The San Francisco Giants like bold. President of baseball operations Buster Posey has been bold since he took over the franchise last year.
But this bold? Well, this would take some incredible maneuvering on Posey’s part.
MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince made seven offseason predictions that he considered “bold, but plausible.” In other words, it would take some doing, but it can be done.
Well, Castrovince’s plan for the Giants was bold to say the least. He believes San Francisco will corner the pitching market in free agency. His bold prediction? The Giants will sign former Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez and former New York Mets closer Edwin Díaz.
Could Giants Sign Pair of Star Pitchers?
The Giants have a solid 1-2 punch in the rotation with Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Beyond that it’s a bit dicey. Carson Whisenhunt, Landen Roupp, Trevor McDonald and Carson Seymour are on the team’s depth chart right now.
Valdez would give the Giants a third No. 1 starter to slot into the rotation. The 32-year-old has been a workhorse his entire career and done it in a ballpark in Houston that favors hitters over pitchers. He’s a ground ball machine whose pitch mix and make-up would be a snug fit for Oracle Park’s reputation as a pitcher’s paradise.
Valdez went 13-11 with a 3.66 ERA in 2025. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and became a full-time starter in 2021, with a career record of 81-52 and a 3.36 ERA. He has 1,053 strikeouts, two All-Star Game appearances, a 2022 World Series ring and three Top 10 finishes in American League Cy Young voting.
Díaz, meanwhile, would fortify the ninth inning for a Giants bullpen that was one of the better units in baseball last year. San Francisco will be without All-Star Randy Rodriguez in 2026 after he suffered an elbow injury and needed Tommy John surgery. The Giants still have Ryan Walker who had 17 saves last year. But signing Díaz would make the bullpen stronger and slide Walker into a set-up role.
Díaz is at the top of the market and the 31-year-old is coming off a 2025 in which he saved 28 games and 6-3 with a 1.63 ERA, two years removed from knee surgery that kept him out of the entire 2023 season. Since he made his MLB debut in 2016, he has 253 career saves and a 2.82 ERA.
Boldness requires a cost. Valdez, to many analysts is projected to cost anywhere from $150-220 million, depending on the length of the deal. Diaz, who has a qualifying offer attached to him, is projected for $80 million over four years. That’s anywhere from $40-50 million in additional annual payroll.
That’s bold, to say the least. But it solidified two areas of need with two bold, but plausible, moves.
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Ryan Helsley being considered as starting pitcher (report)
Ryan Helsley hasn’t started a game since 2019 — for Triple-A Memphis. The flamethrowing righty has spent his entire MLB career pitching out of the bullpen, even rising to elite closer status. But as he navigates free agency for the first time, a role change might be in order.
From a business perspective, it could make sense for Helsley to consider the switch. For one, his stock is down after a rough 2025 season, during which he posted a 4.50 ERA — including a 7.20 ERA after joining the Mets in a July trade. That was a far cry from 2024, when he earned his second All-Star selection and won the 2024 Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award with 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA.
This year’s closer market is also especially deep, with Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams, Robert Suarez, Pete Fairbanks and Kenley Jansen among the other available options, making it tougher for Helsley to stand out.
In contrast, high-end starters are in shorter supply. So if Helsley is willing to consider a change, it could offer him more possibilities in free agency. He’s not the only one. Former starter turned reliever Brad Keller has similarly been linked to potential rotation opportunities, while Luke Weaver has said he is open to reprising his role as a starter, too.
Such a move is not without precedent. Seth Lugo, Michael King, Reynaldo López and Clay Holmes are among the pitchers who have made a successful transition from reliever to starter in recent years.
To follow in their footsteps, though, Helsley would likely need to expand his repertoire. He threw his slider and four-seamer a combined 92.9% of the time in 2025, while using his curveball (5.8%) and cutter (1.3%) sparingly. Moreover, his heater was largely ineffective last season. Despite throwing it 99.3 mph on average, he allowed a .422 batting average and a .667 slugging percentage on the pitch, posting a run value of -15.
Five non-tendered hitters to keep an eye on this winter
Every year, MLB’s non-tender deadline sees clubs allow some of their players who remain under team control to test the open market early, whether it be due to an increasing price tag in arbitration or a need for additional space on the club’s 40-man roster. Previous seasons have seen a number of high-profile players wind up non-tendered, with Kyle Schwarber, Cody Bellinger, and Brandon Woodruff all having been non-tendered at one point or another in their careers only to this year appear on MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents list.
While players of that caliber who reach free agency by way of a non-tender are extremely rare, plenty of others find themselves cut loose early by their clubs only to make an impact elsewhere down the line. That could be as a regular in the lineup or rotation or simply as a solid contributor off the bench or out of the bullpen. Let’s take a look at five hitters who hit free agency following last week’s non-tender deadline and could be worth keeping an eye on throughout the coming offseason. Players are listed in alphabetical order, with their age for the 2026 season in parentheses.
JJ Bleday (28)
Bleday has quite the pedigree behind him, as he was drafted fourth overall by the Marlins back in 2019. A consensus top-50 prospect in the game prior to his MLB debut in 2022, Bleday struggled for the Marlins and A’s across his first two seasons in the majors before enjoying what looked to be a breakout 2024 campaign. That year, he slashed .243/.327/.437 (120 wRC+), cut his strikeout rate to just 19.5% while maintaining a solid 10.4% walk rate, and showed enough pop in his bat to hit 20 homers and a whopping 43 doubles. He was a below average but not disastrous defender in center field, and that in combination with his strong offensive production allowed him to put together a 3.2 fWAR season.
Unfortunately, Bleday’s star fell back to Earth this year with a tough season where his strikeout rate ticked back up to 26.5% while his power dissipated, leaving with a .212/.294/.404 slash line and a wRC+ of just 90. Things got bleak enough that the A’s actually optioned Bleday to the minors multiple times this season. Perhaps a change of scenery can help Bleday recapture the form he flashed in 2024, and it’s not hard to imagine an outfield-needy team like the Royals or Guardians scooping him up. One sign of optimism regarding Bleday is his performance over the season’s final two months, as he slashed .252/.306/.495 (115 wRC+) with six homers and seven doubles in 111 plate appearances after being recalled to the majors on August 2nd.
Nathaniel Lowe (30)
By far the most established hitter on this list, Lowe has a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger award, and a World Series ring on his mantle for his work with the Rangers from 2021-24. Over that four-year stretch, he slashed a strong .274/.359/.432 with 78 home runs and a 124 wRC+. That’s the performance of a quality regular and left him good for around three WAR per season at first base. Lowe was shipped from Texas to D.C. last offseason, however, and his time with the Nationals left much to be desired.
He hit just .216/.292/.373 across 119 games before he was cut loose from the organization, and while his time with the Red Sox saw him rebound to a .280/.370/.420 slash line closer to what he’s posted in the past, that 34-game stint in Boston only brought his season-long wRC+ back up to 91. While Lowe is hardly likely to get the sort of attention pieces like Pete Alonso or even Luis Arraez will garner this winter, he’d still be an upgrade to a club in need of help at first base like the Padres, Diamondbacks, or Twins.
Christopher Morel (27)
The youngest player on this list by more than a year, Morel arguably has the highest upside of any player on this list but significant flaws that could hold him back from getting a starting job somewhere. The youngster’s big league career started with a bang in 2022, and over his first two seasons with the Cubs Morel slashed .241/.311/.471 with 42 homers in 220 games and a wRC+ of 115. While he struck out at a massive 31.6% clip and was a below-average fielder everywhere he played on the diamond, his impressive power and ability to take walks were enough to make him a well above average hitter.
The past two years have been brutal for the slugger, however, as his production has largely dissipated. Morel’s first half with the Cubs in 2024 was unusual, as his numbers dipped (91 wRC+) despite most of his peripherals trending in the right direction, including a strikeout rate that dropped to 24.5% while his walk rate climbed to 11.1% with 18 home runs. While the usual above-average production wasn’t quite there, the Rays were interested enough to make him a centerpiece of the return for Isaac Paredes at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, Morel’s production completely collapsed during his time with the Rays as he hit just .208/.277/.355 (79 wRC+) in 495 plate appearances over the past two years. While it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a team try and unlock the upside Morel flashed with the Cubs early in his career given his youth and three years of remaining team control, his lack of defensive ability could make him a tough fit for many teams.
Mike Tauchman (35)
Tauchman is the oldest player on the list, and returns after also being listed in last year’s edition of this post. Non-tendered by the Cubs last winter, Tauchman stayed in Chicago by way of a deal with the White Sox and generally made good on his contract with the South Siders, hitting .263/.356/.400 (115 wRC+) across 385 plate appearances. Tauchman may not still be the capable center fielder defender he was earlier in his career, but a teams would be hard pressed to find a player who can more reliably provide on-base ability.
That’s especially true at his expected price tag, which could draw in suitors with tight budgets this winter. Among the 229 players to record at least 1000 plate appearances since the start of the 2023 season, Tauchman’s .359 OBP ranks 21st, sandwiched between Rafael Devers and Kyle Schwarber. His production naturally falls well short of those star players thanks to a lack of power, as he’s not hit even ten homers in a season since 2019. Even so, he’d be a valuable addition to a team like the Royals, Astros, or Rays in either a bench or platoon role.
Ramon Urias (32)
Urias stands out among this group as being the most valuable defender of the bunch. Bleday and Tauchman are both restricted to the outfield and profile poorly in center, while Lowe is a first base-only defender. Morel has experience at valuable positions like center field and third base, but has graded out terribly at them by defensive metrics and profiles best as a DH. Urias, by contrast, is a Gold Glove winner at third base who has substantial experience at both second base and shortstop as well. His +5 Outs Above Average around the infield this year ranked in the 88th percentile among all fielders.
Typically, Urias pairs that strong glove with a decent bat that makes him a solid second-division regular or high-quality part-time player. In parts of six seasons in the majors, Urias is a career .257/.321/.403 (104 wRC+) hitter who had consistently been at or above league average until this season. This year, however, Urias hit just .241/.292/.384 (87 wRC+). That performance is in part dragged down by a rough stint in Houston after being dealt to the Astros at the trade deadline, but even his mark with Baltimore was below league-average. Questionable as Urias’s numbers were this year, his overall track record and ability to provide solid infield defense should make him an attractive addition for a team, particularly given a thin infield market with few everyday options. The Yankees, Brewers, Mariners, and Tigers are among the many teams Urias could make at least some sense for.
Mets trading Brandon Nimmo to Rangers for Marcus Semien (source)
The Mets and Rangers are working on a blockbuster trade that would send outfielder Brandon Nimmo to Texas and second baseman Marcus Semien to New York, a source told MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry on Sunday. The teams have not confirmed the trade.
Nimmo has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, according to a report from The Athletic. The 32-year-old outfielder signed an eight-year, $162 million contract with New York in December 2022. Semien, who signed a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Rangers in December 2021, does not have a no-trade clause.
MLB trades: Brandon Nimmo heads to Rangers, Marcus Semien joins Mets in deal, report says
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The New York Mets and Texas Rangers reportedly agreed to a trade involving a couple of All-Stars on Sunday to kickstart their offseason.
The Mets will acquire second baseman Marcus Semien, while outfielder Brandon Nimmo will head to the Rangers, according to ESPN.
New York’s middle infield will feature Semien, a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover and Silver Slugger, and Francisco Lindor.
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Meanwhile, the Rangers add some veteran presence to a young outfield in Texas following a mediocre 81-81 campaign in 2025.
For the Mets, it is an interesting move considering Nimmo being a homegrown product who signed an eight-year deal reportedly worth $162 million in December 2022 to remain with the team long term. Nimmo was also the Mets’ longest-tenured player and a fan-favorite.
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Semien, 35, is still owed $26 million per season for the next three seasons. However, does Nimmo’s departure put New York in the running for top outfield talent like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger?
The Mets certainly know how to make splashes in this Steve Cohen Era, most notably Juan Soto joining the team on an MLB-record deal this past offseason.
That said, the Mets also have two key free agents — closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Pete Alonso — who fans would love to see back in orange and blue next season.
For the Rangers, Nimmo joins an outfield with solid young talent, including Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter.
Nimmo has spent all 10 seasons of his career with the Mets, his latest seeing a .262 average with a .760 OPS over 155 games. The left-handed hitter has slashed .262/.438/.802 with 135 homers and 463 RBI over his 1,066 regular-season games with New York over those 10 seasons.
Meanwhile, Semien is coming off a year with a .230/.305/.364 slash line with 15 homers and 62 RBI over 127 games. While it has been some struggle at the plate, Semien provides great defense at his position over his 13 years in the league, which included time with the then-Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays.
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With the Winter Meetings set for Dec. 8-11, both teams could be gearing up for a busy offseason after this blockbuster move.
MLB Trade: Longtime Mets outfielder heading to Texas
The Mets’ first splashy move of the offseason came on Sunday evening, a surprising trade that sent outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report the early-offseason blockbuster.
To make this one-for-one trade possible, Nimmo waived his full no-trade clause, according to reports. It brings his 15-year tenure with the Mets organization — dating back to when he was drafted as a first-round pick in 2011 — to an abrupt close.
Semien, 35, has three years remaining on his seven-year, $175 million contract. The Mets are on the hook for $72 million before Semien hits free agency following the 2028 season. Nimmo, meanwhile, is under contract for five more years. The 32-year-old is owed $102.5 million.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has made it clear that he’s focused on improving his club’s defense heading into the 2026 season, and this move fits that narrative. Semien is considered an elite defender at second base, while Nimmo has taken steps back defensively as he’s aged.
While Nimmo was the better hitter of the two this past season, making this team better defensively is a clear top priority for the Mets’ front office as they strive to get back into the postseason picture.
Semien’s bat has declined over the past two seasons, and at 35, he’s unlikely to rediscover his peak form. In 2021 and 2023, he finished third in the AL MVP race. But in 2025, Semien slashed .230/.305/.364 with 15 home runs over 127 games, one of the worst full seasons of his career at the plate. What he does bring, however, is bat-to-ball skills, pop to the pull side and speed (he’s had double-digit steals in nine of his last 10 full seasons).
This move gives the Mets a reliable double-play partner for shortstop Francisco Lindor, and it opens up a corner outfield spot. That’s a vacancy Stearns and the Mets can fill with a superior defender later this offseason. That flexibility is valuable with a long winter ahead.
With second base occupied, the focus shifts to Jeff McNeil’s future. With $31.5 million owed over the next two seasons — including a club option for $15.75 million in 2027 — McNeil becomes more expendable unless the Mets are planning to shift him to another position like left field.
Joey Gallo posts video of pitching off mound
About eight months after Joey Gallo expressed his intentions to continue his MLB career as a pitcher, we’ve got our first look at the slugger on the mound. Well, on social media, at least.
Gallo, who turned 32 on Wednesday, posted a 15-second clip on X of him delivering three pitches. You can’t see the catcher in the video, but you can definitely hear Gallo’s pitches popping the mitt.
Gallo, who has two 40-homer seasons on his ledger and has bashed 208 dingers in the Majors, last appeared in a regular-season game with the 2024 Nationals. He hit just .161 over 223 at-bats that season. From 2022-24, Gallo slashed .166/.286/.379 with a 40.6% strikeout rate while playing for the Yankees, Dodgers, Twins and Nationals.
That rough stretch followed a generally successful run with the Rangers in which he won two Gold Glove Awards, made two All-Star teams and was one of baseball’s biggest long-ball threats.
Gallo latched on with the White Sox for Spring Training this year, but the club released him once he stated his desire to become a pitcher.
At his peak, the 6-foot-5 Gallo possessed one of the strongest outfield arms in the game. In 2021, his 93.9 mph average arm strength ranked as the fifth fastest in MLB (minimum 50 throws). In 2023, Gallo’s last season before becoming a first baseman primarily, he averaged 89.8 mph on his throws.
MLB teams that need to make an offseason upgrade
Catcher: Rays
A few team-position pairings in this story have been an issue for much longer than one year. Such is the case with Tampa Bay’s catching situation. Since the start of 2022 — the year after catcher Mike Zunino was an All-Star and hit 33 homers for the Rays — Tampa Bay has trotted out 12 different backstops, and they have combined for a .611 OPS and a 73 wRC+. In 2025, Danny Jansen, Hunter Feduccia, Nick Fortes, Ben Rortvedt and Matt Thaiss batted .185 behind the plate with an MLB-worst .592 OPS.
Feduccia and Fortes are the lone members of that bunch who remain on the roster, and they might head into 2026 as Tampa Bay’s catching tandem. However, president of baseball operations Erik Neander has said the club will keep looking to improve at the position. The Rays may not sign the top free-agent catcher (J.T. Realmuto) or trade for the Braves’ Sean Murphy, but any acquisition that brings them up from the bottom in offense at catcher to something closer to league average would be a significant win.
First base: D-backs
Arizona replaced the departing Christian Walker at first base last season with Josh Naylor, who posted good overall numbers but turned in a .399 slugging percentage through 76 games when acting as the D-backs’ first baseman before he was shipped out to Seattle. Pavin Smith and Tyler Locklear — a top prospect acquired from Seattle for Eugenio Suárez prior to the Trade Deadline — tried to pick up the slack from there, but the D-backs finished the season with a .360 slug, the second lowest at the position in MLB and the worst at first base in a single season in franchise history.
Smith and Locklear will get their chances again in 2026, although the lefty Locklear may not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing surgery on his left elbow and shoulder. That has the club understandably looking to add at first base, preferably a right-handed bat. As of now, D-backs first basemen are projected by FanGraphs Depth Charts to register a .391 slugging percentage in 2026. Although that would be an improvement by definition, that’s tied with the Marlins for the lowest slugging percentage by any team at first.
Second base: Giants
The Giants made a big splash last offseason, bringing in Willy Adames on a seven-year deal to fill what had been a big void at shortstop. Now it’s time for San Francisco to finally solve second base. It’s a spot where the team has batted .219 with a .268 on-base percentage (worst at the position) and a 71 wRC+ over the past three seasons. A league-low .615 OPS over that span was right in line with the Giants’ .617 OPS and 73 wRC+ at second base in 2025. San Francisco may center its offseason moves around pitching and let Casey Schmitt, Christian Koss and others sink or swim at the keystone position. But in an infield that will feature All-Stars such as Adames, Matt Chapman and Rafael Devers, San Francisco’s underwhelming options at second base stick out.
Shortstop: Braves
Atlanta has already addressed this position this offseason, acquiring Mauricio Dubón from the Astros for Nick Allen. Although 31-year-old Dubón is not exactly a potent hitter (career 88 wRC+, 80 in 2025), he is better than Allen, who, while excelling with the glove, was the game’s worst offensive player by wRC+ (53) among all hitters with at least 400 plate appearances.
Dubón, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, recorded an impressive +8 outs above average in just 33 games at short this past season. But that stands as the most games he has played at short in any of his seven MLB seasons. He could open 2026 as Atlanta’s starter there, but his value really lies in his versatility, and president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos recently said the club is
Maple Leafs’ William Nylander leads NHL in elite stat
Not all is bad news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. William Nylander, for example, is one of the positive aspects of the franchise this season.
According to Sportsnet, the Swedish forward has recorded a point in 88.9% of the Maple Leafs’ games to date, leading this production consistency stat outright among the most elite names in the NHL.
Unlike other players, his greatest virtue is the consistency of his impact. Beyond flashes of quality, in every game, he contributes to the team’s offense, whether with goals or assists. In the past week, even in losses, he has left his mark on the scoresheet.
His impact is also reflected in his role and usage. He has heavy minutes at five-on-five and a role on the power play, with a production rate fitting of a primary driver.
How to maximize William Nylander in the Maple Leafs system
To get the best out of him, Toronto must work on pairing him with the right players. Head coach Craig Berube must keep him as the primary carrier of the zone entry. Repeated controlled entries allow him to exploit his puck-handling and vision. Giving him the first option in neutral zone regroups increases his rate of productive possession.
It is also necessary to stabilize his wingers. Pairing him with a one-timer finisher on the weak side and an aggressive retriever on the forecheck for second-chance opportunities.
As for the power play, the ideal would be to place him as a half-wall playmaker, with the freedom to swap positions with the bumper and the net-front player. When Nylander can alternate between passing and shooting, the unit becomes less predictable.
Berube must also pay attention to quick transitions. A clean first pass from the defense will accelerate his rush chances. Toronto must put first zone exits with close support so Nylander receives the puck in motion.
Morgan Geekie ties for NHL goals lead but Bruins lack for any other offensive bite in loss to Sharks
The Bruins departed California with two losses in three stops after losing Sunday night to the Sharks, 3-1, in San Jose.
Morgan Geekie got the Bruins on the board at 10:02 of the third period with his 17th goal of the season, which tied Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL lead, past San Jose goalie Yaroslav Askarov. Geekie brought the Bruins to within 2-1, but the Sharks iced the game on an empty-netter by Collin Graf.
The Sharks carried a 2-0 lead into the second intermission, the second of the strikes provided by short-time Boston University skater Macklin Celebrini on a power play at 11:45 of the second period.
Only 26 seconds after Jonathan Aspirot was whistled off for a tripping minor, the dazzling Celebrini fired a wrister by Jeremy Swayman from the left faceoff circle. Celebrini is very light and nimble on his skates, an artful skater able to dart in and out and create good shooting positions. His goal came off a quick feed from former Bruins defenseman Dmitry Orlov and he fired the puck past Swayman’s glove hand.
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Aspirot’s penalty came only seconds after Orlov delivered a low, menacing hit on Sean Kuraly, a low-bridge, clip-like hit (one that certainly would have seen Brad Marchand to the penalty box in his days as a Bruin) that was not penalized.
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Later in the second, Aspirot (tripping) and Hampus Lindholm (roughing) were sent off only 11 seconds apart, setting up the Sharks to blow the game open. San Jose indeed pressured the Boston net, landing seven shots while on the attack, but Swayman turned them all back — the pressure finally relieved when William Eklund was tagged with a holding minor at 18:45.
The Bruins finally had their No. 1 center, Elias Lindholm, back in the lineup some three-plus weeks after he sustained a knee injury in a mid-ice collision.
Lindholm slotted between Alex Steeves and Morgan Geekie for even-strength duty and also worked on the No. 1 power-play unit with fellow forwards Pavel Zacha, David Pastrnak, and Geekie; Hampus Lindholm held down the quarterback/point position.
The Sharks, with renewed hope these days after some very lean years, had moved out to the lead with 4:07 left in the first, soon after failing to convert on a power play.
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Shakir Mukhamadullin connected for the opening goal, snapping home a wrister from the right wing circle that appeared to tick off Mikey Eyssimont’s stick before ramping up over Swayman’s shoulder.
It was the third time in the last four games the Bruins surrendered the opening goal and the 12th time in 24 games overall. Boston is 8-4-0 this season when connecting for the 1-0 lead (with Geekie’s name on three of the 12 goals).
A left-shooting Russian defenseman, the 23-year-old Mukhamadullin originally was a Devils draft pick (No. 20, 2020) and was dealt to the Sharks in February 2023 in the mass swap of bodies and draft picks that sent Timo Meier to the Devils.
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks beat Boston Bruins to end homestand
SAN JOSE – Shakir Mukhamadullin and Macklin Celebrini both had goals in the first two periods, and goalie Yaroslav Askarov made 33 saves as the San Jose Sharks earned a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday to close out a four-game homestand.
Mukhamadullin scored his first goal of the season at the 15:53 mark of the first period, and Celebrini added his 14th at the 11:45 mark of the second on a power play as the Sharks took a 2-0 lead.
The Bruins got one goal back at the 10:02 mark of the third as Morgan Geekie scored his 17th of the season in front of the Sharks’ net off a pass from David Pastrnak.
Collin Graf iced the win for the Sharks with an empty-net goal with 1:07 to play.
Askarov didn’t have a chance on that play and had eight saves in the third period, as the Sharks finished their homestand with a 3-1-0 record.
Askarov made 25 saves through two periods, including one on a one-timer by Pastrnak midway through the second period.
Askarov entered Sunday as one of the hottest goalies in the NHL. In seven starts this month, Askarov was 6-1-0, and his .957 save percentage was second-best among all NHL goalies who have started at least seven games.
Askarov was coming off a 31-save performance in the Sharks’ 4-3 shootout win over the Los Angeles Kings. Askarov also made 24 saves in San Jose’s 3-2 overtime win over the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday to open the homestand.
The Sharks were looking to bounce back after a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday when coach Ryan Warsofsky lamented his team’s lack of complete, battle-level, and attention to detail.
San Jose held a 2-1 lead late in the second period, but a poor line change helped lead to a goal by Senators winger Fabian Zetterlund, and a defensive breakdown late in the third allowed Tim Stutzle to score the go-ahead goal, handing the Sharks their third loss in five games.
The Sharks tweaked their forward lines for Sunday’s game. William Eklund was moved to the top line alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and Philipp Kurashev slid to the second line with Alexander Wennberg, who played his 100th game with the Sharks on Sunday, and Tyler Toffoli.
Playing on back-to-back days, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky also wanted to get fresh legs into the lineup, as rookie Sam Dickinson entered the lineup for Sam Klingberg. But it was clear, too, that Warsofsky thought Klingberg’s miscue led to Stutzle’s goal on Saturday.
“We don’t scan well enough as a defense, we don’t read it,” Warsofsky said Sunday. “It’s a quick game. So, we’ve got to be able to read it quickly. Again, the change isn’t (ideal), but it’s a 2-1-2 (neutral-zone forecheck). We should be able to defend that pretty easily.”
Wedgewood makes 22 saves, Avalanche shut out Blackhawks for 9th straight win
It was Wedgewood’s first shutout of the season and his ninth in the NHL. The Avalanche won 3-0 at the Nashville Predators on Saturday behind goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.
“Obviously huge,” Wedgewood said. “’Blackie’ was unbelievable for us last night, had a good first period, stood there in the second and got the job done in the third. Tough weekend for the fellas. I think there was a little bit of frustration (that) crept into our game. We’re going to get everyone’s best here as we keep going with this record. You’re top dog in the League, and everyone is going to want to knock you down a peg.
“The guys found a way. It didn’t look great in the first (period). I think they found their legs in the second. I had to do my job for a little bit there and give them some time. We come out with two points, two big nights for my partner and I.”
Cale Makar scored for the Avalanche (16-1-5), who have points in 13 straight games (11-0-2).
“I think it’s a good confidence piece for us right now to be able to win these games,” Makar said. “Being able to win in all these different ways is good for us. But again, we want to keep building it at this point of the season.”
Spencer Knight made 25 saves for the Blackhawks (10-8-4), who have lost three in a row.
“I think if we repeat that performance, we’re winning lots of games,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “The other team is going to push back. That’s just the reality of life. But if you look at where we were to start the game, I thought we did an excellent job in our structure, excellent job of some of the things we talked about this morning that we didn’t do in Buffalo (a 9-3 loss on Friday). We had real, real, real chances in the first, I think the better of the chances in the comparisons between the two periods and didn’t score. But we stayed with it.”
Makar’s goal came at 18:21 of the second period. After Knight made a save on a shot by Tristen Nielsen, the puck rebounded out to Makar, who scored from the left face-off circle.
The sequence began when Knight’s breakout pass went directly to Nielsen in the slot. Nielsen’s assist was his first NHL point in his fourth game.
“It was a great shot (by Nielsen),” Makar said. “I was just trying to drive for the rebound. Luckily it came far enough out that it was there. He made a great play, that low smart play, and got rewarded.”
Wedgewood kept the 1-0 lead intact with a save on Frank Nazar from in tight with 43 seconds remaining.
After being outshot 11-2 in the first period, the Avalanche outshot the Blackhawks 24-11 in the second and third periods.
“It was good,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “We needed that period after the first, (which) was not very good at all. I thought ‘Wedge’ did a great job of keeping us in that game in the first period. And then we started to play the right way, a little bit more connected in three zones, much more competitive and harder in the battles and just led to better positioning and came up with more pucks in our touches. We started to spend more time in the offensive zone. We finally found a way to grind one into the net. Pretty solid third again, too, a little more back and forth in the third period. We’ll take it for a road game on a back-to-back.”
Chicago forward Jason Dickinson returned to the lineup after missing 10 games with an upper-body injury.
“I felt better, for sure,” he said. “My legs took a little while to get back to where they should be. Reads were feeling pretty good, had a couple misses I’d like back, but that’s to be expected.
“We can be both happy with the process, not satisfied with the result. Would love for us to get the win, even scrap out a point. Divisional matchup like that, everything matters. It (stinks), but for the most part, that’s a lot of good clips that we can go back and watch and be proud of what we did because it didn’t feel like we gave up a whole lot, especially in the first and third.”
NOTES: Makar has three game-winning goals, the most among Avalanche skaters and all defensemen this season. … Wedgewood extended his winning streak to eight games, tying Philipp Grubauer (2020-21) and Jocelyn Thibault (1994-95) for the fourth-longest in Avalanche/Nordiques history behind Patrick Roy (11 games in 1998-99), Stephane Fiset (nine games in 1995-96) and Jonathan Bernier (nine games in 2017-18). … Dickinson had one shot on goal, one block and five hits in 16:23 of ice time. … Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic played in his 200th NHL game.
Chicago Blackhawks shut out in loss to NHL-best Colorado Avalanche
The Chicago Blackhawks have seen the number nine a few times in the past few days. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been too lucky.
The Buffalo Sabres hosted a Hawks team that was tired from both being on a back-to-back and blowing a 2-0 lead to the Seattle Kraken the day before. The Sabres dealt the Hawks nine goals in their 9-3 win on Friday.
The Hawks returned home to kick off their second four-game homestand. Maybe they could rest a little and get things going again?
Not with the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche coming to town. It still was a huge opportunity for the Hawks to bounce back in the best way possible.
The home team did make the Avalanche look human. They didn’t make them look beatable, though, as Colorado left the United Center as winners of nine straight.
The Hawks (10-8-4) left a donut on the scoreboard as they fell to the Avalanche 1-0 on Sunday. Colorado won its 16th game of the year and shut out both the Hawks and the Nashville Predators in its back-to-back road trip.
It was the sixth time the Avs (16-1-5) have shut out the Hawks in their last 10 meetings. It’s the first time the Hawks have been shut out since April 7, 2024. They weren’t shut out in the 2024-25 season.
“The other team is going to push back, that’s the reality of life,” Hawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “We did an excellent job in our structure (and) we stayed with it.”
The only goal of the game came from a rare mistake from goaltender Spencer Knight, who had 24 saves in his 15th start. He passed the puck directly to center Tristen Nielsen and Cale Makar found the back of the net off the rebound from Knight’s save.
Minus the giveaway, Knight kept the Hawks within arm’s reach of the Avalanche. The home team was outshot 19-1 in the second period after winning the category 11-2 in the first.
Ryan Greene had four scoring chances in the first period but was unable to capitalize against goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had 22 saves and earned his ninth shutout of his career. He didn’t score a point, but it was a standout performance as a winger on the top line.
“The goalie made some good saves, (but) I thought he did the right things,” Blashill said. “He just didn’t quite go in, (which) was the story of the whole first (period) for us.”
The second period has plagued the Hawks all season. They’ve allowed 25 goals between intermissions, tied for the sixth-most in the NHL.
It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly goes wrong after intermission one for the Hawks. The team doesn’t know, either.
“I don’t think that there’s some magic answer that’s like ‘our second periods, we just decide to not try,’” center Jason Dickinson said. “Is it as simple as teams see what we do in the first period and they make adjustments and we are now trying to adjust to their adjustments? Maybe, it’s really hard to say.”
Dickinson returned to the lineup after dealing with an injury suffered in an Oct. 30 road game against the Winnipeg Jets. He wanted to return when he was 100 percent healthy and felt good in his first action in nearly a month.
“My legs took a little while to get back to where they should be,” Dickinson said. “A couple misses that I’d like back, but that’s to be expected.”
It was a better response from the Hawks after their showing in Buffalo two days prior. They raced to the puck, created takeaways and left the Avalanche’s skaters confused in the first and third periods.
“It’s just one of those nights where things just really weren’t going right,” defenseman Wyatt Kaiser said. “So (we) each come in and get back to work (get) confident in our game (because) we know we can be a good team, so we should go out there and start playing.”
Top 2026 NHL Draft prospects ‘fired up’ for CHL, USA Hockey Challenge
CALGARY — Ryan Lin has been looking forward to this chance to play in the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge for some time.
The right-shot defenseman with Vancouver of the Western Hockey League knows bragging rights are at stake, like they usually are whenever Canada and the United States face off in any event.
Trophy Tracker: Schaefer of Islanders top choice for Calder as rookie of year
To mark the quarter mark of the 2025-26 regular season, NHL.com is running its second installment of the Trophy Tracker series. Today, we look at the race for the Calder Trophy, given annually to the best rookie in the NHL as selected in a poll by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Matthew Schaefer is enjoying a pace not many could have predicted.
The 18-year-old defenseman with the New York Islanders has been a record-setting machine after being the No. 1 pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, ranking third among all rookies with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists), second with seven power-play points and first in average time on ice (23:00) in 23 games.
NHL Foundation U.S. raising funds with inaugural Giving Tuesday campaign
The NHL Foundation U.S. is launching its first Giving Tuesday campaign, uniting the hockey community in support of causes that reflect the game’s core values of courage, perseverance and compassion.
From Nov. 24 through Dec. 2, the “For the Love of the Game. For the Power of Hope” campaign will raise funds to benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Matthew Perry Foundation. Fans can make a single donation through NHL.com/Foundation, with proceeds evenly distributed among the three organizations.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that began in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. It has since grown into a worldwide campaign that inspires individuals, companies, and organizations to give back, volunteer and make a positive impact in their communities. It is observed annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and falls on Dec. 2 this year.
“The spirit of hockey has always been about more than the game. It is about courage, perseverance, and community,” said Kim Davis, NHL Foundation U.S. president and NHL senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs. “This Giving Tuesday, we are proud to unite the hockey community to honor those values and support organizations that embody them.
“Christopher Reeve and Matthew Perry both loved this game, and Michael J. Fox continues to share that same passion and optimism that define it,” Davis said. “Each of their foundations carries that spirit forward, from advancing spinal cord injury research and quality of life for people impacted by paralysis, to accelerating the search for a Parkinson’s cure, to expanding access to recovery and wellness programs for those facing addiction. Their work represents resilience in action, and we are honored to stand alongside them in giving hope that reaches far beyond the rink.”
Maggie Goldenberg, president and CEO of The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, said, “Christopher’s love for hockey reflected his belief in teamwork, grit, and possibility, the very values that drive our mission every day.”
Reeve, an actor and activist who starred in four “Superman” movies, became paralyzed in an equestrian competition in 1995. He died Oct. 10, 2004.
“Through his courage and determination, Christopher showed the world that barriers can be broken, and lives can be rebuilt,” Goldenberg said. “Partnering with the NHL Foundation on Giving Tuesday allows us to extend that same belief to families living with paralysis, connecting them to hope, rehabilitation, and the resources they need to live independently. Together, we are proving that strength and community can change what is possible.”
Fox, an actor known for his roles in the “Back to the Future” movie franchise and in television’s “Family Ties,” is living with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.
“Michael’s vision for a world without Parkinson’s has always been grounded in a simple truth: Purity of motive amplifies impact,” said Deborah W. Brooks, CEO and co-founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “The NHL Foundation’s partnership this Giving Tuesday embodies that spirit. When we work together, just like in the game, we can accelerate better treatments and move closer to the future Michael has always believed in — a cure.”
The Matthew Perry Foundation was established in the wake of the actor’s accidental death Oct. 28, 2023. Lisa Kasteler-Calio, the foundation’s executive director, said the late “Friends” star “loved hockey and the bond he shared with other fans of the sport.”
“Being part of the hockey community brought him joy, connection, and a powerful reminder that we’re stronger together than we are alone,” Kasteler-Calio said. “That same spirit of teamwork and shared purpose is at the heart of our mission. Partnering with the NHL Foundation this Giving Tuesday is a meaningful way to turn that sense of community into hope, recovery, and action.”
Fans can visit NHL.com/givingtuesday to contribute and share their support.
NHL nationally televised games for week of Nov. 24
Each Monday throughout the 2025-26 NHL season, ESPN and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes will provide fans with a guide of games that will be nationally televised. Today, a look at games for the eighth week of the regular season.
Highlights include the Ottawa Senators visiting the Los Angeles Kings on
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gets Candid About Daytona 500 Return Plans
JR Motorsports is heading back to the 2026 Daytona 500, but the mood around the shop is a lot more cautious than last year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. knows the team pulled off something special in 2025 with Justin Allgaier, when the group qualified as an open entry and finished ninth in the biggest race of the season.
It was a proud moment for the whole shop and something that lifted everyone’s spirits. However, the team now faces a new set of challenges. The biggest one comes from Chevrolet’s new superspeedway body, which changes how the cars will handle in the draft.
Dale Earnhardt is open about the fact that the unknowns make him uneasy. The group plans to reunite the same crew and the same sponsor, but nothing is guaranteed.
Dale Earnhardt Stresses Uncertainty With New Chevrolet Body
Dale Earnhardt didn’t hide how unsettled he feels about the new Camaro body. “I’m nervous because we’re going to have a new body,” he said. “Anytime a manufacturer gets a new body, they don’t go to Daytona and perform better. You’re figuring out kind of what makes that body perform at a track like that. I don’t know the details, I just shoot it straight. Every time a manufacturer changes the body, they’re trying their best in every way, when a new body is coming in, to make their cars more competitive at the tracks that we race the most.”
This change is one of the biggest reasons Dale Earnhardt is lowering expectations for 2026. JR Motorsports had strong speed in the Duels last year, but that came with a settled setup and a body style teams already understood. The new version means fresh learning all over again. Dale Earnhardt noted that even small shape changes can affect how the car moves in the draft or how it lines up with others.
Qualifying Pressure Returns With No Charter Spot
JR Motorsports doesn’t have a charter, so the team must race its way in again. Dale Earnhardt pointed out how important that pressure will be on qualifying day.
“You got to rein all the expectations back in to man, we just got to get in the show. Let’s get in the show. We’re not locked in,” he said. “New body, don’t know how the car will qualify. We thought we were gonna do alright last year and we didn’t in qualifying. I’ll be apprehensive about our opportunity in just pure speed on qualifying. We may have to go back and race our way in.”
Dale Earnhardt said the group wants to get through the early part of Speedweeks without mistakes, and simply roll the car onto the grid Sunday morning. That moment, he said, is what the team works for more than anything.
Dale Earnhardt Sees Value In the One-Off Effort
Even though JR Motorsports isn’t looking at a full-time Cup move, Dale Earnhardt believes these Daytona attempts are worth it. The 2025 run brought energy into the shop, created a special memory for the crew, and proved the team could compete at the top level when everything lines up.
Dale Earnhardt said recreating last year’s success will be tough, but the team is prepared to try. Fans will watch to see whether Dale Earnhardt, Justin Allgaier, and the JR Motorsports group can make the show again and see how the new body performs in traffic.
Why JR Motorsports Is Fired Up for Its 2026 Daytona 500 Entry
JR Motorsports plans to return to the 2026 Daytona 500 with a clear target. The group confirmed Justin Allgaier in the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet. The team entered the 2025 race as an open entry and earned its spot through the Duels. Allgaier finished ninth after avoiding late trouble.
The result pushed the group to line up another attempt. Kelley Earnhardt Miller said the second entry feels special. Allgaier said he feels honored to drive for Traveller Whiskey again. The partnership with Chris Stapleton’s Traveller Whiskey provided strong attention in 2025. The group plans to repeat the same approach in February 2026.
JR Motorsports Builds Toward A Second Daytona Start
The team views Daytona as the best place to run an open car. Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained the thinking on his show. “Well, Kelley will tell you that we race. We got a chance to go race, so we race. We wanna race,” Earnhardt said on Dale Jr. Download.
He added why the event remains the best financial option for an open team. “The Daytona 500 is the most important race of the season, and I would say that for an open team or anybody that wants to enter the race, that probably is the best opportunity financially to do it and not lose money. It costs a significant amount of money to run any race, Talladega or whatever. If you wanna go run in the middle of the year or a couple of races throughout the year, harder to make the financial work in them other events. This one, we are presented with the opportunity to go do it. We got some partners that wanna go help us fund it.”
The team expects Allgaier’s Daytona experience to help again. He won the 2024 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title. He reached the 2025 race through the Duels and delivered a clean run. The 2026 Duels run on February 11. The main event runs on February 15.
Crew Interest Rises Inside The Shop
The energy inside the shop plays a major role. Earnhardt said the employees treat the entry like a project they own. “Our shop gets excited about it. They feel like it is their effort,” Earnhardt said. He added that well-known names follow the build. “You see Rodney Childers chiming in on social media, and you see our employees get pumped about the idea because it is their car. It is our flagship.”
Earnhardt told fans he hopes to keep the same lineup from 2025. “More than likely, I do not know for sure one hundred percent, but if I had it my way, we would go with the same components, people, and personnel as we did last year. Justin is gonna drive the car. Last year, we had Greg Ives as the crew chief. We had Barry Hoover come out of retirement, my old car chief guy. I would have everything as it was. That was a fun group of people. They all wanted to be there; they all cared about it. That hopefully comes together.”
What To Expect In February 2026
JRM must qualify on speed or through the Duels since the entry holds no charter. The team aims to bring the same structure that helped secure ninth place in 2025. Traveller Whiskey returns with support. The group expects a familiar driver, familiar leadership, and a focused shop.
You should expect a lean effort built on parts, people, and preparation. The entry process begins in February. The team plans to bring a car ready for the race and ready for Daytona’s demands.
Primary Sponsor Returns With Multi
On Thursday, Noah Gragson fans found a new reason to get charged up heading into the 2026 season. MillerTech, a premium lithium-ion battery company, has agreed to a multi-year extension, which will keep it a primary sponsor of Gragson and the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports team through the end of the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season.
For MillerTech, the decision to return to Front Row Motorsports as a sponsor for the electrifying personality that is Gragson was a simple call.
“Noah and Front Row Motorsports represent the kind of commitment and character we stand on at MillerTech,” said Lester Miller, CEO, MillerTech. “Staying with them for a multi-year program was an easy decision. We are grateful for the relationship, proud of what we accomplished together, and ready to keep growing this partnership in a big way.”
In 2026, MillerTech will serve as a three-race primary sponsor of Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, beginning with the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17. MillerTech will return as the primary sponsor at Pocono Raceway on June 14 and will cap off its season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 23.
Gragson, 27, is elated for the return of MillerTech in 2026.
“It means a lot to have MillerTech return to Front Row and the No. 4 Team,” said Gragson. “Lester and the entire MillerTech family’s continued support shows they believe in the direction we’re heading, and I’m excited for what we’ve got lined up for the 2026 season.”
In addition to the primary sponsorship, MillerTech and Front Row Motorsports will partner together in a six-part social media series titled
Alabama governor replaces entire International Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission after critical state audit
The results of a state audit have prompted Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to dismiss and replace the entire International Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission.
The International Motorsports Hall of Fame museum, located outside Talladega Superspeedway, is home to a number of historical racing artifacts. The audit, which covered the period from October 2019 through September 2024, revealed 35 issues ranging from financial issues to failures in legal compliance and procedures.
A 56-page report was issued on the findings from the audit. Among its conclusions were:
The Commission failed to design and implement controls requiring a sufficient review of bank account and credit card transactions, as a result expenditures were made that were either unallowable or not documented in a manner that allowability could be determined.
Cash received for sales was missing and not deposited to the bank accounts of the Commission.
Commission money was improperly deposited into the personal account of a Commission member.
The Commission failed to maintain a listing of historic vehicles and memorabilia in its possession.
One finding explained that “the Commission sold four vehicles at a collector car auction without obtaining the written permission required … All of these vehicles had been donated to the Commission. Three of the donor agreements included provisions that the vehicles could not be sold or otherwise transferred for noneducational purposes …”
The vehicles were listed as a 1980 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am – Talladega Pace Car; 1982 Pontiac Trans Am – Busch Clash Pace Car; 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix – 2+2 Aerocoupe; and 1983 Pontiac Trans Am – Talladega Pace Car.”
The findings also showed an “official demand was made to the former Accounts Manager requesting repayment totaling $246,610.10. The former Accounts Manager failed to appear at a meeting before the Chief Examiner and show just cause why the amounts charged should not be repaid; therefore, relief was denied, as evidenced by the Order of the Chief Examiner. The charges remain due and unpaid, and, as a result, the report will be certified to the Office of Attorney General for collection.”
The Alabama Daily reported that a letter was sent about Ivey’s decision, including to the board chairman and former state senator Gerald Dial. It read:
“I am writing to inform you that Governor Ivey has decided to remove all current members of the Motor Sports Hall of Fame Commission, for cause, effectively immediately. For various reasons, Governor Ivey believes this is the right time for a fresh start at the Hall of Fame.”
The Commission consists of 18 members appointed by the Governor and holding staggered eight-year terms. The new board, per the museum website, was appointed as of Oct. 31.
The new members are Dr. George Robert Booker, Judge Scott Brewer, Jimmy Creed, Gerald Creel Jr., Ricky Goodwin, Commissioner Darrell Ingram, Judge Chad Joiner, Jennie Jones, Scott Pierce, Bruce Ramsey Sr., Stanley Ruffin, Randall Shedd, Tammie Williams and Zach Wilson.
Why Speed Channel Was Doomed to Fail? The Death of NASCAR’s Home That Revived Racing
Back in the mid-90s, when motorsports fans craved a dedicated presence on TV, Speedvision entered into TV market on December 31, 1995. It quickly became NASCAR’s go-to home channel, where races, tech breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes videos hooked a new wave of viewers. In 2008, it drew over 73 million households and sparked a fresh enthusiasm for stock car racing during NASCAR’s peak years. But there was a series of mistakes that led this channel to fail.
As Fox took full control in 2001 and rebranded it to ‘Speed’ in 2002, the channel leaned harder into NASCAR and sidelined other motorsports like F1. Fans enjoyed the in-depth stories that made NASCAR feel closer to their hearts, but there were problems with all the extra time NASCAR enjoyed. Those shifts set the stage for tough choices ahead.
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The NASCAR overload that sealed Speed’s fate
Speed started strong as a broad motorsports hub, covering everything from Formula 1 to boating under its original Speedvision name. But after Fox’s 1998 stake and full buyout by 2001, the 2002 rebranded ‘Speed’ gave most airtime to NASCAR, where it showed practices, qualifiers, and shows like Totally NASCAR.
This made it the ultimate stock car destination, reviving fan interest during the sport’s peak phase with stars like Jeff Gordon drawing massive crowds. By 2003, it got full Truck Series rights, which not only boosted viewership but also cemented Speed as NASCAR’s home channel.
That heavy tilt towards NASCAR left very little airtime for other motorsports. Popular host Dave Despain noted on Wind Tunnel how there was “too much NASCAR,” echoing viewer complaints as European series faded. A fan captured it best: “Too bad the Speed Channel became the NASCAR Channel showing less and less European and other world motorsports and increasingly more NASCAR, which is as sophisticated as 18-year-olds racing away from taverns at closing,” wrote M. Towey in a 2013 Stay Tuned reflection.
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This came amid losing F1 rights in 2012 after 17 years, as Fox’s strategy fell short on viewership math. F1 drew just 500,000 U.S. fans per race versus NASCAR’s millions. Background: Speed’s F1 team, led by voices like Will Buxton, built a loyal fan base since the mid-90s, but the channel’s NASCAR-centric mindset frustrated those F1 fans, and finally, it lost the rights to screen Formula 1 in America.
In a statement to the Associated Press, a Fox Sports Media Group spokesman (who owns Speed TV) said, “It’s disappointing to learn that F1 has elected to move forward with a different media partner. Speed has been the U.S. voice of F1 since the mid-’90s, and it is a passion for many people at the network.”
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The doom hit in March 2013 when Fox replaced Speed with Fox Sports 1, ending broadcasts on August 17 with Mike Joy’s farewell. NASCAR content migrated to FS1. Speed’s death hurt short-term, dispersing coverage and confusing fans during NASCAR’s contract shift to Fox through 2022.
Long-term, it exposed how over-reliance on one channel did not let NASCAR prepare for these types of unknown setbacks; without Speed’s echo chamber, series like ALMS found new homes, paving diverse paths. As Daily Downforce put it: “SPEED Channel was the one-stop shop for NASCAR in the 2000s. If you wanted racing, racing news, archived films, or anything else motorsports, you could turn to channel 70… and get your fill.”
This one-stop convenience revived racing’s TV presence in the 2000s, but its NASCAR-tight grip on fans during its peak time left other motorsports vulnerable. But what if losing Speed opened doors in a way that no fans ever saw coming?
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Speed’s end and a reset for racing’s TV future
When Speed signed off, it felt like the end of racing TV. But that void forced a shake-up, which resulted in spreading content across networks with a balanced airtime. FS1 kept NASCAR’s core, adding endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while CBSSN stepped up for global races like DTM and V8 Supercars. This spreading of all the racing content after Speed’s end felt very messy and confusing in the initial phase, but later on, there was stability with multi-year deals.
NBCSN led the charge, grabbing F1, IndyCar, and even NASCAR practices for a mix that ‘Speed’ never matched. “NBCSN has gone all-in with motor racing and is winning the war with diversity and its volume of programming. Even its recent acquisition and airing of NASCAR content has been welcome; with the other series it covers, NBCSN now provides the kind of balanced approach to motorsports that SPEED lacked,” noted Road & Track in 2015.
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The backstory here is that post-2013, NBC’s $100 million F1 deal drew 1.5 million viewers by 2017. Fans stopped watching Speed’s recorded broadcasts because they preferred to watch the live rallycross streams. The sport’s coverage changed to live broadcasts (blending with rallycross for timely streams), which appealed more to fans than waiting for the previous, delayed format. Digital apps from IMSA and WEC were also introduced, which offered on-demand races that reached younger eyes.
‘RIP’: NASCAR Community in Mourning as Cup Series Team Experiences Devastating Tragedy
This loss felt personal. Moments like these hit harder than any rough race weekend, because they remind everyone that behind the cars, the strategy, and the noise, this sport is really about the people. Recently, the NASCAR world was shocked to learn that Johnny Roten, the Performance Director of Front Row Motorsports, had suddenly passed away at 60. He wasn’t just another name on a team sheet. Roten was part of the heart and soul of the group.
Johnny Roten wasn’t a short-term hire or someone who just came in to help here and there. He had been with the team for the past three years, helping them grow, improve, and find their identity. Front Row Motorsports described him as “integral” and said his “presence and personality” meant so much to everyone around him. That alone shows what kind of person he was.
Across NASCAR, people felt the loss deeply because Roten wasn’t just a Front Row employee. He had spent more than 30 years in the sport. He worked with different teams, helped create fast cars, and mentored younger mechanics and engineers. He built a reputation as someone who knew the technical side of racing inside and out, but also cared about the people he worked with. NASCAR often talks about being a tight community, and Roten truly represented that.
Michael McDowell, who spent seven years at Front Row Motorsports, also paid tribute to Johnny Roten on social media. In a post on X, the Cup Series driver wrote, “Johnny was a great man that worked his tail off for us to have success. He would do whatever it took to get it done. Very sad for all of his Family, Friends and teammate’s. He will be missed.”
Front Row Motorsports fields three Cup Series teams and two in the Truck Series. And Johnny Roten was an important part of the operations at Bob Jenkins’ side for the last three seasons. He oversaw the transition when FRM grew from two charters to three at NASCAR’s highest level, and expanded their Truck operations as well.
In a sport where big-name drivers and big wins get most of the attention, Roten was one of those behind-the-scenes people who made it all possible. He didn’t look for camera time or praise. He focused on solving problems, finding speed, and supporting everyone around him. And when someone like that is suddenly gone, you really feel it.
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A loss felt throughout the Garage
Front Row Motorsports shared their heartbreak in an emotional message: “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our Performance Director, Johnny Roten. Johnny has been an integral part of Front Row Motorsports for the last 3 years and the NASCAR community for well over three decades. His presence and personality will be deeply missed.” These words weren’t written just because they had to. They came from people who truly cared about him. To them, Roten wasn’t just a coworker. He was family.
Roten’s career covered some of the biggest changes in NASCAR’s history. From the older Cup cars of the 1990s to the aero-focused vehicles of the 2000s, to the new technology teams use today, he saw it all. People who worked with him often said he had the rare ability to mix old-school racing instinct with modern engineering. That combination earned him the trust of teams to make major performance decisions.
He also made a huge impact on younger crew members and engineers. Many looked up to him for advice. People in the garage often said he wasn’t the type to just give orders. He took time to explain things, help people learn, and push them to be better. In a sport where pressure never goes away and tiny mistakes can make or break a race, having someone calm and experienced around is special. Roten was exactly that kind of leader.
Even teams outside of Front Row Motorsports felt the loss. When you spend more than 30 years in NASCAR, you meet almost everyone at some point: drivers, crew chiefs, engineers, officials, fabricators. Nearly everyone had some kind of story about Johnny Roten. Some remembered his jokes. Some remembered how well he handled tough situations. Others remembered how he checked in on people when he sensed they were struggling. That’s the kind of person who stays with you long after the engines stop.
The garage will keep moving, and the races will go on, but this week everything feels heavier. Johnny Roten reminded everyone that NASCAR is not just about speed, trophies, or horsepower. It’s about the people who make the sport run. And sadly, this week, the sport lost one of its good ones.
NASCAR petitions court with surprising request impacting 23XI owners amid lawsuit
Just 11 days out from the beginning of its trial against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, NASCAR has made a substantial request of the court. According to Matt Weaver of Motorsport, the defendants (NASCAR) have petitioned the court to exclude two of 23XI’s three owners from the courtroom pursuant to Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 615.
The order from Judge Kenneth Bell: “At the pretrial hearing, Defendants asked the Court to exclude two of 23XI Racing’s three owners from the courtroom pursuant to FRE Rule 615. The Court is continuing to consider that request. Each side is permitted to file a brief on the issue not to exceed five (5) pages in length, on or before 12:00 pm (noon) on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. No response or reply briefs are permitted.”
23XI is owned by Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk. NASCAR wants two of them excluded from the courtroom during the trial. Rule 615 Excluding Witnesses states the following:
At a party’s request, the court must order witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear other witnesses’ testimony. Or the court may do so on its own. But this rule does not authorize excluding:
(a) a party who is a natural person;
(b) an officer or employee of a party that is not a natural person, after being designated as the party’s representative by its attorney;
(c) a person whose presence a party shows to be essential to presenting the party’s claim or defense; or
(d) a person authorized by statute to be present.
Full clarity on the matter will come sometime next week. It appears nothing is standing in the way of the two sides going to trial, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 1 in Charlotte, N.C.
How did we get here in NASCAR lawsuit?
Of the 15 Cup Series teams that hold the 36 available charters, 23XI and FRM were the only teams that did not sign the Charter Agreement in August 2024. They filed a joint lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France that October, alleging monopolistic practices.
Multiple attempts at reaching a settlement before trial have failed. Both sides are dug in and believe they have a winning case. Judge Bell, however, has made it clear he doesn’t see a winner here.
“It’s hard to picture a winner if this goes to the mat — or to the flag — in this case,” Bell said in June. “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Makes Bold Case for Dirt Racing as the Purest Form of Motorsports
In late April this year, NASCAR Cup Series drivers bit their nails. Their anxiety peaked ahead of the race at Talladega Superspeedway, an Alabama oval track notoriously known for its wrecks. So drivers resorted to all kinds of preparation – consulting veterans like Dale Jr., going over past seasons’ notes, etc. However, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. enjoyed a night of dirt racing – driving his 360 winged sprint car at the Talladega Short Track.
The Hyak Motorsports driver had a lackluster NASCAR season, failing to achieve any race trophies. What’s more, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. collected only 1 top five and 3 top tens, leading for only 8 laps. Nonetheless, his enthusiasm is no less, as was evident in his words encouraging fans to follow a more unfiltered motorsport.
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. upholds his roots
In a recent interview with IndyCar and NASCAR expert Chase Holden, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. did not hold back. The NASCAR star nudged fans to watch dirt racing, which comprises his roots. “I would very highly encourage people to come check it out, just watch how close we run to the wall, how close we run to each other, the way we maneuver and pass people. Slide jobs have come over to stock car racing a little bit, and you know, it came from here…To me, it’s almost the purest form of motorsports where a driver can take a car and get more out of it than the car’s capable of.”
The first time Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went to a dirt track, he was only 6 months old. He watched his father race until he jump-started his own sprint car racing career, driving 360 cubic inches winged sprint cars. In 2003, he won the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Driver Poll. In 2004, he joined the USAC sprint car series, grabbing memorable accolades. At Manzanita Speedway, Stenhouse stole the show, notching two wins in three starts during the 2007 Copper on Dirt showcase. It was only in 2008 that Stenhouse joined stock car racing.
And now, even while competing as a full-time Cup Series driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. stays true to his roots. He continued with his words of inspiration: “Sprint car racing is 1,000 horsepower. They weigh 1500 lb with the driver and fuel in it. It’s just kind of chaos out there. It is probably the fastest form of motorsports in a small venue, here you can go get up close in personal…Buy you a $30 pit pass and come on in, and you know, check things out. So, the racing’s exciting. Traveling all across the country, and now it’s super accessible online.”
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Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s Sprint Car team, Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing, co-owned with Richard Marshall, changed this year. They made a series of crew changes that he and Marshall have made, specifically cutting ties with crew chief Kyle Ripper. It happened the day after Sheldon Haudenschild took the SJM Racing No. 17 team to Williams Grove National Open victory lane at Mechanicsburg, Pa.’s Williams Grove Speedway.
Meanwhile, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s personal memories in dirt racing are hard to scrub off.
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A drastic change in routine
Of course, dirt racing and stock car racing are poles apart. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. himself pointed out a few differences: “The harder you drive a sprint car, the better it feels and the faster it goes. It fixes a lot of problems. Stock car racing’s not necessarily like that.” Yet the Chevrolet driver has undoubtedly had a successful transition. In 2023, he became the first World of Outlaws team owner this century to win a Daytona 500 crown. Stenhouse’s four Cup Series trophies (2017 in Daytona and Talladega, 2023, and 2024) keep proving his skills.
Nevertheless, the star admitted to a particular habit that still makes him struggle. In his sprint car days, he used to help his crew till late at night, sleep till noon the next day, and go racing in the evening. But NASCAR had a different routine: “I would say for me the biggest challenge when I came to stock car racing was that the test started at like 8:00 a.m. in the morning, and then you would test all day long. Dude, by the end of the test, I’d be tired.”
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However, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is still making it work. As the 2026 season rolls into view, let’s see how the former dirt star performs in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The Grid Is the New Boardroom: How Motorsports Creates High-Value Business Relationships
You can smell the fuel and rubber, feel the vibration in your chest and hear the raw power of engines. You can look a driver in the eye and shake their hand during autograph sessions. You can snap a selfie with a race car or ask an engineer a question. That’s not VIP access … that’s motorsports.
American racing is undergoing a cultural rebirth. Not an adrenaline-fueled spectator sport, motorsports has become the intersection of cutting-edge innovation, relentless personal challenge and elite-level connection. The paddock is now a dynamic arena where investors, founders and brands gather alongside the fans, not just to admire the action, but to connect, strategize and scale.
True luxury today is defined by immersive, unfiltered access to people, moments and experiences — much of which can’t be bought. That’s what motorsports delivers: a front-row seat to culture in motion. In the 1950s and 1960s, American racing was grassroots and gritty. Drivers built and worked on their own cars. The sport mirrored the country’s blue-collar pride and mechanical obsession. Over the decades, the labor market shifted, and so did the culture of motorsport. What started in garages has roared onto the radar of the elite — founders, fund managers and tastemakers. But the soul of the sport — the obsession, the risk, the grit — hasn’t changed.
Car clubs are becoming the new country clubs. And the grid is the new boardroom.
F1 weekends in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas now look like red carpet fashion events. Michelin-star chefs, immersive brand activations and curated hospitality suites have joined the lineup. But beyond the flash, motorsports still offers something deeper: raw, authentic access to an environment where risk and reward live side by side, not just for the participants, but for everyone, from drivers to fans. It’s a space that attracts people wired for intensity.
Fueling this dynamic environment with their own brand of determination are the drivers, more specifically, the gentleman drivers who critically sustain the sport. The ones who don’t just spectate, but suit up. They aren’t just thrill seekers. They’re problem-solvers. Entrepreneurs, innovators and operators who thrive under pressure. For them, motorsports offers two unmatched benefits:
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• Cognitive Escape: At 165 mph, the mind goes silent. There’s no inbox. No boardroom. No fire to put out. It’s stillness in speed. It’s true flow state, a rare moment of quiet, focused clarity in an otherwise loud and scattered world.
• Living Strategy: Every lap is a fast-paced feedback loop, rapid-fire strategy, action, analyze, iterate. Tire degradation, corner geometry, acceleration and brake point, telemetry and team dynamics. It’s all a living puzzle unfolding at speed. The same minds that scale companies light up solving problems through every turn. Sportscar racing isn’t just a thrill. It’s therapy. And it’s addictive.
This is also why racing attracts an undeniably powerful audience beyond drivers. Founders, builders and brands all converge around a common energy and the pursuit of maximum performance. Motorsport is the proving ground for the world’s most respected luxury automakers and for the stories they want to tell. It’s a literal test lab for innovation, unfolding in public view, and it’s undeniably sexy. And for those wired to grow, lead and build, it becomes a natural backdrop for connection.
Motorsports offers something most major US sports do not — true access to the action. In IMSA, SRO and USAC, fans don’t sit behind velvet ropes. They walk the paddock. They stand on the grid. They take photos beside the cars and speak with the drivers. You can see the nerves, smell the tires and hear the team banter.
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That kind of proximity builds connection. Shared moments foster trust. And in a world where access is powerful currency, motorsports offers one of the richest, most authentic environments to form relationships that truly elevate. The new networking is happening at 165 mph.
Here’s how to turn high-octane access into meaningful, long-term relationships that create real wins on both sides:
• Lead with genuine curiosity. Ask about their story, not their status. Authentic interest opens doors that sales pitches can’t.
• Find shared goals. Whether it’s innovation, performance or philanthropy, look for the intersection of passions where collaboration feels natural.
• Put energy into what is mutually beneficial. The paddock is filled with key decision makers. When you seek genuinely synergistic scenarios, the connection happens strong and fast. Finding a way to bring value to others always boomerangs in some way.
• Offer value early. Share insights, make introductions or provide access. Relationships built on generosity last longer than those built on need.
• Follow through quickly. Momentum is everything. The faster you act on a conversation, the more likely real connection becomes.
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• Stay authentic. Motorsport is about precision and integrity. Approach relationships with the same discipline; be consistent, transparent and real.
If you’re looking to grow, connect or build what’s next, step into the paddock. There’s no place more alive than motorsport right now.
NASCAR wanted to ‘put a knife’ in SRX, text messages reveal
NASCAR executives were not thrilled about their stars participating in Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) – the now-defunct all-star series staged at short oval tracks – as revealed by text messages included in exhibits in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
The messages were part of a trove of documents that were unsealed late Friday. NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row will be in court beginning Dec. 1 for trial proceedings.
SRX debuted in 2021. The series, created by Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham, invited drivers from various racing disciplines to compete in identically prepared race cars. It was held for six weeks during the summer with television coverage from ESPN and then CBS. The series stopped operating after the 2024 season. Some of its assets were sold to GMS Race Cars earlier this year.
Participation by NASCAR drivers was possible because the races were held on Saturday nights, enabling those who wanted to compete to make the journey from wherever NASCAR was competing that weekend to the SRX event.
Among those from NASCAR who participated during SRX’s brief tenure (2021-24) were Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Daniel Suarez, Brad Keselowski, Justin Marks and Kevin Harvick. Elliott won twice in the series, as did Busch, and Hamlin also picked up a win.
Another text thread about the series in 2022 was also released:
NFL playoff picture, Week 12: Patriots seize control of AFC; Eagles lose grip on NFC
It’s been more than two months since the New England Patriots lost a football game. After falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, the Patriots have rattled off nine consecutive wins, the latest coming Sunday with a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, to surge to the top of the AFC standings. The 10-2 Patriots, the first team to reach double digits in the win column, are in the driver’s seat to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the first time since 2017.
They got an assist in that pursuit from the Chiefs, as Kansas City kept its own playoff hopes alive by knocking off the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts in overtime. Indianapolis was tied with New England in the loss column before Sunday’s defeat but has slipped to 8-3. Meanwhile, the Chiefs secured a much-needed win, but they’re still on the outside of the playoff picture right now.
Over in the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles blew a 21-point lead against the Dallas Cowboys and are looking up at the Los Angeles Rams in the standings. Los Angeles waxed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-7 on Sunday night and is in control of its destiny as the only two-loss team in the NFC.
Let’s take a look at what else happened around the NFL in Week 12 and where things stand ahead of “Monday Night Football.”
Listed odds to make the playoffs, win the division and secure the No. 1 seed are all via The Athletic’s NFL Projection Model, created by Austin Mock. Go check out our NFL Playoff Simulator to play out your favorite team’s path to the playoffs.
New England Patriots
Good teams usually need to win a couple of weird games every season, and that’s about how you could describe the Patriots’ 26-20 survival in Cincinnati. However, injuries are starting to mount in the trenches, with defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) already on injured reserve and left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and left guard Jared Wilson (ankle) carted off Sunday. It would be tough to sustain this level of play without their standout rookie linemen.
Next three weeks: vs. Giants, bye, vs. Bills
Denver Broncos
Here’s a bizarre trend the Broncos must buck: They’ve lost the turnover battle in five of their nine victories this season. No one else entered Sunday with more than two such wins this season. Suffice it to say, that’s not a strategy worth testing as the stakes continue to rise.
Next three weeks: at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ top-ranked offense closed their overtime loss against the Chiefs with four consecutive three-and-outs. This was a golden opportunity for the Colts to show they’re capable of closing out a high-quality opponent, but they instead blew a 20-9 lead in the fourth quarter. And as the Colts attempt to win their first AFC South title since 2014, that was just the start of a daunting stretch to close the season.
Next three weeks: vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks
Baltimore Ravens
When the Ravens improved — again, improved — to 2-5, they became the betting favorites to overtake the Steelers, who looked shaky themselves at 4-3. The Ravens caught them before Thanksgiving and could have a hold on the AFC North in a couple of weeks if they’re able to take the first of two upcoming meetings with their longtime rivals.
Next three weeks: vs. Bengals, vs. Steelers, at Bengals
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers were 7-4 last season before closing with four wins in six games to reach the playoffs. They’ve got only a one-game cushion on three wild-card hopefuls, so the Chargers are likely to need a similar finish to reach the postseason again. This could be the first time since 2006-09 the Chargers have made the playoffs in consecutive seasons.
Next three weeks: vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars climbed into the No. 6 seed by riding the full gamut with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had 256 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a lost fumble that was returned for a touchdown in a 27-24 overtime victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Lawrence also followed his third pick with a perfect touchdown drive to give the Jags a 24-21 fourth-quarter lead. They’re now just a game behind the Colts, with both matchups with their AFC South rival still on the docket, and it’s all there for the taking in coach Liam Coen’s debut season.
Next three weeks: at Titans, vs. Colts, vs. Jets
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have lost three of their last four road games, which is problematic after falling behind the Patriots by a couple of games in the standings. And the Bills are going to have to face their demons with three of their next four games on the road, including a Week 15 showdown in Foxboro. The Bills better figure out their road woes if they’re going to make the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.
Next three weeks: at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots
In the hunt
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
Houston Texans (6-5)
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5)
Miami Dolphins (4-7)
Cincinnati Bengals (3-8)
Cleveland Browns (3-8)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
New York Jets (2-9)
Tennessee Titans (1-10)
Eliminated
None
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have won six in a row to seize the NFC’s top seed, and they’ve got style to match the substance. They’re 6-2 against current playoff teams, so they aren’t just beating up inferior opponents. Aside from a tricky, upcoming five-day stretch against the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks, the rest of the Rams’ schedule looks manageable relative to what they’ve already endured.
Next three weeks: at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have been their own worst enemy this season after building huge leads, with Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Cowboys as merely the latest example. The Eagles nearly coughed up a 21-point advantage to the Bucs in Week 4 and blew a 14-point edge in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos and a 21-point lead Sunday to the Cowboys. Coincidentally, the blown leads could eradicate their tiebreaker over the Rams, which the Eagles earned in Week 3 with a 19-point comeback.
Next three weeks: vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders
Chicago Bears
The Bears are an astounding 6-1 in games decided by 5 points or less, and the loss was against the Minnesota Vikings in the opener. Who knows how they’ll fare during their challenging closing stretch, but the Bears’ performance in close games at least indicates they shouldn’t be intimidated over the final six weeks.
Next three weeks: at Eagles, at Packers, vs. Browns
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have lost four of five, including three straight, to open the door for the surging Carolina Panthers, who can jump into first place in the NFC South on Monday if they beat the San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs’ schedule levels out with three consecutive home games against teams with losing records, but their season might ultimately come down to their two tilts against the Panthers in the final three weeks.
Next three weeks: vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons
Seattle Seahawks
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,313 receiving yards, and he’s on pace for 2,029 this season, which would make him the first 2,000-yard receiver in league history. But that might also be an ominous accomplishment. Since 2006, Stefon Diggs (Bills, 2020) and Cooper Kupp (Rams, 2021) are the only players to lead the NFL in receiving yards and then win a playoff game.
Next three weeks: vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts
Green Bay Packers
The Packers got themselves right with wins against the New York Giants and the Vikings, but now it’s time to find out who they really are. They have a chance to finish off a sweep of the Lions on Thanksgiving before a four-game stretch against teams on the rise. The Packers (2-0) are the only NFC North team without two division losses, and they might need to maintain that distinction to reach the postseason.
Next three weeks: at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners, who host the Panthers on
Raiders fire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after just 11 games: reports
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After another lackluster offensive performance, the Las Vegas Raiders have fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, according to multiple reports.
This is the second coordinator fired by the Raiders in the past three weeks, as special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was relieved of his duties after a 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on Nov. 6.
Las Vegas placed heavy emphasis on upgrading its offense this offseason, and Kelly’s addition made him the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL with a deal worth an average of $6 million per season.
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Kelly was coming off a national title victory with the Ohio State Buckeyes, and with Pete Carroll coming out of retirement to coach the Raiders, he returned to the NFL to join him in Las Vegas.
But after adding veteran quarterback Geno Smith in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and using their first-round pick on running back Ashton Jeanty, the offense simply hasn’t performed well enough.
SHEDEUR SANDERS MAKES BROWNS HISTORY WITH WIN OVER RAIDERS IN FIRST CAREER START
Owner Mark Davis and the rest of the organization decided it was time to let Kelly go before the end of his first season with the franchise.
Kelly’s firing came after the Raiders scored just 10 points in a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns earlier Sunday. Smith threw for 285 yards on 30-of-44 passing with one touchdown to Jeanty. But the Raiders have scored 16 points or fewer in four of their last five games — all of which have ended in losses.
Entering Sunday’s game, the Raiders ranked third worst in yards per game (269) and points per game (15.5). Carroll also couldn’t have been pleased with Jeanty and the rushing attack, which managed just 81.4 yards per game despite investing a first-round pick at running back.
The Raiders’ offensive line has been a problem all season, with Smith being sacked 31 times entering the game against Cleveland. The Browns left Allegiant Stadium on Sunday with 10 sacks. Only Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, has been sacked more times this season with 45.
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It’s unknown who will take over offensive play-calling duties for the Raiders the rest of the season. But at 2-9, it’s been an unfortunate start to Carroll’s return — a season that was supposed to rejuvenate the franchise.
Shedeur Sanders wins his 1st NFL start, Myles Garrett has 3 sacks as Browns beat Raiders 24-10
By MARK ANDERSON
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — Myles Garrett getting three of 10 sacks by a ferocious Browns defense normally would be the top storyline for a struggling Cleveland team.
But rookie Shedeur Sanders’ NFL starting debut always figured to overshadow anything else the Browns accomplished Sunday.
Sanders made the plays the Browns needed, passing for 209 yards and a touchdown to help Cleveland to a 24-10 victory over the Raiders, the fifth straight loss for Las Vegas.
The Browns (3-8) ended a three-game skid while starting their 42nd quarterback since the franchise’s return in 1999. Sanders replaced fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who’s in the concussion protocol, and ended a 17-game losing streak by Cleveland QBs making their first start.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski wouldn’t commit to sticking with Sanders as the starter when Cleveland hosts San Francisco next Sunday.
“I’m not going to get into that,” Stefanski said. “Proud of him and proud of this offense. There are a ton of things to learn from, but I’m just going to worry about today.”
Sanders can thank the Browns’ defensive front, which was no match for the Raiders’ porous offensive line. Las Vegas has allowed 20 sacks over the past three weeks.
Garrett now has 18 sacks this season to break his franchise record of 16, set twice. With six games left, he needs five sacks to break the NFL record of 22 1/2 set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and T.J. Watt in 2021.
Garrett has 14 sacks over the past five games, the most in a five-game span since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. The four-time All-Pro also had two forced fumbles, four tackles for loss and six quarterback hits on Sunday.
Eight Browns players had at least half a sack.
“That’s the thing I’m most excited about,” Garrett said. “That puts a smile on my face. The franchise record, I kind of expect that of myself. I continue to set the bar higher and higher.”
Running back Quinshon Judkins scored two first-quarter touchdowns for Cleveland on direct snaps out of the wildcat formation.
Las Vegas (2-9), which has lost nine of 10, punted eight times, turned it over on downs twice and lost a fumble. The Raiders’ offense was booed frequently by the Allegiant Stadium crowd.
“We’re pretty disappointed about this one, but if you don’t score, you can’t win and we couldn’t score,” coach Pete Carroll said. “The numbers are, whatever, they’re next to nothing. We had opportunities to make big plays, and we didn’t hit them. Quarterback was under duress the entire time, so our ability to match up with their pass rush didn’t work out well.”
Geno Smith passed for 285 yards and a touchdown, though many of those yards came late with the Browns playing softer on defense. Maxx Crosby had a personal-high five tackles for loss.
“Everyone’s going to be searching for answers and solutions when things are not going exactly well,” Crosby said. “Unfortunately, we’re just not good enough right now. It’s been pretty clear. That’s the reality of it, and we’ve got to get better.”
Sanders’ presence brought a bit of juice to this late-November battle of bottom-of-the-barrel teams. Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Fame player and current Colorado coach, hugged his son before the game.
When asked by a CBS sideline reporter before the game what Browns fans should hope to see, Shedeur Sanders said, “I’m who they’ve been looking for.”
He was just as confident afterward.
“A lot of people want to see me fail,” Sanders said, “and it ain’t going to happen.”
He showed that late in the first quarter, escaping a blitz to find Isaiah Bond for a 52-yard pass to the 2-yard line, drawing an I-can’t-believe-he-did-that look from Garrett on the sideline. That throw ended a 15-game drought without a 50-yard completion for a Cleveland quarterback.
In the fourth quarter, Sanders dumped off a pass to running back Dylan Sampson, who turned it into a 66-yard TD.
The Browns ended a five-game losing streak to the Raiders. Their most recent victory was on Oct. 26, 2014, a 23-13 win at Cleveland.
Injuries
Browns: DE Adin Huntington (groin) was hurt in the third quarter.
Raiders: TE Michael Mayer (ankle) was injured in the second quarter. RB Ashton Jeanty (ankle) left late in the fourth after taking a big hit.
Up next
Browns: Host San Francisco next Sunday.
Raiders: Visit the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.
___
Who plays NFL football on Black Friday? How to watch Bears vs. Eagles
Who says Thanksgiving gets all the football fun? This year, two NFL teams will go head-to-head on Black Friday.
On Nov. 28, the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles will face off for the first time since 2022.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning to watch.
When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 28.
Who plays football on Black Friday?
The Philadelphia Eagles host the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Friday.
What time is Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles Black Friday game?
Date: Friday, Nov. 28.
Time: 3 p.m. ET.
The Black Friday game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Watch Bears vs. Eagles on Amazon Prime Video
Bears vs. Eagles: TV channel, time, streaming for Black Friday matchup
Amazon Prime will stream the Black Friday Week 13 game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.
Raiders firing Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator after just 11 games
Chip Kelly’s stint as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator — and as the NFL’s highest-paid OC — lasted just 11 games.
Las Vegas fired Kelly on Sunday, the team announced, after the Raiders’ dreadful 2-9 start to the season where the Geno Smith-led offense sat tied for last in the NFL in points per game (15.0) and averaged the third-fewest yards per game (268.9).
“I spoke with Chip Kelly earlier this evening and informed him of his release as offensive coordinator of the Raiders,” head coach Pete Carroll said in a press release. “I would like to thank Chip for his service and wish him all the best in the future.”
The Raiders, who travel to face the Chargers next Sunday and already had their bye in Week 8, didn’t announce an interim offensive coordinator.
Kelly, the former Eagles and 49ers head coach who bolted to the NFL in 2013 following his successful run with Oregon, joined Carroll’s staff in the offseason on a deal worth approximately $6 million, according to ProFootballTalk. The Raiders also fired special teams coordinator Tom McMahon earlier this month.
He spent 2024 as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator — helping guide the Buckeyes to a national title and orchestrating the unit quarterbacked by Will Howard — before returning to the NFL for his first stint as a coordinator in the league.
Kelly was also the head coach of UCLA in 2023.
The decision to fire Kelly occurred after the Raiders fell to the Shedeur Sanders and the Browns, 24-10, for a fifth consecutive loss.
They didn’t score a touchdown until there were just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, and Smith completed 30-of-44 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown.
The Raiders — and Kelly, by extension — built their offense around Smith after acquiring him from the Seahawks and then inking the one-time Jets castoff to a $75 million extension.
Las Vegas also drafted star running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6 overall in April’s draft, too.
But the offense’s potential never consistently appeared, as the Raiders topped 25 points just once — during a 30-29 overtime loss to the Jaguars in Week 9 — so far this season.
And that, then, all led to Sunday’s change.
Raiders fire OC Chip Kelly
Breaking into the NFL as an immediate head coach after major success at Oregon, Kelly initially found more success in Philadelphia, taking his team to the playoffs in his first year at the helm in 2013. Kelly was given control over roster decisions by owner Jeffrey Lurie, but after some questionable trades, some character complaints, and a losing record in his third season, Kelly was fired before he could finish Year 3. Several teams attempted to land him after his dismissal, and he landed in San Francisco, where he was quickly let go after a 2-14 season.
After taking a year away from coaching as a studio analyst at ESPN, Kelly took up the clipboard again to coach at UCLA for six years. Starting in 2022, Kelly started to appear on NFL radars again, and in 2024, following his final year with the Bruins, he began to emerge as an offensive coordinator candidate. He reportedly was aiming for the Raiders’ position under then-head coach Antonio Pierce, and even though he was reportedly interviewed twice, Kliff Kingsbury emerged as the favorite for that job. Kelly then emerged as a candidate for the Commanders’ job, which ultimately went to Kingsbury as Luke Getsy landed the job in Las Vegas.
Having missed out on both positions, Kelly settled back into the world of college football, replacing Bill O’Brien as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, where he coordinated the 12th-best scoring offense in the country en route to a National Championship victory over current-Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden‘s Notre Dame defense. The successful year led to more NFL attention as the Texans and Jaguars expressed early interest in Kelly, but he once again homed in on Vegas, and this time, he landed the gig, doing so as the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator.
Now under new head coach Pete Carroll and Kelly (not to mention new minority owner Tom Brady), the Raiders’ momentum seemed to be swinging in a majorly positive direction. Moves were made to improve the offensive side of the ball, starting with a trade that brought quarterback Geno Smith down from Seattle to reunite with Carroll.
Impact free agents like offensive guard Alex Cappa and running back Raheem Mostert were signed. The 2025 NFL Draft was offense-heavy, with the consensus top running back, Ashton Jeanty, coming off the board at No. 6 overall, Senior Bowl favorite wide receiver Jack Bech coming out of the second round, two offensive tackles coming out of the third, and two FCS quarterbacks hearing their names called in the sixth.
Twelve weeks into the 2025 campaign, nothing seems to have panned out. After today’s games, every team in the NFL has played 11 games, and the Raiders sit with New Orleans at the bottom of the league with a league-worst 165 points scored. Las Vegas ranks 30th in the NFL with 2,958 yards of total offense. The team has a bottom-six passing offense and a bottom-two rushing attack.
Smith is having his worst season since reestablishing himself as a starting quarterback, leading to some concerns about his ability to lead the team. While showing flashes, Jeanty’s effectiveness has been a rollercoaster throughout his rookie season, while his fellow offensive rookies have been extremely quiet. The free agent additions, Cappa and Mostert, have been non-factors, despite Cappa having spent most of his career as a full-time starter.
But the change that Las Vegas has keyed in on as the biggest factor to the lack of success appears to be the hiring of Kelly, and whether or not he was the key issue at play here, he’s become the latest victim of the Raiders’ quick decision-making. Since the dying days of general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Jack Del Rio, stability has been a challenge for staffers in Las Vegas.
Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock became the new established head coach and general manager, respectively, for the team’s transition to Vegas in 2019. In 2020, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was fired midseason. Gruden resigned five games into the following year, and Mayock and both coordinators were cleaned out at the end of that season. The new head coach (Josh McDaniels), general manager (Dave Ziegler), and offensive coordinator (Mick Lombardi) for the 2022 campaign all only lasted until Halloween of the following year.
That brings us almost up to date to last year, when Pierce, Tom Telesco, and Luke Getsy took over those respective positions. Getsy didn’t even get to finish the year, getting fired after the team’s Week 9 contest last year. Under yet another new head coach (Carroll) and GM (John Spytek), Kelly lasted just three more weeks than Getsy. And all the while, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been learning new names since 2022. The only familiar face Graham had over the past three years was special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, who was let go earlier this month.
There’s been no word yet on who will serve as an interim coordinator. Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson seems to make the most sense, considering he held the position under Gruden from 2018 to 2021. Whatever the case, if the Raiders truly hope to turn this team around in the future, establishing some stability may pay major dividends.
As for Kelly, there may still be some significant interest in his abilities as a playcaller, though the interest may take him back to the world of college football. There is sure to be opportunities for Kelly to land on his feet after briefly dipping his toe back in the NFL waters.
Shedeur Sanders shares heartwarming moment with Deion after Browns’ win
Shedeur and Deion Sanders shared a heartwarming moment after the younger Sanders was victorious in his first NFL start.
Deion was seen in the bowels of Allegiant Stadium, celebrating Shedeur’s impressive 209 passing yards against the Raiders as he helped the Browns win 24-10 on Sunday.
Coach Prime was captured in a video giving his son a big hug as he smiled from ear to ear.
A person, presumably with the Sanders family, filmed the moment and Shedeur smiled widely as his dad put his arm around him proudly.
Deion, who is the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was all smiles as he watched from a suite inside the stadium as Shedeaur threw his first career NFL touchdown in the fourth quarter.
A short pass to running back Dylan Sampson turned into a 66-yard touchdown.
One of Shedeur’s best passes of the day came in the first quarter when he aired out a 52-yard connection to Isaiah Bond while on the run to help set up a late first-quarter touchdown.
Shedeur, who dropped all the way to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, became the first Browns QB to win his first start since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999.
“The fact that I got an opportunity and I was able to show the organization, show everybody who I really am, it’s truly exciting,” Shedeur told reporters after the game. “I was off balance for a little bit, the past couple of months. My life, it was different, but I’m thankful to be back where I am.”
He added later: “I got skipped by everybody at least five times. It just comes with the game. I’m just thankful for where I am now. … I still got an opportunity to play, so why could I be mad?”
While Shedeur enjoyed the start on Sunday, head coach Kevin Stefanski was noncommittal about whether he would start next weekend against the 49ers.
Shedeur Sanders’ First Start, Cowboys and Chiefs Comeback Victories Lead Key Takeaways From NFL Week 12
Week 12 of the NFL season absolutely delivered. We had five of the seven games in the early window decided by one score and saw the Cowboys erase a 21-point deficit to beat the Eagles and the Jaguars earn an overtime victory over the Cardinals in the late window…
It was easily one of the best Sundays we’ve had all season. Here were my 10 biggest takeaways from Week 12.
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Shedeur Sanders’ first start went way better than I thought
I won’t lie, I did not think Shedeur Sanders would have a good first start. Not necessarily because I think he’s s bad quarterback, but the situation he’s in just isn’t ideal. He did have the luxury of playing a pretty bad defense, but I was still pleasantly surprised with how he played.
Sanders completed just 11 of his 20 attempts, but he averaged nearly 20 yards per completion. He did throw an ugly interception, but bounced back and tossed his first NFL touchdown just a few drives later (to be fair, it was a pass behind the line of scrimmage that went for 66 yards). With the win, Sanders became the first Browns rookie QB to win his first start since 1995.
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The most encouraging part of his performance to me was how he handled the pocket. He’s struggled with taking bad sacks throughout his entire career, but he took just one sack for a three-yard loss in this game. His offensive line did a pretty good job protecting him, but he also did a great job getting the ball out quickly.
Was it a flawless first start? No. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but it was definitely more encouraging than last week.
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Wow, Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys found themselves trailing 21-0 early in this game. They were down and out. Their offense looked bad, their defense couldn’t get a stop, and I was ready to write them off completely. But man, what a comeback.
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After that incredibly slow start, the Dallas Cowboys turned it on. Their offense scored 24 unanswered points behind 354 passing yards from Dak Prescott, 146 receiving yards from George Pickens, and 87 rushing yards from Javonte Williams. They made the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, which has been playing GREAT recently, look like the Giants for the final 2.5 quarters.
What really impressed me, though, was their defense. They held Philadelphia scoreless for the final 41.5 minutes of this game after looking completely lost in the first quarter. Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson helped out, but it was all the guys who’ve been there all season through all their struggles who came through and made plays.
The Cowboys are 5-5-1 and are firmly back in the NFC playoff picture. If they can knock off the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving, things will get very, very interesting.
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The Chiefs still have a realistic chance to win the AFC
The Kansas City Chiefs finally got the monkey off their back. All year long, they’ve struggled to win close games, which is crazy, considering they’ve been the best at winning those games in recent years, but after storming back from 11 down, the Chiefs got a gritty win against the Indianapolis Colts.
I know the Chiefs are 6-5, but when you look at their losses, they’re all one-score losses to playoff teams.
The Chiefs had a real chance to win all of these games, but they just couldn’t get it done in the final minutes. If they can sneak into the playoffs, they’ll have a real chance to beat every team they play. This game could be a bit of a turning point for them, so I’m interested to see how they play against Dallas, Houston, LA, and Denver before the postseason.
They’re not my pick to win the AFC at the moment, but it’s going to be hard to pick against them in January.
Jahmyr Gibbs is a top-two RB in the NFL, and he’s not two…
Jahmyr Gibbs is possibly the most dynamic playmaker in the entire league. When you think of your dream running back, Gibbs is probably what comes to mind. He’s only 5-foot-9, but he’s physical between the tackles and has enough burst to hit any hole hard. He can also get to the edge, and he’s arguably the best receiving running back in the NFL.
This Sunday’s performance was a perfect example of why he might be the best running back in football. He ran for 219 yards while catching 11 of his 12 targets and scored three touchdowns (overall). He averaged nearly 15 yards per carry and ripped off touchdowns of 49 and 69 yards.
I know Jonathan Taylor is having a career year, but if I were starting a team right now, I think I’d pick Gibbs over anyone else. Taylor is probably the better pure runner, but if you stuff the box, you can shut him down. If you stop Gibbs on the ground, you still have to worry about him out of the backfield.
The Rams are unstoppable
The Los Angeles Rams might not lose another game for the rest of the year, and that’s not even an exaggeration. They’re playing the best football of anyone in the league right now, and when you look at their schedule for the rest of the year, it’s very favorable. They have tough matchups against the Lions and Seahawks, but outside of that, it’s the Panthers, Falcons, and Cardinals twice.
I know the Bucs are beat up, and Baker Mayfield didn’t play the second half, but this was a beatdown well before Mayfield went down. The Rams got out to a quick 21-0 lead and just never looked back. Matthew Stafford had a great game once again, further solidifying himself as one of the top MVP candidates. Puka Nacua was efficient, and Davante Adams caught a couple of touchdowns. It was just a great day for their offense overall.
Their defense was excellent as well. When he was in, Mayfield completed less than 50 percent of his passes for 41 yards and was sacked twice, and Teddy Bridgewater wasn’t able to make much of an impression either. They were able to run the ball decently well, but they were trailing by 20+ for most of the game, so they couldn’t really even establish the run.
This was a beatdown, and it’s something we’re becoming accustomed to seeing with this Rams team. I wouldn’t be surprised if they end the regular season 15-2 and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Myles Garrett is going to break the single-season sack record
Myles Garrett is playing the best football of any player in the league, offense or defense. Over his last four games, Garrett has 13 sacks, which is the most over a four-game span in NFL history. He is now up to 18 sacks in just 11 games (1.6 per game), and is on pace to destroy the single-season sack record. He also became the first player in NFL history since 1982 to record 12+ sacks in six straight seasons.
TJ Watt and Michael Strahan currently hold the record with 22.5 sacks. Those were absolutely dominant seasons, but if Garrett continues this pace, he’s going to finish the year with 28 sacks. I know it’s not realistic to expect Garrett to keep this insane rate up, but all he needs is five sacks in his next six games to set the record, and we all know that is well within reach.
Garrett is easily the best defensive player in football right now, but is it crazy to say he might be the best pass rusher in NFL history?
J.J. McCarthy might be the worst QB in the league
Everyone made fun of the Minnesota Vikings for drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round a couple of years ago. And rightfully so. If he weren’t on a Michigan team that won the national championship, not due to any special performance of his own, he wouldn’t have been drafted anywhere near the first round.
However, his first few NFL games weren’t too bad, so I was ready to admit that I, and everyone else, was wrong about him. But he’s been proving the haters right in recent weeks.
In his last two games coming into this week, McCarthy had thrown for 398 yards, two touchdowns, and four picks. On Sunday, things weren’t any better for McCarthy, who completed 12 of his 19 attempts for 87 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. He just looked absolutely awful all game long.
When you have Kevin O’Connell as your head coach, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as your receivers, and T.J. Hockenson as your tight end, there is no reason you shouldn’t have some success. If he were in Cleveland or Las Vegas or somewhere like that, I’d understand, but he’s in a great situation and just can’t get it done.
Right now, McCarthy might be the worst quarterback in the league. And if he’s not, he’s bottom three.
The NFC North just got even more interesting
The NFC North was already a fascinating division, but after this week, it’s even more so. The Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears all won this week and are within a game of the division lead with just six games to go.
The Bears – who I still don’t think are all that good, they’ve just had a ton of things go their way – got a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their offense looked pretty good, but their defense gave up 28 points to a Mason Rudolph-led Steelers offense. Still, a win is a win, and they’re 8-3 and in the lead of the North.
Behind them, the Packers added a dominant victory over the Vikings, taking down their NFC North rivals, 23-6. Their defense looked fantastic, but that’s not all that hard against J.J. McCarthy, and their offense was able to move the ball methodically, but they lacked the big-play ability.
The Lions’ offense, specifically their run game, looked great, but that was against one of the worst defenses in the league. They had to go to overtime to beat the 2-10 Giants, who were without their starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart.
None of these teams has looked particularly great recently, but they’re all 7-4 or better. They have all found ways to win, and there’s a good chance this division comes down to Week 18 when Detroit plays Chicago and Green Bay plays Minnesota.
Davis Mills should be the starter until further notice
I have never been the biggest C.J. Stroud fan, even during his historic rookie season. I just never saw him as anything special, and this season has proven me right. He led a Houston Texans team that had one of the best defenses this decade to a 3-5 record before he exited with a concussion. In their last three games without Stroud, the Texans have gone 3-0, and Davis Mills has looked much better than Stroud did. Just look at their averages this year and tell me they should go back to Stroud next week.
When Stroud starts, the Texans are averaging 21 points per game. When Mills starts, the Texans are averaging 25 points per game. And Stroud’s number is inflated by a 44-point shutout over Baltimore when they were arguably one of the worst teams in the league. Without that game, the Texans average 17.8 points per game.
Until the Texans lose, Mills should be the starter. Unfortunately, that won’t happen. They spent too premium a pick on Stroud a few years ago for them to bench him when he’s healthy.
If/when the Texans start losing when Stroud comes back, there are going to be some uncomfortable conversations in Houston.
The Bengals are officially done
It’s official. The Cincinnati Bengals are done before Joe Burrow even returns to the field.
The Bengals are 3-8. If they want a chance to make the playoffs, they have to win all six of their remaining games, and even that might not be enough. When they were 2-1, Burrow went down, and Jake Browning looked horrible; they were aggressive and went out and traded for Joe Flacco. He played well for them, but was only able to win one of six starts this season because of their defense.
The Bengals averaged 27.1 points per game with Flacco under center, but their defense allowed an average of 33.3 points during that span. Now, they have next to no chance at making the playoffs, even though Burrow could be back as soon as next week.
It’s been a disaster season for Cincinnati, and it will be very interesting to see if they make any big changes this offseason. I imagine fans are tired of Zac Taylor, so it’ll be interesting to see if ownership feels the same.
Bonus: Jameis Winston Play of the Year?
As a bonus “takeaway,” Jameis Winston might’ve just had the play of the year, catching a pass from Gunnar Olszewski and breaking a tackle for a 34-yard receiving touchdown.
How can you not love Jameis Winston? The player didn’t just keep the Giants competitive against Detroit; he delivered two wild, creative plays that completely flipped the energy of the game.
First, the team opened with a bit of trickery as Winston caught a throwback pass and launched a 39-yard touchdown to Wan’Dale Robinson. Later, with the game tight in the fourth quarter, Mike Kafka dialed up an even bolder call that let Winston put his athleticism on display.
He got the ball back from Gunner Olszewski, shook off a defender with a juke and a stiff-arm, and somehow stayed upright long enough to stroll into the end zone for a 33-yard score. It was the kind of moment that fires up an entire sideline, especially for a team many expected to get blown out. Instead, Winston helped New York grab a lead, spark real momentum, and remind everyone that even in a tough season, they can still throw punches.
NFL Expected to Hand Out Punishment for Hit in Chiefs-Colts Game
The Kansas City Chiefs may have salvaged their season and resurrected their playoff hopes on Sunday, erasing an 11-point deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in overtime.
The win was critical for the Chiefs, who had fallen out of the playoff bracket after last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos — and could be especially costly for one Colts player. New addition Sauce Gardner was flagged for a facemask penalty while tackling Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, which could draw some additional punishment from the NFL in the coming week.
Penalty Led to Key Score for Kansas City
Gardner was flagged for the penalty while the Chiefs were driving down 11 points in the fourth quarter. Mahomes threw a 2-yard pass to Edwards-Helaire, and officials threw a flag on Gardner for his tackle.
The penalty put the Chiefs in the red zone, and they scored a touchdown two plays later on a 2-yard plunge from running back Kareem Hunt. Mahomes found wide receiver Rashee Rice for a w-point conversion, bringing them to within a field goal.
Gardner could face a fine from the NFL, which reviews all plays and issues fines for illegal hits. Facemask penalties net a $11,593 fine from the league.
One Chiefs player could also face punishment for a hit earlier in that same drive. Offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia was flagged for an illegal blindside block, giving the Chiefs a 15-yard penalty and putting him in danger of facing a fine of his own.
Chiefs Found a Way to Win
Going into Sunday’s game, the Chiefs had been winless in one-score games this season after going undefeated last year. Mahomes had lamented the missed chances as the team fell to 5-5 after consecutive losses to the Buffalo Bills and then Broncos, but said the team found a way to seize those opportunities on Sunday.
“All five of our losses felt like this game, where there were plays we could make and we didn’t,” Mahomes told reporters after the game. “You can talk about it all day, but until you prove it, it doesn’t. We proved today we could make the plays.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised his team for showing mettle and not flinching when they were down two scores in the fourth quarter.
“The part I liked the best was the support the guys gave each other,” Reid said. “Nobody flinched. Nobody was hanging their head. It wasn’t happening. They came out and they played, and they did it when it counted.”
Reid added that everyone in the organization has maintained a steady approach despite their season-long struggles.
“Nobody has been hanging our head, going, ‘Oh, no! It’s over!’ That’s not been the mentality within our building,” Reid said. That goes for everybody. Everybody has had a piece of it, and it carried over onto the field.”
Sean McVay Sends Warning Against Complacency as Bucs Win Makes Rams No. 1 in NFL
The NFC has a new leader. After the Eagles fell to the Cowboys and the Rams crushed the Buccaneers 34-7 at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles slid into the top spot. Yet HC Sean McVay did not let the locker room soak in the moment for long. Instead, he reminded his players that standings shift fast in this league.
As he walked off the podium, you could sense he wanted more than celebration.
He said, “Do you remember who was in first place with six weeks left last year? Me either.”
That line set the tone because he wanted every player in the horns to understand that the job is far from finished. There are still six games left, and the Eagles carry the head-to-head edge from Week 3. However, this was a huge swing for the Rams.
Now they hold their own fate at the conference. If they win out, they lock up the bye and keep everyone else in chase mode. And that control is exactly what McVay has preached all year.
However, Week 15 against Detroit will test their toughness. And Week 16 against Seattle at Lumen Field will be loud. But Los Angeles has looked close to unstoppable after stacking six straight wins. Their only losses came in games they let slip to the Eagles and the 49ers. And you can argue they should be sitting with a perfect record right now.
Even so, Sean McVay refuses to look past anything. The Panthers come next. Then the Cardinals. He wants each week treated like a playoff game. And this is why he keeps demanding more from the staff and from himself.
Chris Paul is one the NBA’s great guards. He just wasn’t Stephen Curry.
The NBA’s greatest players cast shadows so long that even a future first-ballot Hall of Famer can be eclipsed.
Once Chris Paul retires at season’s end, he’s destined to receive the John Stockton treatment. Stockton, of course, is the only player who ranks above Paul on the NBA’s all-time lists for assists and steals, but history remembers him mostly as one of the many 1990s legends who never won a championship thanks to Michael Jordan. Like Stockton, Paul is a brilliant and feisty undersized point guard who displayed amazing longevity. Like Stockton, Paul will exit the game with a stacked resume but no rings, barring a miracle. And like Stockton and his Jordan dilemma, Paul will be passed over by future generations in favor of Stephen Curry, whose rocket ship to basketball immortality came directly at Paul’s expense.
Lakers Want Former NBA Champion At Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a dream start to the season and have hopes of contending for an NBA Championship. LeBron James returning to the lineup gives them a third superstar and a higher overall ceiling. However, there is some skepticism over the Lakers current streak continuing all season.
Luka Doncic is averaging over 35 points and looks like the best scorer in the league. Austin Reaves had an All-Star start and is making Lakers fans dream about his ceiling being higher. Skeptics question these things holding up all year, but the Lakers are looking to improve if one interesting name is available.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the rumored interest in Andrew Wiggins is quite strong:
“We’ve heard for some time now that the Lakers know they need some improvements on the wing. Andrew Wiggins has been a name that they are monitoring if Miami were to make him available.”
Time will tell if the Lakers have enough to offer opposing teams on the trade market since they have three big names on the roster they won’t be moving. Fischer does confirm that the Lakers will upgrade if the right deal for someone they desire is there.
Lakers Trade Package For Andrew Wiggins
The biggest question about the Lakers being able to tempt the Miami Heat into trading Wiggins regards what trade package they could realistically offer. Fischer made it clear that it would be lower tier names and a potential future draft pick. None of the most important players would be moved in exchange for the wing player.
“So, what type of outgoing salary could that mean? I mean, they have a good chunk by combining Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, in the event that they do see someone they identify and want to go target and add,” Fischer said. “But I think, at this point in time, 11-4, LeBron just came back, the Lakers could also be in a ‘wait and see’ mode. See what this group really looks like.”
Management has a couple of months to watch this current roster play before they make a move. Wiggins may require more assets since Miami got off to a better start and is playing with a new offensive identity. The Heat could easily view Wiggins as part of their future after his great start.
Does This Impact LeBron’s Lakers Future
One interesting thing about Wiggins potentially joining the Lakers would see him playing next to James for the rest of the season. However, LeBron is a free agent next summer and has yet to sign or verbally agree to anything more with the Lakers. There is a belief that James wants to look at other teams, and Los Angeles wants to build a new roster around Doncic.
Acquiring Wiggins might be perfect since he could play in the frontcourt with LeBron this season, but he could also replace him next year. Wiggins would be the ideal wing player to team with Doncic and Reaves, especially since he plays defense at a high level. The Lakers having such strong interest in Wiggins could impact the long and short term future alike.
Oklahoma City overwhelms Trail Blazers to avenge only loss of season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked like an MVP.
The Oklahoma City Thunder played like the best team in the NBA.
And the Portland Trail Blazers offered little resistance to a laser-focused team chasing a second consecutive championship.
The Thunder bludgeoned the Blazers Sunday night at Paycom Center, building a 27-point first-half lead and cruising to a dominant 122-95 victory before 18,203 in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder avenged their only loss of the season, which came 121-119 against the Blazers on Nov. 5 at the Moda Center. After that memorable matchup, during which the Blazers fought back from a 22-point deficit to stun the Thunder, Deni Avdija proclaimed in the postgame locker room that the Blazers were building “something special in Portland.”
But the only special Sunday night was the play of the Thunder.
The Blazers held a lead for just one minute, 19 seconds in the beatdown — and that came early in the first quarter — as Oklahoma City flexed its NBA-best defense, Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show in just three quarters and the Thunder overwhelmed a shorthanded team playing without seven injured players, including its starting backcourt and three point guards.
The game was virtually over after the first quarter, when the Thunder built a commanding 39-18 lead. Gilgeous-Alexander was breathtaking in the opening frame, scoring 17 points on 6-for-7 shooting, but it was the collective dominance and precision of the Thunder (17-1) that overwhelmed the Blazers (7-10).
Oklahoma City shot 67% from the field, including 60% from three-point range, as six different scorers took turns punishing Portland after the opening tip. The Thunder shared the ball impressively, racking up eight assists on 14 made field goals, and scored all over the floor — 20 points of their points came in the paint, nine came from the three-point line and three came on fast breaks. All the while, Oklahoma City’s suffocating defense slowed down the Blazers’ pace and neutralized everything they wanted to do.
Portland shot just 33% in the first, including 17% from three-point range, and coughed up five turnovers.
“I think the first quarter set the tone a little bit,” Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter told reporters afterward. “We were not aggressive. They were the aggressor, they played better, they made shots. We didn’t. We tried to fight for a little bit, but didn’t have enough to compete against them.”
Things didn’t get any better for the Blazers after the forgettable first. Every time they made a push or found a little momentum, Oklahoma City silenced the hint of a threat with a timely three-pointer, a clutch drive to the basket or a few defensive stands. The Thunder did not lead by fewer than 17 points over the final three quarters, extending it to as many as 36 in the fourth.
Oklahoma City’s vaunted defense, which entered the game leading the NBA in defensive rating (103.0), was relentless, forcing 17 turnovers and limiting Portland to 37% shooting, including 26% from three-point range.
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Jerami Grant, who scored 21 points on 6-for-8 shooting, was one of just three Blazers to reach double-figures in scoring. Avdija was one of them — he had 11 points and five rebounds — but he made just 4 of 11 shots.
“Offensively, we couldn’t get anything,” Splitter told reporters after the game. “It was one of those nights that our shots weren’t falling.”
That was no such problem for Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 37 points, seven assists and five rebounds, using a deluge of driving finger rolls, midrange jumpers and three-pointers to blitz the Blazers all night. He made 13 of 18 shots, 9 of 9 free throws, and sat the entire fourth quarter because of his team’s lopsided lead. Gilgeous-Alexander ranks third in the NBA in scoring, averaging 31.9 points per game.
Ajay Mitchell added 20 points and Isaiah Joe added 10 for the Thunder, who had 12 different players score.
“I think we play very slow tonight, (we were) afraid to drive it and kick it out,” Splitter told reporters afterward. “I think we were too careful. So that cannot happen (Monday). We’ve got to be more aggressive, that’s our game, that’s how we play. When we get too cute with the ball, that’s not us. We’ve got to get better there.”
Next up
The Blazers end a three-game trip Monday, when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks at 5 p.m.
Kings Not Interested in Three NBA Star Point Guards
The Sacramento Kings finally got back in the win column after a win in Denver against the Nuggets snapped an eight-game losing streak. Despite the win against a very good team, most of the fanbase and NBA media have no expectation that this will be a turning point for Sacramento.
Part of this has to do with the fact that the Nuggets were missing two key starters and coming off a very tense away win against the Houston Rockets the night before. The other piece is that the Kings are somehow near the bottom of the league in both offense and defense.
In the past, fans would be smart to brace for another big trade for an imperfect star rather than a rebuild. With Ja Morant, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball reportedly on the trade block, it felt like just a matter of time before another “Win-Now” move for the Kings came across our timelines.
Luckily, NBA insider Jake Fischer threw some water on that fire in his Sunday Best substack post.
“I’ve since heard rather strongly that Perry does not intend to pursue Young, Ball or Morant,” Fischer wrote. “None of those lead guards is known for the sort of defensive toughness that the Kings’ new regime has made it clear will be a priority.”
I’m sure you, like me, haven’t seen a lot of the “defensive identity” that Scott Perry is speaking of just yet. The Kings have a 121 defensive rating on the season, with only the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards trailing them. Given this, you may think that adding an All-Star point guard like Morant, Young, or Ball can’t possibly make things any worse, and maybe you would be correct.
The Kings, as currently constructed, aren’t going anywhere, but Perry and the rest of the organization seem focused on the future for once. While that trio of guards are all incredible players, their flaws are in direct contradiction of the team-building rules of the modern NBA.
How the Domantas Sabonis Experience Can Be a Lesson
In their own way, the Kings have already gone down the path of building around a flawed offensive engine. Although Domantas Sabonis is not a point guard, his limitations as a center have come with similar team-building pitfalls.
For the Kings to be successful with Sabonis as their best player, they would need a rim protector next to him and guards that won’t funnel drives right toward him every possession, and offensively, there would need to be multiple shooters on the court at all times. To be fair, the Kings have never really tried to put the right team around Sabonis despite the illusion that they were.
Now, it does seem that the Kings have decided it’s far too challenging to build around a center like Sabonis, which aligns with perspectives outside of Sacramento, according to Fischer.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz: LeBron James & Co’s Stats, Box Score and Game Summary (11/23) of 2025-26 NBA Season
LeBron James is on his first road game of the 2025-26 season, heading to Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Utah Jazz was out to prove that losing to King James on Tuesday was a fluke. They started off strong too. Then the tide turned in the fourth quarter. The Lakers turned a close game into a lead and finished with a 106-108 win. They’re now improved to a 12-4. Meanwhile Jazz has fallen to a 5-1 record.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Utah Jazz Player Stats
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Lakers vs Jazz: game summary and key moments
It only took the second game back for LeBron James to prove he’s not rusty. He scored 17 points across 34 minutes of actions and racked up 6 rebounds and 8 steals.
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NBA Makes Luka Doncic Announcement After 33-Point Game vs Jazz
And they said LeBron would eat into Luka’s points. LeBron James is on his second game, his first road game of the season, putting up double digits and being a consistent presence. And nothing about his return has dulled Luka Doncic’s impressive start in his absence. Doncic has maintained his consistently high scoring streak since starting the 2025-26 season with 40+ point game. Tonight, he added an astounding 33 points to Lakers’ back-to-back 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz. And he made a personal milestone that the NBA has never seen.
Through double digits in points and assists since this season began, Luka Doncic has racked up a grand total of 414 points and 107 assists. No other NBA player has done that in a dozen games.
The NBA just announced that he’s the first player in the history of the league to have 400+ PTS and 100+ AST through 12 games.
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Lakers’ Luka Doncic Makes NBA History With Unprecedented Start
The Los Angeles Lakers knew they were getting a superstar when they acquired Luka Doncic midway through the previous season. They struck one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, followed with a massive extension, and it’s already paying off early on.
Following Sunday’s matchup between the LA Lakers and the Utah Jazz, Doncic achieved a feat that the NBA hasn’t seen before. Through his first 12 games this year, the superstar guard has become the first player to post over 400 points and 100 assists through 12 games.
To be specific, Doncic has totaled 414 points and 107 assists for the Lakers so far this season.
The Lakers haven’t had Doncic on the court for every game this year. After his first two games of the season, Doncic was sidelined with a setback for three games in a row. He went out after scoring over 40 points in each of his first two matchups of the 2025-2026 season.
When he returned to face the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, Doncic posted another 40-point effort. It wasn’t until November 2 when he finally scored fewer than 30 points. Even then, he posted a triple-double, leading the Lakers to a 10-point victory over the Miami Heat.
Lately, Doncic has been healthy and thriving for the purple and gold. Before the Lakers paid a visit to the Jazz on Sunday, they hosted Utah back on November 18. At the time, Doncic checked in for 34 minutes and shot 11-22 from the field. He scored 37 points, posting a double-double with 10 assists. The Lakers dominated the Jazz with a 140-126 win.
After a long break, the Lakers were back on the court for a road matchup against the Jazz on Sunday. With 40 minutes of action, Doncic accounted for 33 points, while shooting 10-24 from the field, making just three of his 12 shots from beyond the arc. He posted a double-double by coming down with 11 rebounds, and came just two assists shy of a double-double in the Lakers’ 108-106 win over the Jazz.
With Sunday’s win, the Lakers advanced to 12-4 on the year.
NBA legend Chauncey Billups to be arraigned in New York court over poker scheme
NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is set to appear in a New York court to face charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.
The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, will be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court Monday on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges.
Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.
“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.
Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants are also expected to appear in court for Monday’s proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.
Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.
Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to exploit insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.
Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.
They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”
Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.
The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.
Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.
Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.
Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons’ title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.
After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.
He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multi-year extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers.
After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter was named the Trail Blazers’ interim coach.
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Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups to be arraigned in rigged poker games case
By PHILIP MARCELO
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Portland Trail Blazers coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is set to appear in a New York court to face charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other former NBA player.
The five-time All Star, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, will be arraigned in Brooklyn federal court Monday on money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy charges.
Chris Heywood, his attorney, has said Billups is a “man of integrity” and denies the charges.
“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game,” Heywood said after Billups appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, when prosecutors first announced the indictment on Oct. 23.
Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. The other defendants are also expected to appear in court for Monday’s proceedings, in which the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers will likely discuss next steps in the case.
Prosecutors say the 49-year-old Denver native, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame last year, was involved in a scheme to rig Mafia-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons.
Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also nabbed in that alleged scheme, which prosecutors say utilized a range of sophisticated technology that allowed the gambling to be rigged, such as altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in poker chip trays, special sunglasses and even X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards.
Jones was also charged along with Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a separate scheme at the same time that allowed gamblers to exploit insider information about players to win bets on NBA games.
Prosecutors say the poker scheme Billups was involved in defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.
They say he served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said during one game, the scheme’s organizers exchanged messages saying one of the victims “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”
Prosecutors say Billups, who earned about $106 million from his playing days, received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. After one rigged game in October 2020, for example, they say he was directly wired $50,000.
The scheme organizers also had to share a portion of their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said.
Mafia members, in turn, helped commit violent acts, including assault, extortion and robbery, to ensure repayment of debts and the continued success of the operation, they said.
Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.
Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons’ title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.
After retiring in 2014, Billups embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.
He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multi-year extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach on the Los Angeles Clippers.
After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter was named the Trail Blazers’ interim coach.
___
Anthony Davis trade rumors: Ranking every NBA team as a possible landing spot
The first time Anthony Davis was traded, he netted a haul. Predictably so. He was a 26-year-old All-NBA big man with an immediate skill set that slid easily into the league’s stylistic preferences at the time and upside to get substantially better. Everyone in the league wanted him, so he picked a destination and returned almost everything that team had.
The second time Anthony Davis was traded, he somehow netted even more. It didn’t matter that he was six years older or that he’d dealt with meaningful injuries or that he never quite developed the 3-point shot teams once hoped he would. One specific team was fixated on trading for him and only him, and when surprisingly large trade returns happen, this is usually why. Desmond Bane wasn’t worth four first-round picks in a vacuum. Mikal Bridges wasn’t worth five. But it doesn’t matter what 28 other teams will pay for a player, only what the highest bidder will. Nico Harrison was the highest bidder and he wasn’t a rational one.
Now the irrational Harrison is gone and the Dallas Mavericks will presumably operate rationally from this point forward. If that’s the case, it won’t be long until we have a third Anthony Davis trade. He’s simply their best hope of recouping the draft capital Harrison previously traded away. A team built around an 18-year-old has no real reason to hang onto a 32-year-old who wants to play his younger teammate’s best position. The Mavericks don’t control their own first-round picks between 2027 and 2030. That makes a proper 2026 tank critical. Getting Davis off of the team now, while he’s still reasonably valuable, not only helps that tank but it ensures that he’s gone before any further injuries or decline weakens the return he can generate.
Of course, that return is already going to be somewhat underwhelming. This is not going to be anything like the first Davis trade. He’s 32, injury-prone, can’t shoot 3s, wants to play the wrong position and was playing some of the worst basketball of his career before he got hurt. He’s no longer a no-brainer trade candidate.
But it is feasible that the trade looks at least somewhat like the second one. No, he’s not netting Luka Dončić this time or anyone like him, but for all of the reasonable concerns possible trade partners might have, he’s still Anthony Davis. Before he got traded to Dallas last season, he was averaging 26 points and 12 rebounds. He was still among the best five or 10 defensive players in the NBA and can fit into any scheme. He’s had a million minor injuries, but thankfully none that should be career-altering. He’s never torn an Achilles or an ACL. He’s by and large been a spectacular playoff performer.
It’s possible that some team is going to look at him the way that the Mavericks did last February: as the missing piece in their championship puzzle or, at the very least, the star they can acquire at a reasonable price who takes them up a notch or two. That is the sort of team Davis should hope lands him. Remember, he’s extension-eligible this offseason. Most teams are probably terrified of paying someone with his age and injury history. The right team would take that risk.
So that’s who we’re looking for. Below, we’re going to rank all 29 teams in the NBA besides the Mavericks as possible Davis trade destinations. The idea here is to rule out teams that are unlikely to mount a serious pursuit and figure out which teams ultimately will. In truth, there’s no single, obvious partner here. Even the teams at the top of this list should and likely do have serious reservations. But the higher we go, the likelier we are to find a team that believes the rewards of trading for Davis outweigh the risks. In the next few months, Davis is probably playing for someone in the top half of this list.
Tier XV: Functionally impossible
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
We’ve covered this where LeBron James is concerned, but it’s true for Davis as well. Cleveland functionally can’t trade for a player this expensive. The Cavs can’t aggregate salaries because they’re over the second apron and they don’t have a single player earning more than Davis. That means the only way for Cleveland to make a legal Davis trade would be getting below the second apron within that trade. The Cavaliers are $22 million above the second apron, so there’s really not much that can be done here. Cleveland didn’t need Davis anyway, so no harm, no foul.
Tier XIV: Makes no sense on our timeline
28. Utah Jazz
27. Washington Wizards
26. Brooklyn Nets
No need to spend much time here. On this level, we have three tankers that all already have young or prime centers in place. Maybe the Nets could swipe him if the price gets low enough with the idea that they’d quickly turn around and get a second star with the remainder of their assets, but we’re stretching at that point. These teams are out.
Tier XIII: Just doesn’t fit our salary structure
25. Denver Nuggets
24. Orlando Magic
Denver could build a trade around Jamal Murray’s salary, but even he makes $10 million less than Davis does, and the Nuggets have no guard creation after him, so that wouldn’t make sense. They could combine Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson and some smaller salaries, but frankly, Gordon gives them everything they’d want out of Davis anyway. Orlando has preferred a center-by-committee approach. The Magic pay Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Moe Wagner and Jonathan Isaac relatively little and rotate between them. They just gave away most of their picks for Desmond Bane. They’ll have four huge salaries when Paolo Banchero’s max deal kicks in next year (Banchero, Bane, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs). Considering how much of a shooting issue they already have, turning any of those four expensive younger players into an expensive older player wouldn’t really accomplish much.
Tier XII: We don’t have enough to trade
23. Phoenix Suns
Phoenix’s offer here would probably just be something like the package it got back for Kevin Durant, but how appealing is that, really with no first-round picks to add? The Suns had to take back Jalen Green as matching salary in that deal, but there didn’t appear to be much league-wide interest in his services as part of a three-way swap when those talks happened. Khaman Maluach hasn’t shown anything yet and even if he had, why would Dallas want him when it has Dereck Lively? Dillon Brooks is a nice 3-and-D role player. That’s not getting Anthony Davis. So it’s an interesting concept. Devin Booker and Davis would be a pretty strong duo for the Suns. The cupboard here is just so bare that constructing a deal feels nearly impossible.
Tier XI: We have Anthony Davis at home
22. Oklahoma City Thunder
21. San Antonio Spurs
20. Memphis Grizzlies
Could Davis play with Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama or Jaren Jackson Jr.? Sure. But when you already have an elite rim-protector — and yours is younger and can shoot 3s — there’s just not a good reason to trade for another one if he’s making max money. The Thunder get everything they need out of a second big man with Isaiah Hartenstein, who costs half as much and was signed outright in free agency rather than acquired by spending assets in a trade. San Antonio is paying Luke Kornet 20% of what Davis makes. He’s much more than 20% of the player Davis is. The Grizzlies have a million other big men. They’re just all hurt. They’re not punting on Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama to get Davis when they’re 4-8 and dealing with their own injury-prone star who can’t shoot 3s in Ja Morant. When you already have a Davis-esque player, you need a really good reason to pursue Davis himself. None of these teams have one.
Tier X: We prefer our young guys
19. Houston Rockets
18. Miami Heat
17. Detroit Pistons
16. Portland Trail Blazers
It feels a bit unfair to even refer to Alperen Sengun as a young player anymore. He’s just an All-Star now. If the Mavericks asked them for him in a Davis trade, the Rockets would laugh them off the line. They could play together on certain teams, but not one that also relies on Amen Thompson and several other shaky shooters. Besides, why does Houston even need another high-level big? The Rockets already have the NBA’s best rebounding rate by far, they score the seventh-most points in the paint per game in the league and they allow the seventh fewest. They’re happy with what they have.
Miami, Detroit and Portland are a bit more interesting. In certain contexts, all three could pursue a star in the near future. Davis just isn’t the one for them. The Heat refused to trade Kel’El Ware for Kevin Durant and he’s rewarded them by taking a step forward in Year 2. They’re not breaking up his partnership with Bam Adebayo. Jalen Duren is having a breakout season and Isaiah Stewart is one of the NBA’s best rim-protectors. If they trade for a bigger player, it will be someone like Lauri Markkanen who can shoot. The same is probably true for Portland. Donovan Clingan has impressed in his second season, Toumani Camara is another great defender who can’t shoot, and all three of these teams are already winning. This isn’t the trade for them.
Tier IX: Is this really where we should fire our last bullet?
15. Milwaukee Bucks
14. Los Angeles Clippers
We’ve reached the point on the list where teams could theoretically have both the interest and the ammunition to make a trade. It’s a question of motivation. The Bucks currently have one tradable first-round pick, either their 2031 or 2032 selection. The Clippers have two, their picks in 2030 and 2032 (though both are at some degree of risk given the Kawhi Leonard investigation). In other words, these teams have one significant move apiece to make this season and probably for the next few. Is Davis really the player to fire those bullets for?
In Milwaukee’s case, the answer is almost certainly no. They just added Myles Turner and they’re playing very well. If they’re making a big upgrade, it’s likely either a wing defender or a more proven guard than anyone in their current, younger group. They’re very motivated to win now with an extension decision looming in the offseason for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Davis just isn’t the piece they need.
The Clippers could perhaps justify it depending on how the next few weeks and months go. They have relatively smooth matching salary in John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanović and some of their bench pieces, and if Dallas could get two unprotected Clipper picks, that would be a pretty substantial win. Could Davis and Ivica Zubac play together? Maybe with enough shooting elsewhere, which is a tough ask here given how many defensive-minded wings this team has. It’s suboptimal, but ultimately likely viable. Still, the Clippers are 3-7. Reporting has suggested that whether or not Leonard’s investigation leads to a substantial punishment, he’s on the way out. The Clippers are likely thinking more about their next team than this one. They should hold those picks to build for the post-Leonard era, not push more chips into the present.
Tier VIII: Interested but doesn’t fit our salary structure
13. Boston Celtics
Davis would probably be more amenable to Boston this time than he was in 2019. It’s a contender (albeit in a gap year) with a gaping hole at center. It’s just not realistic from a salary perspective. The Celtics probably wouldn’t want to match money with Jaylen Brown. He’s younger, a Celtics lifer and is playing very well this season. But if they went the other way and did so with Derrick White and Anfernee Simons, they’d be setting themselves up for a future with three players on supermax contracts. That just doesn’t seem feasible in the second apron era, especially when one of them is injury prone and another is coming off of a torn Achilles. So there’s some inevitable temptation because, hey, pairing Davis, Brown and Jayson Tatum would be a killer start to a team. But they just couldn’t make the rest of the roster functional with so much money tied into three players.
Tier VII: … Why not?
12. Toronto Raptors
Does it really make sense for anyone involved here? No. The Raptors are already paying the luxury tax for a .500 team. It’s hard to imagine them contending with Davis or paying him long-term with all of the existing money on their books. Dallas probably wouldn’t be thrilled with the matching salary Toronto has to send back either. But the Raptors have all of their picks to trade and they’re not really accomplishing much as is. Getting Davis is at least a direction, though not an especially inspired one.
Tier VI: Okay, we’ve quirked an eyebrow
11. Charlotte Hornets
10. New Orleans Pelicans
The Hornets very clearly are not a win-now team, but if the price is low enough, there’s a lot to like. The Hornets badly need some measure of veteran guidance here and doing so at a position of need could go a long way. Davis would be a perfect pick-and-roll partner for LaMelo Ball. He could get the Hornets at least into Play-In range and help set a winning culture. You can’t tank forever. Say the cost here is something like Miles Bridges, Collin Sexton, a younger player and a top-four protected first-round pick. That’s not a crazy jump start for Charlotte and the Hornets have so little long-term money on the books that extending Davis would be doable.
Look, the Pelicans aren’t the reunion you’re here to read about (we’ll get to them shortly). But it’s not quite as crazy as it sounds. Zion Williamson and Derik Queen can’t play together. They overlap too much. But Davis? He can protect Queen defensively and they’re both skilled enough to make it work on offense. Williamson’s non-guaranteed contract would obviously appeal to the Mavericks, perhaps enough so to swap Klay Thompson’s bad contract for Dejounte Murray’s, which they’re likelier to get some use out of once he returns from a torn Achilles considering their need for ball-handling. Would I advise New Orleans to trade for a 32 year old? No. But the Pelicans clearly don’t want to tank or else they would’ve kept their unprotected 2026 pick. If Queen and Jeremiah Fears grow quickly, pairing them with Davis, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones in a starting five would at least be reasonably competitive next year. If Dallas can walk away from this deal with an unprotected future Pelicans pick as the Hawks did? That’s a major win.
Tier V: Here for the lulz
9. Los Angeles Lakers
If the Mavericks called and offered Davis for Austin Reaves and matching salary, I suspect the Lakers would say no. Reaves is six years younger, substantially healthier and has played far better thus far this season. Now, 30 points and nine assists per game probably isn’t sustainable for Reaves, but if he’s averaging 25 and seven in two months, he’s going to be an All-Star. No team would give away a 27-year-old All-Star for Davis right now. The Mavericks got into this mess because they traded a 25-year-old All-Star for him in the first place.
So let’s say Reaves is out. Could the Lakers offer their unprotected 2031 first-round pick, their four available swaps (2026, 2028, 2030 and 2032) and a bunch of matching salary? Well… maybe, but it would create some issues elsewhere. If you combine Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber and Dalton Knecht, you get a bit more than $2 million above Davis’ salary for this season. For starters, the Mavericks would need to clear four roster spots to do this. That’s nearly impossible midseason. They’d also have to trade someone to a third team because, as a first-apron team, they can’t take in more money than they send out. The Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron, so while they’d actually save some money in this sort of deal, they’d also have very little left over to fill out all of the empty roster spots they’d be creating here. They’d presumably do so with minimum-salary free agents. Could you win a championship with Reaves, Dončić, LeBron James, Davis, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia? That’s a heck of a top seven. Everything afterward would be shaky and you’d have no room for injuries. It’s an interesting thought, but probably not a practical one.
Now there is a version of this trade that the Lakers would probably love to make: LeBron James and picks for Davis. That solves so many issues for them. They’d no longer have a ball-handling glut. It would drastically improve their frontcourt defense. Oh, and it solves the dilemma of what to do with James next offseason when he becomes a free agent. The only problem? James has a no-trade clause. He’s not going to Dallas without Davis, so the Lakers would need to find a new home for him that he’d accept. If that were doable, well, the Lakers probably would’ve done it early in the summer when he was releasing passive aggressive statements. If there’s a Davis-to-the-Lakers trade to be made, this is probably the one we’d see. It’s unlikely, but man, the concept of Dončić, Reaves and Davis together is tempting. That’s a championship core.
But on top of all of this… the optics probably kill any hope of a deal. The Mavericks might be willing to deal some of their role players to the Lakers, but sending Davis there so soon after the trade? Yeah… that’s a tough pill to swallow. So don’t get your hopes up. It’s a funny idea and not without its merits, but it’s probably unrealistic.
Tier IV: The East is pretty vulnerable right now…
8. Atlanta Hawks
7. Philadelphia 76ers
The Hawks have thus far done well with Trae Young injured, but there really isn’t a more prototypical Young big man in basketball than Davis. Pair one of the best pick-and-roll operators with one of the best lob-finishers and you’re going to generate easy points. With all of the wings the Hawks have collected, they’d be a defensive menace even with Young, though their shooting would be a bit suspect. Kristaps Porziņģis would have to be in the deal for money-matching and, unfortunately for the Hawks, the rest of their salary is good. You’d have to include two of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher and Luke Kennard, and any pick compensation would depend on which of those four are in the deal, with Risacher potentially untouchable. Atlanta is in an enviable position here. It has that ultra-valuable unprotected New Orleans pick coming along with a reasonably young roster. The Hawks can focus on the present or they can focus on the future. But if they see an opening here, they might even be able to do both at once.
There are basketball motivations for Philadelphia, sure. They have one of the NBA’s best and deepest backcourts and Anthony Davis would fit more comfortably into the faster style the want to play than Joel Embiid does. More importantly, though, this is a potential exit strategy on one of their big and bloated contracts. What does Dallas care about paying Embiid or Paul George for several more years? Their most important player is Cooper Flagg, who just started a four-year rookie deal, and their second-most important player is the rookie they’re going to draft in June, who also has four cheap years ahead of him. They can afford to take on a bad contract for the right assets and Philly, between its own picks and the very tempting 2028 unprotected Clippers pick it got for James Harden, could pay handsomely here. Daryl Morey is a big-game hunter and he’s creative. If he senses a chance to not only push for the 2026 Finals, but clear his books of a damaging contract, it’s hard to imagine he won’t pursue it.
Tier III: Officially tempted
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Indiana Pacers
4. New York Knicks
All three of these teams came close to winning the 2025 championship. None of them are favored to win it in 2026 and frankly all face major obstacles to doing so at any point in the near future. Minnesota just got out-classed talent-wise by the Thunder. The Rockets, Nuggets and Lakers seem to have passed them as well, and with limited draft capital and an older supporting cast, they’re in danger of being a perpetual mid-seed that lacks the upside to truly reach the championship tier. New York is blessed with a weak East and has addressed a lot of the underlying issues from last season under new coach Mike Brown, but the core question of whether or not you can win a championship when your two best players are weak defenders persists. We don’t know what Tyrese Haliburton will look like when he returns from a torn Achilles, but with Myles Turner gone and Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell in their 30s, the next Pacers contender will probably look fairly different from the 2025 vintage. All three of these teams, at some point, may decide that they need to take a risk of some sort to really assert themselves as potential champions. Davis makes varying degrees of sense for all three of them.
Minnesota’s lack of picks is an issue. They’d probably have to find new homes for two of their three big men, as Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid are the natural matching salary here, but Dallas has no need for expensive bigs. If that’s feasible, the Timberwolves do have a smattering of young players (Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon, Jaylen Clark, Joan Beringer) who would probably hold some measure of appeal to Dallas. Say Minnesota could functionally make a deal with Randle, Gobert and Dillingham. Suddenly, you have a second superstar to bring to an Oklahoma City matchup. Davis is a more versatile playoff defender than Gobert and a far more threatening scorer. You’d be betting everything on the next few years, and one could argue it makes more sense for Minnesota to take a step backwards than forwards, but they can’t sit still if they truly have championship ambitions.
The Pacers don’t have a center. They’re going to have to address that in one way or another. Davis fits their faster style and opens a lot of defensive doors for them. The Pacers have all of their picks. The bigger question here is matching salary. It almost has to be Siakam. So that raises a further question: would you rather have a 31-year-old that you know fits perfectly on your team or a better 32-year-old that you think would? There’s no easy answer there. You’d be making a big bet on Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith as undersized forwards, but the talent and skill sets are there for them. More pressingly … does Indiana want to risk messing with its very valuable 2026 pick by making any sort of win-now trade? Or would the Pacers sit Davis out for most of this year? He’ll be a year older when Haliburton returns, but that pick means they wouldn’t really be going all-in on him. They’d be operating on something of a two-timeline plan, but they’d be two pretty promising timelines. Indiana tends to be a pretty conservative organization. The tie goes to the player they have, and that means Siakam-for-Davis is unlikely. But Myles Turner was a non-factor in the Finals against Oklahoma City. Davis wouldn’t have been. You could credibly call him Indiana’s missing piece.
This is a fairly cut and dry question for the Knicks: would you rather have Anthony Davis or Karl-Anthony Towns? Towns is younger. He opens five-out lineup possibilities and fits easily with Mitchell Robinson, who can’t shoot. He’s typically healthier. He’s also entrenched and the Knicks may prefer not to mess with a good thing. Though they’ve dealt with injuries, they’ve started the season off strong, at least at home. Keep Towns and at the very least you’re almost certainly winning 50 games again and finishing near the top of the East.
But Davis solves the
What’s the best soccer league in the world?
Soccer fans in Baltimore, get excited.
Major League Soccer announced Thursday that D.C. United and Inter Miami CF will play at the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium on March 7, 2026. The 38-year-old Lionel Messi will headline the game for Miami in what will be his fourth season with the club.
D.C. United said in a press release it hopes to expand soccer viewership across the DMV and in Baltimore.
“M&T Bank Stadium gives us the opportunity to welcome even more supporters and share what makes D.C. United special with our neighbors to the north,” said Danita Johnson, D.C. United president of business operations. “Our fans drive everything we do, and we’re looking forward to creating another memorable experience for them during a landmark season.”
Perhaps the greatest soccer player ever, Messi will be in his 23rd season and currently leads MLS in goals (29) and assists (19).
Inter Miami currently awaits a conference semifinals matchup against Cincinnati and claimed the Leagues Cup in Messi’s 2023 debut season with the club.
2026 MLS schedule features 7-week break for World Cup
That the new owners of Real Salt Lake are bullish on Major League Soccer isn’t a surprise considering they paid more than a half-billion dollars for the team this past April.
But Miller Sports + Entertainment isn’t alone in that thinking. RSL’s original owner Dave Checketts sees big things on the horizon not only for the league but for the sport in the United States.
The Larry H. Miller family appears to have ventured into the game just as it’s about to have a global moment or two on American soil in the next few years. The U.S. will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, while the 2028 Olympics will be in Los Angeles. The U.S. will also host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The men’s World Cup, spread across NFL stadiums in the largest media markets in the country over five weeks, is being billed as the largest sporting event in history.
At the same time, MLS continues to mature as a league. It’s more competitive. It increasingly attracts some of the world’s best players such as Lionel Messi — whose Inter Miami FC team is scheduled to play RSL in Utah next season — and Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC. A coming change to a summer-to-spring schedule and major adjustment to the league’s deal with Apple TV will put the beautiful game, as it’s called, in front of more American eyes than ever. Soccer is already the most played youth sport in America.
“It’s really a powerful convergence of this sport that’s on the rise, a league that’s on the rise,” said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company. “All of that just continues to add more fuel to this incredible momentum.”
Growing fan base
Professional soccer in the U.S. is at a tipping point.
MLS was founded in 1996, two years after the U.S. last hosted the World Cup in 1994. It has taken some years for the league to find its footing.
“It’s been a long and difficult history,” Checketts said. “But it is clearly a league on the rise now. I couldn’t be happier for the people of Utah because they love their soccer. They love their football. They love showing up for games and cheering for that team.”
The 2025 regular season ranked second-highest in total attendance in MLS history, with 11.2 million fans and average crowds of 21,988 per match. Total league attendance has increased 12% since 2022.
RSL came in just under the league average this season at 19,776 per game, down slightly from 2024 but a 1.8% increase over the past two years, according to Sports Business Journal.
Among the world’s top soccer leagues, MLS trails only the long-established English Premier League in total attendance.
“Maybe the headline here for me would be that we’re witnessing the transformation of Major League Soccer and we all can have a front-row seat to that,” Starks said.
Aligning U.S. soccer with the world
In what MLS commissioner Don Garber calls “one of the most important decisions in our history,” the league will adopt a summer-to-spring schedule in 2027, aligning itself with the rest of the professional soccer world.
He said the change will strengthen MLS clubs’ global competitiveness, create better opportunities in the transfer market and ensure the playoffs “take center stage without interruption.”
Having the playoffs in May rather than November will move soccer out of the long shadow of the NFL and college football, opening sponsorship opportunities that those sports suck up each fall. Aligning the season with leagues worldwide will also help MLS teams build their rosters and possibly pull top players to the U.S.
David Beckham had a great run with the LA Galaxy more than decade ago. But like other international players who have joined MLS teams, he was near the end of his career.
Checketts said he doesn’t think MLS will be able to attract those types of players in their prime, at least not right away.
“As it stands now, the competition and the way that the game is played in the Premier League is exceptional, but that has happened over 100 years. I do think MLS quality–wise, though, has come a long way,
Soccer star Lionel Messi to play at M&T Bank Stadium in 2026
A seven-week break is built into next year’s Major League Soccer calendar to permit players to compete in the World Cup.
The 2026 schedule release on Thursday showed MLS will pause from May 25 — FIFA’s mandatory player reporting date — until July 16 to accommodate the 48-team tournament, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
The World Cup kicks off June 11. Only the final, set for July 19 in East Rutherford, N.J., will take place after the resumption of MLS play.
The seven-week hiatus is considerably longer than past World Cup breaks, which totaled two weeks in 2010 and 2014 and nine days in 2018. The MLS season did not overlap with the 2022 World Cup, which was staged in Qatar from November to December.
Inter Miami’s road match against Los Angeles FC at the LA Coliseum headlines the opening slate of play on Saturday, Feb. 21. The entire 30-team league is in action that weekend.
Lionel Messi’s Miami side gets to christen a new 25,000-seat stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in its April 4 home debut against Austin FC.
The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 29 in Charlotte, N.C.
All MLS clubs will play 34 matches — 17 home and 17 away — including two apiece against each conference foe and a total of six against non-conference opposition.
The end of the regular season on Nov. 7 and the start of the postseason on Nov. 18 bookend a FIFA international window. The playoffs will proceed for a month without interruption, though the league has yet to release the full postseason schedule.
After 2026, the MLS campaign will no longer run from February through December. A shortened, 14-game 2027 season will help transition MLS to a summer-to-spring calendar mirroring those of other global leagues beginning in 2027-28.
MLS scales back ‘Rooney Rule,’ alters hiring policies
Soccer fans in Baltimore got excited Thursday.
Major League Soccer announced D.C. United and Inter Miami CF will play at the Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium on March 7, 2026. 38-year-old Lionel Messi will headline the game for Miami in what will be his fourth season with the club.
D.C. United said in a press release it hopes to expand soccer viewership across the DMV and in Baltimore.
“M&T Bank Stadium gives us the opportunity to welcome even more supporters and share what makes D.C. United special with our neighbors to the north,” said Danita Johnson, D.C. United president of business operations. “Our fans drive everything we do, and we’re looking forward to creating another memorable experience for them during a landmark season.”
MLS conference semifinals: Will Lionel Messi be worn out?
The Major League Soccer playoffs are back after a two-week international break.
Eight teams — four from the East and four from the West — remain in the hunt for the 2025 MLS Cup.
Who has the momentum? Who is most likely to make a deep run? Here’s a breakdown of the single-elimination conference semifinals. (Seedings are in parentheses. Higher seeds are hosts.)
The East: FC Cincinnati (2) vs. Inter Miami (3), Sunday, 5 p.m. ET
Miami failed to score in only five of its 34 MLS matches this season. That would normally suggest an edge in a one-off playoff setting — but two of those five shutouts came against FC Cincinnati.
Cincinnati also comes in with home-field advantage and a notably fresher squad. Only four of its starters traveled for international duty, and two of those trips were just to Florida.
Miami, by contrast, sent five starters abroad, including its core duo of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who made the long haul to Angola and back this week to play a match for their native Argentina.
It’s never easy to bet against Miami, but Cincinnati has the momentum, the legs, the crowd and the postseason experience to win.
Philadelphia Union (1) vs NYCFC (5), Sunday, 7:45 p.m. ET
The last time these teams met, a stellar Mikael Uhre goal handed Philadelphia a 1–0 win and the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield. The result knocked NYCFC down the Eastern Conference standings and cost it home-field advantage in the playoffs. All that drama ensures this semifinal will carry the edge of a fraught recent history.
Under normal circumstances, NYCFC is capable of going toe-to-toe with Philadelphia — but its current circumstances are anything but normal. The club enters this match without regular starters Andrés Perea (midfielder) and Alonso Martínez (forward), who suffered season-ending injuries after carrying NYC through the opening playoff rounds.
Without those two — and with Phildelphia’s strong recent form at home — this match tilts clearly in the Union’s favor.
The West: Vancouver Whitecaps (2) vs LAFC (3), Saturday, 9:30 p.m. ET
When asked about his upcoming MLS playoff match, Vancouver attacker Thomas Muller got straight to the point.
“You know how the game is played, especially here with you guys and the cameras. So it’s about the idols, it’s about the big players, it’s about names,” he said, according to the league’s website.
And he’s right. In this clash, it’s the big names who are bound to attract the most attention. That includes LAFC winger/forward Denis Bouanga and forward Son Heung-mon and Muller himself.
Don’t let all those stars blind you from the rest of their rosters, though. Both teams will anchor their midfields with standout USMNT players (Vancouver’s Sebastian Berhalter and Los Angeles midfielder Timmy Tillman).
With both teams following similar trajectories this season, this is the one semifinal that is too close to call.
San Diego FC (1) vs Minnesota United (4), Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Talk about opposites: San Diego is one of MLS’ most possession-based teams while Minnesota barely needs any touches to clinch its results. San Diego got here by pressing every one of its opponents off the field; Minnesota got here by turning itself into an immovable block.
Which way will this game swing? It feels like pragmatic, defensive Minnesota has the edge. It would be an upset, for sure, but after dispatching Seattle in a three-game series despite failing to beat it in regular time, Minnesota is no stranger to those.
NYCFC ready to build on this year’s momentum into bright future
When the calendar flips to 2027, the year will prove to be one of the most transformative for Major League Soccer, both on a broad scale and locally in New York.
The league will flip its schedule on its head, falling in line with the top European leagues, and New York City FC will end its nomadic existence and move into its new home next to Citi Field.
Add on top of that NYCFC’s current run in the MLS Cup playoffs, which continues Sunday against the Philadelphia Union, and there’s plenty to smile about for club CEO Brad Sims.
“Being in the playoffs is huge for us. It’s the most important time of the year,” Sims told The Post. “Our fans and new fans are paying attention to MLS and to New York City FC. This is the time of year we always see engagement on social media spike and brand awareness is the highest in October, November and when we’re playing in December, which hopefully we’ll be this year.”
NYCFC taking next-man-up approach in key playoff showdown vs. Philadelphia
Sitting in a display case just inside the entrance of the New York City FC training facility are a trio of trophies, with their 2021 MLS Cup hardware proudly sitting atop the others. Since then, NYCFC has been chasing a league title to add to their display case.
NYCFC can inch closer to that goal when they face the Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday, albeit they’ll have to upset one of the best teams in Major League Soccer and do it without their leading scorer, Alonso Martínez.
Add to it that they were already going to be without injured midfielder Andrés Perea and suspended midfielder Aiden O’Neill, and the Eastern Conference semifinal match may feel like a mountain to have to climb.
While the odds may seem insurmountable, the club viewed it as a call to arms for others to step up on Sunday.
“Now other players have to step up because it’s a big game,” said midfielder Hannes Wolf, the club’s second-leading goal scorer during the regular season. “Everybody will be full of power, full of energy and we need to compensate [for the missing players]. But I think we have a strong squad to do that.”
Still, replicating Martínez’s scoring prowess won’t be easy.
Martínez, who suffered a devastating knee injury during a match with the Costa Rica Men’s National Team over the international break, scored decisive goals during NYCFC’s first-round series against Charlotte and had an expected goals of 1.28 during the postseason prior to the injury.
Following Friday’s training, head coach Pascal Jansen said that he hadn’t “seen anybody that wasn’t present” or looking to step up, but one player in particular who could fill the scoring void for NYCFC is Nicolás Fernández.
The mid-season addition recorded a pair of goals in the series-clinching win over Charlotte earlier this month.
“We all have a lot of quality. We believe in ourselves a lot,” Fernández told The Post through a translator. “Obviously, Alonso is a big miss, and we can’t really replicate him, but we’re going to try our best to do it together as a team.”
When asked if he would be the one to step up in that spot, he replied, “Hopefully that is [the case].”
“But if not, anybody will be ready on this team to step up and bring the victory.”
Sunday’s matchup between the Union and NYCFC won’t present too many surprises to either side when they take the pitch. The Eastern Conference rivals have faced each other twice in 2025, splitting the season series and each club winning at home.
NYCFC defender and homegrown star Justin Haak told The Post that Philadelphia’s big thing is that they “play well in chaos.”
“They want to create chaos in the game,” he said. “I think for us it’s just about keeping calm heads on the field. I think the Charlotte game was great preparation, because the first 20 minutes they had us pinned back in our own half with the atmosphere and how motivated they were. That was good practice because it’s going to be another tough atmosphere to play in in Philly.”
Creating a “calmness within the chaos” was a point of emphasis that Jansen mentioned as well, saying that it was a message he’d conveyed to his club this week.
“That will be key for us in order to make sure that we control a good rhythm of play, make sure that we keep the margins very, very, very small,” Jansen said. “Because like that game in Philadelphia and the game in New York, for that matter, they were decided on small details.”
Should NYCFC win on Sunday, it would send the club to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2022, when they fell just shy of back-to-back MLS Cup Final appearances thanks to a loss to the Union.
Sunday’s winner will face the winner of Cincinnati and Inter Miami next Friday.
Luis Suarez Fires Back at Doubters Ahead of Inter Miami’s MLS Conference Semi-Final
Inter Miami CF striker Luis Suarez gave a recent interview to Sport and talked about the underestimation of the Herons.
Lionel Messi’s team is regularly the target of criticism and low expectations, because although they are one of the most entertaining clubs to watch in Major League Soccer, their results tend to be inconsistent.
Inter Miami, NYCFC advance to MLS Eastern Conference Final
The 2025 Major League Soccer playoffs continued Sunday evening with the Eastern Conference semifinals. Inter Miami beat FC Cincinnati 4-0 to earn one spot in the conference final; New York City FC beat Supporters’ Shield winner Philadelphia 1-0 to earn the other. Both victories were upsets, and both were won away from home.
Miami and NYCFC will fight for the Eastern Conference title on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Miami’s home stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The winner of that match will represent the Eastern Conference in the 2025 MLS Cup.
Inter Miami (3) beats FC Cincinnati (2) 4-0
Cincy entered this match with a higher seed, home-field advantage and an unbeaten record against Miami in league play…but sometimes, Lionel Messi is just going to be Lionel Messi. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a cheeky header inside the Cincy box. (While the goal was impressive, it’s worth mentioning that 5-foot-7 Messi probably shouldn’t be winning headers against anyone, and Cincy’s defense let itself down on that play.) Messi now has a remarkable 11 goals and 11 assists in his last seven games; he’s averaging a goal contribution once every 28 minutes for Miami.
But while Messi’s opener stole the headlines, it was coach Javier Mascherano’s tinkering that stole the match. The Argentinian benched his former Barcelona teammate, Luis Suarez, and started 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti in his place. It was a controversial call and one that could’ve backfired spectacularly, but Mascherano knew what he was doing: Silvetti brought propulsive movement and eye-popping dynamism to Miami’s attack. He repaid Mascherano’s trust in him by scoring a goal and assisting another.
This was the best Miami looked all season, and crucially, it was the best Miami was coached all season, too. Mascherano’s lineup changes and substitutions were brilliant. He’s received plenty of criticism from MLS fans during his tenure, but it’s clear that he’s learning and growing right alongside his Miami team.
New York City FC (5) beats Philadelphia Union (1) 1-0
NYCFC limped into this semifinal with a piecemeal roster and a dream. Two of its key players, midfielder Andres Perea and striker Alonso Martinez, missed this game due to injury; a third, midfielder Aiden O’Neill, missed it due to suspension. Head coach Pascal Jansen was forced to reshuffle his lineup and cobble together a winning team from nothing… away from home against the top team in the league, no less.
It looked like a tall order, but Jansen managed just fine. He played a daring 4-4-2 led by Maxi Morales (38 years old and in his ninth season with the club) and Nicolas Fernandez Mercau (25 and only on the books since July). It’s a bit too simplistic to suggest that Morales represents NYCFC’s past while Fernandez Mercau represents its future, but as the two combined for the game’s only goal, it certainly felt like the graceful passing of the team’s baton.
Fernandez Mercau has been a revelation since he arrived in New York. His transfer went under the radar, dwarfed as it was by Son Heung-min’s and Thomas Müller’s, but his
Mavs honoring VP of corporate sponsorships Billy Phillips as he retires after 33 years
A wave of emotion overcame Billy Phillips as he went through a list of acknowledgements that included his Dallas Mavericks colleagues, corporate sponsorship partners and immediate family.
Phillips, the Mavericks’ longtime vice president of corporate sponsorships, was the final voice to speak on Saturday to commemorate his retirement after 33 years of tenure with the franchise. It was a celebration inside the Executive Lounge at American Airlines Center to honor one of the most respected employees in the team’s 45-year history.
“Many of you know his Dallas Mavericks legacy and what he’s done for this community, but what he’s done for the overall sports business community in North Texas is unparalleled,” said Gina Miller, the Mavericks’ new chief communications officer.
Phillips’ storied sports legacy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area didn’t start in basketball. The Long Island, N.Y., native played soccer as a goalkeeper from 1980 to 1981 for the Dallas Tornado in the North American Soccer League. He played an instrumental role with the Dallas Sidekicks, both as a player from 1984 to 1987 and manager from 1987 to 1996.
Phillips helped establish soccer in North Texas in the 1970s and 1980s, and the momentum led to Dallas being the host city for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The quadrennial international men’s soccer tournament will return in 2026, with AT&T Stadium hosting nine matches in Arlington, including a semi-final game. FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said Phillips played a role in the Cup’s return.
Phillips joined the Mavericks in 1992 as a senior director of corporate sponsorship. He was promoted to vice president in 2018, the role he serves in currently until his final day on Dec. 23. As an athlete, he can’t help but reflect on the team’s lone championship in 2011 as a standout moment, but the people he worked with is what he’ll cherish the most.
“At the end of the day, it’s relationships,” Phillips said. “I have so many amazing relationships from people who work for the Mavericks and partners that I’ve worked with now…It’s always the people who’s the most important part of my job.”
Several influential people around the Mavericks spoke during Phillips’ retirement ceremony, including minority shareholder Mark Cuban and CEO Rick Welts. Co-interim general manager Michael Finley was also in attendance.
“This man can sell,” Cuban said. “Billy has been a rock, not just for the young salespeople, but for the whole organization. When things were up, when things were down, Billy was steady. Billy has this calming influence that he brings to anybody that he’s met, but he also can sell. What’s the rule, Billy?”
“If you’re talking to someone, you better have a check,” Phillips said.
The celebration didn’t stop during the pregame. Phillips was honored during halftime of Saturday’s game with a tribute video, which included cameos by Dirk Nowitzki and former Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd began his pregame news conference with a congratulatory message for Phillips.
“I want to congratulate Billy Phillips,” Kidd said. “He’s retiring after 33 years with the Mavs. He’s a big influence in sports here in Dallas. Goalkeeper for the Dallas Sidekicks. He did everything and he’s a big reason why soccer is coming to Dallas for the Cup.”
Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2
Council approves recreation surcharge, registration delay for non-Kingston residents
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Nike Doesn’t Want Cade Cunningham in Detroit Long Term, Gilbert Arenas Says
Key Points:
Cade Cunningham re-signed with Detroit in summer 2024
He signed a deal with Nike recently
Gilbert Arenas shared his opinion on the shoe company’s preferences
The Detroit Pistons had the Eastern Conference’s best record at 13-2 as of Wednesday night, a half game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 14-1 mark.
The Pistons are led by Cade Cunningham, the dynamic former number one overall pick whose game has blossomed under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Recently, Cunningham signed a landmark deal with the Nike sneaker and apparel company that will give him his own signature shoe on par with legends of the NBA.
That could spell trouble for Detroit Pistons fans down the road according to comments made by former Washington Wizards star Gilbert ‘Agent Zero’ Arenas.
Arenas Floats Cunningham Conspiracy
Arenas floated a Nike/Cunningham conspiracy as he warned Pistons fans about the shoe company’s alleged agenda.
“If you are a Pistons fan you should be worried,” Arenas said. “Nike has its own agenda. And I am pretty sure Cade staying in Detroit isn’t a part of their agenda.”
Cunningham signed a five-year, $224 million contract extension in July 2024 to stay with the Pistons for the foreseeable future.
The 24-year-old old guard/forward is averaging 27.3 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 9.9 assists this season.
He was the number one pick out of Oklahoma State in 2021.
Fans React to Arenas Warning
Fans questioned the timing of Arenas’ comments with the Pistons on an 11-game winning streak and Detroit feeling the good vibes in recent days.
“11-game winning streak and he says (expletive) like this get out,” one fan said.
“This man hates Detroit from every fiber of his body,” another said.
“Gilbert is just salty Cade is being called a superstar and he never was,” another said of the former Wizards guard.
“There’s truth here,” another said. “Nike absolutely prefers stars in big markets, but Cade’s situation is early.”
“He just re-signed relax lol,” another added.
Pistons Hit the Road to Face Bucks Saturday
The Pistons will take on the Bucks without superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo on Saturday in Milwaukee with ‘The Greek Freak’ nursing a low grade left groin strain expected to keep him out up to two weeks.
The Pistons’ Jalen Duren has vaulted himself into All-Star Game consideration this season, putting up historic numbers on par with only the Nuggets’ former MVP Nikola Jokic in recent days.
Cunningham and the Pistons have great cohesion and are playing like a united group so far this season.
Cunningham’s glowingly positive reviews of Detroit in recent years suggests that he is likely to stay with the Pistons until his contract is up, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Former All-Star Calls Out Bronny James’ Approach With Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have kept their faith in Bronny James as a frequent rotational player.
While he has a handful of DNPs this season, he has logged 110 minutes across 10 games (with one start), showing signs of JJ Redick searching for situations to help him find success at the NBA level.
As the former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas watches James, he doesn’t believe the second-year guard is playing to his strengths. The former star got critical of the young Laker on his latest episode of The Arena.
“You can’t just be in the game,” Arenas said of Bronny.
“You’re too athletic, you’re too explosive going to the rim. You’re sitting there trying to play safe basketball, and safe basketball makes you look bad because all of the shots you’re taking, that’s an open three you’re going to take that. You’re not going out there playing actual basketball itself. You’re just trying to survive on the court, and surving on the court means don’t shoot many shots, don’t try to be risky passing the ball around. You’re basically playing hot potato and playing defense.”
With an average of 11 minutes per game, James has accounted for 2.1 points per game, shooting 29 percent from the field. He is attempting fewer than one shot per game. When Arenas sees Bronny play at a different level, he observes a totally different style.
“That’s where his style has been every time he gets a chance in the NBA. This is not the style he plays in the G League. In the G League, he is a focal point and you see him average 21-22,” the ex-star added.
The G League and the NBA is clearly two different levels of basketball. And since Bronny plays on a Western Conference contender, surrounded by stars such as LeBron, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, the second-year guard has to play a much smaller role, whether he’s aggressive or not.
With the South Bay Lakers last year, Bronny attempted 17.5 shots per game. As a result, he produced 21.9 points per game over 11 matchups. Even if he upped the aggressiveness with the NBA roster, Bronny would be unlikely to get close to 17 attempts in a single outing. But Arenas’ point stands. A player with a wide spotlight on him might play it safe to avoid mistakes.
L.A. Charges Companies to Keep Names on Arenas for Olympics
Los Angeles has found a new source of revenue to help fund the 2028 Olympics: charging companies extra to keep their naming rights on sports venues during the Summer Games.
Until now, the International Olympic Committee has required stadiums with naming rights deals to use more generic names during the Games.
But LA28, the city’s Olympic organizing committee, is striking deals with big companies to pay to keep or add their names to Olympic venues in Southern California.
On Friday, Intuit announced a sponsorship deal that will retain its name on Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, during the Olympics. Honda announced in August that it would pay to keep its name on Honda Center, home of the Anaheim Ducks, when the arena holds volleyball tournaments during the Games. Comcast will sponsor a temporary squash center at Universal Studios for the Olympics.
Paul Krekorian, the executive director of major events for Los Angeles, said that the new naming rights deals help ensure the “financial responsibility” of hosting the Games. The Los Angeles Games are expected to cost nearly $7 billion.
“As the host city, Los Angeles has a strong interest in ensuring the success of the Games while also protecting our taxpayers,” Mr. Krekorian said. “With LA28’s revenue already ahead of pace, and incredibly strong enthusiasm building toward 2028, I’m confident these Games will be a financial success and leave tremendous benefits for Angelenos for generations to come.”
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Fight songs still ring true as college football tradition in face of ever
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The sounds of college football have changed over the years, with pop culture songs becoming part of the show at stadiums across the country.
Fight songs, though, have withstood the test of time and still ring true.
From “Rocky Top” at Tennessee to “Fight On” at USC, school bands cranking up the familiar notes and rhythm and thousands of alumni joining the student body in belting out the long-familiar lyrics are a touchstone of the nostalgia surrounding the game itself. It’s a chance to cheer in common or at least try to shake off a disappointment.
Like the teams themselves, fight songs tend to spark much discussion on the topic of which one is the best of the bunch or at least the most familiar.
To Georgia Southern sport management Prof. Chris Hanna, “The Victors” at Michigan and “Notre Dame Victory March” are in the conversation for the mythical national championship of music.
“Those two have separated themselves,” said Hanna, who has studied and written about college fight songs.
Fight songs still ring true as college football tradition in face of ever-changing changes in sport
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The sounds of college football have changed over the years, with pop culture songs becoming part of the show at stadiums across the country.
Fight songs, though, have withstood the test of time and still ring true.
From “Rocky Top” at Tennessee to “Fight On” at USC, school bands cranking up the familiar notes and rhythm and thousands of alumni joining the student body in belting out the long-familiar lyrics are a touchstone of the nostalgia surrounding the game itself. It’s a chance to cheer in common or at least try to shake off a disappointment.
Like the teams themselves, fight songs tend to spark much discussion on the topic of which one is the best of the bunch or at least the most familiar.
To Georgia Southern sport management Prof. Chris Hanna, “The Victors” at Michigan and “Notre Dame Victory March” are in the conversation for the mythical national championship of music.
“Those two have separated themselves,” said Hanna, who has studied and written about college fight songs. “Those are the two most popular, and well known.”
Michigan’s familiar fight song dates to 1898 when a music student at the school, Louis Elbel, wrote it following the Wolverines’ 12-11 win over the University of Chicago for their first Western Conference football title.
“Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!” Elbel wrote back when the Midwest was still more of a notion than the commonly known region it is now.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chad Smith, who grew up in suburban Detroit rooting for Michigan, used the fight song as part of his act when the Red Hot Chili Peppers made a tour stop near Ohio State’s campus just for laughs.
“At the end of the concert, I came out, I said, `Hey, I think we got time for one more song. You guys want to hear one more song?’ And they’re like, ‘Yay,’” Smith recalled. “I’m like, `It’s a really good song. I think you’re really going to like this one.’”
Then, Smith started signing “The Victors,” and heard a chorus of boos before dropping the microphone and walking off stage.
“They screamed louder than they screamed all night,” said Smith, who announced earlier this month he’s gifting a need-based music scholarship to the University of Michigan. “It was great.”
“Notre Dame Victory March,” written by Notre Dame graduates and brothers, Michael and John Shea, was copyrighted in 1908 and became even more well known after the 1993 film “Rudy.”
“If you’ve ever seen ”Rudy,” they have it humming in the background at practice,” said Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright, a former Fighting Irish star. “It’s just kind of filled with rich tradition.”
USC’s “Fight On,” was born in 1922 after students Milo Sweet and Glen Grant teamed up to create the iconic song kicked off by trumpets. It makes Hanna’s list of top fight songs along with Oklahoma’s “Boomer Sooner,” and “On Wisconsin!”
Hanna was part of research on 130 Division I college football fight songs that found more than 90% of the songs had themes that included the name of the university, an exclamation and togetherness.
“Fight songs ramp up your emotions because of the value you place on the connections to your school,” Hanna said. “These songs are passed down by generations and you learn them as kids.”
Michigan backup quarterback Davis Warren grew up in Los Angeles rooting for UCLA — which has “The Mighty Bruins” and “Sons of Westwood” for its fans to sing — but quietly digging USC’s fight song.
“It’s classic,” Warren said. “I think ours is the best, but that is one that you hear and it just sounds like college football.”
Bands in stadium from coast to coast used to get more air time, filling timeouts with fight songs and hit songs before, between and after whistles. In recent decades, piped-in music has become the norm while marching bands take a break whether they want one ore not.
House of Pain’s “Jump Around” at Wisconsin is now in its third decade of inspiring Badgers fans. “Mr. Brightside” at Michigan, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” at LSU and “Shout” at Oregon” are just a few that have become part of the gameday experience.
“Those are cool, obviously, but we don’t sing ‘Mr. Brightside’ after we win,” Davis said. “We sing ‘The Victors’ after we win. Even in the era of sound effects and music, having the band right there playing fight songs , when we’re home and away, I think is a really cool tradition in college football.”
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Associated Press Writer Mike Householder contributed. Follow Larry Lage on X
___
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The Big 12’s most stunning football stadiums, loudest crowds and overlooked gems
By LARRY LAGE
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The sounds of college football have changed over the years, with pop culture songs becoming part of the show at stadiums across the country.
Fight songs, though, have withstood the test of time and still ring true.
From “Rocky Top” at Tennessee to “Fight On” at USC, school bands cranking up the familiar notes and rhythm and thousands of alumni joining the student body in belting out the long-familiar lyrics are a touchstone of the nostalgia surrounding the game itself. It’s a chance to cheer in common or at least try to shake off a disappointment.
Like the teams themselves, fight songs tend to spark much discussion on the topic of which one is the best of the bunch or at least the most familiar.
To Georgia Southern sport management Prof. Chris Hanna, “The Victors” at Michigan and “Notre Dame Victory March” are in the conversation for the mythical national championship of music.
“Those two have separated themselves,” said Hanna, who has studied and written about college fight songs. “Those are the two most popular, and well known.”
Michigan’s familiar fight song dates to 1898 when a music student at the school, Louis Elbel, wrote it following the Wolverines’ 12-11 win over the University of Chicago for their first Western Conference football title.
“Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!” Elbel wrote back when the Midwest was still more of a notion than the commonly known region it is now.
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chad Smith, who grew up in suburban Detroit rooting for Michigan, used the fight song as part of his act when the Red Hot Chili Peppers made a tour stop near Ohio State’s campus just for laughs.
“At the end of the concert, I came out, I said, `Hey, I think we got time for one more song. You guys want to hear one more song?’ And they’re like, ‘Yay,’” Smith recalled. “I’m like, `It’s a really good song. I think you’re really going to like this one.’”
Then, Smith started signing “The Victors,” and heard a chorus of boos before dropping the microphone and walking off stage.
“They screamed louder than they screamed all night,” said Smith, who announced earlier this month he’s gifting a need-based music scholarship to the University of Michigan. “It was great.”
“Notre Dame Victory March,” written by Notre Dame graduates and brothers, Michael and John Shea, was copyrighted in 1908 and became even more well known after the 1993 film “Rudy.”
“If you’ve ever seen ”Rudy,” they have it humming in the background at practice,” said Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright, a former Fighting Irish star. “It’s just kind of filled with rich tradition.”
USC’s “Fight On,” was born in 1922 after students Milo Sweet and Glen Grant teamed up to create the iconic song kicked off by trumpets. It makes Hanna’s list of top fight songs along with Oklahoma’s “Boomer Sooner,” and “On Wisconsin!”
Hanna was part of research on 130 Division I college football fight songs that found more than 90% of the songs had themes that included the name of the university, an exclamation and togetherness.
“Fight songs ramp up your emotions because of the value you place on the connections to your school,” Hanna said. “These songs are passed down by generations and you learn them as kids.”
Michigan backup quarterback Davis Warren grew up in Los Angeles rooting for UCLA — which has “The Mighty Bruins” and “Sons of Westwood” for its fans to sing — but quietly digging USC’s fight song.
“It’s classic,” Warren said. “I think ours is the best, but that is one that you hear and it just sounds like college football.”
Bands in stadium from coast to coast used to get more air time, filling timeouts with fight songs and hit songs before, between and after whistles. In recent decades, piped-in music has become the norm while marching bands take a break whether they want one ore not.
House of Pain’s “Jump Around” at Wisconsin is now in its third decade of inspiring Badgers fans. “Mr. Brightside” at Michigan, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” at LSU and “Shout” at Oregon” are just a few that have become part of the gameday experience.
“Those are cool, obviously, but we don’t sing ‘Mr. Brightside’ after we win,” Davis said. “We sing ‘The Victors’ after we win. Even in the era of sound effects and music, having the band right there playing fight songs , when we’re home and away, I think is a really cool tradition in college football.”
___
Associated Press Writer Mike Householder contributed. Follow Larry Lage on X
___
Tax Breaks: The Thanksgiving With Taxes, Tips And Tariffs On The Side Edition
There isn’t a more geographically diverse power conference in college football than the Big 12. The views in and around its stadiums are proof.
From the desert of Arizona to being a mile high above sea level in Colorado to the plains of the Midwest, vastness of Texas and the rolling hills of Appalachia, it’s another stark reminder of the impact of conference realignment.
And while clusters of the 16 teams in the Big 12 have historical familiarity with one another, the past few years have been an opportunity for fan bases traveling the country to get a look at stadiums and cities they’d never seen before.
After The Athletic recently polled staffers about the best stadiums in America, here’s a tour through Big 12 country, where we touch on the overrated, underrated and everything else in the conference that stretches from the Rocky Mountains to the Sunshine State.
What is your favorite Big 12 stadium?
Feldman: Rice-Eccles at Utah. It’s in a beautiful setting — just like the Utes’ archrival’s place in Provo. It’s also kind of breathtaking, literally, since it’s at almost 5,000 feet above sea level. But the Utes’ home is also pound-for-pound the loudest stadium in college football. The MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section) is the heartbeat of Rice-Eccles, and you feel them from the moment you enter the building. I almost said Colorado’s Folsom Field because that place is gorgeous as well, but I’ll stick with Rice-Eccles because it’s even more raucous.
Kamrani: Folsom Field (Colorado) is one of the most unique-looking venues in the country. Its U-shape perfectly complements an architectural layout of a campus that is uniform in display. Rather than vast, towering stands that encompass everything within sight, the design allows for picturesque views of the jagged Flatirons, the famed sandstone formations on the west side of town. And it offers a natural grass field, which automatically awards immeasurable points in these subjective rankings.
Khan: Is there a more picturesque setting in the conference — or in the Power Four — than BYU’s LaVell Edwards Stadium? It’s set at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, creating one of the most unique views in the sport. It seats more fans than any other stadium in the conference, and Cougars fans match the scenery with their enthusiasm and intensity (just ask opponents who visit for night games). Plus, Cougar Tails! And free ice cream for the visitors section. How can you beat that?
Ubben: Even without the flock of shirtless dudes, I’m voting Oklahoma State’s Boone Pickens Stadium. People care, and stadiums are made by the people inside them, not the programs that built them. Oklahoma State fills it, and it’s such an imposing venue. It’s modern. It’s palatial. And the Paddle People are louder than they come across on television — mostly because they slap the wooden paddles on mats on what seems like six inches behind the opposing sidelines. It’s loud. The walls are super high. And they’re right up against the sideline. It’s a great place to see a game and a fearsome opposing venue when the Cowboys are at least competent.
What is the most underrated Big 12 stadium?
Feldman: Milan Puskar Stadium. It ain’t glitzy, and it ain’t new. West Virginia’s home has been around for almost 50 years, but it’s got a vibe that’s unique. It’s rowdy and raw, and it feels like the sun wouldn’t dare poke through to spruce up the gritty feel of a fall Saturday in Morgantown.
Kamrani: Jack Trice Stadium. I’m a sucker for cool stories. And history. And anytime they’re intertwined, I’m hooked. Iowa State’s home venue is named after the school’s first Black football player, who died after injuries sustained in a 1923 game against Minnesota. (Spencer Hall’s story that touches on Trice remains one of the best college football stories ever written.) Beyond the honoring of Trice, the stadium just pops on TV.
Khan: McLane Stadium at Baylor is a cool, intimate setting. It’s well-designed and just the right size (roughly 45,000). The horseshoe-shaped home of the Bears opens up to the Brazos River, which provides for a neat view. You can sailgate. There’s a pedestrian bridge that spans the river to get to the stadium. And the Baylor Line — the human tunnel of freshmen the team runs through as it enters the stadium pre-kickoff — is a fun dose of tradition and school spirit.
Ubben: Bill Snyder Family Stadium at Kansas State. I don’t know why it isn’t mentioned as one of the best in the country. The castle aesthetic on the outside is very cool, but the fans fill it up, it’s a cool place and it’s loud.
What is the most overrated Big 12 stadium?
Feldman: I don’t know if there’s any that are talked about enough that folks could go sideways on one of them, aside from Folsom and Rice-Eccles, but those places are gems. If I had to pick one for this designation, I’d go with Arizona Stadium. I did a bunch of games there as a sideline reporter, and this includes some of the Rich Rodriguez era, when they were pretty good, and the vibe of the place still mostly felt like a basketball school.
Kamrani: Apologies to our friends in the desert. Unfortunately I will offend our friends in the Sunshine State by singling out UCF’s Acrisure Stadium, much better known as the Bounce House. Less than 20 years old, it just has no character. It has an awesome name. But other than that, seems like the last place in the Big 12 you’d want to go see a game as a visiting fan.
Khan: I apologize for offending my alma mater, but it’s TDECU Stadium in Houston. Many out-of-town visitors have remarked to me how nice it is, and it is a good facility, especially compared to the dated venue it replaced, Robertson Stadium. But it lacks character. One of the unique aspects of the place when it was built in 2014 was the upper deck cutout in the northwest corner that allowed fans a view of Houston’s terrific downtown skyline. But three years after TDECU Stadium opened, the football team’s indoor practice facility sprouted near there, blocking the view. There are no palm trees, which Robertson had (however misplaced they may have been, I miss ’em). And most of all, the fan support is lacking for a program that aspires to compete at the highest level. It seats only 40,000, but it’s a chore to sell out (UH has had only seven sellouts in the stadium’s 12-season existence). The Cougars have won eight or more games 13 times in the past 20 years — it’s a good program! — but you wouldn’t know it by the butts in seats.
Ubben: Mountain America Stadium. It’s not great that I had to look up the name of the venue I knew as Sun Devil Stadium. It’s got a lot of history. It’s in a great location. When there’s a massive game in town — especially at night — it can get rowdy. But it’s not very consistent, and activating the Arizona State fan base always seems like an uphill battle. There are places with worse historical football that consistently have better crowds.
Superlatives
Best location: Boulder, Folsom Field. The whole area around that campus is stunning. I don’t know if it’s ideal to reel in 18-year-old linemen, but if you’re middle-aged and would love to get in some awesome hiking, this is the Tiger Stadium for the REI crowd. — Feldman
Friendliest to visitors: The first time I stepped outside my car at Milan Puskar Stadium, I was offered moonshine. I was working (and a little scared of what the mason jar might contain, honestly), so I declined, but that’s a first in my career. The tailgating area in the hospital parking lot has always been an underrated scene in the sport. — Ubben
Most intimidating: A night game at Jones AT&T Stadium can be harrowing, especially if you’re the target of Texas Tech fans’ ire. Texas had some eventful trips to Lubbock when it was in the Big 12. “They have a special hate for anyone in burnt orange,” former Texas safety Blake Gideon once told me. Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield experienced that after returning to the school he transferred from, with fans wearing “Traitor” T-shirts and shouting expletives. Last year, Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire had to get on the microphone to plead to fans to stop throwing things onto the field against Colorado. “They were throwing everything but my mama at me,” Colorado coach Deion Sanders said afterward. Former Tech cornerback Jamar Wall once said Tech has “some of the most ruthless fans that you can have.” — Khan
Best local fare: You probably won’t go 10 feet without someone passing around Pepperoni Rolls, which are a No. 1 seed among hangover foods — and around these parts, they’re a must. — Feldman
Coolest feature: Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium is open to anyone at any time. It’s in the middle of campus, and though it’s maddening for coaches, the idea of going to college somewhere I could set up an impromptu touch football game on my team’s stadium field at 10 p.m. on a Wednesday is something not many places can duplicate. — Ubben
Best looking: TCU’s Amon G. Carter Stadium is a beaut. It’s a 95-year-old facility but it has had a lot of work done since 2010 and is one of the classiest looking football stadiums you’ll find. The school’s stated goal upon renovation was to make it into the “Camden Yards” of college football stadiums. I don’t know if it’s quite that, but it has a light, clean facade that blends well into the rest of the university, which is aesthetically pleasing in its own right. It feels bigger than it is when you’re inside. And the stadium has two of the better nicknames you’ll find: “The Carter” and “Hell’s Half Acre.” — Khan
Best dessert: An extremely BYU thing here, but the Cougar Tail has risen in popularity as BYU’s national profile has returned under Kalani Sitake. It’s a very long maple bar that is estimated to be as much as 2,200 calories. It’s absurd. One bite should suffice. If you’re in Provo, bring a plastic knife to hand out pieces to others unless you want a Hall of Fame sugar migraine. — Kamrani
Cancer survivor hits North America’s 124 stadiums — with final stop on Long Island
A Chicago cancer survivor who realized life is too short ventured to see a match-up at all 124 major stadiums and arenas in North America — and set his final stop as an Islanders hockey game over the weekend.
Then he discovered something else extraordinarily special about the date.
Ashvin Lad,. 51, told The Post he picked Saturday’s afternoon showdown between the Long Island team and the St. Louis Blues because he liked the date of 11/22 as a “numbers nerd” — only to later learn the Islanders were celebrating a Hockey Fights Cancer event at it.
“It brings that whole post-cancer journey full circle,” said Lad, who sat with a handful of “Club 124” members at the game to celebrate his conquest.
It had been a long road for the testicular cancer survivor.
“Before Dec. 31, 1999, I just had my most recent round of chemo, so I was not feeling well, I couldn’t do any celebrations — and I’m watching the entire world celebrate the new millennium,” Lad recently recalled to The Post.
“I said to myself at that moment, ‘When this is done, I’m going to go out there and see as much of the world as I can, meet as many people as I can, and take in as many experiences I can.’ “
Now he’s done that — and more, becoming only the 27th recorded “Club 124” sports diehard to see each of the US’s and Canada’s baseball, hockey, basketball, and football arenas.
Lad had visited just four of the 124 sports spots before winning his bout with cancer — thanks to the same oncologist who treated Lance Armstrong — in February 2000.
Lad, who works on partnerships for the American Medical Association, hit the ground running that year by traveling to St. Louis to watch the NFL’s LA Rams, to Indianapolis to see the NBA’s Pacers and to Nashville to watch the NHL’s Predators.
“Whenever I travel for work and there’s a game going on. I would just go to a game. If I were traveling for vacation, and a game was going on, I’d go,” Lad said of his leisurely starting pace.
He only learned of “Club 124” — an organized group where members keep track of their stadium visits — in the 2010s after meeting a fellow journeyman in the Windy City.
“I said, I can’t believe this is a real thing. I’m really going to go do this, make a concerted effort and start planning,’ ” Lad said.
The cancer survivor said he had relative “flexibility” without a wife or children — plus a handy lifetime $100,000 — to tour the sports world.
Down in front!
Lad said he enjoyed his share of memorable sports moments over the years, such as Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans in 2013 and Yankee Aaron Judge’s first-ever home run in 2016.
Later that year, Lad saw the Chicago Cubs’ three home World Series games at Wrigley Field, where he is a season ticket-holder with a beloved reputation for helping kids with their homework at the ballpark.
He reached around 74 stadiums — sitting in a variety of seats from field level to the rafters — in the 2020s, then really poured it on into the home stretch.
“September of 2022, I did a Thursday night football game — Chargers vs. Chiefs in Kansas City. I flew home Friday morning, went to work. and then I flew to Pittsburgh on Saturday, went to the Steelers game on Sunday, and then went to Buffalo for a Monday night Bills game,” Lad said.
“Then I flew home first thing Tuesday morning to go to work.”
Lad’s planning paid off, as he became an expert at “doubling up,” often catching baseball, basketball and hockey on the same day or within 24 hours of each other.
“I even did an Eagles game in Philadelphia at one o’clock and then drove to Baltimore for a Sunday night Ravens vs. Patriots game,” he said.
Lad said he feels he accomplished something great now.
“I wanted to have a better life than I did. I was very stressed out always. … Now I’ve done that,” he said.
Lad’s must-stop stadiums
Oaks Christian edges Agoura in closest tennis final in CIF-SS history
Two rounds in, it was clear that the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 girls tennis final was going to decided by razor-thin margins.
Joel Perttula brought his team in for a huddle.
“Fight for every game,” the Oaks Christian coach reminded his team. “Every game is going to count.”
But not even Perttula was ready for just how tight the match would be.
Oaks Christian and Agoura’s all-Marmonte League final tied 9-9 on sets and 72-72 on games after regulation on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the University of Redlands.
“Which was kind of a miracle in itself,” Perttula said. “It just doesn’t happen.”
Oaks Christian eventually prevailed 10-8 on a rare round-robin tiebreaker round to capture the program’s first sectional title.
After surviving a match point, the No. 2 doubles team of junior Hannah Huang and junior Elise Rankin delivered the decisive point for the Lions.
“We rushed the court,” Perttula said. “It was pretty amazing.”
Oaks Christian junior Ellie Lin swept at No. 1 singles, 6-3, 6-1, 6-2, and swept her three round-robin tiebreakers, 7-5, 7-1, 7-5.
“Ellie really carried us,” Perttula said.
Veorah Feddanich, Lyla Haiat and Alisa Tran won two of three singles sets each as Agoura won six of nine singles sets.
“It was a nailbiter,” said Agoura coach Mariana Sullivan. “We were very close.”
It was the closest CIF-SS final in girls tennis history. According to the CIF-SS record book, it was the first time the round-robin tiebreaker was needed in a girls tennis final.
Brentwood edged San Marino 12-6 on the round-robin tiebreaker after a 9-9, 75-75 tie in the 2009 Division II boys tennis final.
Agoura led 7-5 after the second round of play and inched closer when the No. 2 doubles team of Nola Rosa and Grace Hennessey delivered a 6-4 win over the Lions’ No. 1 team.
“We were ready for it,” Sullivan said. “We were so prepared. It really could have gone either way.”
After regulation, neither team was in good spirits.
“That was a little demoralizing,” Sullivan said. “We had a super advantage at the end of the second round.”
Said Perttula, “The girls felt like we lost.”
The 72-72 knot on games meant both teams resumed play, with a round-robin series of 18 tiebreakers.
“When that news came in, I felt we had a second chance,” Perttula said. “That created a sign of life.”
Fourth-seeded Oaks Christian (13-6) defeated La Serna, San Dimas, Dana Hills, and Pasadena Poly to reach its first sectional final.
In also reaching its first sectional final, Agoura (13-9-1) defeated West Torrance, Geffen Academy, Marymount and Torrance.
But the third- and fourth-place teams from the Marmonte League were forced to wait five days for their final, as rain postponed the match three times.
“That was really tough,” Sullivan said. “I kept thinking, ‘We’re all in the same boat.’ ”
Calabasas wins Division 2 title
Doubles teams lifted the Calabasas High girls tennis team to a long-awaited CIF-SS championship on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the University of Redlands.
The doubles teams of Giana Mucci-Emma Penev and Charli Kaaya-Sophia Loizu swept as the Coyotes grabbed eight of the nine doubles sets in a 12-6 win over Harvard-Westlake in the CIF-SS Division 2 final.
Alena Koltsova swept three sets at No. 1 singles as the Marmonte League champions won their sixth sectional title and first since the 2004 Division 1 title.
The Coyotes had dropped finals the previous two seasons, falling in Division 2 to Laguna Beach 10-8 in 2023 and Division 1 to Westlake 10-8 in 2024.
“The third time was the charm,” said Calabasas coach Chriss Rodriguez. “That made it that much more special.”
Mucci delivered an ace on the decisive point as Mucci-Penev came from 3-0 down to deliver the clinching moment.
“Giana is the glue of the team,” Rodriguez said. “She’s been that team player since her freshman year. She’s stood out as a senior for her teamwork. She’s undefeated for a reason.”
Rodriguez said the five-day weather delay “prolonged that feeling of the finish line.”
“That was hard,” Rodriguez said. “We didn’t get to practice, obviously, because of the rain and Alena developed a cold, so she wasn’t 100%.”
Four-seeded Calabasas (18-1) defeated Temecula Valley, Tesoro, Chadwick and top-seeded Irvine-Woodbridge along the way to the program’s 10th sectional final.
Valencia girls’ tennis clinches Division 5 CIF title over St. Joseph
The Valencia girls’ tennis team is a Division 5 California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section champion as the Vikings won the title 12-6 over St. Joseph High School at the Claremont Club on Wednesday.
“The practice, time and effort are paid off,” Valencia coach Darrell Peries said in an interview with The Signal. “I’m definitely proud of the whole program from the players and coaching staff and parents as well.”
With the win, it’s the first Southern Section title for the program since 2014, when the Vikings won the Division 2 title over Vista Murrieta.
Just like the team did then, the road to the CIF championship was led by the doubles side.
Throughout this year’s postseason run, the Vikings narrowly won their matchups with the doubles side being the most productive in earning the team points.
In the semifinals at home against Burbank, the doubles sides went 9-0 against the Bulldogs in the 10-8 win to advance to the finals.
Peries spoke on the importance of the doubles side and how critical that group has been to the team’s success.
“Our doubles side, I think stretch-wise are all pretty equal,” he said. “If they were to play each other, I think any team could beat one to the other at any given moment. So, the fact that we have that level where they’re all consistent and I feel all are very, very strong, definitely helps.”
But in the finals match against St. Joseph, the singles side split the 12 points and won six of its games and played a factor in the win, leaving Peries proud.
“They have come across some very tough players,” he said. “The schools that we played all had players with high universal tennis ratings … so it’s not that our singles players weren’t strong, it’s that they came across really tough competition.”
The Vikings ended the season as champions, but Peries spoke on how the title is more than just a win for the team but a victory for the whole Valencia community as fans, parents and administrators joined the team in getting to the championship.
“To bring a title like that back to the school, it’s like it’s a whole team effort. It’s not just the whole program,” he said. “It’s the whole school’s effort. So, it’s nice to be able to share that with everybody.”
Serena Williams’ Curve-Hugging Dress In New Photos Has Fans Saying She’s Entered Her ‘Bad Girl’ Era
Serena Williams clearly woke up and chose danger this week — and Instagram felt it.
On Thursday, Nov. 20, the tennis legend dropped a five-slide thirst trap that stopped plenty of thumbs mid-scroll. It looks like Williams traded in her usual sporty glam for an edgy, rocker curve-hugging look that left little room for imagination and even less room for debate.
‘That Thing is Thanging’: Serena Williams Sparks Viral Frenzy with Postpartum Snapback Months After Struggling to Fit Denim Skirt
Williams slipped into a long, black lace dress that draped all the way to her ankles. Beneath the see-through fabric, she appeared to be rocking nothing but a buttoned black blazer over a single piece of black high-waisted lingerie, leaving fans squinting to see if one structured layer could tame the boldness of everything happening underneath.
In the photos, she posed against a bold black-and-white striped wall, planted on a bright red floor splashed with oversized painted lips in every color — a backdrop that made her outfit look even more intentional, and even harder to ignore.
In one image, Williams glared seductively at a phone while running her fingers through her blond hair, which covered one eye. In the second picture, she leaned into the corner of the wall with one leg propped up, then poked her chest out and pushed her bottom back in the third.
She wrote, “Lace me up and lead the way,” in the caption.
Still, fans seemed far more fixated on Williams’ bold, sassy new look than the glam-squad cameo — her whole vibe stole the spotlight, leaving people wondering what kind of night she and her team were really having.
“OH SERENA WOW,” said one stunned social media user, while another said, “Ouhhh she in her bad gurl era.” “Dammmnnn,” noticed a third.
One person referenced her 23-time Grand Slam wins, writing, “Ma’am, you already won 23 Grand Slams, leave some excellence for the rest of us.”
Others praised the work of Williams’ glam team.
“Please keep this glam team,” one person begged, while another noted, “Some of the best glam pictures of you.”
“That’s Ms. Angela Meadows’ work right there,” added a fifth person.
Williams’ glam squad even popped up in an elevator selfie for the fourth slide, featuring stylist Kesha McLeod and hairstylist Angela Meadows.
McLeod has been shaping the tennis icon’s style for more than 14 years, and Meadows has been behind her hair for well over a decade. The exact moment their glam partnership officially began is a little murky, but Meadows’ receipts go back to 2012 — posting throwback shots and credits from commercial shoots and ad campaigns she says she handled for Williams long before the world caught on.
The one slot Williams switches up most is her makeup artist. For these bold shots, she chose Pauline Briscoe — a longtime favorite who’s been behind many of her standout looks. Williams has worked with several MUAs over the years, including Jai Forbes-Cunningham, Renny Vasquez, and artists from Adjinaya Make Up.
But with Briscoe handling most of her recent glam, fans are already urging her to stick with the team that’s clearly getting it right.
In many ways, Williams feels like she’s stepping into a whole new era. After welcoming two children in the past eight years, fans say they’ve watched her slowly come out of her shell — getting bolder, more playful, and far less worried about fitting into anyone’s expectations.
Novak Djokovic’s PTPA Rallies Behind Iga Swiatek Amid Fight With Tennis Authorities
Earlier this year, in June, Iga Świątek made headlines when she openly criticized the demanding tennis calendar. Her concerns echoed those of several top players across both the WTA and ATP tours, leading Novak Djokovic’s PTPA to call out major tournaments and governing bodies for failing to prioritize player welfare. Now, with the 2025 season officially wrapped and a new year approaching, the conversation is far from over.
Novak Djokovic’s Professional Tennis Players Association is once again rallying behind Świątek, reinforcing her stance as they push tennis authorities to reconsider tournament scheduling and protect athletes’ longevity.
In a recent post on X, the official account of PTPA reshared one of Iga Świątek’s earlier statements from a September interview with ESPN. At the time, Świątek criticized the WTA’s mandatory tournament structure, saying, “WTA, with all these mandatory rules, they made this pretty crazy for us. I don’t think any top player will actually be able to achieve this, playing the six 500 tournaments. It’s just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. I think we have to be smart about it, not really, unfortunately, care about the rules and just think what’s healthy for us.”
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Alongside her quote, the PTPA added a strong message of support: “This is about more than money — it’s about dignity, safety, and respect. Iga Świątek is calling out the impossible demands placed on players — from mandatory rules to overloaded schedules that ignore what’s actually healthy.”
The frustration has been real, and it began even before the 2025 season officially started. For example, in 2024, the professional tennis calendar technically ended on December 22, when Joao Fonseca defeated Learner Tien to win the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia. Yet only five days later, on December 27, the 2025 season began with the United Cup in Australia.
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Both Fonseca and Tien were back in action on December 30, competing in events in Australia and Hong Kong. The quick turnaround sparked backlash among players. “I don’t know how the ’25 season starts in ’24,” said Jordan Thompson, the 2024 US Open doubles champion. “I mean, it’s a joke.”
Player fatigue is not a new topic, but the conversation has intensified. The length of the season, paired with constant international travel, has taken both a physical and mental toll. Earlier this year, Alex de Minaur attributed an early French Open exit to “feeling burned out.”
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In addition, both the tours mandate that players compete in a minimum number of events each season. For ATP competitors, this includes all four Grand Slams, eight Master 1000 tournaments, and five ATP 500 events, one of which must take place after the US Open. Similarly, top WTA players are required to enter all four majors, along with ten WTA 1000 tournaments and six WTA 500 events.
Adding to the workload, seven of the WTA 1000 events have now expanded to 12-day formats, following recent extensions from their original one-week schedules.
Signs of strain were visible during the late-season Asian swing as well. At the China Open in late September, five of the 12 scheduled matches ended in mid-match retirements, an alarming statistic. Meanwhile, other WTA stars, including Daria Kasatkina, cut their seasons short due to injury and exhaustion.
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Kasatkina was candid in her explanation, revealing the emotional and psychological pressure of the constant grind. “Truth is, I’ve hit a wall and can’t continue,” she wrote. “The schedule is too much — mentally and emotionally, I am at a breaking point, and sadly, I am not alone.”
And for reference, not just Iga Swiatek but several ATP players have also voiced their frustration over the grueling schedule as well.
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Taylor Fritz openly expressed his frustration with the sport’s grueling schedule
Taylor Fritz enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024. He reached the QFs at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and later advanced to his first GS final at the US Open. By the end of the season, he had claimed two ATP titles, appeared in four finals, including the ATP Finals, and earned an Olympic bronze medal in doubles alongside Tommy Paul. His success ultimately lifted him to a career-high world ranking of No. 4.
However, the achievements came with a cost. Instead of a well-deserved break, Fritz found his calendar extended even further due to his strong results. Qualifying for the year-end ATP Finals and competing in the Davis Cup meant additional weeks of competition when many other players had already stopped for the year.
“There’s no offseason — and if you’re a top player, you actually get even less of one,” Fritz told ESPN in the spring.
He explained that if a player finishes their season at the Paris Masters in early November, they can enjoy around six weeks before the next season begins. But for those who qualify for elite team events, that window shrinks dramatically.
“If you play the ATP Finals and Davis Cup, you’re adding three more weeks,” he said. “And if you play United Cup, like I do, because you’re a top player, the season starts even earlier.”
Fritz also clarified that time off is not truly time off. “People think that period is for rest, but it’s for training,” he added. “If I get three weeks, I take one week to reset — and that’s my only break of the year. One week. It’s absurd.”
Now, as players from both sides wrap up the 2025 season and are almost immediately expected to shift focus to 2026, one question dominates the sport: Will anything finally change in the new season?
Martina Navratilova clashes on social media over transgender stance
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Women’s tennis legend Martina Navratilova got into a brief social media spat with a low-profile user on X after he called out Navratilova for supporting Democrats while also being vocally opposed to letting biological male transgender people access women’s spaces.
Navratilova responded to a news report on a spa being forced to let a male access the women’s locker room as a result of a discrimination lawsuit.
Novak Djokovic’s PTPA Nears Surprise Deal After Tennis Australia Splits From Others
Earlier this year, in March, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by the Serbian Novak Djokovic in 2020 to increase player influence, made headlines. The group filed legal action against tennis governing bodies, accusing them of “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”. At the time, even PTPA executive director Ahmad Nassar added, “Tennis is broken.” Now, the situation has taken a significant turn before the 2026 season, as Tennis Australia has broken away from the other tennis organizations and agreed to settle the lawsuit with the PTPA.
It is still unclear who made the decision to settle the case separately, but some believe it may have come from Tennis Australia as an organisation, the CEO Craig Tiley, or outgoing Chair and Board President Jayne Hrdlicka. However, Hrdlicka seems unlikely since her term ends in 2025. Regardless of who initiated the move, an agreement now appears close and could be completed before the AO begins on January 12.
A letter submitted to the US Southern District Court in NY confirms progress. It states that the PTPA and Tennis Australia, which operates the AO, are engaged in “substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions.” The letter also asks Judge Margaret Garnett to pause all legal action involving Tennis Australia while both sides work toward a final settlement in the coming days.
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However, the request in the letter applies only to Tennis Australia. The other defendants, the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour, the French Tennis Federation, the All England Club, and the US Tennis Association, remain part of the ongoing case.
It is also not known whether the agreement will include firm commitments relating to the prize money or improvements in scheduling. Still, if an agreement is finalized, it may give the PTPA a stronger position in negotiations with the remaining GS and tour bodies.
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Earlier this week, the PTPA’s legal team submitted another filing to NY’s Southern District Court. The statement read: “Plaintiffs and Tennis Australia are engaged in substantive and productive bilateral settlement discussions and believe that a settlement as to plaintiffs’ claims against Tennis Australia is likely in the near future. Accordingly, plaintiffs and Tennis Australia respectfully request that this court enter an order staying all proceedings and deadlines in the case that pertain to Tennis Australia while the parties finalise their agreement.”
The case itself is large and complex. The ‘163-page’ lawsuit filed in March aims to end what the PTPA describes as the “monopolistic control” of tennis’s 2 major tours.
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The organisation led by the 24-time Slam winner argues that the tours operate like a “cartel” by forming agreements that limit prize money and block new organisations from entering the sport.
The lawsuit also challenges the current ranking system and what it calls an “unsustainable” competition schedule.
And the scheduling concerns have grown louder throughout 2025, as more players publicly complained about constant travel, a lack of rest periods, and an ever-shrinking offseason.
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Because of this frustration, the PTPA has gained stronger support from many players in both the WTA and ATP sides, who want meaningful reform.
PTPA backs Iga Swiatek in dispute with scheduling concerns
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the PTPA reshared one of Iga Świątek’s comments from September. In that interview with ESPN, Świątek criticized the mandatory WTA structure and said, “WTA, with all these mandatory rules, they made this pretty crazy for us. I don’t think any top player will actually be able to achieve this, playing the six 500 tournaments. It’s just impossible to squeeze it in the schedule. I think we have to be smart about it, not really, unfortunately, care about the rules and just think what’s healthy for us.”
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Along with her quote, the PTPA’s X handle added a powerful message. “This is about more than money — it’s about dignity, safety, and respect. Iga Świątek is calling out the impossible demands placed on players — from mandatory rules to overloaded schedules that ignore what’s actually healthy,” the post added. This public support shows how strongly the PTPA aligns with Świątek’s concerns.
And to be honest, player frustration over the schedule has been building for some time, especially in 2025. Even before the 2025 season began, many felt the tennis calendar was too demanding. In 2024, the season ended on December 22 with the ATP Next Gen Finals in Saudi Arabia, but just five days later, the 2025 season began with the United Cup in Australia.
Players have also spoken openly about physical and mental burnout. The Aussie ace, Alex de Minaur, after an early French Open exit this year, even admitted to “feeling burned out.” His words reflected the growing belief that the schedule is not sustainable.
Now that Tennis Australia appears ready to settle with the PTPA, the situation may be shifting. This agreement could encourage other tennis bodies to review their own positions in the lawsuit as well.
The question now is whether the remaining organisations will choose the same path and settle before 2026, or continue the legal battle into the next season.
Grieving Parents File $200 Million Lawsuit After Drunk Driver Ends American Prodigy’s Life
Back in May this year, the tennis world was shaken by a tragic accident as Braun Levi, an 18-year-old high school senior, died after being struck, according to reports from The Los Angeles Times and ABC7. The news deeply affected the tennis community as Hall of Famer Pam Shriver shared her grief, writing, “Heaven gained an angel today but the Los Angeles tennis community lost a young pilar and gem. It’s hard to express our family’s sadness over the loss of Braun Levi.” Now, months later, the tragedy has resurfaced again as Levi’s parents have filed a lawsuit, bringing renewed attention to the heartbreaking incident.
Months after the tragic accident, Levi’s parents have taken legal action. They filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, and are seeking $200 million in damages for the ‘Live Like Braun Foundation’ launched by the parents themselves. Belt has not commented publicly. Levi’s mother, Jennifer Levi, added, “Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life. This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”
Details from the crash have also resurfaced. According to court records, Belt allegedly struck Levi around 12:46 a.m. on May 4 and had a blood alcohol level nearly two times of the legal limit. She was reportedly driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI arrest.
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Police arrested Belt at the scene near Sepulveda Boulevard and Second Street in Manhattan Beach. She was later released from custody on June 4. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.
The lawsuit also claims that Belt consumed “excessive quantities of alcohol” at a bar in Hermosa Beach before driving. After the collision, 4 passengers in her car allegedly fled the scene. Court documents show Belt had a prior DUI case from November 25, 2023, and records from the state DMV indicate she was not legally allowed to drive.
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The loss has deeply affected the community. Levi was a senior at Loyola High School and was well known in the tennis world. He was a nationally ranked player, a 4-time Mission League doubles champion, and had earned a spot at the University of Virginia for the fall.
His future was full of promise, but the accident happened just one month before his graduation. The lawsuit now brings renewed attention to the loss and highlights the pain his family continues to carry.
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For many, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers of drunk driving and the lasting impact it can have on families and communities.
Is Mason Rudolph Dating Anyone Now After Break Up With Tennis Star Eugenie Bouchard? All About NFL QB’s Ex-Girlfriend & Relationship
After QB1 Aaron Rodgers went down with a left wrist injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, backup shot caller Mason Rudolph entered in relief and helped secure the Pittsburgh Steelers a 34-12 win. Rudolph had 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenneth Gainwell with 3:40 left to seal the game.
After this clinical performance, there has been curiosity around Rudolph’s dating life after his strong performance, but as of now, there is no publicly confirmed information about any current relationship. Reports indicate the Steelers’ backup quarterback is currently single.
But not long before, the eight-year NFL veteran was previously dating Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard. The former couple allegedly started dating in 2020, after they were seen together in a bar in Steel City, Pittsburgh. The two publicly confirmed their relationship in early 2021. But their relationship lasted for two years until they broke up in 2022. And since then, the former couple, via TMZ, “remained friends after the split, and it was amicable.”
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Columbia’s Zhang makes history while repeating as NCAA singles champion in tennis
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Michael Zheng of Columbia became the ninth men’s tennis player to repeat as an NCAA champion on Sunday and set an NCAA record for career tournament wins in the process.
Zheng, a senior, defeated Trevor Svajda of SMU 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 for his 19th tournament win, surpassing Virginia’s Somdev Devvarman, who finished with 18 career victories in 2008.
Virginia captured the men’s doubles title as senior Mans Dahlberg and junior Dylan Dietrich defeated Nikita Filin and Brandon Carpico of Ohio State 7-6 (3), 6-2. It’s the fourth doubles title for the Cavaliers.
Both women’s champions came from the state of North Carolina.
Tar Heels senior Reese Brantmeier defeated Berta Passola Folch of California 6-3, 6-3 for the second singles title in program history.
The N.C. State duo of freshman Victoria Osuigwe and junior Gabriella Broadfoot defeated Sophia Webster and Celia-Belle Mohr of Vanderbilt 7-5, 6-4, for the second NCAA title in program history, both coming in doubles.
The tournaments were held at the USTA National Campus and hosted by Central Florida.
NCAA team championships are held in the spring.
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Columbia’s Michael Zheng repeats as NCAA men’s singles tennis champion
ORLANDO, Fla. — Michael Zheng of Columbia became the ninth men’s tennis player to repeat as an NCAA champion on Sunday and set an NCAA record for career tournament wins in the process.
Zheng, a senior, defeated Trevor Svajda of SMU 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 for his 19th tournament win, surpassing Virginia’s Somdev Devvarman, who finished with 18 career victories in 2008.
Virginia captured the men’s doubles title as senior Mans Dahlberg and junior Dylan Dietrich defeated Nikita Filin and Brandon Carpico of Ohio State 7-6 (3), 6-2. It’s the fourth doubles title for the Cavaliers.
Both women’s champions came from the state of North Carolina.
Tar Heels senior Reese Brantmeier defeated Berta Passola Folch of Cal 6-3, 6-3 for the second singles title in program history.
The N.C. State duo of freshman Victoria Osuigwe and junior Gabriella Broadfoot defeated Sophia Webster and Celia-Belle Mohr of Vanderbilt 7-5, 6-4, for the second NCAA title in program history, both coming in doubles.
The tournaments were held at the USTA National Campus and hosted by Central Florida.
NCAA team championships are held in the spring.
What’s in his RSM Classic-winning bag
Sami Valimaki earned his first PGA Tour victory at this week’s RSM Classic with a bag consisting of four different brands after recently becoming a gear-free agent.
Valimaki’s bag features some of the most popular club models on the PGA Tour this season.
His Titleist GT3 driver was the winningest driver on the PGA Tour this past season, now with its seventh win and seventh different player.
He also plays a TaylorMade R7 Mini Driver and a TaylorMade Qi35 7-wood, which were also extremely popular options this season, as well as his Ping Blueprint S irons.
For his wedges, he uses a Vokey SM10 setup consisting of 46, 50, 56 and 60. Vokey wedges had another outstanding season on the PGA Tour, with upward of 250 wedges going into play every week.
But then for his putter, he goes back to a classic with an Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball putter.
Keep reading below for all of Valimaki’s specs.
Sami Valimaki’s winning clubs at the 2025 RSM Classic
Driver: Titleist GT3 8.0˚
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 70 TX
Titleist GT3 Custom Driver
GT3 – Speed-Tuned Distance & Control GT3 offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization. With a speed-tuned design that allows you to precisely match performance to your most frequent contact location, you can make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping. For players with a relatively consistent impact location, GT3 offers a precisely adjustable CG Track to max out distance and directional control. Seamless Thermoform Crown A reimagined ultra-lightweight design, born from a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer. The tunable acoustic properties of this unique composite allow Titleist engineers to realize new material gains while maintaining our signature sound and feel. All wrapped in a clean look that inspires total confidence. Split Mass Construction A breakthrough in internal weighting unlocks longer drives and enhanced directional control in GT3. The Adjustable CG Track now sits closer to the face for more dynamic CG control, while additional discretionary mass is pushed to the back of the club to maintain optimal stability through impact. Advanced Aerodynamics GT3 features a new raised tail contour that represents a dramatic shift in driver aerodynamics. Previously impossible to execute due to design constraints, this advanced shaping results in a driver that swings faster while still providing optimal CG control.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Titleist
Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX Wood Shaft
HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX provides more launch and spin than any other HZRDUS RDX shaft. Similar to RDX Black, Smoke Red RDX features a stiff butt and midsection that best suits aggressive tempos but contains an active tip section for increased trajectory. Designed in lighter weights and optimized torques, RDX Red is ideal for a wide range of mid trajectory players. To make the best, you have to use the best. Project X has teamed up with Hexcel®, a global leader in composites technology for aerospace and military operations, to utilize their HexTow® carbon fibers. Hexcel’s HexTow® carbon fiber represents the highest quality aerospace-grade carbon fiber delivering superior performance on some of the world’s most advanced aircraft.
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Mini Driver: TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini 13.5˚
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 70 TX
TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability. R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability. INFINITY CARBON CROWN A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.
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7-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 21.0
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 80 TX
TaylorMade Qi35 Custom Fairway Wood
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Irons: Ping Blueprint S (4-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Mid X100
PING Blueprint S Custom Irons
Developed following extensive testing with PING’s top tour pros to meet their “must haves” — control and precision — Blueprint S delivers the score-lowering performance demanded by the best players in the world. COMPACT SHAPE The compact shape fits the discerning eye with a thin top line and minimal offset. The 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design, distinguished by an eye-catching forged textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish. PRECISION POCKET FORGING This patented forging technique allows PING to forge a pocket into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is re-allocated to increase the MOI and optimize the center of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.
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Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10 (46.10F, 50.08F, 56.10S, 60.04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100, (46-50), S400 (56, 60)
Titleist Vokey SM10 Raw Custom Wedge
For every shot, every lie, every course, there’s a grind fit for your swing. Finding the right grind to match your swing and playing conditions will give you the best turf interaction, contact and shot performance. Master Craftsman Bob Vokey has spent decades crafting, developing and improving his tour proven grinds to fit players of all levels.Anyone can manufacture a wedge, but it takes a master to turn a piece of high-performance technology into an instrument of creative control. Bob’s six tour-proven grinds are designed to offer maximum creativity, versatility and consistency, all meticulously developed through years of working with the best players in the world. PROGRESSIVE CENTER OF GRAVITY SM9 features a progressive center of gravity (CG) throughout the lofts, which optimizes ball flight, accuracy and forgiveness. Using tapered top lines and varied hosel lengths, the Vokey R&D team has raised the height of the CG in the higher lofts, which promotes a lower, more controlled flight.The CG is also forward of the face, resulting in increased MOI, exceptional feel and a club face that simply wants to square up at impact. SPIN MILLED GROOVES SM9’s patented Spin Milled grooves are meticulously engineered through a new cutting process to maximize spin and durability. The process starts by cutting the face perfectly flat with a high-speed saw. Then every groove is individually cut based on loft and finish; low lofts (46°-54°) are designed with narrower, deeper grooves, while higher lofts (56°-62°) have wider, shallower grooves.Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area which doubles the durability of the groove without impacting feel, making it the most durable groove in golf. The process is only complete when every Vokey wedge is 100% inspected for utmost quality and performance.
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Sami Valimaki holds on in Georgia, wins first PGA Tour title
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Sami Valimaki became Finland’s first PGA Tour winner on Sunday when he closed with a 4-under 66 for a one-shot victory in the RSM Classic, the final event of the year, which saw hopes rise and fall over the final hour at Sea Island.
Valimaki, who had two runner-up finishes over the past two seasons, used putter from below the green on the 16th and then holed an 18-foot putt putt. He was steady over the closing holes even as the wind abruptly changed direction with a little more force late in the day.
Far more dramatic was everything going on in front of him.
The top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings — down from 125 players in previous years — have full PGA Tour cards for a 2026 season when the fields will be smaller.
Ricky Castillo shot 28 on the front nine and closed with a 62, and when he finished, it looked like that would be enough for him to move from No. 135 inside the top 100. But then Max McGreevy holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 63, moving him into second place alone.
That bumped Castillo down to No. 102 by fewer than 10 points.
Right after McGreevy holed his putt, Lee Hodges had a 10-foot birdie attempt that narrowly missed and cost him a chance to move into the top 100. The par for a 66 left him at No. 101 in the FedEx Cup standings by about two points.
When the RSM Classic ended, the players at Nos. 95 to 100 going into the final event were unchanged.
And there was Valimaki, a two-time winner on the European tour who was runner-up two weeks ago in Mexico. Now he has a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and is assured of playing the first two $20 million signature events of 2026 by finishing at No. 51 in the FedEx Cup.
In final moments of RSM, bubbles burst for Lee Hodges, Ricky Castillo
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – For once, Max McGreevy wasn’t the one holding his breath. The 30-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, had spent most of the past six months on the FedExCup bubble, but after tying for third last week in Bermuda, he was afforded house money to chase his first victory at the RSM Classic.
As McGreevy stood over his 30-foot birdie putt on Sea Island’s par-4 finishing hole on Sunday afternoon, within striking distance of leader Sami Valimaki, the tension had instead manifested in competitors Ricky Castillo and Lee Hodges. The former watched from the clubhouse while the latter shared the green with McGreevy, staring down a crucial birdie putt of his own.
Castillo, the 24-year-old rookie out of Florida, had just fired an 8-under 62, but if McGreevy made, it wouldn’t be enough to crack the top 100 in points and retain full membership for 2026. Hodges needed to break out of a logjam for fourth, otherwise he’d be joining Castillo as a conditional member next year.
McGreevy prefers a singular thought when he swings back the putter, and the focus this week has been to keep his head still.
“When I get under pressure, I feel like I kind of move back as the putt’s going on,” explained McGreevy, who gained over two strokes on the greens in his final round.
Even as the wind picked up late, McGreevy stood firm on that last green. He put a nice stroke on his ball, then watched it track toward the hole.
With McGreevy’s ball in motion, Castillo’s fate hung in the balance. It had been a year of narrow disappointments for Castillo, who missed eight cuts by a single shot, three of those coming during a four-MC streak entering the RSM. Now, he was potentially about to lose his card by the same, tiny margin. And yet, Castillo was surprisingly calm, like he’d been all week at a place where he’d won an SEC Championship his senior year with the Gators.
“Honestly, I really didn’t feel much pressure,” Castillo said. “It was kind of like I really didn’t have anything to lose.”
Florida head coach J.C. Deacon texted Castillo on Saturday night, telling his former player that there was no player he’d rather have the ball in their hands. Derek Castillo, Ricky’s older brother and caddie, agreed after witnessing his little brother hit his first few warmup shots on Sunday morning. High winds in Bermuda had thrown Ricky’s swing off kilter, but when Ricky turned toward the first tee, he turned to Derek and said, “This is the best my swing has felt all week.”
Ricky Castillo didn’t say much on Sunday. Bryan Kopsick, looper for Castillo’s playing competitor Jonathan Byrd, noted during the final round, “I’ve never seen a kid so zoned in.”
“When he’s feeling confident, he can get in the zone and he just kind of goes,” said Derek Castillo.
And boy, did he go on Sunday, going out in a scorching 7-under 28. His only blemish was a tough one, a missed 2-footer for par at the par-3 12th, but he responded with a two-putt birdie at the par-5 15th and 32-foot birdie make at the par-4 16th. He gave himself 20 feet for 61 at the last before settling for a 10-under 62.
“I just felt like I had a good idea of what I was going to do today and just come out and just play the best I could,” Castillo said.
Not even an hour later, though, McGreevy’s ball disappeared into the 18th hole – and with it, Castillo’s hopes. As McGreevy celebrated with an emphatic fist pump, Castillo, whose golf bag had been set up on the driving range, in case he was needed for a playoff, simultaneously headed to the parking lot. He then spent several minutes unloading his belongings, including his fishing gear, from his courtesy SUV and into a much smaller car to make the drive home to Jacksonville, Florida.
He just wouldn’t be returning with his PGA Tour card, as McGreevy’s birdie knocked him from a projected No. 95 in points to No. 102.
“It’s just been one of those years where it’s been really close,” Castillo said. “It could have been really good, but it hasn’t really clicked. Finally clicked this week.”
Castillo will have one last chance to garner fully exempt status on the PGA Tour for 2026. He’ll be eligible for the final stage of PGA Tour Q-School in a few weeks. If not, he’ll likely still receive plenty of starts in a conditional category, Nos. 101-110, that doesn’t reshuffle and is projected to warrant upwards of 20 starts.
Same goes for Hodges, who holed two birdie putts from outside 20 feet on the back nine but couldn’t capitalize from 10 feet on the last. The 30-year-old Alabama product, who finished top 50 in points two seasons ago, ended in a three-way tie for fourth, which cemented him No. 101 in points – by approximately two points – after starting the week No. 122. He’ll also have four starts via a medical extension after cracking a rib earlier this year. That solace didn’t lessen the immediate sting, though, as Hodges’ closing miss caused him to double over and bury his head in his hands.
“My agents have been telling me if you finish inside the top 111, you’re going to really like where you are,” Hodges said, already holding an open can of Coors light. “So, 101, I guess, is all right after the s— year – sorry, after the bad year I had this year.”
He was forgiven.
With McGreevy’s late heroics, no players moved inside the top 100 this week. In fact, Nos. 95-100 remained unchanged. And when it comes to the top 125, the cutoff between two conditional groups with drastically different outlooks, only Seamus Power moved in, from No. 129 to No. 117, while Frankie Capan III, who missed the RSM cut, dropped out.
McGreevy, whose one-shot runner-up to Valimaki bumped Jordan Spieth from the Aon Next 10 (and two signature-event starts next year), was later informed what his final putt meant for Castillo and his closing 63 for Hodges, a close friend whom he shared a rookie season with a few years ago.
“I hate to hear that, that I was the one that did that,” McGreevy said. “I’m playing alongside Lee … and I’m pulling for him to make that putt just as much as I was for myself to make that putt. It’s little successes and defeats, whether it’s a defeat to Ricky or Lee or something like that, they both still played great rounds, gave themself that chance, and that’s all they can rely on is to give themself an opportunity, and they did.
“Hopefully, both those guys, Ricky and Lee, can take care of business either at Q-School or next year with some starts.”
Phil Mickelson Earns Full Credit for Scottie Scheffler & Co.’s PGA Tour Success That Goes Unrecognized
Phil Mickelson’s name has sparked arguments for years. His move to LIV and vocal support of the Saudi-backed league have been a topic of debate, not just among golf fans and commentators, but also among many golfers. They perceive his switch to LIV to be wrong, while the others think that he had the right to make his choice. Amidst this to and fro, Phil Mickelson’s biographer has revealed why Lefty should get credit for Scottie Scheffler and other PGA Tour pros’ hefty paychecks.
Golf writer and author Alan Shipnuck knows the 6x major winner better than many others. In a recent conversation on ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out,’ Shipnuck pulled back the curtain on a side of the sport’s upheaval that fans don’t get to see. The shifts in power and the money pouring into tournaments were all because of Phil Mickelson.
“The tour spent $75 million to build this headquarters. They had hundreds of millions of dollars in reserves. And then LiV Golf arrives, they turn the spigot on, and all of a sudden, the players are getting paid twice as much as they used to. Phil was right about that, too. And so, on the merits, he could be vindicated. He could be the hero to every professional golfer because he tripled their salaries,” Alan Shipnuck said on ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out.’
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Phil Mickelson was right to say that golfers on the PGA Tour should be compensated more. And the PGA Tour had the means to do so. However, until LIV arrived, the prize money on the PGA Tour events was much lower than what it is today. For instance, the total prize money on the PGA Tour in 2021 was $367 million. It increased by $60 million to $427 million in 2022. The board announced this rise in November 2021, following the establishment of LIV.
The prize pool for many events increased significantly over the course of a year. For instance, the FedEx St. Jude Invitational and the BMW Championship prize pools increased from $9.5 million to $15 million. Today, both events boast a prize pool of a whopping $20 million. The same increase was seen across many other events on the schedule.
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If elite golfers like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and others hadn’t joined LIV for the money, the PGA Tour might not have taken these steps.
Another thing that Alan Shipnuck credits Phil Mickelson for is giving golfers more control. “Like his two main talking points to me were that the players needed more say in their governance on the PGA Tour. And you saw that when Jay Monahan, the commissioner, sold them all out and created this backroom deal with the Saudis. And ever since then, there has been so much outrage. They’ve blown the whole thing up. They’ve given the players more seats on the board. The players now run the PGA Tour,” Shipnuck said.
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Jay Monahan had struck a deal with the PIF governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, in 2023. The deal was so secretive that even LIV’s then-CEO, Greg Norman, had no idea about it. He found out just five minutes before Monahan and Al-Rumayyan announced it publicly. Many golfers, including Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and even Jon Rahm, were angry with the decision.
Phil Mickelson had a controversial manner of handling these changes. However, his legacy includes changing the financial landscape of professional golf and empowering players with governance rights. And this was not the only time he handled things controversially. Over the years, Mickelson has been part of many controversies. The most recent one is his involvement in insider trading.
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Phil Mickelson is accused of insider trading
Investigative outlet Hunterbrook published a report in late October 2025. The report alleged that Sable Offshore selectively shared material non‑public information with a small group of investors, including Mickelson. Leaked screenshots and messages cited in that report show Mickelson telling a private X investor group about restarting production details.
The report also described a leaked call. During the call, Sable’s CEO, Jim Flores, discussed a “west coast game” with “a certain left‑handed golfer” and a high‑level U.S. official. Flores suggested a plan to lobby for federal help that could dramatically improve Sable’s prospects. The official publicly denied any such plans or knowledge of Sable.
U.S. insider‑trading law focuses on trading on material non‑public information or benefiting from tipping others. The report dropped alongside warnings that Sable would likely have to raise about $200–225 million in dilutive equity to extend a key loan with Exxon. The combined news contributed to Sable’s stock plunging by roughly 15–20% in a single trading session. However, the 55-year-old denied all accusations.
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“So a company says I can’t say anything to you, but we will announce something at the close,” Mickelson said. “I don’t know if it’s a dilution, and the stock goes down, or a deal for the stock to go up. I have to wait to see what the info is; I make no trades whatsoever and am ultra, ultra careful given past history.”
In fact, Lefty asked Hunterbrook if they had traded Sable’s stock. Their report plunged Sable’s stock, so Phil Mickelson was curious if the company shared the report on purpose to ride the price drop. Mickelson even warned of legal action against Hunterbrook and anyone who reposts the article.
Phil Mickelson’s impact on modern golf continues to spark debate. However, even his critics can see how his actions pushed the sport into a new financial era.
Final FedExCup Fall standings – and what they mean
With the RSM Classic in the books, that concludes the PGA Tour’s 2025 FedExCup Fall.
Here is a look at the final standings – and what they mean:
NOS. 51-60
What they get: Fully exempt, plus starts in The Players and the first two signature events of 2026.
51. Sami Valimaki, 1,257
52. Max Greyserman, 1,160
53. Garrick Higgo, 1,020
54. Rico Hoey, 999
55. Nico Echavarria, 995
56. Aldrich Potgieter, 983
57. Chris Kirk, 975
58. Aaron Rai, 957
59. Min Woo Lee, 932
60. Max McGreevy, 928
NOS. 61-100
What they get: Fully exempt, plus The Players
61. Jordan Spieth, 927
62. Patrick Rodgers, 925
63. Jake Knapp, 889
64. Kevin Yu, 887
65. Wyndham Clark, 884
66. Matti Schmid, 847
67. Joe Highsmith, 846
68. Stephan Jaeger, 837
69. Adam Schenk, 830
70. Michael Thorbjornsen, 828
71. Emiliano Grillo, 825
72. Mackenzie Hughes, 819
73. Steven Fisk, 802
74. Alex Smalley, 787
75. Vince Whaley, 779
76. Eric Cole, 762
77. Byeong Hun An, 758
78. Christiaan Bezuidenhout, 751
79. Davis Riley, 744
80. Davis Thompson, 722
81. Matt McCarty, 719
82. Keith Mitchell, 714
83. Tony Finau, 706
84. Rasmus Højgaard, 699
85. Mac Meissner, 662
86. Cam Davis, 656
87. Erik van Rooyen, 656
88. Nicolai Højgaard, 650
89. William Mouw, 644
90. Gary Woodland, 642
91. Kevin Roy, 640
92. Mark Hubbard, 617
93. Chad Ramey, 613
94. Chandler Phillips, 605
95. Ryo Hisatsune, 590
96. Thorbjørn Olesen, 566
97. Danny Walker, 564
98. Michael Brennan, 557
99. Takumi Kanaya, 548
100. Karl Vilips, 547
NOS. 101-110
What they get: Conditional status, though this category does not reshuffle and is prioritized above categories such as major medical extension and 300 career cuts made. This group should get into most open-field events.
101. Lee Hodges, 545
102. Ricky Castillo, 537
103. Matt Wallace, 534
104. Beau Hossler, 532
105. Max Homa, 531
106. Isaiah Salinda, 506
107. David Lipsky, 500
108. Tom Kim, 499
109. Patrick Fishburn, 497
110. Pierceson Coody, 483
NOS. 111-125
What they get: Conditional status, and subject to reshuffles within this category. This group should also get plenty of open-field starts, especially considering Homa and Kim above, and Adam Scott, Billy Horschel, Austin Eckroat and Matt Kuchar below, are either fully exempt for 2026 or have another means of higher priority.
111. Jesper Svensson, 482
112. Adam Scott, 480
113. Doug Ghim, 479
114. Andrew Putnam, 473
115. Kris Ventura, 472
116. Billy Horschel, 468
117. Seamus Power, 466
118. Matt Kuchar, 464
119. Austin Eckroat, 461
120. Justin Lower, 453
121. Taylor Moore, 453
122. Joel Dahmen, 449
123. Sam Ryder, 448
124. Jackson Suber, 443
125. Lanto Griffin, 424
NOS. 126-150
What they get: Conditional status, though they’ll likely focus on Korn Ferry Tour.
126. Brandt Snedeker, 415
127. Frankie Capan III, 411
128. Alex Noren, 411
129. Carson Young, 401
130. Chan Kim, 387
131. Hayden Springer, 384
132. Harry Higgs, 374
133. Henrik Norlander, 357
134. Nick Dunlap, 348
135. Jeremy Paul, 348
136. Greyson Sigg, 341
137. Alejandro Tosti, 333
138. Taylor Montgomery, 331
139. Adam Hadwin, 331
140. Ben Silverman, 323
141. Zach Johnson, 322
142. Noah Goodwin, 314
143. Paul Peterson, 305
144. Zac Blair, 302
145. Ben Kohles, 296
146. Sahith Theegala, 295
147. Cameron Champ, 280
148. David Skinns, 273
149. Will Gordon, 257
150. Trey Mullinax, 254
NOS. 151-200
What they get: Conditional Korn Ferry Tour status, and subject to first reshuffle. New next year, Nos. 151-175 will be prioritized ahead of Q-School finishers after the top 25 and ties and within the top 40 and ties, while the rest of this group will slot after.
151. Thomas Rosenmueller, 250
152. John Pak, 249
153. Will Zalatoris, 249
154. Brice Garnett, 248
155. Camilo Villegas, 246
156. Antoine Rozner, 241
157. Quade Cummins, 239
158. Charley Hoffman, 231
159. Niklas Norgaard, 229
160. Luke List, 225
161. Trevor Cone, 218
162. Nate Lashley, 217
163. Thriston Lawrence, 214
164. Joseph Bramlett, 208
165. Will Chandler, 204
166. Matteo Manassero, 203
167. Adam Svensson, 201
168. Dylan Wu, 175
169. Danny Willett, 173
170. Hayden Buckley, 170
171. Matthieu Pavon, 169
172. Webb Simpson, 160
173. Rikuya Hoshino, 156
174. Taylor Dickson, 150
175. Nick Hardy, 145
176. David Ford, 145
177. Braden Thornberry, 141
178. Jonathan Byrd, 140
179. Ben Martin, 139
180. Patton Kizzire, 134
181. Matthew Riedel, 123
182. Kevin Velo, 110
183. Matt NeSmith, 105
184. Mason Andersen, 100
185. Francesco Molinari, 96
186. Trace Crowe, 93
187. Cristobal Del Solar, 88
188. Peter Malnati, 85
189. Luke Clanton, 80
190. Kevin Streelman, 75
191. K.H. Lee, 71
192. Ryan Palmer, 69
193. Rafael Campos, 67
194. Kevin Kisner, 67
195. Martin Laird, 67
196. Aaron Baddeley, 64
197. Austin Cook, 64
198. Vincent Norrman, 63
199. Kaito Onishi, 58
200. C.T. Pan, 55
THE REST
201. Scott Piercy, 53
202. Chesson Hadley, 53
203. Gordon Sargent, 49
204. Harrison Endycott, 45
205. James Hahn, 40
206. Tim Widing, 36
207. Troy Merritt, 33
208. Wesley Bryan, 31
209. Jason Dufner, 25
210. Nick Watney, 23
211. Tyler Duncan, 22
212. Robby Shelton, 21
213. Vince Covello, 21
214. Adrien Dumont de Chassart, 18
215. Dylan Frittelli, 17
216. Anders Albertson, 17
217. S.H. Kim, 17
218. Chez Reavie, 15
219. Kevin Tway, 14
220. Tom McKibbin, 13
221. George McNeill, 13
222. Justin Leonard, 9
223. Paul Waring, 9
224. Tommy Gainey, 8
225. Luke Donald, 8
226. Aaron Wise, 6
227. Carl Yuan, 6
228. Brendon Todd, 4
229. Satoshi Kodaira, 4
230. Kevin Chappell, 3
230. Padraig Harrington, 3
232. Brandon Wu, 3
233. Cody Gribble, 3
234. Bill Haas, 2
235. Russell Knox, 2
236. Brian Stuard, 2
Notes:
• The top 40 available applicants below the 100th position on the final 2025 FedExCup Fall points list, to a floor of 200th position, will qualify for the final stage of PGA Tour Q-School.
• All players who have earned exempt status on the PGA Tour will receive exempt status on the Korn Ferry Tour for the year following the loss of their PGA Tour eligibility.
Top 3 PGA Tour Pros Who Missed Their Card After RSM Classic
The PGA Tour made history on November 18, 2024. The Policy Board slashed the threshold for exempt status from 125 to 100 players. The rationale was brutal yet straightforward: prioritize the stars of the game. Create a stronger, more competitive product. Make it harder for lower-performing players to maintain status.
Now, as the 2025 FedExCup Fall concludes, the harsh reality has hit home. Twenty-five additional players lost their full exempt status under the new system. They received conditional status instead of full cards. Among them are three players whose stories reveal how differently this rule can destroy careers: Justin Lower, Brendon Todd, and Jimmy Walker.
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Justin Lower, Lee Hodges, and Jimmy Walker: different roads to the same destination
Lower entered the RSM Classic ranked 114th in the FedExCup standings. He needed a strong finish to crack the top 100. Instead, he missed the cut with rounds of 69-68, finishing at 5-under par. The cut line settled at 7-under, just one stroke shy of tying the lowest in PGA Tour history. Those two shots sealed his fate.
His emotional press conference revealed the devastation. Lower’s voice trembled as he confronted his future.
“God, I am just so mad right now. I don’t know what to do, I don’t know what to say. I need to figure out how to get better.”
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The 30-year-old from an NAIA school had beaten astronomical odds. He lost his father and brother in a car crash on March 26, 2005, when he was just 15 years old. They died on their way to pick him up from a golf course. He didn’t earn his first fully exempt card until 2021. Now, conditional status awaits him in 2026. His best career finish remains a T3 at the 2025 American Express. He has no professional wins. Yet he also shared a sobering personal update.
“My life is about to change dramatically in about three to four months. I have twins on the way. I have no idea what to expect.”
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Meanwhile, Lee Hodges experienced perhaps the cruelest fate of all. The Alabama native finished tied for fourth at the RSM Classic. He did everything right. He posted solid rounds and climbed the leaderboard. He fought until the final putt dropped. Then came the brutal math: he finished 101st in the FedExCup standings. Just two points separated him from the top 100. Two points stood between full exempt status and conditional limbo.
Hodges earned his card through the Korn Ferry Tour with one win there. His 2025 season featured consistent top-10 finishes, including third place at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He currently sits around 170th in the world rankings. His career-best ranking hovers near 130th. He has zero PGA Tour victories. Now, despite his strong T4 finish at the season’s final event, conditional status awaits. The margin between success and failure has never been thinner.
Jimmy Walker represents perhaps the cruelest fall. The 2016 PGA Championship winner posted rounds of 74-77 at the 2025 RSM Classic, missing the cut at three-over par. His six PGA Tour victories and peak world ranking of approximately 10th feel like ancient history. The 2014-2016 stretch was his golden era. Since then, a gradual decline has eroded everything he built.
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Walker lost his card twice early in his career before becoming a major champion. Now, at conditional status for 2026, he’s losing it again. The difference this time? He knows exactly what he’s losing.
The new 100-card threshold reshapes professional golf
The policy’s impact extends far beyond these three players. Players ranked 101-125 receive conditional status for 2026. They won’t have guaranteed entry into all full-field events. They’ll sit lower on the priority list. They’ll rely on weekly reshuffles and hope spots open up. The exact number of events remains uncertain. However, it’s significantly fewer than a full card allows.
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Other casualties include Ricky Castillo (102nd) and Beau Hossler (104th). Each faces conditional status. Each must navigate an uncertain schedule. Research suggests a PGA Tour card results in an approximate 100% earnings premium. Losing full status means drastic financial consequences. The ripple effects touch families, coaches, caddies, and entire support systems.
These three stories prove the new rule doesn’t discriminate. It claimed a grinder from an NAIA school, a fighter who missed by two points despite a T4 finish, and a former major champion. The 100-card era has officially begun. The casualties extend far beyond rankings.
Sami Valimaki wins 1st PGA Tour title on final day of close calls for keeping cards
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Sami Valimaki became Finland’s first PGA Tour winner on Sunday when he closed with a 4-under 66 for a one-shot victory in the RSM Classic, the final event of the year, which saw hopes rise and fall over the final hour at Sea Island.
Valimaki, who had two runner-up finishes over the past two seasons, used putter from below the green on the 16th and then holed an 18-foot putt. He was steady over the closing holes even as the wind abruptly changed direction with a little more force late in the day.
Far more dramatic was everything going on in front of him.
The top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings — down from 125 players in previous years — have full PGA Tour cards for a 2026 season when the fields will be smaller.
Ricky Castillo shot 28 on the front nine and closed with a 62, and when he finished, it looked like that would be enough for him to move from No. 135 inside the top 100. But then Max McGreevy holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 63, moving him into second place alone.
That bumped Castillo down to No. 102 by fewer than 10 points.
Right after McGreevy holed his putt, Lee Hodges had a 10-foot birdie attempt that narrowly missed and cost him a chance to move into the top 100. The par for a 66 left him at No. 101 in the FedEx Cup standings by about two points.
When the RSM Classic ended, the players at Nos. 95 to 100 going into the final event were unchanged.
And there was Valimaki, a two-time winner on the European tour who was runner-up two weeks ago in Mexico. Now he has a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and is assured of playing the first two $20 million signature events of 2026 by finishing at No. 51 in the FedEx Cup.
“It has been a long road, of course,” Valimaki said. “I feel like it’s a really tough year even when I kind of played decent golf, and then to keep pushing and find some good grooves in the last few tournaments, it feels amazing.”
McGreevy, who already had his card locked up, moved up to No. 60 to also qualify for a pair of signature events to start next year. His finish bumped Jordan Spieth, who did not play this fall, from the 60th spot, meaning Spieth will need sponsor exemptions for Pebble Beach and Riviera.
McGreevy played with freedom knowing he didn’t have to worry about playing for his card.
“I never felt that nervous,” he said. “I felt like I was playing to win. Luckily, my best golf came out at the end of the year.”
Nico Echavarria shot 65 to tie for fourth and moved into that No. 51-60 slot for signature events on the West Coast.
Sam Stevens made a hole-in-one on the third hole with a 9-iron over a bunker to a front pin and wound up with a 63 to join an 11-way tie for seventh place. He already was set for all the signature events. On his mind at No. 48 in the world ranking was staying in the top 50 at year’s end to earn a spot in the Masters.
It’s too close to call, as it is for Johnny Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour player of the year who came into the week at No. 50. Both were in that big tie for seventh and figure to move up a few spots, with tournaments still to be held in Australia and South Africa the rest of the year.
Jeeno Thitikul greatness, Tour changes, Top 100 courses: Tour Confidential
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss Jeeno Thitikul, Craig Kessler, PGA Tour changes and more.
1. World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul won the CME Group Tour Championship, her third victory of the season, which also locked up LPGA Player of the Year honors and set a record for the lowest single-season scoring mark in LPGA history (her 68.681 bests Annika Sorenstam’s 68.696 from 2002). Still just 22, did this season get as much credit as it deserved?
Nick Piastowski, senior editor (@nickpia): If we’re asking that question, that should go to show how much work is in front of new commish Craig Kessler. Because averaging — averaging! — 68 is pretty damn good. That said, that also illustrates just how deep the LPGA was this year. I’ll definitely be interested to see what Thitikul does next year. There doesn’t appear to be anything that will slow her down, and a few majors could be next.
Josh Schrock, news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): I think it went under the radar because she won only three times. Had she not four-putted to lose the Kroger and been run down by Grace Kim at the Evian, we probably would have talked about it more. Think Nick makes a good point, though, about the task ahead of Craig Kessler. There was a lot of talk this week in Naples about the LPGA “building stars.” Jeeno’s talent is undeniable. The LPGA needs to make sure more people know about her.
Alan Bastable, executive editor (@alan_bastable): Compounding all of these hurdles for Thitikul was that her incredible season came in the wake of Nelly’s seven-win 2024. How do you possibly follow that? It’s like taking the podium after Churchill or the stage after a Springsteen set. Tough acts to follow. I thought it was telling that Jeeno had no idea she’d broken Sorenstam’s scoring record. Shows you she’s laser-focused on the only thing that really matters: winning titles. As Nick says, Jeeno’s next mission: add some majors to her c.v.
Zephyr Melton, associate game-improvement editor (@zephyrmelton): Unbelievable consistency to own a stroke average that low, but the win total is a bit light. Annika won 11 (!) times in her record-setting year, and while the depth of competition is much better these days, it still feels like Jeeno left some meat on the bone. You’ve got to rack up trophies to garner attention in the mainstream.
2. Craig Kessler has been the LPGA’s commissioner for less than a year but has already made some big moves for the league. Just recently he helped finalize a stronger partnership with Golf Saudi and, in the past few days, announced that beginning next year every LPGA round and tournament will be broadcast live on TV across the U.S. How would you assess what Kessler’s done so far, and what’s his biggest challenge come 2026?
Piastowski: Kessler has set the table. Now he just has to get people to sit down. (Hey, it’s Thanksgiving week.) The TV deal can’t be overstated — exposure is key. But the job now will be to give viewers a reason to watch. Interestingly, this is pretty much the same issue the PGA Tour faces — both are battling the interest game. But if you present the stories well — be it the tournament itself, a rivalry, a personality — folks will stay. The LPGA product is a very good one.
Schrock: He has been commissioner for 120 days and has hit the ground running. The broadcast deal is massive for the LPGA. If they want to have their breakthrough moment, people have to be able to watch it live and be able to follow it when they can’t tune in. His biggest challenge is finding a way to elevate women’s golf to a broader audience and building the stars who do that. I think that starts with a dominant star or stars winning and winning a lot to grab eyeballs the LPGA wouldn’t normally get. Kessler can’t make Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, Lydia Ko or anyone else win 10 times, but it would help! Kessler lauded Korda and Hull for showing up outside the ropes and becoming cultural figures. The LPGA certainly needs more of that, but if they want people who aren’t watching to watch, they need a transcendent star or stars to do their part inside the ropes.
Bastable: Right, Josh, it’s pretty clear Kessler doesn’t just want talent — he wants talent that is willing to put in the extra hours off the course to help amplify everything that’s happening on the course. Having every round of every event televised is huge (even if CNBC isn’t exactly NBC), and I’m especially enthused by the efforts to improve the broadcasts themselves, with more cameras and better storytelling. The biggest challenge, as ever, will be finding ways to better bridge the divide between fans and players. Fans need to feel like they genuinely know the players. That’s how you grow engagement and loyalty and ratings.
Melton: I’m impressed by what he’s done so far, but there’s a long way to go. It’ll take more than a little more air time to bring in new fans.
3. Sami Valimaki won the RSM Classic as the PGA Tour put a bow on the Fall Series. We now know the top 100 players who earned PGA Tour cards for next season (and Nos. 101-150, who received conditional status). This was the first fall the Tour shrunk cards from 125 to 100. Now that you’ve seen how it shook out (and who got in and who didn’t), what are your thoughts on the change?
Piastowski: Can I say I still want to wait? I think we need to see how smaller fields and less cards will play out. Will we like the emphasis on the bigger names that could come now? Or will we be robbed of a few out-of-nowhere players? The drama on Sunday, where players battled to finish in the top 100, was good theater — 100 is a tighter window than 125, of course, so some talented players were scrambling.
Schrock: I like the trim to 100 and honestly would like to see it trimmed a little more. It made the fall season have real stakes, but I think the PGA Tour needs to continue to tweak it so that zero players who are exempt can tee it up and the fall season becomes just for those truly playing for their jobs.
Piastowski: Dang, I like Josh’s idea.
Bastable: As a fan/spectating experience, I’m not sure it matters much whether the guys are playing for 125 spots or 75. The hook is that there’s something critically important on the line: the players’ livelihoods. Also, whether or not you like the reduction, you best get used to it, because this is where the Tour is headed: fewer cards, smaller fields and, most likely, fewer events. It all ladders up to Commish Rolapp’s scarcity plan: keep the fans wanting more.
Melton: I love the idea of churning out under-performing players. If you aren’t playing well, you shouldn’t be guaranteed a place to play. Golf is the only sport where you can coast off your accomplishments from a decade before. We need a little more ‘what have you done for me lately’ mentality in pro golf.
4. GOLF released its latest ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the World, a long-standing biennial celebration of the greatest designs around the globe. Pine Valley again led the way and 48 U.S. courses found their way onto the ranking. What’s your takeaway from this list?
Piastowski: That the pros tore up the list’s 56th course at the Ryder Cup. Kidding. Sort of. Fifty-two worldwide courses and 48 American ones — that’s a nice split. But really it’s confirming that I want to play round-the-clock golf at Lofoten Links. Or watch the Northern Lights after a round. Or both. [Emails editor, waits for response to stay a year in Norway.]
Schrock: The variety in style, location and design. There are just so many great golf courses. From Lake Bluff, Ill. (shoutout to Shoreacres) to Te Arai, New Zealand to the Old Course. I got to get out more.
Bastable: I was shocked — shocked! — to see Pine Valley nab the top spot again. (I jest. I was not.) As ever with these lists, we didn’t see a ton of turnover, so I’m most interested in which courses make the biggest leap forward. This time around, that honor went to Shanquin Bay (up 31 spots to No. 64); Nick’s beloved Lofoten Links (up 22 to No. 66); and the Lido (up 20 to No. 48). That trio is now officially on my bucket list. Also, how ’bout spanking-new Childress Hall debuting at 73. Talk about a rookie of the year.
Melton: My takeaway? I’m thankful to have played 10 of them — but I’d love to check the other 90 off the list. Maybe some day …
5. While most readers might never get an invite to play Augusta National or Shinnecock Hills, more than half the courses on the list welcome outside play. Based on your experiences, which accessible bucket-list destinations would you most recommend to our readers?
Piastowski: I’ll put on my native-of-Wisconsin hat here and say that the whole Sand Valley experience is great. Try to get on the Lido. Try to play all of the other ones. The whole complex is wonderful.
Schrock: Nick goes native, and so will I. Just go play every course at Bandon. You won’t be disappointed.
Bastable: C’mon now, gents, you both know the best public-access trips require a passport. Spend four or five days on any stretch of coastline in Great Britain and Ireland, and you’ll come with a whole new appreciation for the game.
Melton: I’ve never returned from a trip to Pinehurst without a smile on my face. No. 2 may be the crown jewel, but with other gems like Nos. 4 and 10, along with The Cradle, it’s got a heck of a lineup.
6. It’s almost Black Friday! Please tell our dear readers one golfy item you love and are certain they will too. (And if they’re lucky, it’s on sale somewhere.)
Piastowski: On a deep, deep, deep level, the answer here is my health, and I’ll tell more about that at some point in the near future. But on the extreme comfortability level, go get yourself a Radmor Higgins 2.0 Hoodie. I’ve bought three over the past few years. Best sweatshirt I’ve ever owned.
Schrock: I will also go the hoodie route (aren’t we an exciting group?) and suggest a Puma Cloudspun Golf Hoodie. It’s the most comfortable thing I own.
Bastable: This is a bit of a cop out because I don’t yet own the item I’m recommending, but I do know I desperately need a garage organizer for all my golf stuff. Currently my clubs, shoes, balls and other assorted golfy items are scattered around my garage like Solo cups and pizza boxes after a frat party. I need a solution (maybe you do, too?) and intend to find one soon!
Melton: The Grooveit Mini Club Brush! Makes for a great stocking stuffer and a great addition to anyone’s golf bag.
Crushed NHL dreams, military training in subzero temps led to Sami Valimaki’s maiden PGA Tour title
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – Sami Valimaki has always been a good shot.
With a stick and puck, as he once dreamed of playing in the NHL, like his cousin Juuso, until his native Finland selected him instead of its national golf team.
With a rifle, which was part of his mandatory, six-month national military service seven years ago.
And, of course, with his golf clubs. Those are his real breadwinners, as he proved Sunday at the RSM Classic, where the 27-year-old beat Max McGreevy by a shot to become Finland’s first PGA Tour winner.
“I just wanted to show the people it’s possible from there,” said Valimaki, who last year skipped this event, the final one of the FedExCup Fall, after the birth of his son, Max, a few weeks prior.
At the time, Valimaki was fighting to keep his card, which he earned last season via the DP World Tour.
“I was on the bubble with a newborn baby, so I kind of had new things in my life,” Valimaki said. “Of course I wanted to keep my card, but I just couldn’t [play]. … I needed to wait.”
Valimaki ended up finishing inside the top 125 with a couple places to spare, then parlayed his new lease into nine top-25s in 26 starts this season, including Sunday’s win and a runner-up at the World Wide Technology Championship earlier this fall. He finished No. 51 in the FedExCup, tops in the Aon Next 10, to secure starts in each of the first two signature events of next season. Valimaki has only logged two such starts in his first two years on the PGA Tour.
He also vaulted to a career-best 40th in the Official World Golf Ranking, locking up a spot in his first Masters once he finishes inside the top 50 at year’s end.
Valimaki’s first major start came at the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, less than two years after he turned pro. Valimaki, who measures a burly 6 feet, 2 inches, reckons he would’ve been a successful center on the ice, but as an elite golfer, he led Finland to the 2018 European Amateur Team Championship. That year, he began his national service, which included “shooting heads,” as he called it while speaking to reporters at last summer’s Olympics, and a two-week stint braving subzero temperatures in the middle of a forest while staying in nothing but a tent.
“It was minus 20, 25 degrees, of course in Celsius,” Valimaki said. “… I feel like that was a hard time over there.”
As a designated sportsman, though, Valimaki was afforded days – and sometimes a full week – where he could practice and even play in tournaments. He competed on the Nordic Golf League while still in training, and he turned pro before being officially discharged.
After winning in his pro debut on the Pro Golf Tour in Morocco in early 2019, Valimaki captured three more titles on the developmental tour before skipping the Challenge Tour and earning his DP World Tour card via Q-School. In just his fifth start on DPWT, he prevailed in Oman, the second-to-last tournament before the pandemic suspended the season. Valimaki’s second DPWT triumph, at the 2023 Qatar Masters, bolstered his 12th-place finish in the Race to Dubai and his promotion to the PGA Tour.
“I mean, my goal was kind of just to be DP World Tour player and win over there,” Valimaki said. “I did it in my fifth tournament over there, and after that I felt like that was it, that was kind of like to drive me. And then the opportunity in ’23 came up, and that kind of gave me the new motivation … get the win over here.”
Valimaki’s first brush with contention on the PGA Tour came at last year’s Mexico Open, where Valimaki’s drive on the 72nd hole came to rest against a boundary fence and forced him to take an unplayable. He ended up two shots back of winner Jake Knapp.
“I feel like that was in my hands, but then it kind of slipped away,” Valimaki said.
On Sunday at Sea Island, Valimaki began the round two clear of Patrick Rodgers and Michael Thorbjornsen. Neither Stanford product was a factor, while Valimaki posted a 4-under 66 with only one bogey. When he dropped the shot at the par-4 fifth, Valimaki shared the lead with Ricky Castillo, who went out in 7-under 28 before carding 63 and finishing third. McGreevy holed a 30-footer for birdie at the last to make Valimaki think a little coming down the stretch with the winds picking up. But the big Fin birdied the easy par-5 15th after hitting 3-wood onto the green with his second shot, then parred out for the title.
After holing his final putt, Valimaki kissed the face of his putter before embracing three buddies who flew in from Helsinki and were wearing Sami-inspired, green-and-orange polos.
“To be honest, it’s not the worst time of the year to escape from the Nordic,” said one of Valimaki’s friends. “So, enjoying some sun and incredibly lucky also that we got to see this. … He’s going to be over the moon today, enjoy with the boys, go to the Crabdaddy’s.”
“Crabdaddy’s,” added another mate, confirming the popular St. Simons Island seafood joint as the afterparty locale. “And maybe some pool action.”
Imagine Valimaki is pretty good at shooting pool, too.
Sami Valimaki is Finland’s first PGA Tour winner
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Sami Välimäki became Finland’s first PGA Tour winner on Sunday when he closed with a 4-under 66 for a one-shot victory in the RSM Classic, the final event of the year, which saw hopes rise and fall over the final hour at Sea Island.
Välimäki, who had two runner-up finishes over the past two seasons, used putter from below the green on the 16th and then holed an 18-foot putt putt. He was steady over the closing holes even as the wind abruptly changed direction with a little more force late in the day.
Far more dramatic was everything going on in front of him.
The top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings — down from 125 players in previous years — have full PGA Tour cards for a 2026 season when the fields will be smaller.
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Ricky Castillo shot 28 on the front nine and closed with a 62, and when he finished, it looked like that would be enough for him to move from No. 135 inside the top 100. But then Max McGreevy holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 63, moving him into second place alone.
That bumped Castillo down to No. 102 by less than 10 points.
Right after McGreevy holed his putt, Lee Hodges had a 10-foot birdie attempt that narrowly missed and cost him a chance to move into the top 100. The par for a 66 left him at No. 101 in the FedEx Cup standings by about two points.
When the RSM Classic ended, the players at Nos. 95 to 100 going into the final event were unchanged.
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And there was Välimäki, a two-time winner on the European tour who was runner-up two weeks ago in Mexico. Now he has a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and is assured of playing the first two $20 million signature events of 2026 by finishing at No. 51 in the FedEx Cup.
“It has been a long road, of course,” Välimäki said. “I feel like it’s a really tough year even when I kind of played decent golf, and then to keep pushing and find some good grooves in the last few tournaments, it feels amazing.”
McGreevy, who already had his card locked up, moved up to No. 60 to also qualify for a pair of signature events to start next year. His finish bumped Jordan Spieth, who did not play this fall, from the 60th spot, meaning Spieth will need sponsor exemptions for Pebble Beach and Riviera.
McGreevy played with freedom knowing he didn’t have to worry about playing for his card.
“I never felt that nervous,” he said. “I felt like I was playing to win. Luckily, my best golf came out at the end of the year.”
Nico Echavarria shot 65 to tie for fourth and moved into that No. 51-60 slot for signature events on the West Coast.
Wellesley’s Michael Thorbjornsen shot a 69 to finish in an 11-way tie for seventh place, five shots back. He finished 88th in the FedEx Cup standings.
Sam Stevens made a hole-in-one on the third hole with a 9-iron over a bunker to a front pin and wound up with a 63. He already was set for all the signature events. On his mind at No. 48 in the world ranking was staying in the top 50 at year’s end to earn a spot in the Masters.
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It’s too close to call, as it is for Johnny Keefer, the Korn Ferry Tour player of the year who came into the week at No. 50. Both were in that big tie for seventh and figure to move up a few spots, with tournaments still to be held in Australia and South Africa the rest of the year.
Fans Question NASCAR’s Work Ethics as Latest Lawsuit Documents Unveils Internal Messages
Even though the 2025 NASCAR season’s wrapped up for a couple of weeks now, the sport is very much in the headlines. All thanks to the latest update in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit about the leaked chats of NASCAR’s top leadership. This evidence has been pretty damning for NASCAR, as it’s revealed their true perception about their fans and the garage, which is not on the positive side.
How NASCAR has dug its own grave
To give some background, it all started with the charter agreement negotiations in 2022, set for the 2025 season. These negotiations ran for two years until NASCAR issued a ‘take it or leave it’ offer. Naturally, most of the teams felt threatened and coerced into signing the agreement, but 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports held out. CEO Jim France was against making the charters permanent.
That’s when 23XI and FRM acted, filing the infamous anti-trust NASCAR lawsuit, and the battle’s been going on for over a year now, with the December trial dates approaching soon. And that’s where the situation took a very hot turn, as the leaked text messages that are coming in daily are increasing problems for NASCAR day by day. The latest one is a chat exchange between Scott Miller and John Probst.
These messages were from 2022, and the subject was how the smaller teams like RFK, Kaulig, Rick Ware, and Spire could be more competitive. Miller and Probst both joked about some of the NASCAR teams being on ‘government welfare’ and just about surviving. Their casual roast references didn’t go well with the fans. Check out their tweets here:
In one message, John Probst wrote, “You can help the ones that want help. The rest just suck up your resources.”
Scott Miller responded, saying, “Spire and Front Row may be ‘helpable’ but Ware and McCloud are already on the Govt teet, they’ll just make more babies LOL.”
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“Spire is a tweener,” Probst said, agreeing with Miller.
Other leaked threads were also controversial, like how Steve Phelps said Richard Childress needed to be ‘taken out back and flogged’. Phelps also dubbed the 7-time Cup Championship owner and Hall of Famer a ‘stupid redneck’.
This insult by the leadership to its own employees and staff hasn’t gone down well with fans at all. And now, with the latest thread expose, fans are questioning their ethics.
Fans are not taking the insults lightly
“It seems that NASCAR hates its talent at all levels. Shameful.”
Fans did not find this funny at all. These leaked messages about owners and teams have just intensified the ongoing frustration, making many of them feel that NASCAR is not being ethical and not respecting the very people who keep the sport alive.
Others predicted that the higher-ups could be in for a huge fall from grace. As one fan put it, “The more texts that come out, the more NASCAR executives look like they will be soon seeing the unemployment line.”
Before this, another conversation leaked between Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson and an unnamed person, where the use of slurs like “DARFs” were used. Journalist Steve Taranto opined that it could be one of the teams, too, but Denny Hamlin’s response made it clear that it was someone from NASCAR.
Many fans agreed with the sentiment, saying, “Steve Phelps, Steve O’Donnell, Scott and John Probst should right now be drafting their resignation letter.”
All in all, everyone is seeing what the big bosses truly think. “I love all their true personalities coming out,” another fan said.
Yet more fans began calling for heads to roll, “I’ve seen enough, time to clean house at NASCAR. This is unacceptable.”
Some people brought up interesting points about chasing away potential teams, “Why would any team want to do business with nascar after finding out this what they think of everyone.”
The fans’ anger is completely justified. And with more such leaks, that justification is only getting stronger. If people at the top talk this way, then calling for a “clean house” doesn’t feel extreme at all.
And for others, the frustration makes sense too. Why would any new team want to join a sport where the leadership appears to look down on the very people who make it run?
“These clowns are ‘executives’ for NASCAR? Imagine if this was messages among execs at a Fortune 500 company! They’d all be fired! If there’s not a house cleaning next week I’m not sure they’ll survive as a sport.”
Given the kind of messages exchanged, if not a clean house in the leadership, then the sport might definitely lose out on its precious fandom. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: NASCAR might have indeed just dug its own grave with this move.
NASCAR Threatened to Be Exposed 11 Years After Court Case for Banning Cup Star
Jeremy Mayfield hasn’t raced in the Cup Series since 2009, when a failed drug test turned his world upside down and ended with an indefinite ban. He fought NASCAR in court for years, lost, and faded from the spotlight.
Now, more than eleven years after the judges ruled against him, Mayfield is teasing the biggest comeback of all: a full-blown tell-all backed by 5WideMedia that could drag NASCAR’s darkest chapters back into the light.
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Mayfield and 5WideMedia drop the bomb
It started with two little words from 5WideMedia:
“Stay tuned.”
That was enough to send fans into a frenzy, but then they reposted an old Dave Despain segment about Tim Richmond’s shady 1980s drug test ban, and the message was crystal clear.
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Richmond was a superstar who got run out of the sport over what many still call rigged results. Pair that with Mayfield’s own story, and it feels like 5WideMedia is gearing up for a no-holds-barred look at NASCAR’s history of silencing drivers who step out of line.
Mayfield has never stopped saying he was wronged. He tested positive in 2009, but he has always insisted it was his prescribed Adderall mixed with Claritin D, nothing illegal. He has called the testing process broken, the lab biased, and the whole punishment unfair.
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In a blistering Newsweek interview, he went as far as saying NASCAR is “capable of anything.” He claims he was never given a real chance to clear his name, and that plenty of other drivers stayed quiet because they were scared of the same hammer coming down on them.
Life got even uglier in 2011 when police raided his house, found meth and allegedly stolen property, and charged him. Mayfield has denied it all, calling the raid part of a bigger vendetta to keep him buried. At 56, he is still racing and winning on short tracks, but the scars from that era are deep.
If this 5WideMedia project happens, it will not be a gentle stroll down memory lane. It will be Mayfield finally getting the mic for as long as he wants to talk about power, testing, fear, and what he believes was a conspiracy to end his career. And with NASCAR already bleeding from its own lawsuit leaks right now, the timing could not be more explosive.
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While Mayfield sharpens his knives for a potential 2026 exposé, NASCAR is busy bleeding in public from its own lawsuit mess. The latest bombshell hit just days before the December 1, 2025, trial: leaked 2023 texts from former president Steve Phelps trashing Richard Childress in ways nobody expected to see in writing.
Kenny Wallace left stunned as more NASCAR messages come to light
Kenny Wallace could not believe his eyes when he read them on Coffee with Kenny. He kept stopping, shaking his head, and asking the camera, “Should I repeat that?” before quoting Phelps word for word: Childress is an “idiot,” a “dinosaur,” a “malcontent,” a “total a** clown,” and worst of all, a “stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
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It all started because Childress went on SiriusXM and dared to ask who a new media deal would actually help. He pointed out he could build fourteen old Cup cars for the price of seven Next Gen cars and basically said the math didn’t add up for owners.
That sent Steve Phelps and chief revenue officer Brian Herbst into a private texting meltdown during a charter meeting. Phelps told Childress to sell his charter and get out if he did not like it, then unloaded every insult in the book.
Wallace repeated the worst lines over and over, stunned that the guy who used to run NASCAR would talk that way about one of the sport’s true builders, the man who gave Dale Earnhardt his rides and kept RCR alive for half a century. Phelps reportedly called Childress later to say he didn’t mean it, but the texts are now public forever, sitting in court filings for the whole world to read.
With the antitrust trial about to start, these leaks are pouring gas on an already raging fire. Teams are accusing NASCAR of acting like a monopoly, and now everyone gets to see how leadership really talked about the people who helped make the sport what it is.
Mayfield, watching all this from the sideline, must feel like the perfect storm: the same organization that crushed him is now tearing itself apart in public. If his 5WideMedia project lands while this trial is still burning, the two stories could feed off each other and force NASCAR to answer for decades of behavior all at once.
Heartfelt Wishes Pour In for NASCAR Star After Big Personal Announcement
Corey LaJoie has never been the type to keep his life in two separate lanes. On one side, he’s the guy racing door to door in the Cup Series, hunting for every spot he can grab. On the other he’s the dad posting goofy videos of his boys and talking openly about how fatherhood keeps him sane in a sport that can eat you alive.
Fans love that mix. They tune in for the racing, sure, but they stay for the realness.
It started back in 2019 when LaJoie and his wife, Kelly, announced they were expecting their first son, Levi, right around Easter 2020. Then in 2021 came the news of baby number two, Jenson Daniel, due the following May of 2022.
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Each time, the garage and the grandstands lit up with congratulations because the LaJoies have this way of making big moments feel like they’re happening to the whole NASCAR family.
That’s why the newest announcement hit so hard. LaJoie and Kelly dropped the sweetest post on Instagram showing the whole crew, Levi, Jenson, and now the hint of a third little one on the way.
It wasn’t some huge reveal, but just some beautiful pictures and the quiet joy of a growing family. For a driver who’s always been open about loving the chaos of boys running wild at home, adding another member feels like the most natural thing in the world.
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LaJoie’s podcast, Stacking Pennies, has given fans a front row seat to all of it. He’ll go from breaking down tire fall off one minute to laughing about diaper changes the next. That honesty makes him one of the most relatable guys in the garage.
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When he talks about parenting being “a lot of fun” and jokes about building a small army, you can hear the grin in his voice. So when the news broke that the army is growing again, the love poured in fast. Friends and fans on Instagram cannot contain their excitement.
Friends and fans wish well
Jordan Fish kept it short and perfect: “Awwwwwww Congratulations.”
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It’s the kind of warm hug in comment form that feels exactly right. She’s been around the NASCAR circle forever and knows how special these family moments are, especially when everyone’s watched the boys go from babies to little racetrack regulars.
Mark Martin, the legend himself, didn’t need words. He just dropped a simple “ ”
Coming from a guy who doesn’t post much, that little emoji carried a ton of weight. LaJoie grew up in the sport with his dad, Randy, being a two-time champ, so when a Hall of Famer like Martin celebrates the news, it’s a quiet stamp of approval from one generation to the next.
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Fans couldn’t stop talking about the pictures. “Beautiful pictures” showed up over and over, and it’s easy to see why. Kelly has a gift for capturing the soft, real moments, the kind that make you smile even if you’ve never met them. The whole feed feels like flipping through a family album you’re lucky enough to peek at.
Of course, NASCAR fans wouldn’t be NASCAR fans without a little fun. Someone suggested, “Name him LaBubu, LaBubu Lajoie sounds cute,” and you can practically hear LaJoie laughing at that one. With Levi, Jenson, and Pierce already tearing up the house, the name game is always open season, and the fans love jumping in like they’re part of the brainstorming session.
Then there were the hopeful ones: “Congratulations, this is so awesome!! Hopefully, a Girl will join your bunch.”
Three boys already means pure chaos and pure joy, and a bunch of fans are crossing fingers for a little girl to round out the crew. Corey Lajoie’s talked plenty about the wild energy of raising sons, so the idea of pink bows and tutus mixed in has everyone smiling at the thought.
The news is still fresh, but the love is already huge. Another baby LaJoie on the way just feels right, another chapter for a family that’s never been shy about letting the NASCAR world come along for the ride.
$1.13 Billion TV Giant Greenlights NASCAR’s Own Drama Show Led by Hollywood Heavyweight
NASCAR has everything a killer TV drama needs: family feuds that last generations, rivalries that feel like blood feuds, and enough money and glory on the line to make anyone snap. Hollywood has peeked at it before, think Days of Thunder or Cars, but nothing’s ever stuck like a full-blown series.
Until now. AMC, the $1.13 billion-worth folks who gave us Breaking Bad and Marco Polo, just gave the green light to a new scripted NASCAR show that’s got the potential to be the sport’s big break on the small screen.
AMC bets big on ‘Thunder Road’
The series is titled ‘Thunder Road’. And it isn’t some low-budget racing flick. Thunder Road is getting the full AMC treatment, with NASCAR’s own blessing.
The title nods to the 1958 movie about moonshine runners, those outlaws who basically invented NASCAR. So this show isn’t just about modern wrecks and wins, it’s digging into the roots, the grit that started it all.
The story follows the Whitlock family, a deep-rooted racing dynasty from the South, where every turn on the track comes with a side of secrets, betrayals, and old grudges. It’s all about legacy, the kind that gets passed down like a family recipe, but with way more horsepower and heartbreak.
Veteran screenwriter John Fusco is the guy behind it all. You know him from Young Guns or Netflix’s Marco Polo, and he’s calling this “Succession with stock cars.” That means power plays, brother-against-brother drama, and a business where your last name can make or break you.
Fusco is teaming up with Cliff Roberts from Untamed, Mark L. Smith from The Revenant and Twisters, and NASCAR insiders like Tim Clark and John Dahl. On AMC’s end, Dan McDermott and Ben Haigh are pushing it hard as part of their Americana push.
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With AMC’s track record for messy, addictive stories, Thunder Road could pull in racing nuts and drama junkies alike. There is no release date informed yet, but if they nail the roar of the engines and the sting of family fights, it might just change how the world sees stock cars.
While Thunder Road hypes up Hollywood dreams, NASCAR’s real-life soap opera just got uglier. The charter lawsuit keeps coughing up texts that make the garage look like a high school locker room on steroids. The latest batch has former commissioner Steve Phelps unloading on Richard Childress, one of the sport’s true old guards.
NASCAR commissioner in hot water again
It all blew up from a 2023 team owners meeting, where charter talks were white hot. Richard Childress went on SiriusXM and poked the bear, saying he could build fourteen old Cup cars for what seven Next Gen ones cost. When asked if a new media deal was good news, he hit back with “For who?” A simple question, but a massive fallout.
Phelps got live updates from Brian Herbst, NASCAR’s media cash guy, and the texts turned vicious quickly. “Childress is an idiot. If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell your charter and get out,” Phelps fired off. Then he piled on: “Did I mention Childress was an idiot?”
Herbst kept feeding him notes, and Phelps kept swinging: “If he’s that angry, sign your charter extension and sell. He’s not smart, is a dinosaur, and a malcontent. He’s worth a couple of hundred million dollars, every dollar associated with NASCAR in some fashion. Total a–clown.”
The worst came next: “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.”
These dropped right before the December 1 trial, where 23XI and Front Row are calling NASCAR a monopoly on tracks and TV money.
Phelps reportedly called Childress later to say he didn’t mean it, but the words are out there now, public as a victory lane kiss. Thunder Road might glamorize the family drama, but this real-life version is messy, ugly, and way too close to home. As the trial heats up, NASCAR’s got a lot more than scripts to worry about.
Tony Stewart’s Forgotten Interview Goes Viral Again Amid NASCAR’s Text Scandal
NASCAR is having a rough month. Leaked texts from the big antitrust lawsuit have shown top execs talking about veteran owner Richard Childress like he’s the enemy, calling him a “stupid redneck” who should be “taken out back and flogged.” In other messages, they trashed the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) that Tony Stewart helped start, labeling it “trash” and talking about putting a knife in it.
Fans are furious, teams are furious, and suddenly everyone is digging through old interviews looking for proof that this attitude isn’t new. That’s exactly how a year-old Tony Stewart clip is blowing up all over again. In the video, he’s calm, matter-of-fact, but the message is brutal. NASCAR stopped listening to the people who actually race the cars a long time ago.
Stewart remembers a meeting where he and almost twenty veteran drivers sat down with leadership to offer five specific fixes they all agreed would help the sport. They suggested some real changes, born from thousands of laps and decades in the seat.
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But according to Stewart, one executive shot every idea down, claiming that the drivers were “180 degrees backwards” from what they felt could fix the sport.
Stewart’s problem? The executive had never turned a wrench or driven a race car in anger. Not once.
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He didn’t yell. He just looked at the camera and said that if the sport keeps changing at the rate it was going, it wouldn’t even be recognizable from when he started. And here we are years later, watching leaked texts prove the disconnect he warned about is still alive and ugly.
Stewart has never been shy about speaking his mind. He’s said flat out that NASCAR cares more about filling its own pockets than making sure teams stay healthy and the racing stays exciting.
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He’s called the charter system a joke that locks competition in a box. In fact, that very system was a reason he exited from SHR because of the way the charters were handled.
And now, free from the Cup Series and any fear of fines, he can say whatever he wants. That freedom makes every old clip feel brand new, like he saw this exact moment coming.
The timing couldn’t be better, or worse, depending on who you ask. While NASCAR fights in court and tries to explain why its leaders talk about legends like Richard Childress that way, Stewart’s quiet warning from years ago is playing on repeat. It’s not just nostalgia. It’s evidence that the gap between the boardroom and the garage has been widening for a long time.
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Fans on X have had enough and are speaking against it.
Fans can’t bear the disrespect
“I will they ever admit that the CoT destroyed the sport? left and never went back after that, and now I’m not alone.”
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That one hurts because so many feel the same. The Car of Tomorrow rolled out in 2007 for safety, but drivers hated how it drove, and fans hated how it looked. Tony Stewart himself once called it the biggest pile of crap he ever drove.
A lot of people point to that car as the moment the soul started leaking out of the racing, and seeing these new leaks just brings all that old anger rushing back.
“Pretty much how every company and the entire country is run. Suits show up with their degrees and think they know more than the people who have been doing the job longer than they have.”
Exactly what Stewart was getting at. A room full of champions with thousands of starts between them gets told they’re wrong by someone who’s never felt a car loose in turn four. It’s not just NASCAR, it’s everywhere, but when it’s the sport you love, it hits different.
“Most Corporations don’t survive the 3rd generation. The 1st earns it, the 2nd enjoys it, and the 3rd squanders it.”
Family teams are the heartbeat of NASCAR, and fans see the same pattern. The people who built it from moonshine runners are long gone, and now some worry the current bosses are spending the goodwill instead of protecting it.
“Saw Tony in the pits in NHRA this year. He was telling someone how glad he was to be out of NASCAR.”
That one stings, too. Stewart’s racing dragsters and dirt cars now, smiling in a different pit area, and apparently telling anyone who’ll listen that he’s happier away from the Cup Series. After everything he gave the sport, three championships, millions of fans, that relief says a lot.
“Mayfield has always been right. Did you see how they treated the late Tim Richmond? NASCAR even came out afterwards of the Richmond deal and said. Oh ya, Our bad.”
Some fans are connecting all the dots. Richmond in the eighties, Mayfield in the two thousands, drivers today are scared to speak up. Same pattern, different decade. When the Childress texts dropped, it felt like another chapter in a story plenty of fans already believed.
Stewart never asked for this moment, but the internet handed it to him anyway. An old interview, a few calm sentences, and suddenly it’s the soundtrack to NASCAR’s latest mess. He warned that putting people with no seat time in charge would steer the sport off course. Watching the current storm, a whole lot of fans are starting to think he called it exactly right.
‘The Death of the American Automobile’: How Govt. Policy Broke NASCAR
If you grew up in America any time before the mid-2010s, you probably remember a time when real cars actually meant something. Sedans, coupes, muscle cars, V8s, small sporty models, and family cars that were not the size of a living room. Chevy had the Impala and Malibu. Ford had the Fusion and the Focus. Dodge had the Charger, Challenger, Dart, and Neon. These cars filled driveways, filled highways, and filled NASCAR starting grids.
Today, that world is disappearing, and the consequences are hitting not only car culture but the sport that depended on it. NASCAR was built on the idea that the car you watched win the race on Sunday was a car you could buy in a showroom on Monday. That link is now thinner than it has ever been, thanks to government policies and automakers.
The Big Three abandon traditional cars
There is a growing feeling in the country that a slow “war” on American cars has been taking place. That does not mean people hate cars. It means the entire ecosystem around American cars has shifted, partly because of government policy and partly because of decisions by automakers themselves.
The most obvious sign of the change is that the Big Three companies that built America’s car identity have pulled away from building traditional cars altogether. Chevy, Ford, and Dodge have spent the last decade shrinking their sedan lineups to almost nothing.
Chevy dropped the Cruze, the Impala, and the Sonic. Ford axed nearly every non-SUV model except the Mustang. Dodge discontinued the Charger and Challenger as we knew them. When you look at their lineups today, the only things left are trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that all look like different sizes of the same box.
How this broke NASCAR’s ‘Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday’ formula
This shift completely undercuts NASCAR’s original marketing engine. The phrase “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” was not just a slogan. It described what made NASCAR special. Fans were watching souped-up versions of cars they could actually buy. When Dale Earnhardt drove a Monte Carlo, people wanted a Monte Carlo.
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When Jeff Gordon piloted a Rainbow Warrior Chevy, people saw the same shape at their local dealership. That connection already took a hit when NASCAR moved to modern spec bodies. But today it is even weaker. There are fewer street cars available to even base the race cars on. You cannot sell what no longer exists.
Turning point
A big turning point in this story came during the Obama administration with the “Cash for Clunkers” program in 2009. On paper, it was a stimulus plan and a push toward newer, more efficient vehicles.
In practice, it wiped a huge number of older, cheaper cars off the road. Many of them were the kinds of sedans and small cars that younger buyers or lower-income families depended on. Dealers were required to destroy the engines of these cars, which meant they could not be resold or reused.
The used car market has never really recovered from that mass purge, and today we are seeing the results. Older used cars are scarce and expensive, and new vehicles are larger and cost more than ever.
Exploiting loopholes for profits
Stricter fuel economy standards also reshaped the car market. Corporate Average Fuel Economy rules were meant to push automakers into building cleaner small cars. But a legal loophole allowed trucks and SUVs to follow a different set of rules. They were treated as “light trucks,” which let companies meet the standard even while selling vehicles that were not very efficient at all.
That loophole became a gold mine. Trucks and SUVs had bigger profit margins and less regulatory pressure, so automakers poured their resources into them. Instead of investing in better small cars, they found it easier to build larger vehicles that brought in more money and still checked the regulatory boxes.
Political lobbying also played a giant role. Automakers pushed Congress and regulators to keep that loophole open, and it paid off.
Today, trucks and SUVs make up the majority of new vehicle sales in America. Sedans barely register in comparison. The companies that once defined the American car are now building machines that have more in common with delivery vans than with the cars that once inspired NASCAR heroes.
Foreign automakers filled that gap
While American companies pulled back from the car market, foreign automakers filled the gap. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, BMW, and Volkswagen continued building compact and midsize cars that Americans still needed.
As a result, plenty of Americans who used to buy domestic cars now own foreign ones simply because they are the only ones still offering real cars. The irony is that these foreign companies often build their cars in the United States, while the American brands have moved into building giant trucks that cost twice as much as a normal sedan.
Nowhere is this shift more visible than in NASCAR. Chevy recently switched to a neutral, non-Camaro-based body in the Cup Series, a clear sign that the Camaro has no guaranteed future in showrooms and therefore no guaranteed future on the track.
Ford is holding on with the Mustang for now, but even that is uncertain as the company pushes electric SUVs. Dodge left the sport more than a decade ago, and the Charger and Challenger have now ended their gas-powered runs.
NASCAR heading towards electric racing
NASCAR itself sees the writing on the wall. The sport has already been developing electric racing concepts. Chevy’s Blazer EV and Ford’s Mach E were part of the first public demo for a future EV class based on crossover-style bodies.
Those vehicles are a long way from the Monte Carlos, Thunderbirds, and Luminas that built NASCAR’s identity. When the race cars no longer resemble anything on the street, the sport loses the cultural glue that once held everything together.
Conclusion
The heart of the problem is not only policy or regulation. It is also about the mindset of American automakers. Many analysts believe the Big Three have become focused on short-term profits at the expense of long-term innovation.
Instead of leading the next generation of car design, they follow whatever yields the fastest quarterly earnings. Trucks and SUVs are profitable today, so that is all they build. When electric vehicles arrived, they rushed into giant electric trucks instead of affordable, efficient EV cars. The result is a shrinking and distorted market.
The American automobile is not dead, but it is definitely on life support. If the companies that built this country’s car culture want to save it, they will need to think beyond short-term gains.
They will need to build cars that ordinary people can afford. They will need to reconnect with the roots of why people fell in love with cars in the first place. And if they fail to do so, the impact will continue to hit NASCAR in ways that may change the sport forever.
Internal NASCAR text messages strengthen teams’ antitrust case
Internal text messages among NASCAR’s top executives, unsealed Friday as part of the discovery process in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit, have provided a rare and unfiltered look at the sanctioning body’s aggressive posture toward perceived competition.
The revelations are expected to bolster the claims of plaintiffs 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports as their landmark trial against NASCAR is set to begin Dec. 1.
The unsealed messages, exchanged primarily between NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and now-NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell in 2022 and 2023, reveal a concerted effort to undermine the rival Superstar Racing Experience, or SRX, series. The texts contradict NASCAR’s public stance of allowing Cup Series drivers to compete in the short-track series.
The most explosive messages came in an exchange concerning the 2023 participation of 23XI Racing co-owner and Cup Series star Denny Hamlin in an SRX event.
According to the documents, O’Donnell texted Phelps, “Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this.”
Phelps responded with a sharply worded attack on the series, writing: “These guys are just plain stupid. Need to put a knife in this trash series.”
In the same text chain, Phelps expressed further frustration, stating, “The SRX thing is just baffling to me. Why don’t they get it – oh, they do get it and it’s a huge FU to us.” O’Donnell followed up, suggesting an aggressive internal strategy: “So smiles all around but behind the scenes we scheme and we win.”
Another set of messages, while ruled inadmissible at trial due to their inflammatory nature, showed Phelps making highly critical and disparaging remarks about veteran NASCAR team owner Richard Childress after Childress publicly questioned the financial terms of NASCAR’s new media rights deal.
The two-car 23XI Racing team, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Hamlin, along with Front Row Motorsports, filed the federal antitrust lawsuit in October 2024. The teams refused to sign the 2025-2031 charter extension, which governs their guaranteed entry into races and share of the sport’s revenue.
The core of the plaintiffs’ complaint is that NASCAR operates as an illegal monopoly, using its complete control over the premier stock-car racing market to suppress team revenue and restrict competition from outside entities. They argue the current charter system and NASCAR’s mandate that teams buy most car parts from single-source suppliers make their business model economically unviable.
Attorneys for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are expected to present the released text messages as direct evidence of anti-competitive intent on the part of NASCAR leadership. The harsh language toward a competing series like SRX suggests a corporate strategy aimed at eliminating or suppressing any potential rival that could threaten NASCAR’s dominance, directly supporting the teams’ claims of monopolization.
A recent partial summary judgment in favor of the teams, which defined the relevant market as “premier stock-car racing” and affirmed NASCAR’s power over that market, has already narrowed the scope of the trial. The newly unsealed texts now provide a compelling narrative of corporate ruthlessness that the jury will weigh as they decide whether NASCAR illegally used its power.
Fans Fear NASCAR’s Future as Lawsuit Texts Continues to Increase Void Between Teams
It’s not the first time leaked texts have shaken up the NASCAR community, but the situation has escalated to a whole new level this time around. With the clock ticking toward NASCAR’s biggest courtroom showdown of the year, everyone expected the charter trial to dominate the headlines. Instead, something even more explosive has detonated in the sport’s backyard.
Leaked court filings in the past have revealed Denny Hamlin’s simmering resentment toward the France family, as well as blunt internal emails from NASCAR executives. And a shocking message from 23XI Racing president Steve Lauletta turned the entire lawsuit nuclear. However, this one takes the cake. And judging by the fans’ reaction, this could be the kind of mess nobody walks away from unscathed.
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Jeff Dickerson’s 2024 texts get leaked, aimed at Richard Childress
A trove of private messages from Spire Motorsports’ owner, Jeff Dickerson, in 2024 has suddenly gone public, dragging Richard Childress in the mud. Back at the 2024 Coca-Cola 600, Richard Childress made headlines for hosting then-candidate Donald Trump at the No. 3 pit box, right before the skies opened and washed the rain away.
At that time, teams were neck-deep in negotiations over the 2025 charter agreement, with yet another team owner agreement draft floating around the garage. It’s unclear which document Jeff Dickerson was talking about in his private messages, but both were major points of tension.
In one of those texts, the Spire Motorsports owner fired off, “I hope RC [Richard Childress] says a word about this document so I can tell him what a c—- he looked like with trump [sic].” Yet another moment where Childress ends up taking shrapnel in a lawsuit he isn’t even directly involved in.
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The redacted name, the person on the other end of Dickerson’s messages, wasn’t interested in piling on Richard Childress. Instead, the unnamed texter steers the exchange back to whatever they were supposed to be discussing: team negotiations.
But it does raise a bigger question. Why does Childress keep catching strays from NASCAR‘s inner circle?
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Even NASCAR president Steve Phelps took a swipe at him in a separate set of 2023 messages.
Ever since the lawsuit kicked off, Richard Childress has spoken up here and there, mostly backing what 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are trying to accomplish, though he’s made it clear he’s keeping an eye on how it might impact his own operation. But the real shock came from a batch of 2023 messages involving NASCAR president Steve Phelps, where Childress became a repeated target.
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In one exchange with Brian Herbst, Phelps didn’t hold back, writing, “I agree with you. Did you give them some sense of how bad things are out there? Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR [sic].”
And that wasn’t a one-off outburst. Phelps doubled down in later messages, calling team owners “ shortsighted and self-serving,” before adding, “Childress is an idiot. If they don’t like the state of the sport, sell your [sic] shorter and get out.”
Childress has long advocated for clearer communication and a fairer revenue model within the charter system. And while he never publicly fired back at Phelps’s harsh words, he has recently stood behind the teams taking NASCAR to court, applauding them for finally voicing the concern he’s been raising for years. And with this divide between team owners and NASCAR leadership, the fans aren’t taking things lightly this time around.
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Fans fear the worst outcome for NASCAR
The fan base didn’t hold back as the latest wave of leaked messages and legal drama washed over the off-season on Reddit. One viewer summed up the growing frustration bluntly, saying, “At least this offseason nobody is talking about how make the actual cars and races better.” Instead of debating packages, short-track fixes, or the racing product, fans watch the sport spiral deeper into boardroom warfare, something few ever asked for.
Others sensed an atmosphere turning out to be poisonous. As one fan put it, “By the time we reach Daytona everyone’s gonna hate everyone… If they aren’t already.” Another went even further, questioning whether the season would even survive the chaos at the current pace: “At this rate I’m starting to wonder if we’re gonna make it to Daytona at all.” The bitterness, the leaks, the public mudslinging, none of it felt like the NASCAR they once knew.
And as the lawsuits dragged every messy detail into the spotlight, some fans worried the long-term damage was just the beginning. One comment cut straight to the heart of the issue: “All this lawsuit is doing is showing the bad side of the sport. There will be no one wanting to work with ANYONE when this is over.”
Another echoed that sentiment, adding, “It’s showing the bad side to the public. I doubt those involved are all that shocked.” For many, it’s no longer just a legal battle; it’s a crisis of trust unfolding right in front of them. As uncertainty looms in the air, the December 1 trial is set to be the most intense debate ever.
NASCAR Community Champion Details How His Mental Health Message Reached New Audiences
Over the years, Comcast and NASCAR’s program has directed more than $1 million to over 30 non-profits connected to people in the NASCAR family. From Bubba Wallace’s Live to Be Different Foundation, working to empower underprivileged people by removing barriers related to race, to Erik Jones’ Foundation, which focuses on early cancer detection, they wore this badge with great honor.
That title carries weight, and it now gets passed on to this young racing driver as his efforts have finally paid off. The Monday following the NASCAR championship weekend, the 21-year-old was officially named 2025 Comcast Community Champion of the Year. But for the Kaulig racer, the award wasn’t the biggest achievement. Days after receiving the recognition, he has opened up on what led to his victory.
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Daniel Dye opens up about his Race to Stop Suicide mission
Speaking to NASCAR Live, Daniel Dye reflected on that moment, saying, “Yeah, I’ll be honest, the recognition part was not a big deal. Obviously, it’s cool. But the fact that once you get nominated and you get as a finalist and you make that video that everybody got to see when it was posted and stuff right there, we won. When we got to have that video put on all these platforms, with the Xfinity pages sharing them, our pages sharing them, and people seeing them and taking their time to watch them. I got so many texts just about that video. So really, right there we won. ”
His advocacy for the Race to Stop Suicide has been woven into every stage of his racing career. Dye and his father, Randy, launched Race to Stop Suicide in 2018. His devotion to this cause began at just 18 years old after suffering the devastating loss of his cousin, Luke Dye, who took his own life in 2022 at the age of 23. That tragedy shifted the driver’s purpose. He committed himself to using his voice, his platform, and his visibility in motorsports to spark life-saving dialogue.
The Comcast Community Champion of the Year designation comes with a $60,000 award, which Dye will direct entirely to Race to Stop Suicide. Each year, a panel selects one winner from three finalists, including the previous champion. Erik Jones, the 2024 recipient, played a role in choosing Dye for this year’s honor.
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What began as a personal mission has grown into a movement, one that challenged stigma, encourages open discussion, and shines a light on mental health and suicide prevention. Some efforts have reached communities across the country, offering support, awareness, and compassion to those who need it the most.
“Once we won one, it was talked about even more. And then obviously recognize the banquet, and that’s all we’re trying to do is get people to talk about it, get people to be comfortable talking about it. And, just kind of break the ice…reduce the stigma, break the stigma.” Dye added, sharing how one can help out. “I try not to get that complicated. It’s something that if you’re not going through it, we want you to try to be. Just kind of like ‘love your neighbor’ situation, right? Like, just be there for people.”
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As Dye’s career has accelerated, so has the breadth of his message. His No. 10 Chevrolet with Kaulig Racing has proudly carried the paint schemes during Mental Health Awareness Month in May and again during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. The initiative has travelled with him from World Wide Technology Raceway to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, making his mission visible on an international stage and turning every lap into a reminder that no one struggles alone.
One of Dye’s most meaningful annual efforts is the March to Stop Suicide, held at Daytona International Speedway. Participants can walk for 98 minutes and eight seconds, as an assembly tribute to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 2025 edition raised an impressive $230,000 for Beyond the Brotherhood, an organization dedicated to helping Navy SEALs transition back into civilian life and access critical mental health support. But off the track, Dye’s efforts have been recognized, too, and now his 2026 season looks different.
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NASCAR’s Kaulig Racing sets a plan for Daniel Dye and the fourth seat
Daniel Dye’s future with Kaulig Racing will take a new shift next year. Earlier in the month, the team revealed that Dye will shift into a full-time role within its NASCAR Truck Series program for 2026. The change came shortly after the organization confirmed it would place its Xfinity Series operation on hold.
Dye has spent this year running the full schedule in the No. 10 entry, finishing 20th in points. At just 21 years old, he continues to show raw but promising talent, and RAM is optimistic that another season under their banner will help him convert that potential into steadier results.
Kaulig Racing is also shaking up the structure of next year. Operating with both RAM and another OEM under the same umbrella, the organization will debut a special No. 25 RAM 1500 truck design specifically to highlight free agent talent.
Each race weekend, a different driver from a variety of racing backgrounds will take the wheel. Their names will be announced every Monday, injecting a fresh element of anticipation throughout the season.
Matt Kaulig, the team owner, said last week, “The Free Agent seat gives us the flexibility to bring in talent while keeping fans on their toes. Each driver will bring something unique to the team. It’s a new idea, and exactly the kind of energy we want heading into 2026.”
Three of the team’s five series drivers for the 2026 campaign are now officially locked in: Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley. The fourth seat, the rotating free agent entry, will feature a new driver at every event, while the fifth and final spot is still unfilled. This bold approach expands the team’s reach, offering opportunities to rising prospects as well as seasoned racers looking for a new platform to prove themselves.
Mark Martin Reveals Why NASCAR’s Charter Era Concerns Surpasses His 1982 Bankruptcy Experience
From winning the Coca-Cola 600 to enduring financial hardships, Mark Martin has survived through all the highs and lows that the world of stock car racing has to offer. Back in 1982, he was forced to sell off everything he owned just to stay afloat. And for a driver who had to rebuild his career from scratch to eventually become one of NASCAR’s most respected veterans, very little shakes him anymore. Except for the ongoing drama.
The 66-year-old now says that the NASCAR charter-era turmoil worries him more than the financial collapse ever did. After seeing the growing tensions between NASCAR and the two teams filing for an antitrust lawsuit, Martin is beyond disappointed.
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Mark Martin wants teams to race for prize money
In response to a fan’s comment, “Screw the charter system. Qualify and award provisionals. Max the field at 43 cars, again. Go fast or go home,” Martin couldn’t help but respond, saying, “I went broke in 1982 and had to liquidate for pennies on a dollar. I appreciate the concept of the charter system, but hate the repercussions of what has come with them. I’m with you, let them race for the prize money like they used to. There would be 45 teams every week eventually.”
In the early 1980s, NASCAR was a grind. Young drivers paid their dues for years and often ran on shoestring budgets, and Mark Martin’s career nearly unravelled in that era when sponsorship evaporated and he was forced to sell equipment and step back from the Cup scene to rebuild in ASA.
He has even mentioned that he was a “broken man” both “physically” and “emotionally” as well as “economically.” He was only 24 at that time. And the Arkansas native had endured three seasons with 51 starts in the Cup Series with five different owners. But after 5 starts in 1983, a $50,000 sponsorship deal fell through for Mark Martin when the company failed to pay.
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This not only derailed his NASCAR dreams but also pushed him to Wisconsin to revive his career in the American Association series.
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Fast forward to today, and NASCAR runs a formal charter franchise model introduced in 2016 that granted 36 teams guaranteed starting spots, predictable revenue, and the ability to buy/sell charters, a design meant to stabilize team finances and create business value. But one that also changes how owners enter, exit, and move on from the sport. That guaranteed entry feature is the core of what sets the charter era open apart from the open qualifying fields of the past.
The dispute at the heart of recent antitrust lawsuits isn’t about whether charters exist as much as how they are governed. Teams such as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have alleged that the latest charter terms lock them into a restrictive single-source supplier, limit competition, and siphon value away from team owners. NASCAR counters that the system was created to protect teams and the series and that most owners accept the new terms.
Moreover, the charter sales have increased six times in the last four years. 23XI Racing purchased a charter that was worth $28 million in 2024, which is a massive jump from its 4.7 million maiden charter, which was bought in 2020. Last year, Front Row Motorsports bought a charter for $20-25 million, while the charter they sold in 2020 went for $7 million. The valuations of these charters have been increasingly heavy due to inflation.
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In short, teams want more revenue share, clearer governance rights, and fewer shackles. As NASCAR argues, the charter system is necessary to preserve the business model. And the fate of the charter now lies on the December 1 trial, which seems to be looming over the garage. However, as things heat up in the debate, some nasty text messages that have been made public have sent the veteran into a spiral.
Further disappointments for Martin
Mark Martin has officially seen the remarks about Richard Childress by Steve Phelps, and he’s not taking it lightly. The NASCAR Hall of Famer is clearly frustrated by what has come to light.
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The messages, released as part of the ongoing NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, show commissioner Steve Phelps venting about Childress in a 2023 text exchange with NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell and another unnamed individual.
In the thread, Phelps called Childress a “stupid redneck,” labeled him an “idiot,” and even said he should be “taken out back and flogged.” After seeing those messages online earlier today, Martin shared his reaction, a mix of sadness and discouragement.
“This has been going on in the sport I love. I’m just disappointed all the way around,” Martin wrote. “There were plenty of problems before Charters and the RTA, but I’m not sure how you ever fix all this now.”
Martin then added a second post responding to the text from the NASCAR executive criticizing the SRX series. He said, “Just so disappointing. We should be giving people who love motorsports more of what they love, and maybe the sport would grow and bring in more fans of all ages.”
Over the course of a career, Martin helped elevate NASCAR into the national spotlight alongside legends like Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, and Rusty Wallace, fuelling the France family’s rise to enormous wealth. His reaction isn’t light. It stems from the fact that a respected pioneer is now calling out NASCAR culture inside the leadership that seems to show little respect.
NFL Makes Final Decision on Ja’Marr Chase Punishment
Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase was involved in an ugly incident in Sunday’s 34-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The All-Pro wide receiver was caught spitting at Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey as the two were exchanging words. This led to Ramsey throwing a punch at Chase and grabbing him by the helmet.
Chase claimed postgame that he did not spit on Ramsey. However, video evidence proved otherwise. This prompted the NFL to issue a one-game suspension without pay for the Bengals star. Chase decided to appeal the league’s punishment, and the league has now issued its final ruling on the incident.
Sunday’s loss was the Bengals’ third consecutive defeat. Chase did not have a particularly outstanding game, registering just three catches for 30 yards. His frustration boiled over in the fourth quarter after jawing with Ramsey, with whom he had been competing all night.
According to reports, Chase’s one-game suspension without pay will cost the 25-year-old over $500,000. He earns $448,333 per week and an additional $58,823 bonus for each game appearance.
On Tuesday night, NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications Michael Signora revealed the league’s final decision on Chase’s appeal.
“Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase,” Signora posted on X.
This means that Chase will be barred from playing in the Week 12 matchup against the 9-2 New England Patriots on Sunday. Cincinnati enters that game with a 3-7 record for third in the AFC North. Without arguably their most important offensive player on the field, the Bengals will face an even tougher challenge against a Patriots side that is riding an eight-game win streak.
The Bengals will host Sunday’s contest. Kickoff from Paycor Stadium is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
How They Fared: Titans’ Harris has his best NFL game
In what wasn’t a great week overall for area NFL players, former Idaho Vandal Marcus Harris had his best game as a pro footballer.
The Tennessee Titans defensive back saw significant playing time at nickel in a narrow 16-13 loss to the Houston Texans, appearing in 71% of the team’s defensive snaps and finishing with four tackles and one pass defensed.
Harris, who started his college career at Oregon State and finished it with the Cal Bears, played three years for the Vandals, earning FCS All-American honors in 2023.
The rookie was mostly a special teams player to start the season but has seen a big uptick in defensive snaps the past two weeks.
Here’s how all the former Vandals and Washington State Cougs fared in NFL Week 11:
Idaho
LB, Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons: The veteran linebacker racked up five solo tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in a 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers.
LB, Christian Elliss, New England Patriots: The former undrafted free agent was ruled out with a hip injury for the second straight week and did not play in a 27-14 victory over the Jets.
LS, Hogan Hatten, Detroit Lions: Hatten snapped for one field goal (1-for-1), one extra point (0-for-1) and four punts (42.3 average, two inside 20) in a 16-9 loss to the Eagles.
CB, Marcus Harris (Cal), Tennessee Titans: The rookie has been getting more involved in recent weeks. He had four tackles (two solo) and one pass defensed in a 16-13 loss to the Texans.
WSU
S, Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs: The second-year safety had one tackle in a 22-19 loss to the Broncos.
CB, Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs: The veteran defensive back recorded three tackles (two solo) in the 22-19 loss to the Broncos.
QB, Gardner Minshew, Kansas City Chiefs: The backup QB did not play in the loss to the Broncos.
N, Chau Smith-Wade, Carolina Panthers: Smith-Wade accumulated three tackles (two solo) in a 30-27 overtime win over the Falcons.
DT, Daniel Ekuale, Pittsburgh Steelers: On the injured reserve with an ACL injury, he did not play in a 34-12 victory over the Bengals.
LB, Frankie Luvu, Washington Commanders: Luvu compiled five tackles in a 16-13 loss to the Dolphins.
LB, Brennan Jackson, Las Vegas Raiders: On the injured reserve, he did not play in a 33-16 loss to the Cowboys.
S, Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals: Thompson tallied five tackles (two solo) and one pass defensed in a 41-22 loss to the 49ers.
LB, Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers: The team captain compiled five tackles (four solo) in a 35-6 loss to the Jaguars.
OL, Abraham Lucas, Seattle Seahawks: The starting offensive tackle helped his team rack up 414 yards of total offense in a 21-19 loss to the Rams.
WR, Kyle Williams, New England Patriots: The rookie was targeted three times but couldn’t come down with a catch in a 27-14 victory over the Jets.
CB, Cam Lampkin, Los Angeles Rams: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 21-19 win against the Seahawks.
OL, Esa Pole, Kansas City Chiefs: On the practice squad, he did not play in a 22-19 loss to the Broncos.
QB, Cam Ward (Miami), Tennessee Titans: Ward went 24-of-37 passing for 194 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 16-13 loss to the Texans.
Moscow High School
LB, Jonah Elliss, Denver Broncos: The second-year pro missed the 22-19 win over the Chiefs with a hamstring injury.
Wiebe may be contacted at (208) 848-2260, swiebe@lmtribune.com or on X @StephanSports.
National Anthem Singer, Criticized Over ‘Stripper Look,’ Says NFL Approved Outfit
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Plenty of fans were bothered by the
Jared Goff takes the blame for a bad game from Amon-Ra St. Brown
There have been 58 games this season in which a receiver has been thrown at least 12 passes. Only once has that player caught fewer than three passes: Amon-Ra St. Brown on Sunday night in Philadelphia.
St. Brown’s stat line of just two catches on 12 targets was ugly, but Lions quarterback Jared Goff said on 97.1 The Ticket that St. Brown didn’t have an off night. Goff says he’s the one who was off.
“I don’t think anything feels off, except for this past week I was off trying to get him the ball,” Goff said. “He’s playing well. I’ve got to find ways to get it to him in space and be more accurate in those instances. I have been in my career so it’s not something I’m worried about. Last week was a little bit off and prior to that I don’t think there’s been any issue.”
Goff finished the game 14-for-37, for a career-low completion rate of 37.8 percent. Even aside from the 10 incompletions to St. Brown, Goff was far less accurate than the Lions expect him to be. It was a bad night for a lot of players on the Lions’ offense, but Goff knows the blame ultimately falls on the quarterback.
Celebrini completes hat trick in overtime as Sharks beat Utah Mammoth
SAN JOSE – Macklin Celebrini scored at the 2:52 mark of overtime to complete his third career hat trick to give the San Jose Sharks a 3-2 win over the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday at SAP Center.
Handling the puck near the blue line and with the Sharks on a power play, Celebrini fired the puck past Utah goalie Vitek Vanecek for his 13th goal of the season.
The Sharks had a two-goal lead, but allowed two third-period goals to JJ Peterka, including the tying goal with 2:51 left in regulation.
Celebrini also scored even-strength goals at the 1:47 and 5:58 marks of the first period for his 11th and 12th goals of the season. Askarov had 14 saves in the first two periods and 10 more in the third, but a shot by Peterka from 40 feet away got between the goalie’s upper body and left arm to tie the game 2-2.
Coming into Tuesday, Askarov has been the NHL’s best goalie over the past two weeks with a .965 save percentage and a 4-1-0 record in his last five games.
According to Sportradar, Askarov is the first goalie since the 1955-56 season, when the NHL began tracking such statistics, to have a save percentage that high over a five-game stretch without a shutout.
After Peterka scored at the 9:25 mark of the third period to cut the Sharks’ lead to 2-1, the Mammoth thought they had tied the game with 6:22 left in regulation. But it was ruled on the ice that the Mammoth had interfered with Askarov, a call that was upheld after a coach’s challenge by Utah.
The Sharks were coming off a 1-2-0 road trip that finished with losses to the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken, and they didn’t score a 5-on-5 goal in any of the three games.
Celebrini solved that problem with a lightning-fast start against the Mammoth.
After the Sharks created a turnover inside their own zone, Will Smith started a rush the other way and got the puck to Celebrini, who carried it into the Utah zone. He then got the puck to Philipp Kurashev, who retrieved it behind the Mammoth net.
Kurashev then sent it out front to Smith, who snapped a pass across the slot to Celebrant. The 19-year-old took a moment before he fired it past Utah goalie Vitek Vanecek for his 11th of the season, 1:47 into the game.
Just 4:11 later, Celebrini broke up a Mammoth pass inside the Sharks’ to set up another rush. Sharks winger Collin Graf picked up the loose puck and sent it ahead to Celebrini, who went in alone on Vanecek and beat his former San Jose teammate five-hole for a 2-0 San Jose lead.
Celebrini’s second goal, which came on a breakaway after a pass from Collin Graf, represented his 29th point of the season, the most for any Sharks player through the first 20 games of the season.
Before Tuesday, Celebrini was third in the NHL with 27 points in 19 games, which was also the third-most ever by a teenager through 19 games, trailing only Sidney Crosby (30 in 2006-07) and Wayne Gretzky (30 in 1980-81). He recently tied Crosby and Gretzky for fewest games needed by a teenager to reach 26 points in a season (17; Nov. 11).
Celebrini single-handedly defeats Mammoth
Make that three consecutive overtime losses for the Utah Mammoth. Oh, and all three have ended with a final score of 3-2.
For those who are new to hockey, an overtime loss still awards the losing team a point in the standings, so it’s much better than losing in regulation — but that doesn’t make them any less heartbreaking for the players.
Here’s the story of the Mammoth’s overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
Quick catchup
San Jose Sharks: 3
Utah Mammoth: 2
Remember the name Macklin Celebrini — not that forgetting it will be possible for Mammoth fans, who witnessed his second hat trick of the season.
Celebrini caught the Mammoth sleeping, scoring twice before the first commercial break. The scoreboard showed 2-0 the majority of the night, until JJ Peterka broke loose.
Peterka scored on a breakaway with 10:35 to go in the third period. John Marino put the puck in the net shortly thereafter, though the goal was waved off for goaltender interference — despite a Mammoth coach’s challenge.
But it didn’t matter. The Mammoth killed off the ensuing penalty and Peterka struck again with 2:51 to go, sending it to overtime.
For a moment, it seemed as if Peterka would finish off his hat trick in overtime. But he’d jumped the gun on his line change, causing a too many men penalty to cut his breakaway short.
Power plays in overtime are played at 4 on 3, which creates much more open ice for the team on the offense.
Translation: they almost always result in goals.
That was the case here, as Celebrini fired one top shelf from distance to win it for the home team.
“We fought back, but it’s way harder when you chase the game,” Peterka said.
Takeaways
Utah just ‘didn’t start on time’
NHL players consistently talk about how hard the second half of a back-to-back scenario is. And a flight in between doesn’t make it any easier — even if it’s only an hour and 20 minutes like the one the Mammoth had Tuesday morning.
The majority of the game, Utah was on the ball. Goals were as hard to come by as they always are, but outside of the first six minutes, the team was fine.
This one was simply a story of losing focus at the beginning.
“(I’m) not happy because we didn’t start on time,” said Mammoth head coach André Tourigny. ”We need to find a way to win games — especially those games.“
“That’s hockey for you,” said Sharks forward Will Smith, who tallied two points in the game. “I mean, there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs, a lot of emotion swings, but it’s all part of it. … It’s a long 82-game season, so there’s going to be some crazy games.”
Utah’s PK is still strong, but their scorers need to get going again
As mentioned, 4-on-3 power play goals are almost a given. But even with that, Utah’s penalty kill operated at 80% on Tuesday.
Celebrini’s overtime marker was the first power play goal they’ve allowed since Oct. 26 against the Winnipeg Jets.
There’s little question about Utah’s defensive game (although the goaltending could generally be better). They’re simply not scoring enough goals.
It was only a couple weeks ago that Logan Cooley and Nick Schmaltz were competing for the league lead in goals. Clayton Keller scored 90 points last year. Barrett Hayton is a proven 20-goal scorer.
All it will take for Utah to start winning again is those guys getting their confidence back.
Should Utah have challenged Marino’s non-goal?
A quick note on Utah’s failed coach’s challenge: It was absolutely the right thing to do.
It was a 50/50 call, so if you’re up by a goal or two, you don’t take that risk. But goaltender interference rulings in the NHL are some of the hardest things to predict, so when you’re down by one with less than seven minutes left, it might be worth the reward.
The goal was ultimately disallowed and the Mammoth had extra penalty because of it, but given that they killed the penalty and scored shortly thereafter, nobody in the organization should be losing sleep over it.
Goal of the game
JJ Peterka’s breakaway
It’s well-documented that Peterka grew up speed skating competitively. Time and time again, that skill helps him in the NHL, as it did on Tuesday.
He now has four goals in his last four games — easily the most impactful offensive player in Utah’s lineup over that span.
LeBron James returns with a double-double as Lakers beat Jazz
LOS ANGELES — He was the caboose during the Lakers’ pregame run onto the court, and he was the first one introduced before tip-off, drawing the loudest reactions of the night.
And with each flashy pass that assisted a teammate for a basket, the sold-out crowd of 18,997 inside Crypto.com Arena roared.
Because as much as Tuesday night was about another brilliant performance from Luka Doncic (37 points, 10 assists and five rebounds), who received “M-V-P” chants when he stepped up to the free-throw line, or the Lakers showcasing their offensive potential when they’re whole, the focus of the Lakers’ 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz was LeBron James making his long-awaited debut to begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season.
And by the time he subbed out midway through the fourth quarter, leading the Lakers during a 20-9 run in the period to open what was at the time a game-best 19-point lead, James provided a glimpse of what he could add to a Lakers team that started the season strong without him.
The 40-year-old James had an 11-point, 12-assist double-double in 30 minutes in his first game of the season, putting on a passing masterclass and setting up a variety of teammates for easy looks after missing training camp and their first 14 games due to sciatica.
Austin Reaves (26 points on 7-of-11 shooting) was able to pick his spots offensively.
Deandre Ayton (20 points, 14 rebounds) was a frequent recipient of James’ playmaking. Jake LaRavia (15 points) also found easier scoring opportunities because of James.
The result of James’ debut, and the offense clicking, especially in the final three quarters when they outscored the Jazz 113-90, was the Lakers having their highest-scoring game of the season.
The Lakers shot a season-best 59.5% from the floor (50 for 84), despite their 3-pointers not falling at a high clip (11 for 32; 34.4%), and improved to 11-4 on the season.
Keyonte George (34 points, seven assists and four rebounds) and Lauri Markkanen (31 points) led the Jazz (5-9).
Keyonte George, who was born 10 days after James’ NBA debut in 2003, had 34 points, seven assists and four rebounds to lead the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen added 31 for Utah, which has lost five of seven games.
The Jazz jumped out to a 36-27 lead at the end of the first quarter, and held a 71-67 advantage at halftime against a Lakers defense that was often a step behind the play.
But the Lakers tightened their defense from there, holding the Jazz to 36 points over the next 18 minutes while building a game-high 23-point lead in the fourth.
James didn’t score in his first 11 minutes on the court, but his two 3-pointers in the first half moved him past Reggie Miller for the sixth-most in NBA history.
James made a driving layup in the third quarter to extend his streak of double-digit scoring performances to a record 1,293 games – every game in which he has played since Jan. 6, 2007. The four-time league MVP didn’t score again, but the Lakers moved comfortably ahead, closing the third quarter on a 21-5 run.
More to come on this story.
LeBron James makes historic season debut, Luka Doncic scores 37 in Lakers’ 140-126 win over Jazz
LeBron James had 11 points and 12 assists in the first game of his unprecedented 23rd NBA season, and Luka Doncic had 37 points and 10 assists in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 140-126 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
The 40-year-old James made his season debut in the Lakers’ starting lineup and played 30 minutes after missing training camp and their first 14 games due to sciatica. Vince Carter is the only other player in NBA history to participate in 22 seasons, but James passed him while opening the next chapter of a pro career that began in 2003.
James didn’t take long to find the flow: He put on a playmaking clinic in the second half, and Doncic scored 17 points in the third quarter while the Lakers pulled away from Utah.
Austin Reaves added 26 points as the Lakers improved to 11-4 with their third straight victory.
Keyonte George, who was born 10 days after James’ NBA debut, matched his season high with 33 points for the Jazz two nights after hitting the winning 3-pointer in a double-overtime thriller against Chicago.
Lauri Markkanen had 31 points for Utah, which has lost five of seven.
James didn’t score in his first 11 minutes on the court, but his two 3-pointers in the first half moved him past Reggie Miller for the sixth-most in NBA history.
James made a driving layup in the third quarter to extend his streak of double-digit scoring performances to a record 1,293 games — every game in which he has played since Jan. 6, 2007. The four-time NBA champion didn’t score again, but the Lakers moved comfortably ahead.
George scored 23 points and Markkanen had 22 in Utah’s 71-point first half. The Lakers took charge after halftime, closing the third on a 21-5 run.
Bronny James played the final 3:33 and hit a 3-pointer.
Up next
Jazz: Host Thunder on Friday.
Lakers: At Jazz on Sunday.
Cameron Boozer scores 18 points as No. 5 Duke outlasts No. 24 Kansas 78-66
NEW YORK — Cameron Boozer had 18 points and 10 rebounds, twin brother Cayden made a couple of big second-half baskets and fifth-ranked Duke outlasted No. 24 Kansas, defeating the undermanned Jayhawks 78-66 on Tuesday night in the annual Champions Classic.
Isaiah Evans scored 16 points and Patrick Ngongba had 13 on 4-of-4 shooting for the Blue Devils (5-0).
The Jayhawks (3-2) were still without their best player, freshman Darryn Peterson, the nation’s top recruit and potentially the top pick in next year’s NBA draft, because of a lingering hamstring injury. Peterson has missed three consecutive games since hurting himself during a shootaround.
Peterson’s absence was enough to make a difference at Madison Square Garden even though the Blue Devils were less consistent than in their previous four victories. Kansas rattled Duke with some fast-break points early before getting worn down by foul trouble and a depth disparity.
All five Kansas starters had at least one foul and three had two apiece in the first half, and Duke closed it out on a 17-5 run to lead by eight. The Jayhawks trimmed their deficit to 67-64 on Melvin Council Jr.’s 3-pointer with 4:59 left.
The foul trouble showed in some tired legs. Flory Bidunga picked up his fourth with more than seven minutes left, and Bryson Tiller fouled out with 3:04 remaining.
Evans hit a 3 coming out of the under-4-minute timeout, and Cameron Boozer scored four of the eight points in an 8-0 run by Duke to pull away.
Tre White tried at every turn to keep Kansas in the game, scoring 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
Up next
Kansas: Faces Notre Dame on Monday night in each team’s opening game of the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas.
Duke: Hosts Niagara on Friday night.
LeBron James makes life easy for Lakers, puts up 12-assist double-double in return, sparking win vs. Jazz
LOS ANGELES — “He makes life easy, with his passing and his IQ.”
That’s how Deandre Ayton described playing with LeBron James for the first time, and his teammates agree. While there was a little rust early, LeBron wasn’t moving or playing like a 40-year-old who had just missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica.
LeBron put up a double-double of 11 points and 12 assists in his first game back — and his passes looked especially sharp. He carved up the Jazz defense.
“I’m telling everybody, some of these passes, I didn’t even know he seen me cut,” Ayton said, “Just being at the right place, the right time, he’s finding you right away with sharp passes. And, like I said, he’s making your life easy.”
So easy that the Lakers pulled away in the second half for a comfortable 140-126 win over the Jazz. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 37 points and 10 assists, but tonight he was not the story.
“It was just fun to be out there with the guys, man,” LeBron said. “Like I said, it’s been rough mentally for me. It’s the first time I’ve started a basketball season and not played since I’ve started playing basketball, like, nine years old. I’ve never missed the beginning of the basketball season.”
LeBron was making history all night long. Just stepping on the court, he became the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons in the league — there were seven players on the Utah roster not even born yet when LeBron made his NBA debut.
“That just made my back hurt,” LeBron joked when told that stat.
“I was just telling him a fun fact,” Ayton said. “He threw me alley oop. I said, ‘That’s my second alley for me from you, the first one was when I was in eighth grade at your camp.’”
Then, in the second quarter, LeBron made the 2,561st regular-season 3-pointer of his career, passing Reggie Miller for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time regular-season list. (Next up on that list is Klay Thompson at 2,729, who LeBron is not likely to catch.)
However, it was LeBron’s passing that was on point all night — his 12 assists led to 28 Lakers’ points.
After looking a little rusty in his first run, LeBron settled in more in his second stint and not only drained a couple of 3-pointers but also racked up three assists, plus grabbed a couple of rebounds and was more of a presence on defense.
There were moments during the game, like when he got the ball in transition and was a freight train moving downhill, that he looked like vintage LeBron. He was also sharp on the defensive end, calling out coverages and quarterbacking on that side of the floor.
The Lakers had to come from behind in this one because Keyonte George and the Jazz came out red hot. George had 13 points in the first quarter and 23 for the half, channeling his inner Damian Lillard with his play. Lauri Markkanen was his vintage self as well — moving off the ball, getting open and knocking down shots — on his way to 31 points on the night.
The third quarter started with a Luka Doncic takeover. He scored 17 points with three assists (for six points) in the frame, accounting for 74.2% of the Lakers’ points in the frame. It helped that the Jazz cooled off from 3 in the third, shooting 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. By the end of the quarter, the Lakers had started to pull away and LeBron was at the heart of it.
At halftime, coach J.J. Redick preached defense, and it worked.
After George had 23 points in the first half and couldn’t seem to miss, the Lakers held him to six points in the second half. Utah was also 3-of-18 from beyond the arc as a team in the meaningful part of the second half. The result is the Jazz have just 36 second-half points with five minutes to go in the game (after 71 in the first half).
LeBron James begins his record 23rd NBA season with stellar playmaking in Lakers’ win over Jazz
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James certainly didn’t look like he had been away from an NBA court for nearly seven months when he began his unprecedented 23rd season Tuesday night — even if his burning lungs told him otherwise.
After reaching another landmark in what is now officially the longest career in league history, James was not at all surprised to return from his lengthy injury absence by fitting in seamlessly with the surging Los Angeles Lakers in yet another victory.
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On an injured ankle, Warriors’ Steph Curry passes Vince Carter
Despite laboring on an injured right ankle, Steph Curry still found a way to score 34 points and rise another spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during Tuesday’s game in Orlando.
The Warriors guard (25,744 points) moved past Vince Carter (25,728) to climb to No. 22 on the scoring ladder. Surpassing Carter was significant for Curry for a very personal reason. His father, Dell Curry, played with Carter for three seasons in Toronto at the end of his career.
“There are certain names that are a little more special than others, because of past history,” Curry admitted to reporters in Orlando.
Up next on the list is Kevin Garnett, who finished his career with 26,071 points. John Havlicek, Hall of Famers Paul Pierce, Tim Duncan, Dominique Wilkens and Oscar Robertson are all within 1,000 points of Curry as well, as is active guard Russell Westbrook.
Aside from the loss though, there was more bad news for Curry on what could have been a celebratory night. He told reporters he is dealing with a sore ankle that he injured against San Antonio.
“Those are the things you try to continue to play through as you try to build momentum,” Curry said. “We’re looking at how it responds, because I did it again first half tonight, but I don’t think it’s anything crazy.”
Curry has dealt with ankle injuries throughout his career, most recently in January against the Wizards.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters that he and the performance staff will “determine” whether or not the veterans — Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green — will play on Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back in Miami. All three logged more than 30 minutes against the Magic.
During the road trip, Kerr expressed a desire to give the veterans at least one day off during the trek across the country, and the older players have played in each of the five other road games.
LeBron James Officially Sets Incredible NBA Record
The return of LeBron James added even more excitement to an already fun Los Angeles Lakers season. However, James did more than just play his first game of the 2025-2026 season against the Utah Jazz. One game played made LeBron the first basketball player to play 23 total seasons in the NBA. Everyone knew James would break the record eventually this season, but he had to suit up to make it official.
Los Angeles had an outstanding game with LeBron fitting into the system of a team that has been thriving without him. Pundits feared or questioned if James would take away from Luka Doncic’s early MVP play and Austin Reaves’ All-Star stat lines. All three had great nights in a smooth victory over Utah.
LeBron was the biggest story since fans have waited a full month for the legend to make his season debut. 30 minutes of action saw James having a double double with 11 points and 12 assists. Doncic, Reaves, and Deandre Ayton all had great scoring efforts thanks to LeBron facilitating and not looking to shoot many shots.
Who Had This Record Before LeBron?
Only one other NBA player was tied with James for 22 seasons before he broke the tie against the Jazz. Vince Carter had a long career of great moments, but he turned into a role player before his 15th season and barely received minutes at the end of his 22nd. NBA teams loved having Carter on the roster as a veteran presence that played the bare minimum minutes in his final years.
LeBron played 34.9 minutes per game just last season and has already clocked in 30 minutes in his debut this season. No NBA player has ever had the longevity of King James to show why he’s on the short list of names that can be argued as the greatest of all time.
Fans still expect the highest level of greatness from LeBron, despite his significantly older age than his peers. Carter’s final game came in a shortened season due to the pandemic. James must contribute to 82 game seasons and has the pressure to help the Lakers contend as his career continues as another variable to put his record in perspective.
LeBron’s Friend Also Moving Up List
James sits at the top of the list for most seasons played with Carter right behind him. LeBron’s close friend Chris Paul also moved up the all-time list by tying Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki for third place with 21 seasons played. Unfortunately, Paul is showing the negative side of one declining quickly at the end of a career.
Clippers head coach Ty Lue barely plays Paul today and his numbers show he’s likely not going to return next season. All other players to tie Paul for third also had to settle for lesser roles in their final season. James stands above Carter, Paul, and all other names for his importance to the league.
Many fans will dub LeBron as the face of the NBA due to his popularity and his ability to still contribute at a high level. Tonight’s landmark proves that James not only deserved to set this record but that any future stars to tie or pass it are judged against the quality of his play this late into their careers.
LeBron James begins record-setting 23rd season in style in Lakers’ win
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James certainly didn’t look like he had been away from an NBA court for nearly seven months when he began his unprecedented 23rd season Tuesday night — even if his burning lungs told him otherwise.
After reaching another landmark in what is now officially the longest career in league history, James was not at all surprised to return from his lengthy injury absence by fitting in seamlessly with the surging Los Angeles Lakers in yet another victory.
James had 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds while starting and playing 29 minutes in the Lakers’ 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz, kicking off his new season with an impressive playmaking performance.
“The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys,” James said. “As the game went on, my wind got a lot better. Caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back, obviously. First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.”
That’s because not much can surprise James at this point in his basketball odyssey — not even the work necessary to overcome injuries.
The 40-year-old James had been sidelined since the start of training camp by sciatica, keeping him out of the preseason and the Lakers’ first 14 games of the regular season. James, who had never missed a season opener since he started playing organized basketball three decades ago, returned to contact basketball activity last week before participating in his first Lakers practice of the new season Monday.
James realized that some observers wondered whether his presence would disrupt the Lakers, who got off to a 10-4 start without him. The four-time NBA champion could only laugh.
“I can fit in with anybody,” James said. “I don’t even understand why that was even a question. What’s wrong with these people out here? I can fit in right away with anybody. Just watching the guys the first 14 games, I was putting myself (mentally) in position while I was watching the games of how I could help the team and how I could be successful to help those guys. I’m still able to gain a lot of eyes when I’m driving the ball or have the ball.”
About 30 minutes before tipoff, the team confirmed James would start for the 1,561st time in his 1,563rd regular-season games. He got a loud ovation when he was announced first in the Lakers’ starting lineup.
James didn’t score in his first 11 minutes on court, but soon found his rhythm. After hitting a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter, he recorded eight assists in the second half — including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter.
Deandre Ayton was visibly impressed by James’ passing during his first chance to play in a game alongside his new teammate. The Lakers’ new center noted that the alley-oop pass he threw down for a dunk was actually the second lob he had ever received from James — the first was at James’ basketball camp in Las Vegas when Ayton, a future No. 1 overall pick, was in the eighth grade.
“He played with the right spirit,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said of James. “Very unselfish all night. Was a willing passer. Didn’t force it. Took his drives and his shots when they were there. The defense is going to pay attention to him, and I just thought he made a lot of great decisions tonight. Really great to have him back.”
James said Monday that his body isn’t in ideal game shape, but he was eager to get started on his latest milestone achievement in a career packed with distinction. Redick was also impressed by James’ fitness, saying he could have played more minutes if the Lakers hadn’t already run away from Utah.
“LeBron is, for a lot of us that played with him, or some of these guys that grew up watching him, he’s a superhero,” said Redick, who played 15 NBA seasons. “What he’s been able to do in this game, there’s a handful of guys that have been able to do it.”
James is the first player ever to participate in 23 NBA seasons.
Vince Carter played in 22 seasons in a career that concluded in 2020, while five players have made it through 21 seasons: Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki and 40-year-old Chris Paul, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. Philadelphia guard Kyle Lowry is in his 20th season.
With this debut, James is now just 48 games behind Parish’s NBA record for regular-season games played (1,611). James already holds another NBA record with 1,855 regular-season and playoff games combined — 58 more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — along with the record for most total minutes played.
James has repeatedly said he isn’t assuming this season will be his last, but he also hasn’t decided whether he’ll play another year. His most recent offseason was injury-plagued, with two months of recovery after spraining his knee ligament during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to Minnesota followed by that painful bout of sciatica — pain in the nerves running from the buttocks and down the back of the legs.
James became the top scorer in NBA history in February 2023. Last March, he became the first NBA player to put up 50,000 total points in the regular season and playoffs combined.
James is a four-time NBA Finals MVP who also has four league MVP awards and 21 All-Star selections. His career began with the Cleveland Cavaliers in October 2003, a year before the birth of his oldest son and current Lakers teammate, Bronny James.
James led the Lakers to the franchise’s 17th championship in the Florida bubble in 2020. Los Angeles made the Western Conference finals again in 2023, and it won the Pacific Division title last spring after acquiring Luka Doncic, James’ self-described favorite current player, near midseason.
Los Angeles’ next game isn’t until Sunday — also against the Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Lakers will have at least two practices before then, allowing James to continue to establish his chemistry and his role.
“I don’t have to worry about chemistry,” James said. “This is a great group. Everyone enjoys being around each another, sacrificing for one another, playing for one another. (Just got to) get my wind, get my rhythm back. Missed a couple of chippies tonight that I’m used to making. But that will come around.”
Tennis World Stands Tall as 30-Year-Old ATP Pro Announces Retirement
The end of the season usually brings retirement announcements and this year is no different. Pedro Cachin, the 30-year-old Argentine has just announced his retirement from the sport. He leaves a career that had seen him achieve a career peak of World No. 48. Cachin shared an emotional post on Instagram, accompanied by a series of photos from his tennis journey over the years.
Over the course of his career, he was able to compete with legends like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as well as young stars like Carlos Alcaraz. He even won an ATP Tour singles title at the 2023 Gstaad Open. Yet, the past year had been rough, injuries and physical struggles caused his ranking to tumble to World No. 665.
In his post, Cachin spoke about what reaching World No. 48 truly represented. “48th in the world, it sounds easy, but it isn’t…,” he wrote. It’s “hours of training, travel, competition, sweat, and experiences. It was an UNFORGETTABLE journey, with many lessons along the way and with a clear goal, which at many times seemed blurry/faraway, but in the end we succeeded.”
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He also gave a shoutout to the people behind the scenes. “I was privileged to have competed in the best tournaments and courts in the world, Rafa in Madrid, Novak in Wimbledon, play Copa Davis, win an ATP, among others,” he explained. Family, friends, coaches, and fans all played a part, offering support, encouragement, and love every step of the way. “Thank you, tennis, for all the experiences and lessons,” he added.
Cachin had a commendable run in the Grand Slams, playing in the main draw of eight tournaments. His best result came at the 2022 US Open when he reached the third round.
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Interestingly enough, he also became the first player to win a singles match at the US Open using the new 10-point tiebreak format, now used when two players are tied 6-6 in the final set. Some of his most memorable matches came against the sport’s biggest stars.
Djokovic defeated him in straight sets at Wimbledon 2023, but he put up a strong fight against Nadal at the 2023 Madrid Open, taking a set off him. After the match, Cachin even asked Nadal for a shirt as a memento, and Nadal happily gave it to him. Once the post went viral, athletes across the tennis world filled his comment section with well wishes.
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Tennis stars unite with heartfelt tributes after Cachin’s farewell
Seeing Pedro Cachin’s retirement post touched many people, but it especially made Juan Martin del Potro emotional. Del Potro commented, “Congratulations Pedrito! I hope you really enjoy this new phase of your life. Thanks for being with us for such special moments.”
Their bond has always been respectful. Cachin once said Argentina had been “spoiled with [Juan Martin] Del Potro, [David] Nalbandian and [Guillermo] Coria. I think no country in the world had that,” showing how deeply he admired Del Potro as part of the country’s tennis legacy.
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Soon after, Tomas Martin Etcheverry added his own heartfelt message. He wrote, “Amazing, my brother. I wish you all the best. Above everything else, you are one of the best people I have ever met. You deserve everything.” Another touching message came from Alex Corretja Verdegay, the former world No. 2. He commented, “You were brave, you gambled hard not knowing the reward, now you know.. people ADORE you and RESPECT you (I’m the first) that’s much more important than any title, CACHIN ALWAYS IN MY TEAM, better said, ALWAYS IN MY FAMILY.”
For Cachin, this was more than praise from a legend. Corretja has been one of the most important figures in his life. Cachin has often spoken about Corretja as a father figure. After moving to Spain as a young player, far from home and family, Corretja became the one who guided him, protected him, and taught him how to think and compete at a high level. Cachin has said in interviews that Corretja shaped how he understood pressure, mindset, and maturity in the sport. For him, their bond has always been emotional, not only professional.
Support also poured in from many fellow Argentines. Federico Coria commented, “tremendous run Pedrito! Here we go Bell Ville.” Mariano Navone added, “How great you are, cackle! The best always, enjoy this new stage doc, you’ll miss the Lo.” Diego Schwartzman shared, “❤️❤️❤️ sos cra. Bienvenido al club,” which was like a warm welcome into the world after tennis.
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International stars joined in as well. Fabio Fognini commented, “Grande Pedritoooooooooo 🇦🇷❤️ Good luck and a big hug….” Messages like these showed how the tennis world appreciated Cachin. Not just for his results, but for the way he carried himself and the relationships he built.
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Some of the world’s best tennis players are putting national pride on the line this week for the 2025 Davis Cup Finals tournament.
Eight countries are taking part in this year’s Davis Cup finals tournament, including defending champions Italy, plus powerhouse tennis nations like Germany and Spain, the latter of which had world number-one Carlos Alcaraz as part of its team until the tennis star pulled out Tuesday, citing injury from last weekend’s ATP Finals match against Jannik Sinner (Sinner is also skipping the Davis Cup tournament).
Still, there’s plenty of star power at the Davis Cup, led by current world number-three Alexander Zverev of Germany, Czech Republic leader Jiří Lehečka, and Italian fan favorite Matteo Berrettini, who continues his comeback from an injury that has sidelined him for most of the last year.
At a Glance: How to Watch 2025 Davis Cup Finals
When: November 18-23
TV Channel: Tennis Channel
Stream online: DirecTV, Fubo
The Davis Cup finals run from November 18-23, taking place live from Bologna, Italy. Tennis Channel is the official Davis Cup broadcaster in the U.S. and you can watch the daily tennis matches on TV with any cable package that includes Tennis Channel.
How to Watch 2025 Davis Cup Finals Online Free
Want to watch the Davis Cup finals matches online? There are a few ways to stream the tournament online without cable, including ways to livestream the Davis Cup finals free.
The DirecTV Stream free trial lasts for five days, and you won’t be charged if you cancel before your free period is up. Or you can choose to continue on with DirecTV plans starting from just $49.99 right now for 90+ live TV channels.
Use the free trial to stream the Davis Cup finals on Tennis Channel free. Both DirecTV and Fubo let you watch the matches on your phone, computer or smart TV.
How to Watch Davis Cup Finals With a VPN
Tennis Channel is the exclusive U.S. media home of the Davis Cup Finals, and the only way to watch the Davis Cup on TV in America. Want to watch the Davis Cup from outside the U.S. or want to find a free VPN stream? Here’s what you need to know.
We like NordVPN, which has pricing starting from $2.99 right now as part of its Black Friday sale. NordVPN lets you secure up to ten devices, and the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can set your VPN to any location around the world, allowing you to also watch the Davis Cup finals on bein in France and the French-Canadian channel TVA in Canada, among other options.
2025 Davis Cup Finals Countries, Predictions
The Davis Cup Finals Group Stage featured 16 national teams in four groups, with the eight winners now moving onto this weekend’s knockout stage.
The U.S. has won the Davis Cup a record 32 times but lost to the Czech Republic this year. Italy, meantime, has won the Davis Cup two years in a row and will be looking for a three-peat, despite being without Jannik Sinner. Most oddsmakers have the Italian men as favorites to win the tournament again this year.
The other countries in the 2025 Davis Cup finals are Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Germany, France and Spain, the latter two of which are also contenders for the title.
Known as the “World Cup of Men’s Tennis,” the Davis Cup has been played since 1900 and are a counterpart to the women’s Billie Jean King Cup.
Yokohama Rubber extends official tire partnership ATP Tour through 2028
Hiratsuka, Japan—The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announces that it has renewed its official partnership agreement with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the global governing body of men’s professional tennis, and will continue to be the ATP Tour’s Official Tire Partner (a Gold Partner) through 2028.
The ATP Tour entertains a billion global fans and showcases the world’s greatest players at the most prestigious tournaments. Yokohama Rubber became the ATP Tour’s first Official Tire Partner in 2024, as part of the Company’s efforts to increase awareness of the YOKOHAMA brand and open up new sales channels in the European market.
With the renewed agreement, Yokohama Rubber will be sponsoring five tournaments in the European countries of Italy, Spain, Germany, and Monaco, including the ATP Finals, the ATP Tour’s prestigious season finale featuring only the top eight singles players and doubles teams in the annual rankings. As the ATP Tour Official Tire Partner, Yokohama Rubber will be able to use the ATP Tour logo in its sales promotion activities and enjoy on-court visibility with the YOKOHAMA logo on-site at sponsored tournaments. The YOKOHAMA logo also will be displayed on ATP Tour social networking sites (more than 9 million followers) and its official website (150 million viewers each year), thereby increasing its brand exposure.
To further strengthen opportunities to increase brand awareness, Yokohama Rubber also will serve as the new official partner of the ATP Tour’s “Hot Shot of the Month,” an ATP digital media that enables tennis fans to vote for their favorite shot from tournaments held each month. This partnership will serve as a contact point between YOKOHAMA and ATP fans around the world throughout the year.
The consumer tire strategy in Yokohama Rubber’s three-year (2024–2026) medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026), aims to maximize the sales ratios of high-value-added tires by expanding sales of YOKOHAMA’s global flagship ADVAN brand, the GEOLANDAR brand of tires for SUVs and pickup trucks, winter tires, and 18-inch and larger tires. Under the medium-term plan, Yokohama Rubber’s consumer tire business also is continuing to implement its “Product and Regional Strategies” focused on strengthening the development, supply, and sales of tires that respond to specific trends in each regional market.
ITF defends Davis Cup format amid push for full return to tradition
BENGALURU, Nov 19 (Reuters) – The International Tennis Federation believes the current Davis Cup format has strong backing in the game despite growing calls from top stars for the event to make a complete return to its roots, new Chief Executive Ross Hutchins told Reuters.
The traditional structure of home-and-away ties was scrapped in 2019 and even though elements of it were restored for earlier rounds of this year’s competition, the grumbles continued into the concluding Final 8 tournament in Bologna this week.
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Andrea Gaudenzi, chief of the ATP, which runs the men’s professional tour, has joined top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in urging a full return to the old system, and for the men’s team competition to be staggered over two years.
Texas AG opens probe into US Tennis Association over possible transgender participation
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into the U.S. Tennis Association Texas League for a possible violation of state law that prohibits biological males from competing in women’s sports.
The probe comes as Republicans nationwide push to restrict transgender participation in female athletics, arguing it’s necessary to preserve fairness and safety in competition.
ATP Pro Takes Time Off After Alarming Anxiety Scare on Tour
When this year’s Wimbledon finalist, Amanda Anisimova, took a break from tennis to focus on her mental health, many believed she would never return to the top. However, she came back with confidence, reached the year-end WTA Finals, and even played in the US Open final. She is not alone in facing such struggles. ATP star Andrey Rublev has also spoken about anxiety on court, even saying, “I don’t feel any more that crazy anxiety and stress of not understanding what to do with my life,” when reflecting on his feelings after last year’s Wimbledon. And now, a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion, Joe Salisbury, has also stepped away from the tour after experiencing an alarming anxiety scare.
Joe Salisbury, one of Britain’s most successful doubles players, has opened up about the anxiety that has been troubling him throughout the year. The 33-year-old has decided not to return to the tour before April, as his discomfort has grown stronger and led to worrying physical symptoms. He described feeling “heart palpitations, a feeling of your heart beating all around your body,” and added, “You feel like your body is almost a bit shaky, almost like your whole body is vibrating a little bit.”
Salisbury has achieved major milestones in tennis. In 2022, he became only the second British man ever to reach world No. 1 in doubles. His career also includes six GS titles, including three US Open crowns. However, despite these achievements, the anxiety continued to follow him. He has been in therapy, but it was during a break from tournaments in Asia this autumn that he realised he needed more time away from the sport.
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He explained that the anxiety often made him not want to play or compete. Much of the stress affected his stomach, causing constant nausea. “It’s definitely a lot in the stomach – you feel sick to your stomach,” he said. He also struggled with sleep and had difficulty eating properly because of the overwhelming tension. At times, he felt “almost like a feeling of dread – that something bad is going to happen.”
Despite these challenges, Salisbury’s performance on court remained strong. He recently reached the final of the ATP Finals doubles event with partner Neal Skupski. The pair beat fellow Britons Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in the semi-finals before losing 7-5, 6-3 in the final to Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten. Salisbury said, “I wouldn’t say it affected my tennis that much,” explaining that he still managed to perform well in most matches.
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But he admitted the emotional cost was heavy. “I feel like I’ve dealt with it well and managed to get myself into a good enough state on court to perform well… But I think it’s taken an extra toll emotionally and mentally to do that.”
Salisbury also said he had kept most of his struggles private. “I haven’t spoken to too many people about the struggles that I have had – mainly my team, friends and family,” he shared. He added that players often hesitate to discuss such issues because they do not want opponents to see any weakness.
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Now that he has spoken publicly, Salisbury joins a growing group of professional athletes who are open about their mental health challenges. Even before he shared his story, other ATP players had also talked about the anxiety that comes with life in competitive sports.
Grigor Dimitrov reflects honestly on his life’s darkest period
Tennis is not only about talent and physical strength. It is also a mental battle. Players often deal with pressure that pushes them beyond their limits. Many struggle with issues that fans never see. Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian star, spoke about how tough the mental side of tennis can be.
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In a press interaction last year, Dimitrov talked honestly about difficult moments in his life. He said it would be untrue to claim he never faced tough times. “I had severe moments of, you know, anxiety, panic attacks,” said Dimitrov.
Dimitrov also said it helps when athletes talk to each other. “Of course, I think, you know, it helps when you can talk to people and share. Even if it’s another tennis player, I would say we all should be more open to each other.” He believes players should not hide their struggles.
He added that tennis is a very demanding and lonely sport. “I know it’s difficult, I know it’s very individual sport, I know it’s brutal. But I mean, we are all human in general today, and we are not different than anyone else,” the 33-year-old shared. His message was clear: athletes are human too.
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His comments came soon after the world celebrated Mental Health Day. Dimitrov said he feels glad when athletes speak openly about mental stress. He said it should become more common. “We don’t speak about it often but I think we should. It’s not a weakness. I think it’s totally the opposite,” he added.
Now, as more players open up, mental health in tennis is getting more attention. With a new season arriving in a few months, the long grind of the tour is set to continue.
Parents of California high school tennis star Braun Levi file wrongful death lawsuit against alleged drunk driver that killed him
The heartbroken parents of a California high school tennis star have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver who fatally hit him while he was out for a late-night stroll with friends.
Braun Levi, 18, was walking with a friend down a boulevard in Manhattan Beach at around 1 a.m. on May 4 when an Infiniti FX35 allegedly driven by 33-year-old Jenia Resha Belt plowed into the teen and killed him.
Levi was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, just a month before he was due to graduate from Loyola High School.
Belt — who was driving with a suspended license following a prior DUI arrest — had a blood alcohol level nearly two times the legal limit at the time of the crash, according to court records obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities arrested the alleged drunk driver at the scene, but after being released on June 4, Belt has yet to be formally charged with a crime relating to Levi’s death.
Now, after months of battling with their grief, Levi’s parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Belt for $200 million in damages.
“Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life,” the teen’s mother, Jennifer Levi, said.
“This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”
Levi’s parents said the money won in the lawsuit will go to the “Live Like Braun Foundation” — a scholarship fund they founded following their son’s death that will also help support public tennis centers and raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
The lawsuit claims Belt visited a bar in Hermosa Beach and consumed “excessive quantities of alcohol” before driving.
“Defendant Belt voluntarily commenced and thereafter continued to consume alcoholic beverages to the point of intoxication, knowing from the outset that she must thereafter operate a motor vehicle,” the wrongful death lawsuit claims.
Belt then allegedly “willfully chose to operate the vehicle while intoxicated and at an unsafe, excessive speed,” striking Levi and inflicting “severe bodily and head injuries that ultimately caused his death.”
The lawsuit further claims officers who arrived at the crash scene detected the odor of alcohol on the 33-year-old and she allegedly admitted to drinking before the fatal crash.
The suit also states she was a “repeat offender drunk driver,” with a prior arrest and prosecution for DUI involving an injury collision.
LA County court records indicate she faced DUI charges from a November 25, 2023, incident involving injuries, the LA Times reported.
However, the DUI charges were dropped as part of a September 2024 plea deal, with Belt pleading no contest to a misdemeanor count of hit-and-run with property damage, the Westside Current reported.
Under the plea agreement, Belt’s driver’s license was reportedly suspended, and she received a one-year probation sentence.
The suit claims that despite these prior incidents and completing classes on the dangers of drunk driving, “[Belt] nevertheless willfully chose to operate her vehicle while severely intoxicated, in conscious disregard for the safety of others.”
Before Levi’s life was cut short, he was gearing up to play tennis at the University of Virginia following his graduation from high school.
He was also killed just months after his family relocated to the area after losing their home in the wildfires that devastated vast swaths of Los Angeles in January.
Longtime Korn Ferry Event Makes Surprise Jump to PGA Tour Americas
The Wichita Open, a long-standing fixture on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule, is set to depart the circuit after this year and will instead join the newly-formed PGA Tour Americas starting in 2026.
The move signals both the evolving landscape of developmental tours and the increasing influence of PGA Tour-connected pathways outside the traditional U.S. route.
For decades, the Wichita Open has provided a launching pad for up-and-coming professional golfers. Now, by shifting to PGA Tour Americas–a tour designed to span the Western Hemisphere and provide access toward the main PGA Tour–the event is positioning itself differently in the global golf development ecosystem.
“From the community support to the fan and player experience, the Wichita Open has created a legacy that sets it up for immediate success on PGA Tour Americas,” president of PGA Tour Americas and Korn Ferry Tour, Alex Baldwin, said. “For over 30 years, the future stars of the PGA Tour have competed in Wichita and we are excited to see that tradition continue as an event on PGA Tour Americas.”
Why the Change?
One major reason behind the shift appears to be strategic alignment. The PGA Tour Americas is an emerging tour intended to strengthen the funnel from global talent into the PGA Tour ecosystem, offering opportunities in regions like Latin America, Canada and the U.S. track that align with international growth. By joining PGA Tour Americas, the Wichita Open can leverage that pipeline.
From the Korn Ferry side, it continues its role but likely with slightly changed contours; the loss of a prominent event like Wichita may reflect the Tour’s own evolution or realignment of markets and geography.
For the Wichita Open organizers, the opportunity seems clear: aligning themselves with the broader PGA Tour brand offers greater visibility, potential upward mobility for its champions, and perhaps an edge in sponsorship and broadcast exposure. In a world where tour status and positioning matter almost as much as performance, the move may give players entering through the Wichita event a different kind of pathway.
“The bottom line was what can we do to keep the tournament here and continue to elevate it into something that this community is proud of?” tournament director, Dusty Buell, said. “Every decision we make is guided by the principles of, ‘This is for the people of Wichita, Kansas.’ So we’re very excited and happy that PGA Tour golf is going to be in Wichita now and for the foreseeable future.”
Impact on Players & the Competitive Ecosystem
For the players, the change could carry substantial implications. Historically, the Wichita Open has been part of the Korn Ferry Tour’s schedule, offering players a chance to earn points and secure status or advancement toward the PGA Tour.
Some players may see this as a positive: playing in a tour with clearer links to major-tour status, perhaps less saturated competition, or new growth opportunities. Others may view it as uncertain: the Korn Ferry Tour remains the traditional path to the PGA Tour, and shifting away could mean different risk-reward mathematics.
It also changes the narrative around the event: rather than simply being another stop on the Korn Ferry calendar, the Wichita Open becomes part of a bigger strategic initiative. That may draw in more media attention and stronger sponsor investment, all of which feed back into how developmental golf tournaments are valued.
“One thing we are very happy about is that we don’t have to raise prices,” Buell said. “We can put on the same, exact tournament. We’re still going to entertain the professional golfers that come to Wichita and we’re not going to have to jack up prices. So when you come to the tournament, other than a certain level of golfer, you’re not going to know that anything has changed. That was very important to us.”
Kyle Larson Reveals Why His Second NASCAR Cup Title Felt So Different
“I’m just blessed to be a part of this group. Every single man or woman at Hendrick Motorsports, this win is for all of us, and every one of you. This is unbelievable. I’m speechless.” Those words from Kyle Larson captured the raw joy after winning his first title in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway, where he dominated by leading 101 laps. It was a dream run for ‘Yung Money’ at Hendrick Motorsports, where he won the title in his very first season with Mr. H’s team, securing ten wins in the process.
Fast forward to 2025, and Larson’s path to a second crown was contrasting to his first title win, as he led no laps in the final race, yet a third-place finish sealed it amid tire troubles and a late caution. The No. 5 Chevy, which was not the fastest car on the field that day, made Larson lean on strategy more than speed, a far cry from 2021’s domination. This shift in how victory unfolded this second time hinted at deeper contrast of the moment. What made crossing that line feel worlds apart this time?
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A calm and silent victory lap
The real difference hit when Larson crossed the checkered flag third and sealed his second title, as Larson unpacked on NASCAR Live. “It was a bit different than the first championship we had,” he recalled. “I remember being just as excited crossing the start-fine line. Cliff came on the radio. Rick Hendrick came on the radio. NASCAR came on the radio. This time, like, my spotter yelled across the start-finish line, I did my yelling, and then it was just silence.”
In 2021, the radio buzzed with cheers from crew chief Cliff Daniels and team owner Rick Hendrick right away when Larson stamped his victory by crossing first at Phoenix Raceway, fueling Larson’s tearful gratitude. But four years later, the same title-winning moments felt a bit quiet. But what must be the reason behind that quiet stretch?
As Larson revealed the reason, stating, “You know, and nobody talked, because I think everybody was just surprised and screaming off of the radio, and yeah, so that was just an odd difference in feeling,” he explained, painting a picture in his mind of what might be happening in the pit box that he could only imagine from afar and could not be a part of the excitement at that moment.
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But after the dust settled a little bit after the post-race celebration, Larson said, “I mean, really, I’m just speechless. I can’t believe it. We had an average car at best. We had the right front (tire) go down, lost a lap. Got saved by the caution,” Larson said post-race, echoing the surprise of turning an average car at its best into gold.
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That 2021 beast helped Larson dominate the Phoenix Finale, leading out front for the final 25 laps to secure the title. But 2025? A tire issue dropped him early, and a late caution got him back in the mix, all while Denny Hamlin led 208 laps in vain.
Larson’s silence and calmness on those final two laps showed the chaotic nature of the moment, as he states, “I don’t know, I feel like typically in a normal race like then, I would be more nervous and anxious and excited, and I don’t know, I just felt pretty calm and ready for the restart. Like, I wasn’t nervous; I was just ready to try and execute what I needed to do to try and stay in front of Denny.”
Larson remembers his spotter’s frantic calls in those final two laps that kept him locked in about what was happening in the moment and didn’t let his mind be distracted by the pressure or nervousness about the race result. Those two laps “flew by so fast,” which was a different feeling for Larson because usually in pressure moments, time seems to pass by very slowly, but not this time.
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And all these moments during the final moments and after the checkered flag falls make this 2025 title even more memorable for Larson. “It will help me kind of remember it forever.” He is referring to the moments that made this trophy even more special.
Keeping the fire lit without track time
NASCAR’s shrinking practice sessions, with just 20 minutes or none, force drivers to adapt and find ways to keep their skills sharp for those Cup runs. And Kyle Larson beats the rust by diving into offseason dirt tracks, a habit that’s kept him sharp since joining Hendrick in 2021. His 2025 title, with only three wins all year, leaned very much on that prep. Larson often prioritizes real-wheel feel across midgets and sprint cars to keep his instincts sharp.
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“Yeah, it’s definitely interesting in NASCAR. Everybody probably has their own way of doing it. For me, that’s why I race in the offseason. I love to race, but I also use it as a kind of a tool to stay sharp, and you get less cobwebs when you get to the Clash,” Larson said. This approach paid off in Phoenix, where quick recoveries echoed his dirt-honed instincts. No skipped winters for him; it’s pure passion meeting strategy.
He maps it out tight: “Hopefully, if the weather breaks, we’ll get to race midgets this weekend at Placerville, and then I’ll be back in a couple of weeks for a Turkey night in Ventura. Then I go to Australia for a weekend over New Year’s and then the Tulsa shootout.” These back-to-back races build muscle memory, which will help Larson in the crunch or pressure moments in Cup runs.
One example of this is when Larson himself admitted he did not feel any pressure or anything like that in the final two laps of the title finale. That’s the time when these back-to-back races help a driver to stay calm and composed and rely on their skill. Perhaps the reigning champ is already laying the groundwork to defend his title in 2026.
Austin Cindric Calls Gen 3 Supercars Better Than NASCAR’s Next Gen Gamble
Austin Cindric, the Team Penske NASCAR driver, made headlines a couple of months ago when he signed on for a wildcard entry in Australia’s Repco Supercars Championship. Fresh off his laps in a Gen3 Ford Mustang at Sandown Raceway, the 27-year-old sounded genuinely pumped about the car’s feel during prep for the Adelaide Grand Final on November 27-30. And this new adventure of Cindric got him comparing the Gen3 and NASCAR’s next-gen cars.
With his Adelaide debut just weeks away, Cindric runs with Gen3 specs, exposing NASCAR’s next-gen gamble in the name of parity. And from all those comparisons, one standout comparison is starting to turn heads in the paddock.
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Gen3 edges out next gen’s parity push
In a recent chat with V8 Sleuth, Austin Cindric didn’t hold back on his Gen3 Supercar debut. “It drives a lot better,” he said plainly after acknowledging the lighter, grippier Tickford Mustang at Sandown. As a supercar, being 100 kg lighter than the next-gen cars, it packs more overbody downforce, which results in exceptional tire grip.
That edge shines brightest on tracks like Sandown, where kerbs can make or break a lap. “The current generation Cup car is a lot more rigid,” Cindric explained. “Like, I’ve really had to talk myself into using the kerb as much as I can with this car. Yeah, it has a bigger effect on the driver, but the car still stays gripped up, whereas if I hit some of these kerbs in a Cup car, I’d be in the blue tent!”
Cindric also noticed a few similar characteristics between Gen3 and Next Gen cars, like both cars’ rear grip limits under braking. But the Gen3’s less rigid nature lets drivers push harder without the constant fear of a spin. This came during a low-key ride day post-Sandown 500, where he focused on building rhythm and knowing the Gen3 car’s technique before the race, as he doesn’t have any lap times left.
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Penske NASCAR regular says Gen3 Supercar “drives a lot better” than current-generation Cup car.#RepcoSChttps://t.co/4p4rTE8XWM
— V8 Sleuth (@V8Sleuth) November 17, 2025
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In 2022, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen as a big bet on parity by slashing costs and standardizing parts to level the field for smaller teams. But even after three seasons in, it’s drawing criticism for letting deep-pocketed outfits like Penske and Hendrick Motorsports move further ahead in the competition because the resource gaps in setup and sim work widen the win margins. Cindric’s words echo that frustration, spotlighting how the Gen3 keeps battles tight without punishing bold moves.
As the first full-time NASCAR Cup guy in the series since 2019’s Bathurst cameos, Cindric’s honest take could spark more drivers moving to supercars to taste the Gen3 cars’ riding thrill.
Cindric’s wildcard participation in this event stems directly from how one Kiwi’s supercar ride gave him a strong advantage on the road course in the NASCAR Cup Series.
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SVG’s road course rampage fuels supercars crossover
Shane van Gisbergen‘s dominant run on road courses in the Cup Series has everyone in the garage buzzing about Supercars talent. The Kiwi joined Trackhouse Racing full-time in 2024, and since then, he has won five of six road course starts as a rookie, which is a feat that even veterans cannot fathom.
Cindric credits SVG’s dominance for creating an interest in the NASCAR drivers to try out these Supercars events. Cindric said, “I think the fact that he’s kicking everybody’s ass on road courses makes them more aware of Supercars. That’s the bottom line.” It’s no minor achievement for SVG, as his wins at places like Sonoma and the Chicago street race showed how Supercars’ road-racing DNA made him dominate NASCAR’s road courses.
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Before SVG, these types of crossovers were rare, but his success and also cameos from Scott McLaughlin made NASCAR drivers eye wildcard entries in events like Tickford’s Adelaide to race in Supercars. But Cindric, who is a lifelong fan who’s followed the series since childhood, sees it as a win for the sport. “I mean, I’ve been aware of the championship my whole life and been a big fan,” he added, “but as far as within our industry, I think you take an awareness any time you’re getting beat.”
With added perks like family holidays and an opportunity to meet new sponsors, Cindric’s three-week tour there sets a template for drivers like Kyle Larson to participate in these events as well.
Fantasy football Week 12 QB Rankings
Key Points
Injuries and byes reduce available starting quarterbacks for fantasy football this week.
Managers may be forced to rely on midtier options and adjust for safety and volume.
Check back throughout the week for updates.
This week’s quarterback rankings start with a reality check … you’re dealing with a shrinking pool of healthy starters. C.J. Stroud remains out with a concussion for the Houston Texans, Michael Penix Jr. just hit injured reserve for the Atlanta Falcons, and Jayden Daniels is still rehabbing a dislocated elbow for the Washington Commanders, who at least gets the bye week to further heal.
On top of that, Bo Nix, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa are all on bye, along with the rest of the Washington quarterback room. You’ll need to dig deeper into midtier options, stay flexible, and be ready to bump up safer volume plays.
Week 12 Fantasy QB Rankings
Quarterback rankings: Week 12RkPlayerPosTmOppTier 11Matthew StaffordQBLARTB2Lamar JacksonQBBALNYJ3Jared GoffQBDETNYGTier 24Jalen HurtsQBPHI@DAL5Drake MayeQBNE@CIN6Dak PrescottQBDALPHI7Josh AllenQBBUF@HOUTier 38Jacoby BrissettQBARIJAC9Patrick MahomesQBKCIND10Brock PurdyQBSFCAR11Jameis WinstonQBNYG@DET12Caleb WilliamsQBCHIPITTier 413Sam DarnoldQBSEA@TEN14Baker MayfieldQBTB@LAR15Daniel JonesQBIND@KC16Trevor LawrenceQBJAC@ARI17Joe FlaccoQBCINNETier 518Tyler ShoughQBNOATL19Mason RudolphQBPIT@CHI20Davis MillsQBHOUBUF21Jordan LoveQBGBMIN22J.J. McCarthyQBMIN@GBTier 623Geno SmithQBLVCLE24Tyrod TaylorQBNYJ@BAL25Shedeur SandersQBCLE@LVINJBryce YoungQBCAR@SF27Cam WardQBTENSEA28Kirk CousinsQBATL@NOINJDillon GabrielQBCLE@LVINJJaxson DartQBNYG@DETINJAaron RodgersQBPIT@CHIOUTC.J. StroudQBHOUBUFIRMichael Penix Jr.QBATL@NOIRJoe BurrowQBCINNEIRJacoby BrissettQBARIJAC—Bo NixQBDENBYE—Justin HerbertQBLACBYE—Tua TagovailoaQBMIABYE—Jayden DanielsQBWASBYE—Marcus MariotaQBWASBYE
Green: Player moved up in the latest rankings update.
Red: Player moved down in the latest rankings update.
0.1 point per rushing yard
6 points per rushing TD
0.05 points per passing yard
4 points per passing TD
-1 point per interception thrown
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Veteran fantasy football expert Cory Bonini will publish and update free fantasy football PPR rankings with tiers throughout the season. He also has your back for working the waiver wire, playing the right sleepers, avoiding lineup-killing busts, navigating injuries, cashing prop bets, and more!
About the author
Cory Bonini
Fantasy Sports Managing Editor
Since 2002, Bonini has been a leading fantasy football expert, featured in Sports Weekly, Pro Forecast, Cheat Sheets, and Fantasy Index magazines, with frequent appearances on ESPN Radio, SiriusXM, and various podcasts.
NFL legend LeSean McCoy reveals most treasured memory from Harrisburg childhood. It wasn’t football
It was a full-circle moment for former NFL great LeSean “Shady” McCoy.
He returned home to Harrisburg on Tuesday to address the Harrisburg Area YMCA’s annual meeting as it celebrated 171 years of service to the community. Three decades ago, one of the inner-city kids the Y served was a six-year-old McCoy.
“This is where it all started, the YMCA,” McCoy, 37, told the capacity crowd at the National Civil War Museum. “I’ve had a lot of years with the YMCA, for sure. This is like a big family, a big extended family.”
In fact, McCoy said he spotted old faces in the crowd of board members, staff, directors and volunteers who he once knew as childhood friends, their bonds formed at the Camp Curtin YMCA on North Sixth Street in the city’s Uptown where McCoy grew up.
“A lot of guys back here are guys that I remember competing against in the YMCA. And we’re going back like, I don’t know, six years old, five years old, eight years old. As a kid, the YMCA was everything,” McCoy said.
It’s where a young boy first experienced confidence.
“The YMCA gave me a sense of power,” he recalled. “It was a place that I could go.”
It’s where McCoy first experienced adult caring outside of his own family.
“There were people and staff members that cared, and they would ask me questions out of love. ‘Hey, did you eat today?’ ‘Did you shower the night before?’ ‘Do you have a place, a home to live at? And I’m like, ‘Man, these people, they care if I ate today’.”
It’s also where McCoy said he experienced one of his most treasured memories from childhood — and it had nothing to do with football. Read on for the big reveal.
YMCA officials made clear in remarks prior to McCoy’s address that children are still being asked those same questions at places like Camp Curtain, which is slated to be expanded, with construction beginning soon.
YMCA President and CEO David Ozmore said the five Y branches served more children than ever this past year – an estimated 200,000 individuals regardless of age, income, or background.
“For 171 years, the Y has been a place where everyone belongs and where lives are changed every day,” Ozmore said.
McCoy credited the Y with helping develop his athletic skills, before going on to star at Bishop McDevitt High as a running back. Early on, McCoy’s interests almost went in a different direction when he took second place in a talent show at Camp Curtain at age 8.
“I remember just having so much fun,” McCoy said.
And while the former running back won two Super Bowls, played in six Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL’s All Decade Team, McCoy said a rite of passage that occurred at the Y ranks right up there with all his football firsts.
“I think about all my first time moments, right? But I remember in the YMCA, I got my first kiss. As a 37-year-old kid that’s done a lot in his career, I think back to that,” he said, as the crowd roared with laughter.
Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round in 2009, McCoy played a dozen NFL seasons, including stints with the Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His two Super Bowl rings came with the Chiefs in 2019 and Buccaneers in 2020. The next year, he retired as an Eagle, where he still stands as the team’s all-time leading rusher with 6,792 yards.
In warm introductory remarks, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams hailed McCoy as “one of the most electrifying running backs in NFL history.” But she said he’s an even better person who “has never forgotten where he came from.”
Williams lauded what she called McCoy’s multi-million-dollar investments in affordable housing developments across the city of Harrisburg.
“He is opening doors of opportunity for families who deserve a safe and dignified place to live,” she said. “I have known Shady for many years. And personally, I can tell you that what you saw on the field — his drive, his energy, his passion — he brings to every project, every partnership and every community initiative that he touches.”
Through his real estate development company, Vice Capital, McCoy launched a $16.7 million affordable housing project in Uptown Harrisburg. It includes 41 affordable units and a community center. McCoy also continues charitable efforts through his Shades of Greatness Foundation.
In his remarks, McCoy credited the Y for helping shape the person he is today.
“I could have been in a lot of different places, I don’t know, with maybe bad friends or bad influences,” he told the crowd. “But instead, I was going to the YMCA where we were having different activities and things to do.”
Fittingly, when a large ladder went missing on one of McCoy’s construction sites located near the Camp Curtain Y, a director he remembers from his childhood there helped get it back.
“One of my favorite directors for the YMCA, he said, ‘I got to get (LeSean) his ladder back. He’s doing great things for the community’.” McCoy recounted. “Sure enough … he found out who took the ladder.”
It’s just another of McCoy’s countless YMCA connections that continue to enrich his life and the community he still calls ‘home.’
Kay Adams Calls Out What Might Be the ‘Worst’ Trade in NFL History
If not for the drama, the Pittsburgh Steelers would probably miss George Pickens.
“I think that trading George Pickens is probably going to go down as one of the worst deals in NFL history — and I mean that,” Adams said Tuesday on “Up & Adams.” “And I’m sorry to the Steelers. I just think it’s true. And the best from the Dallas perspective. Like, what a haul. It is so clear. It is so glaringly obvious watching George Pickens last night.”
During a 34-12 home win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, tailback Kenneth Gainwell paced the Steelers with 81 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions. Pickens, meanwhile, starred for America’s Team on Monday night, hauling in nine passes for 144 yards and a score.
“They’re trying to find any semblance of consistency and rhythm outside of DK (Metcalf) in the passing game,” Adams said of the Steelers, who are still waiting for Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson to break out. “It just doesn’t exist. And you’re looking at George out there, looking cool AF. … He’s doing it as a vertical threat. He’s doing it with his YAC. He really looks unstoppable out there.”
Pickens has posted 908 receiving yards entering Week 12. Only the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1,146) has more. With the Steelers, Metcalf has been keyed in on by opposing defenses.
Ja’Marr Chase suspension upheld by NFL for Bengals vs. Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will miss his team’s Week 12 game against the New England Patriots after his one-game suspension was upheld, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Chase was suspended one game for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey. Chase subsequently appealed the suspension, but his appeal was denied, according to the report.
This is the first suspension of Chase’s NFL career and he’ll lose a total of $507,156, which is his weekly paycheck and active bonus combined.
Chase’s appeal was reportedly heard by former Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson.
The Bengals (3-7) host the Patriots (9-2) at Paycor Stadium on Nov. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS/Local 12 (WKRC-TV.
NFL Makes Final Decision on Ja’Marr Chase’s Suspension After Bengals WR Appealed $507K Punishment
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will officially face a one-game suspension as the NFL upheld the disciplinary ruling for spitting on Steelers’ defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
Michael Signora, the NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communication, confirmed the punishment.
“Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase,” Signora shared.
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Chase’s appeal was reviewed by Nelson on Tuesday, locking in the penalty. He’s set to miss their next game against the Patriots. In addition, he will have to $500,000 as a fine, per Adam Schefter’s report.
Former Alabama defensive back gets another NFL opportunity
Safety Marcus Banks is getting another NFL opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after signing with the team for the third time.
The Bucs added Banks to their practice squad on Tuesday, the NFL team announced.
After joining Tampa Bay as an undrafted rookie in 2024, Banks spent the entire campaign on the Buccaneers’ practice squad without playing in a regular-season game.
After the season, Tampa Bay signed Banks to a reserve/future in January, but early in training camp, the defensive back sustained a quadriceps injury. The Bucs placed Banks on injured reserve on Aug. 1 and waived him with an injury settlement one week later.
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Banks played the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons at Alabama before finishing his college career at Mississippi State in 2022 and 2023.
Banks got his only college interception in his only start at Alabama – the Crimson Tide’s 48-14 victory over Mercer on Sept. 11, 2021.
Tampa Bay plays the Los Angeles Rams at 7:20 p.m. CST Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. NBC will televise the game.
NFL’s decision on Ja’Marr Chase suspension was the right call
The NFL has heard the arguments from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase regarding his spitting incident against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It did not buy what he was trying to sell.
Nor should it have.
NFL upholds one-game suspension for Ja’Marr Chase
Chase immediately appealed the one-game suspension the NFL handed down for spitting on Steelers safety Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s game, but on Tuesday night hearing officer Jordy Nelson upheld the league’s initial decision.
That means Chase, the Bengals’ best wide receiver and one of their best players overall, will miss Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
It was the only decision that made sense. Especially given the precedent they set early this season involving Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Prior to this season the NFL did not treat spitting incidents as a suspension-worthy offense, only issuing fines for them. But the league is attempting to crack down on unsportsmanlike conduct incidents, and spitting is pretty clearly high on the list.
The season began with Carter being ejected from their season opener following a spitting incident involving Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Even though the NFL did not suspend Carter beyond that, it viewed his ejection as serving as a one-game suspension because he never actually played a snap in the game.
Chase’s incident happened late in the fourth quarter after he had played nearly a full game, and also received no penalty or ejection for it.
Ramsey was ejected from the game for punching Chase in response.
It is the type of thing the NFL — and all sports leagues — should have zero tolerance for and punish harshly. It goes beyond the game and has nothing to do with the physical nature of the game. It’s not a heat of the moment punch. Or a borderline play that produces a dirty or illegal hit because of the speed of the game. It is a blatant act of disrespect that takes thought and effort to do.
The fact Chase denied doing it, took no accountability for it and had a lame excuse for doing it despite clear video evidence showing that he did it, only adds to the issue for him. He deserves to sit a game for it. Now he will.
NFL Makes Final Call On Ja’Marr Chase Punishment
The NFL has decided to uphold the one game suspension handed to Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase is being suspended for spitting on Jalen Ramsey of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of their week 11 matchup.
The star wide receiver appealed the suspension, but the NFL’s senior vice president of football & international communications Michael Signora confirmed that his appeal was denied.
Former NFL wide receiver Jordy Nelson was the hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. Nelson was responsible for denying the appeal.
Chase spit on Ramsey after a jawing match between the two in the fourth quarter.
Chase was adamant in his postgame press availability that he didn’t spit on Ramsey, but video footage clearly showed otherwise.
“I ain’t ever open my mouth to that guy,” Chase said.
His hilariously odd way of phrasing that statement and then almost immediately being proven wrong has made Chase a very easy punchline on social media in the last couple of days.
Bengals to Face New England Without Chase
Cincinnati will host the 9-2 New England Patriots this weekend without their star wide receiver in action. Chase struggled in the Steelers game in which the spitting incident occurred, catching just three of his 10 targets for 30 yards.
That lackluster performance doesn’t mean Cincinnati won’t miss him this weekend as they continue to play with desperation in order to give Joe Burrow something to play for when he returns.
Chase would have been matched up with one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL against the Patriots in Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez will now more than likely be put on Tee Higgins, who is no slouch himself.
Higgins is one of only three consistent receivers on the Bengals roster, along with Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Outside of those three, the only other wide receiver who has touched the stat sheet has been Mitchell Tinsley, who has caught just three passes this season. With Chase out, Tinsley should see more playing time, though Higgins and Iosivas will likely command the bulk of targets from Joe Flacco.
Second “Spit-Gate” of the NFL Season
Ja’Marr Chase spitting on Jalen Ramsey is unfortunately the second incident of it’s kind in the NFL this season. The first came before the first snap from scrimmage of the NFL season in week one, when Philadelphia Eagles DL Jalen Carter spit on Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
Carter was ejected from that game and handed a $57,222 fine. He didn’t face any additional suspension, as the NFL determined that since he missed the entire game against the Cowboys, it served as a pseudo-suspension.
Chase wasn’t actually kicked out of the game, as the spit was only revealed in video footage after the game. Ramsey WAS ejected for punching Chase after the spit, but will face no additional punishment.
Raiders Receive Brutal Message Over Ashton Jeanty Decision
The Las Vegas Raiders‘ rough 2025 NFL season dragged on with a fourth straight defeat, a 33-16 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on November 17 at Allegiant Stadium.
What stood out most was how little the ground game offered. Ashton Jeanty finished with six carries for seven yards, and the offense managed just 27 rushing yards overall.
After the Raiders selected Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, many assumed that Las Vegas would make him a key part of their offense, but that hasn’t been the case.
As a result, NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio is questioning the decision to spend a high pick on a player like Jeanty if they didn’t have the proper pieces in place to help him.
“You use the sixth overall pick on a player, and it reminded me of when the Jets signed Le’Veon Bell,” Florio said on the November 18 edition of “Pro Football Talk Live.” “You don’t build a team from the outside in; you build it from the inside out, [and] you don’t go get a potential game-breaking running back if you don’t have the pieces to get the most out of them.
“If you don’t have an offensive line, it doesn’t matter. And he’s not Barry Sanders. Barry Sanders didn’t need an offensive line. I remember as the draft was approaching, Chris Simms pointed out Ashton Jeanty looked dominant, but when you put him up against Penn State, it wasn’t the same as it was against the teams Boise State usually plays.
“So you bring him to the NFL, and maybe he’s not going to be that game breaker. You need the other pieces in place to let a great running back be great.”
Should the Raiders Regret Drafting Ashton Jeanty?
Florio followed up those remarks about drafting Jeanty by stating that Las Vegas should’ve traded down to secure more draft picks while selecting a player who can genuinely help right away without needing other pieces around him to function.
“They could have traded down,“ Florio added. “When you look at the holes on that roster, they were in a prime spot with the sixth pick. Trade down. Get more picks. Get more players. Build your team from the inside out, not the outside in. And in hindsight, that really was a mistake.”
Ashton Jeanty Sounds Off After Latest Raiders Loss
With the Raiders out of playoff contention, the focus should be on giving rookies meaningful experience to prepare for 2026. That hasn’t happened, though. After the loss, Jeanty discussed his limited opportunities running the ball against the Cowboys and the challenges he’s facing in his rookie season.
Caesars Sportsbook promo code for NBA, NHL betting on Tuesday, Nov. 18
Interested bettors can sign up with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code CBS20X and receive 20 100% profit boosts after placing a first bet of $1 or more on any of the top NBA, NHL or college basketball games on Tuesday, including Grizzlies vs. Spurs, Devils vs. Lightning and Kansas vs. Duke. Click here to sign up for Caesars Sportsbook to bet on Tuesday’s games:
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Best bets for Tuesday, Nov. 18
One of the top games of Tuesday night is a national broadcast between the Grizzlies and Spurs in Western Conference action. After making it out of the Play-In Tournament and into the postseason last year, the Grizzlies are off to an incredibly poor start, having gone 4-10 in the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign. Trade rumors have been swirling around star guard Ja Morant, who is now in his seventh season, and to make matters more complicated for Memphis, he’ll be out of action after suffering a calf strain in the team’s last loss against the Cavaliers. San Antonio is 9-4 and is among the top teams in the West, and the Spurs are coming off a win over Sacramento, which snapped a two-game losing streak, both of which were against Golden State. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, is big on Memphis in this matchup, including on the money line where the Grizzlies win in 50% of simulations at plus money.
Over on the ice, the top team in the Eastern Conference is in action as the Devils head to Tampa Bay for a date with the Lightning. New Jersey has 27 points on the year, which is best in the East and tied for second in the entire NHL. The Devils have won four of five entering this contest while securing a point in the lone loss over that stretch with an overtime defeat against the Islanders. The Lightning have played better of late, winning seven of their last 10, but they enter sixth of the eight teams in the Atlantic Division, an unfamiliar sight for what’s been one of the league’s more consistent franchises. The model sees value in backing the Devils on the money line as Jersey wins in 43% of simulations to return value at the current odds.
Bet Grizzlies-Spurs, Devils-Lightning and more at Caesars Sportsbook here:
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BetMGM bonus code for NBA, NHL, Champions Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 18
Bettors looking to place wagers on the NBA, NHL or college basketball on Tuesday can check out the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to get $150 in bonus bets when your first wager of $10 or more wins or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your qualifying wagers lose, depending on the state you live in. There are also two college football matchups to wager on, both of which kick off at 7 p.m. ET. Sign up for BetMGM Sportsbook to get bonus bets for Tuesday’s games:
For a full breakdown of terms and conditions for both offers, check out the BetMGM bonus code review page.
Best bets for Tuesday, Nov. 18
One of the best stories to start the 2025-26 NBA season has been the Detroit Pistons, who have won 10 in a row despite missing some key rotation players over the last few games. Detroit has gotten big contributions from Paul Reed, Javonte Green and Daniss Jenkins as they navigate this stretch of injuries. The Atlanta Hawks have been on fire as well, winning their last five ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Pistons. Trae Young remains sidelined for Atlanta, while Detroit is on the second night of a back-to-back set. The SportsLine Projection Model has the Pistons winning their 11th game in a row, as they top the Hawks in 56% of simulations.
The Chicago Blackhawks might finally be making headway with their rebuild. They had a three-game winning streak snapped by the New Jersey Devils but got back on track with a 3-2 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’ll have a chance to make it two in a row when they host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. The Flames have struggled mightily to start the season, thanks in large part to an anemic offense which has put in just 43 goals in 20 games. The Blackhawks in tonight’s game in 63% of SportsLine model simulations, good for an
Ducks emerge from OT thriller atop taut division race
ANAHEIM –– Monday’s thrilling overtime win on the heels of a buzzer beater put the Ducks back in first place, but back-to-back hosting duties could jostle teams, jockey positions and jumble the standings anew.
The Ducks will welcome the Boston Bruins on Wednesday and Ottawa Senators on Thursday for an Atlantic Division double dip.
On Monday, the Ducks’ 3-2 win over the Utah Mammoth unseated the Kings from their precarious perch atop the Pacific. But just a week earlier, the Kings were outside the playoff picture entirely and a month before that they had been tied for 30th among 32 teams.
In all, 10 franchises had an identical point total of 22 points Tuesday morning, including Ottawa. Twenty-one clubs, including Boston with 24, had totals between 20 and 24 points.
“This is probably as tight as I’ve seen it,” said 67-year-old Ducks coach Joel Quenneville, whose time in the NHL dates to the 1970s. “Everybody’s in it. It’s unbelievable. Everybody’s one, two, three or four games over .500. You look like you’re out of the playoffs, but you’re only a couple points out of first place, and that changes every day.”
The Ducks had the fifth-highest points percentage and total in the NHL, but were four seconds away from coming up empty-handed and losing a fourth straight game when Troy Terry came up with an equalizer. A wise-beyond-his-years play by Beckett Sennecke set up Olen Zellweger’s overtime winner to complete the comeback, getting the Ducks on track after their league-leading offense had gone dim during their three-game funk.
“Any time you win, especially in that fashion, it gives you even more energy and momentum. As a team, I hope we take that and keep running with it,” Terry said. “We were scoring so much to start the year, and now, hopefully, getting back on the right side of things can slingshot us offensively.”
Quenneville and Terry remarked that contests were more competitive with opponents raising their level from the earlier going.
“You can feel the desperation in these games now,” Terry said. “It’s the same for us. A week ago, we were on a [seven-game winning] streak and then all of a sudden, (against Utah), it felt like, I don’t want to say it was a must-win game in November, but it felt that way.”
He added: “Our maturity as a group is starting to get there, which is kind of the biggest difference.”
Ottawa and particularly Boston have had their share of spikes and dips. The Senators most recently had their seven-game points streak snapped by the Kings in a 1-0 snooze north of the border. Boston started its campaign with three wins in a row, then dropped six straight in regulation before balancing it out with a chain of seven victories under first-year head coach Marco Sturm.
Boston at Ducks
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Honda Center
TV: Victory+
Ottawa at Ducks
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Honda Center
Emil Andrae’s Flyers prospects looking up after Adam Ginning loan
The writing has been on the wall.
Five days ago, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet was asked about defenseman Adam Ginning, who has not suited up for a game since Oct. 25.
“I talked to [Flyers general manager Danny Brière] today. We’ve got to figure something out here, because we can’t have this guy [without] activity,” said the Flyers head coach then. “I hate having guys sit long periods of time, wherever it is, so we talked about it. We have to have a game plan.”
The game plan materialized Tuesday, when Ginning was assigned on a conditioning loan to Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League. Conditioning loans are for 14 days, and the Phantoms play five games between now and Dec. 2, including Wednesday at home against the Rochester Americans. Ginning still counts on the active NHL roster, so it does not open a spot for a call-up.
» READ MORE: The Flyers badly need an offensive boost. Could calling up Alex Bump be the answer?
The Swedish defenseman, who turns 26 in January, has played in five games this season for the Flyers on the third pair. Averaging 15 minutes, 20 seconds — although that dropped to just over 12 in his last two games — he did not register a point but did have two shots on goal and is one of 11 skaters with at least an even plus-minus (minimum five games played).
A big defenseman at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Ginning said that he wants to “be a steady defensive defenseman who can make hard plays and be a guy you can trust.” An unrestricted free agent on July 1, who now has 16 NHL games under his belt, he was a surprise out of training camp after having a disastrous one in 2024.
“I think I learned a little bit from it,” he told the Inquirer in September, “because I felt like I was trying to do a little bit too much last year maybe. And tried to prove myself in the wrong way instead of just doing what I’m good at — I tried to do maybe a little bit too much. So I tried to not do that this year.”
With Ginning in the AHL, it all but solidifies Emil Andrae’s spot in the lineup as the team’s fifth defenseman.
The 23-year-old has played in eight games this season — notably, all six since his latest call-up on Nov. 3. He has two assists and is one of five players on the team with a positive plus-minus (plus-3).
“I think I’ve been doing better and better every game here. . … I think I’ve tried to start my game a little bit more simple, hard,” Andrae told The Inquirer on Nov. 9. “There’s a new coaching staff, so you’ve got to build up your trust, and I’ve got to be more reliable and consistent. And I think I’ve done a good job so far.”
The Swede is averaging 13:54 of ice time this season, but don’t let that number fool you. As he builds that equity and trust with the coaching staff, he has been given more time. In the past two games — a back-to-back — he is ranked third on the Flyers at 19:36. That is more than Jamie Drysdale.
Back on Nov. 9, Tocchet said Andrae was chasing consistency and had to put together consistent games. That tune has now changed. Andrae got an overtime shift Friday in the 6-5 win over the St. Louis Blues.
“Andrae deserves to play,” Tocchet said on Monday. “He’s trying to become an everyday NHL defenseman, and he’s chipping away at that.”
Last season, Andrae played 42 games and notched seven points (one goal, six assists). He looks more confident this season, and while known for the ability to be a puck mover and an offensive player, he has been solid at both ends of the ice.
The biggest knock on Andrae has always been his size. At 5-f9, 189 pounds, he’s not a big blueliner. But he plays without fear and won’t back down from anyone on the ice, especially when battling along the boards.
Paired with veteran Noah Juulsen, the duo has played the third-most minutes together this season (87:50); Egor Zamula and Ginning also played alongside Juulsen. According to Natural Stat Trick, Juulsen and Andrae have been on the ice for more chances for the Flyers than the opposition (51.26% Corsi For) at five-on-five, while the Flyers have outscored their opponents 3-1 with that duo out there.
» READ MORE: Grading the Flyers so far: Special teams have soared but offense can’t get off the ground
Andrae isn’t getting time on special teams — although he has power-play capabilities — but he is making his mark at five-on-five. According to Natural Stat Trick, despite playing just eight games, when Andrae is on the ice, the Flyers have a 55% Corsi For (first on the team), 63.8% of the shots (first), 71.4% of the goals (first), and have scored two high-danger goals without allowing one.
And he is tied with Christian Dvorak for No. 2 on the team with a 1.034 PDO, which combines shooting percentage and save percentage. The Flyers have a .920 save percentage when he is on the ice.
Breakaways
Blues rock custom T-shirts to celebrate Faulk’s 1,000th NHL game
Justin Faulk’s teammates helped him celebrate joining the 1,000 games club on Tuesday.
The St. Louis Blues wore special T-shirts in honor of the veteran defenseman’s 1,000th NHL game as they arrived at Scotiabank Arena for their matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Three drawings of Faulk with the words “1000 Games” and “Justin Faulk” were written on the shirts.
Faulk is in his seventh season with the Blues. He also spent eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes who drafted him in the second round (37th overall pick) in the 2010 NHL Draft.
Blues lose yet again in overtime, this time in Toronto, 3-2
Steve Konowalchuk provides updates from the AHL as goalie interference takes center stage in St. Louis
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Nate Danielson’s first NHL goal helps Red Wings down Kraken
Nate Danielson scored his first NHL goal and added an assist and Dylan Larkin reached the 600-point mark as the host Detroit Red Wings defeated the Seattle Kraken, 4-2, on Tuesday.
Lucas Raymond, Emmitt Finnie and Dylan Larkin had the other goals for the Red Wings, who have won three of their last four games (3-0-1). Alex DeBrincat had two assists and Cam Talbot made 20 saves.
Larkin’s empty-net goal with 30 seconds left was his 600th NHL point.
Jordan Eberle and Ryker Evans had the goals for Seattle, which had won its previous two games. Eeli Tolvanen assisted on both goals, while Joey Daccord stopped 24 shots.
There was no scoring until the final minute of the first period. Seattle took advantage of a power play with Simon Edvinsson in the penalty box for roughing Tye Kartye.
Tolvanen took a shot from the right side that Talbot stopped. Matty Beniers collected the rebound and shoveled the puck to Eberle, who tapped it into the net for his eighth goal this season.
Detroit answered with a goal at 1:19 of the second. Raymond, who scored the game-winner against the New York Rangers on Sunday, fired in his sixth goal from the right circle as the puck trickled through Daccord’s pads. DeBrincat and Moritz Seider had the assists.
Danielson, appearing in his fifth career game, got credit for his first goal less than a minute later without using his stick. Axel Sandin-Pellikka took a shot from the point that Mason Appleton deflected with his stick. The puck then bounced off Danielson’s shin pad and past Daccord two minutes into the second.
Danielson, Larkin help Red Wings defeat Kraken to push point streak to 4
The 21-year-center recorded both milestones in the second period of his fifth NHL game, scoring Detroit’s second goal and setting up the third.
Dylan Larkin scored for his 600th NHL point, Lucas Raymond had a goal and an assist, and Alex DeBrincat had two assists for Detroit (12-7-1), which is 3-0-1 in its past four games. Cam Talbot made 20 saves.
Jordan Eberle and Ryker Evans scored for Seattle (9-5-5), which had points in its previous three games. Eeli Tolvanen had two assists and Joey Daccord made 24 saves after missing five games with an upper-body injury.
Eberle gave the Kraken a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal at 19:02 of the first period, tapping in Matty Bernier’s pass from the edge of the crease.
The Red Wings tied the game 1-1 at 1:19 of the second period when Raymond’s shot from the right face-off circle trickled under Daccord’s arm and into the net.
Detroit took a 2-1 lead 45 seconds later when Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s point shot hit Mason Appleton before bouncing in off Nate Danielson’s shin pad for his first NHL goal.
Danielson appeared to score again at 5:01, but the Kraken successfully challenged the play for offside.
Instead, it was Seattle tying the game 2-2 at 7:26 when Evans beat Talbot with a point shot through traffic.
Detroit, though, took a 3-2 lead at 10:56 on Emmitt Finnie’s fifth career goal. Danielson set up Finnie on the power play to pick up his first NHL assist.
Tolvanen nearly tied the game with 3:35 left, but Talbot slid across the crease and gloved the puck inches from the goal line.
Larkin made it 4-2 with an empty-net goal at 19:30 to reach 600 NHL points (254 goals, 346 assists).
Raymond extended his point streak to five games (10 points; two goals, eight assists).
Red Wings rookie Nate Danielson has goal and assist for first NHL points in 4-2 win over Kraken
DETROIT (AP) — Nate Danielson had a goal and an assist for his first two NHL points as the Detroit Red Wings’ rookies fueled a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night.
Lucas Raymond and Emmitt Finnie scored in a three-goal second period and Dylan Larkin added an empty-netter as the Red Wings began a four-game homestand. Danielson, Finnie and defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, all rookies this season, combined for four points in the second period.
Danielson, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead just 45 seconds after Raymond scored. Sandin-Pellikka’s point shot deflected off Mason Appleton’s stick and Danielson’s shin pad before slipping past goalie Joey Daccord.
The 21-year-old Danielson, who played in his fifth career game, had a second goal later that period erased by an offside call on Finnie after a replay challenge by the Kraken. He fed Finnie with a slick pass into the slot for the go-ahead goal on a power play midway through the second.
Larkin’s empty-netter gave him 600 career points, a goal set up by Raymond to give him his fourth straight multipoint game. The fifth-year standout has two goals and eight assists in his last five games.
Jordan Eberle scored on a power play with 58 seconds left in the first period and Ryker Evans tied the game at 2 in the second for the Kraken, who started a four-game road trip. Eberle became the fourth player to reach the 300-game mark with the Kraken, who joined the league as an expansion club four years ago.
Daccord returned to the net for the Kraken with 24 saves, after missing the previous five games with an upper-body injury.
Up next
The Kraken play at the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, when the Red Wings host the New York Islanders.
___
Detroit Red Wings walk away with 4-2 win over Seattle Kraken
Nate Danielson had a goal and an assist for his first two NHL points as the Detroit Red Wings’ rookies fueled a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night.
Lucas Raymond and Emmitt Finnie scored in a three-goal second period and Dylan Larkin added an empty-netter as the Red Wings began a four-game homestand. Danielson, Finnie and defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, all rookies this season, combined for four points in the second period.
Danielson, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead just 45 seconds after Raymond scored. Sandin-Pellikka’s point shot deflected off Mason Appleton’s stick and Danielson’s shin pad before slipping past goalie Joey Daccord.
The 21-year-old Danielson, who played in his fifth career game, had a second goal later that period erased by an offside call on Finnie after a replay challenge by the Kraken. He fed Finnie with a slick pass into the slot for the go-ahead goal on a power play midway through the second.
Larkin’s empty-netter gave him 600 career points, a goal set up by Raymond to give him his fourth straight multipoint game. The fifth-year standout has two goals and eight assists in his last five games.
Jordan Eberle scored on a power play with 58 seconds left in the first period and Ryker Evans tied the game at 2 in the second for the Kraken, who started a four-game road trip. Eberle became the fourth player to reach the 300-game mark with the Kraken, who joined the league as an expansion club four years ago.
Daccord returned to the net for the Kraken with 24 saves, after missing the previous five games with an upper-body injury.
The Kraken play at the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, when the Red Wings host the New York Islanders.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
Warriors’ Steph Curry Raises Concern About His Status vs Heat
Steph Curry moved up in NBA history on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic.
Heading into the Tuesday night matchup, the Golden State Warriors guard knew he could pass the legendary Vince Carter on the all-time scoring list.
Curry registered 25,749 points, passing Carter’s 25,728. Now, Curry is No. 22 in NBA history. Next, he’s chasing Kevin Garnett, who sits at No. 21 with 26,071 points.
Will Steph Curry get a chance to return to the court to add to his total on the second night of a back-to-back set? The star guard places some doubt on his availability for Wednesday’s action against the Miami Heat.
Following Tuesday’s game, Curry confirmed that he “tweaked” his ankle in a recent matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. He did it again early on in Tuesday’s action, which made his question his own status for Wednesday.
“We’re just looking at how [the ankle] responds because I did it again in the first half tonight,” Curry told reporters. “I don’t think it’s anything crazy, but I’ll see how it responds.”
Curry has been on the court for the Warriors’ past five games. Prior to the November 11 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Curry missed three games. He was dealing with an illness.
“Still dealing with it a little bit,” he said of the illness.
“I feel like myself but I still got some little symptoms, and a sore ankle that was a couple of games ago, and a little bit tonight. Those are the things that you’re trying to play through and still trying to figure out how to continue to build momentum. We all know what the schedule’s been like. Coach talked about it yesterday. We try not to think about it too much. We’re trying to find a way to overcome it. We’ve done a decent job. We let three games slide that we felt like we wished we had, but we’re alright right now.”
The Warriors won their last three games leading up to Tuesday’s outing. The winning streak was dropped after a 121-113 loss in Orlando. After producing 34 points, nine assists, and three rebounds, Curry won’t have much time to decide if he’ll be ready by 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday to face the Heat.
LeBron James Makes NBA History Even Before Starting Record 23rd Season Game
The Utah Jazz have probably been losing sleep over this one. Sitting at the 10th seed with a 5-8 record, they definitely don’t want another loss slapped on their résumé. But if it happens tonight, it could go down as that loss: ‘LeBron James embarrasses Utah Jazz in his historic 23rd season debut.’ Then again, headlines are fickle; if Utah pulls off the upset and the Lakers stumble, the story could read totally differently. For now, though, the Lakers are feeling confident. With LeBron leading the charge, they’re aiming to boost their record to a neat 11-4.
As historic as LeBron’s 23rd season is set to be, he’s already making headlines before stepping on the court. Full Court Press initially shared the news: “For the first time in NBA history, a father replaces his son in the starting lineup.” It sounds almost too funny to be true, but it is; LeBron James will be starting against the Jazz, taking the spot that Bronny James held on Saturday versus the Bucks.
Bronny’s performance in that game wasn’t exactly memorable; he scored zero points, and now, naturally, all eyes are on LeBron to see if he’ll replace that number in true King fashion. Last season, he averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds.
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When Bronny James got the start for the Lakers, Austin Reaves couldn’t resist cracking a joke: “How about Bronny James starting in the NBA and LeBron’s assigned to the G League?” On the surface, it was just a playful nod to the weirdness of the moment but read between the lines, and it might have been hinting at a couple of things. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t mind LeBron staying in the G League a bit longer so he could soak up all those coveted minutes he’s been enjoying in the King’s absence, because we all know who will have the ultimate dominance over the ball.
And as predicted, since LeBron James is back in the starting lineup for the Lakers against the Jazz, along with Rui Hachimura, Doncic, AR, and Ayton, the NBA world is buzzing about what that means for the team. Paul Pierce had already warned Luka Doncic for what could happen: “Bron’s gravitational pull is too strong. When he out there, he going to command so much. He got to have a big part of the offense, and it’s going to take away from what they doing right now.”
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Luka and Austin Reaves have been shouldering the load in LeBron’s absence, averaging stellar numbers: Luka posting 34.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists, while Reaves has been putting up 28.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. But with LeBron back, the dynamics are bound to shift.
Even Shaquille O’Neal chimed in on Reaves’ predicament: “I kind of feel for Austin cuz he he looks good. He’s playing good. But when when LeBron when when they have their full team come back, he’s going to be reverted back to standing in the corner taking last second.”
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So what’s the move? The Lakers could have Luka and Reaves ease up and let LeBron take center stage, or they might entertain Pierce’s daring idea: “For this to work, like when LeBron comes back, LeBron got to come off the bench.” How playing time gets divvied up between LeBron, Reaves, and Luka, who’ve been running the show flawlessly in his absence, is shaping up to be the season’s most intriguing subplot. For now, though, fans can sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the King striding back onto the court.
LeBron James readies for season debut against Jazz
Shams Charania was the bearer of exciting news for Lakers fans: “Sources tell me that LeBron is aiming to make his season debut at home against the Utah Jazz. I’m informed that he will go through his usual pregame routine on game day.” After missing the first 14 games while rehabbing a stubborn sciatica nerve, the King is ready to return and extend his historic career. At 40, he’s poised to become the first player ever to play a 23rd NBA season, breaking the tie with Hall of Famer Vince Carter.
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Monday’s practice offered the first real glimpse of LeBron back in full action with the Lakers. He joined teammates like Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves for a 5-on-5 scrimmage, while head coach JJ Redick treated the session as a fresh start, jokingly introducing LeBron as a “new player” to the team. “My lungs felt like a newborn baby. I gotta get my lungs back to a grown man and my voice is already gone,” LeBron said afterward. “It feels good, feels good to be out here with the guys.”
Though eager, he remained cautious, keeping a close eye on how his body responded to the intensity. Listed as “questionable” for Tuesday’s matchup against the Jazz, he was under observation for 24 hours. But now, the body seems to have caught up with his spirit and here he is, ready to take the court.
LeBron didn’t wait for the main Lakers practice to get back into rhythm. Last week, he was already putting in work with the G-League squad, running through warm-up drills and some half-court 5-on-5. Coach JJ Redick called it a controlled but solid session, with James getting a dozen or so live possessions under his belt. And this wasn’t a lazy jog-around; ESPN sources called Wednesday’s session “intense.” By Thursday, LeBron felt zero pain and zero setbacks, making it clear he’s ready to return to full action.
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LeBron’s absence so far this season is tied to the sciatica issue and lingering effects from a knee ligament sprain suffered in last year’s first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. “Not too long after that [in mid-June], I started to feel the [pain] in my hip and my back, things of that nature,” he explained. “So everything kind of changed. My whole dynamic changed of how I was going to prepare for the season, but it’s all a blessing in disguise.” At 40, turning 41 next month, LeBron has been meticulously pacing himself to ensure his body holds up for the marathon of a 23rd season.
Stephen Curry surpasses Vince Carter on NBA’s all-time scoring list
Stephen Curry still remembers playing one-on-one games as a kid against Vince Carter. And that’s what made Curry’s latest accomplishment even more special.
The league’s career 3-point king passed Carter on the NBA’s all-time scoring list Tuesday night, moving into 22nd place all-time. The milestone came in a 34-point effort, albeit in Golden State’s 121-113 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Curry now has 25,749 points, or 21 more than Carter.
“It’s always an honor whenever you’re passing greats like that,” Curry said.
The milestone came on a day of celebrations for the Warriors; rookie Will Richard got his University of Florida NCAA championship ring in a surprise ceremony earlier in the day. And then Curry wasted no time moving past Carter, getting it done on a 3-pointer in the second quarter.
Dell Curry, Stephen Curry’s father, spent his final three seasons as a player with the Toronto Raptors — the team that Carter started with. So, Stephen Curry — then maybe 11 or 12 years old — got to often play against Carter at the team’s facility.
“There are certain names that are a little bit more special than others just because of past history,” Stephen Curry said. “My dad playing with Vince in those three years in Toronto, there’s countless memories, me and my brother being around the Raptor organization and playing Vince one-on-one … it’s all come full circle. Those are pretty special.”
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LeBron James begins season No. 23, marking longest career in NBA history
As Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James took to the court at Crypto.com Arena Tuesday night to begin his 23rd season in the NBA, the 40-year-old added yet another record to his illustrious resumé – the longest career in the league’s history.
Prior to Tuesday, James shared the accolade with Vince Carter, who played 22 NBA seasons from 1998 to 2000.
Sporting his famed No. 23 jersey, James was on the hardwood for the opening tip against the Utah Jazz.
The public address announcer in the arena announced James’ achievement to a short ovation from the Lakers’ faithful. The future Hall of Famer acknowledged the crowd with a wave.
The Lakers got off to a slow start, trailing by as many as 11 points in the first quarter.
The 21-time All-Star was subbed out of the game midway through the first quarter for a rest as the Lakers plan to ease him back into action.
“My lungs feel like a newborn baby,” James said to reporters after practice on Monday. “That’s the most important thing: I’ve got to get my lungs back up to a grown man.
James is still looking for his first points of the season. He’s missed a three-point attempt so far and contributed two assists and grabbed one rebound through one quarter of play as the Lakers trailed 36-27.
James missed the Lakers’ first 14 games of the 2025-26 campaign due to sciatica – a nerve issue causing pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer returned to Lakers’ practice this week after being absent from the team since the opening of training camp in early October due to what head coach JJ Redick said is a nerve irritation in his glute.
Retirement rumors swirled around James over the course of the past year, but in June, the four-time league MVP reportedly picked up his $52.6 million option to return for an eighth season with the Lakers.
Last year, playing in his record-tying 22nd season, James continued to display astounding productivity, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while appearing in 70 games.
James had scored a record 42,184 regular-season points and 50,473 with the regular season and playoffs combined ahead of Tuesday night’s debut.
The Akron, Ohio, native entered the NBA to much fanfare as an 18-year-old after being selected No. 1 in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He turns 41 in December.
CNN’s Jacob Lev contributed to this report.
NBA Insider Confirms Teams Still Want Ja Morant From Grizzlies
The terrible start for Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies makes that a big story for a potential trade coming soon. Morant is currently out for at least two weeks with a calf injury after having the worst opening month in his NBA career. Memphis’ short-term future looks worse, and they are already one of the worst teams in the league with a 4-11 record.
Popular NBA insider Zach Lowe shared accounts he heard from teams in the league monitoring the Morant trade situation. There is a fear out there that other franchises would avoid trading for Morant due to his terrible play this season and suspension for behavioral issues. Lowe claimed that the interest is still there.
“I will say with Ja, teams that are watching him, and I talked to one of them over the weekend, they’re throwing his current level of play into the trash,” Lowe stated about teams seeing the optimistic side. “They’re saying, ‘This looks to us like a guy who wants out.’”
The belief from opposing teams is that Morant’s poor play comes from his unhappiness in Memphis and his desire for a new situation. Throwing this poor play into the trash means that other teams think he’ll get back to form in a new situation with more passion.
Can Memphis Get Value For Morant?
Another report earlier in the Morant drama saw opposing teams not wanting to offer a lot for him. Recent years would see Memphis being able to completely rebuild with a Morant trade due to how dynamic of a player he is. Any team lacking a point guard would have loved to add Morant, but injuries and suspensions hurt his reputation more each passing season.
The Grizzlies must settle for a limited package to move their previous top franchise cornerstone. Morant is averaging 17.9 points on a woeful 36% field goal percentage and an even worse 17% from three-point range. Opposing teams will use that to bring down the trade value, but they clearly still want to acquire him and don’t forecast that impacting his play on a new team.
Lowe’s comments confirm Memphis will have teams ready to talk to them, even if the packages will be limited. The Grizzlies can’t get a top package of at least one young rising star and multiple draft picks right now. A true desire to move Morant is necessary to settle for a weaker package.
Teams That May Want Ja Morant
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings are two teams that have been rumored to have a desire to acquire Morant. Minnesota still needs a point guard, but they’ll have to give up at least one important player to their current plan. Sacramento’s season is falling apart to make it harder to see them making a blockbuster trade.
Prior Lake custom jewelry store helps ‘Jets’ fly
Lakeside Diamond makes jewelry for Minnesota athletes like Justin Jefferson, Naz Reid, Isaiah Rodgers and other NFL and NBA stars.
‘Everything is the real deal here’
Local perspective:
At his jewelry store in Prior Lake, Jack Bjornberg likes to make sure his custom creations are iced out.
But thanks to a certain Minnesota Viking, the buzz around Lakeside Diamond is heating up.
LeBron James Makes NBA History Move in Lakers-Jazz Game
LeBron James is back for the Los Angeles Lakers.
After seeing his 2025-2026 NBA season debut delayed due to a scatia injury, he spent the entire preseason and the first 14 games of the regular season spectating.
On Monday, the Lakers upgraded LeBron’s status shortly after he participated in a full practice session. By Tuesday night, the NBA superstar was cleared for action and checked in for his official season debut against the Utah Jazz. Just 17 minutes into his shift, LeBron moved up an NBA all-time list after knocking down two shots from beyond the arc.
LeBron James is 6th All-Time…
With 2,561 total threes, LeBron has surpassed the NBA legend, Reggie Miller. Now, he’s chasing Dallas Mavericks guard, Klay Thompson, who is sitting at 2,729 threes and counting. Thompson is chasing Damian Lillard, who is out for the entire 2025-2026 season, but plans to return from an Achilles tear next season.
The retired Ray Allen is sitting third, while the active James Harden and Steph Curry fill up the top two spots. Curry has a clear lead, being the only player with over 4,000 three-pointers made in NBA history.
Heading into halftime of Tuesday’s action, LeBron had attempted just four shots, with all but one of them coming from deep. He made half of his attempts, scoring just seven points. He also produced two rebounds and four assists. The Lakers slightly trailed through the first two quarters, down 71-67 at the intermission.
Being out for so long, James has plenty of conditioning to do as he fires up his eighth Lakers season. The future Hall of Famer is coming off a 70-game run last season, where he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. While some wondered if LeBron would call it a career at 40, he re-signed with LA to give it another go. It wasn’t the easiest path to open up year 23, but James is off and running against the Jazz.
Michigan State’s dismantling of Kentucky highlights the philosophical divide in college basketball
One team walked into Madison Square Garden in its team-issued sweatsuits. The other approached the Champions Classic much like an NBA squad arriving for work, fashioned in their outfits of the day. Otega Oweh sported a designer jacket from Amiri that runs about $1,200.
Which maybe makes sense. Kentucky’s roster checks in at a reported $22 million. Might as well dress the part.
But as college athletics continues its reckoning with big money and bigger problems, it is perhaps worth remembering the wise words of the Beatles, penned some 60 years ago. Can’t buy me love.
Or, in Kentucky’s case, it can’t buy defense, offense, wins, continuity, effort and at least for the time being, success.
The Wildcats got pantsed by Michigan State, 83-66. They trailed by as many as 24, and never led past the 14-minute mark of the first half.
The Spartans came into the game shooting 21.7 percent from beyond the arc, and had hit a grand total of 13 treys in their first three games. Upon meeting the matadors from Kentucky, they drained 11 of 21 from long range.
On the flip side, the Wildcats hit just six from deep, and missed 22. Kentucky also got manhandled on the boards (42 to 28) and dished 13 assists, which is the exact same number that Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears, Jr. handed out on his own.
Built on promise and promissory notes, the Wildcats are now 3-2, the three wins coming against teams ranked between 258 and 317 in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings.
After spending 45 minutes in the locker room with his team, Mark Pope emerged for his post-game press conference looking despondent. He waffled between just below-the-surface seething and out-and-out baffled, taking the heat while simultaneously questioning his team’s identity, promising he’d fix whatever ails his squad but also admitting what needed to be fixed would require a ‘long answer.’
At one point, he used the words disappointed, discouraged and discombobulated in one sentence to describe his team. Fabulously alliterative, but not terribly encouraging, if you’re part of the Big Blue Nation.
That this disastrous showing comes exactly one-week after Kentucky got beat up by rival Louisville does not help.
After that equally disappointing, disappointing and discombobulated showing Pope alluded to a mysterious pre-game locker room issue. The way he said it – “I’m not ready to tell the story yet, but at some point, we’ll talk in detail about our pregame experience at Louisville, and it was out of character for us, and that’s young and new,’’ – it did not sound like this was some rival hijinks.
By not specifically identifying the issue – joking later he wanted to plant some Taylor Swift Easter eggs – he opened the door to frantic speculation among a fan base that does not need to be led into the deep end of paranoia where its basketball team is concerned. It happily gets there on its own.
At least now the issue seems clearer. Bad good news, if you will. It would be insulting to say the Wildcats don’t care. Athletes care. But perhaps this crew is currently misguided in what exactly it ought to care about.
Flanked by Oweh and Malachi Moreno, who both looked like someone stole their lunch money (or maybe their NIL money?), Pope was asked how player injuries (point guard Jaland Lowe didn’t play) might be affecting his team’s performance. A Mormon who doesn’t really curse, Pope started, “I’m going to temper my words.’’
He then took a deep long breath. “If you build an organization, your identity isn’t about an individual person; it’s about a collective group.”
It is perhaps unfair to take one team’s misery a handful of weeks into a season and extrapolate it into some sort of moratorium on what does and does not work in college basketball.
But it’s almost impossible to consider what just happened on the Madison Square Garden court and not think big picture. The chasm on the scoreboard was only slightly wider than the way the two programs operate.
Tom Izzo did not spend $22 million on his roster. He didn’t even spend $10 million.
He has a team with players that in this era might be considered endangered species – four-year guys (Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler), three-year guys (Coen Carr and Fears), a redshirt (Jesse McCullough) and a four-star top 60 player who averaged 3.1 minutes per game last year and came back anyway (Kur Teng).
Playing for Izzo is no picnic. Teng isn’t the only one who could have bolted, and who no doubt was enticed with promises of cash and playing time.
Instead they stayed, biding their time and finding their minutes along with their purposes. Teng scored 15, Kohler 20. Cooper and Carr both yanked six rebounds and Fears did his assist thing.
More telling, at one point on Tuesday night, during a Division I college basketball game in the year 2025, the entire bench – players, managers, staff – stood up and started clapping and chanting, ‘De-fense, de-fense,’ as if this they were playing in a church-league game.
Comparatively Kentucky’s Collin Chandler hit a three while his team trailed by 19 with two minutes left in the game and did the inject ice into my veins move as he came down the court.
It is only November. Nothing is decided. Kentucky could very well find its groove and Michigan State could once again forget how to shoot. Both coaches know that.
Yet as the two teams exited the building, one left in an existential crisis.
“I feel like the identity that we felt like we carried may have been stripped away, and that’s some reality we’re facing,’’ Pope said.
“That’s an incredibly, incredibly painful process. It’s a terrifying process. If you treat it right, it can be a galvanizing process. And that comes down to the character of your organization. I think the character of our organization is terrific and tested in a big way right. But that’s the beautiful thing about sports. You either get it done or you don’t.”
And then there was Izzo, college basketball’s perpetual Eeyore, basking in something nearing joy and satisfaction. Izzo has not hidden his disdain for either the transfer portal or the transactional nature of college athletics.
And so when he was asked if there’s something about having guys that stick around and stick it out, he too had to temper his remarks. He took a long beat before answering, promising to be careful with his words.
“How about 100 frickin’ percent?” he said. “They’re homegrown and they play for the name on the front of their jersey because they know the name on the front of the jersey.’’
He wasn’t talking about Amiri.
Why Major League Soccer is flipping its calendar after nearly 30 years.
Major League Soccer has made what commissioner Don Garber called “one of the most important decisions in our league’s history” — to flip its calendar, begin the season in the summer rather than the winter and conclude with the playoffs in the spring rather than the fall.
The move breaks from three decades of precedent. But it aligns MLS, the top-flight North American men’s soccer league, with many other top leagues around the world, which generally run from August through May.
It is significant for several reasons, and also complex. The following is an attempt to explain the basics — the what, when and why, and how the league will cope with winter weather.
What is the MLS calendar change?
Ever since the league’s inception in 1996, MLS seasons have run in line with calendar years. They began somewhere between late February and early April. They concluded in the fall. The 2025 campaign, for example, opened on Feb. 22; an eight-month regular season gave way to playoffs in mid-October; and MLS Cup, the league’s championship, is slated for Dec. 6.
Under the new format, the season will kick off in “mid-to-late July,” the league announced last week. They’ll run for five months, then break from “mid-December through early February.” The regular season will resume in February and conclude in April. The playoffs will be in May.
When and how is the calendar change happening?
MLS will make the switch in 2027.
To bridge the gap between its 2026 season and its new “2027-28” season, it will play a truncated “transition season” in early 2027, with a 14-game regular season beginning in February and an MLS Cup in May. (So, there’ll be a 2026 MLS champion, a 2027 MLS champion and then a 2027-28 MLS champion.)
Why is MLS doing this?
The rationale boils down to two points:
Aligning with top leagues will help MLS teams sign (and keep) good players.
May is a much better window for the playoffs than October-December.
The latter point is easier to understand. The current calendar posed two main problems:
Playoffs are overshadowed by American football in the fall, with college games on Saturdays and the NFL on Sundays.
The international soccer calendar — imposed by the sport’s global governing body, FIFA — forces clubs (i.e., Los Angeles FC) to release their best players to national teams (i.e., the U.S. or Mexico) in three distinct windows in September, October and November. These so-called FIFA windows interrupt the playoffs and kill buzz. The only way to avoid an interruption would have been to A) cram the playoffs into three weeks, or B) force teams to play their most consequential games without stars. Neither solution made sense. The only one that did make sense was flipping the calendar.
The first point, on the other hand — the sporting benefit of the new calendar — is a bit finer.
How does flipping the calendar help MLS teams get better?
General managers and sporting directors around MLS were near-unanimous in their support for the calendar flip because their winter offseason — the optimal time to sign and sell players — doesn’t currently align with European offseasons in June, July and August, when the world’s best clubs typically sign and sell players.
The misalignment has hindered MLS clubs in two corollary ways:
When European clubs want to pay MLS teams millions of dollars for players in August, they are preparing for a playoff push. So, they have two unsavory options: A) lose a key player midseason; B) turn down lucrative, financially attractive offers to avoid losing key players midseason.
In January, the inverse is true. European clubs don’t like losing players midseason. To pry those players away, MLS clubs sometimes must pay premiums — or wait until the summer to make their moves, and spend the first half of a season undermanned.
The calendar shift will align MLS’s primary transfer window with Europe’s primary transfer window in the summer, and “improv(e) opportunities to acquire and sell top talent,” MLS said in a news release.
What about winter weather? Is it a problem?
The strongest opposition to the calendar change came from clubs in northern cities who worried about ticket sales in frigid weather. Eighteen of the league’s 30 teams play in markets where the average December high is between 28 and 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are workarounds, though. The winter break, from mid-December to early February, is one. Also, schedules can be front- and back-loaded so that clubs like the Chicago Fire, Minnesota United, CF Montreal, Toronto FC, the Columbus Crew and others play a disproportionate number of their home games in July, August, September and April.
MLS also noted in the announcement that the league’s calendar footprint actually isn’t changing all that much. It will pause for the new winter break, roughly a week after the current date for MLS Cup. It will resume in February for only a few weeks (or less) before the start of the current season.
It is adding full slates of games in November and early December, of course, and subtracting a chunk in June and July. But overall, “initial projections for the 2027–28 season indicate that 91% of matches will fall within the current MLS season window,” the league said.
How will the calendar change (and cold weather) impact players and fans?
The two biggest pitfalls of the change are:
A likely hit to ticket sales in cold-weather markets
Some miserably cold — and sometimes snowy or icy — training sessions in those same markets. Although the league can weigh the schedule to avoid playing games in Toronto in February, for example, Toronto FC players will (probably) still be based in the city in February — rather than in Florida or California for preseason. In this sense, the new calendar comes with slight competitive disadvantages.
But MLS owners, after two years of talks and research, decided that the pros outweigh the cons.
Many players, in fact, would rather train and play in 20-degree Chicago in February than in swampy 95-degree Houston in July.
And perhaps more importantly, the northern fans turned off by cold weather will be replaced and surpassed by the fans who latch onto the league, whether on TV or in person, because they are no longer consumed by American football during MLS’s most dramatic games.
Overall and long term, the calendar flip could change the league’s trajectory for the better.
UFC Qatar Broadcast Team Revealed: Bruce Buffer the Only Veteran Heading to Doha
After successfully hosting the annual November showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York, Dana White & Co. are now getting ready to close out the year with UFC Fight Night 265, the promotion’s final international event of 2025. Coming up on November 22, the UFC will take over the Middle East, hosting the card at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar, marking its debut in the country and wrapping up the year’s remaining business. On top of that, the main event features Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker, with Tsarukyan aiming to reclaim a spot in title contention.
What makes this event even bigger is that the UFC only has two more events left under its ESPN broadcasting deal for the year after Qatar. All in all, UFC Fight Night 265 will mark the 28th fight night of 2025, delivering a mix of high-stakes action and a nostalgic atmosphere for fans. Meanwhile, the UFC has already finalized the broadcasting and commentary teams for the event.
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Inside the UFC Qatar broadcast: analysts, commentators, and debut coverage details
With the upcoming UFC event in Qatar, the country will become the third in the region to host a UFC fight, following the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Although there were initial rumors that the event might take place back in May, it’s finally happening in November, and fans now only have a few days to wait. To kick things off, Karyn Bryant will anchor the analyst desk and also host the event. Joining her will be UFC welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa, serving as a desk analyst.
Then, on the post-fight show, UFC veteran Paul Felder will provide expert analysis, while Michael Bisping will lead commentary alongside the cageside team, with Jon Anik at the helm. In addition, the broadcast will also feature British MMA legend Michael Bisping and Paul Felder during live coverage. Meanwhile, UFC correspondent and roving reporter Charissa Arnott will handle pre- and post-fight interviews backstage, offering real-time updates throughout the event.
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And of course, the iconic Bruce Buffer will step into the cage to introduce the fighters before each bout and announce the official results, making sure the UFC Qatar broadcast delivers all the signature elements fans have come to expect. The UFC Qatar card will be available to stream on ESPN+ in the U.S., with the prelims starting at 10 a.m. ET and the main card set to begin at 1 p.m. ET. While this schedule may create some time differences for U.S. viewers, for UFC CEO Dana White, it’s just another step in taking UFC “all over the world.” And with plenty more events still ahead, fans have plenty to look forward to.
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Why Qatar holds special meaning for Arman Tsarukyan before UFC Qatar
The upcoming UFC Qatar debut will also see fans witness former title challengerArman Tsarukyan return to action. The Russian-Armenian standout has been inactive for over a year but was set to make his comeback in January at UFC 311 for the lightweight title. A weight miss forced him to withdraw from that event, and now he must climb the rankings again. His next challenge comes at UFC Qatar, where he will face Dan Hooker in a title eliminator bout.
The #2-ranked lightweight won’t just be entering the Gulf nation under the pressure of expectations; this fight carries a deeper personal significance. For the first time in six years, his father will be in attendance to watch him compete. With UFC hosting its first-ever event in Qatar, travel is easier for fans from Russia and Armenia, allowing more of Tsarukyan’s supporters to be present.
For Tsarukyan, this means a full corner of familiar faces cheering him on. As he recently shared on The Ariel Helwani Show, “Yeah, this time, a lot of people come to Qatar. They don’t need a visa. So, this time we’re going to have a bunch of people from Russia, from Armenia. So, I’m going to have a big team… The best thing, my father can come and watch my fight. This is the best thing,” and added, “6 years ago, 2019, so he’s super excited to come and watch my fight.”
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With UFC Qatar just around the corner, what are your predictions for the event? And where would you like to see the UFC hold its next card? Share your thoughts below.
Aaron’s Expanding Relationship with Front Row Motorsports
Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has put together a multi-race, multi-year sponsorship extension with Aaron’s Rent-to-Own, which will see the brand with iconic roots planted in NASCAR continue its support of the organization through the 2027 campaign.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron’s is a leading provider of rent-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods with nearly 1,200 locations in 47 states and Canada.
The brand, which initially joined forces with Front Row Motorsports at the beginning of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, will be expanding its presence on-board the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, driven by Zane Smith, to a total of 11 events in 2026.
Between drivers Todd Gilliland and Zane Smith, Aaron’s adorned a Front Row Motorsports entry in nine NASCAR Cup Series events in 2025, with a best finish of seventh coming at EchoPark Speedway in June.
Dale Jr Admits Fear as JRM Prepares for Daytona 500 With New Chevy Body
JR Motorsports had a rocky qualifying week for the 2025 Daytona 500. Justin Allgaier tried out in the single-car qualifying, but that only put him 33rd, forcing him into a Duel to race his way into the field.
During Thursday night’s Duel race, he squeezed into the top ten and clinched the final open-team spot, finishing ninth among the Open entries. Despite making the 500, the path was anything but smooth for JRM, and they’re already gearing up to try again in next year’s race.
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New body means new risks at Daytona
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has never been one to play it safe, and now, as JR Motorsports preps for another crack at the Daytona 500, he’s openly admitting that he’s got real concerns. After running his organization’s first-ever Cup effort last year, he’s back at it, but this time, with a fresh Chevy body for their Camaro ZL1.
On The Dale Jr. Download, he said, “JR Motorsports in the Daytona 500 … we’re going to go back again … We’re basically going to rerun and re-rack the whole thing we did last year … The car will look a little bit different … It’s a good-looking race car. I had some input on the car. I would hope I checked well.”
Part of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s nerves comes from the fact that Chevrolet is introducing an updated Camaro ZL1 body. While the production Camaro has been discontinued, the new race body draws from Chevrolet’s Carbon Performance Package, featuring a larger hood dome, revised grille, and more pronounced rocker panels.
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It’s a cosmetic update, yes, but one with real aerodynamic implications: “I am nervous … first because we’re going to have a new body … What does that mean?” he said. “Typically, anytime a manufacturer gets a new body, they don’t really go to Daytona and perform better.”
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The issue, according to Earnhardt Jr., isn’t just aesthetics; it’s the unknowns. “You’re figuring out kind of what makes that body perform at a track like that … Every time a manufacturer changes the body, they’re trying their best … to make their cars more competitive at the tracks that we race the most,” he explained.
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In his view, engineers may try to inject subtle design changes, “put a character line in there or fudge … quarter panel or … the nose”, in collaboration with teams, but how that translates into real-world performance on plate tracks or superspeedways is a different question altogether.
Beyond the setup work itself, there’s a regulatory side to everything. Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that once GM designs these updates, NASCAR isn’t just rubber-stamping them: “NASCAR is going to … run it through some tests … and aero … to make sure it’s not … a massive advantage” over other manufacturers. That’s consistent with how homologation works; any body change has to be balanced with competition fairness in mind.
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JRM’s strategic justification for entering Daytona again is clearly about more than just prestige. With the new body package, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s gathering data, refining setups, and helping Chevrolet test how the revised ZL1 performs under real race conditions. It’s a real-world experiment, and a high-stakes one at that. While he admits to being “nervous,” he also knows the potential long-term payoff is worth the risk.
His honesty about the fear, especially in a sport where confidence is often everything, resonates with fans. It’s an admission that innovation always comes with uncertainty. And in a way, that uncertainty is exactly what makes this second Daytona 500 bid for JRM so compelling: it’s not just about running a race, it’s about shaping the future of their Chevy racing program.
That same tempered edge shows up in the next generation too, where young guns like Connor Zilisch are staring down Cup’s big leap with clear eyes and no illusions.
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Zilisch’s wake-up call
Connor Zilisch’s climb through the Xfinity ranks might have turned heads, but the 19-year-old knows the Cup Series will be an entirely different experience. Ten wins in his rookie full-time Xfinity season weren’t enough to bag the championship, and as he prepares to go toe to toe with NASCAR’s heavyweights next year, Zilisch isn’t fooling himself into expecting an easy transition.
He distinguished the two divisions. “In Xfinity, you get to the top five, and it gets tougher, but from 10th on back, especially being in such a good car, people understand that you’re not going to be able to hold someone off for long. But in Cup, it’s just ruthless. Those guys race for every spot like it’s the last lap of their lives.”
The difference, Zilisch said, is night and day, a leap that only those who’ve made it can truly understand. He knows that the Cup Series is no joke, and every person in the field was once a champion or a dominant driver somewhere, and when they get in the Cup field, nobody dominates. There’s no one-man show in the top tier of NASCAR.
Zilisch has already gotten a taste of that harsh reality. In three Cup starts, he’s been wrecked twice, finishing P37 at COTA and P23 at Charlotte. Atlanta was the lone bright spot, where he clawed his way to P11, a glimpse of what might come once he finds his rhythm. Given his knack for road courses, many, including Kyle Larson, expect him to give Shane van Gisbergen a serious challenge next season.
Still, he knows patience is key. After all, even the greats needed time. Joey Logano, now a three-time champion, had to weather early struggles and a team change before hitting his stride. Kyle Busch, on the other hand, was quick from day one. Zilisch’s journey could follow either path, and he’s not in a rush to find out.
Venue for next three Copa del Rey finals confirmed by Spanish Federation
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have confirmed that there will be no change to the venue of the Copa del Rey final in the coming years. While previously the final of the cup used to travel around stadiums in Spain, the RFEF have opted to keep the main event in Seville of late.
Between 2013 and 2019, six different venues hosted the final, with fans from across the country flocking to Mestalla, the Vicente Calderon, the Santiago Bernabeu, Camp Nou, the Metropolitano and the Benito Villamarin during those years. However the last six years have all been held at La Cartuja in Seville, which the RFEF have unofficially made the home of the Spanish national team in recent years.
It is there that Spain will host Turkiye on Tuesday night, as they look to seal qualification for the World Cup and debut their new World Cup shirt.
RFEF confirm Copa del Rey final venue for 2026-2028
On Monday, the RFEF board agreed that La Cartuja would continue to host the Copa del Rey final for the next three years until 2028. It was agreed in a hotel in Seville, as per Cadena SER, and President Rafael Louzan had the following to say.
“For the RFEF, and for Spanish football, this is the best agreement in history regarding the Copa del Rey final. I want to congratulate the entire RFEF technical team and also those who made the proposal, on behalf of the Regional Government of Andalusia and the Seville City Council. May this new agreement benefit all the citizens of Andalusia and, of course, the city of Seville. We’re headed to a great final in a few months.”
Spain preparing for World Cup in 2030
This is not the headline issue at the RFEF, where most eyes are on the 2030 World Cup, with Spain set to host alongside Portugal, Morocco, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Spain are keen to ensure that they host the final in 2030, with the Bernabeu the favourite to do so, but Morocco are investing heavily into their infrastructure and stadiums in order to challenge for the final.
Walmart is selling a $110 18K tennis bracelet for only $13
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Why we love this deal
Whether you’re a costume jewelry collector who loves to gaze upon your sparkly bauble trove or prefer to limit your accessorizing to clean, simple statement pieces, there’s one item you’ll turn to time and time again when it’s time to put on a piece of jewelry: the always-iconic tennis bracelet. This stylish and elegant accessory brings a mesmerizing sparkle to casual looks, like a t-shirt and jeans, but also perfectly pairs with a cocktail dress. It’s remarkably versatile, which is why it’s a must-have item for any fashion maven.
Diamond tennis bracelets can be a pricey investment, but thanks to Walmart’s sale on the Apsvo 18K White Gold Tennis Bracelet, this one is affordable for every budget. At just $13, it’s a whopping $97 off the original $110 price, so if you don’t have one in your collection yet, it’s time to take advantage of this killer deal.
Apsvo 18K White Gold Tennis Bracelet, $13 (was $110) at Walmart
Get it.
Why do shoppers love it?
This bracelet is made of high-quality hypoallergenic 925 sterling silver, plated with 18 karat gold, and embedded with cubic zirconia stones, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. It’s also adjustable between 6 and 10 inches, so it will fit wrists of any size. This makes it ideal for both young fashionistas and adults.
While the typical tennis bracelet is a single string of diamonds, this model offers more variety, as you can choose from 12 different birthstone colors as well as the classic diamond look, including garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, pink tourmaline, citrine, and blue topaz. For the birthstone versions of the bracelet, the stone of choice alternates with the diamond, showing off your unique birthstone color in a chic and fashionable way. And if you don’t want to be limited to just your birthstone, there’s also a multicolored option that features all the colors!
Details to know
Material: This bracelet is made of 925 hypoallergenic sterling silver and plated with 18K gold. The stones are cubic zirconia.
Colors available: Diamond, garnet, amethyst, aquamarine, emerald, alexandrite, ruby, peridot, sapphire, pink tourmaline, citrine, blue topaz, and multicolor.
Additional features: The size is adjustable between 6 and 10 inches.
More than 250 shoppers have given this bracelet a five-star review, praising the quality and the price. “This is my favorite piece of jewelry,” one shopper wrote. “When I bought it for myself, I had no idea it would be so beautiful. The clarity and value are really amazing.”
Other shoppers say they make terrific gifts for any occasion, and many mention stocking up on them for that very reason. One shopper mentions buying seven to give as Mother’s Day gifts and says, “everyone loved them.”
Shop more deals
Apsvo 18K Rectangle Bracelet, $15 (was $127) at Walmart
Apsvo 18K Heart Charm Bracelet, $15 (was $127) at Walmart
Apsvo White Gold Plated Leaf of Life Necklace, $13 (was $126) at Walmart
With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s a great time to take advantage of Walmart’s deal on the Apsvo 18K White Gold Tennis Bracelet. At just $13, you can afford to get one of these for several of the people on your shopping list (and best of all, you won’t feel guilty about spending a little more to get one for yourself).
US Open Signals a New Era With Its First Big Shift in 5 Years
Last December, Stacey Allaster, then CEO of Professional Tennis at the United States Tennis Association and Tournament Director of the US Open, announced she would step away from both roles after the 2025 US Open. Since then, speculation ran high about who would succeed her. And now, on November 17, 2025, her successor has finally been named – a former professional player.
Eric Butorac, 44, is officially stepping into big shoes as the U.S. Open’s next tournament director. Recently, the USTA made an announcement confirming that Butorac, who has been the senior director of player relations and business development, will lead the tournament starting in 2026. As he says, “I am beyond excited and grateful to serve as US Open Tournament Director. This is in many ways a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis.”
He further added, “I’m humbled not only by the opportunity but to follow in the footsteps of one of my greatest mentors, Stacey Allaster… Now, I cannot wait to help drive the continued growth and success of the US Open well into the future.” But for Butorac, he already got a taste of the role this year just before the main draw.
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It was Butorac who, alongside Allaster, conceived of the new and revamped mixed doubles event, giving fans a taste of his organizational skills. “It’s an incredible honor. [The U.S. Open is], in my opinion, the greatest sporting event in the world,” Butorac said. “I became so immersed in this event the last decade — working on all aspects of it, trying to help it become better, be a cog in the wheel. That’s the approach I’ve always taken.”
Though controversial, the event was an undeniable success with increased viewership, attendance, and praise from the singles stars who joined in. His deep understanding of the tournament comes not just from managing it, but from playing the game.
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Indeed, Butorac isn’t just a behind-the-scenes expert. He’s been a professional player himself for 14 years. He climbed to the top 20 in ATP doubles rankings and was a doubles finalist at the 2014 Australian Open. He also served as ATP Player Council President. Hence, giving him firsthand insight into what players need and how tournaments should run.
Since joining the USTA in 2016, Butorac has made his mark. He started as Director of Professional Tennis Operations and Player Relations, then became senior director in 2024. In 2022, he even served as tournament director of the Cincinnati Open. With his mix of on-court experience and administrative know-how, Butorac is ready to lead one of the world’s greatest sporting events. But this raises a question: why did Stacey Allaster decide to leave?
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Why is Stacey Allaster stepping down from the USTA and US Open?
In 2020, Stacey Allaster, 62, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as chief executive of professional tennis and U.S. Open tournament director at the U.S. Tennis Association since 1881. Now, after five years, she has announced she will step away from both roles following the 2025 US Open. But what led Allaster to make this decision?
Talking about her decision, she said, “You get to this age and wonder, ‘What’s it all about?’ I have my health, so the big question is, ‘when is enough enough?’ After 38 years of working in professional tennis, my cup is overflowing with gratitude and accomplishments and having had an opportunity to give back to the sport that has given me everything.”
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Allaster has been involved in professional tennis for many years. She joined the USTA in 2016 after serving as chairman and CEO of the WTA and started her career at Tennis Canada.
Although she is stepping down from her top roles, Allaster will stay connected to the USTA. She will continue as chief executive of professional tennis until May, after which she will move into an advisory role. Her impact will be felt even in this new role, but USTA still has a significant obstacle to overcome: addressing the leadership void.
With Allaster’s exit, the USTA has another significant task ahead of it. After Lew Sherr left this summer to take a position as President of Business Operations for the New York Mets, the search for a new CEO is still ongoing, with a decision expected at the end of the year. All of these changes together represent a turning point in the USTA’s history and a new era for its leadership.
Emma Raducanu Pulls Out of Exhibition Matches and Hires New Trainer
Top-ranked British women’s tennis player Emma Raducanu enjoyed a very strong 2025 WTA season. While the one-time Grand Slam champion did not win any titles, she did soar up the WTA Rankings and put together her best campaign in years.
Like several other men’s and women’s tennis players, Raducanu flamed out by the Asian Swing. The culmination of a long season, combined with extreme heat, forced Raducanu to shut down her roller-coaster season early.
Many tennis fans are excited about what is to come for Raducanu, but that hype was tempered by the announcement of another setback.
The former U.S. Open champion was scheduled to play in two highly publicized exhibition matches in the United States next month, but that will no longer be the case.
The inaugural
Iga Swiatek Leads WTA Stars in Saying “Enough” With Strong Stand Against Online Hate
Polish tennis players have repeatedly spoken out against online harassment, but the level of hate aimed at them has only grown worse over time. Even Iga Swiatek pointed this out back in 2023: “The amount of hate and criticism me and my team get after losing… is ridiculous. I want people to be more careful with their comments online.” Instead of cooling down, the negativity only got worse, forcing Swiatek and other WTA players to stand up for themselves.
Just recently, Polish women’s tennis players and the Polish Tennis Association made the decision to take action after years of online harassment. As part of the social-media campaign #HejtOutLoveIn, they signed the “Declaration of No Consent to Hate.”
As the PZT stated, “Polish tennis players and the Polish Tennis Association (PZT) are saying ‘enough’ by signing the Declaration of No Consent to Hate as part of the #HejtOutLoveIn social campaign. This gesture of solidarity is intended to show that in sport, as in life, there is only room for fair play and respect, not hate.” But how far could the impact of such campaigns reach?
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While it is not legally binding and cannot punish offenders but it aims to raise awareness against online harassment. Undoubtedly, hate words affect almost everyone, whether directly or indirectly. However, the campaign gained attention after Iga Swiatek recently addressed the hate she faces online.
It started last month when Swiatek lost to Emma Navarro 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 in a match in the China Open, and thereafter, the internet started hating her. Swiatek felt compelled to speak out. Therefore, she posted the screenshots of messages that she had been receiving.
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Comments like “Mediocre player,” “Pathetic,” and “No discipline no talent no ability to make adjustments no mental strength” poured in. Even one more commented, “You don’t deserve to come to China. Go back to Poland.”
Iga Swiatek also explained how she is frustrated that most of this negativity comes as a result of the online bots, sports betting, and so-called fans. She wrote, “These days, it’s a sad reality in the world of sport. Bots, betting, but also ‘fans’. This is worth thinking about, especially as World Mental Health Day is fast approaching.”
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But Swiatek was not the only such player experiencing such abuse.
Alongside Iga Swiatek, other WTA players have also faced online harassment
Online hate is a topic that is beginning to be more vocal among Polish tennis players, and Katarzyna Kawa is not an exception. She has spoken openly about receiving threats, some of which contain death threats. In an interview, she explained, “I generally don’t read too much in the media about myself … if I started reading, I’d probably conclude I don’t know how to play tennis at all.” But she is not alone in facing online abuse.
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Other Polish players, like Linda Klimovicova and Katarzyna Kubka, have also faced harassment. When news of this campaign was shared online, they responded together in a video. Kubka said, “Let’s show that the voice of respect can be stronger than the voice of hate.”
She added, “Respect is what counts in sport and this is the respect we are fighting for.”However, Polish players are not the only victims of online harassment; it is a global problem in women’s tennis.
Eva Lys, the top-ranked German player, has also become a subject of online abuse and harassment. After she lost to Leylah Fernandez recently at the Hong Kong Open, the 23-year-old revealed the online hate and the threats she received. As she says in a recent interview with Die Zeit, Lys says, “I’ve recently had to deal with stalkers who managed to get hold of the addresses of practice sites, hotels, and even my room numbers,” she said. But she didn’t give up on it.
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Under WTA, Lys and her co-workers have enforced stricter security measures in the training centers and tournaments. But as she pointed out, “Even these security measures have their limits.”
These experiences show the urgency of campaigns like #HejtOutLoveIn to combat the hate inside the online community and promote respect, safety, and justice in sport.
Drake & Sexyy Red’s Photo Shoot Sparks Collaboration Rumors
Drake and Sexyy Red are sparking collaboration rumors after posing for a tennis-themed photo shoot, which the 6 God fueled with a post to Instagram on Monday (Nov. 17).
“I said tennis lesson she said where’s the bracelet or the necklace,” Drizzy captioned the slideshow of tennis photos. Sexyy hopped into the comment section referring to Drake as “my baby zeddy.”
Now Drake is no stranger to rocking tennis chains and diamond-encrusted bracelets, but it’s unclear if he was working on his backhand or whether this is a sign of new music to come with Big Sexyy.
Billboard has reached out to Drake and Sexyy Red’s reps for comment.
Fans also voiced their frustration with Iceman remaining without a release date. “Doin everything but dropping iceman,” one person wrote.
Drake and Sexyy Red have teamed up to exchange verses in the past on tracks such as “U My Everything,” which reached No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the top 15 hit “Rich Baby Daddy” with SZA.
The OVO boss has released three livestreams for Iceman, but there’s been no indication that the album is set to arrive before 2025 ends. He’s released singles such as “What Did I Miss?” and “Which One” with Central Cee, but neither stuck around the charts like a Drake smash hit typically would.
Speaking to Complex, Drizzy went in-depth about how the album rollouts felt stale, which pushed him to reinvent himself with the Iceman livestreams.
“I expressed that I love the opportunity for a clean slate of thoughts and excitement and messaging when it comes to the music,” he said. “What I hate is the redundancy of this formulaic approach that’s engrained in our brains from early label days. Single, video, single, video, album cover post, etc.”
Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Speaks Up on Novak Djokovic’s Decision Not to Coach His Son
“My son is my biggest fan. He understands and loves tennis. He often asks me questions, especially after I lose a match. He once hugged me and said, ‘Things will be better’,” Novak Djokovic once said when speaking about his son, Stefan. The now 11-year-old boy has been taking tennis lessons and started playing on the court just like his father, who picked up a racquet at the age of four. Nole always talks about how much Stefan enjoys being part of the sport, and he loves encouraging him. But when it comes to guiding them, the question is: how far would he go?
During his chat with Piers Morgan last week, Novak opened up about his thoughts on coaching Stefan if he chooses tennis as a career path. He said, “Look, I want to be his father; I don’t want to be his coach. If this is the journey that he chooses to have, I’m going to be one million percent behind him, supporting him every step of the way.” A bit surprising, right? Having a 24-time Grand Slam champion as a coach would sound incredible. But there’s truth in Nole’s words. And Patrick Mouratoglou agrees.
The former coach of Serena Williams reacted to Novak Djokovic’s comments on Piers Morgan Uncensored on his Instagram. He said, “I think tennis is a great school of life. So, for his son to play tennis, it’s great. To try to become a professional, I wouldn’t advise it. But if I was Novak, I would probably say the same: if it’s what he wants, I will support it 100%. I think it’s great. The mission of the parents is to support the kids, show them how much you believe in them.” Makes sense, right?
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However, Mouratoglou pointed out a downside. “When you want to be the coach, most of the time you do that extra step for you, you want to be part of it. I think it’s very dangerous. Sometimes it works; there are great examples of parents who have succeeded when the parent is the coach.” Is he right? Given that Mouratoglou has spent over 20 years in the sport, he’s seen every side: The highs and the lows.
He’s also coached one of the greatest examples of successful parenting in tennis: Serena Williams. Mouratoglou guided the 23-time Grand Slam champion for ten years, but long before that, as many know, Serena and Venus were coached by their father, King Richard. Other examples on the circuit show a trickier balance between parent and coach, like Stefanos Tsitsipas and his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas. The two have split a few times, with Stefanos once admitting he wants his father to just be his father. They recently reunited after his short stint with Goran Ivanisevic ended after only two months in July 2025.
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Mouratoglou summed it up well: “There is no distance, no emotional distance, so they are living the thing with the same negativity, and it can destroy the relationship.” His words echo Djokovic’s sentiment perfectly. For now, Novak’s son still has a long way to go before stepping into the professional circuit, but Nole has admitted that Stefan shows a growing interest in joining him on tour one day.
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Will Novak Djokovic’s son be travelling with him?
One thing is clear: the tennis bug has bitten the next Djokovic generation. In early October, the Serb revealed that his son Stefan is eager to tag along for tournaments. “My son, he plays tennis more and so he follows what’s going on. He was really insisting on travelling with me to China. He wants to travel with me everywhere, but he has to do school, and it’s not that simple. But he’s really in love with tennis and the sport,” the 38-year-old said.
Throughout 2025, Novak Djokovic’s family has been a familiar sight in his player box, especially at the majors. At the Australian Open, Jelena and the kids caught attention when a team member briefly covered the TV camera to protect their privacy during a late-night thriller. At Wimbledon, Stefan and Tara stole hearts, with Tara showing off her dad’s ‘pump it up’ dance on Centre Court as Novak laughed about their little family ritual.
The cute family scenes continued at the US Open. Jelena, Stefan, and Tara cheered alongside Novak’s parents and close-knit team as he chased a record 25th major title. He added, “Yeah, my kids and my wife are, you know, my biggest supporters, and obviously when they are in the stadium you’ve seen them how they support, how passionately they care about and play with me every single point. So, of course, me seeing them on the stands, you know, it’s even more inspirational. I love to have them. But at the same time, you know, the kids cannot live daddy’s life, they have to live their own life.”
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Right now, Novak Djokovic closed his year with a title run at the Hellenic Championship, earning career trophy number 101. Now comes some family downtime before the grind begins again. The 38-year-old will return at the 2026 Australian Open, eyes locked on that elusive 25th Grand Slam. Will this finally be the one?
Parents of high school tennis star Braun Levi sue alleged drunk driver
The car came careening down Sepulveda Boulevard, collided into Braun Levi and sent the Loyola High School tennis star flying through the air before he slammed into the asphalt.
Levi was a local legend, a nationally ranked tennis player with four Mission League doubles championships under his belt and a spot at the University of Virginia awaiting him in the fall.
But just one month before graduation, his bright future was cut short.
The woman who allegedly struck him around 12:46 a.m. on May 4 had a blood alcohol level of nearly twice the legal limit and was driving on a suspended license from a prior DUI arrest, according to court records. Levi was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
In the months that have followed the deadly collision, Levi’s parents have funneled their grief into advocacy — launching the Live Like Braun Foundation to raise money for scholarships and public tennis centers and awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Now, they have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged drunk driver, Jenia Resha Belt, 33, and are seeking $200,000 in damages for the Live Like Braun Foundation. Belt could not be immediately reached for comment.
“Our family has made the decision to file a civil lawsuit against the individual responsible for taking Braun’s life,” his mother, Jennifer Levi, said in a statement. “This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”
Belt was arrested by Manhattan Beach police at the site of the crash, which happened around 12:46 a.m. near the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 2nd Street.
She was released from custody on June 4, according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s booking log. So far no charges have been filed against her.
“Specialized prosecutors have been working with investigators from the beginning and are continuing to monitor the investigation,” a spokesman with the L.A. County district attorney’s office said Tuesday afternoon. “No case has yet been formally presented.”
Before getting into the car, Belt had consumed “excessive quantities of alcohol” at a bar in Hermosa beach, the complaint alleges. Four passengers inside the car fled the area after the collision.
“Despite knowing and understanding the grave dangers associated with driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, Defendant Belt willfully chose to operate the subject vehicle while intoxicated at an unsafe and excessive rate of speed,” the complaint states.
Los Angeles County Superior Court records show that Belt had previously been charged with DUI stemming from an incident on Nov. 25, 2023, and is not permitted to be behind the wheel, according to records provided to The Times by the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
Lleyton Hewitt to play doubles with son Cruz at an Australian tennis tournament
SYDNEY (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam singles champion Lleyton Hewitt planned to come out of retirement on Wednesday to play doubles with his 16-year-old son Cruz at the New South Wales Open ATP Challenger event.
Former No. 1- ranked Hewitt, 44, won the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002. He officially retired in 2016 but has continued to play doubles in selected tournaments in Australia and is the current Davis Cup captain for Australia.
Cruz Hewitt is one of three children Hewitt has with his wife, former Australian actress Bec Hewitt.
The father-and-son Hewitts were scheduled to play Australians Hayden Jones and Pavle Marinkov in a late afternoon match at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on Wednesday.
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A family affair: Lleyton Hewitt to play doubles with son Cruz at an Australian tennis event
SYDNEY (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam singles champion Lleyton Hewitt planned to come out of retirement on Wednesday to play doubles with his 16-year-old son Cruz at the New South Wales Open ATP Challenger event.
Former No. 1- ranked Hewitt, 44, won the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002. He officially retired in 2016 but has continued to play doubles in selected tournaments in Australia and is the current Davis Cup captain for Australia.
Cruz Hewitt is one of three children Hewitt has with his wife, former Australian actress Bec Hewitt.
The father-and-son Hewitts were scheduled to play Australians Hayden Jones and Pavle Marinkov in a late afternoon match at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on Wednesday.
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RSM Classic 2025: How to watch, tee times from PGA Tour’s fall finale
This is it, the last full-field PGA Tour event for players to earn cards for next season.
The RSM Classic is the 46th and final official tournament on the Tour’s 2025 schedule. The top 100 in FedExCup points at the event’s conclusion will have full exempt status in ’26.
Here’s how you can watch the action at Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia (all times EST; click here for tee times and leaderboard):
Thursday, Nov. 20
Noon-3PM: Golf Channel/NBC Sports App
Friday, Nov. 21
Noon-3PM: Golf Channel/NBC Sports App
Saturday, Nov. 22
1-4PM: Golf Channel/NBC Sports App
Sunday, Nov. 23
Golf Glance: Drama-packed season finales on PGA, LPGA Tours
The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour hold season-ending events this week. While PGA Tour players make their final push for 2026 playing status, the top LPGA Tour players vie for the biggest purse in women’s golf.
PGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: The RSM Classic, St. Simons Island, Ga., Nov. 20-23
Course: Sea Island Golf Club, (Seaside: Par 70, 7,005 Yards; Plantation: Par 72, 7,060 Yards)
Purse: $7M (Winner: $1.26M)
Defending Champion: Maverick McNealy
FedEx Cup Champion: Tommy Fleetwood
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Friday: 12-3 p.m. ET; Saturday-Sunday: 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel)
Streaming: Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. ET; Friday: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. (ESPN+)
X: @TheRSMClassic
NOTES: This is the final of seven events on the FedEx Cup Fall series. Only the top 100 players at the completion of the week secure fully exempt status for 2026, down from the top 125 last year. Those who began the fall series in the top 70 already have clinched their top-100 eligibility, with Nos. 51-70 still working to secure spots in the first two signature events of 2026 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational. No. 125 is the cut-off for conditional status next year. Fan favorite Joel Dahmen enters the week No. 117. … Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year Johnny Keefer is in the field on a sponsor exemption, as is 18-year-old Blades Brown. … All players between Nos. 95-105 in the fall standings are in this week’s field. … Tournament host Davis Love III will make his 792nd career start on tour.
FEDEX CUP FALL RANKINGS #95-105
95. Ryo Hisatsune
96. Thorbjorn Olesen
97. Danny Walker
98. Michael Brennan
99. Takumi Kanaya
100. Karl Vilips
101. Max Homa
102. Matt Wallace
103. Beau Hossler
104. Isaiah Salinda
105. David Lipsky
RANKING #51-70
No. 51 Max Greyserman (1,160 points)
No. 52 Garrick Higgo (1,020)
No. 53 Aldrich Potgieter (983)
No. 54 Chris Kirk (962)*
No. 55 Aaron Rai (957)
No. 56 Min Woo Lee (932)
No. 57 Rico Hoey (931)*
No. 58 Jordan Spieth (927)
No. 59 Jake Knapp (889)
No. 60 Kevin Yu (887)
No. 61 Wyndham Clark (884)
No. 62 Nico Echavarria (880)*
No. 63 Patrick Rodgers (858)*
No. 64 Matti Schmid (847)
No. 65 Joe Highsmith (846)*
No. 66 Stephan Jaeger (837)*
No. 67 Adam Schenk (830)*
No. 68 Emiliano Grillo (825)
No. 69 Mackenzie Hughes (813)*
No. 70 Steven Fisk (802)*
*=In RSM Classic Field
BEST BETS: Harris English (+1800 at DraftKings) is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 13. One of several Sea Island residents in the field, English’s best finish in 13 previous event appearances was a T6 in 2020. … Si Woo Kim (+2200) has finished T21 or better in five consecutive worldwide starts. … Rico Hoey (+2500) is a career-high 72nd in the world after following his runner-up in Utah with a T21 and T22 the past two events. … Brian Harman (+2800) also calls Sea Island home and has a win to go with three other top-10s this season. … J.T. Poston (+3000) is a three-time winner on tour, with all three coming against second-tier fields similar to this one. … Chris Kirk (+3500) will tee it up for the first time since a T9 to kick off the playoffs, which followed a T5 at the Wyndham Championship.
Last Tournament: Butterfield Bermuda Championship (Adam Schenk)
Next Tournament: Hero World Challenge, Albany, Bahamas, Dec. 4-7
LPGA TOUR
THIS WEEK: CME Group Tour Championship, Naples, Fla., Nov. 20-23
Course: Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, Tiburon Golf Club (Par 72, 6,590 Yards)
Purse: $11M (Winner: $4M)
Defending Champion: Jeeno Thitikul
Race to the CME Globe leader: Thitikul
HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Saturday: 9-11 a.m. ET (Golf Channel); 7-10 a.m. (NBC)
Streaming: Thursday-Saturday: 8-9 a.m. ET (NBC Sports App); Sunday: 7-10 a.m. (Peacock)
X: @CMEGroupLPGA
NOTES: The top 60 players in the points standings qualified for the season-ending event. The champion this week will claim the $4 million winner’s check. … Thitikul finished eagle-birdie to win last year’s event at 22-under 266. Thitikul and Miyu Yamashita are the only multiple-time winners on tour in 2025. Yamashita has clinched the Rookie of the Year award. … Nelly Korda, a seven-time winner in 2024, is still seeking her first victory this year. … Jennifer Kupcho clinched the $1 million prize for winning the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge this season.
Last Tournament: The Annika (Linn Grant)
Next Tournament: Grant Thornton Invitational, Naples, Fla., Dec. 12-14
DP WORLD TOUR
THIS WEEK: Season Complete
Race to Dubai champion: Rory McIlroy
Last Tournament: DP World Tour Championship (Matt Fitzpatrick)
Next Tournament: BMW Australia PGA Championship, Brisbane, Nov. 21-24
LIV GOLF LEAGUE
THIS WEEK: Season Complete
Season Winners: Individual: Jon Rahm; Team: Legion XIII
Last Tournament: Team Championship (Legion XIII)
Next Tournament: LIV Golf Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5-7
PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
THIS WEEK: Season Complete
Course: Phoenix Country Club (Par 71, 6,860 Yards)
Defending Champion: Bernhard Langer
Charles Schwab Cup champion: Stewart Cink
Last Tournament: Charles Schwab Cub Championship (Cink)
Next Tournament: PNC Championship, Orlando, Dec. 20-21
Kevin Chappell’s Retirement Exposes a Growing Crisis Inside the PGA Tour
Kevin Chappell has exposed a growing discontent within the PGA Tour following his decision to retire at just age 39. The American says the PGA Tour risks becoming a “tennis model” with select elite events, and he fears this could undermine the Tour. He worries this could limit opportunities for regular players to compete and stay relevant.
Chappell Warns Rolapp: PGA Tour Could Become A “Tennis Model”
Chappell recently announced his retirement and spoke frankly about the changes he sees coming. He expressed deep concerns about the future of the PGA Tour, especially under the leadership of its new CEO, Brian Rolapp, who is keen on implementing changes to the competitive landscape of the PGA Tour.
The 39-year-old warned that instead of a broad-based Tour where many players compete week in and week out, the PGA Tour may be evolving into a system with only few truly meaningful events each year.
This vision worries him. While there may still be opportunities for players to make a living, Chappell warned that long-term relevance will become much harder for those who are not generational talents
“I don’t know what the future holds for the tour. It just seems like it’s turning much into a tennis model where you’re gonna have eight to 12 events a year that really matter, and the rest of it, there will be a tour that exists, but if you’re not a regular fan, you’re not gonna really know what’s going on,” Chappell said.
How New Changes Could Dent PGA Tour’s Future
Part of Chappell’s concern comes from recent structural changes on the Tour. There is already a growing divide between the elite “signature events” and the rest of the schedule, which remain more modest.
Under Rolapp’s leadership, the Tour has already cut the number of full Tour cards from 125 to 100. That means fewer players will participate in the core of the Tour, making it harder for fringe or developing pros to break through.
This has led to suggestions that not enough is being done to preserve opportunities for rank-and-file players to earn their status, and calls for a return to more inclusive fields, perhaps with a 110-man event that still has a cut. Some believe this shift is in part a response to external pressure, including competition from LIV Golf, which has forced the PGA Tour to rethink how it structures its calendar and prize money
Yet, there is an argument that this new direction threatens the character of the Tour, potentially replacing hard-earned careers with a model that favors only a few. Many note that the PGA Tour’s strength has always come from its ability to regenerate talent and without a system that supports a wide base of competitors, that talent pipeline could dry up and with it, the future of the game’s popularity.
Jim Furyk Cautions Tiger Woods as Pressure Grows on Him to Accept PGA Offer
In October, Tiger Woods underwent another surgery on his back. It was a lumbar disc replacement on his L4/5 vertebra. The American legend has already undergone several procedures, and all on the verge of 50. His recent health conditions have made fans question whether he would be able to be back on the course in full form yet again.
Jim Furyk shared his take on this scenario a few days back. “… the economic impact on the Tour and the cities that he played in and events that he played in was astronomical. For us, if he does indeed decide to play some events, being prepared and ready is step one but two it would be a huge boost for our Tour.” And now Furyk has reflected on what might be the right time for Woods to take up his national duty.
Jim Furyk recently joined the 5 Clubs Golf podcast. The interviewer questioned Furyk whether he feels “27 is the right time for him (Woods) to captain a team?” Furyk immediately answered, “I think that’s his choice, right? He’s Tiger Woods. I think the opportunity was there in 25. I think, you know, he needs to be able to give 110% to it. It’s an amazing job, but it is very time-consuming.”
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Furyk further explained how the role of a captain often becomes very demanding.
“You put a lot of pressure on yourself as a captain. So, if the timing is right for him and it’s something that he wants, I think that opportunity is there.”
The 55-year-old American golfer further explained, “You know, he surely, as you said, it was difficult to find the right partners because when you’re dealing with Tiger Woods, he’s under the microscope, each and every day of his life. And so, to be cast into that as a partner can be sometimes difficult. I think by the time we became partners, I was pretty comfortable with my career and comfortable with that position. Same with Strick.”
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Jim Furyk also added how he believes that Woods has done some “amazing work.”
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“I wasn’t one of his vice captains in Australia when he was the captain of the President’s Cup team, but I served a number of different teams with him as a vice captain, and the players look up to him. I think he’s really become a mentor for a lot of them down there in South Florida, and he had some great intuition and great ideas as a vice captain. So, uh, he was always an asset to the team in that way,” shared Furyk.
However, as of now, the doubts surrounding his return to the fairways remain.
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Concerns grow as Tiger Woods faces tough road after latest surgery
Fans always love to see Tiger Woods take the W at every golf tournament. However, while he has been able to produce some first-class performances over the years, in recent times, things have been looking quite grim. Owing to a string of injuries, the golfing legend is currently recovering from his 7th back surgery. And while it is expected that Woods might once again return to the fairways, the hopes of a stellar comeback are fading away.
For one, Woods is nearing his 50s and thus, a speedy recovery might not be on the cards anymore. Discussing the same, former PGA Tour pro Will MacKenzie and analyst Jason Sobel had some interesting points to share on the SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio back in mid-October.
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MacKenzie pointed out, “I’ve had a lot of surgery in my day myself, and that does not sound good for Tiger. We all want Tiger to come out on the other side stronger, healthier, and play again. But man, this is just one tacked onto another of bad injuries, and I’m worried about it. He’s going to be in this cocoon for a while, working to get back where he’s walking again.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, golf analyst Sobel pointed out that he will be pretty happy to see Woods play in the Masters next year. But with that, he also mentioned how the legendary golfer has not yet expressed his intentions to come back and get going immediately.
With a lot of speculations going on, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
The RSM Classic: How to watch the PGA tournament on ESPN
The PGA Tour heads back to Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia, this week for its fall finale, the RSM Classic. A total of 10 2025 tour winners highlight the 156-player field, including World No. 13 Harris English (2025 Farmers Insurance Open champion) and World No. 32 Brian Harman (2025 Valero Texas Open champion), who are both Sea Island residents.
The field will compete for a share of a $7 million purse. It’s also the last chance for players to earn or improve their status for next season, as the top 100 in the FedEx Cup points standings earn full exempt status. Maverick McNealy captured his first PGA Tour victory at the RSM Classic last year in what was his 142nd career start.
Here are key facts about the 2025 event:
When is the RSM Classic?
It runs Thursday to Sunday.
How can fans watch?
Fans can watch Thursday’s and Friday’s coverage in the ESPN App and in the ESPN streaming hub.
What is the schedule?
*All times Eastern
Thursday, Nov. 20
8 a.m.: First-round coverage begins with featured groups
Friday, Nov. 21
8 a.m.: Second-round coverage begins with featured groups
Which top players will be playing in the event?
▪︎ Harris English
▪︎ Brian Harman
▪︎ Andrew Novak
▪︎ Michael Brennan
▪︎ Sam Stevens
How can fans access more golf content from ESPN?
Victor Perez leaves PGA Tour for LIV Golf
Victor Perez of France is the first player this year to leave the PGA Tour for Saudi-funded LIV Golf, with the league announcing on Tuesday he will be joining the Cleeks.
Perez had joint membership on the PGA Tour and European tour with three European tour titles. He played only the French Open this year among tournaments that were not on the PGA Tour schedule. His best finish was a tie for ninth in the RBC Canadian Open.
He replaces Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated out of LIV Golf by not finishing in the top 48 on the points list.
Perez, who is No. 108 in the FedEx Cup and was in danger of losing his card, withdrew from the RSM Classic on Tuesday.
“Joining Cleeks Golf Club for the 2026 season feels like joining golf’s next great chapter, as this club continues to push boundaries, perform at the highest level, and bring fresh energy and vision to the game,” Perez said in a statement.
The Cleeks have Martin Kaymer as a captain, along with Adrian Meronk of Poland and 52-year-old Richard Bland.
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Victor Perez of France leaves PGA Tour for LIV Golf
Victor Perez of France is the first player this year to leave the PGA Tour for Saudi-funded LIV Golf, with the league announcing on Tuesday he will be joining the Cleeks.
Perez had joint membership on the PGA Tour and European tour with three European tour titles. He played only the French Open this year among tournaments that were not on the PGA Tour schedule. His best finish was a tie for ninth in the RBC Canadian Open.
He replaces Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated out of LIV Golf by not finishing in the top 48 on the points list.
Perez, who is No. 108 in the FedEx Cup and was in danger of losing his card, withdrew from the RSM Classic on Tuesday.
“Joining Cleeks Golf Club for the 2026 season feels like joining golf’s next great chapter, as this club continues to push boundaries, perform at the highest level, and bring fresh energy and vision to the game,” Perez said in a statement.
The Cleeks have Martin Kaymer as a captain, along with Adrian Meronk of Poland and 52-year-old Richard Bland.
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Victor Perez leaves PGA Tour to play for LIV Golf’s Cleeks
Victor Perez of France is the first player this year to leave the PGA Tour for Saudi-funded LIV Golf, with the league announcing on Tuesday he will be joining the Cleeks.
Perez had joint membership on the PGA Tour and European tour with three European tour titles. He played only the French Open this year among tournaments that were not on the PGA Tour schedule. His best finish was a tie for ninth in the RBC Canadian Open.
He replaces Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated out of LIV Golf by not finishing in the top 48 on the points list.
Perez, who is No. 108 in the FedEx Cup and was in danger of losing his card, withdrew from the RSM Classic on Tuesday.
Five Storylines to Watch at The RSM Classic: Where Careers Hang in the Balance
The PGA TOUR season always ends the same way. A bunch of guys you’ve never heard of grinding their tails off at Sea Island while the stars are already on vacation. But that’s exactly what makes The RSM Classic compelling television, even if most people won’t tune in.
This is where dreams come true and careers die. It’s the final event of the FedExCup Fall, which means it’s the last chance for players to crack the top 100 and keep their TOUR cards for 2026. It’s also the last opportunity to sneak into those coveted spots 51-60 that earn exemptions into the first two Signature Events of next year.
So while Scottie Scheffler is probably changing diapers and Rory McIlroy is doing whatever Rory does in the offseason, there’s real drama unfolding in Georgia. Here are the five storylines I’m watching most closely.
1. Joel Dahmen’s Déjà Vu Nightmare
If you’re a fan of compelling sports narratives, Joel Dahmen is your guy. Last year at this exact tournament, he pulled off one of the gutsiest performances you’ll ever see. First, he made a putt on his 36th hole just to make the cut. Then he holed out for eagle in the final round, sparking a charge that kept him at No. 124 in the standings. One spot inside the bubble.
Now he’s back, and the situation is somehow even more precarious. Dahmen sits at No. 117 in the FedExCup Fall standings, which sounds safe until you realize he needs at least a two-way tie for sixth just to crack the top 100. In reality, he’ll probably need to do better than that.
Here’s the thing about Dahmen: he’s 38 years old. If he doesn’t pull off another miracle this week, he’s Korn Ferry Tour-bound, and that’s a brutal place to be at his age. Sure, he’s got the game to get back. He’s proven that over the years. But the 2026 Korn Ferry class is going to be the most competitive in history. Only 20 cards available, and he’d be fighting against hungry 23-year-olds who grew up watching YouTube swing videos and hitting bombs.
The pressure is immense, but if anyone can handle it, it’s Dahmen. The guy is one of the most genuine personalities on TOUR, and his Netflix documentary moments have made him a fan favorite. But sentiment doesn’t keep your card. Birdies do.
2. Adam Schenk’s Momentum Play
Speaking of guys who just figured it out, Adam Schenk finally broke through last week in Bermuda. After 243 starts (243!), he got his first PGA TOUR win at age 33. That’s the kind of perseverance that makes you believe in the grind.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Schenk jumped from No. 134 to No. 67 in the FedExCup Fall standings with that win. He’s now within striking distance of the Aon Next 10, those magical spots from 51-60 that get you into Pebble Beach and Riviera to start next year. Currently, No. 60 is Kevin Yu at 887 points, and Schenk has 830. That’s a 57-point gap, which is absolutely makeable with a strong week.
Getting into those early Signature Events can change your entire season. Just look at what Ludvig Aberg did after winning this tournament in 2023, or Maverick McNealy last year. They parlayed RSM success into Signature Event access, which led to bigger checks, better world ranking points, and momentum that carried through the year.
Schenk has played this tournament eight times, with a T19 in 2023 as his best finish. He knows the courses. He’s got confidence. And he’s got nothing to lose since he already secured his two-year exemption with the win. This is pure upside golf, which is the best kind.
3. Johnny Keefer’s Masters Quest
This might be the most fascinating subplot of the week, and it involves a guy who isn’t even officially a PGA TOUR member yet.
Johnny Keefer dominated the Korn Ferry Tour this year, and I mean dominated. He won Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, becoming only the third player ever to sweep both awards. The other two? Sungjae Im and Scottie Scheffler. That’s pretty good company.
But here’s the wild part: despite playing only four PGA TOUR events this year and making just one cut, Keefer has climbed all the way to No. 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking. And if he’s in the top 50 at year’s end, he gets into the Masters.
No. 50 is a precarious spot with six weeks left in the calendar year. This week at Sea Island, playing on a sponsor exemption, represents his last real chance to bank some world ranking points before the cutoff. He missed the cut at the World Wide Technology Championship after a second-round 74, so he needs to show up this week.
Imagine earning your TOUR card for 2026 and already having a Masters invitation in your pocket before you even tee it up in January. That’s what’s at stake for the 24-year-old Baylor grad. No pressure, kid.
4. The Danny Walker Reality Check
If you want to understand what’s really on the line this week, look at Danny Walker’s story.
The 30-year-old spent years grinding through every level of professional golf. PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, PGA TOUR Canada (before it became PGA TOUR Americas), and the Korn Ferry Tour. He completely lost his status in 2021 and worked as a waiter at Bahama Breeze, genuinely unsure whether he wanted to keep chasing the dream.
He eventually clawed his way back, earned his TOUR card for 2025, and now sits at No. 97 in the FedExCup Fall standings. He’s got a 35-point cushion over No. 102 Matt Wallace, which sounds comfortable but really isn’t. There’s no magic number for Walker. He just needs to play well and hope it’s enough.
Walker has made two of four cuts this fall, with a massive T3 at the Sanderson Farms Championship keeping him afloat. But he didn’t play in Mexico and missed the cut in Bermuda, and now he’s back on the edge.
This is the reality for most guys on TOUR. One bad year, one injury, one stretch of missed cuts, and you’re back to square one. Walker’s story is a reminder that for every Scottie Scheffler making $62 million, there are dozens of guys just trying to keep their jobs.
5. Michael Thorbjornsen’s Signature Event Push
Michael Thorbjornsen is the kind of talent that makes you think “future star.” He was the No. 1 amateur in the world, finished No. 1 in the PGA TOUR University points in 2024, and has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season.
But here’s his problem: he’s No. 72 in the FedExCup Fall standings, which means he’s comfortably inside the top 100 but outside the top 60 needed for those Signature Event exemptions.
History tells us that access matters. Ludvig Aberg, Maverick McNealy, and Ben Griffin all used strong FedExCup Fall performances to earn Signature Event spots, which became springboards for breakthrough seasons. Thorbjornsen has the game to compete at that level. He just needs the opportunity.
Can you break out without Signature Event access? Sure. You can win early and earn your way in. But it’s a lot harder when you’re not playing against the best fields and accumulating world ranking points at the same rate.
Thorbjornsen needs a big week to crack that top 60. If he does, 2026 could be the year he goes from “promising rookie” to “legitimate contender.”
The Beauty of Desperation
This is what makes The RSM Classic great. You’ve got guys playing for their livelihoods, young players trying to jumpstart careers, and veterans trying to extend them. The courses at Sea Island (the Seaside and Plantation layouts) are fair but demand precision, especially when the wind picks up off the Atlantic.
Sure, the star power isn’t there. Harris English is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 11 in the world, and he’s a local who probably plays these courses in his sleep. But that’s not the point.
The point is that while most of America is getting ready for Thanksgiving, there are 156 guys in Georgia playing tournament golf that actually matters. And for some of them, it matters more than any tournament they’ll ever play.
That’s worth watching.
On the Brink of Losing PGA Tour Status, One Player Chooses LIV Instead
Victor Perez entered the week expected to compete at the RSM Classic as one of the bubble players fighting to retain his full PGA Tour card for 2026. Ranked outside the top 100 in the FedExCup Fall standings, he needed a high finish to salvage his status.
Instead, news broke that Perez will depart the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf’s Cleeks GC roster. The announcement came Tuesday afternoon when Cleeks GC confirmed the Frenchman’s signing, signalling a major shift in his career trajectory.
His sudden move raises multiple questions: Why leave a PGA Tour spot on the line? What does this mean for his future? And what message does it send to other players teetering on the edge of status?
Perez earned his PGA Tour card through strong DP World Tour play, but with just one top-10 in 25 PGA events this season and a ranking of 108th in the FedExCup Fall standings (122nd in the Official World Golf Ranking), the pressure was mounting.
Status, Pressure and the Final Countdown
The timing of this announcement is significant. The RSM Classic is the final regular event of the FedExCup Fall series. For players hovering around the cutoff, every shot matters–not just for a paycheck, but for full membership, access to events, world ranking points and schedule freedom.
The 33-year-old Frenchman reportedly sat just outside the safe zone; his performance needed to improve dramatically this week if he wanted to hold onto full status for 2026. Instead, by shifting to LIV Golf, he bypassed that pressure entirely, and may have taken a strategic path with less immediate risk.
“Joining Cleeks Golf Club for the 2026 season feels like joining golf’s next great chapter, as this club continues to push boundaries, perform at the highest level, and bring fresh energy and vision to the game,” Perez said.
For many pros, losing full PGA Tour status means fewer tournament entries, weaker priority, tougher scheduling and more uncertainty–conditions many find unacceptably volatile.
It’s also worth noting how LIV Golf treats roster changes. The fact that Perez will join Cleeks GC suggests that he calculated now was the right time to shift allegiances–before the pressure of retention boiled over.
Tommy Gainey will take Perez’s place in the RSM Classic.
Implications Beyond One Player
This decision echos beyond Perez alone. It spotlights the ongoing tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and how players navigate their careers within that dynamic.
It also raises questions about how the PGA Tour’s retention system influences player decisions. If top-100 cutoff points and conditional status force players into high-risk scenarios, might more athletes choose earlier exits rather than last-ditch efforts? This move could mark a subtle shift.
From the LIV Golf side, adding a player like Perez, whose profile includes a few European Tour wins (2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, 2022 Dutch Open, and the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship) and a PGA Tour background, displays an intention to raise the league’s competitive level and credibility. The roster is stacked with players like Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland and Adrian Meronk.
In a sport where every shot counts, Perez made his decision off-the-course, and it may be one of the most strategic moves of his professional life.
NASCAR Team Part Ways With Manufacturers Leaving Ford Helpless
The 2026 Xfinity Series is just over the horizon, with a new name: “O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.” In the meantime, the 2025 off-season is abuzz with teams forming new alliances and parting ways with the old. And one single car team in particular, which is long known for punching above its weight, is chasing technical alliances that promise better engineering and resources. This type of new alliance-making and old one breaking is a clear indication that loyalties can shift fast when performance is on the line.
Ford, which is a longtime powerhouse in stock car racing, now faces a tougher road. As rivals like Chevrolet ramp up their support networks, Ford’s grip could slip if key allies walk away. One such alliance breakup stands out for its bold impact.
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RSS Racing bolts from Ford to Chevy in major shake-up
RSS Racing, the North Carolina-based team behind the No. 38 and No. 39 cars, is cutting ties with Ford after years of partnership. The move aligns them with Haas Factory Team’s switch to Chevrolet for 2026, ensuring seamless technical support from the Kannapolis shop. This isn’t just any other swap; it’s a well-planned strategic play by RSS to tap into Hendrick Motorsports’ vast resources through Haas. Through this alliance, the RSS racing team aims to climb from mid-pack finishes like their 2025 efforts, where they hovered around 20th in owner points.
The decision stems from the Haas team’s move to Chevy, leaving Ford without a vital Xfinity anchor. RSS, which was founded in 2016 by Rod Sieg and is now run by his son Ryan, has leaned on Ford since entering the series full time in 2020. But with Haas advocating for Hendrick‘s Chevy superior engine tech and alliance perks, RSS follows suit to avoid isolation.
With key allies leaving, it hits Ford hard, as this will shrink its Xfinity footprint to just a handful of teams and strain parts supply for independents.
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Jeremy Clements, owner of ally Jeremy Clements Racing, captured the excitement in a statement: “We’ve always fought hard as a single-car team, but this is a major opportunity for us, and partnering with the Haas Factory Team means a lot. We’re excited for what’s ahead!” His words echo RSS’s mindset; JCR’s similar tie-in with Haas means shared Chevy blueprints and data, potentially lifting both squads.
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Clements’ team, fresh off a tough 21st in 2025 drivers’ standings, sees this as a lifeline, much like RSS, who’ve dealt with limited Ford aid amid budget woes. As these Chevy bonds tighten, Ford scrambles to rebuild. But the real story? How one team’s pivot could echo across the series.
While alliances evolve in Xfinity, Cup Series eyes turn to Daytona.
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JR Motorsports revs up Allgaier for 2026 Daytona charge
JR Motorsports is doubling down on its Cup Series run by putting Justin Allgaier into the No. 40 Traveler Whiskey Chevrolet for the 2026 Daytona 500. JRM, which is owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, leans on Xfinity dominance (105 wins, four titles) to make the Cup Series run successful.
This Daytona run is backed by Chris Stapleton’s award-winning “Traveller Whiskey.” Allgaier, who is still fresh off his 2024 Xfinity crown and a 2025 third-place run with three victories, brings duel-winning savvy to dodge Dayton’s chaos.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller beamed about the repeat: “Getting the opportunity to enter a second DAYTONA 500 is something that is extremely special to everyone at JR Motorsports. Last year was an amazing moment, and I’m very proud to be able to see this group come back together with the support of Chris Stapleton and Traveller Whiskey to go after it again in February.”
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Her excitement ties to the 2025 Daytona 500 thrill, where Allgaier clinically navigated through the tight pack to clinch a dramatic ninth-place finish. In 2025, JRM registered its inaugural run of the DAYTONA 500, proving JRM’s prep rivals full-timers. Stapleton’s blend, a 90-proof gem dubbed 2024’s top super-premium whiskey, mirrors the team’s craftsmanship, blending Earnhardt’s legacy with Allgaier’s 28 Xfinity triumphs.
Allgaier echoed the fire: “I’m honored to be able to have the chance to drive this Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet again for Dale, Kelley and all of JR Motorsports. Last year was such an incredible opportunity and experience, and I am really thankful that Chris Stapleton and Traveller wanted to come back and be a part of this again.”
Penske Star Pushes for Shorter NASCAR Schedule as He Eyes Major International Leap
For years, NASCAR drivers have eyed a crossover to the Australian Supercars Championship, with a few like Marcos Ambrose and Shane van Gisbergen showing that the jump is not just possible, it can be wildly successful. Supercars demand precision, heavy braking, and pack style touring car racecraft, a very different skill set from stock car ovals, but drivers with road racing or endurance backgrounds often thrive.
Now, after Austin Cindric recently landed a wildcard entry with Tickford Racing for the Adelaide Grand Final, the beast has got a taste of blood, and he wants more.
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Cindric craves Supercars
While talking with Apex Hunter United on their podcast, Austin Cindric, who has never been shy about wanting to test himself outside NASCAR, and his recent comments made it clear that a run in the Australian Supercars Championship is something he would take seriously if the schedule ever allowed it.
He said the “ideal scenario” would be simply having the time to try it, adding, “Still, at least put myself in a position to if I want to try it, I at least have a real-world experience of if I liked it… if I can do it… if I feel confident enough to do it.”
That mindset fits perfectly with his background, as Austin Cindric grew up racing everything from open-wheel cars to rallycross to IMSA sports cars. He has always believed that seat time across multiple disciplines makes a more complete driver, something echoed by many of his interviews over the years.
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One of the most telling moments came when Cindric joked about his past misfortune in unfamiliar series, saying he had “plain successful luck of breaking.”
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His comment reflects a real part of his early racing journey, the learning curve in sports cars included mechanical failures and hard lessons. He followed that by pointing to a modern example that proves why cross-disciplinary competition matters: “You have this clear example of a guy who you cannot ignore… the performance.” While he did not say the name, he was clearly referencing Shane van Gisbergen, whose immediate success in NASCAR in 2023 forced the entire industry to acknowledge the value of racing in multiple high-level categories.
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As he continued, Cindric said something that made his intentions even clearer: “Sometimes you just have to put things to bed… just do it for the sake of doing it.” That sense of unfinished business has followed Cindric for years. Long before he became a Daytona 500 winner, he was a driver who bounced between series searching for the next challenge. His comments show that the itch has not gone away.
And when he added, “As a series, a lot of us are already at that point,” he hinted at something broader, the sense among Cup drivers that NASCAR’s incredibly demanding 38-race schedule leaves almost zero room to compete elsewhere, even when they want to.
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Cindric made it clear that this was not just about enhancing his Cup performance. In fact, he said, “Forget about the Cup stuff… it is just… it is a skill set to continue to work on and want to have.” To him, running Supercars would be an exercise in broadening his racing identity, not chasing trophies. That mirrors how past NASCAR drivers like Jimmie Johnson approached ventures into IndyCar or sports cars. Supercars, with their street circuits, heavy cars, and elbows-out racing, would be a natural fit for someone with Cindric’s background.
Ultimately, Cindric wrapped his thoughts with the line that defined the entire discussion: “We just need more off weeks ’cause I would do it in a heartbeat. Maybe one day.” It was sincere, unfiltered, and reflective of a long-standing reality in NASCAR. The desire for global racing experiences exists, but the schedule keeps the door nearly shut.
His comment fits perfectly within the broader trend of Cup drivers wanting to step outside the series occasionally, if only the calendar would allow for it. It is the kind of honest itch that echoes through the garage, where even a Penske star like Ryan Blaney can look back on his own path and laugh at how the simplest steps, like getting behind the wheel legally, were not always a slam dunk.
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Ryan Blaney’s license story
The Blaney family is one of the most reputable racing dynasties in the United States. The family tree’s connection to speed began with George Blaney, who started a race team alongside his lumber business around the 1950s. It then passed on to Lou Blaney, then Dave Blaney, and now lives through Ryan Blaney.
But even this rich heritage has its limitations in the real world. Ryan, who now drives in the NASCAR Cup Series for Team Penske, spoke in an interview earlier this year about his struggles to obtain his driver’s license as a teenager. The instructor who guided him had been a race fan and knew the kind of family that he came from. So, things had been pretty exciting for him from that standpoint. However, the real struggle was elsewhere.
He said, “I think the toughest part of that one was the written test, you know, when you got to go in and… because that can be hard. Like, what does this sign mean? And you have never seen that sign in your life, and you are like, I do not know. But yeah, it was pretty easy, fortunately.” He did end up getting his license at the end of the day and preserving his family’s legacy in the town. Imagine a Blaney failing his driver’s license test.
Ryan talked about his family’s impact on him, “It came from my grandfather to my dad and my uncle. As a kid, I was lucky to see it at a young age. I was fortunate enough to have a shot at racing. As a kid, I wanted to do what dad did.”
RSS Racing Moving to Chevy; Keeping Sieg Brothers Lineup, HFT Alliance
RSS Racing, one of the longest-running family-owned and operated teams in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series garage, has confirmed its plans for the upcoming season, and it includes a couple of pretty significant changes.
The organization will continue to field a pair of full-time entries in NASCAR’s second-tier division in 2026, with older brother Ryan Sieg behind the wheel of the No. 39, and 24-year-old younger brother Kyle Sieg behind the wheel of the No. 28.
There will technically be no changes in the overall affiliation for the organization, which is owned by the Sieg family, as they remain aligned with Haas Factory Team (previously Stewart-Haas Racing). But a September announcement confirming a move to Chevrolet and Hendrick Engines for HFT means that both the No. 28 and No. 39 will be carrying Chevrolet badges in 2026.
SciAps will continue to serve as the full-season primary sponsor of Ryan Sieg’s No. 39 Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign. According to a graphic posted to social media by RSS Racing, Night Owl Companies, and Sustainachem are expected to partner on Kyle Sieg’s No. 28 Chevrolet for next season.
There is one major thing that, despite all of the changes happening within RSS Racing over the off-season, will remain the exact same for Ryan Sieg in 2026, that being his crew chief, Matt Noyce, who will continue to serve as the shot-caller of the No. 39. In two full seasons working with the Sieg family, Noyce has managed to amass seven top-fives and 19 top-10 finishes, while collecting a pair of top-15 points finishes.
Kyle Sieg and the No. 28 Chevrolet team will have a brand-new crew chief for the 2026 campaign, though, in the form of former JR Motorsports engineer Aedan McHugh. McHugh spent last season serving as the crew chief for the No. 70 Cope Family Racing team in the NASCAR Xfinity (O’Reilly Auto Parts) Series, working with up-and-coming young drivers Leland Honeyman and Thomas Annunziata (as well as a one-off with Will Rodgers).
In 400 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, Ryan Sieg has recorded 23 total top-five and 75 top-10s, but still, after 13 years competing in the second-tier series, has yet to find Victory Lane despite several close calls.
Kyle Sieg came into the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series much later than his older brother Ryan, debuting in 2021 and making 114 total starts with four top-10 finishes. In the season-finale at Phoenix Raceway, while driving the No. 39 in place of his brother Ryan (who was filling in for a suspended Sam Mayer), Kyle had a breakout run inside the top-10, and finished in 12th.
With an official announcement made on Tuesday afternoon, Haas Factory Team will be fielding two NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series entries of its own, for Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer, while also providing support to Jeremy Clements Racing (Jeremy Clements) and RSS Racing (Ryan Sieg and Kyle Sieg).
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign will begin on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET on The CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
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Dale Jr Echoes Kevin Harvick’s Infamous Words to NASCAR Before Daytona 500
As NASCAR gears up for the 2026 season, with the Daytona 500 kicking things off on February 15, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is taking center stage in many ways. But here, let’s talk about his marketing-savvy mind, which is suggesting to NASCAR ways to make the upcoming Daytona 500 as big an event as possible.
And Dale Jr. isn’t pointing far to look for ways; he spotted a gem of a word in Kevin Harvick’s recent podcast talks, and that word cuts straight to why teams and fans keep showing up despite the costs. It’s a nod to the raw drive that defines stock car racing, setting the stage for Daytona hype that feels real.
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Dale Jr. revives Harvick’s rally cry for NASCAR’s big show
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back on his Dirty Mo Media podcast, echoing Kevin Harvick’s simple yet powerful line from a recent episode: “Speaking of we race, so Kevin Harvick was, I don’t know if he’s talking on his podcast or something, but a couple of weeks ago, but he said that. He goes: ‘We race.’”
Harvick dropped those words in response to Mamba Smith’s comment about a driver’s tough season finale, where Smith noted, “They raced all year to put themselves in that position and have dominated their series and could not be the champion.” Harvick fired back with, “We race. We’re racing.”
A nod that NASCAR is not just any sport; it’s a sport where passions run deep, where drivers don’t race to earn money or deals, they race just to experience the thrill of high speed and even put their own life and money into doing so.
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Harvick’s two words were seen as a perfect slogan for the upcoming Daytona 500, and that’s why Dale Jr. latched onto it as the perfect tagline, especially after the “Hell Yeah” campaign fell flat amid conservative outcry from groups like One Million Moms, who slammed it as profane for family viewers.
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This isn’t just random praise from Dale Jr.; he sees “We race” as NASCAR’s antidote to fading sponsor money and team struggles. He recalled his dad’s passion projects, where Dale Earnhardt Sr. poured $80,000 of his own money into bush cars for $20,000 prize purses, just to hit the track. Today, with corporations pulling back their money, which results in a deficit for a driver, Dale Jr. stressed that the Daytona 500 lets teams make some profit if they get in the top ten.
“And Kelly says that, you know, why do we do what we do? We race; we’re racers. We wanna race,” he said, tying it to Kelly’s racer mindset. It’s a build on Harvick’s infamous edge, like his past shots at NASCAR’s priorities, urging NASCAR to return to its roots that excite without offending any conservatives.
Slogans stick because they fuel the fire. Think back to the “Winston Cup” era when its logo was present almost everywhere, from apparel (like hats and jackets) to merchandise and sometimes automotive parts (like license plates) that bear the NASCAR Winston Cup Series logo. And Dale Jr. wants “We race” to hype the 2026 opener in the same way, drawing crowds who crave that unfiltered rush over polished ads.
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By echoing Harvick before Daytona, he’s making NASCAR embrace and realize what keeps wheels turning, even when teams or drivers couldn’t make any money from the sport, and the reason is “We’re Racers.”
With eyes on the track, Dale Jr.’s words shift to his own team’s grind, where hope mixes with hard lessons from last year.
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Dale Jr. anxious for JRM’s 2026 Daytona push
JR Motorsports hit the inauguration Cup Series run in the 2025 Daytona 500, their first Cup shot without a charter, forcing driver Justin Allgaier into a nail-biting three-wide duel for the 9th spot in the No. 40 Chevy. And the next season, Dale Jr. is eyeing another run in the season opener, which is backed by sponsors like Traveller Whiskey.
They decided to race next season in the Cup Series despite their Chevrolet falling short of the title shot in the Xfinity finale this season. And Chevy rolling out new bodies for the Cup Series adds an extra layer of headaches for Dale Jr. because the new Chevy body is still not battle-tested in Cup Series races. Dale Jr., co-owner, felt the pinch, knowing one slip could sideline them from the iconic race.
5 Biggest Surprises and 5 Biggest Disappointments in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season
The 2025 NASCAR Cup season was a standout year for many drivers and a forgettable campaign for many others.
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The guy with the most wins, Denny Hamlin (six wins), appeared headed for his first-ever Cup championship, only to fall two places short on the last lap of the season finale at Phoenix. And then the defending Cup champ Joey Logano – who earned two of the three previous crowns and three of the last eight titles – had a disappointing season that was very un-Logano-like.
Let’s take a look at five of this past season’s biggest surprises, followed by the five biggest disappointments:
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5 BIGGEST SURPRISES
Kyle Larson Comes From Virtually Nowhere to Win the Championship: Even though Kyle Larson qualified for the Championship Four final round in the season finale at Phoenix, Denny Hamlin, for many fans and observers, appeared to be the odds-on favorite to win the championship after an outstanding season, including a milestone 60 win of his Cup career.But Larson got a great jump on Hamlin in the final restart of the race (in overtime) and held on in the final lap to claim his second career Cup championship. But Larson did have one major disappointment, though: he crashed and failed to win the Indianapolis 500 for the second consecutive year. It potentially may be the last time Larson tries “The Double” for a long time, if ever again.
Bubba Wallace Wins The Brickyard 400: There’s an adage in NASCAR that any driver can win any race on any given day. But, realistically, how many fans, media, or opposing drivers could have anticipated that Bubba Wallace’s third career NASCAR Cup victory would come in one of the sport’s crown jewel events – and on the most iconic racetrack in the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway?Not only was it the biggest win of Wallace’s eight full-time Cup seasons, but it also qualified him for the playoffs, where he’d finish 11 . It was also the only win of the season for any of 23XI Racing’s three drivers: Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst. Wallace proved that if he can win at Indy, he can win anywhere. Could the Daytona 500 be next for him, perhaps as early as the 2026 season opener?
Shane Van Gisbergen Dominates On Road Courses: In one of the best feel-good stories of the season, New Zealand native Shane Van Gisbergen won five of the six road course races on the Cup schedule: Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval. In fact, he didn’t just win those races; he dominated most of them.The only road course race he fell short at was Austin (finished sixth). SVG also made the playoffs. While he didn’t advance past the first round, he still finished a very respectable 12 in the final standings. He also earned his first top 10 finish on an oval (fall playoff race at Kansas).
New Address Brings Chase Briscoe a Career Season: If there were an award for being in the right place at the right time, Chase Briscoe would have won it hands down. Briscoe found himself without a ride for 2025 when Stewart-Haas Racing shut down operations after the 2024 season.But conveniently, Martin Truex Jr. decided to retire from Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of ’24 as well. That created an opening Briscoe filled with great aplomb, with single-season career highs for wins (three), top five (15) and top 10 (19) finishes, laps led (884), and reached the Championship Four for the first time in his career, ending 2025 with his best season finish ever (third place). To say Briscoe delivered a great return on investment to JGR is an understatement. We can’t wait to see what he does for an encore next season.
Ryan Blaney Turned First Half Misfortune Into Second Half Success: Ryan Blaney had a terrible first half of the season, recording five DNFs in the first 13 races. But from that point on, Blaney would turn lemons into sweet lemonade. He’d go on to earn all four of his season wins – including the season-ending race in Phoenix – even while accumulating three additional DNFs, made the playoffs, and ultimately finished sixth in the final standings.It’s rare that a driver can fail to finish nearly one-quarter of the 36 races on the Cup schedule and yet still end up so strongly. The key for Blaney was a simple one-word answer: consistency. In addition to his four wins, he also had 15 top-five and 19 top-ten showings.
And now, for the other half of the story …
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5 BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS
Denny Hamlin’s Failure to Win Championship: There was no bigger story of outstanding performance turned bitter misfortune this season than Denny Hamlin, who led all drivers with six wins, yet ultimately failed to win the Cup championship. Yet it was by no fault of his. Hamlin was cruising along and in command, three laps away from winning his first Cup championship. William Byron’s tire blew, and he wrecked, bringing out the caution.And then on the restart, Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, got the jump on Hamlin, and the rest is history: Larson won his second career Cup crown, while Hamlin is still seeking his first. What makes things even more heartbreaking is given that Hamlin turned 45 on November 18, what if this past season was his best – and last – chance at that elusive title?
Who is This Imposter – And What Have They Done With the Real Kyle Busch? It’s rare to see one of the most successful and prolific drivers and winners in the NASCAR Cup Series go from hero to zero so quickly. But alas, that’s what’s happened to Kyle Busch, yes, the same KB who is the winningest active driver in Cup (63 wins), plus two championships. It’s not like the 40-year-old Busch has forgotten how to win, but the stats would make it appear that way: he has not won a Cup race since 2023, a winless streak that has reached a career-worst 93 races.This year, he missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, and recorded a career-worst of just three top five and ten top 10 finishes, ultimately finishing with another career-worst single season finish of 21 There’s really only been one other driver in recent memory that has suffered such a dramatic high-to-low decline: Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson, who after winning seven championship and 83 races, failed to win even once in his final 130 full-time starts (plus another 14 starts in part-time appearances the last three seasons).
If You Find Kyle Busch, Can You Also Find Brad Keselowski? Kyle Busch isn’t the only driver who has gone from being one of the most successful drivers to near-anonymity in recent years. Brad Keselowski finds himself in the same conversation. After winning the first 35 races of his Cup career, the 2012 Cup champion has won just once since becoming a co-owner and driver for Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK Racing) in 2022. He’s also missed the playoffs in two of those last four seasons, including this year, when he finished a disappointing 20 , the third-worst season finish of his career.The 41-year-old Keselowski has been the target of critics who believe he’s spreading himself far too thin, basically handling most of the organization’s day-to-day responsibilities behind a desk, and then trying to remain competitive on race weekends behind the wheel. It would not be surprising if 2026 is Keselowski’s final full-time season in the Cup Series, as 83-year-old team founder Jack Roush likely continues to scale back from many of his former duties.
He Had All the Ingredients, but Joey Logano Just Couldn’t Cook in 2025: All good things must come to an end, and for three-time NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano, the end came in 2025. The Team Penske stalwart won the 2022 and 2024 Cup championships (along with his first title in 2018). But Team Penske’s domination of the last three Cup championships (teammate Ryan Blaney won in 2023) ended in 2025 with neither Logano nor Blaney making it to the Championship Four final round. It’s hard to believe that the 35-year-old Connecticut native just wrapped up his 17 full-time season in the Cup ranks.As disappointed as he was for not being a factor for the championship again (he won just one race and had only seven top-five showings), Logano may have history on his side heading into 2026: three times when he’s had a fair to mediocre season, he’s bounced back the following season to win the championship.Logano was 17 in 2017, only to win his first Cup crown in 2018. In 2021, he finished eighth, only to win his second title in 2022. And after finishing 12 in 2023, he won his third Cup championship in 2024. Will history repeat itself to allow Logano to bounce back for a fourth championship next season?
It’s Adios to Trackhouse Racing and Hola to Spire Motorsports for Daniel Suarez: It has been a rough few years for NASCAR’s first Mexican driver, Monterrey native Daniel Suarez, who just endured one of his worst seasons in his nine seasons in the Cup ranks. In 2025, he failed to win a race, managed just two top-five and seven top 10 finishes, failed to reach the Cup playoffs, and finished his final season with Trackhouse Racing with a disappointing 29th-place finish in the final season standings.The two-time Cup winner now heads with a great deal of optimism to Spire Motorsports for a fresh start, but there’s a significant concern about Suarez and his new team: This will be his fifth team in his 10-year Cup career. It’s also just a one-year contract with Spire, essentially a “prove it” deal to see what Suarez can do with the team. The pressure will be on him. How Suarez handles that pressure could well determine his future – if there is one to be going forward – in NASCAR.
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NASCAR Insider Details How Cable-Heavy Schedule Impacts TV Ratings
Sunday afternoon used to belong to NASCAR. Back in the good ol’ days, the stock car racing series dominated TV viewership, with fans glued to their screens to watch the likes of Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon dominate the racetracks. But something has shifted in recent years. If the 2025 Cup Series campaign is anything to go by, the numbers paint a pretty bleak picture, with viewership taking a significant decline. The culprit might surprise you, as it all comes down to the new media rights deal, which has shaken up the sport big time.
And even the most high-stakes playoff races couldn’t draw the crowd. The Round of 12 opener at New Hampshire drew just 1.29 million viewers, down a shocking 31% from the same race last year. But the story goes deeper than just a bad time slot. And one question prevails: what’s going on? Is it just the backlash of shifting networks and streaming platforms? One NASCAR insider may know the answer to this.
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Jordan Bianchi reveals the reason behind the TV decline
Speaking on the Kenny Wallace podcast, Jordan Bianchi broke it down. He said, “Yeah. I mean, there it’s so multi-layered, right? This is like the biggest onion ever with all these. You have to have a streaming component to your..if you’re going to be a sports league now. Like, you have to have a streaming component. That is the future. You have to be on board with that. Pick a sports league, pick a major sports league, and they’re going to have a streaming element to them. NASCAR was slow to adapt to that.”
The core of the argument is that NASCAR was slow to fully embrace streaming, even though the future of major sports leagues is increasingly online. As Bianchi points out, any big league today needs to have a streaming component. While NASCAR did make deals, for instance, Amazon Prime Video now streams five races a year.
But simply having a presence on a streaming service hasn’t been enough to compensate for its declining linear TV audience. In 2025, NASCAR’s Cup Series saw a 14% drop in average viewership compared to 2024. That suggests that just migrating a streaming platform isn’t a silver bullet, especially when access becomes fragmented across too many platforms.
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Moreover, the way NASCAR has fragmented its broadcast rights is creating friction rather than driving growth. This year, its races were spread across six different outlets, from Amazon Prime to FS1 to FOX, USA Network, NBC, and TNT via Max. That patchwork model confuses viewers, particularly casual or newer fans who don’t know where to tune in.
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This may be pushing fans away, even while younger viewers are gradually adopting the Prime Video broadcasts. In short, NASCAR is technically on board with streaming, but it hasn’t nailed the strategy just yet, and its slow pivot may be hurting its reach more than helping. However, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell expected this to happen.
But at the end of the day, NASCAR’s ultimate rival is the NFL. In further revealing how the NASCAR TV viewership is affected, Bianchi said, “The other part of that is too; let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. It’s the NFL. The NFL is extremely popular. The NFL and it’s never been more popular than ever before. The numbers for games continue to rise almost on a yearly basis. And so, it’s hard to go against that. And NASCAR largely does hold its own on Sundays. Like, they do deliver a very good number where outside of the NFL, they’re often the number two most-watched sport. So, that’s something to hang your hat on. But there is a ways to go to get that number even higher.”
NFL remains undefeated. The recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway pulled in 1.41 million viewers, making it the second most-watched sporting event of the weekend, just behind NFL coverage. Even in tighter viewership periods, NASCAR remains a cable powerhouse. The Bristol Night Race averaged 1.536 million viewers, registering as the number two sport on cable behind football. However, NASCAR isn’t here to be number two and still has a long way to go to bring up its numbers. And Bianchi may know the solution behind the decline.
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Bianchi identifies the root cause of the problem
With the playoff format still being debated and gatekept, the Insider blames the current system for the decline in viewership. Bianchi directly points to NASCAR’s long schedule and its disastrous overlap with the NFL as a major reason the sport is losing viewership. Speaking on the Teardown podcast, alongside fellow journalist Jeff Gluck, Jordan Bianchi didn’t hold back.
Bianchi bluntly says, “38 races, 36 points races, plus 2 exhibitions, is a lot. I am going to reduce the schedule by (removing) second dates at Las Vegas, Kansas, Phoenix, Darlington, Bristol, Atlanta and Martinsville. That puts us down to 29 races. I then would have a floating 30th date somewhere that will be something different, whether that’s Montréal or Mexico City or whatever else.”
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Fewer races would reduce fan fatigue and also help NASCAR avoid competing against football every fall weekend. The point is clear: NASCAR cannot expect to maintain its status as the second most-watched sport if it keeps placing its biggest playoff events directly against the NFL’s Sunday domination.
Moreover, Binachi wants a trimmed, streamlined calendar. He added, “ We’re also going to move the (season opening) Clash back to Daytona… We talk a lot about how we want to give races a big feel… having the Clash at Daytona, I think we’ll do that.”
Another contributing factor, the elimination-style playoff system, and now, as NASCAR scrambles to piece together a new one for next year, the fans are eagerly waiting for an update on it.
Toyota CEO Makes National Headlines for Donald Trump Controversy at NASCAR Event
All the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together now. Over the last week, NASCAR has been enjoying its time in Japan. With the exhibition race held at Fuji Speedway, Toyota’s CEO has welcomed the American motorsport with wide arms. Whether it’s taking a spin in John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 42 NASCAR car or getting a fresh click and practically fanboying over the Garage 56 Chevrolet 24 Hours of Le Mans car, Toyoda has surely been on top of things.
Toyota announced a massive $912 million boost to its US manufacturing operations on Tuesday, just days after CEO Akio Toyoda made headlines for hosting a red, white, and blue NASCAR celebration in Japan. All while wearing a Trump-Vance and a red MAGA hat, and there’s a good reason behind it.
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Akio Toyoda clears the air amid his support for Trump
Before the endurance race took place, the CEO of Toyota said, “I’m not here to argue whether tariffs are good or bad. Every national leader wants to protect their own industry. We are exploring ways to make tariffs a winner for everyone. The people we want most to be winners are our customers.” Under the new trade terms reached in September, Japan now faces a roughly 15% baseline tariff on auto imports, down from 27.5%.
For years, media conglomerates and tech giants have tiptoed around Donald Trump, quietly settling lawsuits and doing just enough to avoid becoming his next target. Most corporations keep this dance hidden, terrified of sparking political backlash. But Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda broke the unspoken rule spectacularly, stepping straight into the Trump controversy with a bold, very public display of MAGA alliance.
The star-spangled Sunday event at Fuji Speedway delivered American motorsports flair, featuring top NASCAR drivers, fans waving US flags, and even an appearance from US Ambassador to Japan George Glass. Toyoda used the high-profile moment and his unmistakably bold pro-Trump wardrobe to touch on the simmering trade concerns between the US and Japan.
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Ambassador Glass posted photos from the event, captioned, “Start your engines!” alongside images of himself with the grandson of Toyota founder Kiichiro Toyoda. Glass added that he looks forward to celebrating American motorsports again next year as part of the US 250th anniversary festivities planned in Japan.
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On Tuesday, Toyota, the No. 2 seller of new vehicles in the US behind GM, revealed its nearly $1 billion investment aimed at expanding hybrid vehicle production across the southern United States.
Toyota’s showcase ties into its broader commitment to expand operations in the United States, a plan that President Trump disclosed last month could see the company invest as much as $10 billion by 2030. Much of that spending is slated to wrap up by 2027.
The automaker already dominates the hybrid landscape, holding more than half of the US market through the third quarter, per Motor Intelligence. Now, Toyota aims to push production even further by ramping up hybrid engine and vehicle output at select American plants.
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Kevin Voelkel, the company’s senior vice president of manufacturing operations, said, “Customers are embracing Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, and our US manufacturing teams are gearing up to meet that growing demand. Toyota’s philosophy is to build where we sell, and by adding more American jobs and investing across our US footprint, we continue to stay true to that philosophy.”
The single largest commitment in this investment package is $453 million for Toyota’s Buffalo, West Virginia, plant, which will scale the production of hybrid-compatible four-cylinder engines. Another $204.4 million will go to the Georgetown, Kentucky, facility for similar engine expansion.
Toyota is allocating $125 million to increase Corolla production and add hybrid capacity at its Blue Springs, Mississippi, plant. Additional funds include $71.4 million for the Jackson, Tennessee, facility and $57.1 million for the Troy, Missouri, plant. Altogether, the organization expects the new investments to generate 252 additional US jobs. But as Toyoda won the hearts of the American Motorsports fans, Jimmie Johnson and JHN couldn’t help but piece up a return gift for “Morizo”.
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LMC drivers leave a heartwarming gift for Akio Toyoda
The Super Taikyu Series finale at Fuji Speedway last weekend became more than just the closing chapter of Japan’s top-end endurance championship. The weekend transformed itself into an unexpected cultural exchange when six NASCAR stock cars took the wheel at the historic circuit as part of the USA motorsport culture introduction demo run. Yet even amid the spectacle, it was seven-time Cup Series champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson’s thoughtful gesture towards Toyota chairman that drew equal attention.
Toyoda emerged as one of the day’s standout participants. Wearing his TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rookie fire suit, he climbed into a Chevrolet before venturing out in several machines, encouraged in part by gifts from Johnson. The 50-year-old driver handed him a signed helmet and a bottle of Frank August Kentucky bourbon, while JHN added a second autographed helmet to the haul. This symbolizes gratitude and an extended way of saying thank you.
Since debuting in 1991, the series has functioned as Japan’s prime proving ground for production-based cars and cutting-edge concepts like Toyota’s hydrogen-powered GR Corolla H2. Then the NASCAR demonstration only expanded that mission, highlighting Toyoda’s push for sustainable innovation and deepening global collaboration in racing.
Fans Rally Behind NASCAR’s Rumored Decision Which Can Open Doors for Other Drivers
The debate that has dragged on for years seems to be reaching its breaking point. For what feels like forever, NASCAR’s biggest names and longtime veterans have been pushing the sport to restore meaningful practice time. Last month, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed he’s been hearing rumblings that the sport may bring back additional on-track practice for the 2026 season. And with a new update popping up, could stock car racing fans finally be getting what they wanted?
Ever since the sanctioning body slashed sessions down to a mere 20 minutes in 2022, teams have been left scrambling, trying to devise setups, gather data, and fine-tune performance with almost no runway before Sunday’s green flag. Now, with the rumor mill spinning faster than ever, a potential shift is gaining momentum, and fans are already rallying behind the possibility of a long-awaited change.
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NASCAR rumor claims that practice time has doubled
Recently, a bold NASCAR fan took to Instagram, writing a simple, “I’ve heard from a few people now that the Cup Series could be looking at more 50-minute practice sessions in 2026, instead of two 25-minute sessions.” That was enough to send the NASCAR community into a frenzy. But this isn’t the first time such a rumor has made its rounds.
Last month, on the episode of the Dale Jr. Download, while nothing is confirmed, Dale Jr. said he had heard credible whispers about expanding practice windows. Junior shared, “Also, hearing a little rumor, there could be a little more practice back on the schedule next year. . . I’m hearing this more so in Xfinity, that there’s just conversations around, ‘Should we have more weekends [that] there are more practice?’”
For now, any plans for extending sessions remain unofficial. As the 51-year-old emphasized, it’s still “a conversation” rather than a done deal. But based on what he’s been told, NASCAR is at least exploring the idea of adding more track time at select events, potentially limited to the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and perhaps the Craftsman Truck Series. This could be a major win for drivers entering NASCAR from other disciplines, as the extended practice time will give them more time to acclimatize to the stock car racing format, especially the ovals.
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Junior strongly backed the idea, noting that Xfinity and Truck Series drivers, many of whom are new to these cars and often racing at unfamiliar tracks, desperately need more laps, even if it comes with extra costs. He added, “Our Truck drivers, our Xfinity drivers, they need the laps. . . we’ve got a lot of guys that are going into these cars that haven’t driven them before, that are going to racetracks they’ve never raced before, and they’re getting 10, 20 minutes of practice.”
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Over the years, NASCAR has dramatically reshaped its pre-race routine. Gone are the days of long practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and a full happy hour. In their places are condensed, cost-efficient systems. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series runs a two-group format with 25 minutes per group. The Xfinity and Truck Series get an additional 25 minutes when visiting road courses, completing a 50-minute full-field session. Across all three series, there is no practice at superspeedways, except for the Daytona 500.
While fans crave more on-track action, many within the sport point to the necessity of extra practice for less experienced drivers, particularly those transitioning from other racing disciplines. Shane Van Gisbergen, for example, has mastered road courses but has faced a steep learning curve on ovals, improving only as he’s gained more track time. And now, with the rumor making rounds, NASCAR fans are praying that it comes true.
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NASCAR fans immediately welcome practice rumors
As rumors of expanded practice time for 2026 spread through the NASCAR community, fans wasted no time sounding off, and for me, the reaction was immediate relief. One fan summed up the long-standing frustration, saying, “Good. Cutting practice time hasn’t saved the teams any money, but certainly made the full weekend experience at the track worse.” Another echoed that sentiment even more bluntly with a simple, “About time.” After years of condensed sessions and rushed data gathering, supporters feel the sport is finally listening.
Beyond the emotional side, fans also pointed out the practical shortcomings of NASCAR’s current format. One viewer laid it out clearly, “I think my main issue was 25 minutes give or take a few red flags wasn’t really enough to learn anything. I get we want to cut costs, but it just felt kinda pointless if it wasn’t 30-50 minutes.” Others agreed that any increase in track time, whether for veterans or newcomers, would immediately make races more meaningful. As another put it, “Good. A step in the right direction.”
And while some comments were straightforward, others carried the excitement of a long-awaited change finally gaining traction. One fan celebrated the rumor outright, writing, “More practice is a very good thing. I hope this happens.” Another kept it short and spirited: “Happy 50 Minutes.” Together, the reactions paint a clear picture. Fans overwhelmingly support the return of fuller practice sessions and believe the sport has been overdue for this course correction.
Jeb Burton’s 2026 NASCAR Ride Receives Fans’ Support Despite 2025 Struggles
During his 2025 Xfinity campaign, Jeb Burton seemed to be pushing uphill with worn-out boots. One week, he flashed real promise, like that gritty runner-up at Talladega. However, he was buried in the pack the next, battling a car that simply wouldn’t give him what he needed. At the most inconvenient times, mechanical issues appeared. Lady Luck simply wasn’t on his side.
Burton’s season gradually transitioned from “rebound year” to “survival mode” as mid-pack speed became a recurrent motif. His 14th-place result demonstrated that he was a driver who was tough but not always equipped. As Burton failed to qualify for the postseason, rumors were circulating about his time in NASCAR coming to an end. However, there is good news as we begin the new season: Burton will be back for another opportunity to prove himself.
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Jeb Burton stays put with Jordan Anderson Racing
Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) Bommarito Autosport issued a clear statement about its plans for 2026: Jeb Burton will return to the No. 27 Chevrolet for a fourth consecutive season. A statement by team owner Jordan Anderson said, “We are thrilled to have Jeb back in the No. 27 for 2026,” emphasizing that the driver brings experience, work ethic, and leadership inside the shop with his presence.
Burton echoed that enthusiasm, calling the opportunity meaningful. “It means a lot to be returning to Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport for a fourth season. My focus is to contend for wins and compete for a championship in 2026,” he said.
Stability is important for a team that is still developing its long-term identity in the sport, and Burton has emerged as their go-to anchor. His relationship with the team has strengthened since joining in 2023, even though results haven’t always matched effort. The 2025 season is a perfect example of that. Despite showing pace, Burton managed just one top five, had 2 DNFs, and zero poles in the 33 races. Plus, he missed out on qualifying for the postseason due to an apparent tire failure that caused him to hit the wall, ending his race and eliminating him from contention.
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Regardless of setbacks, the team has improved upon the previous season. His time with JAR includes a defining moment: the 2023 win at Talladega, a landmark triumph that delivered the organization its first (and still only) victory in the Xfinity (now O’Reilly Auto Parts) Series.
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The supporters are still moved by that victory, which serves as a reminder of what Burton and the squad can accomplish when everything works together. The No. 27 continues to be the team’s reliable foundation going into the upcoming season, even though the rest of the 2026 driver lineup has not yet been revealed.
At the end of it all, Jeb Burton’s return announcement triggered a surprising shift online. Conversations began bubbling up across social platforms, and a theme emerged: fans are excited to see what Jeb Burton and JAR can achieve in the upcoming season.
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Fans rally behind Burton
Despite all the highs and lows Jeb Burton experienced in 2025, the response to his comeback was largely favorable. Given how Burton and Jordan Anderson Racing have subtly improved their strengths over the previous several seasons, many fans viewed the renewal as a wise decision for both teams. It was all aptly summed up in one comment by a fan.
“Seems like Jeb and JAR have been steadily improving over the past few years. He almost made the playoffs last year ahead of some big teams.” And that wasn’t hyperbole. Late in the year, Jeb Burton was locked in a tense battle with his cousin, Harrison Burton, for a postseason berth. He was just 31 points shy of Harrison. Both drivers failed to score any points at WWT Raceway, which led to Jeb (and Harrison) ultimately missing out.
Others praised Burton for being one of the drivers who occasionally demonstrates exceptional skill and doesn’t hesitate to take advantage of opportunities. Of course, that aggressiveness has sparked hate for the driver, especially after the October Talladega ‘Big One’ crash caused by him. Burton dove low under Brandon Jones with inches to spare, made contact, and chaos erupted, eliminating a handful of drivers. “He’s legit one of the best underdogs right now, and people only hate him because he’s not afraid to he aggressive at times,” one fan said.
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On the other hand, some argue that it’s exactly what makes Burton genuinely entertaining. As one fan noted, “He’s a midcarder, but he’s fun to watch and has real speed sometimes.” His eight top-tens and a runner-up finish at Talladega in the spring race in the 2025 season prove the point.
But beyond the praise for Burton, another conversation kept reappearing: the future of the No. 31 car. One fan commented, “Good to see Jeb come back! Now to see who lands in the #31 next year…..” while another asked, “Do we think Perkins won’t be back?” Most expect him back. However, with no official announcement yet, speculation continues to swirl. Are you excited about Jeb Burton’s return? Do let us know in the comments.
Why NASCAR Needs to Change Its Approach for the Next-Gen Car
Last Friday, Chevrolet unveiled a refreshed Camaro ZL1. It will make its competition debut in 2026 in the NASCAR Cup Series. Some of the changes would include a larger hood dome, revisions to the front grille, and redefined rocker panels. The ZL1 debuted in NASCAR in 2018 and changed in 2020, when it was updated to the ZL1 1LE version, and also in 2022 with the Next-Gen car introduction.
However, the Next-Gen car has not experienced the same growth as the Chevy body. Fans and drivers alike have mounted protests and diatribes against the countless faults of the car, with NASCAR mostly turning a deaf ear. But now, the time is ripe for the sanctioning body to change its approach.
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Demands ring out in the NASCAR garage
NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell appeared on a Dale Jr Download episode in October. His words about the Next-Gen car sounded like music to many fans and drivers’ ears. “We’re always open to changes,” O’Donnell said. “The one piece I really look at, and I think our group does, we have this car and some things contained from a cost standpoint, but what does everyone really like? The ability to tweak the car and find an advantage to do something cool. What’s the next iteration of that? Now that we have the parts and pieces long term, maybe we look at race teams are making some parts again.”
When the Next-Gen car debuted, it stripped teams’ competitive ability to tweak their cars. Single-spec parts became the norm to raise the parity in the field. The wider tires and larger brakes make the cars more grippy in tight corners. This prevents the car from sliding around turns as much as its predecessors did. Hence, drivers can pass less. It also appears to enhance the dirty air on short tracks like Martinsville and Bristol, although Goodyear’s tires have made a significant improvement this year.
Due to all these challenges, the NASCAR garage is getting impatient with the executive body. Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, highlighted the topic of parity. “The more we’re the same, the harder it is to be different. Everyone at this level is really good at driving these cars…When the track gets rubbered, it becomes really difficult to do something different than the guy ahead of you since he’s in the optimal line.”
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Adam Stevens, crew chief for Christopher Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, had the same opinion as Elliott. “Throughout the history of the sport, at least in my time, somebody has a hot hand and someone doesn’t. You can be on the leading edge of the development curve, and everyone catches up and you have to get back to work. It creates comers and goers, and fast cars and slow cars, people on the way up and down, with more areas in which to compete.” Other drivers and crew chiefs also chipped in with similar opinions, highlighting how change is paramount.
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Earlier, NASCAR made changes to the cars year after year, except for short intervals. However, in the 4 years of the Gen 7, no significant aero/performance changes actually happened. That was until NASCAR announced the horsepower boost for 2026. The car will jump from the 670 HP used since 2022 to 750 HP for ovals shorter than 1.5 miles and road courses.
This short step has intensified the demand for more subsequent steps. And tests are underway.
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Charting a game plan
On November 12th, RFK Racing participated in a test at Bristol Motor Speedway. Interestingly, fans thought that the rear diffuser was missing in this test. This is a Next-Gen part that Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and others have advocated for removal. However, NASCAR mechanic Bozi Tatarevic noted that the diffuser used had already been in place for road courses and short tracks. That marks a change in the right direction nonetheless. And driver Ryan Preece, who was part of the test, dropped some optimistic comments about this endeavor.
RFK Racing posted on X: “Good morning from Bristol, baby 🫡 @RyanPreece_is rolling out the RFK TeK Alliance test car for day one of tire testing.” The No. 60 Ford driver then shared his thoughts about the 500-lap test. “We just got done testing here at Bristol Motor Speedway. I feel like I did 500 laps,” he said. “It was pretty cold. But yeah, all done for Day 1 testing here at Bristol. I feel like finding the right direction. So, excited about it.”
Next, NASCAR will head to North Wilkesboro for further testing. At the iconic 0.635-mile track, it will consider making technical adjustments to the car to enhance racing and increase passing opportunities. Steve O’Donnell said that discussions are open with drivers, OEMs, Crew chiefs, and others to test at North Wilkesboro, and they will “see what happens.”
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Hopefully, the turnout will be something positive for the sport. Let’s wait and see what changes await the Next-Gen car in 2026.
These players would cost Braves draft pick to sign
MLB free agency is underway – Josh Naylor’s deal with Seattle the only significant move thus far – and the deadline for players to accept or reject the qualifying offer passed Tuesday afternoon.
There were 13 players given qualifying offers. Four accepted, meaning they’re set to play on a one-year, $22.025 million deal (pending a renegotiation contract). Those four players were Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff and Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga.
Missouri prepares for sports betting as abuse toward athletes rises
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
When former Cardinals manager Mike Schildt announced his abrupt retirement at the end of the 2025 MLB season, it came as a bit of a shock.
The 57-year-old had just guided the San Diego Padres to a 90-72 record and was coming off his third consecutive 90-plus win season. While several factors contributed to his retirement, one of the reasons he cited was death threats from sports bettors.
Schildt is one of countless coaches and players who have been subjected to abusive messages online due to lost bets and busted parlays, as legal sports betting continues to spread across the United States. The abuse isn’t limited to professional athletes and coaches; it has also spread to the college ranks.
On Dec. 1, sports betting will be up and running in Missouri, and while it is expected to bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue to the state, the University of Missouri is closely monitoring how it will impact student-athletes.
The NCAA reported that 1-in-3 high-profile athletes receive abusive messages from sports bettors.
Pam Brunzina, MU’s faculty athletics representative to the NCAA and SEC, said concerns intensified once the NCAA allowed student-athletes to bet on professional sports. According to Brunzina, the NCAA remains highly focused on game integrity, but the dangers extend far beyond point-shaving.
Even though betting on Missouri collegiate teams is not allowed under state law, Brunzina says there have already been isolated incidents of Mizzou athletes being harassed due to sports wagering.
“The NCAA actually did a study on that the past couple of years, looking at harassment of student athletes, particularly around the basketball tournaments, and it can be pretty ugly,” Brunzina said. “I think it’s important for all of us to remember that when we are watching the student athletes compete, that they are young people out there doing their best. Even if we have a bet that’s dependent on their performance, we need to remember that they are trying their hardest and to have some perspective.”
The NCAA rolled out a video campaign during the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in March, urging fans to curb harassment and calling on states to ban prop bets tied to student-athletes.
The NCAA also partnered with Venmo over the summer to curb abusive or unwanted interactions on the platform after some bettors sent student-athletes harassing payment requests tied to lost wagers.
The 2025 study marked the second year the NCAA commissioned a study on online harassment targeting college athletes, coaches and officials. The review, conducted by Signify Group, examined seven championship events and tracked social media activity connected to 5,555 athletes, 625 coaches, 466 teams and 26 official NCAA accounts during the 2024-25 academic year.
Signify found that 31 individuals were responsible for the most severe cases of abuse, with eight of them tied to sports betting, according to the NCAA. The study also determined that seven messages rose to the level of being forwarded to law enforcement.
Brunzina added that because athletes are receiving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money, many view them as fair game to be targeted online.
“I do think that for some people there is maybe just a shift in mentality of viewing them, the student athletes, more as professional athletes and maybe having a little bit different attitude or expectation of them and forgetting that they are college students, performing at a really high level,” Brunzina said. “But they aren’t really professionals.”
Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai enters MLB posting system
NEW YORK — Righthander Tatsuya Imai is entering Major League Baseball’s posting system and will be available to teams to sign as a free agent from Wednesday through Jan. 2.
He joins power-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day window to sign expires Dec. 22.
A 27-year-old righthander, Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA this season with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions. He struck out 178 batters in 163⅔ innings.
Imai is 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with Seibu, with 907 strikeouts in 963⅔ innings. He is a three-time All-Star.
Imai pitched eight innings of a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka on April 18. He struck out 17 against Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous team record of 16 from 2004.
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Under MLB’s posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee would be 20 percent of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options. The percentage drops to 17.5 percent of the next $25 million and 15 percent of any amount over $50 million. There would be a supplemental fee of 15 percent of any earned bonuses, salary escalators and exercised options.
Four MLB Free Agents Accept The $22.05 Million Qualifying Offer
Four of MLB’s most intriguing free agents will wait another year to reach the open market. Trent Grisham, Gleyber Torres, Shota Imanaga, and Brandon Woodruff accepted qualifying offers, returning to their old ballclubs on one-year deals.
The qualifying offer is worth $22.05 million in 2026. Nine of the 13 players who received the qualifying offer rejected it and are now free agents. However, the teams that sign them will have to sacrifice draft pick compensation in the next amateur draft, and in some cases, they’ll lose international bonus pool money, too.
It’s rare for players to accept a qualifying offer, so to have four in the same offseason is unprecedented. The size of the salary means only the upper crust of free agents typically receive it, and most of them would rather try for multiyear deals instead. However, the draft pick compensation can be a dragging anchor on mid-tier players.
In this case, four such players chose to just play out the 2026 season on the qualifying offer instead. Each player can only receive the qualifying offer once in their careers, so there’s no risk of getting it again next year. Players also can’t get it if they’ve been traded during the previous season.
Grisham was an afterthought in the outfield mix for the New York Yankees heading into the 2025 campaign, but he quickly earned the starting center field job. He’s known as a strong defensive outfielder, having previously won two Gold Gloves, and he doubled his previous career high with 34 home runs. Overall, he hit .235/.348/.464 with a 125 OPS+, indicating that his offense was 25% better than the league average. However, it was 91, 84, and 81 in his three prior seasons. MLB Trade Rumors projected him to sign a four-year, $66 million contract as a free agent. He’ll try to establish an even stronger market for himself by compiling a second consecutive productive year.
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Torres is also a former Yankee, but he spent last year as the second baseman for the Detroit Tigers after signing a one-year, $15 million deal with them as a free agent a year ago. He posted a 108 OPS+ and made the All-Star team, but faded down the stretch. He hit a robust .281/.387/.425 in the first half and a paltry .223/.320/.339 in the second half. Nevertheless, the qualifying offer represents a raise of more than $7 million dollars.
Most players need to accrue six years of MLB service time to reach free agency, but Imanaga has only spent two years with the Chicago Cubs. After an eight-year career in Japan, he signed a deal that guaranteed him $23 million over two years with mutual options, which both parties declined this offseason. The left-hander returns to Chicago anyway on the qualifying offer after recording a 3.73 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 25 starts.
A few years ago, Woodruff looked like he would sign an enormous contract as a rare ace who reached free agency, but a poorly-timed shoulder injury knocked him out of action before he reached the market. The Milwaukee Brewers re-signed him on a two-year, $17.5 million deal, knowing he would miss the entire 2024 season. He didn’t return until July 6, 2025, making 12 starts with a 3.20 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. He’ll attempt to prove he can stay healthy for a full season under the qualifying offer.
Valdez headlines group of prospects added to Bucs’ 40-man roster
The Pirates opted to protect most of their top prospects who were eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this year, selecting the contracts of outfielder/first baseman Esmerlyn Valdez (No. 15 on MLB Pipeline’s list of the top Pirates prospects), infielder Jack Brannigan (No. 21), left-hander Tyler Samaniego and right-handers Wilber Dotel (No. 28), Antwone Kelly and Brandan Bidois.
Valdez was one of the top hitters in the Pirates’ farm system this year, slashing .286/.376/.520 with 26 home runs and 25 doubles between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. The 21-year-old slugger was named the organization’s Willie Stargell Minor League Slugger of the Year, and he also tore up the Arizona Fall League, being named the AFL Offensive Player of the Year.
“Knowing the work that he’s put in and the commitment to developing all aspects to his game, it’s not surprising to see a talented kid continue to get better when work ethic is present,” director of coaching and player development Michael Chernow said last month over Zoom.
Brannigan, 24, was limited to just 59 games after suffering a right shoulder injury in June. He underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in July, cutting the 2022 third-round pick’s season short. Injuries have been a common theme in his career, but he has performed well on the field, hitting 42 home runs with 45 stolen bases over 223 Minor League games the past three years.
Kelly, 22, also took a noticeable leap in 2024, rising from Greensboro to Altoona while posting a 3.02 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 107 1/3 innings. He also saw an uptick in velocity after working at Pittsburgh’s baseball facilities in the United States for the first time last offseason, touching triple-digits for the first time in his career.
Dotel, 23, also enjoyed a breakout campaign with Altoona. He added a splitter and a cutter to his repertoire that paired well with his mid-90s fastball and heavy slider, resulting in him going 7-9 with a 4.15 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 125 2/3 innings.
Kelly and Dotel were used as starters last year, but have a mix that could potentially play out of the bullpen, as well.
Bidois, 24, was the organization’s Kent Tekulve Minor League Reliever of the Year after recording a 0.74 ERA while rising from Single-A Bradenton to Triple-A Indianapolis. He struck out 69 over 61 innings, primarily leaning on a mid-90s fastball and a high-spin slider. He also will mix in a changeup and curveball.
Samaniego, 26, appeared to be on a Major League trajectory a few years ago before injuries and a down year in 2023 presented obstacles. He had a nice bounceback with Altoona in the second half of this season, striking out 30 over 26 1/3 innings with a 3.08 ERA and 2.42 FIP. When he is on, he provides 96 mph heat and a spinning slider from the left side, something the Pirates don’t have a lot of with their current bullpen mix.
Only two Rule 5-eligible players on MLB Pipeline’s list of the top Pirates prospects were not added: catcher Omar Alfonzo (No. 19) and left-hander Anthony Solometo, the latter of whom is rehabbing a shoulder injury.
With the flurry of moves, the Pirates’ roster is currently full with 40 players. Nov. 21 is the non-tender deadline, meaning there could still be one noticeable shakeup to the roster that won’t come with corresponding moves.
Walbert Urena added to Angels’ 40-man roster
Urena, ranked as the club’s No. 24 prospect per MLB Pipeline, posted a 4.39 ERA with 115 strikeouts, 70 walks and eight homers allowed in 135 1/3 innings across 27 starts with Double-A Rocket City last year. His 11 quality starts were tied for the most among all Double-A starters.
Urena, 21, has a fastball that can get to 100 mph and pairs it with a changeup and power curveball. His command remains his biggest concern but he did pitch much better down the stretch for a second straight year, registering a 2.85 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 28 walks in 60 innings over his final 10 starts in Double-A. He also took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his final outing with the Trash Pandas on Sept. 13.
It earned Urena a promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake for the first time in his career and he fared well in his final start of the season, striking out 10 over 5 2/3 innings with two earned runs allowed on Sept. 19.
Urena was expected to be added to the 40-man roster, but the Angels also considered hard-throwing right-hander Joel Hurtado and lefty reliever Samy Natera Jr. The pair is now eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 10 at the Winter Meetings in Orlando.
Hurtado, the club’s No. 22 prospect, also has a fastball that reaches triple-digits and had a 2.70 ERA with 56 strikeouts, 27 walks and six homers allowed in 86 2/3 innings with Double-A Rocket City. He also earned a late promotion to Triple-A Salt Lake, allowing two runs over five innings with three strikeouts.
The 24-year-old improved his walk rate, cutting it down from 5.3 walks per nine in 2024 to 2.7 in ’25, but saw his strikeout rate drop to a concerning 5.8 strikeouts per nine, down from 8.7.
Natera, the club’s No. 20 prospect, posted a 2.64 ERA with 68 strikeouts, 31 walks and three homers allowed in 47 2/3 innings in relief with Double-A Rocket City. He also had a 3.86 ERA with 17 strikeouts and 11 walks in 9 1/3 innings over eight appearances with Triple-A Salt Lake.
The reliever has impressive strikeout rates, but he’s 26 years old and his walk rate increased from 3.0 batters per nine in ’24 to 6.6 in ’25.
Bernal (No. 4) among 4 Cards prospects added to 40-man roster
In yet another sign that the Cardinals are planning to continue building around the blossoming young talent in their Minor League system, the club added four rising prospects to their 40-man roster on Tuesday and designated veteran reliever Jorge Alcala for assignment.
Catcher Leonardo Bernal (No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline), outfielder Joshua Baez (No. 11) and left-handed pitchers Cooper Hjerpe (No. 13) and Brycen Mautz (No. 21) were added to the Cardinals’ roster to protect them from being potentially plucked in the Dec. 10 Rule 5 Draft. Alcala, who was claimed on Aug. 7 after being DFA’d by the Red Sox, was designated for assignment to make room on a roster that was at 37 players coming into Tuesday.
Left-hander Pete Hansen, a third-round Draft pick in 2022 out of Texas, was left unprotected despite posting an impressive 2025 season at Double-A Springfield. Hansen, who usually gets more outs with his changeup, slider and curveball instead of a low-90s fastball, went 8-5 with a 3.93 ERA and an incredible 123-to-37 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He allowed one earned run in five innings of his one playoff start for Springfield.
First baseman/third baseman Blaze Jordan, who was acquired in the Trade Deadline deal that sent lefty reliever Steven Matz to the Red Sox, was also left unprotected and will be available in the Rule 5 Draft. The native of suburban Memphis hit just .198 in 41 games with Triple-A Memphis following the trade.
Players signed by MLB clubs at 18 years or younger must be added to an organization’s 40-man roster within five seasons, and those signed at 19 or older have to be added within four seasons to avoid being left vulnerable to the Rule 5 draft. The deadline to add those players was Tuesday.
Bernal, Baez and Mautz — driving forces in 2025 on the Springfield team that won the Texas League title — are among the fastest-rising prospects in the Cardinals’ system and were expected to earn roster protection. Hjerpe, a first-round pick in 2022, was protected even though he missed all of the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery in his left elbow.
Bernal, 21, won an MiLB Gold Glove Award after throwing out 27 of 69 attempted basestealers this season for Springfield. The Panama City, Panama native, who has long been friends with countryman and current Cards catcher Iván Herrera, also showed pop by hitting 13 home runs in 107 games.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Baez finally showed some of his enormous potential by mashing 20 home runs and stealing 54 bases in a career-best 117 Minor League games at High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield. He went 5-for-19 with a double, two RBIs and two stolen bases in five playoff games.
Mautz endured plenty of struggles in his first two professional seasons — he went 4-9 with a 3.98 ERA at Single-A Palm Beach in 2023 and 3-13 with a 5.18 ERA at Class A Advanced Peoria in 2024 — but this past season he showed the potential that made him a 2022 second-round pick out of the University of San Diego. Mautz went 8-3 with a 2.98 ERA over 25 starts with Springfield, striking out 134 to just 33 walks over 114 2/3 innings.
Hjerpe has missed all or parts of three seasons with arm or shoulder injuries since being a 2022 first-round pick following a stellar career at Oregon State University. Hjerpe reached Double-A in 2024 and has posted an impressive 32.8% strikeout rate with his unorthodox delivery from the left side.
Pressure of being an MLB player led to illicit drug use, former Angels pitcher testifies in Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial
Former Los Angeles Angels pitcher Mike Morin described his decision to use illicit opioid pills surreptitiously obtained by former team communications staffer Eric Kay as the result of the pressures of staying on a major league roster in testimony he offered on the stand Tuesday, Nov. 18 in the Tyler Skaggs wrongful death trial.
Morin testified to receiving opioids from Kay after Skaggs tipped Morin that Kay was a source for illicit pills. He expressed regret for taking the pills, explaining that he had been trying to deal with the stress of a professional baseball career.
“I didn’t want to tell people I wasn’t OK,” Morin said. “Because in some way — whether it was true or not, whether it is in my mind or not — there are potential ramifications if the team knows I am dealing with an injury.”
Morin acknowledged that the Angels — like all MLB teams — have plenty of resources available to players, including medical and mental health staff. But some players worry about the stigma of seeking treatment, he added, and the potential impact on their career.
“You don’t want to shout it to the team that I’m not OK right now, even if they have the resources (available),” Morin said. “A lot of it is fear-based, 100 percent. You just want to stay (on the roster). You don’t want to lose your spot.”
Explaining that he “takes accountability for my actions,” Morin testified that even at the time he was taking the illicit opioids, he “personally knew it was wrong” and “was not proud of what I was doing.”
“I am 100 percent embarrassed to sit here and have to say this is something I did,” Morin testified. “It is really challenging to get to and stay in the big leagues when a lot of things are on the line. When you find a short-term solution, you are just trying to get to the finish line.”
Morin said he was unaware at the time that anyone but him and Skaggs were receiving opioid pills from Kay. Four other former Angels players have since been publicly identified as also using illicit pills provided by Kay. According to evidence presented so far during the trial, Kay obtained the pills by finding dealers online.
Skaggs died in July 2019 after combining a counterfeit pill Kay provided him that contained fentanyl with Oxycodone and alcohol. Kay is currently serving prison time for his role in Skagg’s death. The current civil trial in Orange County Superior Court revolves around whether the Angels knew, or should have known, about Kay’s drug ties to Skaggs prior to the 27-year-old pitcher’s death.
Asked who he believed was to blame for Skaggs’ death, Morin responded, “I think he is responsible for his actions.”
Several Angels employees who worked with Kay in the Angels front office — including the communications team and the HR department — have denied knowing that Kay was addicted to opioids or distributing drugs to players. They acknowledged that Kay acted erratically at times, but said they believed it was due to mental health or related prescription drug issues.
Several former members of the team clubhouse, however, have testified that Kay’s drug use was well-known within the organization, and Kay’s ex-wife has testified that team officials were warned that Kay was providing drugs to Skaggs.
Skaggs’ mother, Debbie Hetman, during testimony late Monday and early Tuesday described her son as “larger than life.” In a particularly emotional moment, Hetman spoke about keeping an urn with her son’s ashes in her home.
“Just because I miss him so much, I talk to him every day,” Hetman said. “I never thought I would have to live the rest of my life without Tyler.”
“I don’t think about Tyler as a baseball player, I think of him as an incredible human being,” she added. “He would always look you in the eye, you would be the center of that conversation. He never thought he was better than anyone else. Everyone was on the same level… he was like everyone’s best friend.”
In 2013, when Skaggs was playing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he told his family he had an issue with Percocet and asked for help. Hetman said they didn’t ask him how many pills he was taking a day or where he was getting them.
“My only concern was to get him help,” Hetman said.
The mother testified that after speaking with medical professionals, Skaggs ended up quitting “cold turkey.” She said his agents — and later a doctor the Angels sent him to for Tommy John surgery — were aware of his previous issue with painkillers. But, under questioning by attorneys for the Angels, Hetman acknowledged that she hadn’t spoken to team officials about it.
“I don’t really think it is my job as a mom to contact Angels baseball,” she said.
Late Tuesday, Jeff Fannell, a former labor lawyer for the MLB player’s union, took the stand as an expert witness for attorneys representing the Skaggs family. Based on what players with similar stats and injury history as Skaggs, Fannell estimated that Skaggs could have earned contracts worth more than $113 million through 2027 if he hadn’t died in 2019.
Attorneys for the Angels will have the opportunity to question Fannell about those estimates on Wednesday, when testimony continues in a Santa Ana courtroom.
Orioles Trade For Angels’ Taylor Ward in Massive Offseason Move
The hot stove is cooking early in MLB. A couple of weeks ago, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Los Angeles Angels were willing to trade one of their two star outfielders in Jo Adell and Taylor Ward.
Well, on Tuesday night, the Baltimore Orioles pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Taylor Ward from the Angels in return for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez. Reports courtesy of ESPN.com.
Taylor Ward turns 32 next month and is coming off a great offseason where he hit 36 home runs and drove in 103 runs. He’s spent all eight seasons of his career with the Angels and has 113 career home runs.
Angels Complete Trade with Orioles in Player-Swap Deal
The rumor mill was swirling over the past month about Taylor Ward potentially being traded, but the Baltimore Orioles are ultimately the team that lands the powerful outfielder.
As for Grayson Rodriguez being a part of the deal, he missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury and hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since July 31, 2024. Over his career, Rodriguez has made 43 career starts and a career 4.11 ERA in 238.2 innings. He’s still just 26 years old.
Once a top prospect in baseball, Rodriguez now has something to prove after being traded from the Orioles organization, which brought him up. His contract is a little more favorable for the Angels to take on, which makes this deal make sense. The Angels are clearly getting ahead of Taylor Ward’s free agency by moving him now. Rodriguez has yet to hit his arbitration years, and still has several years ahead of free agency.
More MLB on Heavy: Tigers’ Gleyber Torres Makes $22 Million Contract Decision
What Trade Means for Both Orioles and Angels
Starting with the Baltimore Orioles, this is an aggressive move to kick off free agency. Credit to Mike Elias for going out and addressing a top need early on in the offseason. After losing Cedric Mullins via trade and Tyler O’Neill being injured last season, a clear need was an outfielder.
The same can be said for the new Los Angeles Angels regime. Pitching has been an issue for the Angels for several years, and this move may allow Rodriguez to develop into an ace for years to come. He’s shown that he has a powerful arsenal, but health is the biggest question surrounding the right-handed starter.
As for Baltimore’s starting rotation, that remains an issue. However, if this move is an indication of potential moves to come later in the winter, Baltimore may be headed in the right direction on that front soon.
According to Baseball Reference.com, Taylor Ward is projected to hit 26 home runs and drive in 77 runs next season. Ward has three seasons of hitting 20+ home runs, and they’ve all come since 2022.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves Predicted to Sign 2-Time All-Star Reliever to $13 Million Deal
More MLB on Heavy: Blue Jays Emerge As Favorite to Land Top Free Agent Kyle Tucker
Dana White Cites Blue Jays-Dodgers Game to Prove His Point Against Boxing Amid Ali Revival Act Debate
Drama, stakes, characters the world can’t look away from, Dana White believes that’s the formula that keeps fans glued to a screen, whether it’s MMA, boxing, or the most chaotic Game 7 in the MLB in years. And in his recent appearance on the Flagrant podcast, the UFC CEO used an unexpected example to explain why he thinks boxing keeps losing ground while the UFC continues to dominate.
But the conversation didn’t begin with baseball. It began with Andrew Schulz describing boxing’s old, familiar problem: empty arenas until the main event, predictable “tomato can” matchmaking, and fans only showing up when the headliner walks out. Schulz contrasted that with the UFC, where crowds pack the prelims and every bout feels meaningful!
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Dana White uses MLB to prove his point on why boxing has fallen behind
Dana White didn’t argue, he doubled down as he insisted the UFC’s secret isn’t just the athletes, stating, “It’s because of the matchmaking. There’s a couple of things that you have to have, in the equation, to build something. First of all you have to have talented people, fighting at the right time and there always has to be, what’s at stake? What I’m selling is what’s at stake here.”
The thought process is simple, if nothing is on the line, fans simply don’t care. And to prove it, White pointed to something far outside combat sports: the 2025 World Series Game 7 between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, a matchup he swore he didn’t care about in the slightest.
The UFC head honcho laughed as he told Schulz and the crew, “Let me tell you what I don’t give a sh— about. The f— Dodgers and the Blue Jays, I couldn’t give a flying f— about any of that, who wins whatever happens. But guess what, they went in and Ohtani gets on base… and all this sh— happens. Me and all my friends, as soon as we get back from the middle east, we watch Game 7.”
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White revealed that he and his friends had just returned from the Middle East, yet they dropped everything to watch it. Why? “Coz there was so much at stake and so many big things happened and so many stars and records that could be broken… And guess what, people start giving a sh—.”
As such, in the UFC boss’s eyes, boxing rarely provides that. Too often, he argued, promoters protect undefeated records instead of making real fights. The UFC’s structure forces contenders to collide, while boxing’s fractured landscape often avoids such collisions entirely.
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So when Schulz asked if that same philosophy, matchmaking with stakes, would define Dana White’s future in boxing, the promoter didn’t hesitate as he stated on the Flagrant podcast, “A 100%.”
White isn’t just critiquing boxing from the outside. He’s preparing to step inside. In 2026, Zuffa Boxing will launch under a new broadcast deal with Paramount and CBS Sports. And that’s where the Muhammad Ali Act enters the picture.
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For years, White has said the Ali Act limits boxing promotions and slows the sport down. Critics, however, accuse him of wanting UFC-style control over athletes, consolidating belts, restricting bargaining power, and centralizing matchmaking.
But in a recent CBS Sports interview, White insisted his goal isn’t to dismantle the Act, it’s to “add on to it,” as he shared, “I knew people were going to freak out because that’s what people do. The Muhammad Ali Act was put in place with all good intentions, but I think that it has held the business back.”
According to Sports Business Journal, the Dodgers vs. Blue Jays Game 7 averaged 25.5 million U.S. viewers, peaked at 31.5 million, and drew another 10.9 million in Canada. Drama still sells when the stakes are real. And that’s exactly Dana White’s point. However, does his matchmaking philosophy also lead to some fighters getting preferential treatment?
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UFC boss fires back at criticism over “Dana White privilege”
The brighter the spotlight, the sharper the criticism, and nowhere is that clearer than in the long-running debate over “Dana White privilege.” Back in 2022, Tony Ferguson famously jabbed Michael Chandler by saying he enjoyed “Dana White privilege” after receiving a massive promotional push and a title shot early in his UFC run. What began as a meme quickly became part of MMA vocabulary. And as more fighters echoed Ferguson’s complaint over the years, the phrase grew teeth. But Dana White insists the accusation misses the point entirely.
Speaking on the Triggernometry podcast, he dismissed the idea that he handpicks favorites while others grind unnoticed as he stated, “Here’s the stupidity in ‘Dana White privilege’ — when you bring guys in there’s people that you think could possibly become world champions. Everybody wants to become a world champion. Well there’s people that you think have a much better chance than others do. So you prop these people up and you put them in positions and see what they’re capable of doing.”
And he didn’t shy away from naming examples. Conor McGregor? Accused of privilege, yet became “arguably one of the biggest superstars in sports, let alone the UFC.” Ronda Rousey? Same accusation, yet she “literally launched female fighting” for the company.
To him, that’s not favoritism. As for those who complain? White didn’t sugarcoat it as he stated, “I didn’t have the ‘Dana White privilege,’ and I didn’t have this, and I didn’t have that and those type of people are always going to exist.”
So what does all this mean for boxing’s supposed revival and White’s attempt to reshape it? It means he’s betting that the future of combat sports isn’t built on protection but on pressure. Not on preserving perfect records, but on creating moments that pull millions into living rooms the way Blue Jays vs. Dodgers did!
Jets Player Kris Boyd Hospitalized with Bullet in Lung After New York Shooting
New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd still has a bullet lodged in his lung after being shot over the weekend.
The 29-year-old athlete is in stable condition despite the bullet going through his abdomen and becoming stuck in his right lung, ABC 7 NY and ABC News reported on Monday, Nov. 17.
He has undergone several surgeries following the shooting, the outlets reported.
The incident reportedly happened in New York City at approximately 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 16. The sports star was with two of his teammates outside of Sei Less, an Asian fusion restaurant on West 38th Street.
Although a motive remains unclear, authorities believe the altercation could have occurred after the suspect allegedly tried to steal Boyd’s necklace, according to ABC 7 NY. The news station also shared surveillance footage of the suspect, whose identity has not yet been made public.
Boyd, who was previously in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital, has spoken with police since the incident, the outlet shared.
PEOPLE did not immediately receive a response from the New York Police Department.
“We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time,” a spokesperson for the New York Jets previously told PEOPLE.
Several Jets players have spoken out in support of Boyd following the incident, urging prayers and wishing him a swift recovery.
“Everybody please send prayers to my brother and teammate Kris Boyd and his family!!! Lord please hold your healing hand over Kris and guide him back to health and safety. Lord I ask that you please just get him through this safely. In your name, Amen,” Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson wrote on X Sunday morning.
Fantasy football: How to decide if unlikely Week 11 heroes are worth it
NFL Week 11 was definitely one for the ages. While top players like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson struggled, some unlikely heroes stood tall in their absence.
Jacoby Brissett broke the NFL record for most completions in a game, Bryce Young set a Panthers record for most passing yards in a game, and fantasy football victories were earned thanks to them, and players like Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker and Seahawks tight end AJ Barner.
Their names will be plastered all over Week 12 waiver wire articles this week, but will they be worth your attention or are they the classic one-week wonders?
Fantasy QBs are always tricky. Guys like Brissett and Young are typically bye-week replacements, and in a single-QB league you probably aren’t starting them over any of the current top 12. In superflex leagues they aren’t even available.
If you roster one, chances are you know how to handle things. Given the upcoming schedule for Arizona, Brissett could warrant some spot starts if you’re struggling with players like Trevor Lawrence or Jordan Love, but we’ve seen enough from Young to know that the consistency just isn’t there.
But in looking at running backs and just how barren the position is on your waiver wire, many are going to jump at the chance to add Tucker. You should not. We don’t want to diminish the performance as he ran all over the Bills for 106 yards and two touchdowns on just 19 carries while also chipping in a pair of receptions for 34 yards and a third score, but expecting any sort of a repeat could be a major mistake.
Though Tucker’s performance led all running backs for the week and likely saved the hides of Jonathan Taylor managers, we cannot ignore that conditions for this matchup were ideal. The Bills ranked 30th in DVOA against the run and were allowing the second-most rushing yards per game. As a true north-south runner, Tucker was a much better fit for this game than the typically inefficient Rachaad White, and it showed.
However, with the impending return of Bucky Irving, both Tucker and White will fall back into reserve or complementary roles. And even if Tucker’s performance rates him a few extra carries while Irving gets his feet wet, do you really want to use him in Week 12 against the Rams and their top five-ranked run defense? Probably not.
The same goes for Barner, who saw a career-high 11 targets Sunday, which was more than he saw in the previous four games combined. The Rams corners did a masterful job of stifling the Seahawks receivers, which left Barner in a better position to see some extra looks. But this is still a guy who routinely shares snaps and targets with rookie Elijah Arroyo, and with Sam Darnold so focused on feeding Jaxon Smith-Njigba, there’s just no consistency. Not to mention, Seattle’s next three opponents all rank favorably against the tight end.
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It is easy to get caught up in the hype of a player’s standout performance. But as we enter Week 12, trusting a fluke achievement can be dangerous. Save your waiver priority and your FAAB dollars for more consistency. That’s how you finish the season strong and head into the playoffs.
Former Auburn guard scores his first NBA points with Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks guard Miles Kelly became the third former Auburn player to score his first NBA points in the 2025-26 season on Monday night.
Kelly took an inbounds pass from D’Angelo Russell and flipped in a basket from 7 feet out along the baseline for his first points on his second NBA shot. Kelly’s bucket came with 44 seconds left in a 120-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kelly played once in the Mavericks’ first 14 games. He was on the court for 2:11 in a 139-129 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26 and did not take a shot in that time.
On Monday night, Kelly entered the game with 9:05 to play and stayed on the court for the remainder of the game.
His first NBA shot was a 3-pointer with 8:04 to play, and Kelly’s only other field-goal attempt went in.
Kelly also had four rebounds in the game.
Kelly followed Dylan Cardwell with the Sacramento Kings and Johni Broome with the Philadelphia 76ers as Auburn alumni who have scored their first NBA points this season.
A transfer to Auburn after three seasons at Georgia Tech, Kelly averaged 11.3 points per game for the Tigers in the 2024-25 season as they reached the Final Four of the NCAA tournament in April.
After going unselected in the 2025 NBA Draft, Kelly signed a two-way contract with Dallas.
A two-way contract allows a player to move between an NBA team and its NBA Gatorade League affiliate without needing to pass through waivers and earn the same pay in both leagues. Each team can carry three two-way players who may appear on the active roster of the NBA team for as many as 50 games. A two-way contract is worth $636,435 for the 2025-26 season, which is half of the rookie minimum, and is not guaranteed.
The Mavericks’ G League affiliate is the Texas Legends, based in Frisco, Texas.
Kelly has played in five games with the Legends and totaled 82 points, 32 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocked shots and two steals.
NBA Makes Disney+ Philippines Debut in Multi-Year Streaming Deal
The NBA is coming to Disney+ Philippines for the first time under a new multi-year agreement, expanding the global partnership between The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and the league.
Filipino basketball fans will gain access to live NBA games, ESPN documentaries and broadcasts of “NBA Countdown” starting with a Nov. 20 doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets at Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks. The platform will also carry studio shows “NBA Tip-Off” and the Emmy-winning “Inside the NBA,” hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.
The deal gives Disney+ Philippines subscribers exclusive streaming rights to select regular season and playoff games, plus marquee events including Christmas Day games, the NBA Draft, the All-Star Celebrity Game and select Summer League contests. Each season, one Conference Finals series will stream live, with the other Conference Finals and NBA Finals available on delay.
“For millions of Filipinos, basketball isn’t just a sport – it’s a passion, a shared language and a powerful source of national pride,” said Vineet Puri, VP and general manager of The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. “Through this unique deal, we are bringing basketball fans in the Philippines closer than ever to the teams and players they love with all the NBA-focused programming while enjoying the best in global entertainment all on Disney+.”
Kelly Cooke, head of content partnerships and DTC at NBA Asia, added: “Our collaboration with Disney+ Philippines makes it easier than ever for our passionate fans across the country to access the NBA, experience iconic moments from throughout the season and follow their favorite teams and players on the devices and platforms they use most.”
The NBA programming joins Disney+’s library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu, including upcoming releases like “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Korean series “Tempest” and “The Manipulated,” and Emmy-winning shows like “Shōgun” and “The Bear.”
Hendrick Motorsports Inks $2.25 Million Deal With ICE for Immigration Enforcement, Reveals Government Documents
It all started in 1976, when Rick Hendrick opened a car-selling shop on Bennett Parkway in North Carolina named Hendrick Automotive. And now Hendrick Motorsports is one of the biggest elephants in NASCAR and has built a business empire that stretches far beyond the track. But recent government documents have exposed one of the team’s unexpected federal ties in a way few saw coming. As Mr. H operates in both the racing and business worlds, these records hint at deals that raise eyebrows.
The government files show Hendrick Motorsports signed a swift $2.25 million agreement back in August, supplying vehicles to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for frontline duties. ICE, which is responsible for upholding immigration laws amid rising border tensions, leaned on such deals to keep operations rolling without delay. This contract underscores how even motorsport giants feed into broader government needs, but the full story raises eyebrows in the divided U.S. political climate.
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Unpacking the ICE contract where urgency meets controversy
Government records confirm Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions inked a $2.25 million sole-source contract with ICE on August 15, 2025. And the deal delivers 25 unmodified Chevrolet Tahoes to strengthen the agency’s inspection, investigation, and enforcement. The deal gained traction after 15 November, when ICE launched “Charlotte’s Web,” an operation that made 81 arrests on day one alone, fueling both protests and praise across North Carolina.
For Hendrick, a team fresh off its 15th Cup Series title, the timing amplifies scrutiny, as fans and critics alike question if this routine sale ties the brand to picking a political side amid ongoing immigration debates. This criticism might potentially dent Hendrick Motorsports’s all-American image in a politically divided fanbase.
The contract’s language itself felt like a deal done in urgency: “The agency’s need for the services is so urgent and compelling that providing full and open competition would result in unacceptable delays and seriously hinder the Government’s recruiting initiative. Urgency is warranted, as these vehicles must be deployed to the streets immediately to provide a visible law enforcement presence, support public safety operations, and reinforce recruitment efforts.”
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“Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions in the Charlotte metro area signed a $2.25 million contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in August, according to government records reviewed by WBTV….for the sale of 25 Chevrolet Tahoes.” https://t.co/sk0tKxTXzN
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 18, 2025
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This sole-source justification, per federal procurement rules, let ICE bypass bidding because Hendrick could immediately deliver, which was the most important thing in ramping up enforcement as migrant encounters hit record highs in 2025. Historically, ICE has relied on such vehicles for everything from patrols to deportations, with similar Tahoe buys totaling millions annually.
But this deal lands Hendrick in the crosshairs because fans see it as Hendrick Motorsports supporting these arrests, and the comment of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein adds fuel to that speculation. Steins has publicly condemned the recent actions of federal U.S. Border Patrol agents in Charlotte, which he described as “racial profiling.”
A Hendrick spokesperson justified this deal, stating, “Earlier this year, we sold 25 standard Chevrolet Tahoes to the federal government. The vehicles were unmodified, and we fulfilled the commercial sale. We do not participate in or control how agencies equip, brand, or use vehicles after purchase.”
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This is not something new for motorsports to sell equipment or cars to local cops or federal fleets. And also, the companies are not responsible for how the buying party equips or uses it, which is fair in these business deals. However, the use of Hendrick Motorsports cars as Border Patrol vans in Uptown Charlotte caused viral backlash.
While this federal deal is creating a hiccup for Rick Hendricks, it still can’t eclipse the visionary force that’s kept the team dominant for decades.
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Evernham hails Hendrick’s relentless vision as success secret
Ray Evernham, the Hall of Famer who crew-chiefed Jeff Gordon to three titles with Hendrick in the ’90s, knows the reason behind it all. After the team’s 15th championship clinch at Phoenix last month, Evernham singled out owner Rick Hendrick as the unbreakable reason. Hendrick, who founded the outfit in 1984 from a single-car shop, has succeeded with 100+ dealerships while micromanaging race ops, even after a knee surgery this year.
Evernham put it plain: “The key person that’s always been there with the vision is Rick Hendrick. What he’s done, his vision, his commitment, and his ability to put people together and keep that drive up for as many years as he can is pretty amazing.” That grit turned a single shop startup into NASCAR’s gold standard, amassing 309 Cup wins and outlasting rivals through advanced tech shifts.
Evernham, who later launched SRX Racing, credits Hendrick’s people-first ethos, which encouraged talents like Gordon, Knaus, and Andrews to develop a “no-second-place” mentality first and then rely on all the tech and support. And it’s that mindset that resulted in early dominance.
He added, “It’s a difficult thing to accomplish what they’ve done, but it’s easy for me to understand why after spending time around guys like Rick Hendrick and Jeff Andrews and Jeff Gordon, and Chad Knaus. You look at that group there, and, man, second is just not an option for them.”
This inner circle’s synergy, which has been honed over 40 years, explains Hendrick’s edge: relentless innovation, from engine tweaks to driver development. Evernham calls it home, a nod to how Hendrick’s steady hand weathers success, on and off the ovals.
Lawsuit Defeat Could Force NASCAR to Rewrite Its Entire Charter System, Claims Insider
“NASCAR wants to (but cannot) have it differently on each side of the same coin — heads we win, tails you lose.” This was Judge Kenneth D. Bell’s cutting statement in a NASCAR lawsuit hearing earlier this month. It marked a loss for NASCAR, as the sanctioning body countered its own stance in defining its marketplace. While the final trial is still two weeks away, the earlier hearing may have set the stage for it.
Since October 2024, Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkins’ Front Row Motorsports have been engaged in a courtroom battle with NASCAR. And the objectives of their lawsuit involve making a deep impact on Jim France’s sport – something that may come to pass, according to an insider.
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The NASCAR lawsuit is ready to derail the system
In a recent video on Kenny Wallace’s YouTube channel, John Roberts asked Jordan Bianchi a pressing question. If NASCAR loses the lawsuit, what will happen? The Athletic reporter replied, “They could theoretically be ordered to sell the tracks that they own. The judge could theoretically rip up the charter agreement. Now, he may institute some other level of a charter system, but he also could just say, “This charter system’s gone. You’re going to have to start from scratch.” The teams that have paid many millions of dollars for charters would theoretically be out of that money. And that could potentially impact TV contracts.”
Since last year, Michael Jordan‘s faction has been trying to prove that NASCAR holds the power in “premier stock car racing”. One of the ways in which Jim France and Co. exercise this power is through the charter system. Charters, valued anywhere from $30 million to $50 million apiece, come with guarantees in revenue and starting spots in races. And the hearing in early November was a significant blow for the sanctioning body in this regard. The jury trial is scheduled to begin Dec. 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
And then Jordan Bianchi painted a picture of the alternative outcome. The NASCAR lawsuit may end up in Michael Jordan and Co.’s defeat, and the consequences are no prettier. “It’s fair to say that those teams are likely not going to be around anymore. They’re out of their six charters, which they have paid millions of dollars for, and they will be reimbursed for that. I believe they would be reimbursed for that, but they would be effectively out of the business…Both teams have said that if we don’t have Charters, we’re not going to race. And so NASCAR then is going to lose two teams.”
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Therefore, the clock is ticking for the NASCAR lawsuit. Judge Bell has repeatedly urged the parties to settle before Dec. 1, saying the potential ramifications of a trial could be detrimental for all involved, including the case winner. And NASCAR is already preparing for the aftermath.
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No visible end to the tussle
The NASCAR lawsuit has divulged several bitter moments between both sides. Ranging from revealing controversial text messages to personal attacks on individual entities, the animosity has been great. So Jordan Bianchi is not so keen on the possibility of a settlement. “All being said, you would hope that cooler heads will prevail and that they will come to a settlement. But I’ve been saying that for the last year since this lawsuit was filed, and here we are, about three weeks away from the trial date, and we still have no settlement. So, I have no idea.”
What’s more, NASCAR is already preparing for the worst outcome, signaling further bitter exchanges. Should it lose the trial, Jim France would appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Its statement read, “NASCAR looks forward to proving that it became the leading motorsport in the United States through hard work, risk-taking, and many significant investments over the past 77 years. The antitrust laws encourage this, and NASCAR has done nothing anticompetitive in building the sport from the ground up since 1948. … NASCAR believes in the charter system and will continue to defend it from 23XI and Front Row’s efforts to claim that the charter system itself is anticompetitive.”
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Clearly, the journey ahead is going to be a long and rocky one for the NASCAR lawsuit. Let’s wait and see how it all unfolds.
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders to get valuable practice reps ahead of possible start
CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was put in a difficult situation when he made his NFL debut early in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens.
How Sanders and Cleveland’s coaching staff handle this week’s practices ahead of Sunday’s game at Las Vegas — and the much-hyped rookie’s possible first start — will give some indication of whether the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders will have a chance to show what he can do the rest of this season.
“I think you learn from every single play that you’re out there and there’s always lessons to be learned,” coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. “There’s always going to be good and there’s always going to be bad. And that’s just part of playing and getting reps. And then part of learning is taking all those coaching points that come with those reps.”
Sanders went 4 of 16 for 47 yards with an interception in four second-half series, finishing with a 13.5 passer rating as the Ravens rallied for a 23-16 victory.
Sanders displayed some of the traits that dropped him to the fifth round in the NFL draft. After completing two quick passes on his first series, Sanders held the ball too long as the Ravens brought more pressure. Instead of throwing it away or side-stepping pass rushers, Sanders instead scrambled backward, resulting in further lost yards on sacks.
However, expecting Sanders to light it up immediately wasn’t reasonable. He has not seen any practice snaps with the first-team offense, with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel getting all of those reps.
Guard Wyatt Teller said the offensive linemen had to get together in the locker room at halftime to learn Sanders’ snap cadence so that they didn’t get caught off guard and commit false starts.
“The starter gets the vast majority, obviously, if not the entire majority,” Stefanski said about the allocation of snaps in practice. “I will say this: We trust our players. Shedeur is putting in great work. You know, on the field, in the meeting room, he will be better with reps that he’s getting. Like any player would better. But we trust him and he’s somebody that’s continued to put in the work and will continue to do so.”
The only way for Sanders to build rapport with receivers Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin Jr. and Cedric Tillman is through practice reps, which he will get as long as Gabriel remains in the concussion protocol.
Bailey Zappe would likely be Sanders’ backup if Gabriel is sidelined. Stefanski didn’t say whether this week would serve as an audition for Sanders to take over the starting role the rest of the season.
“I’m not going to speculate on that type of thing. I know this — we trust our players, we trust our guys to put in the work, and we’re just going to be solely focused on this game that’s in front of us,” Stefanski said.
What’s working
Myles Garrett’s pass rushing. With four sacks on Sunday, the All-Pro defensive end became the second player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to have 10 sacks in a three-game span. Garrett, who has a league-leading 15 sacks on the season, had a team-record five at New England on Oct. 26 and one last week against the New York Jets. Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent also had 11 during a three-game run in 1984.
Garrett has a chance to challenge the NFL record of 22 1/2 sacks in a season, shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
What needs help
Rush defense. Cleveland allowed a season-high 65 yards before contact to Baltimore’s Derrick Henry. The Browns also had five missed tackles against Henry, who finished with 103 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Stock up
Devin Bush scored the second defensive touchdown of his seven-year career with a 23-yard pick-6 during the second quarter. Bush, who committed a holding penalty on a third down on the final drive last week against the Jets, picked off Lamar Jackson’s pass after it bounced off the hands of running back Keaton Mitchell.
Stock down
TE David Njoku had only one catch for 7 yards and has been held to three receptions over the past two games.
Injuries
CB Dom Jones is headed to injured reserve and will likely miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. … OTs Jack Conklin and Cam Robinson are also dealing with knee injuries.
Key numbers
2 — Interceptions by rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger on the season.
38 — Consecutive games in which the Browns have not allowed a 300-yard passer.
What’s next
The Browns hope to end a five-game losing streak to the Raiders.
___
Can Shedeur Sanders rise to the occasion? Browns rookie QB to get valuable practice reps this week
CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was put in a difficult situation when he made his NFL debut early in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens.
How Sanders and Cleveland’s coaching staff handle this week’s practices ahead of Sunday’s game at Las Vegas — and the much-hyped rookie’s possible first start — will give some indication of whether the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders will have a chance to show what he can do the rest of this season.
“I think you learn from every single play that you’re out there and there’s always lessons to be learned,” coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday. “There’s always going to be good and there’s always going to be bad. And that’s just part of playing and getting reps. And then part of learning is taking all those coaching points that come with those reps.”
Sanders went 4 of 16 for 47 yards with an interception in four second-half series, finishing with a 13.5 passer rating as the Ravens rallied for a 23-16 victory.
Sanders displayed some of the traits that dropped him to the fifth round in the NFL draft. After completing two quick passes on his first series, Sanders held the ball too long as the Ravens brought more pressure. Instead of throwing it away or side-stepping pass rushers, Sanders instead scrambled backward, resulting in further lost yards on sacks.
However, expecting Sanders to light it up immediately wasn’t reasonable. He has not seen any practice snaps with the first-team offense, with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel getting all of those reps.
Guard Wyatt Teller said the offensive linemen had to get together in the locker room at halftime to learn Sanders’ snap cadence so that they didn’t get caught off guard and commit false starts.
“The starter gets the vast majority, obviously, if not the entire majority,” Stefanski said about the allocation of snaps in practice. “I will say this: We trust our players. Shedeur is putting in great work. You know, on the field, in the meeting room, he will be better with reps that he’s getting. Like any player would better. But we trust him and he’s somebody that’s continued to put in the work and will continue to do so.”
The only way for Sanders to build rapport with receivers Jerry Jeudy, Harold Fannin Jr. and Cedric Tillman is through practice reps, which he will get as long as Gabriel remains in the concussion protocol.
Bailey Zappe would likely be Sanders’ backup if Gabriel is sidelined. Stefanski didn’t say whether this week would serve as an audition for Sanders to take over the starting role the rest of the season.
“I’m not going to speculate on that type of thing. I know this — we trust our players, we trust our guys to put in the work, and we’re just going to be solely focused on this game that’s in front of us,” Stefanski said.
What’s working
Myles Garrett’s pass rushing. With four sacks on Sunday, the All-Pro defensive end became the second player since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to have 10 sacks in a three-game span. Garrett, who has a league-leading 15 sacks on the season, had a team-record five at New England on Oct. 26 and one last week against the New York Jets. Pro Football Hall of Famer Richard Dent also had 11 during a three-game run in 1984.
Garrett has a chance to challenge the NFL record of 22 1/2 sacks in a season, shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
What needs help
Rush defense. Cleveland allowed a season-high 65 yards before contact to Baltimore’s Derrick Henry. The Browns also had five missed tackles against Henry, who finished with 103 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Stock up
Devin Bush scored the second defensive touchdown of his seven-year career with a 23-yard pick-6 during the second quarter. Bush, who committed a holding penalty on a third down on the final drive last week against the Jets, picked off Lamar Jackson’s pass after it bounced off the hands of running back Keaton Mitchell.
Stock down
TE David Njoku had only one catch for 7 yards and has been held to three receptions over the past two games.
Injuries
CB Dom Jones is headed to injured reserve and will likely miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. … OTs Jack Conklin and Cam Robinson are also dealing with knee injuries.
Key numbers
2 — Interceptions by rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger on the season.
38 — Consecutive games in which the Browns have not allowed a 300-yard passer.
What’s next
The Browns hope to end a five-game losing streak to the Raiders.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Shedeur Sanders’ home in Cleveland burglarized during Browns-Ravens, reports say
CLEVELAND — Shedeur Sanders’ uneven performance in his NFL debut wasn’t the only bad thing to happen to him on Sunday.
The Browns rookie quarterback discovered Sunday night that his suburban Cleveland home had been burglarized during the game, according to multiple reports.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Pro Football Talk was first to report the break-in.
No suspects have been identified and it’s uncertain if anything was stolen, the person said.
Sanders joins a growing list of NFL players who’ve had their homes burglarized during games. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan have dealt with break-ins since the start of last season.
The highly publicized rookie came into Cleveland’s game against the Baltimore Ravens with 12:43 remaining in the third quarter after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion.
Sanders completed his first two passes, but not much went right after that. He went 4 for 16 for 47 yards with an interception and was sacked twice, finishing with a 13.5 passer rating as the Ravens rallied for a 23-16 victory.
Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is expected to speak to reporters on Wednesday as the Browns begin preparing for Sunday’s game at Las Vegas. Sanders would get his first NFL start if Gabriel does not clear the concussion protocol.
Jerry Jones looked downright giddy after Quinnen Williams got his first sack as a Cowboy
Dallas Cowboys acquisition Quinnen Williams gave Jerry Jones a big reason to smile on Monday night.
Jones masterminded the Cowboys’ acquisition of Williams from the New York Jets at the NFL trade deadline. With Dallas on a bye in Week 10, the Cowboys owner had to wait a little bit to see the All-Pro defensive tackle in action.
Williams did not take long to make an impact in Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. He rumbled through the Raiders’ offensive line early in the second quarter and chased down quarterback Geno Smith for a sack.
The ESPN broadcast panned to Jones in the stands. The 83-year-old owner looked on with childlike excitement as Williams celebrated his first sack in a Cowboys uniform.
Few things make Jerry Jones happier than validation, particularly on his football acumen.
The Cowboys traded quite a hefty package to land Williams from the Jets, which placed a bright spotlight on the three-time Pro Bowler heading into Monday’s game. He made Jones look good even before halftime, as Williams tallied 1.5 sacks and 4 QB hits heading into the break.
Williams’ first-half production already exceeded his season totals with the Jets. He had just 1.0 sack and 3 QB hits in his eight games with New York before the trade. The change of scenery may have woken Williams up, much to the delight of Jones.
Inside Shedeur Sanders’ historically bad NFL debut
Fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders made his highly anticipated NFL debut in Sunday’s 23-16 loss to the Ravens after starter Dillon Gabriel left the game at halftime due to a concussion.
Sanders struggled mightily, completing 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and an interception. The Browns were outscored 13-0 in the second half against a Ravens team now on a four-game winning streak.
It was one of the worst quarterback debuts in recent memory (minimum 15 passes for the notes below):
Sanders had the most inefficient NFL debut (-0.80 EPA per play) by a quarterback since Ian Book in 2021 (Book’s only career start).
Sanders averaged the fewest yards per dropback (1.7) in an NFL debut since Ryan Lindley in 2012.
Sanders averaged the fewest yards per attempt (2.9) in an NFL debut since Quincy Carter in 2001.
Sanders had the lowest completion rate (25%) in an NFL debut in 41 years (1984 Scott Stankavage).
That’s about the worst possible company you could ask for, outside of maybe Carter, who had one productive season in Dallas.
It was possibly the worst half of football all year. There have been 116 second halves where a quarterback had 20-plus dropbacks this season — and Sanders’ NFL debut had the worst EPA per play (-0.80) of all of them.
To his credit, he offered an honest assessment after the game.
Josh Allen, Dak Prescott and Myles Garrett Lead Top Performers From NFL Week 11
Week 11 of the NFL season was filled with amazing matchups. Sunday’s slate started with a big matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a couple of massive divisional matchups in the NFC and AFC West headlined the afternoon window. Then on Sunday Night Football, the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles squared off in a defensive slugfest.
There were quite a few huge individual performances that helped decide the outcome of these and the rest of Sunday’s matchups. The best part about it is that most of them weren’t from the usual suspects. We had guys like Bryce Young, Jacoby Brissett and Jordan Brooks have massive performances in their respective games.
This week was harder than most to trim down, but I did my best. Here were the top 10 players from Week 11 of the NFL season.
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1. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
Making his first appearance of the season, Bryce Young tops our list of best players for the week. Young was mightily impressive in the Carolina Panthers’ NFC South victory over Atlanta, throwing for 448 yards (a Panthers franchise record) and three touchdowns. After three straight weeks where he’s really struggled, this was a much-needed game for Young and Carolina.
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Stat Line: 31-for-45, 448 yards, 3 TD
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2. Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett is insane. He went absolutely insane on Sunday, totaling five tackles, five QB hits and four sacks. He now has 10 sacks in his last three games, which include a five and four-sack performance. He is the best defensive player in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close.
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Stat Line: 5 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 QB hits, 4 sacks
3. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ offense got back on track this weekend, scoring 44 points in a massive victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen was incredible, totaling 357 yards and SIX touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in the victory. He looked like vintage Josh Allen, and after last week’s loss to Miami, it must’ve felt pretty good.
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Stat Line: 19-for-30, 317 passing yards, 40 rushing yards, 6 total TD, 2 INT
4. Sean Tucker, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sean Tucker turned into prime LaDanian Tomlinson on Sunday. He ran all over the Bills, rushing for 106 yards and two scores while adding 34 yards and another touchdown through the air. I know Buffalo’s run defense sucks, but Tucker has been running well in recent weeks. Will be interesting to see where he ends up this offseason, since he’s a free agent.
Stat Line: 106 rushing yards, 34 receiving yards, 3 total TD
5. Ja’Quan McMillan, CB, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos pulled off arguably their biggest win of the season on Sunday when they took down the Kansas City Chiefs, and it was largely due to their defense, which held Patrick Mahomes to 19 points. Ja’Quan McMillan was a huge part of that defensive effort, racking up six tackles, two sacks and a massive interception, which led to a massive Denver touchdown early in the second half. He was a huge part of Denver’s win, and deserves a spot on this list.
Stat Line: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, INT
6. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
This was the Dak Prescott we haven’t seen in a few weeks. He was accurate, decisive and hardly missed any throws. He was slinging the ball all over the field on Monday night and led the Cowboys to 33 points, their highest total since their win over the Commanders a month ago. This is the Prescott that needs to show up week in and week out if the Cowboys want to make a late playoff push.
Stat Line: 25-for-33, 268 yards, 4 TD
7. Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a 20-tackle game in the NFL, but Jordyn Brooks delivered one in Spain. When I say he was all over the field, I’m not exaggerating. He accounted for one-fourth of the team’s tackles on Sunday. Just to prove how rare today’s effort was, Brooks is tied for the 13th most tackles in a single game in NFL history. Great stuff from Miami’s linebacker.
Stat Line: 20 tackles, 10 solo
8. Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals
In a game where his quarterback set an NFL record, Michael Wilson had a career day, catching 15 passes for 185 yards. I know it was all for naught because Arizona lost by 19, but man, it was an impressive performance. If Wilson can keep emerging next to Marvin Harrison Jr., this receiving core could be pretty good in the back half of the year.
Stat Line: 15 receptions, 185 yards
9. Jacoby Brissett, QB, Arizona Cardinals
It’s hard to put a record-setting performance this low, but considering the Arizona Cardinals were blown out and he threw two interceptions, I can only put Jacoby Brissett so high. Brissett set the NFL’s single-game completions record with 47, breaking Jared Goff and Drew Bledsoe’s record of 45. 452 yards is not too bad either, but it’s because Arizona was behind from the opening kickoff until the final whistle.
Stat Line: 47-for-57, 452 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
10. Brian Burns, DE, New York Giants
Brian Burns seems to just rack up multi-sack games like it’s nothing. He’s had two sacks in three of his last six games, and he’s now up to 13.0 on the season. The New York Giants did a pretty good job limiting Jordan Love and Co. on Sunday, and it was largely due to the pressure Burns was putting on him.
Rams’ Sean McVay Shares Positive Words On Underused Rookie
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves atop the NFC West after beating the Seattle Seahawks, 21-19, in Week 11. LA only has a game lead on the rest of the division, with the Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers right on their tail.
It wasn’t the best performance in the passing game, but Matthew Stafford was able to pull off two touchdowns in the win. The offense was a bit more run-based in the matchup, but it was still able to get the job done.
The Rams haven’t used many rookie offensive threats this season, leading to questions about the future of LA’s first selection of this year’s draft.
McVay On Development Of Rookie
When the LA Rams drafted Terrance Ferguson with the 46th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, it was a sign that he will be for the future.
The Rams already had three tight ends on the roster when they selected Ferguson, with all three having more experience in the NFL than Ferguson, obviously. The most notable player in the tight end room is Tyler Higbee, who can be considered the greatest Rams tight end of all time.
It would be hard from the jump to dethrone Higbee as the starting tight end spot in his rookie season. But the lack of use for Ferg can be worrisome.
An NFL reporter asked head coach Sean McVay about the former Oregon Ducks’ development during his time in the City of Angels.
“I think the improvement and just overall upside that he has is exciting,” McVay said of the rookie. “I love the guy’s demeanor. I think he’s got great examples of veteran players, in what it looks like. He’s got a great coach in Scooter Huff.”
“I just think the guy continues to go to work… I don’t feel like any moment’s too big for him and he’s only going to continiously going to get better… I love what he’s about… I’m really excited for how bright his future is.”
Threat With Minimum Chance
Terrance Ferguson has not had many opportunities with the Rams so far, but has been a threat when targeted. In 8 of the games he has featured in for the team, he has only caught passes in 4 of them. But in those games, he had them for big gains.
The rookie has only 5 catches, but each reception has been for a minimum of 18 yards. Ferguson has been a downfield threat while the other tight ends haven’t this season.
Despite not having many snaps on offense, Ferguson has the second-highest amount of receiving yards, behind Higbee, while having fewer catches than the other two TEs, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen.
Ferguson only has one touchdown so far, but if given more chances as a deep threat, he could be pivotal for the team’s playoff run.
Commanders sign ex-Michigan kicker off Bears’ practice squad
Former Michigan kicker Jake Moody is joining his third NFL team this season.
The Washington Commanders signed the 25-year-old Northville native off of the Chicago Bears’ practice squad on Monday after the team cut kicker Matt Gay.
Washington is looking for more consistency at the position, with Gay missing 6 of his 19 attempts this season, including two in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Moody, the first kicker selected in the 2023 draft, was released by the San Francisco 49ers after missing two field goals in Week 1. He later was signed to the Bears’ practice squad before getting elevated to the team’s active roster for Weeks 6 and 7.
With Chicago, Moody converted 8 of 9 field-goal tries until starter Cairo Santos returned from injury. Among Moody’s field goals was a 38-yard game-winner as time expired against the Commanders in Week 6.
In his career, Moody has made 54 of 71 field-goal attempts and 97 of 99 extra points. He has struggled from distance, making just 6 of 12 from 50-plus yards.
At Michigan, Moody set the program’s single-season record for most field goals with 29. He also is the Wolverines’ only Lou Groza Award winner, earning the accolade after making 23 of 25 in 2021.
Ben Johnson Upset With ‘Uncontrollable’ Caleb Williams: Report
The Chicago Bears are standing tall after their 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, November 16, on the road, but that doesn’t mean head coach Ben Johnson thinks the team is where they need to be yet. Sure, the Bears were able to hold off a late rally from the Vikings and come back with a field goal at the buzzer for a win, but Johnson doesn’t want things to be so close next time.
“It was very reminiscent of the first game where we ended up having a lead and then allowed it to get interesting there,” Johnson said after the win. “We felt like we didn’t make enough plays there in the first game to earn that victory, and this one we did. I do feel like that shows growth as a football team.”
So, the win shows their growth on the field, but there still may be some tension inside the Chicago Bears’ camp, according to a Bears insider. This is Johnson’s first year with the team, so it makes sense that there will be some hiccups as he gets his footing with a team that’s worked under other coaches. But, if this gritty win over the Vikings shows anything, it shows that Johnson is making strides early on in his NFL head coaching career.
NFL Insider Thinks There Are Tensions Between Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams
Even though the Bears are riding high and No. 1 in the NFC North after their win over the Vikings, some in the NFL are still questioning if Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams are working well together. In a Monday, November 17, piece for The Athletic, Mike Sando discusses his conversation with an opposing defensive coach who implied that Williams’ style of playing doesn’t work well with Johnson’s style of coaching. That defensive coach also suggested that Johnson is still looking to mold and develop the signal-caller.
In Sando’s report, he says the defensive coach stated, “To be honest with you, I think Ben is frustrated with him. Caleb doesn’t play on time and doesn’t do the things that allow that offense to get to the next level that Ben is used to.”
The coach adds, “Ben was able to scheme up max-protection things for Jared (Goff) in Detroit and run guys open. This guy can’t do that, so now it is all (off-schedule) ball, which is uncontrollable for a coach.”
So, is there trouble in football paradise between Johnson and Williams? Maybe. But, that really doesn’t matter if the Bears keep winning. Besides, Williams is performing much better than he did during the 2024-25 season, and he’s already showing the growth that Chicago needs.
Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings’ Thrilling Game
The Chicago Bears’ win over the Vikings was too close for comfort, but it sure made for exciting football. Windy City led 16-3 going into the fourth quarter of the game, but Minnesota rallied for two late touchdowns to give the Vikings a 17-16 lead with less than a minute left on the clock. But, it wasn’t anything the Bears couldn’t handle. Kicker Cairo Santos kicked a 48-yard field goal to give the Bears a small but definitive 19-17 win over the Vikings.
NFL Monday night: Former Alabama prep stars pace Dallas Cowboys’ victory
Two former Alabama high school stars paced the Dallas Cowboys to a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
Former Hoover High School standout George Pickens had nine receptions for 144 yards and one touchdown, and former Wenonah High School standout Quinnen Williamsmade four tackles, recorded 1.5 sacks, had one tackle for loss and registered five quarterback hits.
Pickens had 101 receiving yards by halftime, including a 37-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Dak Prescott that gave Dallas a 24-6 lead with 1:10 left in the first half.
Pickens tied his career single-game high in receptions, established on Oct. 12 in the Cowboys’ 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers, and his receiving yardage was the third-best of his career.
A former Alabama All-American, Williams made his Dallas debut on Monday night. The Cowboys acquired him on Nov. 3 in a trade with the New York Jets.
Dallas entered the game with the worst scoring defense and the worst total defense in the NFC and had not given up fewer than 22 points in any game this season. But the Cowboys yielded 236 yards, including only 27 on the ground, to the Raiders, who went 3-of-12 on third down.
Williams’ five quarterback hits tied the single-game high in the NFL this season.
In addition to Pickens and Williams, six other players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday night:
Tyler Booker (Alabama) started at right guard for the Cowboys.
Cowboys cornerback Trikweze Bridges (Lanett) was designated as a game-day inactive.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (Auburn) made all four of his kicks – an extra point and field goals of 35, 45 and 38 yards.
Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (Alabama) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
Cowboys tight end Rivaldo Fairweather (Auburn) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Cowboys wide receiver Traeshon Holden (Alabama) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (Hoover, Auburn) is on the practice squad and not eligible to play.
Cowboys linebacker Shemar James (Faith Academy) made five tackles on defense and two tackles on special teams.
Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (Auburn) was designated as a game-day inactive.
Cowboys defensive back Reddy Steward (Austin, Troy) made two tackles on defense and one tackle on special teams.
Jalen Tolbert (McGill-Toolen, South Alabama) started at wide receiver for the Cowboys. Tolbert did not record any stats.
Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams (Lee-Montgomery) made one tackle.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
In its next game, Dallas (4-5-1) plays the Philadelphia Eagles at 3:25 p.m. CST Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in an NFC East contest.
Las Vegas (2-8) plays the Cleveland Browns at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Petry’s sons read lineup in Panthers locker room ahead of 1,000th NHL game
A milestone moment for Jeff Petry became a precious memory for the whole family.
The Florida Panthers defenseman skated in his 1,000th career game on Monday when the team played host to the Vancouver Canucks.
Petry had plenty of family in the seats for the game, but it was his four sons – Boyd, Barrett, Bowen and Blake – who stole the show beforehand.
The quartet gathered in the Panthers locker room to read off the starting lineups.
And, while we have no proof of it yet, it’s probably the first time Petry has been formally announced at defenseman accompanied by
Ovechkin scores 903rd career goal as Capitals edge Kings
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 903rd career NHL goal and the Washington Capitals beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.
Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals, who ended a two-game losing skid to gain some traction in the standings.
Anze Kopitar scored for lone goal for the Kings, who had won four straight. It was just their second regulation road loss of the season.
Washington, which has been struggling to finish at 5-on-5, opened the scoring early, as Roy got to the front of the net and tipped Aliaksei Protas’ point shot past Darcy Kuemper. It was Roy’s first goal in 25 games, dating back to last season.
In the second period, Ovechkin crashed the crease and got to the front of the net before burying a behind-the-net feed from Connor McMichael. Ovechkin, who now has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall, also passed Gordie Howe for the most regular-season goal scored at a single venue in NHL history with his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena.
Anze Kopitar pulled Los Angeles within one with his third goal of the season with 6:33 left in the second. He tapped in a backdoor feed from Corey Perry on the power play. Washington has now given up a power-play goal in three straight games and five of the last six.
Despite a rally, the Kings couldn’t beat Charlie Lindgren, who stopped 30 of 31 shots for his second win of the season after losing his last four starts.
Kuemper stopped 23 of 25 in the defeat.
Los Angeles played its first game this season without Drew Doughty. He is week to week with a lower-body injury after being injured Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.
Up next
Capitals: Host the Oilers on Wednesday.
Kings: Close out a six-game road trip against the Sharks on Thursday.
___
Ovechkin scores 903rd career goal as Capitals edge Kings 2
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 903rd career NHL goal and the Washington Capitals beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.
Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals, who ended a two-game losing skid to gain some traction in the standings.
Anze Kopitar scored for lone goal for the Kings, who had won four straight. It was just their second regulation road loss of the season.
Washington, which has been struggling to finish at 5-on-5, opened the scoring early, as Roy got to the front of the net and tipped Aliaksei Protas’ point shot past Darcy Kuemper. It was Roy’s first goal in 25 games, dating back to last season.
In the second period, Ovechkin crashed the crease and got to the front of the net before burying a behind-the-net feed from Connor McMichael. Ovechkin, who now has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall, also passed Gordie Howe for the most regular-season goal scored at a single venue in NHL history with his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena.
Anze Kopitar pulled Los Angeles within one with his third goal of the season with 6:33 left in the second. He tapped in a backdoor feed from Corey Perry on the power play. Washington has now given up a power-play goal in three straight games and five of the last six.
Despite a rally, the Kings couldn’t beat Charlie Lindgren, who stopped 30 of 31 shots for his second win of the season after losing his last four starts.
Kuemper stopped 23 of 25 in the defeat.
Los Angeles played its first game this season without Drew Doughty. He is week to week with a lower-body injury after being injured Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.
Up next
Capitals: Host the Oilers on Wednesday.
Kings: Close out a six-game road trip against the Sharks on Thursday.
___
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Ostlund scores twice as Sabres top Oilers 5-1
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Rookie center Noah Ostlund scored twice for his first multigoal game in the NHL, and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 on Monday night.
A first-round draft pick by the Sabres in 2022, Ostlund gave them a 1-0 lead late in the first period and then put away the game with his second goal of the night midway through the third.
Bowen Byram, Beck Malenstyn and Tage Thompson also scored for Buffalo, which has won two straight after an 0-4-1 skid. Rookie goalie Colten Ellis made 32 saves.
Jack Roslovic scored for Edmonton, and Stuart Skinner stopped 23 shots. The Oilers have lost two of three and are 2-2-0 on their eight-game trip.
Ostlund’s power-play goal at 19:03 of the first period opened the scoring.
Roslovic tied it when he extended his point streak to five games with his fourth goal in that span and seventh of the season at 4:29 of the second.
Buffalo took a 3-1 lead with two goals in 1:02 during the second period. Byram’s goal at 8:41 gave the Sabres a 2-1 advantage, and Malenstyn made it 3-1 at 9:43. Byram’s goal extended his point streak to four games.
Ostlund’s second goal came on a shot through a screen by Malenstyn at 7:55 of the third. Thompson added an empty-net goal at 17:37 to make it 5-1.
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had two assists and has four in two games since returning from a leave of absence.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid was held without a point for the fourth time this season.
Up next
Oilers: Play at Washington on Wednesday.
Sabres: Continue a four-game homestand Wednesday against Calgary.
___
Ostlund scores twice as Sabres top Oilers 5
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Rookie center Noah Ostlund scored twice for his first multigoal game in the NHL, and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 on Monday night.
A first-round draft pick by the Sabres in 2022, Ostlund gave them a 1-0 lead late in the first period and then put away the game with his second goal of the night midway through the third.
Bowen Byram, Beck Malenstyn and Tage Thompson also scored for Buffalo, which has won two straight after an 0-4-1 skid. Rookie goalie Colten Ellis made 32 saves.
Jack Roslovic scored for Edmonton, and Stuart Skinner stopped 23 shots. The Oilers have lost two of three and are 2-2-0 on their eight-game trip.
Ostlund’s power-play goal at 19:03 of the first period opened the scoring.
Roslovic tied it when he extended his point streak to five games with his fourth goal in that span and seventh of the season at 4:29 of the second.
Buffalo took a 3-1 lead with two goals in 1:02 during the second period. Byram’s goal at 8:41 gave the Sabres a 2-1 advantage, and Malenstyn made it 3-1 at 9:43. Byram’s goal extended his point streak to four games.
Ostlund’s second goal came on a shot through a screen by Malenstyn at 7:55 of the third. Thompson added an empty-net goal at 17:37 to make it 5-1.
Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had two assists and has four in two games since returning from a leave of absence.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid was held without a point for the fourth time this season.
Up next
Oilers: Play at Washington on Wednesday.
Sabres: Continue a four-game homestand Wednesday against Calgary.
___
AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL
Copyright © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Ovechkin scores 903rd career goal as Capitals edge Kings 2-1
Alex Ovechkin scored his 903rd career NHL goal and the Washington Capitals beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.
Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals, who ended a two-game losing skid to gain some traction in the standings.
Anze Kopitar scored for lone goal for the Kings, who had won four straight. It was just their second regulation road loss of the season.
Washington, which has been struggling to finish at 5-on-5, opened the scoring early, as Roy got to the front of the net and tipped Aliaksei Protas’ point shot past Darcy Kuemper. It was Roy’s first goal in 25 games, dating back to last season.
In the second period, Ovechkin crashed the crease and got to the front of the net before burying a behind-the-net feed from Connor McMichael. Ovechkin, who now has goals in back-to-back games and three of his last four overall, also passed Gordie Howe for the most regular-season goal scored at a single venue in NHL history with his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena.
Anze Kopitar pulled Los Angeles within one with his third goal of the season with 6:33 left in the second. He tapped in a backdoor feed from Corey Perry on the power play. Washington has now given up a power-play goal in three straight games and five of the last six.
Despite a rally, the Kings couldn’t beat Charlie Lindgren, who stopped 30 of 31 shots for his second win of the season after losing his last four starts.
Kuemper stopped 23 of 25 in the defeat.
Los Angeles played its first game this season without Drew Doughty. He is week to week with a lower-body injury after being injured Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.
Up next
Capitals: Host the Oilers on Wednesday.
Kings: Close out a six-game road trip against the Sharks on Thursday.
Ovechkin passes Howe with 442nd goal at Capitals’ arena
WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scored his 903rd career NHL goal as the Washington Capitals beat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.
Ovechkin also passed Gordie Howe for the most regular-season goals scored at a single venue in NHL history with his 442nd goal at Capital One Arena.
Matt Roy also scored for the Capitals, who ended a two-game losing skid to gain some traction in the standings.
Anze Kopitar scored for lone goal for the Kings, who had won four straight. It was just their second regulation road loss of the season.
Washington, which has been struggling to finish at 5-on-5, opened the scoring early, as Roy got to the front of the net and tipped Aliaksei Protas’ point shot past Darcy Kuemper. It was Roy’s first goal in 25 games, dating to last season.
In the second period, Ovechkin crashed the crease and got to the front of the net before burying a behind-the-net feed from Connor McMichael. Ovechkin now has goals in back-to-back games and three of his past four.
Kopitar pulled Los Angeles to within one with his third goal of the season with 6:33 left in the second. He tapped in a backdoor feed from Corey Perry on a power play. Washington has now given up a power-play goal in three straight games and five of the past six.
Despite a rally, the Kings couldn’t beat Charlie Lindgren, who stopped 30 of 31 shots for his second win of the season after losing his previous four starts.
Kuemper stopped 23 of 25 in the defeat.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
‘Shoresy Classic’ will see hockey-playing actors face 8 NHL alumni teams
Justin Abdelkader was shocked when he and the Detroit Red Wings alumni team stepped onto the ice at Little Caesars Arena on Nov. 11, 2024.
Bondra talks Slovakia Olympic hockey, excitement for Milano Cortina with NHL.com
In NHL.com’s Q&A feature called
NBA YoungBoy Releases ‘Zero IQ Freestyle’ & Responds to NLE Choppa
YoungBoy Never Broke Again returned to deliver his “Zero IQ Freestyle” over the weekend, and the Baton Rouge rapper didn’t mince words when addressing some of his exes — and possibly sent a few shots in NLE Choppa’s direction.
YB released an accompanying video shot from the comforts of his Utah mansion. The budget-friendly clip finds a possibly intoxicated YoungBoy dropped off at the front door of his house, before continuing to turn up inside. He flexes plenty of cash and jewelry while moving room to room and even wakes up a sleeping friend with a water bath.
The 26-year-old appears to indirectly reply to NLE Choppa, who fired away at YoungBoy with his 2Pac-influenced “KO” diss track, which saw him claim that YB’s a “poison” to the youth. NBA YoungBoy doesn’t even see Choppa on his level, or as someone worth directly addressing.
“I pull up, I’m thuggin’ and I’m clutchin’, you don’t wan’ see me/ Bi—, you playin’, I shoot the Glock/ I shoot the Glock, you ain’t gon’ beat me,” he raps before seemingly later circling back to Choppa. “Bi—, f— you, you ain’t really 5 and healin’ all with real gang hoes/ Respond to him, he ain’t never ran nothin’ down.”
There were other bars that caught fire on social media, such as YoungBoy airing out a former flame for allegedly sleeping with NBA star Kevin Durant and Ken Carson. “My bi— f—ed Kevin Durant and f—ed Ken Carson/ She gon’ tell me after I turned her up, man, you knowin’ I’m finna whoop this ho,” he spews.
2025 has been another solid year for YoungBoy, who’s coming off the release of his MASA album and his first headlining arena tour, which wrapped up in October.
Watch the “Zero IQ Freestyle” video below.
How to Watch Mavericks vs Timberwolves: Live Stream NBA, TV Channel
The Dallas Mavericks (4-10) come off a Sunday night overtime win and head north on the back end of a back-to-back to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-5) on Monday night at Target Center.
How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs Minnesota Timberwolves
When: Monday, November 17, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
TV Channel: FanDuel Sports Network North, MyNetworkTV (KGBT – Harlingen/Weslaco/Brownsville/McAllen, TX)
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
The Mavericks went on a 6-0 run late in overtime to take control in their 138-133 overtime victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Rookie Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington scored 21 points apiece, with Flagg also grabbing eight rebounds, while Daniel Gafford finished with 20 points and three blocked shots. Klay Thompson added 19 points off the bench in the win.
Minnesota faltered late as the visiting Denver Nuggets pulled away in the fourth quarter on Saturday night to hand the Timberwolves a 123-112 loss. Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards each finished with 26 points, with Randle dishing eight assists and Edwards getting eight rebounds, while Naz Reid scored 19 points off the bench before fouling out. Minnesota shot just 10-of-34 (29.4%) from 3-point range, with Edwards missing all eight of his deep tries.
Dallas learned on Sunday that big man Anthony Davis will miss at least another seven to 10 days with his strained left calf. Edwards averages 27.3 points for the Timberwolves, with Randle getting 25.5 points and 6.2 assists per game, and Rudy Gobert putting up 10.4 points and 9.6 rebounds a night. Flagg averages 15.6 points for the Mavs, with Washington posting 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and D’Angelo Russell getting 12.2 points and 4.9 assists per outing.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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Lakers Are Undefeated This Season When Deandre Ayton Reaches Specific Benchmark
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was the team’s major addition over the summer, especially given their limited options at center during the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Ayton is a former No. 1 overall pick who played in the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. He has consistently been above average in production, but off-court issues have followed him throughout his career.
The Suns eventually had enough of Ayton and traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he clashed with the coaching staff and organization as well, leading him and the team to agree on a buyout.
The Lakers explored other centers in the trade market, showing interest in different players, but they didn’t find a good deal, forcing them to take a chance on Ayton, who was the best available option at that point in the market.
More news: Extension-Eligible Lakers Star Making Most of Contract Year
Ayton’s initial onboarding was shaky, as he struggled to find the right position against Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves. Additionally, he demonstrated an ability to fluctuate during a game, impacting play then disappearing into the background.
Now 14 games through a full season, the Lakers are 6-0 when he grabs at least 10 rebounds and scores at least 10 points, as pointed out by The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
More news: LeBron James Gets Big News Following Lakers’ Five-Game Trip
Head coach JJ Redick believes that the organization has identified what motivates Ayton, notably his connection to the team and positive reinforcement.
“He feeds off of the group’s energy, and he feeds off of empowerment and encouragement and positive reinforcement,” Redick said after the win in Milwaukee. “It took eight to 10 days to figure that out in the preseason. And once we did, it’s been really awesome to watch him grow with this group and be fully engaged and be a part of this group.”
A New Role for Ayton
Ayton has taken on a different role this season, which is more akin to his 2020-2021 season with the Phoenix Suns, when he helped them reach the NBA Finals.
Per Cleaning the Glass, he is 50th percentile in usage for a big man, his lowest total since 2021. Additionally, his effective field goal percentage, currently at 69.2 percent, is in the 85th percentile.
While his rebounding and overall effectiveness have significantly improved compared to Jaxson Hayes’ play last season, Ayton still ranks only in the 40th percentile for block percentage and the 48th percentile for fouls.
His turnover rate is also in the 10th percentile. Luckily for the Lakers and Ayton, they don’t need him to be an elite center—a level he will likely never consistently reach—but rather they need a solid level of play that helps Doncic run the offense effectively.
If that is the benchmark, Ayton is passing it with flying colors.
Latest Lakers News
Victor Wembanyama, ausente para los San Antonio Spurs durante “varias semanas”
El francés Victor Wembanyama, figura central de los San Antonio Spurs, estará fuera de acción durante un período todavía no determinado, aunque se anticipa que serán varias semanas. La lesión en la pantorrilla izquierda le impidió jugar el domingo en la victoria ante los Sacramento Kings por 123-110, en lo que representó su primera ausencia de la temporada. De acuerdo con información divulgada por ESPN, el pívot sufre una distensión en la zona afectada.
En su tercera campaña en la NBA, el jugador de 2,24 metros atraviesa su mejor momento estadístico. Promedia 26,2 puntos, 12,9 rebotes y 3,6 tapones por encuentro, números que han sostenido a los Spurs en la quinta posición de la Conferencia Oeste con récord de 9-4.
Un golpe al ritmo del mejor jugador de los Spurs
Antes del partido del 18 de noviembre entre Spurs y Memphis Grizzlies, se dio a conocer la magnitud de la molestia. La noticia fue divulgada por el insider de ESPN, Shams Charania, confirmando el mal momento en el que llega esta baja para un equipo que empezaba a mostrar señales de despegue tras varias temporadas complicadas.
El entrenador Mitch Johnson, consultado sobre la situación, expresó que el equipo prefirió no acelerar el retorno del pívot. Sobre su estado físico, declaró: “Obviamente, como hemos visto recientemente en esta liga, las contracturas en la pantorrilla no son algo que se pueda tomar a la ligera” y añadió: “No queremos forzar la situación”.
La lesión aparece en un contexto especialmente sensible para el francés, quien ya ha vivido interrupciones prolongadas en su carrera reciente. En 2024 solo disputó 46 juegos debido a una trombosis venosa profunda detectada después de su primera participación en el Juego de las Estrellas. Aunque ganó el Novato del Año en su debut y se consolidó como una promesa defensiva, su continuidad ha sido un tema recurrente.
En el partido ante Sacramento, la ausencia de Wembanyama permitió que Luke Kornet asumiera un rol protagónico. Titular inesperado, terminó con 13 puntos, cinco tiros convertidos sin fallar y tres tapones. Tanto Kornet como Kelly Olynyk y Bismack Biyombo podrían ver incrementada su carga de minutos mientras el francés se recupera.
Paige Bueckers Teams Up With NBA Star for Major Announcement Away From WNBA
After ruling college basketball for four seasons as a Husky, Paige Bueckers is now making a name for herself in the WNBA. Fresh off one of the best rookie seasons anyone could ask for, the 6-foot star is still making waves in the offseason as she teams up with a Cleveland Cavaliers player to grow her presence beyond the court.
In the latest announcement, Bueckers has signed a multi-year partnership with CarMax alongside NBA star Donovan Mitchell for their “Wanna Drive?” campaign, and the Dallas Wings star couldn’t be more excited about it.
According to a press release by CarMax Media Center, she said, “Partnering with CarMax is such an incredible opportunity. I’ve always admired how CarMax celebrates WNBA athletes and ensures our personalities shine through their ads, so being part of that roster of basketball stars is such an honor. I loved that this campaign both celebrated my new life in Texas and showed how CarMax’s technology and flexible options make buying a car so easy.”
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This partnership not only boosts her visibility but also reinforces her growing value to major brands. And if her rookie season was any indication, Bueckers is poised to be one of the WNBA’s most marketable faces for years to come.
This is a developing story..
NBA Insider Delivers Kyrie Irving Return Update Amid Anthony Davis Trade Demand
The Dallas Mavericks have had an unfortunate start to the season, despite high offseason expectations. The team currently sits at a 4-10 record, 13th in the Western Conference, and Anthony Davis has joined Kyrie Irving on the injury list with a left calf injury. Now, with the team struggling despite #1 overall pick Cooper Flagg’s best efforts, the team might have just received a lifeline.
Veteran NBA insider Marc Spears recently reported that Irving is working out with the intention of returning this season, but more surprisingly, added that someone close to Kyrie’s camp said, “If this were the playoffs, he could play right now.” Suddenly, what once seemed like a closed door now appears to have cracked open.
However, Irving still has significant hurdles to overcome. After tearing the ACL in his left knee last year, he has undergone extensive monitoring and rehabilitation, and while his recovery may not be as public-facing as someone like Jayson Tatum, some reports suggest that he could return as soon as January 2026. If that were to happen, the team also hopes that Irving will be able to play a significant portion of the 2025-26 season as the team attempts to make a playoff push.
NBA champion Thunder hand Pelicans another lopsided loss
The New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching change didn’t produce much of an improvement in the first game.
The second game might have been worse.
The Pelicans followed their 124-106 loss to Golden State in their first game under interim coach James Borrego on Sunday night with a 126-109 thrashing at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in the Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans allowed a season-worst 44 first-quarter points against Golden State, then topped that by allowing 49 in the first quarter against Oklahoma City. The Pelicans’ 21 turnovers against the Warriors led to 27 points, and their 22 turnovers against the Thunder led to 31 points.
The loss was New Orleans’ sixth straight and came 15 days after a 137-106 loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City while Willie Green was still the team’s coach.
The Pelicans (2-12) will try to salvage one win from their five-game home stand in the finale at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets.
New Orleans played without Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), who was a game-time decision but missed his eighth consecutive game, and Saddiq Bey, who was a late addition to the injury report with a sprained left ankle. Jordan Poole remained sidelined by a quad strain.
Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored a season-high 24 point for the Pelicans, Trey Murphy had 18, rookie Micah Peavy had a season-high 16, Jordan Hawkins scored 11 and Karlo Matkovic chipped in 10.
Borrego opted to start New Orleans’ tallest lineup of the season by pairing 6-foot-11 Yves Missi and 6-10 rookie Derik Queen.
The Pelicans finished with a 38-35 disadvantage on the boards even though they grabbed just three rebounds in the first quarter when Oklahoma City missed just 7 of 22 shots.
Chet Holmgren scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23, Luguentz Dort had 17, Isaiah Hartenstein added 16, Isaiah Joe had 14 and Ajay Mitchell put in 11 for the reigning NBA champion Thunder (14-1).
Oklahoma City removed any lingering doubt about the outcome when it started the third quarter with a 24-11 spurt that produced a 93-67 lead midway through the period on its way to a 106-80 cushion entering the fourth quarter.
Fears scored the Pelicans’ first six points, but the Thunder made four consecutive 3-pointers to race to a 20-6 lead after less than five minutes. Oklahoma City led by as many as 27 on its way to a 49-24 lead at the end of the quarter.
LeBron James Admits Something He Doesn’t Miss About NBA
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get LeBron James back on the court very soon, but he admitted that he doesn’t miss everything about the NBA. James will tie Vince Carter with 22 total seasons for the most active years in league history once he suits up this season.
49 total regular season games are needed by LeBron to set the record for most total games played to pass Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish. It is hard to find anyone that has as much love for the game as James since he’s played in the NBA for more than half of his life. However, he recently admitted what he doesn’t miss about the NBA lifestyle after sitting out the first month of the season due to a battle with sciatica.
“I don’t miss the travel. I’m about to be 41 years old. I was happy sitting at home on my couch after working out,” James joked to the media. “I don’t miss the travel, but I do miss the competition.” The superstar is expected to return to the lineup any game now and return to the grueling NBA schedule.
LeBron James Called Out Skeptical Fans
Another interesting statement made by LeBron focused on the recovery from his injury. NBA pundit Charles Barkley joked that James was exaggerating his sciatica and that his pain just comes from being old. Fans have jumped on the bandwagon with jokes being made about his status and missed games.
LeBron said the following about this reaction:
“If you had it, then you know what the hell it’s about. If you ain’t never had it, and [to the] people making jokes about it, I pray you never get it. It’s not fun.”
James is not one that likes to miss games and takes pride in his historic longevity. The Lakers superstar has already missed more time this season than each of the previous two years. LeBron hopes to have moved past the sciatica and help his team contend for an NBA Championship.
Can Lakers Win With LeBron James?
The Lakers got off to a tremendous start after many expected them to fall apart without James. An impressive 10-4 record sees Luka Doncic involved in early MVP consideration for his spectacular play as arguably the best offensive player in the league. Austin Reaves has taken a big step forward and looks like he might make his first All-Star appearance this season.
LeBron has been questioned by the media about fitting into something that’s working without drastically changing the dynamic. Time has shown us time and time again that James is brilliant at knowing how to win high-level basketball games by making the right plays. The Lakers only get better by adding a third star and arguably the greatest of all time.
Disney+ Scores Multiyear Deal to Stream NBA Games in Philippines
The Walt Disney Company and ESPN revealed a multiyear deal Tuesday to bring live NBA games to Disney+ in the Philippines, where basketball is widely regarded as the country’s most popular sport.
Under the deal, Filipino basketball fans will be able to stream select live NBA games on Disney+, alongside ESPN’s acclaimed sports documentaries and live broadcasts of NBA Countdown. Viewers will also have access to commentary from Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley on NBA Tip-Off and the Emmy-winning Inside the NBA.
The partnership marks an expansion of Disney and ESPN’s international relationship with the NBA and represents a significant step in the companies’ regional streaming push across Southeast Asia. The English-speaking Philippines is among Disney+’s fastest-growing markets in the region, and basketball remains a national obsession, with NBA games ranking among the most-watched broadcasts on local TV and digital platforms.
Disney+’s new NBA programming will begin in the Philippines with an NBA doubleheader on Thursday, Nov. 20 (Philippine Standard Time), featuring the Houston Rockets at the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8:12 a.m. and the New York Knicks at the Dallas Mavericks at 10:35 a.m. Fans will then be able to live-stream select regular-season and playoff games, as well as marquee events such as NBA on Christmas Day, the NBA Draft, the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and select NBA Summer League matchups. Each season, Disney+ Philippines subscribers will also be able to stream one NBA Conference Finals series live, with the other Conference Finals and the NBA Finals available on delay.
“For millions of Filipinos, basketball isn’t just a sport — it’s a passion, a shared language and a powerful source of national pride. The NBA is deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino life, inspiring generations of fans and uniting local communities,” said Vineet Puri, Disney’s vice president and general manager for Southeast Asia. “Through this unique deal, we are bringing basketball fans in the Philippines closer than ever to the teams and players they love with all the NBA-focused programming while enjoying the best in global entertainment all on Disney+.”
NBA Announces Decision on Controversial James Harden Moment in Clippers-76ers
Tonight’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers came down to the final seconds. James Harden rose for a potential game-tying three with 6.3 seconds left, and as the shot missed, he turned to the officials, expecting a whistle. Sixers guard Quentin Grimes had closed out hard on the attempt, and there was an immediate belief in the Clippers that the contact had taken place. However, the whistle never blew, and the Sixers went on to close out the game.
The league addressed the moment shortly after the final buzzer, with The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Keith Pompey asking Crew Chief Curtis Blair to explain the reasoning behind the no-call. Blair replied, “During live play, it was deemed that Grimes legally contested Harden’s three-point shot.”
His wording made it clear that the officials didn’t see any contact or foul-worthy displacement, despite what many Clippers, including Harden himself, pointed to.
Former Major League Soccer Chairman Says MLS Pro-Rel ‘Inevitable’
The first chairman of Major League Soccer, Alan Rothenberg, has called the planned MLS calendar change “inevitable.”
And another thing he says is “inevitable” is promotion-relegation.
Rothenberg was US Soccer Federation president in the 1990s and oversaw the 1994 World Cup and creation of Major League Soccer. He was MLS chairman from 1993 to 1998.
Speaking ahead of the release of his book The Big Bounce, he said of the league schedule and promotion and relegation, that “My line in there… was ‘it’s as inevitable as tomorrow, but not quite so imminent.’ And maybe now it is so imminent.”
Major League Soccer Calendar Changes
Major League Soccer last week announced that it would switch from its current spring-fall season to a fall-spring season by 2027 to align with top leagues around the world. This would see the end-of-season playoffs take place in May, but there would also likely be a winter break with no games scheduled for January.
Rothenberg said when the league was founded, there were only ten teams so it was hard to balance the schedule to avoid matches in colder regions during the winter, but now with 30 teams spread across the country, it is easier to create a schedule that works. He also says the current spring-fall calendar means MLS doesn’t go head-to-head against American football, but now “we’re strong enough to take the fight on more even grounds.”
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Promotion And Relegation in MLS
When it comes to introducing promotion and relegation to MLS, Rothenberg says this is also inevitable, but “is further down the road because right now you don’t have really a strong second division level of soccer in this country,” adding that the gap between MLS and United Soccer League is too large.
He says that for now, talk of promotion and relegation is “premature” and that investors might not have much of an appetite for it, but “the excitement [of having promotion and relegation battles] probably outweighs anything else.”
Major League Soccer’s growth could be given a huge boost by the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026 World Cup Could Boost MLS
Rothenberg says the World Cup could provide a huge financial boost to MLS, which could allow the league to sign more stars in their prime like Son Heung-min and pay them a competitive wage. He says “The interesting thing about Son is he’s younger. I mean, he’s still now in his 30s, but he’s not 37, he’s like 32, still really at the prime of his career,” unlike some other players whose spells in MLS were “somewhat of a holiday for them.”
Son and Lionel Messi on the other hand “have been willing to help the league from a promotional standpoint. You know, at the drop of the hat, they’ll give it in, they’ll go to an event, and that’s really crucial.”
He says for MLS investors, there’s currently a bit of a chicken and egg situation where if the league could bring in more players like Lionel Messi or Son Heung-min, it would give a huge boost to TV revenues, but signing players in the prime of their careers is extraordinarily expensive and represents a gamble that those players will lead to higher revenues later on.
But the 2026 World Cup could help MLS make that leap to a higher level if the World Cup is so successful in the eyes of the world and the eyes of the media that it brings a huge financial boost to MLS.
World Cup Risks And Rewards
Of the World Cup itself, Rothenberg says that in 1994, the US Soccer Federation was responsible for the whole running of the tournament so it had all the risk, but also all the reward. But for 2026, FIFA is effectively the organizer and has done deals directly with the host cities, so compared to 1994, it is more difficult for host cities to generate revenues from things like sponsorship. As a result, some cities like Chicago thought the terms weren’t worth it.
How Texas A&M Won Big By Understanding The Science Of Momentum
Well, it’s time to rewrite the history books.
On Saturday, behind a huge effort from QB Marcel Reed, Texas A&M came back from a 27-point halftime deficit to win a huge game against South Carolina and remain undefeated (10-0). In so doing, A&M pulled off the biggest comeback in school history. Prior to Saturday, SEC football teams were 0-286 in conference when trailing by 27 points or more since 2004.
Now, that stat must be updated.
But how did A&M pull the incredible comeback off? One word: Momentum.
Of course, no 27-point deficit is overcome with a single throw or long run. No point differential like that can be made up in a single play. But instead of trying to land some impossible knockout punch, Reed and his A&M team stuck to the script – a script that had not worked in the first half – and jabbed away.
“It wasn’t how we drew it up,
Olivia Dean announces 14-stop ‘The Art of Loving Live’ 2026 U.S. North American tour
On Friday, November 14, multiple BRIT Award-winning artist Olivia Dean unveiled 2026 North American tour dates. See “The Art of Loving Live” at top arenas across the U.S. and Canada this summer.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has announced “The Art of Loving Live” 2026 tour. The trek begins Friday, July 10 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, and is scheduled to bring the Grammy nominee to 14 major venues — including Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Ball Arena in Denver, Madison Square Garden in New York, and more — with the finale set for Friday, August 28 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Ahead of the 2026 outing, Olivia Dean is also appearing at iHeartRadio Jingle Ball dates in both Boston and Washington, DC.
Tickets to “The Art of Loving Live” go on sale Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. local time on Ticketmaster and oliviadeano.com. Presales open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18. Fans can also browse concert dates on SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub.
“The Art of Loving Live”
Fri, Jul 10 — Chase Center; San Francisco, CA
Tue, Jul 14 — Crypto.com Arena; Los Angeles, CA
Sat, Jul 18 — MGM Grand Garden Arena; Las Vegas, NV
Wed, Jul 22 — Maverik Center; Salt Lake City, UT
Sat, Jul 25 — Ball Arena; Denver, CO
Wed, Jul 29 — Target Center; Minneapolis, MN
Tue, Aug 4 — Scotiabank Arena; Toronto, ON
Fri, Aug 7 — Bell Centre; Montreal, QC
Mon, Aug 10 — TD Garden; Boston, MA
Wed, Aug 12 — CFG Bank Arena; Baltimore, MD
Fri, Aug 14 — Madison Square Garden; New York, NY
Sat, Aug 22 — State Farm Arena; Atlanta, GA
Tue, Aug 25 — Toyota Center; Houston, TX
Fri, Aug 28 — Moody Center; Austin, TX
Kyle Larson, Corey Day Walk Away From Dirt Flips at Placerville
It was a nail-biting Saturday night for Hendrick Motorsports. Two of the team’s full-time 2026 NASCAR National Series drivers, Kyle Larson and Corey Day, were in the thick of the battle for the win in the Hangtown 100 on the dirt at Placerville Speedway. However, by the end of the night, the race was nail-biting for other reasons.
Both drivers went for wild tumbles.
The chaos started with Day, who was running second with 42 laps remaining in the event. As Day was attempting to catch Larson for the race lead, while also attempting to hold off Daison Pursley for the runner-up spot, Day made contact with a slower lapped car.
The right front tire of Day’s No. 4K machine would clip the left rear tire of the lapped car, which would send Day’s dirt midget race car into the air. Day would suffer four end-over-end flips before his car finally came to a rest on the track surface.
After a few tense seconds, Day climbed from the car and was able to walk away.
37 laps after Day’s terrifying tumble, Larson would go for a wild ride of his own.
Larson, who had dominated the race, had the lead with five laps to go, but as he took the high line into Turns 1 and 2, Pursley, who was attempting to chase him for the win, fired his car into the inside lane, seemingly in an effort to pull off a dramatic slidejob for the race lead.
However, Pursley clipped the berm on the inside of the track, which sent his car skidding into Larson’s. The right rear tire of Pursley’s car would collide with Larson’s left front tire, and this would send Larson flipping from the race lead.
Larson would tumble over the dirt cushion, and his car would land on its side in front of the pack of monster truck tires protecting drivers from the concrete barriers around the track. Again, fortunately, Larson would walk away from the incident unscathed.
As he stood at the scene of the accident, Larson waited for Pursley to come back around. As Pursley drove by the accident site, Larson enthusiastically clapped, and gave a sarcastic double thumbs up to his competitior.
Pursley would go on to win the race after the contact with Larson with five laps to go.
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NEFT Vodka named Official Spirit of the RACER Creator Awards Presented by Dunlop
RACER is proud to announce NEFT Vodka as the Official Spirit of the inaugural RACER Creator Awards presented by Dunlop.
Known for its award-winning ultra-premium vodka and its distinctive barrel packaging, NEFT will also serve as the exclusive sponsor of the post-awards reception, where creators, industry leaders, and motorsports icons will come together to celebrate the best in automotive storytelling.
“We’re thrilled to partner with NEFT Vodka for the first-ever RACER Creator Awards,” said Taro Koki, Executive Producer of the RACER Creator Awards. “NEFT’s creative spirit and commitment to craftsmanship perfectly align with what these awards represent — celebrating those who push boundaries, innovate, and inspire across the automotive and motorsports communities.”
Crafted in Austria using pure Alpine spring water and ancient rye grains, NEFT Vodka has become a favorite among creators and connoisseurs alike. The partnership underscores a shared passion for authenticity, artistry, and excellence — qualities that define both NEFT and the vibrant creator community the RACER Creator Awards were built to honor.
More And More NFL Injuries Raise Concerns About Artificial Turf
The list of National Football League players who have gone down already this season with non-contact injuries could fill quite a Pro Bowl roster. At the quarterback position alone, you’ve got Baltimore Raven Lamar Jackson and Washington Commander Jayden Daniels suffering hamstring injuries and Cincinnati Bengal Joe Burrow and San Francisco 49er Brock Purdy suffering turf toe this season, as I covered in Forbes on October 2. And you’ve gotta wonder whether all of this will intensity the ongoing “turf” battle between players and owners over, well, artificial turf.
Half the NFL stadium fields are now covered by some kind of artificial turf. Yet, the NFL Players Association director Lloyd Howell already said at a press conference in 2024 that “Ninety-two percent of our union wants grass,” meaning natural grass fields. And NFLPA President J.C. Tretter has written a letter arguing that artificial turf is significantly harder on the body than grass
Eric Butorac will replace Stacey Allaster as the US Open’s tournament director
NEW YORK (AP) — Former player Eric Butorac will replace Stacey Allaster as the U.S. Open’s tournament director, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Monday.
Butorac has been the USTA’s senior director of players relations and business development and was the tournament director for this year’s new mixed doubles event at the U.S. Open.
“This is, in many ways, a dream come true and the culmination of my life and career in tennis,” Butorac said.
He was a professional tennis player for 14 years, reached the top 20 in the ATP doubles rankings and was a doubles finalist at the 2014 Australian Open.
Butorac also was the ATP player council president.
He joined the USTA in 2016 and was the tournament director of the Cincinnati Open in 2022.
“Eric has been instrumental in strengthening the U.S. Open experience for both players and fans, and his leadership, insight and passion for the game make him the ideal person to guide the next chapter of the tournament’s success,” said Brian Vahaly, interim co-CEO of the USTA.
Allaster became the U.S. Open tournament director in 2020, the first woman to hold that position in the history of a tournament first held in 1881. She has worked at the USTA since 2016 and before that was the chairman and CEO of the WTA women’s professional tennis tour.
Allaster will remain in her job as the USTA’s chief executive of professional tennis until May, before shifting to an advisory role with the organization.
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The rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has dominated tennis in 2025
Jannik Sinner draped his left arm and his racket around Carlos Alcaraz’s neck. Alcaraz then put his right arm on Sinner’s shoulder.
The friendly greeting between the two players after the latest in a series of high-stakes matches was a fitting image for the year in men’s tennis.
Sinner and Alcaraz are dominating the game and their levels are so close that they keep alternating who wins the biggest titles.
Alcaraz beat Sinner in a fifth-set tiebreaker in the French Open final; Sinner got revenge at Wimbledon; Alcaraz won again at the U.S. Open; and then Sinner defended his ATP Finals title before his home fans in Turin.
Alcaraz sealed the year-ending No. 1 ranking, while No. 2 Sinner goes into the offseason coming off a confidence-boosting victory over his rival.
“The facts are they’re a level above everyone,” said Felix Auger-Aliassime, who was beaten by both Sinner (in the group stage) and Alcaraz (in the semifinals) at the season-ending event for the top-eight players.
“The ranking doesn’t lie. They’re the two best players. That’s the facts. Different game styles, but both put extreme pressure on their opponent in different ways,” added Auger-Aliassime, who ends the year at a career-high No. 5. “They keep showing up and playing good, so credit to them.”
Added ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, “These two guys are really incredible for our sport, both on and off the court.”
It was the most-watched tennis match in Italian TV history with 7 million viewers, according to numbers released by the national ratings service.
Sinner overcame his doping ban
Sinner, who also won the Australian Open, reached the final of all four Grand Slams and the finals — despite missing three months near the start of the year after settling a doping case.
Like in 2024, Sinner didn’t drop a set at finals — becoming the first player in the event’s history to achieve that feat in two different years.
“I feel to be a better player than last year,” Sinner said. “All the losses I had, I tried to see the positive thing and trying to evolve me as a player. I felt like this happened in a very good way.”
Alcaraz improved indoors
Alcaraz acknowledged a year ago when he won only one match during the group stage at finals that he still had to learn how to play indoors.
Well, consider him adept at the surface now.
“I didn’t doubt about playing and fighting toe-to-toe with Jannik on indoor court,” Alcaraz said. “I’m pretty sure that it’s going to keep growing up, my level on indoor court.”
Sinner’s super 2nd serve
After the loss to Alcaraz at the U.S. Open, Sinner said he wanted to improve his serve and the results were evident in Turin where he dropped his serve only once — in the opening game of the second set against Alcaraz.
“He’s actually pumped up the miles per hour and he is getting the ball closer to the line, which means he gets a lot more free points,” Darren Cahill, one of Sinner’s coaches, said of the Italian’s first serve.
There was also a big 116 mph second serve from Sinner that helped him save a set point against Alcaraz late in the second set.
“I had already served two or three second serves in the same way (in that game) and I kept on losing the point. So I had to come up with something different. I decided for the riskiest option,” Sinner said. “Sometimes you need a bit of courage and some luck. I would rather lose that point then have him win it.”
Added Alcaraz, “That surprised me.”
Auger-Aliassime on the rise
Auger-Aliassime also reached the U.S. Open semifinals in September, and his ranking rocketed up from No. 30 midway through the year.
“I’ve always believed, since I’m a kid believed, and my ambition was to win Grand Slams and be No. 1 in the world,” the Canadian said. “Now it’s a matter of doing the right things to improve. If I do, we’ll see where that leaves me.”
At 25, Auger-Aliassime is older than both Sinner (24) and Alcaraz (22).
“We want (Sinner) to be playing his best tennis when he’s 28, 29, 30 years of age,” Cahill said. “Hopefully we’re setting the plan and platform for him to be able to do that in a few years.”
Alcaraz playing Davis Cup
While Alcaraz was heading to Bologna to represent Spain in the Davis Cup finals this week, Sinner was starting his offseason and already focusing on 2026.
Sinner will be the two-time defending champion at the Australian Open and then will attempt to win the French Open for the first time.
“Clay is going to be a big target for us next year,” Cahill said. “We’ll keep working on that.”
Butorac will replace Allaster as US Open tournament director
NEW YORK — Former player Eric Butorac will replace Stacey Allaster as the US Open’s tournament director, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Monday.
Butorac has been the USTA’s senior director of players relations and business development and was the tournament director for this year’s new mixed doubles event at the US Open.
12 Kalamazoo-area boys tennis players awarded all-state honors in 2025
KALAMAZOO, MI –– The boys tennis talent in Southwest Michigan did not disappoint in 2025.
The result? Plenty of postseason awards.
The Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association released its all-state teams this past week and 12 Kalamazoo-area standouts capped their 2025 seasons with some worthy praise.
Portage Central’s Sam Schumacher headlines the list, as the junior won his first state championship and capped a perfect regular season at the Division 2 state finals last month.
Check out all the Kalamazoo-area tennis players that notched all-state awards for their efforts in 2025 below.
Singles
Sam Schumacher, Portage Central
Honors: First Team
Division: 2
Year: Junior
Flight: No. 1 singles
Record: 32-0 / 2025 state champion
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Dylan Hodgman, Mattawan
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 2
Year: Junior
Flight: No. 1 singles
Record: 17-6 / Lost in Round 2 of 2025 state finals
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Laksh Sing, Portage Central
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 2
Year: Senior
Flight: No. 2 singles
Record: 27-7 / Lost in Round 3 at 2025 state finals
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Maddox Rosalin, Vicksburg
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 3
Year: Senior
Flight: No. 1 singles
Record: 20-7 / Lost in regionals
Doubles
Liam Goodwin (Sr.) / Ishaan Paul (Sr.), Portage Central
Honors: First Team
Division: 2
Flight: No. 1 doubles
Record: Goodwin (23-11) / Paul (22-10), lost in Round 2 at 2025 state finals
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Matt Engel (Sr.), Gavin McCain (Sr.), Mattawan
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 2
Flight: No. 1 doubles
Record: Engel (20-9) / McCain (19-9), lost in Round 3 at 2025 state finals
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Peyton Orley (Sr.) / Sullivan Abegg (Sr.), Gull Lake
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 3
Flight: No. 1 doubles
Record: Orley (15-6) / Abegg (16-8), lost in Round 2 at 2025 state finals
Anderson Farnquist (Jr.) / Isaac Geffre (So.), Paw Paw
Honors: Honorable Mention
Division: 4
Flight: No. 1 doubles
Record: Farnquist (27-4) / Geffre (27-4), lost in Round 2 at 2025 state finals
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Old ATP Pro Bids Emotional Goodbye as He Announces Tennis Retirement
Dennis Novak, who turned pro in 2011, achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 85 in March 2020 and consistently represented Austria in Davis Cup competition. His journey on the tour was marked by a significant third-round appearance at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, where he defeated Lucas Pouille, as well as main draw appearances in all four Grand Slam tournaments. Though he never captured an ATP tour-level title, Novak carved out a respectable career, earning over $2 million in prize money and establishing himself as a determined and well-liked competitor among his peers.
The official announcement came through a heartfelt and lengthy post on his Instagram, where Novak expressed profound gratitude and reflected on a career that surpassed his own dreams. The official announcement came through a heartfelt and lengthy post on his Instagram, where Novak expressed profound gratitude and reflected on a career that surpassed his own dreams.
“Hi everbody, just wanted to let you know that my professional career comes to an end,” he wrote. “Reaching No. 85 in the world, playing 17 times Davis Cup for Austria and all Grand Slam maindraws is more than i could ever dream of!!” In his emotional farewell, he was quick to thank the support system that made his journey possible, beginning with his family.
“Thanks to my parents and my family for giving me the chance to go after my dream of a professional tennisplayer and for supporting me my whole life without any doubt!!!”
He also extended his appreciation, stating, “Thanks to all my coaches all over the years for your work with me and your trust!! Thanks to my girlfriend who had my back all over the years and never complaining when i was gone for so many weeks! I love you. I‘m truly grateful and thankful for everything i could experience on this journey and for all the people i got to know all over the years and made friends for life!! Well, thats it, see you all somewhere.”
The news of his retirement was met with an immediate outpouring of respect and affection from the tennis community, as fellow professionals flooded the comments section of his post to wish him well.
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Players united for the ATP star
Dennis Novak, the Austrian tennis pro, has decided to hang up his racket at 32, wrapping up a 14-year journey in the sport. During his career, he made it into the world’s top 100 and became a reliable player for his country. This announcement was definitely designed to grab a lot of attention.
British player Jan Choinski reflected on his “unreal career,” while World No. 218 Felipe Meligeni Alves described it as an “amazing career to be proud of” and emphasized that Novak was a “great guy and even better player.” Aljaz Bedene, who used to be a top-50 player, also shared his thoughts, saying, “Congrats on a great career Dennis! Happy to have shared the court with you.”
These tributes really showed us a player who was not just a tough competitor but also someone who was respected and valued by everyone on the tour.
Oswego senior Savannah Millard is the Record Newspapers girls tennis Player of the Year
Savannah Millard’s love for tennis has a very personal origin story.
The Oswego senior, younger sibling to athletic brothers, started playing tennis in her grandparents’ backyard. They have been her inspiration and biggest fans. Millard still draws on her late grandmother’s memory and words of wisdom during matches.
Millard provided a memorable conclusion to her stellar high school career this fall.
She won the No. 1 singles championship at the Southwest Prairie Conference tournament, and took second place at the sectional meet.
Making Oswego history as a four-time state qualifier, Millard won three matches at the Class 2A state tournament.
For her achievements, Savannah Millard is the Record Newspapers girls tennis Player of the Year.
Here is Millard’s Q&A with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.
How do you feel your season went as a whole? Did you have a different mentality given it was your last year?
Millard: I believe that my season as a whole went as well as I thought it could go. I definitely had a different motivation for my last year because I knew I had to go out with a bang.
Did you change anything compared to previous years?
Millard: I believe I was more relaxed than the previous years. I knew what I needed to do and felt more prepared.
Going to state all four years. What did that mean?
Millard: It was a great privilege to accomplish something not done before at my school. As well as I felt accomplished in my skills.
Was there another favorite moment from the season or something that sticks out?
Millard: Still conference was my favorite memory. Looking back at my papa and parents after I won, seeing their faces, made me feel like all my hard work paid off.
I’m sure I’ve asked before but how did you start in tennis?
Millard: I started playing in my grandparents’ backyard. Ga and pap (grandmother and grandfather) both could see my competitiveness shine through.
I know your grandmother means and meant so much to you. How did her influence remain with you on the court?
Millard: Before she passed away she told me that she will be watching me from the clouds. Knowing that she had the best seats to watch me, I knew I couldn’t disappoint her.
What are you looking forward to beyond this year? Are you excited to play at the next level?
Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend and Others Join Hands as 29YO American Star Announces Tennis Retirement
Out of nowhere, 29-year-old Chris Eubanks announced that he is retiring from professional tennis. Many remember his outstanding run at Wimbledon 2023, where he reached the quarterfinals and won hearts with his fearless game. What made the announcement even more touching was the emotional message he shared, which moved fellow players like Coco Gauff and others.
On 17th November, Eubanks posted on Instagram about his journey from a young boy in Atlanta to a professional tennis player. He wrote, “If you had told this little boy from the Southside of Atlanta that he would’ve accomplished all that he did, he wouldn’t believe you. 2 Time ACC Player of the Year? Yeah right. Wimbledon Quarter-finalist? No chance. An Olympian? Unfathomable.”
“I was given opportunity to travel around the world and form incredible relationships all while fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professional tennis. I can’t put into words how blessed I have been…Tough to say for certain but if it is, WHOOPTY DOO!!! It’s been an incredible ride.”
Though he’s left the door slightly open, for now Eubanks is stepping back from the sport after struggling with injuries.
Eubanks started playing tennis at a very young age and was coached by his father until he was 13. He made his ATP Tour debut in 2015 at the Atlanta Open, losing to Radek Stepanek, and in 2016, he lost to Reilly Opelka at the same tournament. After graduating from Georgia Tech in 2017, he spent several years mostly playing on the Challenger Tour. And then in early 2023, he broke into the world’s top 100 and then made headlines by reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals at age 27, with his big serve and crisp one-handed backhand.
While still playing, Eubanks also started working as a commentator for the Tennis Channel, perhaps already thinking of life after tennis. He balanced playing with media duties, including on-court interviews at the U.S. Open. During this time, he became close friends with fellow American players Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe, and Ben Shelton. Eubanks has said he is especially “close” with Gauff, whom he’s known for years. Eubanks has even described Gauff as a “big sister” figure.
Now, at 29, after dealing with recurring injuries, Eubanks has decided to retire from professional tennis to focus on his career in commentary.
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He works as a tennis analyst for ESPN and recently conducted on-court interviews at the 2025 US Open.
During his career, he reached a world ranking of 29, competed in last year’s Olympics in Paris, and won an ATP title at the 2023 Mallorca Open. Although his career was short, it was full of memorable moments. Evidenced by the fact that as soon as the post went live, fellow athletes quickly reacted to the news.
A flood of support in Chris Eubanks’ comment section
Coco Gauff reshared his post with the caption, “from union crossing courts in atl to centre court wimbledon. 🐐 4 lifeeee.” Gauff’s longstanding friendship with Eubanks is well documented, having grown up as neighbors in Atlanta. In fact, the two even played mixed doubles together at the 2018 US Open.
Taylor Townsend commented on the post, “WHOOPY DOO MY PATNA PATNA! Proud of everything you have done and will do! You are a champ on and off the court!”
During Townsend’s verbal spat with Jelena Ostapenko at the US Open, where Ostapenko called her “uneducated,” Eubanks was quick to jump to the defense of his compatriot on Instagram Threads, decrying Ostapenko’s choice of words.
Even Francesca Di Lorenzo commented, “Proud of you for everything you’ve done Chris🙌🏻👏🏻”
Belgian tennis legend and another old friend of Eubanks, Kim Clijsters, added a simple emoji, “🥰,” while Serena Williams’ ex-coach and commentator Patrick Mouratoglou wrote, “Oh Christopher. What a ride it’s been. So much to be proud of. Welcome to the other side ❤️.”
Back in 2019, Eubanks, Gauff, and Williams all trained with Mouratoglou in Boca Raton, prompting the more personal testimonial. It shows that Chris Eubanks’ journey touched people all over the world, and there’s a reason for that.
‘Sexy and single’ tennis star reveals split from boyfriend
Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa seemingly confirmed her rumored split with Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas in a not-so-subtle way.
In a carousel post on Instagram, the former World No. 2 Badosa shared photos of her sporting a “sexy and single” sash as she rang in her 28th birthday this past weekend in Dubai.
“Chapter 28, here we go!” Badosa wrote. “Heart full…Thank you to the ones who made it so special ❤️ Love you.”
She wore another sash that said, “28 and still a 10.”
Badosa’s birthday cake included the message, “Older, wiser and hotter than ever.”
Other snaps show her playing tennis and sunbathing with friends and members of her team.
It’s unclear what led to the split with Tsitsipas.
The tennis players no longer follow each other on Instagram, and their pages were scrubbed of signs of their relationship.
It comes after Tsitsipas reportedly revealed that he is single while at an airport in Athens earlier this month.
Badosa raised eyebrows with an emotional Instagram post on November 9, which included a message about healing.
“Sometimes life shakes us so hard that we think we won’t be able to get up,” she wrote, including a somber photo of herself. “We go through moments when the soul breaks in silence, where doubts weigh more than hope, and where the inner noise lets nothing be heard. But it’s right there, in that void, where something sacred begins: the reunion with oneself.
“Healing isn’t forgetting or pretending it didn’t hurt. Healing is looking at yourself with compassion, recognizing your wounds and understanding that everything you experienced was a necessary part of the journey. It is discovering that peace is not in what you have, or in who accompanies you, but in the simple fact of being able to breathe calmly with yourself.
“… Because when you heal, you not only free yourself from the past, you reconcile with life. 🤍 (My lesson of 2025🧸).”
Andy Roddick Makes Blunt Remarks Towards ATP Amid Scheduling Chaos: “Beating a Dead Horse”
“ATP, you got to fix the schedule. You have to. It can’t be 11 months,” Andy Roddick had warned back in March. The 2003 US Open winner was clear: the season runs too long. He urged the ATP to trim the indoor hard-court stretch that drags from September to November. His frustration wasn’t just about player fatigue. It was about accountability. He wanted the men’s tour to own up and do better. Now, even with the ATP Finals over and the season technically wrapped, Roddick still has a bone to pick about what comes next.
Speaking on the Served podcast with Jon Wertheim, the former world No. 1 sounded fed up as he spke about the topic on the tour again. “I know I’m beating a dead horse here with the schedule and everything else,” he said, “There are 14 Challenger events played in December that will count towards the 2026 race.” Hitting out at those late-December Challengers that don’t give a single point toward 2025. Extending the tour without adding on the actual season the players have been competing at without a break for them. Why?
Well, according to the ATP rulebook, the rankings cutoff falls on the Monday after the Nitto ATP Finals. Anything played after that goes straight into the next year’s race. The official reason? “To give players a mental and physical breather from the never-ending scramble for points.” Ironic, isn’t it? December still packs Challenger 50s, 75s, 100s, and 175s, all feeding next season’s standings.
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That’s exactly what Andy Roddick couldn’t get behind. He called them out, saying, “If we’re fine, generally, with Challengers being in a wraparound season, why are we not okay with 250s contributing to the race in 2026? Why are we in the position where Athens can’t be played the week after the World Tour Finals and count towards 2026, so we’re not extending the season?” A fair jab. If the logic works for Challengers, why draw the line there? Why not let a few ATP 250s follow the same model?
Roddick backed that idea with his trademark pragmatism. “After the year, you might actually have the attention of the tennis world because it’s the only show in town.” He has a point. Fans are still paying attention. Players are still around. The tennis spotlight isn’t competing with much else. The call for common-sense scheduling has echoed for years, and not just from Roddick. Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have said much the same. Swiatek called the calendar “crazy.” Alcaraz warned it would “kill us.”
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As for Roddick’s fix, he didn’t hesitate. “Let’s take some of that newfound money; let’s buy back some tournaments; let’s do the right thing. Let’s move the schedule up. Let’s shut up all the talking heads like me and all the players who have been complaining. Don’t force anyone to unionize or take drastic steps. Just fix the wraparound season, and that fixes a lot of the issues.”
But when it comes to those December Challenger events, one question still hangs in the air. How do the players actually feel about this setup?
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The players share different perspectives compared to Andy Roddick’s
Following the annocnement of the change, Italian veteran Lorenzo Giustino, fresh from his Monastir Open triumph, is fully behind the new Challenger Tour schedule. “I think it’s a good decision,” Giustino said last week, shared via the Tennis Channel. “In my opinion, there shouldn’t be any tournaments after the ATP Finals. What’s the point of events in November or December? The goal should be to reach the Finals, and if you’re not there, then it’s time to watch, rest, and prepare for the next season. We travel all year long. Every sport has its breaks, but in tennis, we play nonstop.” But waht could make him say that?
Well, at 34, he’s been around long enough to earn that perspective. The Italian has competed eight times at the Australian Open and now sits at world No. 229, right within the usual qualifying range for Melbourne. In recent years, players ranked near No. 230 have squeezed into the “Happy Slam” qualifying draw.
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For Spaniard Alejandro Moro Canas, who fell to Giustino in the Monastir semifinals, the picture is a bit tougher. He’s ranked No. 238, just shy of the expected cutoff. Determined to make one final push, he chose to stay another week in Tunisia, entering an ITF World Tennis Tour M25 on a wild card to chase those last few ranking points.
Well, seems like while Andy Roddick, who spent 13 seasons from his rookie year in 2000 until his retirement in 2012 on the tennis court and knows the struggle of competing back-to-back, some players would want a break, while others, as Giustino is trying to say, would rather start their prep for the next season early. What do you think? Could this change help the lower-ranked players, or is it more like what Roddick says?
Mets owner Steve Cohen’s NYC casino group makes nice with US Tennis Open after lawsuit
Don’t bet against the Queens casino plan just yet.
Mets owner Steve Cohen’s bid to build a casino near Citi Field cleared its latest hurdle Monday by signing a deal to make nice with the operators of the US Open after a bombshell lawsuit.
The Cohen-Hard Rock Metropolitan Park group vying for a coveted downstate casino license signed an agreement with Mayor Eric Adams’ administration that largely addressed concerns from the Tennis Association, whose lease bans or restricts other events in the area during the Open.
The deal respects the Tennis Association’s “superiority” rights for parking lot spaces and prohibitions on other competing events and activities from taking place on the neighboring lots — with the exceptions of Mets games at Citi Field — during the 23 days the US Open takes place in September.
“This moves forward Metropolitan Park as a comprehensive transformation of the area that embraces the existing sports attractions to create a world-class sports and entertainment destination in the heart of Queens,” said a spokesperson for the group, Queens Future.
“This is a positive step forward for the local community and fans,” the rep added.
Adams’ office said the proposed casino and the US Open can co-exist and thrive.
“We look forward to the advancement of a world-class casino that would create thousands of union-paying jobs, billions of dollars in economic impact, and improvements to local communities,” said City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia.
The TA, which has a 99-year lease of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center through 2092, said in a statement that the issues raised in the lawsuit have been addressed by the city adding the “required language” to its deal with Queens Future for protections during the three-week tournament.
The Open is estimated to bring in more than $1.25 billion annually to the local economy as a global draw and one of the four recognized prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournaments — along with the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.
“We look forward to welcoming the casino as our newest neighbor in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park,” spokesman Brendan McIntyre said.
The New York Gaming Facility Location Board will soon recommend to the Gaming Commission which of the three finalists should obtain a casino license — Cohen/Hard Rock-Metropolitan Park, the Genting/Resorts World slots parlor at Aqueduct and Bally’s at the former Trump golf course in Bronx Ferry Point.
The Cohen-Hard Rock $8 billion planned casino project is also a potential boon and cash cow for government coffers. The project includes a hotel and music venue as well as the gaming center and when completed will provide easier pedestrian access to the Flushing Bay waterfront.
RSM Classic odds, picks and PGA Tour predictions
The FedExCup Fall slate wraps up this week with the 2025 RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club in Saint Simons Island, Georgia. It’s the final event on the 2025 schedule before the regular season begins again in January. The first round begins on Thursday morning.
Below, we look at RSM Classic odds from BetMGM Sportsbook’s odds and make our PGA Tour picks and predictions.
Among the big names in the field this week are Harris English (+2200), Michael Thorbjornsen (+2500), Si Woo Kim (+2500) and Brian Harman (+2800). The last 2 champions here, Maverick McNealy and Ludvig Aberg, are not in the field, but 2022 champion Adam Svensson (+9000) is teeing it up.
The RSM Classic will be played across 2 courses at Sea Island Resort: The Seaside Course and Plantation Course, with everyone playing the Seaside Course on Saturday and Sunday. Both are short courses at 7,005 yards for the Seaside and 7,060 yards for the Plantation. The former is a par 70 and the latter is a par 72, so scoring opportunities will come more often on the Plantation Course. The winning score has been between 14-under and 29-under every year since 2010, with Aberg going especially low in 2023 at 29-under par.
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RSM Classic – Expert picks
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 5:41 p.m. ET.
Brian Harman (+2800)
Harman is from Savannah so he knows all about playing this style of course in Georgia, and it’s no surprise he’s had success here with 5 top-32 finishes since 2017, including a runner-up in 2022. He’s a short hitter so this course sets up well for him and his strengths.
Michael Thorbjornsen (+2500)
Thorbjornsen has been rock solid all fall, finishing between third and 37th in all 5 starts. He hasn’t exactly broken out the way some expected but he’s been incredibly consistent and could cap things off with a win at an event where he finished eighth in his debut last year.
RSM Classic picks – Contenders
Mackenzie Hughes (+5500)
Hughes finished second in 2021, second in 2023 and fifth last year at this event, so it’s almost a matter of time before he wins this event again after taking home the title in 2016. He’s missed 3 straight cuts this fall since finishing T-7 at the Procore Championship, but should feel right at home at Sea Island Resort.
Nico Echavarria (+4500)
Echavarria is a very good wind player and seems to excel at seaside courses, winning the Puerto Rico Open in 2023 over Akshay Bhatia. He was the runner-up here last year and finished 44th the year prior, improving each season he’s played this event.
RSM Classic picks – Long shots
Taylor Montgomery (+10000)
Montgomery has only played this event 3 times, but he’s had solid showings each time, finishing 15th in 2022, eighth in 2023 and 42nd last year. He tied for 34th at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in his last start and also finished sixth at the Sanderson Farms Championship in October.
Greyson Sigg (+9000)
Sigg finished 15th and eighth in consecutive years here in 2022 and 2023. His best finish this fall was a T-15 at the Black Desert Championship, making cuts in every start since September.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Golfweek:
Kevin Kisner putting the band back together for potential swan song at RSM Classic
Where to watch, stream, listen to the 2025 RSM Classic, the final PGA Tour stop in 2025
Golf Analyst Proves Phil Mickelson Wrong About PGA Tour’s Alleged $12 Billion Discrepancy
The PGA Tour’s newly released 2024 tax filings show $760 million in revenue, $1.2 billion in expenses, and assets valued at $3.8 billion. The numbers seemingly appear typical for a major sports organization managing tournaments, players, and operations on a global scale. However, recently Phil Mickelson pointed out something regarding the matter that he sees as a discrepancy. And now, a golf analyst has debunked Mickelson’s claims surrounding the discrepancy of $12 billion valuation.
Mickelson recently noted that while the Tour reported $3.8 billion in assets, its valuation during the Strategic Sports Group investment was around $12.5 billion. That higher valuation was expected only if the PGA Tour and LIV Golf eventually came together under PGA Tour Enterprises. It was further highlighted by the golfer that the compensation of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who earned $19.2 million last year.
Although that total is slightly less than what Monahan made in 2023, his cash and benefits actually increased by $1.3 million. However, recently in the No Laying Up podcast, golf analyst Soly and TC reflected on the matter. Soly stated, “I think it’s $28 million from the tour. I know he won the PIP. But you know, that’s one of those that sticks out, and there’s got to be these things that are not done uh willy-nilly. They’re not just handing tiger uh money under the table. But it’s just all interesting to read all that spelled out as well.”
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He further added, “There was a lot going around on the Everything app from some of the smartest people you’ll ever read, about the tour losing $500 million because there was a change in the structure of course in the tour in 2024. This makes the revenue amount on their tax filings presented differently than it was in 2023. The revenue in 2024 showed $760 million, which is a drop from $1.82 billion in 2023.”
Referring to the claims of Phil Mickelson added, “Well, again, I got this from one of the leading financial minds on the Everything app. Phil Mickelson did weigh in as well to say assets totaling 3.8 billion, but sold to SSG based on a 12.5 billion valuation. I wonder where the other 8.7 billion is that was factored in. I already know which as we all know, just your straight asset value, that is your that is the value of your company, right there’s no you know projected growth of any company ever.”
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Soly further said that the numbers looked confusing because of how the PGA Tour is structured. The Tour has different parts, and this tax form only shows the finances of one specific part, the 501(c)(6) nonprofit arm. Because of that, the revenue and expenses shown here don’t reflect the whole PGA Tour, just this one section. He further reflected that the revenue is being counted differently between the different parts of the organization. Adding to that, expenses on this form dropped a lot (from $1.89 billion to $1.21 billion), and they don’t know exactly why.
Explaining his take on Mickelson’s claims, he also added, “All companies do is sell for uh the exact valuation of all the assets that that you hold. So anyways, that’s that’s from from the uh from the investor that brought you Sable Offshore. Hey, wait, shouldn’t he be saying that it should be worth he said it’s worth assets are 3.8 billion, but there is the other 20 billion in NFTs that they never cashed in on. So if anything, they sold it at a discount because they should have 23.8 billion in assets there.”
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However, from Mickelson’s opinion, one thing was clear: he is seemingly disappointed with the stance of the PGA.
Phil Mickelson is not happy with the PGA Tour’s lack of transparency
Mickelson seems to be pretty much irritated with how the PGA Tour has allegedly been keeping financial details from the public. At a time when the golfer was trying to decide between the Tour and the Saudi league, Mickelson accused the Tour of controlling and manipulating the media rights. Which, in turn, led them to earn unethical profits. And that was not all.
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Raising his voice against the malpractices of the Tour, Mickelson revealed how the PGA Tour does not let its athletes own the rights to digital content. The organization further refuses to opt for a fair share of revenue coming from the media rights.
Lashing out at the Tour, Mickelson stated, “It’s not public knowledge, all that goes on. But the players don’t have access to their own media,” said Lefty. “If the tour wanted to end any threat [from Saudi or anywhere else], they could just hand back the media rights to the players,” Mickelson further added. Surely, with constant verbal attacks, Mickelson ensured that he would not let Jay Manohan or the PGA Tour rest anytime soon.
Ex-LIV pros find new homes (plus 9 other stories!) | Monday Finish
Welcome back to the Monday Finish, where it’s always golf season no matter what the USGA says. To the golf news!
10 golf stories this week
We’ve got a one-handed putter. A cross-handed chipper. A Lambo. A guy leaving LIV. A bunch of guys joining the PGA Tour. We’ve got two season finales behind us (shoutout Stewart Cink) and two more coming up this week. We’ve got content, controversy and content controversy. Here are 10 golf stories in the swirl this week.
1. Two-handed blade-putting is dead.
The story: Okay, that’s a dramatic headline. But Adam Schenk won his first PGA Tour event, the always-chaotic Butterfield Bermuda Open, in particularly notable fashion.
The win was massive for Schenk’s career; he rose to the occasion in variable, brutally windy conditions and survived all the glorious quirky challenge of Port Royal en route to a one-stroke victory. Schenk felt pride in his victory but also relief — instead of planning Q-School he can plot out his next two years as an exempt member of the PGA Tour. That’s all awesome.
But from a big-picture golf-world perspective the craziest thing about Schenk’s victory is that he sort of just made up his putting strategy as he went along, finding something new in his hotel room each night. He putted one-handed when it wasn’t super windy. He finished off his winning five-footer with his left hand resting on the edge of the shaft below his grip. I found the whole thing oddly inspiring and self-aware; asked about his putt on the 72nd hole he gave credit to his hotel room (“it’s a little bit left to right as I putt towards the window”) and shared his process:
“I was just in my hotel room practicing with one hand. I’m like, ‘One hand’s not going to work because it’s got the wind emblem on the Weather Channel app. It’s already windy here and it’s going to be really windy.’
“So I kind of let my left hand rest on top. The only thing you can do is line up to it, take it back smooth and just release it and hit it off the center of the putter. If it goes in, it goes in, great. It was so windy on the last hole, I did the same process … if you’re going to miss it, miss it quick but don’t sit there and think about it forever.”
What it means: We’re not just in the mallet-putter era but the broomstick-putter era, the any-grip-that-works era, the one-handed putter era. The questions of “are you willing to look silly” and “are you going to make more putts” seem to have increasingly intertwined answers.
2. Rory did it all.
The story: Rory McIlroy lost in a playoff at the DP World Tour Championship this weekend but his runner-up finish was more than enough to earn him the big prize: a seventh Race to Dubai title and his fourth in a row. That puts him at seven for his career, one ahead of Seve Ballesteros and one behind Colin Montgomerie.
What it means: McIlroy won everything he wanted to this year. Okay, that’s not quite literally true. He would have wanted an Open Championship win at Royal Portrush more than just about anything. But McIlroy has made it clear what matters at this point in his career and that’s winning majors, winning at iconic venues, winning meaningful tournaments and winning Ryder Cups — particularly on foreign soil. He’s also talked about wanting to chase down Montgomerie in his quest to become the greatest European golfer in modern history.
So this year’s haul — a Siggie at Pebble Beach, the Players Championship, the Grand Slam-completing Masters, a home-game Irish Open, an away-game Ryder Cup and this Race to Dubai — checked a hell of a lot of boxes.
“As you’re still playing, it’s probably detrimental to do it too much. But yeah, there’s times when I catch myself thinking about my place in the game and where I’m going to end up,” he said post-round. “Again, as a 36-year-old, hopefully with a lot of years left in the tank, I don’t think about it too much. But yeah, you can appreciate that up until this point, it’s been a pretty good run.”
3. Matt Fitzpatrick turned it all around.
The story: Matt Fitzpatrick wasn’t exactly slumming it in your weekly men’s group, but early this year he’d fallen well below his lofty standards. He split with his longtime caddie, he fell outside the top 100 in DataGolf’s rankings and he was a question mark to make the European Ryder Cup team. But when summer hit, Fitzpatrick did too: beginning the final week of June he’s reeled off eight finishes of eighth or better in 12 starts, capped off with Sunday’s playoff victory.
What it means: It means that hard work has continued to pay off for Fitzpatrick, who has left no stone unturned in his ongoing quest for low numbers. It was fitting that he got up-and-down for the win in a playoff with his characteristic cross-handed chipping the same week that Schenk broke through; golf is about a lot of things but mostly it’s about working until you find what really works.
“It was the lowest I’ve ever been out on the golf course, and obviously when that happens you feel like things have to change,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s easy to say now that the only way to go is up from there, but easier said than done.
“To end the year and win this tournament is very special, and I really want to make sure that I thoroughly enjoy it.”
4. Linn Grant got happy and won. It’s unclear which came first
The story: Linn Grant won the Annika, particularly cool given she and host Sorenstam are both Swedish. It was her second win on the LPGA Tour and first of what she called a “rollercoaster” year.
What it means: It means Grant found at least a one-week answer to the vexing riddle of life as a professional golfer. Asked how she bounced back from multiple strings of missed cuts this season, she cited a quest for herself and her own process that I found fascinating:
“I don’t know, to be fair,” she said. “Golf and this lifestyle is always a rollercoaster of trying to figure out how to get better. Sometimes it’s just about taking a step back and maybe look at yourself and be like, ‘Am I happy? Am I making the decisions that make me happy?’
“Sometimes that is what makes golf easier. You have to be kind of strong and confident in those decisions to be able to say, maybe I’m not playing this week because I’m not feeling it, because it doesn’t make me happy, or changing just your plans or how you do things more for yourself to be true to yourself.
“For me this year I think that has been really big. Like I’ve had to change a lot of things in my routines, things that I thought were just things that were good to do because other people were doing them instead of thinking like, ‘What do I actually believe in? What do I think makes me a better person and a better player?’”
5. This LPGA pro made an ace and won a Lambo — plus more.
The story: Brooke Matthews made her first career ace really count. Her 9-iron from 143 on No. 12 at Pelican Golf Club came with a two-year lease on a Lamborghini Urus and a $20,000 donation to charity. It also vaulted her inside the top 60 in the Race to the CME Globe, making this the first time she’ll qualify for the season-ending championship.
What it means: Sometimes golf is about inner satisfaction and sometimes golf is about shiny expensive cars and sometimes it’s about both.
“It was wild. All week I was like, ‘I want to win the Lamborghini,’” Matthews said. “I still can’t believe it. I blacked out. I can’t wait to watch it on film because I still can’t really remember it.”
Here you go, Brooke:
6. The PGA Tour just got 10 new faces — including an ex-LIVer
The story: The end of this DP World Tour season finalized the 10 pros who just earned PGA Tour cards for the 2026 season. It’s an intriguing list that includes No. 2 in the standings Laurie Canter, who won on the DP World Tour for the second consecutive season and has found some success post-LIV; he’ll now be the first ex-LIV golfer to earn full-time PGA Tour status. Sean Zak has more:
What it means: It’s easier to return to the PGA Tour from LIV if you start with a blank slate; because Canter wasn’t a PGA Tour member to begin with he didn’t accrue the same level of pesky suspensions.
Also, a bunch of these other guys seem very good, too — including Rasmus Neergard-Petersen, who finished eagle-birdie-par-birdie-birdie to snag a T3 and the ninth spot.
7. Henrik Stenson is back
The story: Back on the DP World Tour, that is. The Swedish major champ was relegated from LIV Golf and the Majesticks team he co-captained. Per good reporting from bunkered, he has paid his outstanding fines (or LIV has on his behalf) and he’ll be exempt from a “Legends” category. And he’ll plan to play the tour for the first time since resigning membership in 2023.
What it means: In 2022 Stenson was slated to be European Ryder Cup captain. It’s jarring to think of the sliding-doors moment that happened when he rejected the captaincy for a spot on LIV; what happened next was that Luke Donald took his place, he led the team to victory in Rome and New York, he entered a new stratosphere of respect in the golfing world and no doubt made a bundle of money in the process.
I wouldn’t venture to guess how Stenson feels now about his decision to leave; I’m sure it was complex then and remains that way. But it’ll be interesting to listen to him reflect on the process if we see and hear more from him on his old circuit in the months to come.
8. One LPGA rookie announced her arrival as two others announced their departure.
The story: This is a time of year for endings and new beginnings. So even as 24-year-old Miyu Yamashita clinched the LPGA’s Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year award, Elizabeth Szokol and Caroline Inglis bid emotional farewell to the tour as they each announced their retirements at 30 and 31 years old, respectively.
What it means: Retirement seems to be coming more quickly for some LPGA Tour pros. Beth Ann Nichols, who covers the LPGA in greater depth than anybody on the planet, has written about this trend; it’ll be interesting to see if the offseason includes any other surprising announcements.
9. The Internet Invitational had a heartbreaking winner.
The story: I wrote more about this here but the Internet Invitational was a fascinating piece of golf tournament storytelling, it was intriguing and emotional on several different levels, it seemed genuinely damaging, heartbreaking and inspiring in various chapters and I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
10. The NFL is mostly just about golf.
The story: Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield’s pre-Sunday smack-talk was all about golf.
“Baker wears two gloves golfing, so he’s that type of guy,” Allen said in the lead-up.
“Listen I respect Akshay Bhatia but I’m not wearing two gloves,” Mayfield clarified in another interview. “I might have to tackle [Allen] pregame.”
What it means: The NFL may be king — but the NFLers are obsessed with golf. We’re in a nice spot in this corner of the world.
NEWS FROM SEATTLE
Monday Finish HQ.
It’s official: As a Washington resident my official handicap scores have shut down for the season. While I don’t really have an offseason training plan to reverse years of steady decline, I’m feeling the itch to develop one. Stay tuned.
We’ll see you next week!
Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.
Adam Schenk Wins First PGA Tour Event Using Nearly Vintage Clubs
Adam Schenk earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Sunday, breaking through after 243 starts and possibly doing so with many of the same clubs he used when he joined the Tour in 2018.
“I started to play some better golf the last four months,” Schenk said. “I always had a little bit of the belief. I’ve really been working really hard. I have so many people to thank. I wish my family could be here. Of course I win out of the country and my wife can’t be here,” he told Golfweek.
Schenk employed several interesting tactics on his way to victory on the windswept course. His hands barely rose above his belt line on his follow-through, an effort to keep the ball under the 40 mph gusts. He also switched his putting grip multiple times during the final round, putting with his glove on and off, choking down, using a standard grip, and even gripping down the shaft.
More unusual than his putting and punch swing were his club choices:
Driver: PING G400 – Ventus Black 7X (2017)
Irons (2–5): PING i210 – Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (2018)
Irons (6–PW): Mizuno MP-18 SC – Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (2017)
Wedges (52–56–60): Titleist Vokey SM10 – Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (2024)
Putter: Odyssey Tri-Hot No. 1 – White Hot OG Stroke Lab Shaft (2001)
Ball: Titleist Pro V1 (2017)
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The story doesn’t end there. Not only were Schenk’s clubs older than most on Tour, but he also brought only one sweater with him to Bermuda. The normally warm climate gave way to relentless winds, and after Schenk spilled coffee on the sweater earlier in the week, he wore it the rest of the way, including during his win, as reported by PGATour.com.
“I’m a little embarrassed because these stains happened on Friday,” Schenk said. “I haven’t taken it off. I know for two rounds…I bet I’ve played 90 percent of the holes in this jacket this week. Probably doesn’t smell too good,” he told PGATour.com.
Sources
• Golfweek — “Butterfield Bermuda Championship: Adam Schenk breaks through for first PGA Tour win”
https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2025/11/16/butterfield-bermuda-championship-2025-winner-adam-schenk-scores/87306998007/
PGA Tour Pro Makes Surprise Call Ahead of $7 Million Finale as Uncertainty Looms Over His Future
Kevin Kisner and Duane Bock were more than just a player-caddie duo. They were loyal partners for 14 years, and often “squabbled like an old married couple.” Kisner jokingly believes he personally raised Bock’s kids. “He’s still one of my best friends and we talk all the time,” Kisner shared with Golfweek ahead of the 2025 RSM Classic, where he is making his last exempted start of the season. Too much is at stake there, and for this, Kisner needed someone he knew.
The RSM Classic ’15 was Kisner’s first PGA Tour win, and it was with Bock on his bag. So, a decade later, when he had to make a vital start again, Kisner knew he wanted Duane. The partnership for the week came around when the golfer asked the looper if his new boss, Sepp Straka, was planning to play at the RSM Classic. Bock assured him Straka wasn’t going to participate, as he is still on his extended break to be with his family after Straka’s wife gave birth to their second son prematurely.
This is how the duo has gotten together for the 15th RSM Classic, offering $7 million, taking place from November 20-23 at Sea Island Resort. The stakes are exponentially higher as the PGA Tour has cut its “full exempt status” list from 125 players to 100. Kisner arrives at Sea Island ranked 194th and playing on a one-time PGA Tour career money list exemption for being ranked in the top 50 on the all-time career money list. He missed the cut in 13 of his 16 starts this year. And the only good finish for the 41-year-old came when he finished T-8 at the Isco Championship.
So, he needs to win this week to secure a spot in the top 100 players who will ensure full-time jobs next year. Any other result means he loses his spot and becomes a “Past Champion”. Kisner knows what he needs to do coming week, but given the scenario, he knows it isn’t going to be easy.
This year, a left shoulder and neck injury forced him to step away for the spring. He missed the entire six-tournament FedExCup Fall and barely swung a club and played just four rounds of golf since the Wyndham Championship in August. But just as his career seemed over, “Kiz” started to feel better.
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He did lose a playoff at the RSM Classic in 2020. And now this upcoming week will decide Kisner’s entire future. But he is surprisingly calm about this career cliff-edge. When asked if this is his “swan song,” he just says his status is “TBD”—to be determined.
Kevin Kisner has a plan B that looks a lot like an A-plus
Win or lose, Kisner’s future is secure. He has landed a huge new media job. He is the lead golf analyst for NBC Sports. Kisner calls it his first real job he’s ever had that has a steady paycheck. “I enjoy still being relevant in the game, hanging out with my buddies and providing insight that (the viewer) probably doesn’t get just based on how close I am to the guys and how I’m still competing at tournaments,” Kisner said. He is contracted for 10 big events last year. This includes majors like the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.
His TV work is not his only other gig. Kisner is also a star in the new TGL. This is the tech-infused league started by Tiger Woods, where Kisner plays on Tiger’s own team, Jupiter Links GC. And in case the upcoming RSM Classic is not the end, Kisner will obviously limit his playing, but he will play in the TGL, so he can “provide all the laughable moments for ESPN again.”
Kisner is not the only one feeling the heat at the RSM Classic. Several famous names are in the same boat as Kisner. Matt Kuchar sits at 113th in the standings. Joel Dahmen is at 117th. Both players will face a win-or-go-home situation just like Kisner. And the real drama is around the 100th spot. Karl Vilips currently holds that final golden ticket. But Matt Wallace (No. 102) is right behind him. Wallace needs a strong finish to jump inside the line.
So, at the end, Kisner’s gamble is a pure sports drama. He is a four-time Tour winner– he won the 2019 WGC-Match Play, and famously won a six-man playoff at the 2021 Wyndham Championship. He was a rock on two winning U.S. Presidents Cup teams. But this week, none of that matters. This time, he is a man facing his professional future, and he chose to take one last, defiant shot at glory. Win or lose, he is doing it his way.
Viktor Hovland Receives an Unexpected Honor After His Comeback from PGA Tour Struggles
When Viktor Hovland teed up at the Valspar Championship, he had much to lose. The Norwegian was coming after missing the last three cuts. One of them was THE PLAYERS’ Championship, just a week before. Easily, this could have been one of his most challenging periods. Thanks to his undeniable talent, he survived the four days. That Sunday, the 28-year-old defeated Justin Thomas by one stroke and captured his 7th PGA Tour victory. Now, months later, the seeds of his win are being reaped.
As part of the “Be Bright by Valspar” initiative, his win at the Copperhead Course earned him the honor of a mural. Last Friday, the mural was finally revealed. On a bright orange wall, a smiling Hovland was painted holding his Valspar trophy from the $8.7 M event. Designed by Kellen Carter, the mural looked beautiful.
This tradition has been going on since 2021. Each year, Valspar paints two murals tied to its event. One of them remains in Tampa Bay, and the other goes to a place per the wish of the winner. Hovland could have chosen his native country, Norway. But instead, he chose the south wall of Chris’ University Spirit, near the Oklahoma State University (OSU), because it is his alma mater. And it is a special place for him, rightufully so.
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It was 2013 when Hovland was first recruited from Europe by then-coach Alan Bratton. His exceptional talent landed him in the US after three years. OSU seemed like a fitting choice. Soon enough, he started playing for the Cowboys. Inevitably, his talent saw the light, and he led the Cowboys to their 11th win at the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf National Championship. This was their first title since 2006. With a perfect score of 5-0, Hovland etched his name in OSU’s history books.
After that, the young Norwegian accumulated various awards during his time there. He won the 2018 US-AM Championship, playing the fewest holes since 1979. As a junior, he won the Ben Hogan Award in 2019, an honor previously awarded to players like Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler. Hovland became the fourth OSU player to earn this award.
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So if the place as given him so much, how could he shake off his love for it? When Viktor Hovland turned professional in 2019, he did not go back to Europe. Instead, he stayed in Stillwater, Oklahoma. “When you turn pro and start traveling, you don’t see a lot of the same people you used to,” he told Golf.com once. Chasing that stability and connection, the Norwegian built his home there.
And it’s not like Stillwater has not recognized him back. Just this September, Viktor Hovland was inducted into the Oklahoma State Athletics Hall of Honor. He became the youngest inductee ever. And the day of the feat was surreal too, because it was the first day of the Ryder Cup. Unfortunately, he could not play the event completely due to a neck injury. But he had a lifetime’s worth of memories to take back home: Europe won (15-13) decisively on an away course.
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Now, with this installation, Stillwater has not just gained a piece of art, but a reminder of a golfer whose loyalty to the town runs deep. A great initiative by Valspar, these are ways the golfers can validate their connections to special places, just like Hovland. And indeed, many of them have chosen to do so.
A look back at Valspar Champion’s murals
The “Be Bright Initiative” by Valspar was started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to uplift optimism at a time when the world was at a standstill. Since then, several players have been honored with the Valspar Championship’s mural.
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In 2021, it was Brandt Snedeker who earned this privilege. As an alumnus of Vanderbilt University, he chose Preston Taylor Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, as his place of choice. It is a school center that he and his wife, Mandy, support for its service to the children in the area. The mural was built by local artist Alexandria Hall and was unveiled in December 2021.
The year next to that, Sam Burns won the honor when he defeated David Riley in a tense playoff. After his victory, Burns and his wife, Caroline, chose The Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston, Louisiana, for the mural. It is their adopted hometown, and Burns, who is an LSU product, has lived nearby for six years.
The mural was unveiled in October and was designed by KaDavien Baylor, a Tech graduate. The turnout for this ceremony was so large that NFL Hall of Famer Rondé Barber described it as “by far the biggest” unveiling he had ever attended.
The Most Unforgettable Race: What Makes NASCAR’s 1992 Hooters 500 So Iconic?
In the NASCAR world, fans doubt there will be any other race in NASCAR history that carries the charisma of the November 1992 Hooters 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. That race is remembered as the defining moment in NASCAR history because it had everything a fan could dream of, from a multiple-driver championship battle to the passing of legacies.
The drama, the fuel-mileage tension, lead-lap strategy, and emotional farewells, all these things made the race a once-in-a-lifetime storyline that turned it into NASCAR’s most iconic finale. Let’s dive into why the race continues to hold its iconic status after 33 years.
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Championship fireworks and farewell flames
Even decades later, fans break down why the 1992 Hooters 500 stands unmatched. Is it because six drivers like Alan Kulwicki, Bill Elliott, Davey Allison, Mark Martin, Harry Gant, and Kyle Petty had a shot at the title that season? Maybe yes, for some. But the main reason that the Hooters 500 became so memorable in the fans’ eyes was that it was Richard Petty‘s final NASCAR Cup Series start, and it was the first Cup Series start for Jeff Gordon. That race saw one era end with the beginning of the next era.
That season, the title was won by underdog Alan Kulwicki, which is another reason why the race is still fresh in fans’ memories. Davey Allison entered the race with a 30-point lead, and he just needed a decent finish to grab the title, but he wrecked on 285 laps and could not finish the race. Bill Elliott took the checkered flag but finished 10 points shy of Kulwicki in the closest points battle.
Jeff Gordon captured the electric vibe in a 2022 reflection: “I certainly recognized the significance for me to be part of it because of what I was seeing. Everything was about Richard’s final race, watching him walk through the garage area. Everywhere he went he was just mobbed by cameras, media and fans.”
As a wide-eyed rookie with a strange mustache in his early 20s, Gordon felt the crushing pressure during pre-race meetings, which were packed with celebrities like Burt Reynolds. Gordon’s own nerves were high because of the importance of this race. Maybe it was that pressure that made him crash out on Lap 164 after a pit blunder, and he finished 31st.
Petty’s final day added heart-pounding glamor to the event, literally. Starting 39th in his No. 43 Pontiac, he tangled in a Lap 95 pileup with Ken Schrader and others; his car burst into flames as he slid into the grass. Petty came back on the track to finish all the laps slowly just for the fans who came to watch him race, and that earned him fans’ lap-by-lap ovations. And maybe that’s why he is called the King.
He later took a witty take on his car catching fire: “I wanted to go out in a blaze of glory. Well, I went out in a blaze, but I forgot the glory part.” That fiery moment in his last race may have been his NASCAR 1184 start in a nutshell: “hot like a fire.” And who can forget Kulwicki’s crew chief, Paul Andrews, who calculated the fuel so precisely that the No. 7 barely made it to the finish without running dry?”
The race’s raw drama and even Apache helicopters working as safety vehicles sealed the race spot as the most iconic race.
Now, thirty-three years later, that race still has a grip because it was the last classic Atlanta oval run, giving rise to questions like what-ifs after Kulwicki and Allison’s tragic 1993 crashes. Documentaries like NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed replay Bob Jenkins calling, “Alan Kulwicki is the 1992 Winston Cup Champion!” as proof of a race that redefined unforgettable.
As Petty waved goodbye in Hooter 500, one young driver’s spark lit the path forward.
Gordon ignites NASCAR’s next chapter
Gordon arrived at the Hooter 500 as an immature kid from Indiana, with experience in open-wheel from USAC midgets. His early aggressive laps passed known veterans, which showed his fire in the first race itself, which defined his rise.
Just two years later, in the 1994 Coca-Cola 600, crew chief Ray Evernham gambled on a two-tire stop to steal victory from Rusty Wallace, saying, “It wasn’t really a gamble… We really didn’t have any choice; sometimes you’ve just gotta go for it. If you can’t beat ‘em one way, you have to beat ‘em another. I just can’t believe this.” That call balanced Gordon’s Chevy just right under caution, which let him hold off the field for his first Cup win and proved his blend of speed and smarts.
From there, Gordon exploded into NASCAR as a “Wonder Boy,” racking up 93 victories and four titles over 25 years, third all-time in wins. He echoed Evernham’s decision post-race, stating, “Two was the absolute best decision… We didn’t need a full fuel load, and the two rights actually balanced the car and kept me fast. We weren’t about to beat Rusty otherwise. Nobody was; he was that good all night. But sometimes the fastest car doesn’t win.” Gordon accepted the savvy decision of his crew chief and made it clinch a victory over Rusty Wallace.
In later years, Gordon’s polished image and his sharp business mind drew new crowds, which helped in growing the sport from regional roots to a global audience.
And it all started from a scratchy yet aggressive start at that 1992 Atlanta race, where he marked the beginning of a new era with Hendrick Motorsports.
Jeremy Clements Racing & Haas Factory Team partner for 2026 NASCAR
The Jeremy Clements Racing and Haas Factory Team partnership is set to reshape the mid-tier field of NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. For the first time in 15 years, the family-owned No. 51 team will not be working alone.
Jeremy Clements Racing (JCR) confirmed Monday that it has formed a technical alliance with the Haas Factory Team (HFT), marking its biggest upgrade since entering the series. The announcement came through JCR’s official X account with a post reading, “O, O, O here we Go! Big News!”
For a team known for working on tight budgets and doing everything in-house, this move connects them to full factory support, advanced equipment, and a brand-new home base in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Details of the Agreement
Under the deal, Jeremy Clements Racing will move into HFT’s facility and operate with full Chevrolet backing. Haas Factory Team is switching from Ford to Chevrolet engines in 2026, meaning both teams will share data, engines, and development tools.
“We’ve always fought hard as a single-car team, but this is a major opportunity for us, and partnering with the Haas Factory Team means a lot! We’re excited for what’s ahead! Clements noted.”
Jeremy Clements Racing has spent years piecing together equipment, engines, and personnel, often relying on family knowledge and small-shop work. With this partnership, they will now have access to resources used by top-tier organizations.
Why the Jeremy Clements Racing Haas Partnership Matters
Beyond performance gains, the partnership gives Jeremy Clements Racing long-term security in a sport where costs keep rising. The collaboration will strengthen their development pipeline and align with their goals as they continue to build a presence in the Xfinity-level series.
For Jeremy Clements Racing, the alliance arrives at a perfect time. The No. 51 team, which finished 23rd in 2025, but with improved chassis and aero support from Haas, now has a better chance at consistently running inside the top 20 and making a playoff push.
The Sponsors Behind the Move
Clements made it clear that the team’s longtime partners kept the organization alive long enough to reach this moment.
“Our sponsors have always had our backs, and honestly, we wouldn’t be here without them,” he said. “We’ve got a ton of sponsors to thank for making all this possible. Huge thanks to All South Electric, Alliance Driveaway Solutions, and One Stop Convenience Stores for always going above and beyond for us. We are also extremely grateful to All Weather Power Equipment, Fly and Form, First Pacific Funding, Kingdom Truck Sales, Spartan Waste, Fox Sports Spartanburg, and Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet. We couldn’t have done it without all of them. They’re the reason this partnership came together.”
More teams across the series are leaning into partnerships like this to stay competitive. On the same day Jeremy Clements Racing made its announcement, Viking Motorsports revealed a deeper alliance with Richard Childress Racing.
With manufacturer changes, electric testing, and international expansion on NASCAR’s radar, alliances like this are becoming necessary. The 2026 season opener at Daytona is still months away, but all eyes will be on how far the No. 51 can climb with factory-grade support powering their next chapter.
Ram aiming to put NASCAR Truck Series on the map with Free Agent Program
Tim Kuniskis made a promise to the NASCAR industry and fans that Ram’s return to the sport would not be done quietly, but with bold, exciting intentions.
On Monday, the manufacturer announced another way to deliver on that promise with the unveiling of the Free Agent Program for its Craftsman Truck Series efforts. The No. 25 entry, one of five for Ram anchor team Kaulig Racing, will put a different driver behind the wheel each weekend, and one that will not be revealed until the week of the race.
“There are 20 million fans of NASCAR, but a large percentage of that is in the Cup Series; it doesn’t necessarily transfer back down to the Truck Series,” Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, told RACER. “Some of it is the time of the weekend that it’s on and things like that, but it never made sense to me because there are synergies between the two series, and the fact that 50 percent of the fans drive a truck. I never really understood why there wasn’t more engagement in the Truck Series.
“I said, ‘You know what, that’s our challenge.’ Our challenge is that we’re going to be in the series, at least for the first year, exclusively, and we need to create more fan engagement in the Truck Series. That’s where the free agent (idea) came from.”
The conversation started early in Ram planning out its return to NASCAR, including understanding how much the sport has changed in the last 12 years. The advice started flowing in, some of which made Ram nervous but didn’t scare it away. One of the things that came up right away was opinions on how many trucks Ram should field.
To be competitive, the thoughts ranged from the number absolutely needing to be two trucks, to how Ram would be crazy if they tried to do it with anything less than six.
The sweet spot landed at three full-time teams for Kaulig Racing with Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley, and then two additional entries. One of those will be the free agent truck, while plans for the fifth truck are still to be announced.
“It’s not 36 drivers on the grid,” Kuniskis said. “There are probably 400 that NASCAR and someone the caliber of Kaulig Racing would say, ‘This is a driver who is qualified to compete,’ and for whatever reason, maybe they’re retired from NASCAR, maybe they’re in a different form of motorsports, or in something else, and they are not on the grid or in the Truck Series. We said, ‘What if we could bring them in and every single week have a different driver?’
“Maybe it’s 25 drivers, maybe it’s 18 drivers, and some of them do it more than once, and things like that. Could we expand the reach and the engagement of the Truck Series? We all agreed it would be really cool and really fun. Holy (expletive), can we actually do this, though? So, we said, ‘You know what, we’re going to try it.’”
Kuniskis hopes one way the program drives engagement is through fan response. Not only in how it plays out, but also in its reach among fans who want to see their favorite driver participate.
The driver announcement for race weekend will take place on Monday of race week. Kuniskis admitted that some drivers have already come calling about the opportunity since word around the NASCAR garage travels fast.
The entry will not be chasing points or a championship. Ram will have its own point system for drivers of the No. 25 entry, based on individual track performance, and a prize will be awarded at the end of the year. Those details will be announced before the start of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway.
And for driver eligibility? The program is open to anyone in the motorsports world. It is not limited to those with NASCAR experience.
“There are only two rules,” Kuniskis said. “No. 1: NASCAR. No. 2: Kaulig Racing. If they both agree (insert driver here) will be safe on the track and not put anyone else at risk, great. Then, if we think it fits the brand, what we’re doing, it’ll be a competitive driver and fun and engaging, they’re eligible.
“That’s it.”
Friday, February 13, at Daytona is the first race of the 2026 season for the Craftsman Truck Series. There are 25 races on the schedule.
Kaulig Racing Announces Free Agent Driver Program For New Dodge Truck
Kaulig Racing’s fourth Dodge Ram entry in the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series will have a unique program in 2026.
The new No. 25 Dodge will have a different driver in the truck each week as part of what Kaulig is calling the “free agent driver program.”
“The free agent seat gives us the flexibility to bring in talent while keeping fans on their toes,” team owner Matt Kaulig said. “Each driver will bring something unique to the team. It’s a new idea, and exactly the kind of energy we want heading into 2026.”
The program will be quite different from what Nascar teams normally do. The Dodge truck’s driver will only be announced on the Monday prior to each race.
Kaulig did not provide any hints as to who will be behind the wheel of the No. 25 truck. Dodge will also have a prize for the driver in the No. 25 truck who has the best result(s) in 2026.
Thus far, Kaulig has announced four of its five trucks for 2026, marking the return of Dodge to Nascar.
Ram Reveals ‘Free Agent’ Program for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Ram’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has already generated plenty of intrigue and excitement. An announcement on Monday added to that intrigue, as Ram unveiled its
NASCAR Fans Go Gaga Over Ram Trucks’ New Driver Formula for the 2026 Season
“We do not have a contract with either one of those guys,” Kaulig Racing president Chris Rice said a few days ago. He was referring to Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Kasey Kahne, an 18-time Cup race winner, potentially wheeling Kaulig’s trucks. Although Rice wanted to deflate rumors, they have picked up pace again with the introduction of a new driver program.
Ram Trucks are returning to NASCAR competition for the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series season, and Kaulig Racing is their base. The OEM has five entries, of which three are fixed – with Brendan Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley confirmed. However, fans are more excited about one of the last two entries.
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Ram Trucks are inviting the heavyweights
To hype up its arrival, Ram just introduced the ‘Free Agent Program’ for the No. 25 Kaulig Racing entry. It will have a different driver behind the wheel each weekend. And their focus is on the cream of the sport, as CEO Tim Kuniskis said. “There are probably 400 that NASCAR…would say, ‘This is a driver who is qualified to compete.’ And for whatever reason, maybe they’re retired from NASCAR, maybe they’re in a different form of motorsports, or in something else…We said, ‘What if we could bring them in and every single week have a different driver?’”
The main reason for this new formula is fan engagement. Tim Kuniskis continued that his challenge was to rope in more Cup Series fans to the Truck Series. “There are 20 million fans of NASCAR, but a large percentage of that is in the Cup Series; it doesn’t necessarily transfer back down to the Truck Series…It never made sense to me because there are synergies between the two series, and the fact that 50 percent of the fans drive a truck. I never really understood why there wasn’t more engagement in the Truck Series.”
The conversation around the Free Agent Program started early when Ram was first planning its return. In understanding how the sport has changed rapidly over the past 12 years, the OEM took steps accordingly. A vast swathe of veteran drivers have left the sport in this period – like Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and so many more. Whoever takes up the wheel will not be chasing points or a championship. Ram will have its own point system for drivers of the No. 25 entry, based on individual track performance. It will reward a prize at the end of the year.
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Ram announced its return to NASCAR competition on June 8 in Michigan. And the Kaulig Racing partnership with the manufacturer was formalized on August 23. Team owner Matt Kaulig applauded the free agent program’s launch. He said in a news release that “it’s a new idea, and exactly the kind of energy we want heading into 2026.”
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What’s more, the fans are also going gaga over this snazzy new program.
NASCAR fans shower positive comments
First and foremost, this announcement adds more depth to the Tony Stewart theory. The versatile legend left full-time NASCAR competition in 2016 and also shuttered his Cup Series team, Stewart-Haas Racing, in 2024. Currently wheeling 11,000 hp dragsters in the NHRA, Stewart is heavily engaged. Yet hints are appearing about his NASCAR comeback, and fans are excited. Somebody wrote, “Makes the rumor of Stewart and Kahne potentially racing less false! Because big if true!”
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Another fan compared Ram’s enthusiastic return to Michael Jordan’s NBA comeback in 1995. His return reenergized the Chicago Bulls for a thumping season – something also expected from Ram’s drive. The fan wrote, “RAM is going go absolutely drag the other manufacturers in terms of marketing and fan engagement. If they can back it up with performance, this is Jordan ’96 level comeback.” Somebody else hyped up the Free Agent Program announcement. Amidst all the criticism for NASCAR’s programs, this sounds welcoming: “That sounds awesome 🤩👏💪👊🏁”
People started to name-drop some heavyweights from other sports as well. Somebody suggested none other than four-time Formula One World Champion, Max Verstappen, as an option. “MAX VERSTAPPEN IN TRUCKS!!” Another fan chipped in with the CEO and president of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), Dana White. “When is @danawhite making his first nascar start.”
Clearly, the excitement is no less for Ram’s Free Agent Program. We can only wait and see how it unfolds in real time in 2026.
Austin Cindric Highlights Benefits of NASCAR-Supercars Exchange Before Adelaide Event
“I’ve been a fan of the Supercars Championship since I was a kid. I’ve always rated the drivers and teams in the category highly,” Austin Cindric said as he makes his debut in a new motorsports series down under. The NASCAR star is set to participate in the BP Adelaide Grand Final at the end of the month as a wildcard entry.
And he’s leaving no stone unturned. Just days ago, a video surfaced of Cindric turning his first laps in a Gen3 Supercar, trying to master the ‘heel and toe’ technique used by fellow Supercar drivers. This shows that for Cindric, this isn’t a vacation drive or a PR stunt. This is a driver fully immersing himself in a different racing culture. And what he sees in this exchange says a lot about the future of NASCAR, Supercars, and cross-series competition as a whole.
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Austin Cindric explains why crossovers matter more than ever
Austin Cindric isn’t going to pretend he’s going to outpace Will Brown or take over the field on this journey to Adelaide. It’s about something more significant: crossover culture, which the entire motorsports industry has been subtly embracing. As Cindric himself emphasized on the Apex Hunters United podcast, “I’m here to get the experience, get some awareness for the series. Anytime you can have crossover in motorsports, it’s so much fun.”
He makes a valid point! Cross-discipline participation infuses racing communities with energy and new stories. Cindric gave well-known examples. For instance, Fernando Alonso’s participation in Le Mans brought Formula 1 fans into endurance racing. Similarly, Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 performances enthralled NASCAR and IndyCar fans alike. The 2025 Indy 500, which saw Larson participate, pulled in the best TV ratings since 2008 – an astounding 7 million+ viewers!
Now, with Austin Cindric’s participation, NASCAR fans who’ve never watched Supercars suddenly have a reason to care. The same thing happens in reverse. Just look at what Shane van Gisbergen brought with him the second he stepped into NASCAR. His success is a major talking point in the Australian Supercars community, with some fans tuning in to NASCAR specifically to follow his progress. News of his wins, such as the Mexico City victory, garnered widespread media coverage in Australia, helping attract new fans.
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That’s the ripple effect Cindric’s talking about: drivers don’t just bring skill, they bring awareness and audiences. Cindric concluded, “I’m as competitive as they come. But I’m here for the experience for sure.” It’s not about showcasing his superiority. The goal is to demonstrate that racing can transcend regulatory agencies and silos. The true advantage is that each crossover widens the track, making motorsports more international, cohesive, and interconnected than ever before.
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Cindric compares Supercars to the NASCAR Next-Gen car
Austin Cindric is learning a completely different beast rather than just a new track as he logs laps in Australia. Although NASCAR’s Next Gen vehicle and the Gen3 Supercars Mustang have comparable DNA, the similarities end there once you’re seated. And Cindric is getting a firsthand education of that.
The 2022 Daytona 500 winner, driving for Tickford Racing for the event, is currently getting used to a new weight balance, a right-hand drive cockpit, a different braking feel, and a new steering reaction. It’s a lot to take in. Particularly if you’ve been turning left from the other side of the automobile your entire career.
“I think in a lot of ways, quite a bit of what I expected. It’s good to feel it out and kind of put everything that I’ve done prep work-wise, have a feel for it, and really put some relevancy behind some of the questions that I may or may not have, work on some of the techniques. I think I’m at that point where you’re trying to work out best practices,” Cindric explained.
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But here’s the headline: Cindric says the Supercars Mustang straight-up drives better. The car provides him more confidence because of its reduced weight, more downforce, and grippier tires, particularly when braking and entering corners. The Next Gen is simply constructed differently; it’s not inherently flawed.
“It [Supercars] drives a lot better. The current generation Cup car is a lot more rigid. Like, I’ve really had to talk myself into using the curb as much as I can with this car,” Cindric compared the two. And that makes sense. The Next Gen is a race car’s Swiss Army knife, designed to tackle everything from Chicago’s street circuit to superspeedways. The Gen3 is a scalpel designed specifically for street and road racing.
At the end of it all, Cindric’s learning curve is steep. But he’s loving every second of it!
Ram and Kaulig Racing reveal rotating driver lineup for truck series
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Kaulig Racing and Ram said they would bring some outside-the-box ideas to the Craftsman Truck Series – and they’re delivering with the next phase of the truck manufacturer’s return to NASCAR.
It was announced Monday that a unique Free Agent Program for the #25 Ram 1500 at Kaulig Racing will debut in the 2026 Craftsman Truck Series. The program will bring an
Ryan Preece Gets Real on NASCAR’s 750 Horsepower Efforts After Off-Season Bristol Test
Testing for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season has officially started, and for once, there is true optimism in the air instead of just hope. A few teams unloaded at Bristol Motor Speedway for a unique Goodyear tire test just one week ago. Their mission was to check for two things fans have been begging for. More horsepower and less falloff. All because many were disappointed by Bristol’s most recent race.
However, the voices emanating from the garage sounded different this time. There’s actual advancement. genuine potential. The 750HP package being tested could bring back something NASCAR has been missing for years: throttle control, tire wear that matters, and battles where driving skill actually decides the outcome. And no one summed up the stakes better than Ryan Preece.
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Ryan Preece explains why NASCAR needs more horsepower
On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Ryan Preece didn’t dance around his point. He was as straightforward as he could be. “Over time and as we continue to go down this path, I’d like to see an increase in horsepower,” he stated. And for 2026, that’s finally happening. The current offseason test at Bristol is setting the stage for a bump to 750 horsepower at all tracks under 1.5 miles.
This includes Bristol, Darlington, Dover, Nashville, and World Wide Technology Raceway. By increasing horsepower, NASCAR hopes to force drivers to better manage throttle application and tire wear, making the racing more dynamic and challenging for both competitors and crews.
This change is a response to feedback from drivers like Preece, crew chiefs, manufacturers, and fans who have called for more power to improve short-track and road-course racing. Preece also talked about modifications to the car’s aerodynamics, like using fewer rear diffuser strakes or, in certain testing, eliminating the diffuser.
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The diffuser, a plate underneath the car’s back, aids in directing air to improve stability and downforce. Reducing strakes increases tire slip and driver skill by reducing downforce. However, it can also cause cars to “fight the same problem” of following closely and fewer overtakes, particularly in dominant lanes.
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“There will be a point where we can’t probably go any softer because we’ll, you know, to your point, we’re going to damage the tires. We’re going to blow them apart, and that’s going to be on us.” Preece said of the limitations of softer Goodyear compounds in relation to tire wear. This risk was demonstrated in the 2025 Bristol event when Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Chad Finchum’s Fords experienced fire and smoke issues due to aggressive tire choices. More horsepower means the balance between excitement and durability remains delicate.
By the conclusion of the Bristol tire test, Preece was optimistic. “Feel like [we’re] finding the right direction,” he said earlier. As NASCAR heads into the 2026 season, the innovations in power, aerodynamics, and tire selection promise fresh action. Perhaps, we will see a return to the gritty, unpredictable racing that fans love most.
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NASCAR’s new OEM testing rules for 2026
Longtime NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass has revealed how NASCAR is strengthening its regulations on manufacturer testing for 2026. The new regulations, which apply to all three national series, are intended to provide a more equitable playing field while controlling expenses.
If you follow NASCAR closely, you already know how vital OEM testing is. Here, manufacturers adjust engine performance, aerodynamics, and overall setup while adhering to NASCAR’s stringent regulations. It’s also closely monitored to ensure no team gains an unfair technological edge.
Under these updated regulations, any new OEM entering the sport, like Dodge (defined as one that hasn’t competed in the last five seasons), will face specific limits. They’ll be allowed a maximum of three testing sessions, and each session can run for no more than two consecutive days.
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NASCAR also added some flexibility to account for weather interruptions, ensuring sessions aren’t unfairly cut short. All testing must be wrapped up by March 1 of the season year, setting a firm preseason window. But the rulebook gets even stricter. Testing can’t take place at any track that’s been newly added to the schedule or recently repaved. e.g., San Diego street course at Naval Base Coronado.
And to keep the schedule fair for all, no OEM testing is allowed at any track within 60 days of a race weekend at that venue. That prevents teams from sneaking in valuable data just ahead of competition. There’s also a cap on scale. Each test session can involve up to three affiliated organizations, and they’re permitted no more than two cars apiece. This prevents powerhouse teams from stacking the field with data-gathering resources while ensuring testing remains efficient rather than exhaustive.
These regulations essentially achieve a balance by promoting innovation without sacrificing budget or parity. NASCAR desires cost-effective, competitive racing. And these new guidelines are designed to keep every OEM honest, prepared, and playing by the same rules.
NASCAR Up for Playoff Overhaul After Ongoing Chatter, Claims Insider
“I don’t want the next Christopher Bell, who is ten years old right now, thinking about NASCAR, wanting to go to NASCAR, wanting to be a champion, and say, ‘huh, this is a little bit more of a chance on a one race, right?’” O’Donnell said recently, hinting at what many believe is now inevitable. It’s been a long time coming, and everyone in NASCAR knows it. Drivers have spoken up. Fans have sounded off. Even executives can’t ignore it anymore. The playoff format, once hailed as bold and exciting, is now the center of growing frustration. And if you ask NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell, the sport can’t afford to keep letting championships hinge on a single, do-or-die race.
Behind closed doors, the playoff committee has been meeting for months. The discussions are done. A decision is near. And according to one insider, what comes next could rewrite the modern era of NASCAR forever.
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Jordan Bianchi explains the roads NASCAR can take
On the latest episode of the Lights Out podcast, Jordan Bianchi didn’t mince words when talking about the change coming to the NASCAR playoffs next year. “There is 100% a change coming to the playoff format. There will be a big change to the playoff format. Now, what that change is going to be exactly is up in the air,” he said.
As per Bianchi, three ideas are currently on the table, each radically different in philosophy, purpose, and impact. The first is “a season-long full 36 race championship.” This is the most traditional and the most familiar to longtime fans. Simply put: whoever scores the most points over every race of the season wins the title. No eliminations, no resets, no winner-take-all chaos. Formula 1 and IndyCar still use this system, and NASCAR itself lived by it for decades. It rewards consistency, durability, and domination over the long haul.
Then, as Bianchi revealed, “There’s also a heavy discussion centered around the 10 race chase.” This format sits somewhere between the past and present. Drivers race the full season, but only the top 10 or 12 are eligible for the championship over the final 10 races. The twist is that there are no eliminations. Points accumulate straight through to the end. It preserves the pressure of the NASCAR playoff, without the “must-win” chaos that can derail a multi-win driver’s season over one bad race. Denny Hamlin and Connor Zilisch will definitely love this!
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The third is the 3-3-4 format. This is the most modern of the three. This proposal keeps rounds of the current NASCAR playoff system: 3 races, 3 races, then 4, with eliminations along the way. But unlike today, the champion wouldn’t be decided in a single event. Instead, the final four-race stretch decides it. The driver with the most points across that mini-season takes the crown.
Finally, Bianchi summed it up, “I can promise you that it’s going to change. It’s just a matter of how it’s going to change.”
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Meanwhile, Hamlin says the NASCAR playoff is here to stay
Denny Hamlin has spoken candidly about the NASCAR playoff format amid ongoing criticism, firmly stating that the playoffs are here to stay despite calls for change. After a heartbreaking 2025 season in which he came close to his first championship but lost at Phoenix due to a late caution and race restart, Hamlin shared his frustrations with how the current system can penalize dominant performances for the sake of entertainment.
He highlighted that while drivers like himself, William Byron, Kyle Larson, and others advocate for a larger sample size to decide the champion, NASCAR’s clear direction is to maintain the playoff format. Hamlin explained that a full-season points-based championship, like those popularized in NASCAR’s earlier decades, is unlikely to return.
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Everyone get over it, you’re going to get playoffs,” he said bluntly on his Actions Detrimental podcast. Hamlin emphasized the unfairness drivers face when a season’s dominance can be undone in a single race due to late-race cautions or strategic calls, but acknowledged that the playoffs inject unique “drama” and “intensity” into the sport.
Despite his disappointment, Hamlin gave credit to Kyle Larson, calling him a deserving champion who “played the game as it was meant to be played” by adapting to the final race situation. The debate over the playoff format continues to divide fans and drivers, with some nostalgic for the older formats and others accepting the thrill the playoffs bring.
Hamlin’s comments reveal a sport at a crossroads, balancing tradition with entertainment demands while keeping drivers motivated and fans engaged. As NASCAR prepares for potential tweaks in 2026’s playoff structure, Hamlin remains realistic but hopeful, focused on racing hard despite the system’s flaws. His perspective is a powerful reminder of the complexities in crowning a champion in modern NASCAR.
MLB rumors: Red Sox eye Pete Alonso as possible Alex Bregman replacement
The Major League Baseball offseason has been slow to this point. It’s to be expected through the middle of November, especially since the decisions by players to accept or reject qualifying offers aren’t even due until Nov. 18. Still, there was a big splash move Sunday night, with Josh Naylor agreeing to a five-year deal to return to the Mariners.
Red Sox could pivot to Alonso
The Red Sox are expected to do whatever they can to bring back free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. If they lose out on him, they could pivot to free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso, reports MLB Network. The speculation from Jon Morosi is that the Red Sox either
MLB Star Paul Skenes Serves Veterans 1 Day After Winning Cy Young Award
In a world filled with sports stars carrying massive egos to match their massive paychecks, there is still a rare breed that exudes selflessness and service.
Just one day after unanimously winning the National League Cy Young Award at just 23 years old, Skenes hit up Raising Cane’s in West Palm Beach, Florida, in partnership with The Gary Sinise Foundation and worked a “shift.”
The 6-foot-6, 235-pounder towered over the veterans while working behind the register. He dished the restaurant chain’s famous Box Combo before working the drive-thru.
Skenes, whose relationship with Raising Cane’s dates back to his already legendary days as a star at LSU, signed autographs and spent time talking with the veterans about their time serving in the military and their favorite teams, among other things.
During the 2025 season, Skenes partnered with The Gary Sinise Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the Forrest Gump star that supports America’s veterans, first responders, and their families, to donate $100 to the nonprofit for every strikeout he recorded.
Skenes struck out a staggering 216 batters. His 2025 campaign is considered the greatest season for a pitcher in the Modern Era of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He finished with a whopping 1.97 ERA in 32 starts.
Skenes, a former Air Force cadet, also teamed up with Raising Cane’s for its Veterans Day campaign, which raised $500,000 for The Gary Sinise Foundation. He accepted the check on behalf of the foundation.
“This partnership is special. Cane’s is a household name, so for them to be willing to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation is very selfless,” said Skenes ahead of his “shift. “If you really think about it, baseball is pretty low on the totem pole of things that matter in this world. It’s really easy to get wrapped up in the game, but the highs and the lows in baseball aren’t adversity, definitely not to the extent that the men and women who fight for our country face adversity, so it really puts things in perspective.”
This Is Not Skenes’ First ‘Shift’
That Skenes partnered with Raising Cane’s is not a surprise. The MLB star, who is dating former LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne, worked a “shift” after leading LSU to the 2023 NCAA College World Series championship.
Skenes and his teammates joined Tigers coach Jay Johnson at Raising Cane’s first-ever restaurant, which is located across from LSU’s North Gates.
Already Back at Work
Skenes celebrated his Cy Young win by, what else, getting back to work.
“I’m celebrating the Cy Young Award by getting back to work! It really doesn’t change much,” he said. “Going into the offseason, I know I’m not a finished product and I won’t be for a long time. So, I’m just figuring out ways to get better.”
Skenes’ Reaction to His Reaction
For the uninitiated, Skenes went viral last year after showing zero emotion on live television when it was announced that he won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Skenes appears to have a stone-cold look on his face while his entire family, including Dunne, practicaly jump with joy in celebration.
This time around, Skenes pumped both his fists and elicited a smirk on his face. And he rehearsed his reaction, too.
“It’s tough. I won the national championship at LSU and right when you get done they stick a mic in your face,” Skenes says. “It’s like a running joke, high school players and college players, they go to the draft and they get picked … the most emotional moment of your life, and they stick a mic in your face. So, it’s always weird to have these things on live television, because I’m not a reactionary person. It is what it is. We had rehearsed a couple of times, you get in the moment and it’s like, ‘Sweet.’ So, I don’t know. People can say what they want about it. I don’t really care.”
The 2025 NL Cy Young winner has spoken.
Former Detroit Tigers Closer and MLB Family Patriarch Passes Away at 85
Former Detroit reliever Tom Timmermann passed away on Friday at the age of 85, his death confirmed by family via social media posts.
Timmermann’s six-season MLB career spanned from 1969 to 1974, during which he pitched for the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians after a long ascent through the minor leagues.
Though he stepped away from the spotlight after his playing days, his passing serves as a moment to reflect on the career of a bullpen arm who once carried big league expectations.
From Farm System to Tiger-of-the-Year
Timmermann signed with the Tigers in 1960 out of Southern Illinois University and spent nearly a decade in the minors before making his debut in 1969. His breakout season came in 1970. As a reliever for Detroit, he appeared in 61 games and notched 27 saves–enough to earn him the “Tiger of the Year” honor from the Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association.
That year he helped transform a bullpen that had long been a weakness for the club into a more reliable unit.
In subsequent seasons, Timmermann shifted between relief appearances and occasional starts, before being traded mid-season in 1973 to Cleveland. His final big league appearance came in April 1974, following which he quietly retired from pro baseball and moved into a more private life.
“He lived life fully, joyfully, and on his own terms,” Zimmermann’s niece Cindy said. “He loved his daughter Heather with his whole heart, and his son Phil just the same. Family wasn’t just important to him; it was everything. He was larger than life, steady, strong, and unforgettable. … Thank you for the love, the stories, the laughs, and the example you set. I’ll miss you so much.”
A Legacy That Extended Beyond the Mound
While his time in the majors may not have placed him among the all-time greats, Timmermann left behind something equally notable–a three-generation pitching family. His biological son entered professional baseball under the name Phil Leftwich (after adoption and discovering his lineage), and Phil’s own son, Luke Leftwich, also spent time in the minors.
Beyond the numbers, Timmermann attended Tigers alumni events for many years and remained connected to the game, albeit off the field. For teammates and younger pitchers, his journey from long minor-league haul to MLB service was a model of persistence.
Remembering His Impact
Looking back at Timmermann’s career statistics–a 26-27 win-loss record in Detroit with a 3.39 ERA during his Tigers years, and 35 saves recorded over his career–they tell part of the story.
But perhaps more important were the less quantifiable aspects: the steady arm in the bullpen during a transitional era, the worker- mentality honed over years in the minors, and the mentoring role he later took on among former teammates and alumni.
His passing invites us to reflect on the many players who occupy baseball’s middle tier. Not always household names, but whose contributions underpin teams, eras, and legacies. Timmermann may not have been headline every night, but for those who followed the Tigers in the early 1970s, his name remains part of the story.
According to the Detroit Free Press, “Timmermann is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his two brothers and 25-year companion Joan Martin. Timmermann was preceded in death by his first wife Marcia and his second wife Ruby, who died in 1999.”
His memorial service is set to be held at O’Brien Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi, Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 22. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m.
MLB Trade Rumors: Blue Jays Pivot to $102M Ex-Mets Star as Kyle Tucker Trade Situation Turns Tricky
Last season, it was all about Juan Soto and where he ended up; this time, it is Kyle Tucker in the same boat. One day, he is linked to the Yankees; the next, to the Blue Jays. But now, Toronto might be stepping out of the Tucker sweepstakes and turning their attention to an ex-New York star—and maybe one with a far less complicated price tag.
The name is Edwin Díaz.
The former Mets closer, who just put his chances of returning to Queens at 50-50, has become a real option for Toronto, which has been aggressive this winter. According to insider Danny Abriano, Toronto has been tied to Bichette, Tucker, and Diaz, a top free agent starter.
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This shopping list, according to Abriano, would push the payroll towards $350 million. For a team that finished 2025 with a $278 million payroll, something doesn’t add up. But Diaz, that kind of makes perfect sense.
In fact, just three days back, as per Ken Rosenthal, Diaz’s agents met with Toronto brass during the GM Meetings in Las Vegas. And apparently the Jays told them they would move Jeff Hoffman, their World Series heartbreak closer to the eighth inning, if it meant landing a premium ninth-inning star. And Edwin Diaz is that weapon.
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He has a 1.63 ERA, 98 strikeouts, and 28 saves in 31 chances—that can get anyone looking towards him. For now, he wants a deal that’s around $102 million and for five years—and given that Toronto is hungry to get back into WS after that brush of breaking the three-decade-long curse—they might take the plunge.
Plus, it’s important to remember the Jays were inches away from winning. And Diaz wasn’t shy about what matters most to him: “I want to win a ring. Wherever I go, I want to win and enjoy the time.”
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As for Tucker, his future with the Jays seems unlikely now, also because Toronto is likely to get Bo Bichette back. At least according to some insiders, Bichette is going to be back—and Toronto likely cannot afford both. Rogers is a public company, not a private owner writing blank checks and making big-ticket splashes. And Bichette is the heartbeat of the team, as well as the homegrown talent that fans cheer for. The writing seems on the wall, doesn’t it?
Toronto Blue Jays eyeing a dream rotation shake-up
Sometimes, learning from your opponents is the smart way to go. And it seems like the Toronto Blue Jays might want to copy the Dodgers’ pitching blueprint in a big way. Edward Eng of Jays Journal laid out what he calls the dream rotation for Toronto in the upcoming year. And let’s just say it is kind of ambitious. For him, the Blue Jays could walk out of this off-season with two big arms, Dylan Cease and Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai.
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This is huge because adding them to a rotation that already has Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos, you suddenly have video game-level rotation staff. So for Eng, Gausman still has the No. 1 spot, then Bieber at No. 2, and Cease can then slide in at No. 3, and Imai at No. 4, and Yesavage, the youngest of all, would round things out at No. 5. The logic is simple—ease the pressure on the rookie, and let the veterans carry much of the heavy load.
But will Jays bite? Well, Dylan Cease is one of the most reliable strikeout machines in the game. Five straight seasons of 200-plus strikeouts and 30-plus starts every year—says a lot about his durability. Sure, his 2025 number did dip a little, but he has 215 strikeouts.
Imai, meanwhile, is the international wild card everyone is talking about. He has a 1.92 ERA, 178 strikeouts, and three shutouts with the Seibu Lions. His fastball touched 99 mph, and scouts are roaming around him. But will the Jays land both? It’s a dream scenario for fans. But sometimes baseball can be surprising, so maybe the Jays might be bold enough to give it a go.
Ex-MLB GM: Pete Alonso would do wonders for Roman Anthony if Red Sox signed him
The Red Sox need to decide how they want to move forward with first base in 2026 and beyond. Craig Breslow didn’t commit to Triston Casas being Boston’s first baseman when Opening Day rolls around, so it’s fair to wonder if they’ll try to sign someone this winter.
For Jim Bowden, he thinks Pete Alonso would be a good fit for the Red Sox, despite inconsistent defense at the position. But between the veteran playing all 162 games the last two seasons, his ability to hit over 30 home runs and being able to handle a market like Boston, Bowden believes it makes a lot of sense.
What’s more, Bowden also believes Alonso could help take the pressure off Roman Anthony.
“And what would he do to Roman Anthony?” Bowden said on “Foul Territory.” “What would he do for the middle of that lineup? Take all the pressure off. I think it would be a great fit for them.”
Anthony received his long-awaited call-up to the Red Sox in June and immediately added an offensive spark. Once he suffered a season-ending oblique injury in September, the offense struggled to find a groove in his absence.
The Red Sox do have other needs to address, like a No. 2 starter and whether they want to re-sign Alex Bregman after he opted out of his deal with the Red Sox earlier this month.
Does ex-Red Sox Rick Porcello have a case for the Baseball Hall of Fame?
Right-hander Rick Porcello, who won an American League Cy Young Award and the 2018 World Series with the Boston Red Sox, is one of 12 major leaguers making their debut on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot this year.
Election will be an uphill battle for Porcello, 36, who spent 12 years in the majors with the Detroit Tigers, Red Sox, and New York Mets between his 2009 debut and the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but retired after his age-31 season.
Drafted out of New Jersey’s Seton Hall Prep in the first round (27th overall) of the 2007 June Amateur Draft, Porcello quickly became a reliable back-end starter in Dave Dombrowski’s Detroit rebuild era. He cracked the ‘09 Tigers’ Opening Day roster less than four months after his 20th birthday and made 31 starts and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting that season.
Dombrowski traded Porcello to the Red Sox in December 2014, but they were reunited the following August when Dombrowski accepted the club’s president of baseball operations job. In Boston, the two ex-Tigers were able to achieve what had eluded them in Detroit: winning it all. After back-to-back AL East titles and first-round exits in ‘16 and ‘17, the Red Sox won a franchise record 108 regular-season games and bulldozed the competition in the postseason.
Porcello pitched to a career-best 3.15 ERA and won an MLB-leading 22 games in 2016 to become the fourth Red Sox Cy Young-winner, joining Jim Lonborg (‘67), Roger Clemens (‘86, ‘87, ‘91) and Pedro Martinez (‘99, 2000), but the victory was not without controversy. He became the first AL pitcher (third overall) to win without receiving the most first-place votes; he received eight, while runner-up and former Tigers rotation-mate Justin Verlander received 14. Left off two ballots altogether, Verlander finished with 132 points to Porcello’s 137, the second-closest point differential of any BBWAA election since 1970.
The pendulum swung from great to bad in 2017, when Porcello led the majors with 17 losses, and for the second time in his career, gave up the most hits in the AL.
Porcello rebounded in 2018. He pitched to a 4.28 ERA – nearly 40 points better than the year before – and for the third consecutive year, made exactly 33 starts. That October, he made three starts and two relief appearances. The 16th and ultimately final postseason performance of his career came in what turned out to be the longest game in World Series history; Porcello allowed one earned run over the first 4.2 innings of a Game 3 that went to the bottom of the 18th before the Dodgers won 3-2.
In this era of near-constant pitching injuries, Porcello’s career numbers tell the tale of a pitcher whose best attribute was availability. Over 355 career regular-season games (351 starts) totaling 2,096.1 innings he pitched to a 4.40 ERA (99 ERA+), 4.06 FIP, and 1.316 WHIP. Between his rookie and penultimate seasons, he averaged 31.2 games and 185.2 innings per year.
But there is little to no Hall of Fame precedent for a pitcher with Porcello’s résumé. He retired with exactly 150 career wins. Among Hall of Fame starters with a minimum of 1,000 career innings, only six had 150 wins or fewer on their résumé; the first was Babe Ruth, who retired in 1935 but spent the majority of his prodigious career as a hitter. The most recent was Dizzy Dean, who also won 150, and whose final big-league season was 1947.
Not a single Hall of Fame starter or reliever (min. 1,000 innings) was elected with a career ERA as high as Porcello’s, or even remotely close. The worst mark by any Hall of Fame pitcher with quadruple-digit innings belongs to Jack Morris, who posted a 3.90 over 18 seasons.
Porcello was never an All-Star, either. There are 28 MLB starters in the Hall of Fame with a minimum of 300 career games who can say the same, according to Stathead. None, however, pitched after 1938. (The inaugural All-Star Game was in 1933.)
Every other first-time candidate has a higher career bWAR (Baseball Reference’s Wins Above Replacement) than Porcello’s 18.8. In fact, only one pitcher with at least 100 career MLB games was elected with a lower bWAR, and he only fits the criteria in a skewed, stringent way; Satchel Paige accumulated 10.2 bWAR over parts of six years in the majors between 1948-65 – his age 41-58 seasons – after he racked up 36.7 bWAR during his 16 years in the Negro Leagues from 1927-47.
Porcello joins returning Red Sox candidates Manny Ramirez, in his tenth and final chance, and Dustin Pedroia, who garnered 11.9% as a first-timer last year. Players get up to 10 years on the ballot, but must get at least five percent of the vote each year to remain eligible. None of the 12 newcomers are expected to gain election on their first ballot, which requires 75%.
Fellow first-time candidate Matt Kemp has a lesser-known, indirect tie to the Red Sox. When the Dodgers traded him to the Reds in December 2018, the three-player return included infield prospect Jeter Downs. Barely a year later, Los Angeles flipped Downs to Boston in the infamous Mookie Betts trade.
Hall of Fame voting results will be announced live on MLB Network on Jan. 20, 2026.
Red Sox likely to protect flame-thrower David Sandlin from Rule 5 Draft
The Red Sox have decisions to make with two roster-related deadlines looming on Tuesday and Friday.
They have until 4 p.m. ET Tuesday to add eligible prospects to their 40-man roster to protect them from next month’s Rule 5 Draft, and until 8 p.m. ET Friday to non-tender any of their arbitration-eligible players.
There’s a strong possibility the Red Sox opt to solve two problems at once. They have dozens of Rule 5 eligible players this year but realistically will only clear roster space for a select few, such as hard-throwing righty David Sandlin, who posted a 3.97 ERA over 14 starts between Double-A and Triple-A, with 71 strikeouts over 70.1 innings. He was in consideration for a late-season call-up before he struggled with a move to the bullpen.
The Red Sox could also opt to take toolsy outfielder Miguel Bleis off the table, but he’s tumbled down the prospect rankings since shoulder surgery in June ’23, produced inconsistently, and his highest-level experience is 30 games at Double-A Portland this year. Plate discipline continues to be an issue, too; Bleis walked 41 times in 107 games this season, only two more free passes than he drew in 95 games the year before. MLB.com listed Bleis as Boston’s toughest Rule 5 decision.
Teams will make trades before Tuesday’s deadline, but the easiest way for the Red Sox to create space is to non-tender. Right-handers Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford are likely safe, as are infielders Triston Casas and Romy Gonzalez, lefty Brennan Bernardino, and catcher Connor Wong.
The two most likely non-tender candidates are right-hander Josh Winckowski, who missed most of the season with a right flexor strain and has struggled to find consistency when healthy over the last few seasons, and veteran first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who is projected to earn $13.5 million in arbitration. If the Red Sox wanted to free up more than two spots for Rule 5 protection, lefty Jovani Morán or infielder Vaughn Grissom could be on the proverbial chopping block.
The organization’s newfound success at developing homegrown pitching will likely prove something of a double-edged sword at this year’s draft. Righty Tyler Uberstine excelled in Double- and Triple-A this year and will almost certainly be scooped up. Fellow righty Yordanny Monegro underwent Tommy John surgery this summer, but is still talented enough that teams may be willing to bite.
Left-hander Shane Drohan could find himself Rule 5’ed again this year. The Red Sox did not protect him in ‘23, but the White Sox returned him the following June, after nerve decompression surgery. Drohan has bounced back well since rejoining his original organization and impressed in Triple-A Worcester this year, where he posted a 2.27 ERA over 12 starts, struck out 67 batters in just 47.2 innings, and held opponents to a .185 average.
There’s also the possibility the Red Sox make a selection. Right-handed relievers Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten are two of the biggest Rule 5 success stories in recent history.
Though known as the Rule 5 draft since 1941, the system originated in 1892. Nearly a decade before the founding of the American League in 1901, and the first World Series in 1903 – which the Red Sox won as the Boston Americans, by the way – the “Selection of Players” allowed MLB teams to draft at will between October and February.
Today’s iteration of the Rule 5 takes place in a single day, and comes with more strings attached. The poaching team must pay their pick’s former club $100,000, but the more significant cost is the stipulation that they must keep the player on their 26-man big-league roster for that entire first year. Said player must also be active for a minimum of 90 days; if placement on the injured list prevents them from reaching 90 days, they must fulfill the remainder of the requirement the following season.
A Rule 5 pick can only be removed from the active roster via outright waivers. If the player clears waivers, their team must offer him back to his former team for $50,000. If they decline to reclaim him, his new team can outright him to the minors.
Jose Altuve undergoes procedure on right foot (source)
HOUSTON — Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, who was bothered by a sore right foot in the final two weeks of the regular season, underwent a minor skin aspiration Monday, a source told MLB.com. He will be ready for the start of Spring Training.
Altuve had a procedure to remove fluid from a wound between his fourth and fifth toes on his right foot, the source said. He was pulled from the Astros’ Sept. 13 game against the Braves with right foot discomfort and didn’t play the following day. He played through the foot discomfort the rest of the season before sitting out the final day after the Astros were eliminated.
Altuve hit .265 with 80 runs, 26 homers and 77 RBIs last season, appearing in 155 games (154 starts). He moved to left field to begin the season but wound up making more starts at his natural position of second base following a right hand injury to Yordan Alvarez that kept him out 100 games. Altuve started 61 games at second, 49 at DH and 44 in left field.
Altuve finished his 15th season with the Astros this year and continues to move up the club’s all-time offensive leaderboard. He moved past Jeff Bagwell and into second place all-time in hits with 2,388, trailing only Craig Biggio (3,060). He’s third in franchise history in extra-base hits (742) and in games played (1,976) behind Biggio and Bagwell, both of whom are in the Hall of Fame. He hit his 250th career homer Aug. 10 against the Yankees en route to becoming the fourth primary second baseman to reach 255 homers and 325 steals. The other three are in the Hall of Fame — Biggio (291 homers, 414 steals), Joe Morgan (268 homers, 689 steals) and Ryne Sandberg (282 homers, 344 steals).
Ex-MLB GM wants Red Sox to sign these 2 sluggers this winter
Craig Breslow and the Red Sox have plenty of work to do this offseason.
And while two of the most pressing tasks for Boston’s top brass is to re-sign Alex Bregman and add a No. 2 starter behind Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox need to flex their fiscal muscles a bit this summer when it comes to adding more pop into their lineup.
And even if the Red Sox either balk at Bregman’s asking price or lose out on a bidding war on the veteran third baseman, former MLB GM and The Athletic staff writer Jim Bowden believes Boston should still have the means to add two bats in free agency — headlined by Toronto’s Bo Bichette and the Mets’ Pete Alonso.
While Bichette has primarily played shortstop during his career with the Blue Jays, his lackluster defensive metrics could prompt a shift to either second or third base with his next team, which could make him a viable target for a team that could use a right-handed slugger like Boston.
“If I were them, and this is not coming from them. This is just me. I would want Bo Bichette to play third base,” Bowden said on “Foul Territory” on Monday. “That’s my first goal. I love the bat. I love the hitter. I like the kid. I like him at third base or second base. You can put him at second and Marcelo Meyer at third base with [Trevor] Sory at shortstop.”
Bichette is coming off a strong 2025 season with a Blue Jays team that made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series. The 27-year-old infielder batted .311 with 18 home runs, 44 doubles, and 94 RBI over 139 games.
Beyond the potential domino effect of Bregman’s free-agency decision, the Red Sox also need to address a pressing need at first base.
Given the uncertainty regarding Triston Casas’ health after another lost season due to injury, Bowden believes that the Red Sox should target Alonso — who has averaged 42 home runs and 114 RBI across his seven-year MLB career with the Mets.
“In terms of first base — I think Pete Alonso would be phenomenal there,” Bowden said. “I know he doesn’t fit what they want, because they want to improve defense, run prevention is very important to Craig Breslow. But imagine Alonso — because he plays every day, 162 games each of the last two years … averages 35 home runs a year.
“Great clubhouse guy. Can handle the big market. Can you imagine how many dents he put in the Green Monster? They probably have to replace the Green Monster by the end of the year.”
Beyond the added impact of having two additional power bats in the lineup, Bowden stressed that Breslow and the Red Sox need to find ways to add protection in the batting order for Roman Anthony — who will have plenty of expectations placed on his shoulders after a breakout rookie campaign in 2025.
“And what would he do to Roman Anthony? What would he do for [Wilyer] Abreu? What would he do for the middle of that lineup? Take all the pressure off,” Bowden said of Alonso. “I think it would be a great fit for them. I know they don’t love [Alonso] defensively, but look, even when he ends up being a DH in three or four years, you’re gonna have the DH spot open. So I think that makes a lot of sense.
“And if not, you bring Bregman back. So whether it’s Bichette, Alsonso or Bregman, I love any one of those three choices for them, but they’re gonna get that number two starter. That’s the one thing I’m totally convinced of.”
Now hiring: An MLB manager. No experience required.
When the Washington Nationals introduce Blake Butera as their manager Monday, they will make history: Not since 1972 has an MLB team had someone as young as Butera, 33, in that position. That he has not managed above Class A in the minor leagues and was serving in a player development role when he was hired only differentiate him more from the people who usually get these jobs.
But during an offseason in which nearly a third of MLB teams changed managers, you could make a credible argument that Butera is not the most surprising hire – and maybe not even the second most: The San Francisco Giants chose Tony Vitello, a college baseball standout who has never set foot in a pro dugout as a player or a coach. And the San Diego Padres, uninspired by the candidates they were interviewing for their sixth full-time manager since 2015 (not including interims), asked special assistant Craig Stammen to move from interviewer to interviewee and hired him as the only manager in the majors whose playing career came as a reliever.
Those moves made the Los Angeles Angels’ hiring of Kurt Suzuki and the Baltimore Orioles’ selection of Craig Albernaz look conventional by comparison – though neither of them had big league managerial experience, either.
With so many teams needing new managers, major shifts were inevitable: The most common trait of a new manager is that he is drastically different from the old one – and one way to ensure different is to choose something new.
For example: The Atlanta Braves chose experience for their veteran roster when they promoted longtime bench coach Walt Weiss to replace Brian Snitker, but the move was greeted with skepticism by those who wondered whether Weiss, who was unable to redirect the Braves’ trajectory from their dugout last year, can provide enough change to do so this year.
Similarly, if an inexperienced manager fails, an obvious choice for MLB teams is someone who has been there before.
“I don’t necessarily think this means (lack of experience is a trend),” Padres General Manager A.J. Preller said. “I think the next few years you may look up and there may be three or four openings and they may all go to managers with prior experience.”
This year’s deluge of managerial changes also has meant widespread shuffling of coaching staffs as new managers pull friends and confidants from elsewhere to build their staffs. As a result, many heads of baseball operations spent most of the past few weeks building or rebuilding their coaching staffs. For example: One general manager who did not even have to hire a manager this offseason was asked last week at MLB’s GMs meetings how he was doing. He offered a frazzled smile.
“Well, I just lost two more members of my coaching staff,” he said as he wandered off, staring at his phone, looking for a player agent who suddenly had become an afterthought.
Even the Cleveland Guardians, led by back-to-back American League manager of the year Stephen Vogt, had to rebuild their coaching staff after the Orioles hired his bench coach, Albernaz, as manager and the New York Mets poached trusted field coordinator Kai Correa as part of their coaching staff rebuild. The process can be all-consuming.
“They are very long interviews – a lot of background work you should be doing, then you’re also getting your owners involved and all your senior executives. Scheduling all that and the travel involved, Zoom has helped to a large degree, but it’s very intense,” Orioles team president Mike Elias said. “These are people who have a lot of career options, and they want to go into the right situation, too. So there’s a bonding part of the interview process that is very intensive.”
That bonding process – or lack thereof – means candidates who make sense at one place might make little sense at another: Angels General Manager Perry Minasian, for example, hired former catcher Suzuki to be his team’s fourth manager in the past five seasons despite Suzuki having no professional coaching experience. Minasian’s brother Zack, general manager of the Giants, pushed to hire Vitello, a different kind of rookie manager.
“I think successful people come from all walks of life. I don’t necessarily think there’s one way to do it,” said Perry Minasian, who was coy when asked whether he would consider the route his brother’s team took. “Everybody has personal preferences.”
Elias said experience was crucial to the Orioles’ attempt to rejuvenate a stagnant clubhouse.
“Even somebody who is eminently prepared for it is going to encounter things for the first time that they can’t really imagine,” he said. “It’s just hard.”
The Orioles’ previous manager, Brandon Hyde, had not exactly been a failure. But after several good years helping a young team evolve, the Orioles fired him when the 2025 squad stumbled early. The consensus in the organization was not that Hyde had done something wrong but that he was not the voice that could help make things right.
“We definitely can’t quantify or put a number on a manager’s value. We don’t have any analytics studies about that. But clearly it’s a very important leadership role,” Elias said. “It’s an extremely difficult job – I can’t even describe how hard their job is nowadays. And it’s something where your gut comes into it during the hiring process, at least the way I do it. You try to get a bunch of different opinions … but I definitely try to use my instincts as much as I can.”
Elias echoed many heads of baseball operations in noting that managers today lead larger staffs, with wider varieties of people, than they did in previous eras. And in a 24/7 media environment, the pressure to say the right thing publicly and privately is greater and more complicated than ever.
“You’re kind of the face of the franchise in terms of dealing with media. That’s maybe overlooked sometimes. There’s a lot of time that goes into it in terms of managers getting to the ballpark at 11 o’clock and noon. There’s large staffs that they’re managing now,” Preller said. “… In our organization, we’ve had a ton of stability – except in that job.”
Preller’s hire of Stammen speaks to the challenge of finding someone to bridge the gap between the dugout and the front office while maintaining the respect of both. Since taking over the Padres in 2014, Preller has overseen nine different managers. Some, such as Bob Melvin, simply did not click with Preller enough to last. Others, such as Mike Shildt, reportedly struggled with behind-the-scenes relationships, though burnout was his stated reason for stepping down last month.
Regardless of how they ended up with another opening, the Padres’ process for filling it was fascinating: Preller and his staff, including special assistant Stammen, reportedly interviewed several candidates – including future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, who reportedly spoke with them for nine hours in one session. But ultimately, when nothing was clicking, Preller encouraged Stammen to consider the job himself.
“I thought about (managing) a little bit, but obviously you have the stigma of being a pitcher, then being a relief pitcher,” Stammen said at his introductory news conference. “But you sit on the plane with Manny (Machado) and (Eric Hosmer) and Wil Myers and Ian Kinsler, and we’d talk about those things together. Maybe they mention, ‘Stammen, you’d be all right at that.’ And I thought: ‘Really? You think I could manage you guys?’ Having the support of past teammates has made me think this was possible.”
Stammen has no managerial experience, and as he mentioned, pitchers are not normally considered for managerial positions because of the perception that they can’t relate enough to the experiences of everyday position players. But at 41, he is one of the more universally beloved and respected members of the organization. At this point, perhaps the decision was as simple as that.
“It’s a difficult job. You’re handling a lot of personalities on a daily basis. There’s a lot of moments over the course of a season where you have the ability to gain traction from the team or lose the team,” Perry Minasian said. “… I’ve seen a lot of personalities and a lot of different styles. The one common theme with all those managers is respect. They have the ability to gain respect from the players.”
That ability is a key reason some executives hesitate to hire candidates who have not managed before – or to hire candidates who did not play in the major leagues or even professionally. Would a grizzled veteran listen to a rah-rah college coach such as Vitello? Could a 33-year-old establish a winning culture with more accomplished players around his own age?
“I don’t say this in any sort of crass way, but I don’t really care. I keep saying: I kind of just remove age from the equation. Players – I don’t think folks care about what age (someone) is. They care if they can play, and they care if they can produce,” new Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni said. “That’s how we think about everybody. My guess is that, when we get a year in, whatever it is, it’s going to become less of a topic because folks are going to realize these are just good people in their jobs.”
What is Braxton Berrios’s Net Worth in 2025? All About NFL WR’s Salary, Career Earnings & More
Braxton Berrios is one of the NFL’s more versatile wide receivers and return specialists. He was drafted back in 2018 after spending four years in college football with the Miami Hurricanes. Berrios showed enough potential in his years. Although an injury in 2024 (while playing for the Miami Dolphins) hampered his overall growth, he has returned to the field with the Texans this year.
What is Braxton Berrios’ Net Worth?
As of mid-2025, Braxton Berrios’ net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. The estimate factors in NFL salary earnings, signing bonuses, and reported off-field income (endorsements and investments). He has been actively involved in the NFL since 2018, having played with four different teams: New England Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and, most recently, Houston Texans. Berrios’ signing bonuses and career earnings have helped him shape his net worth into the millions.
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Braxton Berrios’ Contract Breakdown
Berrios signed a 1-year contract with the Houston Texans in 2025. This contract was worth $1,800,000 and included a $300,000 signing bonus and $300,000 guaranteed money. He will earn a base salary of $1,300,000 with a workout bonus of $8,820. His cap hit value is $1,679,408 with a dead cap value of $308,820. The Miami Dolphins valued his previous 2024 contract at $2,150,000 for one year and guaranteed him a total of $1,200,000.
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What is Braxton Berrios’ Salary?
The Texans have signed Berrios for a base salary of $1,300,000, along with a $300,000 prorated bonus.
He has also earned a $200,000 per-game roster bonus. However, this is still not the highest amount he has received in his career since the New England Patriots signed him in 2018. Initially, there was a constant increase in his base salary with every passing season, but the picture has changed quite a bit since 2024. Here is a history of his base salary with different teams.
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Braxton Berrios’ Career Earnings
Berrios’ career since the 2018 NFL season has seen him swap and play with four different teams, with all of them providing him with widely different contract bonuses and salaries. Considering the same, he has earned $17,005,820 overall with different teams. $1,808,820 is the total cash that will be paid to him this year.
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A look at Braxton Berrios’ College and Professional Career
Braxton Berrios kick-started his career with the Miami Hurricanes football team in 2014, representing the University of Miami. He was a regular returner and a situational receiver, with his speed and instincts making him a special-teams weapon. In the four years he played for the team, Berrios played a total of 50 games, where he recorded 1175 receiving yards.
The New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft as their wide receiver. He was the 210th overall pick that season. However, the team placed him on the injured reserve at the beginning of September, and he never played a game during the season. Yet, since he was part of the crew, he got a Super Bowl ring after they won Super Bowl LIII.
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The New York Jets claimed Berrios off waivers in 2019 after the Patriots released him. He was initially a punt returner, averaging 11.4 yards per punt return in his first season. His offensive role substantially increased in the following seasons, and he was eventually released in March 2023.
He then signed a 1-year contract with the Dolphins in 2023, playing 16 games and starting once, catching 27 passes that year for 238 yards and one receiving touchdown. He signed another 1-year contract with the team, but was placed on injured reserve, which ended his 2024 season. In 2025, Braxton Berrios agreed to a 1-year deal with the Houston Texans, where he is playing as a return specialist.
A look at Braxton Berrios’ Brand Endorsements
Braxton Berrios’ brand endorsements throughout the years have helped him create a $7 million net worth.
His popularity with fans and strong performance with different teams, including the Dolphins and the Texans, have helped him earn endorsement from BMW, the luxury and sports car brand. Moreover, he is partnered with Coppertone, a baby care brand, Macy’s, REVOLVE, and more.
A look at Braxton Berrios’ Real Estate
Shortly after signing with the Miami Dolphins, Berrios purchased a $2.7 million property in Brickell, an area in Miami with the most luxurious homes. Living in the heart of the city while he played for the team was a major advantage. However, questions started rising in 2025 after the Texans signed him with a 1-year deal. Most recently, his girlfriend Alix Earle moved into the apartment, as the couple prepared for a long-distance relationship.
While Braxton Berrios certainly proved himself in his initial years with the Jets, his recent injury while playing for the Dolphins has set him back, both financially and form-wise. However, he still has a long career ahead of him, and his deal with the Texans seems to be fitting him in well as a wide receiver.
Referee Alex Kemp defends
With 1:51 to play on Sunday night in Philadelphia, the Lions had a chance to force an Eagles punt and potentially score a late touchdown, in a 16-9 game.
Detroit made the stop. Until the Men in Black (and White) got involved, flagging Detroit cornerback Rock Ya-Sin for interfering with receiver A.J. Brown. NBC’s Cris Collinsworth pulled no punches, calling the penalty “absolutely terrible.”
After the game, referee Alex Kemp was made available to pool reporter Zach Berman.
“Why the pass interference on that play?” Berman asked.
“The official observed the receiver’s arm getting grabbed and restricting him from going up to make the catch,” Kemp said. “So, the ball was in the air, there was a grab at the arm, restricted him and he called defensive pass interference.”
It’s just the latest example of the pointlessness of pool reports. Rarely, if ever, does the referee say, “We made a mistake.” Instead, they routinely restate the erroneous factual basis for the bad decision made in real time.
While the league may think this counts as transparency, it smacks of propaganda. When a clear error has been made, the only acceptable alternative to admitting the blunder should be to say nothing.
As the Commissioner said in 2012, in the halcyon days of the NFL’s hatred of sports betting, “If gambling is permitted freely on sporting events, normal incidents of the game such as bad snaps, dropped passes, turnovers, penalties, and play calling inevitably will fuel speculation, distrust, and accusations of point-shaving or game-fixing.”
The potential motivation for normal incidents of the game becomes no less abnormal when the official explanation from the referee responsible for the crew that made a mistake says anything other than, “We made a mistake.”
The better approach would be for the league to have a skilled and polished officiating spokesperson who talks to reporters after each weekend of games, who takes any and all questions about officiating decisions from the weekend that was, and who gives candid, accurate, and truthful responses — without regard to whether the officials who made mistakes will be upset that their mistakes were publicly acknowledged.
That’s the only way to counter the knee-jerk reaction that a mistake was something more than a mistake. And it’s a continuing mistake for the NFL to not acknowledge this basic truth and act accordingly.
Eagles praise ‘outstanding’ defense that made fourth downs a nightmare for Lions
The Detroit Lions regularly achieve feats in the NFL that haven’t been seen for quite some time. The latest was one that the Lions won’t want to be remembered for.
After an explosive showing on offense last week, the Lions put on a poor showing on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring just nine points in a rough loss.
And while the Lions stuck to coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive play style, their bold decisions didn’t pay off as the team went 0-for-5 on fourth-down tries. That tied for the most failed fourth-down conversions in a single game over the previous 25 years, a mark held by the Lions in their 2022 shutout loss to the New England Patriots.
The performance drew disappointment from the Lions, but elated the Eagles and coach Nick Sirianni as they benefitted from stronger field position and keeping the Lions’ offense off the field.
“Awesome,” Sirianni said of his defense’s performance. “Those are turnovers in our mind. Really, really good coverage and rush together, aggressive play by the front, good matching in the secondary. It’s a good football team. And to be able to go five-for-five, the way we look at it, outstanding.”
The Lions still managed 317 yards of offense against the Eagles, but they made most of that yardage irrelevant by making timely plays.
Detroit was a combined 3-of-18 on third and fourth downs. They entered the game converting over 72% of fourth-down tries for the season.
The Philadelphia defense’s performance even allowed the Eagles to be more aggressive in some of their offensive play calling.
Late in the game, the Eagles were trying to clinch the win going for a fourth-down tush push on their own 29-yard line and were halted. Despite the excellent field positioning, the Eagles’ defense kept the Lions from reaching the end zone and even knocked them back with a sack to force Detroit into a long field goal.
“I got a ton of confidence in my guys, in our guys to go out and execute,” Sirianni said. “Obviously, you know I’m gonna be second-guessing myself about the fourth-and-one in our own territory, but awesome job by the defense holding them to three there.”
Philadelphia got major contributions from all over the defense with Jordan Davis leading a D-line that had five batted passes, Nakobe Dean leading a talented linebacker group and Cooper DeJean getting a pick for the secondary.
The Lions have proven to be a very tough offense when running at their highest level, but the Eagles felt if they could keep them inefficient on the ground they could focus on Jared Goff and the air attack.
“They’re dynamic in both,” Dean said. “I’ve got a saying that I always say that I kind of get the front guys to try to live by…’You stop the run, then you have fun.’ We gotta stop the run first, I think we had them under 100 yards, then we was able to get after them in the pass game.”
While running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a standout performance, he did most of his damage on screen passes. The Lions were held to 74 yards on the ground, averaging 3.5 yards per carry.
With Goff completing just 37.8% of his passes Sunday night, it wasn’t a shock that the Eagles were able to make life so difficult for the Lions, particularly on those late downs.
NBA roundup: Jazz’s Keyonte George makes last-second 3 to top Bulls in 2OT
Lauri Markkanen scored 47 points and Keyonte George added 33 — including a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left — to help the Utah Jazz rally for a 150-147 double-overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night in Salt Lake City.
Markkanen had his second consecutive 40-point game for the Jazz, Isaiah Collier added 16 points and nine assists off the bench and Jusuf Nurkic collected a game-high 14 rebounds.
Josh Giddey powered the Bulls with 26 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds. Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 13 rebounds. Matas Buzelis and Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 18 points apiece.
Coby White made his season debut for Chicago and provided a spark off the bench. White, who missed 11 games while rehabbing a calf strain, tallied a team-high 27 points with eight assists and went 14-for-14 from the free-throw line.
Spurs 123, Kings 110
De’Aaron Fox poured in 28 points and dished out 11 assists against his former team to help host San Antonio beat struggling Sacramento despite star center Victor Wembanyama missing a game for the first time this season.
Wembanyama sat out with left calf tightness after starting the first 12 games for the Spurs. He missed 36 games last season when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. San Antonio did not miss a beat without its top player, leading by eight points at halftime before stoking the margin to 19 points late in the third quarter.
Harrison Barnes added 20 points for the Spurs, while Devin Vassell finished with 16. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the floor. Sacramento has dropped six straight outings.
Mavericks 138, Trail Blazers 133 (OT)
Daniel Gafford’s contributions on both ends of the floor proved critical down the stretch, as Dallas snapped a three-game skid and avoided a winless homestand with its overtime defeat of Portland.
Gafford, limited thus far in 2025-26 by an ankle injury, delivered a season-high 20 points, including four in the final seconds of the extra period. Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington led the Mavericks with 21 points apiece. Brandon Williams and Max Christie added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Shaedon Sharpe’s inability to score in the final minute and a half came at an inopportune time on an otherwise outstanding night for the Blazers guard. He scored a season-high 36 points, just one shy of matching his career best, and dished six assists. Sharpe was left shouldering the load after Deni Avdija, Portland’s season-long leading scorer, fouled out. Avdija finished with 29 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
Rockets 117, Magic 113 (OT)
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 35 points, Alperen Sengun added a 30-point double-double, and host Houston claimed an overtime victory over Orlando.
Reed Sheppard (16 points off the bench) and Amen Thompson (12 points, 10 rebounds) converted four free throws to seal the victory. Sengun posted 30 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Sengun, Thompson, Steven Adams (13 rebounds), and Jabari Smith Jr. (10 points, 10 rebounds) all recorded double-digit rebounds for the Rockets, who produced a 60-38 advantage on the glass.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 29 points while Desmond Bane added 26. Orlando played without starters Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, both of whom were out with groin injuries.
Celtics 121, Clippers 118
Jaylen Brown scored 33 points and Payton Pritchard finished with 30 as Boston led by as many as 24 points before hanging on to hand visiting Los Angeles its seventh loss in eight games.
Pritchard made 8 of 13 shots from 3-point territory. Derrick White added 22 points, seven rebounds and nine assists for the Celtics, who have won three of their last four.
After trailing all game, the Clippers cut their deficit to 119-118 after James Harden made a 3-pointer with 2.6 seconds to play. After two Pritchard free throws pushed the lead to three, Harden missed a game-tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer.
Nets 129, Wizards 106
Michael Porter Jr. scored a season-high 34 points and Tyrese Martin added a campaign-best 20 off the bench, lifting visiting Brooklyn to victory over reeling Washington.
Porter’s scoring outburst was backed up by a strong shooting night, as he canned 11 of 18 jumpers and 9 of 10 on free throws. He also chipped in nine rebounds and seven assists, while Nic Claxton joined in with 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four blocks to help the Nets snap a four-game skid.
Kyshawn George led the way for the Wizards with 29 points and five 3-pointers. CJ McCollum also had 17 points, but Washington couldn’t avoid its 11th straight loss.
Warriors 124, Pelicans 106
Moses Moody buried a franchise record-tying seven 3-pointers in the first quarter en route to a career-high 32 points, and Golden State thumped host New Orleans in James Borrego’s debut as interim coach.
Moody shot 7-for-8 from deep in the opening period and finished 8-for-12 on threes and 10-for-16 overall. Teammate Stephen Curry, who did not record a basket until the third quarter, was harassed into just nine points on 2-of-11 shooting. Yet the Warriors still won their third straight as they continue a six-game trip.
Playing for the first time since Willie Green was fired as coach Saturday, the Pelicans were paced by Trey Murphy III’s 20 points and Jose Alvarado’s 18.
Hawks 124, Suns 122
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, Jalen Johnson had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Atlanta overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to win in Phoenix.
Onyeka Okongwu had 27 points and Dyson Daniels added 11 points and 12 assists for the Hawks, who ran their winning streak to five and completed a sweep of a four-game western road trip. Dillon Brooks had 34 points and Devin Booker added 27 for the Suns, who had a five-game winning streak broken.
Down 21 with 8:33 to play, the Hawks went on a 20-0 run to close within 107-106 with 4:34 left. The Suns went back ahead by six but again could not hold on as Alexander-Walker’s layup gave Atlanta the lead with 54 seconds left and the Hawks made free throws down the stretch to hold on.
NBA Analyst Warns Lakers Not To Make This Trade Move
The Los Angeles Lakers are 10–4 and navigating this stretch without LeBron James, who has been ramping up activity with the South Bay Lakers as he rehabs a sciatica issue. The strong start has eased early-season tension, but the roster still shows clear areas where help might be needed. Athletic teams give them trouble. Half-court creation dries up when the offense bogs down. And the group could use one more steady scorer as the schedule intensifies.
This leads to Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints recently floating the idea, suggesting in his latest trade-destinations piece that the Lakers should finally explore a move for DeMar DeRozan — a longtime target who may soon be among the more attainable veterans on the market.
By contrast, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has pushed back on that type of move, arguing that Los Angeles should prioritize players who fit the timeline of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves rather than short-term veteran scorers.
Lakers Named Logical Destination for DeRozan
The Sacramento Kings look like a team drifting toward a reset. Their 3–11 record reflects a roster that doesn’t fit, doesn’t defend and doesn’t have the athleticism required in today’s game. The mix of DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook has created a clunky offensive hierarchy and major defensive limitations, and the results so far have been discouraging.
In that context, DeRozan stands out as the most logical player to move first. With an expiring deal, steady production in his mid-30s, and a scoring profile contenders trust, DeRozan remains one of the more movable veterans on the market. Through 13 games, he is averaging 18.2 points, 3.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds, while shooting efficiently from the field and showing newfound confidence from deep.
If Sacramento embraces a rebuild, he is the easiest veteran to flip for draft capital or flexible contracts.
Brian Windhorst Offers a Different View
While Brahmbhatt makes a strong case for why DeRozan could help Los Angeles, Brian Windhorst believes the franchise should approach the trade deadline with a different mindset.
In a recent segment, Windhorst argued that the Lakers should be targeting players who align with Doncic and Reaves’ timeline — not LeBron’s. He used Herb Jones as a model for the type of player they should pursue: a mid-20s perimeter defender who can shoot, switch and grow with their future core.
Windhorst clarified that DeRozan would absolutely help the Lakers this season. But he questioned whether adding an older, ball-dominant scorer fits where Los Angeles is headed long term. If the Lakers traded for DeRozan “this afternoon,” Windhorst said it would generate massive headlines, yet might not be the type of move the front office should prioritize as they look beyond LeBron’s window.
His point was simple: Los Angeles needs to think several years ahead, not several months.
Why DeRozan Could Help the Lakers Immediately
From the Lakers’ perspective, DeRozan’s value lies in his ability to steady an offense. He controls tempo, creates shots from the mid-range with ease and thrives in late-clock moments where structure breaks down. Those skills matter for a team that sometimes leans too heavily on Doncic and Reaves to orchestrate every possession.
DeRozan can guide second units, absorb scoring responsibilities when lineups get thin and give Los Angeles another dependable option in the half court. Brahmbhatt even argues that he would immediately become the Lakers’ “second-most reliable perimeter scorer,” filling a gap that has lingered for several seasons.
The upside is clear: adding a player who can generate 15–20 points without compromising the flow would take considerable pressure off the stars and help stabilize the offense during playoff-style stretches.
Why the Fit Is Not Perfect for Los Angeles
There are real questions to consider. The Lakers need more perimeter defense before anything else, and DeRozan does not solve that concern. They also already have several high-usage creators, and introducing another ball-dominant piece could complicate spacing and decision-making.
Past evidence matters as well. His partnership with LaVine in Chicago had a defined ceiling, and the Sabonis pairing in Sacramento has highlighted similar issues. Doncic’s on-ball style demands a certain ecosystem around him, and the Lakers will need to evaluate how DeRozan fits next to a superstar who dictates possessions at such a high rate.
Any deal would also come with a cost. Salary matching could start with Jarred Vanderbilt, or be built from smaller pieces if Sacramento prefers flexibility. The price is reasonable, but still significant for an expiring contract.
Why the Storyline Still Makes Sense
Even with the concerns, the narrative linking DeRozan to the Lakers is impossible to ignore. He’s an L.A. native who starred at USC, and he has spoken openly about wanting to play for the franchise in the past. With LeBron nearing 41 and still performing at an elite level, this may be one of DeRozan’s final real windows to join a contender in a meaningful role.
A closing lineup featuring LeBron, Doncic, Reaves and DeRozan would be loaded with experience and half-court creation. The idea of adding another reliable scorer alongside two stars who draw so much defensive attention is hard to dismiss, especially for a team that wants to be more matchup-proof in the playoffs.
This connection has hovered around the Lakers for years, and in a season where the timing finally aligns, it is resurfacing again with understandable momentum.
What Comes Next for the Lakers
Nothing is imminent. The Lakers are winning, getting healthier and still learning their identity under JJ Redick. But they also understand the importance of maximizing LeBron’s late-career window while giving Doncic the type of support that allows him to thrive deep into the calendar.
If the Kings decide to offload veterans, DeRozan becomes one of the most practical names on the market. His production is strong, the cost is reasonable and the fit — while not flawless — offers enough upside to justify internal discussion.
Whether Los Angeles ultimately makes the call is another matter. For now, the idea remains exactly what it has always been: a move that makes enough sense to stay on the radar, especially if Sacramento finally embraces a full teardown.
NASCAR Community Appreciates Austin Cindric’s ‘New’ Braking Technique at V8 Supercars Debut
If you’ve been following Austin Cindric’s career, you might have noticed that he has never been the kind of driver to stay in one lane (literally or figuratively). He cut his teeth first in Legends cars and Bandoleros, moved to Global RallyCross, and then took on the rough-and-ready ARCA Racing Series.
From there, it was a typical steady climb. Trucks, Xfinity, and eventually the NASCAR Cup Series, where he stunned the sport by winning the Daytona 500 as a rookie in 2022. But even for a driver with that kind of résumé, Australia’s V8 Supercars presented an entirely different beast. New car. New style. New expectations. And yet, as Cindric strapped in for his debut, no one expected what came next. His ‘new’ braking technique wowed everyone.
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A new chapter in a new hemisphere for Austin Cindric
Austin Cindric is no stranger to unfamiliar machinery, but this time, he’s taking that adaptability halfway across the world. The NASCAR Cup Series winner has officially unveiled the livery for his wildcard entry in the BP Adelaide Grand Final, marking his long-anticipated Supercars debut.
Wrapped in a striking Repco, Armor All, and Ford-backed scheme, Cindric’s Tickford Racing-prepared Mustang is set to stand out on the Adelaide Parklands Circuit. At 27, the Ohio native is stepping into one of the most respected touring car arenas on the planet, becoming the first American to compete in the Repco Supercars Championship since Alexander Rossi co-drove at Bathurst in 2019.
His Supercars journey begins with a Sandown ride day, followed by testing at The Bend Motorsport Park before officially joining the 25-car grid from November 27–30. The timing couldn’t be better. It’s the same weekend the 2025 Supercars champion will be crowned.
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Cindric himself couldn’t hide his excitement. “I’ve been a fan of the Supercars Championship since I was a kid. I’ve always rated the drivers and teams in the category highly. So, needless to say, my interest has been high for an opportunity to test myself against the best, all while still getting to soak in the atmosphere of what I think should be a great weekend of racing at the Adelaide Grand Final.”
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The world is watching, especially the NASCAR community. And soon enough, fans would get a look at something that made them do a double-take. An onboard video of Cindric’s very first laps in a Supercar made the rounds on social media, and fans couldn’t help but notice a surprising technique that no one saw coming.
Fans lose it over Cindric’s technique
Austin Cindric’s very first laps in a V8 Supercar hit social media, and suddenly everyone had something to say. But instead of skepticism or jokes about “the American trying Aussie racing,” the reaction was almost universal admiration. One fan summed it up perfectly. “I expect a lot from professional race drivers, but that lap is still pretty impressive. About a 1:12 lap for his first ever laps, and it looks like a bit of a greasy track too.”
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What really stole the spotlight, though, was something even seasoned NASCAR viewers don’t often see: a unique downshifting technique. As another fan pointed out: “Someone has taught him to heel and toe.” For the uninitiated, heel-and-toe is an advanced braking technique that allows drivers to brake while blipping the throttle. This helps keep the engine and gearbox in harmony while downshifting at high speed. It’s common in road racing. Rare in NASCAR.
Which is why the next comment raised eyebrows. “Woahhhhhh, looks like Austin is going to beat SVG on road courses next year, heel and toe.” And that comparison wasn’t random. Shane van Gisbergen, the Kiwi Supercars legend turned NASCAR rookie, relied on the same technique to win in his debut at Chicago back in 2023 and now has five road course races in his first full-time Cup season in 2025. It’s part of what made him so lethal outside ovals. Now, with NASCAR looking to add more road courses in the future, the technique might get a win or two for even Cindric.
Others simply couldn’t look away. “Could watch that all day long 👌” Meanwhile, one fan joked, “Good job mate, might drive his NASCAR like this from now on haha🤌” But there’s truth buried in the humor. Cup cars don’t require heel-and-toe. Most drivers use their left foot to brake because of sequential gearboxes and braking zones that differ from traditional touring cars.
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Still, one fan nailed the moment. “Good lad, some nice heel & toe action and a good lap. Not bad for jumping from iRacing SIM into the real deal. Hope he enjoys The Bend on Wednesday.” Austin Cindric hasn’t even raced yet. And he’s already earning respect. Now, all eyes shift to Adelaide. If this is what he looks like on Day 1, the main event could be something special.
Islam Makhachev teammate ‘John Pork’ explains why he attacked Dillon Danis in UFC 322 brawl
Islam Makhachev’s close friend Magomed Zaynukov has gone into detail about why he went after Dillon Danis in a brawl at cageside last night.
The undefeated contender is known affectionately by fans as ‘John Pork’ after a mishearing of his nickname ‘Chanco’ during a video Makhachev did with Demetrious Johnson. He enjoyed a star-making week in New York for UFC 322, despite not being on the card.
Fans chanted his name at the pre-fight press conference, and he was featured in a lot of promotional footage for the event. And he went viral on the night as he threw punches at divisive Danis in a brawl that saw the BJJ black belt banned for life from the UFC.
Islam Makhachev’s teammate gives his side of Dillon Danis brawl
During the start of the broadcast last night, Dillon Danis found himself taking on a number of Islam Makhachev’s teammates in a bizarre cageside brawl at Madison Square Garden. The Misfits MMA champion showed with minimal fanfare to the event, but was attacked and outnumbered by Russians.
One man caught in the middle of proceedings was Magomed Zaynukov, who is known to fans as ‘John Pork’. He could be seen throwing punches in the brawl, and speaking with Ushatayka after the incident, Zaynukov explained exactly what happened.
“There’s a scratch there,” he said of his injured knuckles. “Must be his tooth… I hit him and here’s the bump.” When asked if he had hit anybody else in the fracas, he laughed and replied: “No, no, no, only him.
“I think it was not enough, he should have gotten more. In terms of what he has said, these types of things can’t be forgiven. You have to be responsible for that, it’s our way of life if you said something you’ve got to be responsible for your words.
“But as for him, I have no clue what their way of life is there. They say anything they want, you can insult someone’s family, and it means nothing for them. But for us any single word has its meaning and you have to be accountable for it.”
Dillon Danis banned for life from UFC after UFC 322 brawl
Despite the fact that he seems to have been attacked by multiple men at once, it was Dillon Danis who suffered the most severe punishment for his role in the incident. Dana White has confirmed that he will no longer be welcome at any more UFC shows.
After claiming he could have stopped the altercation had he shown more foresight, White told the media last night: “You will never see Dillon Danis at a UFC fight ever again. Yeah, you’ll never see him at another fight.
“They called me from downstairs and said, ‘We’ve got him down here, do you wanna press charges and have him arrested?’ And I said, ‘No, I don’t wanna press charges’. This is the fight business, man. I could’ve prevented this tonight, and I messed up.”
Tom Aspinall promises update on eye injury after gruesome UFC 321 incident
Tom Aspinall has promised fans that he will be letting them know the latest on his eye injury after his last fight had to be stopped due to an eye poke.
The heavyweight champion looked to be on his way to the toughest fight of his career against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last month in Abu Dhabi. But when the French contender poked him in both eyes towards the end of the first round, the fight ended in a No Contest.
Aspinall headed straight to hospital, where he continued to suffer issues with his sight. And after an update from his father Andy Aspinall that concerned fans, he has been relatively quiet across social media.
Tom Aspinall promises update on eye injury in new social media post
After a period of radio silence, Tom Aspinall has taken to social media to let fans know the latest on his injury. He hasn’t commented since a video just after fight night, although a recent Dana White interview indicated that he might be okay after all.
Now, he has told fans that he will be releasing a new video soon with further details on the severity of his injury. Writing on YouTube, he said: “Hello everyone! Your support hasn’t gone unnoticed on this channel and wanted to thank you first of all.
“I’ll be updating everyone soon on where I’m at only on here and with that I want to give back and answer some of your questions. The top 10 comments below will get asked to me on my next video. Again thank you for the love and support in this tough time and hope you all have a great week.”
Dana White is keen to book an immediate rematch
After the disaster of Abu Dhabi, Dana White has on multiple occasions stated his keen interest in putting on a rematch between the two heavyweights. And speaking with Jim Rome last week, he noted that as soon as Aspinall is healthy a second fight will be booked.
“He’s at home. He’s recovering,” White said of Aspinall. “And as soon as he’s able to fight again, we’ll book the rematch. I mean, as far as I know, we haven’t heard that there’s anything, he doesn’t have detached retina.
“There’s no damage to the eye. So, he should heal up soon, and we’ll figure out when we can make the fight again.”
Amanda Nunes calls out Valentina Shevchenko for trilogy fight in reaction to rival’s UFC 322 win
Valentina Shevchenko could face a surprising contender after continuing her dominant streak.
In the co-main event of UFC 322, Shevchenko dominated Zhang Weili to defend her flyweight title at Madison Square Garden.
Many believed that the former strawweight champion would prove to be an interesting challenge for ‘Bullet’ but this wasn’t the case.
While it will be interesting to see where Zhang goes from here, the result once again opens up the question of what new tests are out there for one of the sport’s most impressive champions.
A former opponent of hers who is currently preparing for a return to the Octagon seemingly wants to add one more chapter to their previous rivalry.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?
Amanda Nunes reveals plans to drop down to flyweight and challenge Valentina Shevchenko
With her win at UFC 322, Valentina Shevchenko matched Amanda Nunes’ record of the most title fight wins of any female fighter at 11.
Some argued ahead of November 15 that another win for Shevchenko could also see her dethrone Nunes as the greatest female fighter that we’ve ever seen inside the Octagon.
In their two previous meetings, the Brazilian came out on top on both occasions, beating ‘Bullet’ via unanimous decision in 2016 and split decision in 2017.
At the time, Shevchenko was competing at bantamweight before the flyweight division was added to the UFC which she has comfortably made her home.
It isn’t currently known when Nunes will be returning to the UFC to face Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title following their face off at UFC 316.
In a reply to MMA Fighting’s post about Dana White’s thoughts on Shevchenko’s performance, Nunes stated that competing for the flyweight gold in what would be a trilogy fight with the current champion is one of the goals in her sights.
“After I beat KH [Kayla Harrison] I’m going to go down to 125 and take this belt for [the] collection too.”
Valentina Shevchenko spoke about Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison after UFC 322
In her post-fight press conference at UFC 322, Valentina Shevchenko was asked about whether she could face Kayla Harrison in the near future.
Harrison claimed that the flyweight title fight could determine her opponent at the White House, but the matchup with Amanda Nunes could change that.
Shevchenko told the media that both Harrison and Nunes are options for her along with the current contenders at flyweight.
“I think it’s one of the possibilities, yes,” Shevchenko stated. “I’m considering that… Bantamweight, now we have Amanda or Kayla and I would say probably fans would love to see Amanda trilogy because it was unfinished business but at the same time, it’s unclear yet is she’s returning or not returning? Is she fighting or not fighting?
Beneil Dariush speaks out after shock 16-second KO loss to Benoit-Saint Denis at UFC 322
Beneil Dariush suffered the fastest loss of his career at UFC 322.
Once a top-3 lightweight in the UFC, Beneil Dariush has now lost three out of his last four fights.
Despite an eight-fight win streak, Dariush never made it to a title fight. In 2023, he lost back-to-back fights to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.
Dariush rebounded with a win over Renato Moicano at UFC 317 in June and returned against Benoit Saint-Denis on the UFC 322 main card.
Dariush landed two solid leg kicks on Saint-Denis before he was knocked out 16 seconds into the opening round.
The 36-year-old responded to the loss later that night.
Beneil Dariush says he’s not injured following KO loss at UFC 322
Dariush had planned to make a run at the lightweight title after he defeated Moicano over the summer.
On Saturday, Dariush was knocked out for the sixth time in his UFC career at UFC 322.
Saint-Denis appeared to have been hurt by Dariush’s two leg kicks, but the Frenchman quickly turned things around with massive blows to the head to put Dariush down.
Georges St-Pierre refused rematch with UFC star he was ‘obsessed’ with after big career scare
After reclaiming the welterweight crown in 2008, Georges St-Pierre would not lose his status as champion in the Octagon ever again.
Enjoying one of the most illustrious careers in mixed martial arts history, Georges St-Pierre is one of just 13 two-division titleholders in the promotion’s vast history.
Returning to stop Michael Bisping in a four-year hiatus-snapping comeback, St-Pierre made good on a middleweight move with a rematch lurking, however.
But refusing to share the Octagon again with a star who pushed him to his absolute limit, St-Pierre somehow emerged with one of his most contentious victories.
Georges St-Pierre’s narrow win over Johny Hendricks
Defending his welterweight crown a total of nine times in his second reign as gold holder, St-Pierre can count himself more than lucky to emerge with a win in his final divisional walk.
Pitted against the powerhouse wrestler Johny Hendricks on this day in 2013, Canadian star St-Pierre was bruised and bloodied over the course of five rounds — and even beaten in many fans and pundits’ estimations in their UFC 167 clash.
Emerging with the narrowest of split decision wins over the knockout ace, St-Pierre would infamously call time on his career immediately post-fight, giving up his belt with Hendricks eventually breaking through as champion.
Describing himself as “obsessed” with Hendricks and having gone “crazy” thinking about the matchup, St-Pierre was rocked and almost stopped on the feet by the challenger, before launching an expletive after a failed last-ditch kimura attempt en route to a controversial win.
Georges St-Pierre refused Johny Hendricks rematch
Upon his stunning return to the UFC back in 2017, the Canadian hero was linked to a potential re-run with Hendricks, who had made the move to middleweight following weight issues at 170lbs.
And getting off to a good start in the division with a hard-fought win over Hector Lombard, Hendricks would suffer stoppage losses to Tom Boetsch and then Paulo Costa before his Octagon exit.
Addressing a rematch with Hendricks, who had gone 3-6 in his nine fights post-St-Pierre, the former pound-for-pound kingpin claimed the challenger of his era was “gone” at the highest level.
“I believe the best Johny Hendricks I’ve seen is gone,” St-Pierre said in 2017. “When he fought Jon Fitch, Martin Kampmann, Carlos Condit – when he fought me – I think this Johny Hendricks is gone.
“I didn’t feel the same pop, the same explosiveness. Maybe he’s going to prove [me] wrong at 185 [pounds], but I feel he’s not the same anymore,” St-Pierre continued.
Islam Makhachev’s Teammate ‘Chanco’ Explains Why Hitting Dillon Danis “Wasn’t Enough” in UFC 322 Brawl
Dillon Danis has long wanted to fight for UFC. Well, congratulations to him, because he finally got one at UFC 322 last Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the way he ever imagined. Instead of stepping into the Octagon, the mixed martial artist ended up in a heated brawl with members of two-division champion Islam Makhachev’s team, forcing security to eject him from the arena.
During the post-fight presser, UFC CEO Dana White explained that he had been told Danis was sitting in someone else’s seat, but he chose not to remove him. “It never even crossed my mind… that the entire Muslim Brotherhood was here,” White said. “And as soon as it broke out, I go ‘f—, I know exactly what that is.’” White banned Danis from attending future UFC events. Meanwhile, Magomed Zaynukov—Makhachev’s teammate, who was involved in the brawl, has explained why he hit Danis, and why he feels it still wasn’t enough.
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Words have consequences, says Magomed Zaynukov
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, ‘Chanco’ addressed the blood on his knuckles following the chaotic brawl. “There is a scratch here. Must be his tooth… I hit it with this too, and it got a bump,” he said. Asked whether he struck anyone other than Dillon Danis, Makhachev’s teammate made it clear that Danis was the sole target for him and the rest of the team. He also insisted that the beating wasn’t enough considering the things Danis has said.
“I’m sorry for interrupting, but it’s not enough for him. For his actions, it’s not enough,” Zaynukov continued. “Such things are not forgiven, you have to answer for every word. We have such stereotypes that you said, you have to answer for your words. But it’s for them, you see. I don’t know how they live here. What they want to say can hurt the family, and for them, it’s nothing. But for us, every word is sacred, and you have to answer for it.”
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The incident immediately brought back memories of the infamous 2018 post-fight melee involving Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team. With that history in mind, it’s no surprise that tensions between both camps still run deep. Nurmagomedov himself leaped out of the cage to confront Danis, McGregor’s teammate at the time.
Despite the disruption caused on Saturday, the UFC has not pressed charges against Danis. However, any slim chance he once had of joining the UFC roster has since evaporated after this latest outburst. While the UFC has just decided to ban Danis from their events, Islam Makhachev wants far more serious punishment for Danis.
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Islam Makhachev wants Dillon Danis to be banned from the country
Despite what happened cage-side on Saturday night, it didn’t affect Makhachev’s game. He stepped into the Octagon and dominated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight strap on Saturday night. The two-division champion later addressed the melee that took place at Madison Square Garden involving his team and Danis, asking Danis to be banned from the country altogether.
“When you talk about someone like [the] last five years…when you meet them, you have to answer [for] what you said, you know? Today, I don’t think he answered,” Makhachev told the media during the post-fight press conference. “He’s still saying a lot of bad things about our team. Today, he was coming and somebody just met him. He talked about these guys bad, and today they meet him.”
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“He has to [be] banned from this country also,” Makhachev said when asked about Dana White’s move to ban Danis.
It appears Islam Makhachev and his team aren’t regretting the incident with Dillon Danis. Unfortunately for Danis, this will be the last scene he causes at a UFC event. Do you think the actions of Makhachev’s team were justified?
Why Islam Makhachev being labeled a ‘boring’ fighter after UFC 322 is a laughably narrow-minded view
Despite recording a career-defining win, Islam Makhachev received some criticism after UFC 322.
Makhachev beat Jack Della Maddalena in one-sided fashion to win the welterweight title in one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the year.
With a 100% takedown success rate and over 19 minutes of control time, the stats on this occasion tell the story of the fight effectively.
However, after getting his hand raised, Makhachev was labeled as “boring” by Ilia Topuria in his critical assessment of the main event on November 15.
Some fans have now run with a similar narrative which seemingly disregards several key aspects of the Russian’s career, the fight, and the sport overall.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next?
Islam Makhachev’s track record speaks for itself
I am certainly not going to argue that the main event of UFC 322 was an entertaining watch that I’ll revisit out of pleasure because it wasn’t.
That being said, Islam Makhachev being branded a boring fighter is recency bias to the highest degree.
One fairly dull unanimous decision doesn’t erase the fact that he’s been involved in some incredible title fights when he hasn’t finished his opponents with relative ease.
This feels more like parts of the fan base waiting for any opportunity to hit Makhachev with the “boring” stamp rather than a fair reflection of how entertaining he has been.
Sure, this was his least entertaining bout for quite some time, but moving up a weight class hasn’t erased what he did as lightweight champion.
Makhachev did look for several submissions in the fight and while he didn’t get particularly close to them, Jack Della Maddalena deserves credit for this.
That being said, Makhachev himself said in his post-fight press conference that he believes the defending champion became too focused on not being submitted rather than getting back up during the fight.
Della Maddalena’s team were clearly aware of this as they called for him to take more risks and even referenced not being afraid of the challenger’s D’Arce choke after he spent a lot of time in a relatively safe position.
That’s not putting all of the responsibility on ‘JDM’ because Makhachev could have done more and he admitted that it was his corner’s decision to control the fight on the ground rather than engaging in more striking.
It’s still an important factor regardless.
Again, neither champion should receive the title of being a boring fighter for one dominant performance where their opponent offered very little in response.
In Makhachev’s case, there were even some attempts to produce a submission and some significant damage done with his striking.
The main event of UFC 322 ended up being a fight that very few are going to watch back but to call Makhachev boring as a result is simply not a fair reflection as he’s proven to be the exact opposite of this in high-stakes fights against top opposition on several occasions.
This was an example of a boring fight and a matchup that didn’t live up to expectations because it wasn’t competitive in any sense of the word.
Islam Makhachev’s Teammate ‘Chanco’ Explains Why Hitting Dillon Danis ‘Wasn’t Enough’ in UFC 322 Brawl
Dillon Danis has long wanted to fight for UFC. Well, congratulations to him, because he finally got one at UFC 322 last Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the way he ever imagined. Instead of stepping into the Octagon, the mixed martial artist ended up in a heated brawl with members of two-division champion Islam Makhachev’s team, forcing security to eject him from the arena.
During the post-fight presser, UFC CEO Dana White explained that he had been told Danis was sitting in someone else’s seat, but he chose not to remove him. “It never even crossed my mind… that the entire Muslim Brotherhood was here,” White said. “And as soon as it broke out, I go ‘f—, I know exactly what that is.’” White banned Danis from attending future UFC events. Meanwhile, Magomed Zaynukov—Makhachev’s teammate, who was involved in the brawl, has explained why he hit Danis, and why he feels it still wasn’t enough.
Words have consequences, says Magomed Zaynukov
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, ‘Chanco’ addressed the blood on his knuckles following the chaotic brawl. “There is a scratch here. Must be his tooth… I hit it with this too, and it got a bump,” he said. Asked whether he struck anyone other than Dillon Danis, Makhachev’s teammate made it clear that Danis was the sole target for him and the rest of the team. He also insisted that the beating wasn’t enough considering the things Danis has said.
“I’m sorry for interrupting, but it’s not enough for him. For his actions, it’s not enough,” Zaynukov continued. “Such things are not forgiven, you have to answer for every word. We have such stereotypes that you said, you have to answer for your words. But it’s for them, you see. I don’t know how they live here. What they want to say can hurt the family, and for them, it’s nothing. But for us, every word is sacred, and you have to answer for it.”
The incident immediately brought back memories of the infamous 2018 post-fight melee involving Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s team. With that history in mind, it’s no surprise that tensions between both camps still run deep. Nurmagomedov himself leaped out of the cage to confront Danis, McGregor’s teammate at the time.
Despite the disruption caused on Saturday, the UFC has not pressed charges against Danis. However, any slim chance he once had of joining the UFC roster has since evaporated after this latest outburst. While the UFC has just decided to ban Danis from their events, Islam Makhachev wants far more serious punishment for Danis.
Islam Makhachev wants Dillon Danis to be banned from the country
Despite what happened cage-side on Saturday night, it didn’t affect Makhachev’s game. He stepped into the Octagon and dominated Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight strap on Saturday night. The two-division champion later addressed the melee that took place at Madison Square Garden involving his team and Danis, asking Danis to be banned from the country altogether.
“When you talk about someone like [the] last five years…when you meet them, you have to answer [for] what you said, you know? Today, I don’t think he answered,” Makhachev told the media during the post-fight press conference. “He’s still saying a lot of bad things about our team. Today, he was coming and somebody just met him. He talked about these guys bad, and today they meet him.”
“He has to [be] banned from this country also,” Makhachev said when asked about Dana White’s move to ban Danis.
It appears Islam Makhachev and his team aren’t regretting the incident with Dillon Danis. Unfortunately for Danis, this will be the last scene he causes at a UFC event. Do you think the actions of Makhachev’s team were justified?
Islam Makhachev and Co. Taunt Ilia Topuria’s Iconic Post-Fight Gesture After UFC 322 Criticism
Islam Makhachev proved last Saturday night that his dominance at lightweight can seamlessly translate to the welterweight division. The Dagestani star steamrolled Jack Della Maddalena to join the exclusive club of UFC two-division champions. And speaking of dual champs, Ilia Topuria was watching the UFC 322 main event closely. ‘El Matador’ wasted no time firing shots at both fighters afterward.
He mocked Maddalena, writing, “Jack needs an entire camp dedicated just to wrestling. What a disappointment of a champion. You should go to Georgia to learn something.” He then shifted his aim toward Makhachev, who vacated the lightweight belt earlier this year—the same belt Topuria now holds. “Islam, you need something you can’t train: emotion. You’re the most boring thing in this game. Every day, I’m more certain I put you to sleep.” Now, it’s Islam’s turn.
Islam Makhachev destroys a rose to prove a point
Celebrating his win, Islam Makhachev and his team headed to a restaurant, where one of his teammates decided to film a special message for Ilia Topuria. The clip begins with the teammate holding up a red rose to the camera, saying, “[Ilia] Topuria here is your rose.” Why a rose? Topuria often uses the flower as a symbol of respect—a ritual inspired by bullfighting, where a matador presents a rose to honor the bull after a fight.
After a dominant performance, Topuria leaves a rose at the center of the octagon to pay respect to his opponent and their corner. With that context set, the team member continues, “See what Islam will do to it now. Understand, brother?” He then dangles the rose over Makhachev’s plate, urging, “Islam, show what you can do with this rose.” Makhachev calmly crushes the rose in his hand, sprinkling the petals onto his food like garnish.
Taunting Topuria even further, the teammate looks into the camera and asks, “Topuria, that’s what’s left of your rose. He destroyed it. Are you ready for a [fight]?” Despite the pointed jab, Topuria is unlikely to face Makhachev next. Reports indicate that the lightweight champion is expected to headline UFC’s first card of 2026 on Paramount+, with speculation that his opponent could be the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker later this month.
While the UFC has yet to announce anything officially, both Topuria and Makhachev have publicly agreed to fight in the past. Their eventual showdown may even land on the promotion’s historic White House card in June—though nothing is confirmed. The real question is: when the fight finally happens, which weight class will host it?
Javier Mendez claims Islam is not going back down for Ilia Topuria
Javier Mendez, Islam Makhachev’s coach, has made it clear that the Dagestani fighter has no intention of moving back down in weight just to face Ilia Topuria. After Topuria criticized Makhachev’s wrestling-heavy performance at UFC 322, the longtime AKA coach responded with confidence, defending both the strategy and his fighter’s position.
Mendez explained that the game plan against Jack Della Maddalena was crafted weeks in advance—built around pressure, early takedowns, and long control time. Addressing Topuria directly, Mendez acknowledged the lightweight champion’s talent and promotional flair but dismissed the idea of Makhachev cutting weight for the matchup.
“If the UFC offers him, no problem… But let’s face it, we’re going to meet him eventually,” he told Submission Radio, noting that the fight could happen at a different time or place if Topuria keeps winning. Still, Mendez added, he “seriously doubt[s] Islam will want to come down.”
At the end of the day, regardless of the weight class, the fight looks more and more real with each passing day. All that is left is for Ilia Topuria to win his next fight, and the two could meet on the biggest card of the promotion’s history. Who do you think will win? And what do you think about Makhachev’s video?
Novak Djokovic Still has Lofty Goals, but can he Accomplish them?
Novak Djokovic might be the most successful tennis player we’ve ever seen. When you look at his statistical achievements and milestones, it’s pretty hard to argue that any tennis player has put together a more impressive career. Whether that constitutes being called the greatest of all time or not remains a highly subjective matter, but he is undoubtedly a legendary player and one of the best ever.
That was true in 2015, and it’s true a decade later in 2025. Let’s take what happened recently. Winning the ATP event in Athens proved a couple of things. First of all, we had a player who was 15 years older than his opponent, beating said player in a must-win match for Musetti to qualify for Turin.
The entire season of the Italian came down to that match, and he couldn’t get it done. Sure, Musetti is not yet anywhere near what Djokovic used to play at, but even at his age and at a level far below his best, the Serbian managed to get it done. That means he’s still competitive and arguably the best outside of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Remember that for later.
By winning the Athens event, Novak Djokovic secured the 72nd hard-court trophy of his career, passing Roger Federer on the list of players with the most. That was a pretty significant achievement, as the Serbian has now essentially confirmed what many have considered for a while: that he is the best hard-court player of all time.
However, there is another record he has famously admitted wanting to break. It’s the record for the most singles titles in the Open Era, which sits at 109. Jimmy Connors famously holds it, and Roger Federer failed to overtake him, though he came close with 103 trophies. Djokovic now sits at 101, so he’s not too far from it and is certainly capable of getting there.
It’s a stated goal of his, and he’s clearly motivated to keep going for it, though not only for that, but for other things as well like the Grand Slams. After the win in Athens, Djokovic also admitted something else to Serbian media.
He confirmed that he has a thought in his mind of retiring at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with a Serbian flag around him. It would be a pretty iconic scene, worthy of a film, but that’s almost two years away at this point. Will his body hold up? Will he have the motivation? All of those are good questions, and there are some things to worry about, but overall it’s not impossible for Djokovic.
Remember what we noted above? That he’s still very competitive against pretty much anybody not named Alcaraz or Sinner. That’s key here, because if he continues that way, then there is no reason to think that he might not last almost two more years to find himself in Los Angeles.
That window would also give him a chance to chase the record of Connors, which he wants to break. It doesn’t mean any of this will necessarily happen, but as long as there is a possibility of it happening, he will keep going. That’s always been his bottom line. As long as he feels competitive, he will keep pushing and live with the result.
Crosby and Malkin Score as the Penguins Shut Out the Predators 4-0 in Stockholm
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin scored a little over two minutes apart in the first period to help the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Nashville Predators 4-0 on Sunday to split their NHL’s Global Series in Sweden’s capital.
The Penguins bounced back from a 2-1 loss to the Predators in the opener of the two-game series on Friday and snapped a three-game skid. Rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov stopped 21 shots for his first victory in his second NHL start.
After Parker Wotherspoon put the Penguins up 1-0, Malkin doubled the lead 8:08 in when his pass from behind the goal line was deflected into the net by Nashville defenseman Nicolas Hague. The 39-year-old Malkin scored his team’s only goal Friday.
Malkin and Crosby lead Pittsburgh in scoring. Malkin has 23 points and Crosby 21.
Crosby, 38, one-timed a shot from the left circle past the midway point of the first to make it 3-0, scoring his 12th goal of the season and 637th of his career. Blake Lizotte finished it off with an empty netter with 2:48 left.
Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros allowed three goals on 21 shots.
The NHL has played games in Europe since 2008 as part of its efforts to grow the fan base in hockey-mad countries like Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and others. This was the league’s 48th regular-season game outside North America.
The Penguins and Predators again split an international series, after doing so at the start of the 2000-01 regular season in Japan.
The Penguins returned to Stockholm for the first time since 2008 when they faced Ottawa, before winning the Stanley Cup to cap off that season. Crosby, Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang were all on that team. They are currently in their 20th season as teammates with the Penguins.
Up next
Predators: Host the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
Penguins: Host the Minnesota Wild on Friday.
___
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Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Forsberg thanks teammates, relishes ‘great week’ at Global Series with Predators
STOCKHOLM – When the game was over, when the festivities had concluded, Filip Forsberg gathered all his teammates to deliver a message: He wanted to thank them.
He knew it wasn’t easy flying all the way to Stockholm in the middle of the season, knew that some of them had battled jet lag, had tasted foods they never imagined.
But, to him, it meant the world, in games that he called probably his favorite of his NHL career.
“It’s been unbelievable,” said Forsberg, who grew up about three hours north of Stockholm in Leksand, Sweden. “It’s been so much fun. I’ve had both sets of grandparents here. I’ve had family that you only see a week or two in the summer that have been watching their first NHL games. Eaten more meatballs than anyone on this team ever thought they would eat, probably. I don’t think we’ll see another meatball for a while.”
Which was why he made sure to thank his Nashville Predators teammates.
“It’s special, you could see how much it meant to them. Even after the game, ‘Fil’ said something to the group, that was really nice. Thanked everyone for their effort in coming here,” Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly said. “It was nice of him. You could tell it meant a lot to those guys.”
Forsberg and Adam Wilsby, the two Sweden natives on the Predators, put together a week to remember for their teammates, squeezing every moment out of the six days they spent in their home country. Though the week didn’t end the way they had hoped – they dropped a 4-0 game to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday at Avicii Arena in Stockholm after winning 2-1 in overtime on Friday – they were still thrilled at what had been.
“Speaking for me, for ‘Willy,’ I’m sure he feels the same way, obviously would have been even sweeter to have another win on the plane home with us, but overall it’s a great, great week,” said Forsberg, for whom Sunday also happened to mark his 800th game in the NHL.
The best moment, for Forsberg, and for the Predators, came on Friday night, with 70 seconds remaining in regulation. That was when Forsberg scored to tie the game, unleashing an outpouring of emotion, of joy.
Nashville would win the game in overtime, ending a five-game losing streak, on a goal by Steven Stamkos.
“The winner, the tie-er from last game, those are hard to beat, but we’ve had a lot of fun off the ice as well,” Forsberg said, when asked to name his top moment.
Chief among that was a trip on Wednesday to Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, where Forsberg and O’Reilly met pediatric patients in the cancer ward. They also signed autographs and O’Reilly played his guitar.
That stuck out, in a week of experiences that all were close to Forsberg’s heart, including bringing a group of 100 people – 63 kids – from his hometown of Leksand to Stockholm for the Predators’ open practice on Saturday. The National Hockey League Players Association, the NHL and Forsberg announced a donation of $20,000 in ice hockey and street hockey equipment to Forsberg’s hometown club, Leksands IF Youth Hockey as part of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams program.
It was the same for Wilsby, who grew up in Stockholm and who has an apartment in the city where his family still lives.
“It’s been really cool for me, especially the moments after the games, seeing my family and sharing it with them,” Wilsby said.
He added, “I think it’s a really good way to keep the European fans and give back to them. And obviously for us players as well, it’s pretty special.”
Not just for the Swedish players.
“It’s a wonderful experience for everybody, for the city of Stockholm, Sweden, for the guys that are from here, I think it’s a great event,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette said. “… I think the experience from the group, I think they had some really good bonding and they enjoyed each other.
“Obviously the thrill of the win the other night, the disappointment of today, but you can’t forget that it was a great experience and something you’ll never forget.”
And it’s an experience they wouldn’t mind replicating, in Stockholm or elsewhere.
“It’s a great hockey country. It was great to see the support for them,” O’Reilly said of his teammates. “Wasn’t the best showing from us tonight, but still I feel like for the fans, the support, the hospitality throughout the city was amazing. The NHL did a great job putting this on. Hopefully there’s much more of these down the road.”
The game itself was disappointing; It wasn’t the way the Predators wanted to finish out this trip, a trip they had hoped would give them a chance to rest and reset, a trip they had hoped would be galvanizing.
Still, they didn’t emerge empty-handed, taking two of the four points.
“I think the traction that we gained, we just let slip away,” Brunette said. “Especially the first period, I thought all the things that we talked about, that we did on Friday, we did not do. We knew they’d have a bigger sense of urgency and the puck meant more to them than us that period. It’s a tough way to start a game, let alone give up three early. Disappointing.”
But Forsberg wasn’t dwelling on that after the game. For him, this week meant so, so much more than any one game, than any two points.
“I think it’s huge, obviously just even from my own experience, it’s the most fun regular season games I’ve played in my life,” Forsberg said. “Being able to give back, see the Leksand kids yesterday after practice, all that stuff is not possible without us coming [to Sweden]. I’m very thankful for that.”
Blackhawks rookie Oliver Moore learning he really is fast enough to blow past NHL competition
Blackhawks rookie forward Oliver Moore’s speed turned an otherwise nondescript puck flip out of the defensive zone by Frank Nazar on Saturday into a semi-breakaway.
Moore blew past Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe down the left wing, reaching a top speed of 21.62 mph — his fastest recorded speed in his first six NHL games of the season — to get to the puck first and generate a quality chance in alone on Leafs goalie Joseph Woll.
That exemplified the potentially game-changing aspect of Moore’s skating, which has immediately made him an asset to the Hawks since his call-up at the beginning of the month.
The 20-year-old forward projects to be — and has already been used by coach Jeff Blashill as — a Swiss Army knife who can fill any role in the top six or bottom six.
As a result, his niche will probably always be based more on his skills than his role, since the latter will likely change frequently. He’s still learning how to best use his skills — particularly his one elite skill — at the NHL level, though.
“Every game is an opportunity for me to show what I can do, and also get better and improve,” Moore said Friday.
During the second period Wednesday against the Devils, for example, Moore created another possible breakaway out of nowhere by building up speed on a breakout from the defensive zone, evading one Devil in the neutral zone and then catching a couple others flat-footed as he raced across the offensive blue line.
But instead of trying to beat Ondrej Palat and Stefan Noesen to the net — which it looked like he probably could do — Moore instead tried to force an improbable pass over to Connor Bedard trailing the play. The pass hit a skate and went awry.
That opportunity was wasted, but it added another data point to Moore’s mental calculation that he really is faster than most NHL competition. When he’s moving, he can beat almost anyone.
The more confident he becomes in that, the more plays he’ll make like the one Saturday.
“It’s a learning curve,” Moore said. “I think Connor would’ve been wide-open, and with his shot, you want to take that in those areas all day long. [You need to] know who you’re out there with. But [when you] beat those first couple guys and you have a lane, you might have more time and space than you think.
“I definitely, on the bench, had a little feeling that I could’ve had a breakaway there.”
Moore earned a secondary assist on Teuvo Teravainen’s game-tying goal Saturday and now has three points in six games, during which he has also recorded 20 speed bursts faster than 20 mph. It seems increasingly likely he won’t return to the AHL anytime soon.
Analytics models continue to disparagingly evaluate the Hawks’ team play, but Moore has been one exception. They’ve credited the team with a 36-34 advantage in scoring chances during his five-on-five ice time, making him the only Hawks forward above 50% during this span.
Another area in which Moore has been surprisingly effective: battles below the goal line in the offensive zone. That isn’t exactly what one would expect from a speedy, undersized guy, but he has nonetheless set up a handful of chances for teammates by winning battles down low.
Before practice Friday, Moore talked to Hawks skills coach Brian Keane about that very subject. He believes it has always been a strength of his, dating back to childhood after he watched YouTube videos of Sidney Crosby protecting the puck.
His quickness, footwork and scrappiness make it difficult for bigger defensemen to pin him against the boards.
“Any time you can draw a couple guys in, the slot is open down there a lot,” Moore said. “It’s definitely something I take pride in.”
Where to watch the Red Wings vs. Rangers NHL livestream today for free
The Detroit Red Wings get set for the second half of a back-to-back on Sunday, as they pay a visit to the New York Rangers.
The Red Wings were feeling really pretty gloomy after a couple of disappointing losses on home ice last weekend, scoring just two goals in defeats at the hands of the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. However, optimism turned thanks to a strong 6-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.
However, things feel rough after a wasted chance to grab another win on Saturday night. Detroit had a three-goal lead, sitting up by two in the third period against the Buffalo Sabres, but still managed to lose in overtime.
The Rangers are also in the second half of a back-to-back. The retooling team is coming off a 2-1 shootout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, extending New York’s win streak to three games.
This is the second of three meetings this season between the Wings and Blueshirts. The Rangers handed Detroit a 4-1 loss at Little Caesars Arena a little over a week ago.
NHL HOCKEY
Detroit Red Wings (10-7-1) vs. New York Rangers (9-7-2)
When: Sunday, November 16
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)
Channel: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, NHL Network
Check out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com
Buy Red Wings gear: Fanatics, Amazon, Lids
Buy Red Wings tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster
Stream Red Wings games live: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream
Crosby, Malkin help Penguins cap successful trip to Sweden in Global Series
STOCKHOLM — When the Pittsburgh Penguins needed a response against the Nashville Predators in the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden on Sunday, it came from their two biggest names for the past two decades — and a new one.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin each scored a goal to help Pittsburgh jump out to an early three-goal lead, and rookie goalie Sergei Murashov took care of the rest, making 21 saves to earn his first NHL win and shutout in a 4-0 victory at Avicii Arena in Stockholm. The victory sent the Penguins (10-5-4) home with three out of a possible four points from the two games against the Predators in Sweden, and feeling a lot better about themselves after letting a late lead slip away in a 2-1 overtime loss on Friday.
“I think we were pretty motivated coming off of last game the way it finished and didn’t feel like we played our best,” Crosby said. “And to have it finish the way it did, I thought we were just motivated to bounce back and I thought it showed with the way we played.”
It was no surprise that Crosby and Malkin set the tone, as they have many times in their 20 seasons as teammates, which included winning the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017). Crosby, 38, and Malkin, 39, were also in Stockholm with the Penguins when they last played two games outside North America in the 2008 NHL Premiere Series against the Ottawa Senators.
Now, they’re leading the Penguins’ unexpected resurgence after they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs the past three seasons. Malkin scored Pittsburgh’s lone goal Friday, but that and goalie Arturs Silovs (28 saves) were among its few bright spots in a game in which it was outshot 20-10 after the second period and allowed the tying goal with 1:10 remaining in the third.
“We weren’t very good in the first game,” Malkin said. “… We flew for seven hours to get here, so, obviously, wanted to win today. Three points in these two games is a good result.”
Murashov played a big role in that in just his second NHL start. After facing only two shots in the first period, he faced 19 over the final two and calmly stopped them all to become the third goalie in NHL history with a shutout in a regular-season game outside North America, joining Tim Thomas (2010 Premiere Series with the Boston Bruins) and Antti Niemi (2009 Premiere Series with the Chicago Blackhawks).
“It’s definitely going to be a memory, for sure, and I’m really happy to be able to play here,” 21-year-old native of Yaroslavl, Russia said. “People are really kind here. I really enjoyed the time here walking around. It’s really nice city. But I would say it’s a great memory.”
Murashov is still getting used to sharing a locker room and the ice with Crosby and Malkin after being called up Nov. 4 because Tristan Jarry was placed on Injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury. He is well aware of their exploits, but is trying to avoid being starstruck.
“They keep the standard for 20 years and actually, I would say, it’s insane, but it’s insane in a really good way,” Murashov said. “That is what makes them really special. So, it’s such a great gift for me in this life to play with them.”
Malkin and Crosby helped make life easy for Murashov early. After Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon scored on a screened snap shot from the left point at 2:19, Malkin made it 2-0 when his attempted centering pass from behind the net deflected in off the left skate of Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague a 8:08.
Crosby beat goalie Juuse Saros to the short side from the left circle to make it 3-0 at 10:13.
Penguins coach Dan Muse said Crosby’s and Malkin’s contributions went beyond their offensive contributions, though.
“Obviously, those guys are a huge part of it there with the goals, but I also think the way the team played in the first period, we were really happy with that,” Muse said. “That’s the way we needed to come out. So, that’s a credit to those guys. That’s a credit to our leadership too, of making sure the group is ready to go.”
Murashov carried the load in the second period when the Penguins ran into penalty trouble and the Predators had three consecutive power plays, including a 5-on-3 advantage for 34 seconds. Murashov stopped all eight Predators’ shots in the period, including a left pad save on Steven Stamkos’ one-timer from the left circle during the 5-on-3 at 12:51.
Murashov closed out his first shutout with 11 more saves in the third period, ending the Penguins’ recent trend of surrendering leads late that included a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings in his NHL debut on Nov. 9.
“I thought today he looked calm and poised,” Crosby said. “There was a big test there in the second with all those penalties we took, the 5-on-3, and that puts a lot of pressure on your goalie, and I thought he handled it really well.
“So, he was steady and gave us a chance here today.”
It was a much-needed victory for Pittsburgh, which was 1-3-2 in its previous six games after going 8-2-2 in its first 12. For defenseman Erik Karlsson, it also provided a satisfying ending to a busy six days helping his Penguins teammates experience the culture of his home country.
The 35-year-old Landsbro, Sweden, native was the Penguins’ lone Swede to play in the series; Forward Rickard Rakell was on the trip but was sidelined following hand surgery, Filip Larsson was also along for the ride but only as the emergency third goalie in case of injury, and forward Filip Hallander stayed back in Pittsburgh recovering from a blood clot in his leg.
Karlsson also played in Stockholm in the 2017 NHL Global Series with the Ottawa Senators, but that didn’t lessen his appreciation for doing it again. The win Sunday put an exclamation point on the trip.
“I’ve been in the League for 17 years and played four games over here. I’m pretty lucky to have that,” said Karlsson, who had an assist on Wotherspoon’s goal. “But I think in general, it’s a great thing to do. … To be able to be here and give people the opportunity to watch it live that might otherwise not have that opportunity is something that if I look back to when I was an 8-year-old boy, and if I had that opportunity I would jump at that and I think that would’ve done a lot for me.
“So, being able to do that now is very special.”
Grading the Flyers nearly a quarter of the way through their season
DALLAS — After splitting a two-game road trip, the Flyers have hit the 18-game mark of the season.
It’s a smidge shy of the quarter mark, but a good time to assess things, with the team having a few days off before the schedule kicks into high gear and they play almost every other day until the annual holiday break in December.
How are they feeling overall with a 9-6-3 record? “There’s a lot of positives to take away from it,” Travis Sanheim said. “We’re still learning as a group and trying to grow as a team and get better. And I like the attitude of our team and where it’s headed.”
Since they’re learning, let’s go to school and hand out a quarter-season report card.
Special teams: A-
Let’s start with the best grade because so far, special teams have been, well, quite special. Assistant coach Todd Reirden and the penalty kill are tied for No. 3 in the NHL with the Tampa Bay Lightning (87.5%). Assistant coaches Jaroslav “Yogi” Svejkovský and Jay Varady run a power play that has jumped from the NHL’s basement to 17th overall (19.6%).
Can the power play be even better? Definitely, and a lot of it has to do with reuniting Cam York and Trevor Zegras and with the other unit keeping things simple.
» READ MORE: The Flyers’ power play has improved from previous years. Trevor Zegras is a big reason why.
Penalty kill-wise, although it’s not a power kill, it is shutting down the opposition. Yes, the Flyers allowed a Jason Robertson power-play goal on Saturday night in Dallas — and the Stars entered the night with the second-best power play — but it was the first one they’ve allowed since giving the Montreal Canadiens a pair on Nov. 4.
The Flyers killed off eight straight penalties and have allowed a power-play goal in just six of the 18 games. And it’s not just the usual suspects among the forwards, like Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, Noah Cates, and Garnet Hathaway, keeping guys like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers off the board. Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and Christian Dvorak are chipping in, too.
Defense: B+
Flyers coach Rick Tocchet’s vision of not worrying too much about how many shots the opposition puts up, as long as they’re kept to the outside and the goalies can see them, makes sense. But getting pinned in your own end can be draining — mentally and physically.
He also wants his team to be better at starts. The Flyers have trailed in 12 of 18 games, including the last five, forcing them to chase the game pretty quickly.
“To defend well, you have to anticipate, you’ve got to get inside on somebody, and you’ve got to be willing to get in there,” Tocchet said after the Flyers lost to Dallas, 5-1. “For some reason, at the start of the game, we’re not in that situation. So we’ve got to figure [out] ways to do it. We’ve got some practice time here, and we’re going to have to really work on some two-on-two and three-on-three battles.”
The good news is that despite spending 41.6% of games in their own end (the league average is 41.1%), the Flyers are averaging the second-fewest shots on goal (25.2). It plays a big role in why they rank 10th in the NHL with 2.83 goals against per game.
A lot of that success belongs to Dan Vladař, who, despite allowing five goals to the Stars on Saturday, has been stellar between the pipes, allowing 26 goals on 287 shots. He is tied for fifth in the NHL (among goalies who have played at least 10 games) in goals-against average (2.42) and is eighth in save percentage (.909) with a 6-4-1 record.
If we were giving a grade for goaltending alone, Vladař would get a high one, but he is part of a package, and Sam Ersson has struggled. He’ll tell you he only cares about wins — and he is 3-1-2 and has earned at least a point in his last four starts (3-0-1) — but right now he has a 3.30 GAA and .846 save percentage.
Money Puck has 47 goalies with at least six games under their belts this year. Vladař ranks No. 1 in high-danger unblocked shot attempt save percentage (0.947), and Ersson is 18th (0.813). But what is troubling is that Ersson’s Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAE) is -4.6 (fifth-worst); Vladař’s is 6.1 (13th). Money Puck describes GSAE as expected goals against minus the actual number of goals the goalie has let in, with a positive number meaning he is stopping more goals than an average goalie would.
» READ MORE: Flyers trounced by Dallas Stars in the second night of a back-to-back
It should also be noted that Nick Seeler and Jamie Drysdale have been the best pairing defensively, with Money Puck listing the duo as the ninth best when it comes to expected goals against (8.3), among pairings who have played 175 minutes together.
And although Natural Stat Trick has them down for being on the ice when the Flyers have allowed 13 goals at five-on-five but scored seven, they do have the 15th-best Corsi For percentage (52.39%). They also have allowed the sixth-fewest high-danger chances (30).
“Pretty good. We’re still building,” Couturier, the team captain, said when asked to assess this group. “We’re still getting familiar with the systems, new coaching staff, and all that stuff. I think we’re in a place where I don’t think many people thought we’d be at this time of the year. So, at the same time, we can’t be satisfied. We’ve got to keep pushing each other and push ourselves to the next level. But yeah, it’s been a good start.”
Offense: C-
Woof. Don’t let the five-goal outburst on Friday fool you; the Flyers offense has stalled. They sit with the second-fewest goals in the NHL (47) and the fourth-fewest goals per game (2.61) this season. It didn’t plummet, but it’s still a decline from last season when they finished 24th (2.83).
The big question is why, considering they have players who have proved they can score at least 20 goals a season. Could it be because they have the seventh-fewest shots on goal (27.0), which makes sense considering NHL Edge has the Flyers below the league average in the offensive zone (40.8%)?
All the numbers stated so far are related to all strengths. Let’s focus on five-on-five, where things have been dreadful.
“I like our play without the puck. Usually that’s the hardest thing, that takes a lot longer, and I think they’re grasping and we’re still a work in progress,” Tocchet told The Inquirer on Friday when asked how he would assess his team. “Now, we’ve got to figure out a way offensively to get more shots and convert our chances. I think we’ve missed the net quite a bit, and when we have our chances, but that’ll come, and it’s just a matter of sticking with the program.”
According to Money Puck, the Flyers have the third-worst expected goals for (33.05). What is an expected goal? The site’s glossary explains it as “the chance of an unblocked shot attempt being a goal,” while adding it they may give a rebound shot in the slot 50% chance of going in (0.5 expected goals) and a shot from the blue line while shorthanded 0.01 expected goals.
Back are the one-and-dones mentioned so often last season. The Flyers are not driving down the middle or to the net, and Money Puck has them with only 25 high-danger chances, which have equal to or greater than 20% probability of going in, and just two goals scored via rebounds.
The program right now is glitchy. At times it works — Zegras has 19 points in 18 games, and he is tied with his linemates Tippett and Dvorak for the team lead in goals (six) — but most of the time it doesn’t.
Once one of the NHL’s best transition teams, the Flyers have seen that dry up a bit as Tocchet focuses on a heavy dump-and-chase system. But you cannot blame it all on that. When the Flyers are cooking, they get to the front, screen goalies, and use the boards to create time and space to walk out in front — a la Matvei Michkov’s goal against the Ottawa Senators. It’s inconsistent.
“A lot of offense comes in a lot of individual moments — you have a two-on-one, or somebody’s got a shot in the slot. Can you convert on them? That’s one thing we’ve got to get better at,” Tocchet said. “But also, I think, we still are a work in progress, but we’d like to play interior more. It’s a hard game to play interior, and we’re doing it better, but we still have to arrive at the net with two at the net.”
How can they up their grade?
“We’ve got to put a full 60 [minutes],” Cates said. “I think we can take on a lot of teams if we do a full 60, support each other.”
NHL On Tap: Hutson, Werenski face off on ‘Prime Monday Night Hockey’
‘Prime’ time
The slumping Montreal Canadiens are hoping to break out when they play the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on
Ross Colton, Victor Olofsson power Avalanche win over Islanders
DENVER — Ross Colton and Victor Oloffson scored in a 1:19 span in the second period to help the streaking Colorado Avalanche beat the New York Islanders 4-1 on Sunday night.
Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist against his old team, and Martin Necas had an empty-netter for NHL-leading Colorado. The Avs have won six in a row to improve to 13-1-5. They have earned at least a point in nine straight games.
Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves for the Avalanche while Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL scoring leader, was held without a point for the first time in 12 games.
Emil Heineman scored and Ilya Sorokin stopped 25 shots for New York.
Colorado honored Islanders coach Patrick Roy during the first media timeout. Roy, who began his Hall of Fame career in Montreal, was traded to the Avalanche in December 1995, their first season in Colorado.
He led the Avalanche to their first Stanley Cup title six months later and backstopped the franchise to a second one in 2000-01 before retiring following the 2002-03 season.
He returned as the head coach in 2013, led the Avalanche to a 112-point finish in his first season but abruptly resigned in the summer of 2016. The Islanders hired him in January 2024.
Heineman put New York ahead 2:05 into the game when Tony DeAngelo’s shot from the right circle deflected off his left skate and by Scott Wedgewood. Colorado argued Heineman used a kicking motion but the goal stood.
Colton tied it with his third goal of the season at 4:32 of the second, Olofsson tipped Sam Malinski’s shot by Sorokin at 5:51 to give the Avalanche the lead. Nelson and Necas scored in the final minute.
Up next
Islanders: At Dallas on Tuesday night.
Avalanche: Host the New York Rangers on Thursday night.
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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
NFL roundup: Josh Allen dominates with 6 TDs pushing Bills past Buccaneers 44-32
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns and rushed for three more, the last on a rugged 9-yard run with 2:35 left that secured the Buffalo Bills’ 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
The eighth-year starter and reigning MVP became the first player with two games of three TDs passing and rushing. He did it last year in a 44-42 loss at the Los Angeles Rams.
This time, Allen outdueled fellow 2018 first-round draft pick Baker Mayfield in a shootout that featured nine lead changes.
The Bills benched struggling receiver Keon Coleman in a bid to spark their passing game, and each of Allen’s three touchdown passes went for 25 yards or more. Running back Ty Johnson scored on a 52-yard catch-and-run, Allen found Tyrell Shavers open deep for a 43-yard touchdown, and James Cook scored on a 25-yard reception.
Allen provided the go-ahead score, a 5-yard TD run with 9:06 left. He finished 19 of 30 for 317 yards, and the Bills overcame his two first-half interceptions.
He punctuated his final TD run with a massive spike of the ball. Taking off out of the pocket, Allen was hit at the 4-yard line, and then corralled by Bucs defenders at the 2 before Buffalo’s offensive linemen shoved him across the goal line.
PANTHERS 30, FALCONS 27, OT
At Atlanta, Bryce Young passed for a career-high and franchise-record 448 yards and Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 28-yard field goal in overtime to lift Carolina over Atlanta.
Young’s 54-yard pass to Tommy Tremble set up the winning kick for Carolina (6-5), which completed its sweep of NFC South rival Atlanta.
The Falcons (3-7) suffered their fifth straight loss, including back-to-back overtime defeats.
Young completed 31 of 45 passes with three touchdowns. He threw a go-ahead 12-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan with 1:08 remaining to give Carolina a 27-24 lead. But Zane Gonzalez kicked a 45-yard field goal for Atlanta with 16 seconds remaining to force overtime.
Bijan Robinson ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns, but the Falcons couldn’t overcome the loss of Michael Penix Jr. to a knee injury in the third quarter. Backup Kirk Cousins couldn’t move the offense in overtime.
McMillan had eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
DOLPHINS 16, COMMANDERS 13, OT
At Madrid, Jack Jones intercepted Marcus Mariota on the first offensive play of overtime and Riley Patterson kicked a 29-yard field goal to give Miami a win over Washington in the first NFL regular-season game in Spain.
The Commanders (3-8) had a chance to win at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with 15 seconds left in regulation, but Matt Gay’s 56-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right.
The Dolphins (4-7) were twice stopped on fourth-and-goal, including inside the final two minutes after recovering the ball on a muffed punt return by the Commanders.
It was the seventh — and final — international game this season, the most in one year for the NFL as it continues to expand globally.
JAGUARS 35, CHARGERS 6
At Jacksonville, Fla., Jacksonville bounced back from the worst collapse in franchise history by thumping Los Angeles behind rushing touchdowns from Travis Etienne, Trevor Lawrence and rookie Bhaysul Tuten.
Coming off a 36-29 debacle at Houston during which they blew a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Jaguars (6-4) showed no lingering effects from the crushing setback against a division rival.
It might have helped that they faced the Chargers (7-4), who traveled across the country for an early start while potentially looking ahead to their bye.
Coach Jim Harbaugh’s team was a complete no-show, finishing with 135 yards and just eight first downs.
Lawrence’s 1-yard TD pass to Tim Patrick in the fourth gave Jacksonville more cushion than it had against the Texans, and Etienne’s second TD run of the game – this one coming after Antonio Johnson returned an interception 43 yards – sent visiting fans scampering for the exits.
Harbaugh pulled Justin Herbert with the game out of reach, turning to backup Trey Lance for the final 11 minutes.
PACKERS 27, GIANTS 20
At East Rutherford, N.J., Jordan Love returned from a shoulder injury to throw two touchdown passes, backup Malik Willis had one of his own while filling in and Green Bay ended its losing streak at two by defeating New York.
Love provided some heroics on the go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter, connecting with rookie Savion Williams on a 32-yard gain under pressure on third-and-10 and finding Christian Watson in the end zone with 4:02 left to take the lead.
Many of the green-and-gold clad fans in attendance at the Meadowlands chanted, “Go, Pack, Go!” following Love’s successful 2-point conversion toss to Emanuel Wilson.
The victory came at a cost, though, with starting running back Josh Jacobs exiting early in the second quarter with a knee injury. Jacobs was ruled out just after halftime.
Even without him, the Packers (6-3-1) took advantage early of an opposing run defense that ranks 31 out of the NFL’s 32 teams. They had 106 of their 128 rushing yards before halftime, including Wilson’s TD run that ended the drive Willis finished while Love was sidelined.
TEXANS 16, TITANS 13
At Nashville, Tenn., Davis Mills threw for 274 yards and a touchdown, Matthew Wright kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired, and Houston beat Tennessee to sweep the season series with its AFC South rivals.
Led by their backup quarterback, the Texans (5-5) reached .500 for the first time this season with their third win in four games. They also won their fifth straight over the Titans in Nashville despite playing without quarterback CJ Stroud, safety Jalen Pitre and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.
Houston had plenty of time to set Wright up for the winning field goal, his third of the day.
In a game pitting the NFL’s worst offense in Tennessee against the league’s stingiest defense in both yards and points, rookie Cam Ward drove the Titans 95 yards and threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson with 1:35 left. Interim coach Mike McCoy went for the tie as Joey Slye kicked the extra point.
Mills easily moved the Texans into position to end it, with the big play a 17-yard completion to Nico Collins on third-and-16.
The Texans sacked Ward three times with Will Anderson Jr. also recovering a fumble he stripped from the rookie.
Houston trailed 6-0 before rallying for a second straight game. Mills hit Collins for a 3-yard TD midway through the third quarter to put the Texans ahead to stay. Wright also had field goals of 41 and 43 yards.
The Titans (1-9) lost their fifth straight, and this one clinched a fourth consecutive losing season for the franchise.
STEELERS 34, BENGALS 12
At Pittsburgh, Mason Rudolph guided a pair of long second-half scoring drives after taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers, and Pittsburgh surged past Cincinnati.
Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest active player at 41, injured his left hand during a Pittsburgh drive late in the first half. It was unclear exactly when the four-time MVP was hurt. Rodgers was hit illegally twice during the drive, both of which resulted in roughing-the-passer penalties against Cincinnati.
While the Steelers (6-4) initially listed Rodgers’ status as “questionable,” he did not return to the sideline for the second half.
Enter Rudolph, the longtime backup who led the Steelers on a late run to the playoffs in 2023. He returned to Pittsburgh last spring, though he quickly ceded the starting job after Rodgers signed in early June.
Rudolph picked up right where he left off, completing 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenny Gainwell with 3:40 left that sealed it.
Pittsburgh’s defense, which was shredded by Joe Flacco and the Bengals a month ago, added two touchdowns of its own. Safety Kyle Dugger returned a Flacco pass 74 yards for a game-turning pick-6 in the third quarter. Cornerback James Pierre added a 32-yard scoop-and-score late in the fourth.
Flacco’s run of inspired play came to an abrupt end. The 40-year-old, who had looked his age since taking over for an injured Joe Burrow and ineffective Jake Browning, delivered his worst performance since arriving in Cincinnati (3-7) last month. Flacco completed 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown and Dugger’s pick.
BEARS 19, VIKINGS 17
At Minneapolis, Devin Duvernay’s 56-yard kickoff return in the final minute for Chicago set up Cairo Santos for his fourth field goal of the game, a 48-yarder as time expired, to push the Bears past Minnesota after the Vikings scored the go-ahead touchdown with 50 seconds left.
After J.J. McCarthy ended another erratic performance with five straight completions that culminated with a 15-yard scoring strike to Jordan Addison, Duvernay delivered the clutch response for the Bears (7-3) after nearly blowing a 13-point lead they took into the fourth quarter.
Santos made up for his 45-yard miss with 8:08 remaining by drilling the winner after a critical 7-yard rush by D’Andre Swift, who had 21 carries for 90 yards, pushed the ball into a safer range.
McCarthy, who played with a wrap on his throwing hand after hurting it on a helmet after a follow-through in the previous game, ended consecutive second-quarter possessions with interceptions and had an alarming amount of off-target passes. He finished 16 for 32 for 150 yards and a 47.7 passer rating in his fifth career start.
Caleb Williams, who was drafted by the Bears nine picks ahead of McCarthy last year and is much further down the development road under new coach Ben Johnson, had one of his least effective games this season while going 16 for 32 for 193 yards and scrambling four times for 26 yards.
BRONCOS 22, CHIEFS 19
At Denver, Wil Lutz kicked five field goals, including a 35-yard game-winner as time expired Sunday, pushing Denver past Kansas City for its eighth straight victory.
The Broncos (9-2) all but buried the Chiefs (5-5) in the AFC West, which Kansas City has won every year since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, counting the playoffs and his time with Philadelphia.
Bo Nix set up the game-winning kick with a 32-yard pass to Troy Franklin that got Denver to the Kansas City 15 with under a minute remaining.
Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead on a 21-yard touchdown toss to Travis Kelce — the veteran tight end’s 84th career TD, one more than previous Chiefs franchise record-holder Priest Holmes. That put the Chiefs up 19-16, but Harrison Butker’s extra point was blocked by Frank Crum.
The Broncos tied it at 19-all on Lutz’s 54-yarder with 4:10 remaining.
Denver’s defense forced Kansas City to go three-and-out when Ja’Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36.
The Broncos chewed up the final 2:59 by driving 58 yards in 10 plays. They won their 11th straight game at Empower Field, where they haven’t lost since October 2024.
RAVENS 23, BROWNS 16
At Cleveland, Tight end Mark Andrews ran 35 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 2:31 remaining, and Baltimore rallied for a victory over Cleveland to spoil Shedeur Sanders’ NFL debut.
On fourth-and-inches at the Browns 35, Baltimore (5-5) looked like it was going to run a tush push with Andrews lined up under center. Instead of going up the middle, Andrews ran left. Fullback Patrick Ricard got a kick-out block on Browns safety Grant Delpit, and Andrews was untouched as he scampered to the end zone for his first career rushing touchdown.
The Ravens have won four straight since their nightmarish 1-5 start.
Andrews, who is in his eight season, became Baltimore’s career leader in receiving yards with an 11-yard reception on the Ravens’ fifth offensive play. He came into the game needing 3 yards to pass Derrick Mason, and he finished with three catches for 32 yards.
Sanders made his much-anticipated debut with 12:43 remaining in the third quarter after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. He went 4 for 16 for 47 yards with an interception and was sacked twice, finishing with a 13.5 passer rating.
RAMS 21, SEAHAWKS 19
At Inglewood, Calif., Kamren Kinchens had two of the Rams’ four interceptions, Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes and Los Angeles hung on to beat Seattle for its fifth consecutive victory.
Jason Myers was short on a 61-yard field goal attempt as time expired, allowing the Rams (8-2) to survive the Seahawks’ furious late rally.
Seattle’s defense got a quick stop after Kenneth Walker III dived in for the Seahawks’ first touchdown with 2:23 to play.
Ethan Evans’ superb punt went out of bounds at the Seattle 1 with 1:41 left, but Sam Darnold shook off his rough afternoon and got the Seahawks to midfield. Rashid Shaheed made a catch at the Los Angeles 43 before calling a timeout with 1 second on the clock.
Myers made four earlier field goals, but came up well short on the final kick, which would have matched his career long.
NBC’s Cris Collinsworth Blasts NFL Refs’ ‘Terrible Call’ Against Dan Campbell’s Lions
NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast took a dramatic turn during the Lions-Eagles clash, as veteran analyst Cris Collinsworth reacted strongly to a pivotal officiating moment. The Detroit Lions ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Week 11 matchup, dropping to a 6-3 record.
However, Collinsworth didn’t like the NFL referees’ call during a play, against the lions.
”Oh, come on. Come on. That is terrible. That is an absolutely terrible call that it’s going to decide this football game. If anything, it’s an offensive push,” he said.
NFL scores: Eagles’ defense completely stymies Lions in win
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NFL broadcaster Cris Collinsworth was upset with one of the last penalties thrown in the game as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Detroit Lions, 16-9, on Sunday night.
The Eagles had the ball on third down with about 1:47 to go in the game. Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was jockeying with Lions defensive back Rock Ya-Sin as Jalen Hurts tried to continue a drive. The pass was incomplete, but a penalty flag was thrown.
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Ya-Sin was called for pass interference, effectively making it nearly impossible for the Lions to get the ball back with enough time to try to tie the game. Collinsworth was upset with the call.
NFL playoff picture, Week 11: Broncos bust Chiefs’ division hopes; Rams team to beat in NFC?
The Broncos might have ended one of the NFL’s most impressive streaks. By taking down the Chiefs 22-19 on Sunday, Denver has positioned itself to end Kansas City’s reign atop the AFC West, a division KC has won nine years in a row. The Broncos’ victory puts them at 9-2 and four wins ahead of the Chiefs (5-5). It’s not over yet, but it sure seems that if the Chiefs are going to make the playoffs, it will be as a wild-card team for the first time in Patrick Mahomes’ career.
Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Rams seized control of the West by barely hanging on to beat the Seahawks in a battle between two of the NFC’s best. The win vaults the Rams atop the division standings and also gives them a great chance to earn the conference’s No. 1 seed.
Let’s take a look at what else happened around the NFL in Week 11 and where things stand ahead of “Monday Night Football.”
Listed odds to make the playoffs, win the division and secure the No. 1 seed are all via The Athletic’s NFL Projection Model, created by Austin Mock. Go check out our NFL Playoff Simulator to lay out your favorite team’s path to the playoffs.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are two games clear of the Los Angeles Chargers and have a three-game edge over the Kansas City Chiefs in the loss column, so they can probably start printing the AFC West championship shirts. They’ve improved in close games since a pair of close shaves earlier this season against the Colts and Chargers. The Broncos have won six consecutive games that have been decided by 4 points or less.
Next three weeks: Bye, at Commanders, at Raiders
New England Patriots
Quarterback Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy has largely overshadowed a Patriots defense that’s allowed the fifth-fewest points in the NFL, so there’s a lot of praise to go around for this accelerated turnaround. The Patriots have faced the second-weakest strength of schedule in the NFL so far, but they’ve won their six games against teams with losing records by an average of 10.5 points. That’s a fair indication the Patriots will continue to take advantage of bad teams, so their remaining tilts with the Bills and Ravens will carry AFC-defining implications.
Next three weeks: at Bengals, vs. Giants, Bye
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were one of the best stories of the first half, but nostalgia won’t get them very far. They have one of the most difficult schedules in the league the rest of the way, and it’s daunting enough that their two-game lead in the AFC South is hardly secure.
Next three weeks: at Chiefs, vs. Texans, at Jaguars
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers stayed afloat for one more week, but things could get real very quickly with a pair of games against teams with winning records before their first of two showdowns with the Ravens — especially if quarterback Aaron Rodgers is going to miss time with a wrist injury. The Steelers have allocated $160 million in salary cap toward their defense — $25 million more than the second-ranked Giants and $50 million more than all but six teams — which is far too much for such a shaky unit.
Next three weeks: at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens
Buffalo Bills
The Bills too frequently need quarterback Josh Allen to play perfectly to overcome their defensive issues and vulnerabilities with their offensive skill players. As Allen showed Sunday with six touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’s the most capable player on the planet of singlehandedly winning games. But will that formula lead to a familiar ending in the postseason?
Next three weeks: at Texans, at Steelers, vs. Bengals
Los Angeles Chargers
This isn’t unusual for the Chargers, but they’re the most difficult team to understand in the AFC field. They had really good wins against the Chiefs and Broncos in September, but they also have losses to the Giants and Commanders on their resume. Over the past five weeks, the Chargers have lost to the Colts, beaten the Steelers and gotten blown out by the Jaguars.
Next three weeks: Bye, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags’ comeback victory in Week 5 against the Chiefs is looming larger by the week, as those two teams have been in a battle for the final playoff seed for a few weeks. The Jaguars will finally catch a break after a brutal scheduling stretch, but they can’t afford to let up, as evidenced in failures to finish in losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans. Impressive wins against the San Francisco 49ers, Chiefs and Chargers show the Jags are capable of beating high-quality teams.
Next three weeks: at Cardinals, at Titans, vs. Colts
In the hunt
Houston Texans (5-5)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
Miami Dolphins (4-7)
Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
New York Jets (2-8)
Cleveland Browns (2-8)
Tennessee Titans (1-9)
Eliminated
None
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles, who own the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Los Angeles Rams, seem to have figured it out defensively with back-to-back shutdowns of the Packers and Lions. Once again, the Eagles have steadied the course amid the chaos. The loss to the Broncos doesn’t look as bad now, and the dud against the Giants could be explained away as a flat Thursday performance. It looks like the NFC might just go through Philadelphia once again.
Next three weeks: at Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Chargers
Los Angeles Rams
It’s hard to find anyone with a deeper resume right now than the Rams, who have wins against the Ravens, Jaguars, 49ers and Seahawks during their five-game winning streak. They also have a victory over the Colts, with upcoming meetings with the Buccaneers and Lions before a trip to Seattle. The Rams could enter the playoffs as the prohibitive Super Bowl favorite if they continue to handle business against the league’s best teams.
Next three weeks: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Cardinals
Chicago Bears
The Bears don’t have a victory against a team that currently has more than three wins. There’s no need to apologize for a soft schedule, but the Bears will have to answer for it. Their remaining opponents have a .597 winning percentage, the hardest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL.
Next three weeks: vs. Steelers, at Eagles, at Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFC South leaders have lost three of four against the Lions, Patriots and Bills, but expect the Bucs to be more dangerous soon, as they get more healthy. And once they get through this week’s visit to the Rams, the Bucs have an attainable schedule with four division opponents over their last six outings.
Next three weeks: at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints
Seattle Seahawks
Sam Darnold’s career revival has been remarkable, but he doesn’t need to drive the offense for the Seahawks to be successful. The opportunities for turnovers are still a concern. He lost a fumble in a goal-to-go situation in the final minute in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers, threw an interception in the closing minute to set up the Bucs’ decisive score in Week 5 and tossed four picks in Sunday’s loss to the Rams.
Next three weeks: at Titans, vs. Vikings, at Falcons
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ sluggish starts and inconsistent performances are hugely concerning for a team that looked like a true Super Bowl favorite earlier this season. The onus is on the high-powered offense because the defense typically comes to play. Since Week 15 in 2024, the Packers are 8-0-1 when they score at least 26 points and 0-6 when they don’t. They averaged 10 points per game during their last four losses, including the playoff defeat to the Eagles. So when it’s been bad, it’s been abnormally bad.
Next three weeks: vs. Vikings, at Lions, vs. Bears
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have alternated wins and losses since their 3-0 start. It’s a testament to their depth, particularly at quarterback, with Mac Jones spelling Brock Purdy, but the NFC is too deep for that up-and-down ride to be sustainable. Ranked 16th in scoring and 14th in points allowed, the 49ers have yet to do anything remarkably well. Still, it’s hard to argue with the results.
Next three weeks: vs. Panthers, at Browns, Bye
In the hunt
Detroit Lions (6-4)
Carolina Panthers (6-5)
Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)
Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
Washington Commanders (3-8)
New Orleans Saints (2-8)
New York Giants (2-9)
Eliminated
• None
Which NFL teams play on Thanksgiving Day? See schedule, times, channels
For the 20th consecutive season, three NFL games will be played on Turkey Day. The Thanksgiving NFL games are a staple of the holiday season, and for the 60th year in a row, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will each play.
The tradition of NFL action on Thanksgiving began back in 1934. The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted a Thanksgiving game annually since the Super Bowl era began. The Lions will play a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers during the Thanksgiving slate. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will face the Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL Thanksgiving games will conclude in a prime-time AFC North showdown when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens in Maryland. This marks the first time since 2010 that the Bengals have played on Thanksgiving.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s NFL Thanksgiving schedule.
NFL Thanksgiving games
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (12:30 p.m. ET).
Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET).
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET).
Where to watch NFL Thanksgiving games
The Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions will air on FOX at 1 p.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 27.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys game will air on CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 27.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will air on NBC at 8:20 p.m. ET Thursday, Nov. 27.
Watch 2025 NFL Thanksgiving games on Fubo
Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving game
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET.
Location: Detroit, Michigan.
Venue: Ford Field.
Channel: FOX.
Stream the Lions vs. Packers Thanksgiving Day game on Fubo
Chiefs vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving game
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET.
Location: Arlington, Texas.
Venue: AT&T Stadium.
Channel: CBS.
Stream the Chiefs vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game on Paramount+
Bengals vs. Ravens Thanksgiving game
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland.
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium.
Channel: NBC.
Stream the Bengals vs. Ravens Thanksgiving Day game on Peacock
USA TODAY reporter Tom Viera contributed to this report.
Bernie Kosar says he will receive a liver transplant Monday morning
CLEVELAND (AP) — Bernie Kosar is scheduled to receive a liver transplant Monday morning.
The former University of Miami and Cleveland Browns star quarterback shared the good news in a social media post Sunday night.
“Thank you all for the thoughts, prayers, and support — it truly means the world to me,” Kosar said in the post from his hospital bed.
The 61-year-old Kosar was set to receive a liver transplant last weekend, but said that it was delayed because the donor’s organ was infected.
During the past week, he has undergone five procedures to stop internal bleeding.
Kosar told Cleveland Magazine last year that he had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson’s disease.
The Youngstown, Ohio, native recalled being bothered by liver-related issues for years but brushed them off because he wasn’t sure of the source. A diagnosis of cirrhosis in late 2023 confirmed the specificity and severity of his condition.
Kosar played in the NFL for 12 seasons after leading the University of Miami to its first national championship during the 1983 season. He grew up rooting for the Browns, who selected him in the 1985 NFL supplemental draft.
Kosar played for the Browns from 1985-93, leading the franchise to three AFC championship game appearances (1986, ’87 and ’89), losing each time to the Denver Broncos. Kosar is third all-time in franchise history with 21,904 passing yards.
After being released by the Browns, Kosar joined the Dallas Cowboys for the remainder of the 1993 season and got a Super Bowl ring. He then played for the Miami Dolphins in 1994-96.
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Shedeur Sanders take blames for loss to Ravens in postgame address to the team, ‘but I know I’m made for it’
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders sat at his locker with his head down after the 23-16 loss to the Ravens, and Browns GM Andrew Berry leaned in to offer some words of encouragement and pat him on the back.
Sanders’ former Colorado teammate, Ravens punt returner LaJohntay Wester, had already done his part to console Sanders after the game when he sat with his head down on the Browns bench.
Once inside the locker room, Sanders addressed the team, and blamed himself for the loss. He had three chances to throw the potential gamewinning touchdown pass from the 25, but one was overthrown in the back of the end zone, and two were broken up, including a nicely-thrown ball to rookie Gage Larvadain in the end zone on third and 5.
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“He spoke after the game and he wanted to pin it on himself and his performance, but we’re not going to allow him to do that,” Myles Garrett said. “It’s a team game, so we’re all in this together.”
Garrett urged the fifth-round pick to keep his head up. The Browns are going to need him, probably next week against the Raiders with Dillon Gabriel in the concussion protocol.
“I know there was one drive in which he kind of walked off and I saw him,” Garrett said. “He was putting his head down. I knew he was kind of thinking about, I know he wants to make the play. He wants to have that game-changing drive because he feels like he has that ability and we’ve seen it. So don’t be discouraged from one drive or two drives. It’s a good football team over there. So I was just trying to keep him to keep his confidence high and keep on chasing that standard which he set and we’re going to continue to support him.”
Sanders, who hasn’t gotten any reps with the starting offense, was pressed into service in the second half after Gabriel was ruled out with his concussion. He completed his first two passes, but then only two of his next 12 to go 4 of 16 (25%) for 47 yards with 0 touchdowns and 1 interception for a 13.5 rating. In six drives, he was also sacked twice and fumbled once, with Wyatt Teller recovering. He was almost intercepted on back-to-back to throws, but safety Kyle Hamilton failed to secure the ball. He was also flagged once for intentional grounding, and retreated twice under pressure for third-down sacks of 11 and 14 yards, with Teller bailing him out on the first one.
“I don’t think I played good,” Sanders said. “I don’t think I played good at all. I think there’s a lot of things we need to look at during the week and go and just get comfortable, even throwing routes with Jerry (Jeudy) and throwing routes with all those guys. So I think that was my first ball to him all year. No, but other than that, I just think overall we just got to go next weekend and understand so then we have a week to prepare stuff I like to do.”
He found out at halftime he was starting the second half and all he thought was, “It’s time for me to step up.”
With Gabriel in the protocol, Sanders has a good chance to start next week against the Raiders, and it should go more smoothly with a game plan designed for him, and with a week or reps with the ones. Sanders is a dropback passer, and Gabriel is more mobile.
“I think that’s true, probably of every backup,” Stefanski said. “That was a part of, earlier in the season with Joe (Flacco) as your starter and Dillon as your backup, there’s things that you’re going to lean into with a different player. So that’s no different for all of your players. You want to make sure that your players, particularly that position, have plays that they’re comfortable with. So, of course the playbook’s open, but there’s stuff that you’re going to make sure you call, that there’s a comfort level for your quarterback.”
Sanders wasn’t prepared to say he’ll play better under more favorable conditions, rather than getting thrown in cold with a game plan he didn’t touch.
“No, the most I could ask for is opportunity,” he said. “See, that’s an uncontrollable thing that I’m not able to control and that’s not nothing I should speak on just being the quarterback of this team and this franchise. It gave me opportunity. I ain’t do up to my expectation, enough to get us a win. So I just got to take that one to the chin.”
Sanders acknowledged it tough sledding, especially considering he was no longer just working with his Hungry Dawg pals, the young guys on the offense that he works out with every day, including after practice. He does sometimes run the scout team for the Browns starting defense, but it’s different than running the show.
“It was a rough day overall,” he said. “But the thing that I was excited about is just being able to get out there. It’s the first time I got hit since it’s just my last game at Colorado. So just having that feeling back is good and I feel fulfilled overall when it comes to being out there practicing, going in between the lines, seeing actually what it’s like.
“I know I’m made for it. I don’t think it was a doubt in my mind that that final drive was going to go down there and score. Things happened, we didn’t. I was just excited because I knew what I was going to be able to do out there. For the team, for the linemen, even getting snaps from Po (center Ethan Pocic), that was amazing. Going out there in a live game, being able to do that with him and the way the guys, the way O-line, running backs, receivers, defense like all rallied around, that’s all you ask for as a quarterback.”
Sanders, who hadn’t seen live action since his rough outing in the preseason finale against the Rams, took over at his 35 with 2:31 after Mark Andrews took a direct snap and sprinted 35 yards to the end zone to put the Ravens up 23-16. He found Harold Fannin Jr. for 25 yards over the middle, and then hit Jerry Jeudy with a 10-yard pass to the Baltimore 30 to convert a third and long. Sanders scrambled for 5 yards and then took his three shots to try to win the game.
The first was an overthrow to Isaiah Bond out the back of the end zone, and the second was a good throw to Larvadain that was broken up by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on the left side of the end zone. The throw could’ve been a little more to the outside, but Awuzie made a great play.
“I think every throw is going to be complete until it’s not,” Sanders said. “I know Gage is a dog. I have the most reps with Gage out of everybody out there. We’re out there in ‘Hungry Dawgs’ going at it every day. So yeah.”
On the fourth and 5, the Ravens appeared to jump, but the refs missed it. Sanders, with Dre’Mont Jones bearing down, threw to David Njoku on the right sideline, but Roquan Smith broke it up. The Browns had two backup offensive tackles in the game at the time, with both starters leaving with injuries.
“Yeah, I thought they did (jump), but (they) didn’t call it,” Stefanski said.
Sanders acknowledged that working with the ones in live action was different than flourishing with his Hungry Dawg teammates in practice. On his second drive, he was picked off by Nate Wiggins on a pass intended for Jeudy, with linebacker Kyle Van Noy crushing him after the throw. Fortunately for him, Carson Schwesinger got the ball right back with a pick of Lamar Jackson on the next play.
“It’s different when there’s different body types going out there, different way how people get out of routes,” Sanders said. “Like what I seen on the pick initially was, I see his hips turn. So I’m like, OK, we’re going to be able to get out there. But at the same time, like, playing quarterback is extremely hard. So I like knowing every detail about my receivers. I like knowing the small things, what they’re good at, what they’re not good at. It’s like so many details that helps me play confident with those guys, and I know we’re at the bottom right now.
“This performance, everything, it will never be like this. I’m dedicated to being able to get those opportunities with those guys to have a relationship. I got a relationship with all the Hungry Dawgs though. We like clockwork out there. You just got to see, just got to see everything a little bit more, like how they come out of routes, do all different types of stuff.”
Stefanski explained why Sanders hasn’t gotten any reps with the starters in practice, just like he never did in training camp while he served primarily as the fourth-string QB. It was different than with Gabriel, who did get a few first-team snaps when Flacco was starting.
“I understand the question,” Stefanski said. “I would tell you; you’re always trying to get your starter ready to play and certainly, when your starter is a rookie, those are very valuable reps. When your starter, when your backup is a rookie also, you do everything in your power to get our quarterbacks as many reps as possible.
“Post-practice, after practice, extra meeting time. So that’s just part of how it goes. But the bottom line is we trust both of our players. We trust all of our players because of the work that they put in.”
Despite the big-time throw to Fannin and the fine toss to Larvadain that could’ve proved to be be the gamewinner, Sanders took no solace in the bright spots.
“Losing isn’t something I’m comfortable with at all,” he said. “I’ve just got to take this one. I’ve got to decompress. I’ve got to understand this really happened on my watch, so I don’t like the feeling and I know offensively if I’m able to get out there and have an opportunity, I know that I’ll be able to take everything to a different level. Like I said, I still have the same confidence. I’m still me. That will never go anywhere.
“Just going out there seeing daylight, that’s all I needed to see how they move out there. You’re playing against a great defense. You’ve got guys from the Pro Bowl out there, so it’s exciting to see, okay, ‘this is what it’s like?’ Alright, this what it’s like. I’m excited for it so I’ve just got to take this one and build on it.”
Today in History: Nov. 17, 2025
In 1800, Congress held its first session in the partially completed U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
In 1869, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt.
In 1968, the last minutes of a tense NFL matchup on NBC between the New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders were preempted by the children’s film “Heidi.” The network received thousands of calls from angry viewers and formally apologized.
In 1973, President Richard Nixon told a gathering of Associated Press managing editors at a televised news conference in Orlando, Florida: “People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook.”
In 1989, an estimated 10,000-15,000 Czechoslovakian students demonstrated in Prague against Communist rule; hundreds of thousands joined the protests in the following days. Dubbed the “Velvet Revolution” for its nonviolent nature, the protests led to the resignation of the Communist Party’s leadership on Nov. 28 that year.
In 1997, 62 people, most of them foreign tourists, were killed when militants opened fire at the Temple of Hatshepsut (haht-shehp-SOOT’) in Luxor, Egypt; the attackers were killed by police.
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born actor who had become one of America’s biggest movie stars of the 1980s and ’90s, was sworn in as the 38th governor of California.
In 2020, President Donald Trump fired the nation’s top election security official, Christopher Krebs, who had refuted Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud and vouched for the integrity of the vote.