished in third place with 96 points (93 third-place votes), while Harper and Coward also got third-place votes.

Flagg is the second-youngest player to ever win the award, as the 19-year-old was only behind Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.

For most of the season, it appeared Knueppel was going to win the award, but multiple voters came out publicly and said Knueppel’s Play-In Tournament struggles factored into them changing their minds for Flagg.

Knueppel had just six points on 2-of-12 shooting in 34 minutes during the Hornets’ electric 127-126 overtime win over the Miami Heat at the start of the tournament. Then, in the 121-90 loss to the Orlando Magic, he shot 3 of 11 for 11 points (4 of 5 from the free-throw line as well), and he posted a minus-26 while on the court.

Flagg noted being keen on what Knueppel was doing during the year, showing love to his fellow rookie.

"I see the games every night. I can check the box scores," he said about watching Knueppel’s stat lines closely, per ESPN. "I think also I was watching Kon just because that’s one of my brothers.

"We had such a good connection, and we’re gonna be there for each other for the rest of our lives. I was watching him as a fan, as well, but there was obviously that competition at the same time."

Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this year for the Mavericks. Those numbers had him among some NBA greats, as Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic were the only rookies before Flagg to average at least 20 points, six rebounds and four assists since the NBA-ABA merger, ESPN pointed out. Flagg also led all rookies in scoring this season.

As for Knueppel, he dropped 18.5 points per game with 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists, but while Flagg had him beat in those categories, he reset the rookie 3-pointers made record with 273. That number also led the NBA this season. Knueppel was also a key piece in the Hornets getting into the Play-In Tournament to begin with, finishing 44-38 before being eliminated by the Magic.

But neither of them are still in the NBA Playoffs, as Harper has excelled alongside his Spurs teammates, most notably Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s Rookie of the Year two seasons ago, and Stephon Castle, the Rookie of the Year during the 2024-25 campaign.

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Edgecombe also played a vital role in the 76ers toppling the Boston Celtics in a first-round shocker, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series in Game 7. Unfortunately for Edgecombe and his teammates, the New York Knicks swept them in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The All-Rookie second-team consists of New Orleans Pelicans’ Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, Sacramento Kings’ Maxime Raynaud, Utah Jazz’s Ace Bailey and Toronto Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles.

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Joey Chestnut will defend Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest title on July 4 while serving probation sentence

Wed, 20 May 2026 21:52:21 -0400

Joey Chestnut will be in Coney Island defending his Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 despite being on probation.

Chestnut pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge on April 20 and was sentenced to 180 days of probation in Hamilton County, Indiana.

However, "Jaws" was granted permission to travel outside the state, which allows him to participate in the event he’s won 17 times, including this past year, on July 4 in New York City. He had previously filed petitions to travel outside Indiana with the Hot Dog Eating Contest taking place.

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Chestnut, regarded as one of the best competitive eaters of all time, was accused of slapping a man in the face during a night out at an Indiana bar around 2 a.m. on March 21, per Us Weekly. He later told authorities that he was drunk and didn’t recall the interaction with the man.

The man also claimed he recognized and approached Chestnut while at the bar and shook his hand before he was slapped on the left side of his face.

JOEY CHESTNUT SENTENCED TO PROBATION AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO DRUNKENLY SLAPPING A MAN AT BAR

"The accused pulled [the victim] forward, moves closer and uses his right hand to strike [the victim] on the face with an open hand. [The victim] is observed reacting to the strike and moving his head downward and holding it there while the accused stands over him and [his friend]," the officer said in an affidavit obtained by Us Weekly. "[Chestnut] moves toward [the victim] again and [the victim] moves away from the accused.

"The touching was nude, insolent or angry because the open-handed strike was nonconsensual to the victim in a manner that caused pain while the accused allegedly used provocative language toward the victim to illicit a reaction."

Chestnut’s attorney, Mario Massillamany, said that his client took "full responsibility for this misunderstanding," the outlet reported.

Chestnut will be going for his 18th title in his last 19 attempts, though he may have had another one if not for Nathan’s banning him from competition in 2024. He had signed a deal with Nathan’s rival, Impossible Foods, prior to the competition.

But Chestnut and organizers of the event found common ground on sponsorships before the 2025 contest.

He went on to consume 70.5 hot dogs and buns in the 10-minute timeframe.

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Now that he’s locked in for the contest, Chestnut should be the overwhelming favorite. He’s also coming off a victory in the 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown in Tennessee, winning the event three years straight now. Chestnut ate 16 pounds of sausage in eight minutes, setting a new world record.

91��’ Ryan Morik and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Todd Monken says Shedeur Sanders has 'come miles' as Browns quarterback competition heats up

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:00:45 -0400

Shedeur Sanders’ new head coach likes what he’s seen from the quarterback heading into his second NFL season with the Cleveland Browns.

Todd Monken has been peppered with questions about his quarterbacks depth chart since taking the Browns’ head coaching job, which Kevin Stefanski used to have with the franchise.

Sanders, whom the Browns took in the fifth round of last year’s NFL Draft, is usually in those questions, as media and fans alike are curious what’s in store for him after closing out the 2025 campaign as the team’s starting quarterback. However, a new coach means new thinking about every position.

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Monken, though, spoke to Sanders’ development on Wednesday, where he said he’s seeing a player who has already "come a long way."

"I think Shedeur’s come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts. I think he’s really, really come a long way," Monken told reporters, via ESPN.

BROWNS GM ANDREW BERRY WON'T COMMIT TO SHEDEUR SANDERS AS 2026 STARTER DESPITE ROOKIE'S PROGRESS

After the Browns went with Joe Flacco to start the season, then Dillon Gabriel when Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, Sanders finally got a shot against the Las Vegas Raiders. He won his first-ever start in the NFL, and Stefanski named him starter the remainder of the season.

But Sanders and Deshaun Watson, who's back from injury heading into 2026, have continued to take split first-team reps during team drills at the Browns’ second OTA practice.

Watson, whose tenure in Cleveland has been the exact opposite of what the team had hoped for when they traded for and signed him to a massive contract in 2022. It was a fully guaranteed $230 million over five years, but he tore his Achilles in October 2024 and didn’t play at all in 2025.

Still, back on the gridiron, Monken said that "Deshaun’s athleticism shows up."

"Obviously he’s had that, but he’s had injuries that have set him back. I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, but it’s exciting to see – it’s a weapon for him. It’s one of his superpowers, his athleticism."

The Browns still have Gabriel, as well as rookie Taylen Green, on their depth chart ahead of the season. But it’s clear the competition starts with Watson and Sanders with training camp set for July.

Monken won’t be rushing to any conclusion at the position, but he does wish to name a starter by the beginning of training camp.

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"You’d love to have it at every position at the end of spring, but you can’t guarantee that," Monken said.

Until then, Sanders and the rest of the Browns’ roster will look to impress their new coach.

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Fernando Mendoza's Raiders debut may not happen until December, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests

Wed, 20 May 2026 17:19:13 -0400

Fernando Mendoza may be the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the Las Vegas Raiders don’t plan on having him under center in Week 1.

At least, that’s the hope of new head coach Klint Kubiak, who said as much in March.

"You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world," Kubiak said at the time during the NFL Scouting Combine.

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But when might Mendoza make his NFL debut? ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes it could come much later than fans expect, especially given the brutal stretch of games midway through the season.

"I think they’re going to want Kirk Cousins to start the season," Schefter said on his podcast. "And if you’re going to want to turn to Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, at some point in time, I don’t know if you’re going to want to do it in November when you have to go play four road games."

EX-NFL STAR CALLS FERNANDO MENDOZA 'THE MOST COMPLETE PLAYER' OF THE 2026 DRAFT

The Raiders’ November schedule begins with the New York Jets on the road, followed by a trip to San Francisco to face the 49ers. Then, it’s a home game at Allegiant Stadium, but against the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks.

Finally, the Raiders have their divisional bout with the Denver Broncos on the road before heading to Cleveland to face the Browns.

"That’s not a great time to have to go to your rookie quarterback if you haven’t gone to him by then. So, we could be seeing Kirk Cousins up until about December 1," Schefter added.

After the Browns game, the Raiders have their bye week before three straight home games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans, respectively. They end the season on the road with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17 and Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18.

Mendoza, the national champion and Heisman Trophy winner for the Indiana Hoosiers this past collegiate season, will have a bright spotlight in Las Vegas considering his draft stock and how the franchise believes him to be their quarterback of the future.

But the signing of Cousins, as well as Kubiak’s statement, points to there not necessarily being an open quarterback competition to begin training camp this summer.

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Of course, that could change. But Kubiak is hoping his ideal world, where Cousins starts and Mendoza learns and develops behind a tested veteran quarterback, is the direction now for the Raiders.

Time will surely tell when Mendoza takes over under center, but perhaps Schefter is on to something when looking at the schedule and trying to pinpoint when that NFL debut will come for him.

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Bill Belichick reveals how NFL legend Lawrence Taylor could read plays by how scared opponents were of him

Wed, 20 May 2026 06:19:34 -0400

Lawrence Taylor is regarded by many as the best defensive player to ever play in the NFL, including one of his former coaches with the New York Giants: Bill Belichick.

Belichick has always raved about "L.T." and how great of a player he was to coach. But, during an appearance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," Belichick revealed the two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time All-Pro linebacker’s instincts is what set him apart from the rest.

In fact, Taylor’s instincts were so great, he could tell who had him on any given play just by looking across the line of scrimmage.

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"Taylor had instincts beyond instincts," Belichick explained. "He was tremendously gifted, but he also knew the game extremely well instinctively. He could tell who was going to block him, Sean, by how scared they were. If they weren’t nervous, they weren’t blocking him. If they were nervous, that’s who was going to block him.

"If the quarterback was nervous, it was a pass. If the quarterback wasn’t nervous, he was handing the ball off. He could just tell."

Taylor’s fear factor has been well documented, but to simply look at a player’s expression across the line and know where the ball was going is something else.

GIANTS' ABDUL CARTER DENIED NO 56 BY HALL OF FAMER LAWRENCE TAYLOR: 'GET ANOTHER NUMBER'

Belichick started to see this from Taylor when he was the second overall pick by the Giants in the 1981 NFL Draft. At the time, Belichick was serving as the team’s linebackers and special teams coach under head coach Bill Parcells.

Belichick would eventually be promoted to defensive coordinator in 1985, a post he held through the 1990 season before his first crack at being a head coach with the Cleveland Browns.

While he’s coached great players – he said Tom Brady was his top player during his coaching career – Belichick simply couldn’t teach how Taylor would dissect an offense.

"Within two or three plays within the start of the game, he had a good sense of how they were trying to deal with him and what their gameplan was for him," he told Hannity. "Sometimes, it was what we had planned on. Sometimes, he would come to the sideline and he would say, ‘Coach, they’re not doing what you said they were going to do. Here’s what they were doing.’ I trusted him because he really could see where they were looking, how their posture was, and so forth. Then, he never came off the field. When I was the special teams coach, I had him out there. He covered punts, he rushed punts, he was on kickoff return, he was on kickoff coverage, he was on field goal protection and he blocked field goals. He didn’t come off the field, but he made plays.

"He wasn’t a guy who took plays off. He picked his spots a little bit, but any time it was a big play, you got his best effort."

Belichick even said that he believed Taylor could’ve played multiple positions on the offensive side of the ball if he wanted to, showing the amount of respect in his talent during his days on the gridiron.

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Taylor was a pivotal piece in the Giants’ Super Bowl victories in 1986 and 1990, while on his way to being named the 1986 NFL MVP. He was also a three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner.

In his 13-year career, all of which with the Giants, Taylor racked up 142 sacks, including a league-high 20.5 in that MVP season, 41 forced fumbles, and nine interceptions across 184 games.

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Gerrit Cole to make first Yankees start since 2024 World Series, Aaron Boone announces

Tue, 19 May 2026 18:01:37 -0400

Gerrit Cole is finally ready for his New York Yankees return since having Tommy John surgery.

Cole will make his 2026 season debut on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays - his first start for the Yankees since 2024.

Cole, 35, missed the entirety of the 2025 campaign after undergoing surgery to repair a tear in his right UCL.

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The Yankees’ starting pitching staff has been a stellar group to start the 2026 campaign, but Cole’s return comes at a perfect time as fellow ace Max Fried in on the injured reserve with an elbow injury of his own. He is expected to miss around one month.

Manager Aaron Boone, who announced the move for Cole on Tuesday before the team’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, said on Monday that the Yankees were considering sticking with the original plan of having Cole make a seventh and final rehab start before his season debut with the team.

EX-YANKEES INFIELDER GIO URSHELA RETIRES FROM MLB AT 34

"We’ll see," he said prior to the Yankees winning its series opener against the Blue Jays. ‘We’re kind of talking about that here today, tomorrow, and we’ll make a call one way or another."

The writing appeared to be on the wall, though, as the Yankees optioned Elmer Rodriguez, who started in place of Fried against the New York Mets over the weekend, back down to Triple-A. They called up reliever Yovanny Cruz instead of getting another starter in the clubhouse.

Cole hasn’t pitched for the Yankees since Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, making this quite the comeback for the franchise’s ace. However, the Yankees have seen some ace-like pitching elsewhere since then, including an unexpected place this season.

Cam Schlitter, the 6-foot-6 flamethrower, is in the early running for American League Cy Young Award winner. He currently leads the league in ERA (1.35) across his 10 outings, six of which being deemed quality starts. He has 68 strikeouts to 11 walks across 60 total innings, cementing himself as the ace on the staff right now.

Schlittler’s big moment came for the Yankees in Game 3 of their Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox this past postseason, but he’s followed that up by showing it wasn’t a one-and-done moment. Instead, he’s been the Yankees most consistent starter in a group filled with elite talent like Fried, Carlos Rodon and now Cole.

Now, Cole hasn’t had the best numbers in his rehab starts, owning a 5.28 ERA across 29 innings in six outings. However, his metrics have checked the boxes, including a fastball that topped out at 99.6 mph this past Saturday in what was his best rehab outing. He allowed just one run on six hits.

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"He looks really good," Boone added. "I think this [latest] outing was a little more with probably competition in mind, like going to get guys out and stepping on it stuff wise."

Cole won the AL Cy Young in 2023 and has been the Yankees’ ace since signing with the franchise in 2019 on a nine-year, $324 million contract.

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Jalen Hurts absent from AJ Brown's wedding as Eagles trade rumors continue to swirl: report

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:50:52 -0400

It could mean nothing, but then again, the A.J. Brown saga with the Philadelphia Eagles remains a hot topic heading into the 2026 NFL season.

With Brown’s wedding taking place this past weekend, among those not in attendance was Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, according to TMZ.

It’s unknown if Hurts received an invite to Saturday’s event at Montage Laguna Beach in California, or whether he sent his teammate a gift for his big day.

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The outlet also reported that there were no Eagles teammates at the wedding, while noting it was also unknown if they were invited as well. A former Eagles teammate, Darius Slay, was in attendance.

Either way, the no-show by Hurts, or any current Eagles players for that matter, simply adds to the mysterious status of Brown and the franchise as rumors have been swirling all offseason.

A.J. BROWN TRADE RUMORS: LATEST NEWS CONCERNING EAGLES' STAR WIDE RECEIVER

The main tune of those speculating about Brown is that he will be traded to a new squad before the start of the year. And it could be coming very soon with rumors saying he might be on the move June 1, as NFL contracts become more flexible in terms of making trades.

The New England Patriots, who lost in Super Bowl LX to the Seattle Seahawks this past season, have been attached to those rumors the entire time. Many believe they would be a top candidate to land Brown, that is, if the Eagles decide it best to move on from their Pro Bowl receiver.

What isn’t a rumor is Brown’s frustration with his role in Philadelphia, especially this past season under offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who was fired from his post heading into 2026. Throughout the season, Brown made direct, as well as subtle, remarks about his usage despite the Eagles setting themselves up to reach the playoffs.

When they got there, the San Francisco 49ers took down the reigning Super Bowl champions in the Wild Card Round at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

During the year, Brown did everything from calling the Eagles a "s--- show" during a Twitch live stream, to cracking jokes about his usage during streamed games of Madden.

In the case of Brown’s wedding, it’s also worth noting Hurts’ absence considering the signal caller is the godfather of the receiver’s daughter, Jersee. They have a long-standing friendship that began before their time together in Philadelphia.

Brown’s production immediately skyrocketed when he was traded to the Eagles before the 2022 season, tallying a career-high 1,496 yards on 88 catches with 11 touchdowns while catching passes from Hurts for the first time. He followed that up with 1,456 yards on 106 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2023, his second straight Pro Bowl season.

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The Eagles ended up defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 campaign, but Brown saw his production dip to 67 catches for 1,079 yards despite scoring seven times once more. The addition of All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley, who won Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, impacted the need to throw the football.

Then, Brown had the lowest production in yards since his 2021 season in last year’s performance for the Eagles, tallying 1,003 on 78 grabs with seven touchdowns.

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Bill Belichick reveals why he has short-term approach instead of championship mindset with UNC

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:59:16 -0400

Bill Belichick’s inaugural season in college football didn’t go how he and the North Carolina Tar Heels hoped, finishing 4-8 and 2-6 in ACC play in 2025.

Nonetheless, the championship pedigree remains in Chapel Hill because of who the head coach is. Belichick’s eight career Super Bowl victories, six as head coach of the New England Patriots, hold reverence even if his first year with the Tar Heels wasn’t what anyone expected.

Belichick’s mindset, though, doesn’t think in terms of championship or bust despite what his career track record says.

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Ahead of his second season with UNC, Belichick, speaking on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," explained how he approaches a hopeful bounce-back campaign in 2026.

"Our goals are much more short-term than that, as were our goals in the NFL," he told Hannity. "We never talked about Super Bowl this year or last year. Whatever was done is done, and until we got to the game, it wasn’t really relevant. There were too many steps that needed to be taken in between. It’s the same thing for me at North Carolina.

TOM BRADY DISHES ON THE 'CHALLENGE' FOR BILL BELICHICK IN 1ST SEASON AT NORTH CAROLINA

"Right now, our goal is to get ready for training camp in August and what do we need to do between now and then with coaching and player preparation, coaching strategy. Based on what we know about our team, how things do we want to modify, what we did in the spring, and so forth. How do we have a good week, and then if we have a good week, what can we do to ramp up the next week to improve on that? Eventually keep trying to gain on higher ground."

Belichick admitted that the team’s "long-term goal" is to obviously compete well enough to enter the College Football Playoff and play for a national title one day.

"But that’s so far in the distance," he added. "What’s more important it to take advantage of today, and tomorrow, and this week. Those are really our goals – how do we maximize these few days?

"If we don’t take care of the daily steps, we won’t accomplish much."

Belichick was known for his "no days off" mantra with the Patriots, but it’s similar here in the sense that he’s focused on how to get better each day instead of looking too far ahead.

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After their disappointing season, Belichick and his staff at UNC also took advantage of the transfer portal, bolstering key positions, edge rusher and tight end especially, to give them a better chance to improve.

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Bill Belichick confirms feud with Tom Brady was fiction, praises his quarterback's leadership from day one

Tue, 19 May 2026 11:37:18 -0400

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady won six Super Bowls together with the New England Patriots, but a narrative that hovered over their greatness was that they were at odds with one another throughout that time.

Belichick, making an appearance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity," confirmed what he'd previously said alongside Brady – there’s no fact to that narrative, which was fueled by the media.

Hannity brought up a previous podcast appearance for the now-UNC Tar Heels head coach, where he was with Brady and Jim Gray. During the show, Brady brought up that "Brady vs. Belichick" narrative, denouncing it and explaining his respect for his coach.

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With Hannity, Belichick agreed "100%" that it was made up, and explained how his quarterback made him a better all-around coach.

"I learned so much from Tom. I never played quarterback," Belichick said in the lengthy interview. "Tom saw the game through a quarterback's eyes. I saw the games through a coach's eyes. Together, I think we both learned a lot from each other. On Tom, how defensive coaches looked at him or looked at offense. Me, on what a quarterback can do and what he can't do, what's hard, what's easy, what I can see, what I can't see, and how you see the game. And really, once Tom became our quarterback in 2002, everything I did from then on was to try to enhance him. The plays that he ran and the things that he did well, we tried to find people that would do those things. Tom was great."

Belichick remembered that people would say, "I yelled at Tom," but their relationship was one where the veteran coach didn’t have to waltz around him despite his status in the NFL.

TOM BRADY DISHES ON THE 'CHALLENGE' FOR BILL BELICHICK IN 1ST SEASON AT NORTH CAROLINA

"I mean, at times, sure. That's part of coaching," Belichick added. "But Tom was great about that. A lot of times he would say -- I might say to him, ‘Tom, look, it might be a little rough in there today in this meeting because of what happened in the game or yesterday or whatever.’ He’d said, ‘You know, I understand. We probably need it. Make sure you include me because then I’m one of the guys. If you leave me out of it, then it’s like Tom’s great and everyone else is the problem.’ He kinda said, ‘Don’t forget to include me.’

"He would walk out of there and say, ‘This is all of us. We gotta do better. Here’s what we gotta do.’ He was great at that. Tom had great leadership from the day he got there, even though he was the fourth-string quarterback. He led the rookies, he led the guys that were in his class, and that’s something I’ve always tried to do, to get leaders who try to lead from the beginning."

Belichick, who also discussed his book, "The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football," with Hannity, referred to Brady as a "great one." And though some viewed him as a dominant personality that ran the Patriots’ locker room during his time in Foxborough, it wasn’t the case.

"Tom wasn’t a dominant personality. He was just a great leader," Belichick said. "He would do whatever you asked him to do. Honestly, if you told him to go out there and run a reverse and block the defensive end, he’d go block the defensive end. He’d do whatever the team needed him to do, and he was very competitive."

There was, however, the end of their run together in New England, where Brady and Belichick ultimately split. The quarterback desired a change of scenery, choosing to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he’d win a Super Bowl in his first season with his new team.

But while there were those serious, sometimes contentious conversations, Belichick and Brady have been nothing but supporters of one another since their time with the Patriots ended after 20 years.

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In fact, when Belichick was snubbed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a first-ballot inductee earlier this year, Brady was among those who scoffed at the football writers for leaving out the coach with the third-most wins all-time.

Mutual respect remains for two of the greatest at their respective football crafts, no matter what the media said then.

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Spurs snap Thunder's playoff win streak behind Victory Wembanyama's incredible Game 1 performance

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:55:48 -0400

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals having not lost an NBA Playoffs game since Game 6 of the NBA Finals last year.

But they hadn’t faced Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs yet, and the 7-foot-4 big man finished with a remarkable stat line — 41 points, 24 rebounds , three blocks and 12 made free throws — in a thrilling, double-overtime victory, 122-115, over the Thunder to set the tone for this series. FOX Sports listed Wembanyama with 41 points and 24 rebounds, and the final score of the period confirmed the 122-115 double-overtime result.

Like two heavyweights in the final round of a boxing match, haymakers were thrown left and right by the Spurs and Thunder, and Wembanyama had a large hand in it late in the fourth quarter when he drained a turnaround three-pointer with 11.5 seconds left on the clock to give San Antonio a 101-99 lead.

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However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player before the start of the series, came through in the clutch on the opposite end. With 3.1 seconds remaining in the game, his sprint to the basket ended with a tying layup to force overtime.

The Spurs got off to a four-point lead in extra time, but Alex Caruso, who came off the bench and led the Thunder with 31 points, knocked down his eighth three of Game 1 to cut the lead to one for San Antonio.

STEPHEN A SMITH FIRES BACK AT JAYLEN BROWN AFTER CELTICS STAR CALLED HIM THE 'FACE OF CLICKBAIT MEDIA'

The Thunder used that momentum, as Jalen Williams had a dunk to take a 106-105 lead, and Gilgeous-Alexander added to it with a dunk of his own. "Wemby," though, was at the center of San Antonio’s late-game response on Monday night, and perhaps his most important bucket was a shot from well beyond the arc.

Wembanyama took the ball from Stephon Castle and added to the guard’s assist total with a 27-foot three near the Oklahoma City logo to tie the game at 108 apiece with 27 seconds left. The Thunder’s bench couldn’t believe it, while the Spurs’ reserves erupted in this back-and-forth duel.

Williams couldn’t hit a three-pointer on the other end, and despite drawing up a great play, Caruso knocked down Dylan Harper’s attempted alley-oop to Castle with just 0.7 seconds remaining in overtime to keep the score where it was.

Needing one more extra period, Wembanyama took the game into his hands. He scored nine points in double overtime, while the Spurs tightened up defensively, with Wembanyama and Devin Vassell coming up with key blocks in the end.

Castle finished with 11 assists to lead the Spurs in that category, while rookie guard Dylan Harper made vital contributions with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a game-high seven steals in the win. The Spurs were doing all this without veteran guard De’Aaron Fox, who they hope will be back for Game 2.

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Williams had 26 points for Oklahoma City, while Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 24 points on 7-of-23 shooting with 12 assists and five steals.

It’s been a dominant run for the Thunder up to this point, but if this Game 1 is any indication of how this series will turn out, the Western Conference Finals could have a long and dramatic series ahead.

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Pete Crow-Armstrong apologizes for vulgar response to fan during Cubs' loss: 'Regret my choice of words'

Mon, 18 May 2026 21:42:36 -0400

Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong apologized for using vulgar language in a heated exchange with a fan during Sunday’s loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Crow-Armstrong, the 24-year-old star for the Cubs, said he has learned from the experience, regretting his "choice of words."

PCA was heard saying, "suck my f---ing d--- b----," during the interaction with the fan in the outfield.

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"I regret my choice of words the most and who that affects in my life," Crow-Armstrong said Monday afternoon, per ESPN. "Directly or indirectly, I don't think that any of the women in my life would think I would say those kinds of words regularly. I'm just bummed out about the word choice and a bunch of little kids going to social media and seeing that as well."

It was in the fifth inning of the "Crosstown Classic," where Crow-Armstrong was trying to track down a fly ball when he crashed into the wall. He sat on the ground for a bit, while fans were up close along the fence below the bleachers and by the visitor’s bullpen.

PETE CROW-ARMSTRONG GETS INTO UGLY, CURSE-FILLED SCREAMING MATCH WITH FEMALE WHITE SOX FAN

While several people appeared to talk to Crow-Armstrong, a woman heckled him, leading to his pointed response. The interaction was captured on camera, and Crow-Armstrong could be heard very clearly.

"I saw the cameras in my face, it’s not like I didn’t," he admitted. "I’m definitely aware of the fact that it has blown up."

Crow-Armstrong added that he is "intense on the field," but he admitted, "I think I let it get away from me a little bit."

Cubs manager Craig Counsell also hopes that his star outfielder learned from the situation.

"Pete made a mistake with his choice of words," Counsell said. "He's aware of that. ... It's the reality of this job. Fan interactions happen. You want to try and keep them positive even when they're not."

MLB wasn’t looking into the incident despite it going viral, ESPN added.

Crow-Armstrong is in his third year with the Cubs, but he’s already looked at as a key cornerstone of the historic franchise. Before the season, he also represented the United States in the World Baseball Classic.

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As a key representative of the franchise and all those in the clubhouse, Crow-Armstrong is hoping he can move forward by "killing someone with kindness instead of matching their level of intent."

I don't want to let that deter from the competitiveness I feel out on the field. Channeling in a different way would probably be my next task," he said.

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Nationals ban attendee after white nationalist banner unfurled during Sunday's game vs Orioles

Mon, 18 May 2026 17:03:14 -0400

The Washington Nationals banned an attendee from their home, Nationals Park, after showing a banner promoting a white nationalist website during a game on Sunday.

The team issued a statement to multiple media outlets saying it identified at least one of the individuals involved, though it would not release their identity.

"The Washington Nationals vehemently condemn discriminatory and hateful rhetoric, and we strive to make our home field a safe space for our fans," the Nationals’ statement read following the game against the Baltimore Orioles.

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During the Nationals’ game against the Orioles on Sunday, three people unfurled the banner in an upper deck section along the first baseline at Nationals Park, promoting the white nationalist website and calling for the deportation of "100+ million."

The attendees reportedly resisted removing the banner after an usher tried to confiscate it before they left the ballpark, according to a team spokesperson.

DETROIT TIGERS BROADCASTERS RIP MLB REPLAY AFTER CALLS ARE OVERTURNED: 'THIS IS GONNA GET UGLY IN A HURRY'

Jake Lang, a conservative influencer and among those who stormed The U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, took credit for the banner on his social media.

The banner unfurling came during the Nationals’ usual "Salute to Service" ceremony, where they honor a veteran military service member before the fourth inning begins.

Nationals Park guidelines state that "signs, banners and fan activities" must not "distract from the enjoyment of sports games or other forms of entertainment." Also, the stadium is "not a forum or place for use by the public at large for assembly and speech, for use by certain speakers or for the discussion of certain subjects."

There is also a restriction on the size and material of objects, which brings about how the banner got into the stadium in the first place.

It is currently unclear how the banner got through stadium security, per The Athletic.

Signs and banners must also adhere to Major League Baseball guidelines as well as the Nationals guest conduct policy. The policies prohibit any "derogatory matter relating to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, age, personal appearance, familial status, familial responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business or any other category protected by D.C. law."

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The Nationals lost to the Orioles, 7-3, on Sunday. They fell to 23-24 on the season, while the Orioles improved to 21-26.

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Stephen A Smith fires back at Jaylen Brown after Celtics star called him the 'face of clickbait media'

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:17:33 -0400

Stephen A. Smith is firing back at Jaylen Brown after the Boston Celtics star called the popular ESPN personality the "face of clickbait media" during a Twitch live stream over the weekend.

Brown referred to Smith as a "clown" as well, but the veteran sports pundit took time on Monday’s edition of "First Take" to address those comments in a long rant of his own.

"I’m not going to disrespect Jaylen Brown," Smith said. "…He’s pointing the finger in the wrong direction. Point it at yourself, bro."

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Smith had criticized Brown for saying this past season with the Boston Celtics, which ended in the first-round of the playoffs with a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, was his favorite with the franchise. Brown responded on Sunday night by telling the ESPN personality to "be quiet."

"Did he just say I needed to be quiet? Be quiet for who?" Brown said Sunday night. "Man, f--- Stephen A. Stephen A, Stephen B, Stephen C. My offer still stands. You want me to be quiet and stop streaming, well, I want you to be quiet and get off these networks because you’re not using your platform to do real journalism. You’re using your platform to use clickbait."

CELTICS STAR JAYLEN BROWN TEARS INTO ESPN'S STEPHEN A SMITH AS FEUD ESCALATES: 'FACE OF CLICKBAIT MEDIA'

"Tell this mother----er to retire because he’s the face of clickbait media at the point and maybe with his retirement we can spark a movement to get the rest of these mother----ers out of here — or to also have some type of … forget journalistic integrity, actual integrity in order to hold themselves accountable to the bulls--- takes they put out."

Smith doubled down on his previous comment, though, in Monday’s monologue.

"The Boston Celtics, the most storied franchise in basketball annals, 18 [championships]. You helped deliver one of them just two years ago. Two years later, y’all surrender a 3-1 lead for the first time in its history, in franchise history, with you driving the bus. And 24 hours after you didn’t go to the basket in the final two minutes, after y’all launched three-point shots on six separate occasions and missed every one of them. [In] 24 hours after that was over, you went on camera as a representative for the Boston Celtics and called it your favorite season. A season where Jayson Tatum was on the bench for 60 games, a season that ended with you losing a 3-1 lead, a season that ended with you getting bounced in the First Round. You went on and said that was your favorite season."

"Since you represent the franchise, I was simply providing a heads up that it wasn’t wise from somebody who is considered relatively wise to say that 24 hours after being sent home, after surrendering a 3-1 lead in the postseason for the first time in franchise history. That’s what I said."

Smith ended his rant with a warning for Brown.

"In the end, Jaylen Brown, be careful what you wish for," he said. "You really want me to start reporting on that level? You understand? Locker room, how the organization might feel about you, how the city might feel about you, how Jayson Tatum may or may not feel about you. Sneaker deals, endorsement deals, the list goes on and on.

"The season is over, bro. You’re on Twitch trying to do what I do, and me needing to step away. It makes no sense. I’m not being disrespectful. I’m simply making the point it is not wise after 24 hours of having your season over in the First Round for you to be coming out talking about how that’s your favorite season. It ain’t the smartest thing in the world to do."

Smith also prefaced his statement by saying how he’s been on Brown’s side throughout the season, as well as in the past. He brought up his philanthropy within his community and explained how much he respected Brown.

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As Smith mentioned, the Celtics were shockingly bounced from the NBA Playoffs after losing three straight games to finish their first-round series with the Sixers. During the regular season, with Tatum rehabbing his way back from injury, Brown was the focal point of the Celtics, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

Boston ended up earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference after going 56-26, but they couldn’t finish against Philadelphia, ultimately setting unfortunate franchise history in the process.

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USMNT captain Tyler Adams ready to be in 'patriotic mood' playing on home soil for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:09:06 -0400

All footballers around the globe dream of playing in the World Cup — it’s the ultimate chance at glory for generations to come.

However, playing a World Cup in your home country is something entirely different, and the United States men’s national team will get to experience that one month from now when they kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Tyler Adams, the USMNT’s captain, got to experience his first World Cup in 2022 when he traveled to Qatar with his teammates and coaches. They had some success but ultimately fell to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.

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It may not have been the result the U.S. wanted in Qatar, but now on home soil, Adams knows the entire squad is ready to show out for everyone supporting them across the country.

There’s more than enough patriotic pride to go around for this group.

US SOCCER GREAT THINKS AMERICAN TEAM CAN SHOCK THE WORLD AT UPCOMING WORLD CUP

"I think when we’re pulling up to a game, and you see the Stars and Stripes and the red, white and blue — just gets you in that patriotic mood," Adams told 91�� Digital in a recent interview while also highlighting his work with Scotts ahead of the World Cup. "That’s the honor of representing the country.

"Everyone really comes together, whether they watch soccer or they’ve never watched it before, there’s one thing about hosting an event in America. They always do it right. I can’t wait for our fans to turn up."

The U.S. will begin its World Cup journey in Los Angeles against Paraguay on June 12 for Group D play. For some veterans like Adams, the pressure of the World Cup is something he’s gotten used to now. But as a team leader, he knows that those who are green to such matches will need some advice.

"You don’t want to get too ahead of yourself," he said. "I feel that since we were a little bit young and naive going into that first tournament, it was like, ‘Ah, what’s coming next? How do we get to the next stage?’ You can’t worry about that because it’s not in your control at the moment. It’s game by game, moment by moment, pass by pass where you can have an impact. I think, for us, it’s focusing on the details of every single game, but taking it one game at a time."

Of course, every player wants to soak in the moment of playing in a World Cup, whether it’s their first or last time on the pitch for the tournament. Adams admitted it’s hard to do so because of the attention to detail and heated competition, telling his teammates, "it’s over in a blink of an eye."

KATY PERRY TO HEADLINE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY AS FANS DEBATE WHETHER SHE'S THE RIGHT PICK

But there’s no doubting how special this one will be for those representing the Stars and Stripes. They will play in Los Angeles and Seattle during their group stage matches, but they also want to make it through to the elimination stage, which will take place in other cities throughout the U.S.

"I think it’s nice because we’ve played in both of those environments before, and both of those cities have unbelievable fan bases just in sports in general," Adams said about looking forward to seeing the U.S. faithful in L.A. and Seattle. "So, I think the support is going to be there. I hope it’s a U.S.-heavy crowd, as it should be for a home World Cup. Just excited to play in front of friends and family."

GROWING THE GAME WITH SCOTTS

Speaking of growing the game, Scotts, North America’s leading lawn care products brand, partnered with Adams for its "Keep It Real" initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to youth sports and green space, funding over $432,000 while partnering with "Every Kid Sports" to aid over 2,000 kids across 48 states.

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As part of the effort, Scotts and Adams, who are spotlighting the value of natural grass in terms of safer play, helped restore natural grass fields where the next generation can grow the game. One of those was even his hometown field.

"When they came to me with this idea and this initiative, it was quite simple. I think one of the biggest things I need to do as a professional athlete now is give back to my community. That being said, I am giving back to my community with the partnership where we did a field day last summer and we’re restoring the field I played on as a kid. It was pretty cool to go back home and see that a brand I’m working with supports the ideas I have and give back to that community. Really, really grateful for that and the partnership. We’re starting to do really good things."

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:14:05 -0400

Just days after NJ Transit reduced 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced yet another cut.

Last week, the round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey were cut from the initial cost of $150 to $105.

Now, Sherrill announced the tickets have gone down to $98 round-trip ahead of them going on sale Tuesday night.

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"Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money," Sherrill wrote on X.

"Thank you to our partners — DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water — for helping make this possible.

"We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage."

NJ TRANSIT REDUCES WORLD CUP TRAIN TICKET PRICES AFTER BACKLASH, CITING MORE MONETARY SUPPORT: REPORT

NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee caught flak after the originally announced $150 price of the round-trip tickets. Their argument was it would eventually cost taxpayers if they didn’t have that abnormal price set for the influx of those getting to MetLife Stadium from New York City.

Then, NJ Transit announced last week it received monetary support from "sponsors and other sources" in able to get prices lowered. Now we know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media.

Sherrill and FIFA got into a spat after the $150 price came out as well. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the governing body criticized Sherrill’s "unprecedented" plan and added that the expensive train tickets would have a "chilling effect" on the fan experience.

"Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare," a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. "The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders. She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans."

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters.

"It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair," Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.

"In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150."

The regular train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium round-trip is $12.90.

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Meanwhile, parking has been prohibited at MetLife Stadium, and ride-sharing will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup matches.

The first game at MetLife Stadium is June 13 with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco.

91��’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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Miles Robinson hoping to be named to first US national team for World Cup: 'Would mean so much'

Tue, 12 May 2026 18:17:27 -0400

Miles Robinson knows his worth as a center-back, and he's confident he can make an impact for the United States men's national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Of course, it's not up to Robinson to decide if he's worthy enough for this year's U.S. roster.

That's the job of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will lead his first World Cup for the Stars and Stripes. But he knows what Robinson brings to the table, as he was a part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup roster last summer.

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Robinson won’t know his fate until May 26, but while he focuses on the present with his FC Cincinnati club during this Major League Soccer season, he’s still thinking about what it could mean to be a part of his first World Cup of his career.

"It would mean so much. I think it’s one of those things where I envisioned myself like when I was seven, watching the World Cup or whatever. I almost like dreamed I could do, but I never really believed it. Then, next thing you know, I’m actually playing for the national team and things like that," he told 91�� Digital, while highlighting his partnership with Bounty.

US SOCCER GREAT THINKS AMERICAN TEAM CAN SHOCK THE WORLD AT UPCOMING WORLD CUP

"So, for it to actually happen would be this whole full-circle moment that I’ll make sure I’ll tell other kids that I really just believed in myself and I think that’s the type of thought process that can get people much farther than they really can imagine. It’s just that deep sense of belief within yourself and grounding yourself in love. It can really go a long way."

Belief in one’s self was tested for Robinson after he suffered a ruptured left Achilles in May 2022 — just one month before potentially participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It was widely expected that he would be a part of former head coach Gregg Berhalter’s roster, but during a game against the Chicago Fire, he suffered the injury that forced him out.

It was a rough time for Robinson, as one might expect. But it also pushed him down a road that forced mental and physical fortitude. Now, he believes that made him a better player, and person, than ever before.

One prepared for this World Cup moment four years later.

"I think in those tough moments, you learn the most about yourself," he explained. "I definitely learned a lot about just kind of overcoming struggles, on and off the field. I think it was a tough moment for me, but I grounded myself in gratitude and being so grateful for my friends and family who supported me, and my teammates who wished good things upon me and my leg and things like that.

"Then, I recognized it was me versus me. It’s not about anything else. I just wanted to continue to get better and improve just for me rather than for anything else or anyone else. That’s when I definitely took that next step in my career and my development as a player and as a person."

USMNT CAPTAIN TYLER ADAMS SAYS FIFA WORLD CUP CAN 'BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER' DESPITE 'CRAZY' TIMES IN WORLD

Healthy and hungry, Robinson is gunning for that USMNT roster, but he also understands being in the present until May 26. That includes focusing on FC Cincinnati’s game against Inter Miami, the team that bounced them from last year’s MLS Playoffs, on Wednesday night at home.

"Every game’s an opportunity to show yourself, but also to get better and improve. For Miami and Cincinnati, Miami kicked us out of the playoffs last year, so we got that kinda bitter taste in our mouth,"he said. "For us, it’s focusing on how we play, how we press and if we do that, it should be a great game. In the back of our minds, it’s the future, but we’re trying to focus in on the present."

While Robinson, and the rest of the USMNT hopefuls, focus on the present with their respective clubs, they are also sitting in suspense like the rest of soccer fans in hopes they hear their names called to represent their country in the biggest tournament in the world.

"I’m just grateful to be in this situation, potentially on the roster," Robinson admitted. "I’m just trying to chip away. I’m healthy. …In general, I’m just grateful and I’m excited for sure because I know this summer’s going to be amazing."

CLEANING UP WITH BOUNTY

One way that Robinson can get his mind off the potential USMNT roster is by grilling in his spare time on his Cincinnati deck. It’s a passion of his to whip up some grub for his teammates, friends and family, but the more that come, the more chance of a mess happening.

Robinson partnered with Bounty, the American paper towel brand, to preach about the right way of cleaning messes up, whether it be at home, or tailgating before a match.

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"The biggest mess I probably ever cleaned up, recently I was grilling on my deck and I had a beverage that spilled and there was glass and beverage everywhere," he revealed. "Gladly, I had Bounty and one sheet swiped it all away. It was all good, honestly.

"Sometimes, have to clean up some mistakes from my teammates and Bounty hooked it up with this sponsorship, so I’m proud to be a part with them because they’re always cleaning up messes as well."

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Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dead at 29

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:21:48 -0400

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team announced on Tuesday. He was 29.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the team's statement read on X. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.

We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement on Clarke’s tragic passing.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke. As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

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While Clarke was a first-round pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, his rights were traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for the rights to Darius Bazley and a future second-round pick.

Clarke quickly made his impact known with the Grizzlies, earning MVP in the 2019 NBA Summer League, where the Vancouver native became the second non-American to ever win the award.

Clarke spent the past seven years with the Grizzlies, where he mainly played a role off the bench.

This past season was a rough one for Clarke, though. He played just two games, initially sitting out due to surgery needed on his right knee before a right calf strain he suffered forced him to miss most games this season.

Memphis announced in March that Clarke was still rehabbing his injury, but recent tests showed he needed more time to heal. As a result, the expectation was he would return next season.

Clarke got into some trouble with the law in April, as he was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

He was booked into Cross County Jail on charges of improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.

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Clarke starred for Gonzaga during his college career before his impact on the Grizzlies. He made the 2019-20 All-Rookie team after averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in his bench role that season.

Clarke averaged 20.8 minutes on the floor across 309 career games, while tallying 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest over his career.

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USMNT captain Tyler Adams says FIFA World Cup can 'bring people together' despite 'crazy' times in world

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:33:40 -0400

A global spotlight will be shining down on the 2026 FIFA World Cup one month from today, as teams from all over will converge on the United States, Mexico and Canada to begin the highly anticipated tournament on the pitch.

But while the World Cup brings about positivity and friendly competition for billions around the world, real-life problems still exist.

One of those situations is found in the Middle East, as the U.S. and Iran, which also qualified for the World Cup, remain an open conflict. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said Iran "for sure" will play in the World Cup despite the conflict.

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Tyler Adams, the U.S. men’s national team’s midfielder and captain, didn’t comment directly about the Middle East conflict, but he knows that despite "crazy" things happening around the world, the game of soccer and the World Cup can be a unifying time for everyone.

"Soccer brings everybody together no matter the situation," he told 91�� Digital in a recent interview, while also highlighting his partnership and work with Scotts. "That’s something I gravitated towards when I wanted to play the sport. The diversity in it. How whatever country you go to, there’s soccer fields no matter where you are in the world. It’s that one sport that you find everywhere.

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO SAYS IRAN WILL 'FOR SURE' PLAY IN WORLD CUP DESPITE CONFLICT INVOLVING US

"I think this event is really going to bring people together, and I really hope it brings the American people together as well."

Adams’ first World Cup came in 2022, when he represented the U.S. alongside his teammates at a very controversial host site of Qatar. From criticism of the country’s human rights violations to death of migrant workers during stadium construction, many accused Qatar of sportswashing throughout the tournament.

But Adams believes four years later, no matter what is happening around the world, the World Cup can provide positivity, camaraderie and unity.

"I think that times in the world are obviously crazy right now. When there’s a lot of uncertainty in the world, there’s nothing like a World Cup where people can close their eyes for a second and really experience something special," he said. "So, again, I think that success we have can really move the needle in how the sport grows in our country and I’m hoping we can do that."

While the U.S. has never won a World Cup, Adams knows this group is a special one, especially after the experience they had in 2022. They were green in Qatar but now, with a home crowd behind them, Adams is confident his group has what it takes to not just make it out of Group D, but make a run at the trophy.

"I think the balance we have within our squad is so good," he said. "So many of these guys I grew up with for such a long time now. They’re some of my closest friends, guys I talk to every day. So, at the bare minimum, we’re just going to be excited to hang out together, have the banter in the changing room that we have with one another, and really just enjoy the whole process."

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The U.S. will kick off its group stage in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium against Paraguay on June 12. Meanwhile, Iran will be playing at the same host site three days later.

"We hope that, by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation," Infantino said during the CNBC Invest in America Forum last month in Washington, D.C. about the Middle East conflict. "That would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."

GROWING THE GAME WITH SCOTTS

Speaking of growing the game, Scotts, North America’s leading lawn care products brand, partnered with Adams with its "Keep It Real" initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to youth sports and green space, funding over $432,000 while partnering with Every Kid Sports to aid over 2,000 kids across 48 states.

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"When they came to me with this idea and this initiative, it was quite simple. I think one of the biggest things I need to do as a professional athlete now is give back to my community. That being said, I am giving back to my community with the partnership where we did a field day last summer, and we’re restoring the field I played on as a kid. It was pretty cool to go back home and see that a brand I’m working with supports the ideas I have and give back to that community. Really, really grateful for that and the partnership. We’re starting to do really good things."

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Craig Morton, quarterback who led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance, dead at 83

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:30:47 -0400

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame, died on Saturday. He was 83.

Morton was critical in helping the Broncos reach their first-ever playoff appearance, ultimately getting them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 campaign.

After going 12-2 during the season, and getting wins in the playoffs over the Pittsburgh Steelers and then-Oakland Raiders, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year.

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"Craig Morton is unbelievable," fellow Ring of Famer Haven Moses said after the Broncos won the AFC Championship in 1978, per the New York Times. "To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League."

Morton also won Sporting News Player of the Year, the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and the NFL UPI MVP in 1977.

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"We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83," the Broncos posted on social media.

Morton also led the Broncos to two different division titles and three playoff berths during his six seasons with the franchise. He finished his career in Denver with 11,895 passing yards, which marked the most in franchise history at the time.

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Morton also led the Broncos with pass attempts (1,594) and completions (907). But Morton’s time with the Broncos was the latter half of his NFL career.

He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, the fifth overall pick out of Cal. Morton spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Cowboys, where he threw for 10,279 yards with 80 touchdowns and 73 interceptions. He went 32-14-1 in his time with Dallas.

Then, during the 1974 season, Morton was moved to the New York Giants, a division rival of the Cowboys. He went 1-6 in his first seven starts that year and wouldn’t find much success in New York across three seasons.

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For his career, Morton threw for 27,908 yards with 183 touchdowns. He owned an 81-62-1 record across 207 games.

Aaron Rodgers never met with Steelers despite rumor-filled weekend as QB's decision remains up in air

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:06:21 -0400

Aaron Rodgers didn’t make it back to Pittsburgh after all.

After reports surfaced this past Friday that Rodgers was expected to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in preparation for a return to the team he played for last year, many were hopeful the months-long wait was over.

However, during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN this Monday, Adam Schefter said neither the Steelers nor his agent were aware of any such meeting being on the schedule.

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But then, there were the reports about where Rodgers is in the world, with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporting that he was in the Steel City, though he wasn’t scheduled to visit with the team. A report from 93.7 The Fan added on, saying he was in town for golf.

Either way, the decision still lingers whether Rodgers will suit up for the Steelers, but the storied franchise gave themselves some insurance if the four-time MVP quarterback decides he wants to potentially play elsewhere.

STEELERS OWNERSHIP HOPES FOR CLARITY ON AARON RODGERS’ FUTURE 'IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO'

The Steelers used an unrestricted free-agent tender on Rodgers last month, which allows Pittsburgh the right to match any offer Rodgers may get from another team.

Despite doubt from some camps on Rodgers’ potential return, Schefter noted his belief he will be in the Steelers’ depth chart come training camp. The Steelers have their OTAs scheduled to begin next Monday.

With Rodgers at the helm this past season, the Steelers went 10-7, even earning a playoff berth after Baltimore Ravens rookie Tyler Loop’s now-infamous game-winning field goal did not get through the uprights. The Steelers ended up losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, extending the team’s playoff winless streak to eight straight seasons, including three consecutive campaigns.

Rodgers, who’s slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he decides to call it quits for his career, threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 16 games for Pittsburgh in 2025.

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The Steelers also revamped their team for this season, as Mike McCarthy, Rodgers’ old head coach with the Green Bay Packers, takes over for Mike Tomlin, whose generational run in Pittsburgh ended after 19 seasons (2007-25). While D.K. Metcalf and Rodgers built chemistry this past season, the Steelers also added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, while adding Alabama’s Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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And while Kenneth Gainwell is gone after a solid performance with Pittsburgh, Rico Dowdle comes into the fold to work alongside Jaylen Warren at running back.

Yet, the biggest question in football still remains: will Rodgers be a part of these new-look Steelers in 2026?

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Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension for elbow on Naz Reid, will play in pivotal Game 5

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:48:01 -0400

Victor Wembanyama’s first career ejection will not have a suspension included, as the NBA decided not to dock the San Antonio Spurs big man for the elbow he threw on Minnesota Timberwolves’ Naz Reid in Game 4 of their Western Conference Semifinals series.

Wembanyama will be available for Game 5 of the series, which is set for Tuesday night, per ESPN.

Wembanyama was originally issued an offensive foul after hitting Reid in the face with his elbow while being double-teamed in the corner after securing a rebound. But video review saw the elbow hit Reid square in his jaw and neck, which sent him to the hardwood.

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Officials announced that Wembanyama’s foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 for excessive contact above the neck. As a result, it’s an automatic ejection.

The ejection came with just 8:39 left in the second quarter, which marked the earliest an NBA All-Star had been ejected from a playoff game since 1997-98, per ESPN Research.

SPURS PHENOM VICTOR WEMBANYAMA MAKES NBA HISTORY WITH FIRST CAREER DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Wembanyama, an MVP candidate, can’t be replicated on the court for the Spurs, who eventually lost to the Timberwolves, 114-109, to even up the series at two games apiece heading into Game 5.

Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson used his postgame press conference to defend the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama, specifically the level of physicality Wembanyama gets from opponents during games.

"Just the amount of physicality that people play with him, at some level, you have to protect yourself," he said, via ESPN. "Every single play on every single part of the floor, people are trying to impose their physicality on you. He's gotten pushed down in transition, running freely. We don't complain because we're just going to play. We don't really give a s---. But at some stage, he should be protected. If not, he's going to have to protect himself, and unfortunately, stuff like that happens.

"It's starting to get disgusting in terms of when he tries to fight through things, be professional and mature and deal with some of that stuff. I'm glad he took matters into his own hands. Not in terms of hitting Naz Reid, but he's going to have to protect himself if they're not. And I think it's disgusting."

Johnson added that there was "zero intent" on Wembanyama’s elbow to Reid’s face, believing that a Game 5 suspension "would be ridiculous." But it was always the league’s decision in the end.

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Ultimately, they decided Johnson’s stance was correct, and Wembanyama will be on the court with his teammates in a pivotal Game 5 as the series returns to San Antonio on Tuesday night.

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