Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover achieved gamer status on Saturday with his actions during the second quarter of the team’s season opener.

Hoover was the victim of a brutal facemask by North Texas defensive lineman Udoka Ezeani during the second quarter of Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. Hoover’s facemask was turned so violently that he was left with a visible cut on the bridge of his nose, as well as blood pouring out of it.

Just a bit of a facemask on Josh Hoover…

He stayed in the game with blood pouring out his nose😳 pic.twitter.com/M8tXstKb1y

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 5, 2026

Remarkably, Hoover did not come out of the game even with blood pouring out of his nose. Not only that, but he concluded the drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass three plays after taking the facemask.

A close up at look at Josh Hoover pic.twitter.com/oXkuoT989L

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 5, 2026

This is Hoover’s first game with Indiana, having transferred in from TCU during the offseason. A gutty move like this will likely endear him to Hoosiers fans very quickly as he tries to pick up from where Fernando Mendoza left off.

Hoover was highly efficient in the first half against North Texas. He went 7/8 for 100 yards with two touchdowns as the Hoosiers jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead.

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The Ohio State Buckeyes will induct longtime head coach Jim Tressel into their Ring of Honor on Saturday, and they had a perfect way of dressing things up for the ceremony.

Tressel’s induction ceremony is set for the end of the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Ball State. As is customary, the Buckeyes kept the spot where his name will be displayed covered up until it comes time to properly unveil it.

Where most stadiums would just use a standard cover to keep it hidden, the Buckeyes went above and beyond by adorning the display with one of Tressel’s trademark sweatervests.

Jim Tressel is being added to the Ohio Stadium Ring of Honor today. His name is currently being covered by a sweater vest pic.twitter.com/JgCRqyNpVk

— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) September 5, 2026

Tressel’s standard look has become something of an iconic bit of fashion. He knows it, too, and has actively leaned into it.

Tressel coached the Buckeyes from 2001 to 2010, during which he established Ohio State once again as a perennial national powerhouse. His tenure brought a national title and five Big Ten titles, but he resigned in 2011 amid evidence that he had sought to cover up NCAA rules violations among his players.

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LSU surprisingly left two controversial players off the team roster for Saturday’s game against the Clemson Tigers, and coach Lane Kiffin offered an explanation as to why.

Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, both seeking an additional year of eligibility after spending time in NFL training camps, will not play Saturday. That is despite the fact that LSU won a preliminary injunction that would theoretically allow both players to play.

As Kiffin put it, however, the Tigers still had concerns over “the uncertainties of what could come” by allowing Wright and Harris to play.

“That wasn’t easy. As much as I feel for the players … at the same time, I’m the head coach at LSU and I had to make a decision for the big picture of LSU, with the uncertainties of what could come by adding them to the roster,” Kiffin said, via Chris Vannini of The Athletic.

In other words, even though both players could theoretically play, Kiffin did not want to risk consequences down the line. The SEC has made it abundantly clear that they do not want Wright and Harris to be eligible, and further legal action is inevitable. LSU does not want to be punished down the line until they are certain nothing bad will come of it later.

Admittedly, the players in question had barely practiced and were unlikely to play a big role in Saturday’s game either way. That made it even easier for LSU to hold them out.

The post Lane Kiffin explains why controversial LSU players will not play Saturday appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Umpire Doug Eddings went on a ridiculous power trip during Friday’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies.

Eddings was the home plate umpire in Friday’s game at Coors Field in Denver, Co., and he took over the game in the sixth inning. The umpire did not like the way Cardinals pitcher Hancel Rincon was wearing his hat during his MLB debut, and actually held up the game to get Rincon to straighten it.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol had words with Eddings about that situation during a subsequent pitching change. Eddings responded by giving the Cardinals a pitch timer violation and ejecting Marmol. Later in the inning, Eddings blew a call at home plate that allowed the Rockies to take the lead, with the Cardinals out of challenges and unable to ask for a review.

Umpire Doug Eddings went on a power trip during the bottom of the 6th in the Cardinals Rockies game.

First, he demanded that pitcher Hancel Rincon (in his MLB debut) straighten his hat since no one will wear a hat like that on "his field".

When manager Oli Marmol went to talk… pic.twitter.com/ei4rCAalxq

— Umpire Auditor (@UmpireAuditor) September 5, 2026

After the game, Marmol said Eddings had told Rincon that the pitcher would not be allowed to wear his hat tilted on “my field.”

“Quite honestly, I thought it was pretty embarrassing on his end,” Marmol said of Eddings. “We have a kid making his debut and between an at-bat he tells him he needs to fix his hat, and ‘the kid’s not going to wear his hat like that on my field.’ Last I checked, this was Coors Field, so I took issue with it. The pitch violation while I’m out there having a discussion, that’s also stupid, in my opinion.

“At the end of the day, I thought they handled it poorly, and I’d like an explanation at some point.”

"[Eddings] tells him he needs to fix his hat and 'the kid's not gonna wear his hat like that on my field.'"

"Last I checked this was Coors Field"#stlcards pic.twitter.com/XJ3cqywxFE

— bill durham (@BDurhamSports) September 5, 2026

Rincon wears his hat tilted to the side and is hardly the first player to do so. Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm also does it, and longtime reliever Fernando Rodney was famous for the look. While some may not like it and think it looks unprofessional, it does not in any way constitute a uniform violation.

Eddings’ inning was so bad that some were convinced he blew the call at home plate intentionally to hurt the Cardinals. The team had challenged earlier in the inning, and it certainly seemed that Eddings was particularly pleased to announce the call in question was confirmed.

The Rockies broadcast catches on to Doug Eddings’ unprofessional attitude toward the Cardinals earlier in the game: “shame on you for challenging.” #stlcards pic.twitter.com/tW46qKrlR6

— Scott Singer (@IamScottSinger1) September 5, 2026

MLB legend Chipper Jones once labeled Eddings one of the “most confrontational” umpires in MLB, and this would seem to back his point.

Ultimately, despite the umpiring, the Cardinals came back with three runs in the ninth inning to lock down a 7-6 victory.

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NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe spent part of Friday’s Nightcap reacting to New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, who said earlier in the week that he thought about retiring after a 2025 ankle injury.

Sharpe, Chad Johnson and Joe Johnson focused less on the comeback than on the mindset. They said they never had time to think negatively after getting hurt.

“There are no winners in football; there are survivors in football. You play probably the sports that the most serious injuries happen,” Sharpe said. “You gotta know when the journey is over.”

The panel was surprised a player so early in his career would put retirement on the table.

On Up & Adams, Skattebo told Kay Adams he had one rule entering the league: A major injury would end his career. Seven games into his rookie season, in a Week 8 loss to Philadelphia, he dislocated his ankle, fractured his fibula, and ruptured his deltoid ligament.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said when asked if retirement crossed his mind. “I would say a month in — the first month was kind of like, ‘Damn. Do I really want to do this?'”

The feeling passed. Rehab, including long days at home, helped him find who he is as a player and a person. He has since said those thoughts are behind him and that he is ready to keep playing.

The post Shannon Sharpe has thoughts on Cam Skattebo’s retirement admission appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Carlos Alcaraz offered a blunt, laughing explanation for the extra layer he wore Friday at the U.S. Open.

The defending champion’s loose brown Nike tank top, a Travis Scott x Cactus Jack collaboration, kept slipping during his first two matches and exposing his chest. The kit quickly became an online sideshow.

Former WTA player Eugenie Bouchard added, “Love you Carlos but we’ve got to put the nip away.”

Alcaraz made the change himself. For his third-round match against Wu Yibing on Arthur Ashe Stadium, he added a white undershirt beneath the same tank and won 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

“I think I’ve been seeing too much of my nipples lately,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I felt like I could hide it for at least one match.”

He said the decision was his, not Nike’s, and that the extra shirt felt comfortable.

“So I think I’m going to stay like that,” Alcaraz added.

The cover-up did not end the spectacle. After the match, Alcaraz pulled off both shirts, and fans in the front rows reached for their phones.

Back from more than four months out with a wrist injury, Alcaraz has dropped just one set through three rounds. He next faces 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul, whom he has beaten in five straight meetings.

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Malachi Toney did not waste a snap. Less than three minutes into Miami’s season opener at Stanford Stadium, the sophomore receiver scored and struck the Heisman pose.

Toney hit it again after his second first-quarter touchdown and once more after a third-quarter score.

The celebration fit the night. Toney finished with 12 catches for a school-record 234 yards and three touchdowns as No. 7 Miami routed Stanford, 45-6. The yardage total surpassed Eddie Brown’s 220-yard mark from 1984, and the three scores tied the Hurricanes’ single-game record. 10 receptions and 182 yards came before halftime.

New quarterback Darian Mensah, the Duke transfer, found Toney for 48 yards on Miami’s first play. They connected on touchdowns of 23 and two yards on the opening two drives. A 47-yard strike in the third quarter completed the hat trick before both were pulled.

Mensah went 27-of-30 for 401 yards and five touchdowns, setting Miami debut records.

“It means a lot, knowing how many greats played at this university,” Toney said of the records, via ESPN.

As a freshman, Toney led the FBS with 109 receptions and 1,211 yards while helping Miami reach the College Football Playoff championship game.

One road opener was enough to put the pose, and the conversation around it, back in view.

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The benches and bullpens emptied Friday night at Camden Yards after Baltimore Orioles outfielder Blaze Alexander took a hard slide into second base during an eighth-inning double play against the Boston Red Sox.

With Boston leading 1-0, Alexander was on first when Luis Robert Jr. grounded to shortstop Trevor Story. Second baseman Nick Sogard took the flip and completed the double play at first. Replays showed Alexander sliding aggressively past the bag without making contact with Sogard.

Alexander said he started the war of words after noticing stares.

“I thought, clean slide into the bag, and just getting stared at,” he said, via ESPN. “Wanted to know why I’m getting stared at.”

Sogard had no issue with the slide itself.

“I was just looking back to see how far he went. I don’t know if he liked me looking back,” he said.

Both clubs rushed the field. Alexander motioned for the crowd to make more noise. No one was ejected.

Alexander admitted he hoped the moment would spark a late rally with Aroldis Chapman entering.

“Get the crowd going a little bit. You never know. You score two there, we win, and it looks real good,” he said.

Chapman notched his 399th career save as Boston won, 1-0, dropping Baltimore to its fourth consecutive loss and three games behind Cleveland for the final AL wild-card berth.

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Dianna Russini is planning a return to sports media, sources told Front Office Sports, after The Athletic published its review of her work and her relationship with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel.

Russini is “absolutely” preparing a comeback and has discussed several opportunities, ranging from pro football insider work to an opinion or personality role. She has not settled on a destination, but a move could come sooner rather than later with the NFL season underway, FOS noted.

Barstool Sports is viewed as a leading candidate. Russini is friends with Pardon My Take hosts Dan “Big Cat” Katz and PFT Commenter and has appeared often on their podcast.

Barstool founder Dave Portnoy previously called hiring her a “no-brainer.” Fox Sports Radio host Jon “Stugotz” Weiner has also said his offer to bring her on “holds forever.”

Russini resigned from The Athletic in April after the New York Post published photographs of her with Vrabel at an Arizona resort. The Athletic’s nearly five-month review found the relationship was a “clear violation” of company standards because it was not disclosed. The review did not find a clear link that she used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams.

In her first comment since resigning, Russini told The Athletic, “I stand by any and all reporting I’ve ever done in my career,” and declined an interview.

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There appears to be minimal overlap between J. Cole fans and supporters of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Grammy Award winner was performing Friday as part of his ongoing “Fall-Off” world tour at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. Midway through the performance, J.Cole made an effort to console any Clippers fans in the very building where the team plays its home games.

“Shoutout to any Clippers fans in the building tonight,” Cole said on stage. “We’re going to pray for y’all tonight.”

Rather than hear any cheers or even sad grumblings from would-be Clippers fans, the audience showered the stage with loud boos (video here).

“Nah, don’t do that,” Cole said, attempting to calm down the crowd. “Don’t do that. It’s the wrong time for that. Hold up. They need love and support; don’t do that. Y’all see what Adam Silver just did.”

Cole, like most plugged-in basketball fans, heard about the historic punishment the NBA imposed on the Clippers after the team was investigated for circumventing the salary cap. Clippers fans must have chosen to remain miserable in bed rather than endure the pain of entering the Intuit Dome, even for a J. Cole concert.

The Clippers were docked five future first-round picks among several other administrative punishments, leaving the team with few options as they continue their rebuild. The team may need to resort to taking some risks when it comes to roster building in the coming years.

Perhaps Cole, a former professional basketball player himself, may even get a tryout soon enough.

The post J. Cole’s Clippers shoutout during his Intuit Dome concert did not go as planned appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

LSU has backed down in its game of chicken with the SEC, at least for the time being.

The Tigers have reportedly left tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris off the team’s roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Clemson. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, LSU has listed 103 players on their submitted roster, leaving two spots open.

Sources: LSU has not added Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the team’s roster for the Clemson game. They could potentially be added later in the year, as both are enrolled in school. LSU has 103 players on the roster submitted, and that leaves them two spots. pic.twitter.com/aLJ797WKhJ

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 5, 2026

The move comes less than a day after a Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction in LSU’s favor. The court order barred the SEC and NCAA from punishing teams that roster former professional players such as Wright and Harris. The ruling appeared to clear the way for Lane Kiffin to at least have the option to use either man during Saturday’s game.

However, LSU’s decision on its roster for the Clemson game does not mean that the school is backing down entirely. The Tigers can still add Harris, Wright, and former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka to their roster later this season, barring any subsequent court rulings.

Neither Harris nor Wright was expected to play Saturday, even if they were included on LSU’s submitted roster. Wright has reportedly practiced with the team only twice, while Harris has yet to participate in any.

Perhaps Kiffin felt it best to keep both players out of the spotlight for the time being to avoid any distractions for the season-opening clash against Clemson.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to get their former Cy Young winner back in their rotation.

The D-Backs are reportedly set to have Corbin Burnes make his season debut next week. Veteran Diamondbacks radio host John Gambadoro noted Thursday night that he expects Burnes to take the mound Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals.

I expect Corbin Burnes to make his return to the Diamondbacks rotation on Tuesday in Kansas City.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 4, 2026

Burnes has been hard at work in the minors to get back into game shape — the final step in his rehab after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2025. According to AZ Central’s Nick Piecoro, Burnes reportedly threw “43 or 44 pitches” over three scoreless innings against Los Angeles Angels minor leaguers on Thursday and tacked on 8 to 10 more pitches in the bullpen to simulate a fourth inning.

The veteran right-hander reportedly wanted to get at least 50 pitches in so that he “could go 60 to 65” during his next outing, which now figures to be against the Royals. Burnes’ fastball topped out at 93 mph during Thursday’s live action, which is below his career average.

The Diamondbacks, who signed Burnes to a franchise-record contract in 2024, desperately want their ace back amid a heated NL Wild Card race. With Friday’s loss to the Houston Astros, Arizona finds itself a half-game behind the San Diego Padres for the final NL postseason spot.

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The Golden State Warriors just cannot catch a break these days.

The Warriors came up empty on their pursuits of several All-Star forwards this offseason. Golden State was a long-shot landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo until he got traded to the Miami Heat. LeBron James was also on the Warriors’ radar before he shocked the world with a move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 2022 NBA champions could not even land Ben Simmons, who on Friday agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings. Fans made the Warriors the butt of every joke for not even being an appealing enough destination for Simmons, of all people.

Ben said he'd rather go to Sacramento then play for Steve Kerr & Mike Dunleavy. We gotta add Ben Simmons to the list of LeBron, Giannis, Paskal, Kawhi, OG & KD turning down the chance to play for the Warriors. https://t.co/XoaUwiu6Jc

— TJ (@TraMurr2) September 4, 2026

Warriors can't even close out a deal for Ben Simmons 😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭

Holy Mike is in the mud….. pic.twitter.com/v9kQvYNhuZ https://t.co/CElLibmBbS

— LoonMuse (@KevonLooneyMuse) September 4, 2026

brother the warriors can't even get ben Simmons

— Ahmed (@Ahmed667217) September 4, 2026

Simmons, who used to be a passing savant and defensive menace, was once the perfect complement to a player like Steph Curry. But the Aussie chose to play for a rebuilding Kings team instead.

There’s a chance the Warriors dodged a bullet with Simmons, whose skills and limitations are very similar to those of Draymond Green. It’s hard to imagine the two ever sharing the floor without there being spacing issues, even with the greatest shooter in NBA history on the court with them.

But it’s still quite the reputational hit when the once-revered Warriors franchise can’t even get Simmons excited about joining their team. With Jimmy Butler still on the mend, Curry may need to carry an even bigger load next season at age 38.

The post Fans clowned Warriors after Ben Simmons turned them down appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Mike Tomlin is clearly enjoying the freedom during his first offseason away from the Pittsburgh Steelers in decades.

Tomlin recently appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show,” and the veteran host’s first question was about Tomlin having all the free time in the world this offseason rather than preparing for another grueling NFL campaign. The 54-year-old Tomlin, who stepped down as the Steelers’ coach in January after 19 seasons, had the widest smile when he said he was “having the time of my life.”

“I’ve enjoyed 2026, man,” Tomlin told Patrick, via Josh Chambers. “The free time, had an opportunity to really just focus on my wellness, getting into shape and things of that nature.

“Man, when you lead a football team, a football organization, sometimes you put yourself last. So it’s been good to kind of focus on some things like that and really just have time to be present with my family and friends.”

Tomlin then added that he was finally able to attend a family reunion in August for the first time since before long-retired Peyton Manning was drafted into the NFL.

“I hadn’t been to a family reunion since 1997,” Tomlin continued. “The family reunion is always the third week in July. Where have I been all of my adult life the third week of July? In a football camp. My family was laughing that I was there. It’s been a good summer.”

While it’s great that Tomlin finally has the free time he’s been missing for ages, it’s fair to wonder why the family never tried to accommodate Tomlin even once since 1997.

Tomlin lives in a $3 million mansion in the peaceful Squirrel Hill North neighborhood, which makes his Pittsburgh, Pa., home an ideal place to host a family reunion. One would have fairly assumed the Tomlin clan had made Mike the guest of honor at the 2009 reunion after he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory.

Tomlin must be a much better football coach than he is a grill master on BBQ duty.

The post Mike Tomlin has wild admission about his first free offseason in decades appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Chris Paul has opened up about the bleak truth he learned following his unceremonious exit from the Los Angeles Clippers organization.

Paul signed with the Clippers for the 2025-26 season in what was supposed to be the swan song of his 21-year NBA career. He announced in November that he was retiring at season’s end. But just a month later, the Clippers sent Paul home amid reports of a rift between him and head coach Tyronn Lue.

Paul was eventually traded to the Toronto Raptors, who waived the veteran point guard. Instead of ending his career with the Clippers like he wanted, CP3 left the NBA feeling disrespected by the very team he helped carry out of irrelevance.

The 12-time All-Star spoke up about the entire ordeal in a recent appearance on the “Build or Break” podcast

“It’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured,” Paul told host Daniel Lubetzky.

“I’ve been through a lot of wild stuff throughout my career, and having older kids and a wife who’s very tapped in. They know the daily goings-on as far as that team and that organization. Obviously, I was upset. But my family, my people, everybody [was more upset]. Just because of the investment in the team for as long as we have, and to see the way stuff was handled.

“What it lets you know is that no matter what you do or what you’ve done, nobody cares. Seriously, nobody cares. Nobody cares, and it teaches you.”

The Clippers remain the only team in the NBA without a retired jersey hanging in their home arena rafters. Paul may still end up being the franchise’s first name up there at Intuit Dome, but it wouldn’t be as sweet a moment as it should be because of his messy exit.

The Clippers seem to have a penchant for tarnishing their relationships with franchise superstars. Kawhi Leonard was trending toward becoming another candidate for his jersey to be retired down the line. But that may no longer be the case after the NBA hit the Clippers with one of the most severe punishments in NBA history earlier this week.

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A former NBA champion might possibly be joining the current NBA champions.

The New York Knicks could be a “realistic” option for free agent swingman Bruce Brown, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported this week. Brown remains unsigned after spending last season with the Denver Nuggets.

A 30-year-old former second-round draft pick, Brown appeared in all 82 games for the Nuggets last year, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He was also previously a member of Denver’s 2023 NBA championship team.

As for the Knicks, they are looking to upgrade around the fringes after winning their NBA championship since 1973. New York also has some roster spots to play around with after losing Mitchell Robinson, Ariel Hukporti, and Jeremy Sochan in free agency but only signing Andre Drummond as a replacement.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Brown could potentially end up with the Los Angeles Lakers instead. But Siegel also noted in his report that he would “cast doubt” on the possibility of Brown heading to L.A.

The Knicks were also eyeing an interesting former All-Star with one of their openings before that player ended up signing elsewhere. Now it appears that Brown could potentially be in line for some serious consideration from the reigning champions.

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Jacob Tobey is apparently returning to his position of employment.

The San Antonio Spurs announcer Tobey took to X on Friday to reveal that he will be re-assuming his position with the team. Tobey said that he would be working hard to regain the trust of the organization and the community.

“I thank the Spurs for allowing me time to step away to sort out issues in my personal life,” wrote Tobey in the post. “I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion.

“I believe I have the best job in the world and am thrilled to be able to continue as the team’s play-by-play announcer,” Tobey added.

I thank the Spurs for allowing me time to step away to sort out issues in my personal life. I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion. I believe I…

— Jacob Tobey (@JacobRTobey) September 4, 2026

Tobey, 29, began as the television play-by-play announcer of the Spurs in 2024. But over the summer, he was at the center of an alleged cheating scandal. Tobey was accused of cheating on his longtime girlfriend with Loren Waters, the sister of then-Spurs guard Lindy Waters III (read the full details here).

The Spurs initially decided to fire Tobey just days after the allegations broke. But now it appears that Tobey will be continuing in his position after a cooling-off period of a couple months.

The post Update emerges on Spurs announcer Jacob Tobey after firing over cheating scandal appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Aryna Sabalenka was not happy about her third-round match at the US Open suddenly turning into a scene from “Half Baked.”

The world No. 1-ranked women’s tennis star Sabalenka faced off on Friday against Kamilla Rakhimova during US Open play at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, N.Y. After going 2-0 up in the first set of the match, Sabalenka interrupted her serve to complain to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore about the smell of marijuana in the stadium.

Sabalenka was shown on the television broadcast telling Asderaki-Moore that “someone is smoking weed,” adding that the smell was “so strong.” Here is the video.

World's #1 women's tennis player Aryna Sabalenka had to alert the umpire that someone in the crowd was smoking very potent marijuana pic.twitter.com/btjoJq9ows

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 4, 2026

Ultimately, Sabalenka would defeat Rakhimova in straight sets (6-3, 6-4) to advance to the Round of 16. But after the match, Sabalenka spoke out on the incident.

“I don’t know if it was, like, coming from the crowd or was from the outside because the wind blows it into the stadium,” Sabalenka said, per ESPN. “I don’t know. I just hope they’re going to be a bit more aware of that stuff.

“I was like, guys, you can do whatever, you can smoke whatever, you can relax as much as you can, but please, to not do it around the tennis courts,”added Sabalenka. “It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best.”

The 28-year-old Sabalenka is looking to bounce back in her first major appearance since flaming out of Wimbledon in July (and joking afterwards that she wanted to get hammered drunk). But on Friday, it turns out that somebody else was trying to partake in intoxicants as well … right in the middle of Sabalenka’s match.

The post Aryna Sabalenka complains about the smell of marijuana at US Open appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Steph Curry will likely be getting (what could be his final) bag.

The Golden State Warriors superstar Curry is expected to get a new max contract extension from the team, Anthony Slater of ESPN reported this week in an appearance on 95.7 The Game. Slater added that it would be more surprising if Curry took a pay cut and noted that the Warriors would still have a lot of flexibility even if they maxed out Curry.

Now 38 years old, the former NBA MVP Curry is entering his final season under contract in 2026-27 at $62.6 million. He is currently eligible for a new extension from the Warriors however, and his max number would be for two years and roughly $136.7 million.

Even if those numbers would be staggering for a player who is nearing 40, Golden State will indeed have plenty of flexibility after this season. In particular, Jimmy Butler ($56.8 million), Draymond Green ($27.7 million), and possibly Kristaps Porzingis ($20 million with an additional $20 million player option for 2027-28) will all be coming off the books.

Curry still performed at an All-Star level last season, averaging 26.6 points per game on 47/39/92 shooting splits. The four-time NBA champion has also indicated publicly that he still remains fully committed to the Warriors.

But the flip side of the coin for Curry is his health as he missed nearly half of last season due to a persistent right knee injury. There are even some troubling signs that the knee could still be bothering Curry up until now, so the Warriors will have some risk assessment to do in determining whether or not to ultimately max out The Chef.

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Kevin Love could be coming full circle this offseason.

The free agent big man Love is open to returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reported this week. Krawczynski adds that the Timberwolves also have interest in potentially bringing Love back.

Love, who turns 38 years old later this month, remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent. But a return to Minnesota would mark a real closing of the loop for Love as he approaches the end of his NBA career.

The former UCLA star Love began his pro career with the Timberwolves in 2008 and played six total seasons for them. He was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2011 and made three All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams in Minnesota, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier 20-10 threats.

In 2014, the Timberwolves ending up trading Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he made two more All-Star teams and won an NBA title in 2016. Now after spending last season with the Utah Jazz (where he averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game), Love has a chance to return to the place where it all began.

Minnesota has had a superb offseason thus far, trading for former All-Star LaMelo Ball and adding ex-NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga as a free agent. While Love, who had also been eyeing another NBA contender in free agency, would be little more than a vibes veteran for the Timberwolves at this point, it would be hard to think of a more poetic ending for him.

The post Report: Kevin Love has mutual interest with 1 notable team appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

LeBron James is wasting no time in getting comfortable with two of his new teammates with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Trainer Chris Johnson on Friday shared video of James working along with Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey ahead of the start of training camp. The trio appeared to be running through various actions, including drills on possessions with the shot clock winding down.

LeBron, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey putting in off-season work 🔥💯

(Via @ChrisJHoops) pic.twitter.com/piffYAlUTj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 4, 2026

James, Brown, and Maxey have been hard at work for several weeks already. Johnson first shared photos of the group in the gym together on Aug. 19. James and Maxey have been tuning up together for even longer.

“New era, new energy. 👑 @KingJames @TyreseMaxey 💨 @FCHWPO 🧃 Let’s get it.” pic.twitter.com/Th4FXJuyrP

— Chris Johnson Hoops (@ChrisJHoops) August 19, 2026

One of the primary concerns about James’ new team is whether the group of stars can develop chemistry quickly enough to fulfill their championship ambitions in year one. James is unquestionably dedicated to trying to accomplish that, with Brown seeming particularly cooperative in terms of trying to make things work.

While James knows Maxey well, he has never played with either Maxey or Brown before. He clearly wants to be ahead of the curve by the time the season starts.

The post New video shows LeBron James getting work in with his new teammates appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Former LSU coach Brian Kelly offered something of a backhanded compliment to his successor, Lane Kiffin.

Kelly spoke about Kiffin in a new interview and certainly did not sound too enamored with the man who succeeded him as LSU coach. Kelly admitted he does not know Kiffin well, but that Kiffin largely operates by his own rules and always has.

“The only time I talked to Lane is when he tried to buy my house,” Kelly told John Brice of USA Today. “Lane operates in his lane, and that’s who he is. It’s who I’ve always known. Lane operates in the way he wants to do things. From that perspective, at least you know what you’re getting.”

Kelly certainly does not sound like he is endorsing the way Kiffin does things. The new LSU coach is known for pushing the boundaries and sparking controversy. He is at the center of it again before even coaching his first game for the team, as evidenced by his unapologetic pursuit of a controversial set of NFL players seeking to return to college.

On the other hand, Kelly was criticized for perceived phoniness during his own tenure at LSU. Kiffin’s more straightforward and arguably shameless approach might be precisely what LSU and their fans were after when hiring a new head coach.

The post Brian Kelly had a backhanded compliment for Lane Kiffin appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a legitimate chance of playing in Week 1 of the NFL season, and he may have his daughter to thank for that.

A new story from Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star revealed that shortly after undergoing surgery on his ACL and LCL, Mahomes set himself an ambitious goal. He told those close to him that he wanted to walk before his 11-month-old daughter learned to do so herself.

Mahomes managed to narrowly achieve it. His daughter is now 20 months old and running, but the Chiefs quarterback was walking just before she started to do it herself.

Mahomes had a grueling nine-month recovery from his torn ACL and LCL, which he suffered at the tail end of the 2025 season. An injury that significant can keep players out for as much as a full year, but Mahomes immediately said he wanted to be ready for the start of the 2026 season and appears to have accomplished that.

The Chiefs still have full faith in Mahomes, as they signed him signed him to an 8-year, $504.75 restructured contract extension in June.

The post Patrick Mahomes used an amazing goal to fuel his injury recovery appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders could not help but take a bit of a victory lap after his team shocked Georgia Tech in Thursday’s season opener.

The Buffaloes beat Georgia Tech 14-13 after scoring a touchdown in the last minute and blocking a game-winning 45-yard field goal attempt. Sanders, however, was particularly pleased by the disparity in rushing yards between the two teams. The Buffs racked up 183 yards, while Georgia Tech was held to 51.

“We rushed for 183 and they rushed for 51? I thought we were small,” Sanders said before laughing.

Coach Prime: “We rushed for 183 [yards], my god. They rushed for 51…

I thought we were small.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/HSGMeb1mDf

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 4, 2026

Colorado did, indeed, have plenty of critics pointing out how small the Buffs are this season. A video of the team emerging from the tunnel for their spring game went viral for precisely that reason.

Yikes: The Colorado Buffaloes football team has gone viral for looking extremely SMALL and UNDERSIZED heading on to the field for practice.

Many fans are saying they appear to be the same size as a high school team.

😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/TsxBYE1qQx

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 12, 2026

Obviously, that did not matter Thursday. The Buffs had 19 more attempts than Georgia Tech did, but their 3.7 yards per carry significantly bested the 1.7 Georgia Tech had.

The magic surrounding Sanders’ program seemed to have died off by the start of this season. The coach definitely seems to have some of his swagger back, though, which could be good news for Buffs fans.

The post Deion Sanders taunted Colorado’s critics after upset win appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Charles Barkley is once again floating retirement ahead of a new NBA season, and this time he is claiming he will not be the only one to quit.

In a recent appearance on “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Barkley claimed that the upcoming season will be his last on “Inside the NBA.” He added that longtime host Ernie Johnson also intends to retire after the 2026-27 season.

“Me and Ernie are a package deal,” Barkley said, via Brendon Kleen of Awful Announcing. “So right now, unless Ernie changes his mind, next year is my last year 100 percent.”

Johnson has not made any public statements about his future, so Barkley’s comments are all we have to go by on that front.

This is far from the first time Barkley has talked about retiring. He initially said he did not intend to work past the age of 60, and also said he would retire if TNT lost the rights to the NBA. He is now 63 and still working even though ESPN now has the rights to “Inside the NBA,” so needless to say, he has changed his mind a few times about this topic.

Barkley signed a 10-year, $210 million contract with Turner in 2022, and he still has more than a half a decade left on that deal.

The post Charles Barkley makes major claim about the future of ‘Inside the NBA’ appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Ben Simmons is officially back.

The former No. 1 overall pick Simmons agreed on Friday to sign with the Sacramento Kings as a free agent. Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Simmons will be getting a one-year, $3.5 million from Sacramento (representing the veteran’s minimum).

Shortly thereafter, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Simmons also had interest from two other prominent NBA teams but ultimately decided on the Kings. Those two teams were the Golden State Warriors and the defending champion New York Knicks.

Simmons, who is making his comeback after sitting out of the 2025-26 NBA season, obviously would have had a much better chance of competing with either of those two teams (albeit in a reduced role). But instead, Simmons is going with the opportunity where he will presumably be able to get the heaviest minutes and heading to the Kings, who went just 22-60 last season.

Now 30 years old, Simmons is a three-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-Defensive selection, and a one-time All-NBA honoree. He last played in the league during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game combined between the Brooklyn Nets and the LA Clippers.

In recent days, we heard that Simmons had been drawing rave reviews with his workouts in front of NBA figures. While Simmons himself had initially been hoping for a shot with one of two top Eastern Conference teams, he will now be looking to see what kind of numbers he can put up next season on a rebuilding, low-talent Kings squad.

The post Ben Simmons turned down 2 prominent teams to sign with the Kings appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Aaron Donald has confirmed that he is returning to the Los Angeles Rams, but his status for Week 1 is yet to be determined.

Donald is traveling to Melbourne, Australia with the Rams for their season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, it has not yet been determined if or how much he will play in that game.

That includes Aaron Donald, who is still TBD on playing. https://t.co/2iaYovqPhr

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2026

Presumably, Donald will be pushing to play. However, it may realistically be too tough to get him up to speed for an NFL game this quickly given his late decision on returning. It is possible that he may not even see the field until Week 3.

Donald did say he was relatively aware that he would return for two weeks before officially announcing it. He also kept himself in shape during his retirement, so the expectation is that it will not take him too long to get into full playing shape.

Even if Donald does not suit up for Week 1, the Rams have an embarrassment of riches on their defensive front. Myles Garrett will anchor the group along with Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young.

The post Aaron Donald’s Week 1 status has been revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Dae’Quan Wright, who spent time in NFL training camps this summer, has spoken out about his return to college football after being cleared to play for LSU by a Louisiana judge.

After winning a victory in court on Thursday, Wright said he is looking forward to “putting on a college uniform again.” He added that he expects to play Saturday against Clemson, and has been practicing with LSU for two days.

Dae’Quan Wright outside the courthouse: “I look forward to putting on a college uniform again.” pic.twitter.com/0HV99nmrHp

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 4, 2026

Wright is among those suddenly eligible for another collegiate season after initially graduating last year. A judge ruled that Wright is eligible after the NCAA initially excepted members of the 2022 freshman class from new rules granting five years of eligibility. A number of those players quickly sought to return to college even after spending time in NFL training camps.

The ruling was opposed by the NCAA and the conferences themselves, even the SEC. LSU essentially went to court against the league of which it is a member in order to win Wright’s eligibility.

Wright, an undrafted free agent, played for Ole Miss last season. He moved to LSU after entering the transfer portal while still taking part in camp with the Cleveland Browns.

The post Former NFL tight end addresses his return to college appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made a major decision about her future in the job.

Engelbert has informed the WNBA that she intends to retire at the end of the season, the league announced in a statement. She had been the league’s commissioner since 2019.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at the End of 2026 pic.twitter.com/Ul7qV4dm33

— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) September 4, 2026

Engelbert became the WNBA’s first commissioner in 2019. The league has grown by leaps and bounds since she took over, but that growth has come with additional scrutiny. She was criticized for a perceived lack of compensation for players, and was also scrutinized for the league’s handing of incidents surrounding Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

More recently, Engelbert has been in the news over controversy regarding the WNBA and trans athletes. As recently as last month, at least one prominent player was still pushing for her removal.

It is not known who might be in the running to replace Engelbert as commissioner. However, the league will presumably want a figure who is capable of dealing with the increased attention and subsequent scrutiny that the league has attracted in recent years.

The post WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made major decision about her future appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering whether Shohei Ohtani needs time on the injured list (IL) after sitting him on Thursday with lingering right biceps and neck discomfort.

Ohtani went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on Wednesday in an 8-6, 10-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, grimacing and shaking his right arm in his final at-bat. Manager Dave Roberts texted him after the game to say he would not start the series finale. Ohtani answered with a salute emoji.

Ohtani told trainers his right biceps and neck were bothering him. Roberts said that explained the visible discomfort. Those symptoms have not improved in recent weeks and come on top of the left knee issue that has kept Ohtani off the mound since July 3.

A formal IL stint is still being discussed. Roberts called it “unlikely, but not impossible.” He also framed it as a conversation about whether a day or two, or even 10 days, would help Ohtani get closer to full strength.

General manager Brandon Gomes said nothing has indicated an IL move is warranted yet and that the club would prefer not to lose Ohtani for 10 days.

Roberts planned to meet with Ohtani and the training staff Thursday before deciding on Friday’s series opener against Washington. He described Ohtani’s status as day-to-day.

“He wants to be in there, but I’m not going to just put him in there because of the name on the back of his jersey,” Roberts said.

The priority is getting Ohtani healthier for October, even if that means taking the decision out of his hands for now.

The post Dodgers pondering key Shohei Ohtani decision appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel declined to address The Athletic’s review of his relationship with former reporter Dianna Russini when asked on Thursday before practice.

“No, I don’t have any reaction,” Vrabel told reporters. “We’re moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week.”

Asked if the situation is behind him, he stayed with the same answer.

“I tried to just say that I’ve moved on and I’m excited about this new opportunity here as we start this season,” he said.

The Athletic on Thursday released a nearly five-month internal review by Mike Semel. The report concluded Russini’s relationship with Vrabel “was in clear violation of The Athletic’s standards.” Regardless of whether it was romantic, Semel wrote, “it was a breach and should have been disclosed.”

The inquiry followed April photographs published by the New York Post showing Russini and Vrabel together at an Arizona resort. Russini resigned soon after. Vrabel later missed the final day of the NFL draft while beginning counseling.

Semel reviewed 903 stories, 77 videos and 204 podcast episodes. He found no clear evidence Russini used her platform to promote Vrabel or his teams, though some glowing coverage now appears “awkward or even uncomfortable.”

The Athletic did not determine the full nature of the relationship but said the appearance of a conflict undermined confidence in her impartiality.

Vrabel and the Patriots open the regular season against Seattle.

The post Mike Vrabel ducks Dianna Russini questions after The Athletic findings appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

OBrendan “Big Baby” Jones does not blend into a high school defensive front. Listed at 6-foot-2 and roughly 380 to 400 pounds, the Luverne High School senior has become a viral curiosity after a short clip of him occupying blockers and finishing a tackle spread across Rivals and other recruiting accounts.

The footage, originally circulated from Instagram and amplified this week, shows why the nickname stuck.

Jones, wearing No. 72 for the Alabama 2A Tigers, takes up two gaps at once, drives a runner into the grass and then jogs off as if the collision were routine. Size is the hook. Movement is what keeps people watching.

Luverne is 2-0 after scoring 96 points and allowing 28 in wins over Pike County and Brantley. Jones has four tackles through two games, following a junior season in which MaxPreps credited him with 35 tackles in 10 games. The Tigers won 12 games and a regional championship in 2025 and are pointing toward another deep playoff run.

Recruiting is only beginning. Jones announced his first offer from Kansas Wesleyan in late August. Power-conference interest has not been publicly detailed, but evaluators now have a simple question: Whether that mass can be conditioned into a true college nose tackle. He is a Class of 2027 prospect, so programs have time.

That is the “cheat code” idea in plain terms. High school offenses have to account for him on every snap. One player that wide changes protection rules, run fits, and how a smaller line can even get started.

Whether the weight becomes an asset or a development project will decide how far the attention travels. For now, Luverne has an interior presence opponents cannot ignore.

The post 400-pound high school DT nicknamed ‘Big Baby’ is a cheat code appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Enes Kanter Freedom has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago Sky, the City of Chicago and the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, alleging his First Amendment rights were violated when he was ejected from a Sky home game and later banned from Wintrust Arena.

The complaint, filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, seeks a declaration that the ejection and indefinite ban were unconstitutional, an order lifting the ban, legal fees, and nominal and compensatory damages.

The former NBA center sat courtside on August 23 during Chicago’s game against the Indiana Fever wearing a T-shirt that read, “WOMAN noun. adult human female.”

Late in the third quarter, Sky guard Natasha Cloud approached him during a timeout and shouted. Freedom stood with his arms outstretched and took steps toward the court before security removed him from the arena.

Sky owner Michael Alter later said Freedom had “the potential to be a threat” after moving toward the floor and would not be allowed back until he could prove otherwise.

Freedom said he was “peacefully exercising” his First Amendment rights.

“No threats. No violence. Just biology,” he wrote. “You don’t have to agree with my speech but you don’t get to silence me for it.”

Cloud later called Freedom “an irrelevant person.” The Sky and WNBA did not comment on the filing.

The post Enes Kanter Freedom sues WNBA’s Chicago Sky following ejection appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction on Thursday night blocking the NCAA and Southeastern Conference from punishing schools that roster certain former professional athletes, clearing a path for LSU to add players who spent part of the summer in NFL camps.

East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued the order for athletes including former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright, former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka. They signed short professional contracts after the NCAA revised eligibility rules in June to allow five seasons in a five-year window.

Seniors who believed their college careers were finished later sued for that extra year.

The SEC last week approved sanctions that could include a half-season coaching suspension and multimillion-dollar fines. Fifteen of 16 schools voted yes. LSU abstained.

Lane Kiffin said LSU players supported the late additions.

“Every one of them was emphatic about, ‘If they can help us win, bring ’em,'” Kiffin said.

LSU must submit its 105-man roster on Friday. Wright has practiced and hopes to play Saturday night against Clemson. Harris is targeting the September 19 game against Ole Miss.

The SEC said it will appeal and filed a separate federal lawsuit in Alabama against LSU and Kiffin. Commissioner Greg Sankey has argued a bright line between college and professional sports must be maintained. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called the situation embarrassing and said there is no governance.

The ruling covers only the named plaintiffs. Similar lawsuits continue nationwide.

The post Louisiana judge clears path for ex-NFL players to join LSU roster appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Colorado was not going to let a field goal decide Thursday’s thriller against Georgia Tech.

The Buffaloes looked headed for a loss as the Yellow Jackets set themselves up for a potential game-winning field goal with seconds left at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. With his team trailing 14-13, Georgia Tech kicker Aiden Birr lined up for a 45-yard kick with a chance to send the fans home happy.

Instead, Colorado cornerback Boo Carter became the hero. Carter exploded off the edge just as the ball was snapped and blocked Birr’s attempt, sealing a 14-13 win for the Buffaloes.

BOO CARTER BLOCKS THE KICK FOR THE WIN 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/1y0CRn4zVz

— DNVR Buffs (@DNVR_Buffs) September 4, 2026

Colorado took their first lead of the second half in the final minute of the contest when quarterback Julian Lewis found tight end Charlie Williams for a 20-yard touchdown.

COLORADO. JULIAN LEWIS. COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK.

THE BUFFS TAKE THE LEAD WITH 37 SECS LEFT 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5Fpg3ht5bm

— ESPN (@espn) September 4, 2026

Carter made sure that Colorado’s touchdown with 37 seconds left stood as the final scoring play of the game.

The post Colorado stuns Georgia Tech on blocked field goal in final seconds appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Nothing was going to stop Rutgers from celebrating Thursday, even if it had to come during arguably the team’s worst loss in program history.

Rutgers entered its season-opening contest against UMass as multi-touchdown favorites. The Minutemen had not won a game in ages, bringing with them a 16-game losing streak dating back to September 2024.

The game started normally enough. Rutgers powered in a touchdown on its opening drive to take an early 7-0 lead at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J. But it was all UMass from that point on, as the Minutemen scored the next 30 points unanswered to pummel the Scarlet Knight in a 37-21 drubbing on their own home field.

Fans quickly dispersed from their seats once Thursday’s game was all but decided. Rutgers’ stadium staff still pushed through with an elaborate fireworks display, despite hardly any fans left to enjoy it.

Rutgers lost as 30 point favorites but no one was stopping them from post game fireworks pic.twitter.com/tBxyYtopEa

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 4, 2026

Rutgers was college football’s biggest spender on fireworks last year, using up nearly $200,000 worth of pyrotechnics throughout their 5-7 season. The Scarlet Knights could not get the win on the field Thursday, but at least remain on track to defend that title.

UMass got paid $1.55 million to play Rutgers on the road, in what the Scarlet Knights expected to be a cakewalk first win to build confidence for the rest of the season. So much for that.

The post Rutgers pulled the saddest move after getting embarrassed by UMass appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Las Vegas Raiders are taking a flier on Evan Neal with his stock at its lowest.

The Raiders on Thursday reportedly agreed to a practice squad deal with Neal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Las Vegas also signed wide receiver Ronnie Bell and defensive end Azeez Ojulari.

Raiders signed former Saints WR Ronnie Bell, former Giants G Evan Neal and former Giants DE Azeez Ojulari to their practice squad.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2026

The Giants drafted Neal with the No. 7 overall pick in 2022. The 6’7″ offensive lineman was a highly touted recruit coming out of Alabama, whom the team believed to be a potential core piece of their O-line of the future.

Neal quickly fell out of favor with Giants fans. His early seasons were more memorable for his embarrassing lowlights than for his effective play on the field.

Neal’s approval rating hit rock bottom when he ripped Giants fans for booing during a game in which quarterback Daniel Jones got sacked 11 times. It did not help that Neal’s struggles persisted even after he publicly called out the Giants’ fan base.

The Giants unsurprisingly chose not to pick up Neal’s fifth-year option for the 2026 season. New York tried to move him from tackle to guard last season, but veteran Greg Van Roten outperformed Neal for the starting job. Neal did not play a single game in 2025, partly due to a hamstring injury that ended his campaign early.

The Raiders are hoping a fresh start could be exactly what Neal needs to finally tap into his potential. At 25 years old, the man still has time.

The post Raiders agree to sign Giants draft bust appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Tony Vitello’s leap to Major League Baseball has been an absolute nightmare thus far, but he may still have some wiggle room left to work with.

The San Francisco Giants are trending towards keeping Vitello as their manager, Robert Murray of FanSided reported on Thursday. Murray notes that the feeling in league circles is that Vitello is not in danger of losing his job and that he should remain in San Francisco barring an unforeseen change.

Vitello, 47, was previously the manager of the Tennessee Volunteers baseball team and most notably led them to an NCAA national championship in 2024. But he was hired by the Giants in Oct. 2025 and so far has had a rough go of things to say the least.

San Francisco currently sits at a miserable 58-83 (.411), which is a full 16 games out of a playoff spot. The Giants are also on pace for their worst finish since the 2017 season, when they posted a record of 64-98 (.395).

Vitello has also seemingly struggled to adjust to the professional game. He was already putting his foot in his mouth to kick off his San Francisco tenure and even got booed at one point during a home game by the Giants faithful.

But San Francisco has had plenty of other embarrassing issues this season beyond Vitello’s leadership. With Vitello on a three-year contract (with a vesting option for a fourth year), it looks like the Giants will be giving him a bit of a longer leash moving forward.

The post Tony Vitello is trending towards 1 outcome with the Giants appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Mark Sanchez is ready to strike a deal.

The retired former NFL quarterback Sanchez intends to plead guilty in his ongoing criminal case, TMZ Sports reported on Thursday. Sanchez has come to an agreement with prosecutors and is asking the judge to set aside his trial start date (which was set for just five days from now) in favor of a guilty plea and sentencing hearing instead.

TMZ Sports also quoted Sanchez’s legal advisor Nick Sanchez Jr. in their report. Sanchez Jr. noted that the related civil matter with Sanchez was getting close to a resolution as well.

“This is a positive development,” said Sanchez Jr. “We are finalizing an agreement with the prosecutor’s office that provides a path toward resolving the state’s case. We’re also encouraged by the constructive conversations taking place regarding the related civil matter. There is real momentum toward bringing this entire chapter to a close.”

Sanchez, the 39-year-old former New York Jets quarterback, was arrested last October in Indianapolis, Ind. after allegedly confronting and attacking 69-year-old truck driver Perry Tole in a late-night dispute over parking. The incident left Sanchez hospitalized with multiple stab wounds after Tole says he acted in self-defense.

The ex-USC star Sanchez was later accused of being on illegal drugs at the time of the incident. Tole also ended up filing a civil lawsuit against Sanchez, claiming that he suffered gruesome injuries in the attack.

Sanchez is currently facing a felony battery charge as well as three other misdemeanor charges. His criminal trial was originally scheduled to begin in mid-July but had faced multiple delays ever since then.

The post Mark Sanchez to enter a noteworthy plea in his stabbing case appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A number of NFL teams announced their team captains for the 2026 season, and that list included the Atlanta Falcons. Their list, however, included one notable omission.

The Falcons’ list of five captains does not include any quarterbacks. This is a rarity, as teams that name captains almost always include a quarterback in the group.

Instead, the Falcons’ offense will be represented by running back Bijan Robinson and offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom.

Our 2026 captains 🫡https://t.co/cP6pRdAvnq pic.twitter.com/Dkv0CBlmx2

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 3, 2026

This may be the clearest signal yet of just how bizarre the Falcons’ quarterback situation is. For much of the offseason, Tua Tagovailoa was viewed as the likely Week 1 starter, if only because Michael Penix Jr. was still recovering from the ACL tear he suffered last November. Penix has since been cleared to practice, however, and Tagovailoa did little to impress during preseason action.

The Falcons are the only remaining team that has not named a Week 1 quarterback. It doesn’t help that their two options might not even be seeing eye-to-eye, either.

The post Falcons’ team captain announcement was missing 1 key figure appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A new report suggests that Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer may have overplayed his hand in trying to clear his name as part of an investigation into fake sponsorship deals.

Pablo Torre, who initially broke the story, appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” Thursday and revealed that Ballmer had the opportunity to save face in light of the investigation. Ballmer was given the chance to settle with the NBA and admit wrongdoing, but the Clippers owner instead sought to clear his name completely. Previous reports had suggested that a settlement was seen as the most likely resolution of the investigation.

“The NBA tried to settle with Steve Ballmer. They said ‘Hey, we have a narrow scope, we have undeniable evidence. We want to just make sure that you have the opportunity to take your punishment, admit wrongdoing, and let us all move on,'” Torre said. “Steve Ballmer, according to everything that we’ve seen play out in public, decided to fight.”

“What can Steve Ballmer do? He can literally sue the NBA.” – @PabloTorre tells DP whats next for the Clippers pic.twitter.com/mu8dEOJTRF

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) September 3, 2026

Torre also noted that the NBA successfully settled with Leonard and the NBPA. The players’ union is the only entity that can initiate arbitration, which means the legal system is the only place Ballmer can go for potential recourse. That would leave Ballmer open to discovery and the potential reveal of more documents.

Roughly two weeks ago, reports emerged suggesting that Ballmer had not funneled money to Leonard through fake sponsorships. The NBA’s investigation ultimately found otherwise, so perhaps someone close to the Clippers was trying to set a narrative. The Clippers have claimed that the NBA’s public findings did not match what they were told privately, and intend to fight their punishment.

Ballmer was suspended for one year and fined $30 million for his role in the scandal. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The post Steve Ballmer refused to settle with NBA in Clippers investigation appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Don Mattingly is enjoying a resurgence this season with the Philadelphia Phillies, but the good times might not last forever.

The Phillies interim manager Mattingly is open to remaining the manager of the team beyond the 2026 season, Robert Murray of FanSided reported on Thursday. However, the allure to the Phillies of the available Alex Cora could reportedly be too much for Mattingly to overcome.

Murray also notes Cora’s strong connection with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, whom he previously worked with on the Boston Red Sox. You can read Murray’s full report on the situation here.

Mattingly, 65, joined the Phillies as a bench coach over the offseason. But he became the team’s interim manager in late April after Philadelphia fired Rob Thomson.

Ever since taking over for the Phillies, Mattingly has done a commendable job. Under Mattingly (who arrived with 12 prior seasons of MLB manager experience), Philadelphia has gone a blistering 70-42 (.625), and they now sit at an impressive 79-61 overall (.564).

But Cora, the 50-year-old ex-Red Sox manager, might have been the target for the Phillies all along. Philadelphia tried to hire him right after Thomson’s firing four months ago, and now they could be making a second attempt at Cora come this winter.

The post Notable update emerges on Don Mattingly’s future with the Phillies appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Von Miller has successfully negotiated the right to wear his No. 40 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, and he hinted Thursday that he made a pretty major move to make it happen.

Miller confirmed that he successfully negotiated a deal to get the number from fullback Hunter Luepke, who had previously worn it. While Miller did not offer specifics on what the price was, he suggested that he and Luepke are now business partners.

“I’m happy to say he’s my business partner. He’s part owner of Greener Pastures Chicken. The chicken of champions,” Miller said.

New Cowboys OLB Von Miller on how he got his No. 40 jersey number from FB Hunter Luepke: “It went down to the final hour, but we were able to get it done. I don’t want to get into the details of it, but I’m happy to say he’s my business partner. He’s part owner of Greener… pic.twitter.com/pdPHqjX2cF

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 3, 2026

Greener Pastures Chicken is Miller’s chicken brand, so it sounds like Luepke got a stake in the company. Miller had previously offered a lifetime supply of chicken to get the number.

The No. 40 is the same number Miller wore in high school and college. He also wore it during his stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills.

Miller, 37, joined the Cowboys last month as a free agent. He led the Washington Commanders with 9.0 sacks and was second on the team with 15 quarterback hits while also remaining healthy for a full 17-game campaign last season.

The post Von Miller suggests he made a major gesture to get his jersey number appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Detroit Pistons might end up being an unexpected loser of the Kawhi Leonard scandal.

The LA Clippers have now emerged as a potential new suitor for Pistons center Jalen Duren in 2027, Sam Quinn of CBS Sports reported on Friday. Quinn says that the Clippers would pose a “very obvious fit” if the Pistons cannot agree to a long-term deal with Duren this offseason.

Duren, 22, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent this summer. The All-Star big man remains in a tense stalemate with Detroit, and a recent report revealed just how far off the two sides are in negotiations.

As for the Clippers, they just got the book thrown at them by the NBA this week as part of the Leonard salary-cap circumvention scandal. Most notably, the Clippers were stripped of a whopping five future first-round picks and given several other notable punishments.

Consequently, the Clippers no longer have any incentive whatsoever to be conservative with their team-building plan (since tanking will not yield a high draft pick for them), and they might also tear down their roster as currently constructed to try to replenish as much draft capital as possible. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ only centers right now are the 38-year-old Brook Lopez, the undersized Isaiah Jackson, and the injured Yanic Konan Niederhauser.

Duren is young and talented enough that he can be a long-term centerpiece for a rebuilding team. If he ultimately takes the one-year qualifying offer from the Pistons for next season or signs a two-year deal with a player option, the Clippers could potentially be lurking around the corner with a massive offer for Duren come 2027.

The post 1 new potential suitor has emerged for Jalen Duren appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

One of Bill Belichick’s closest allies at North Carolina has resigned his position.

Michael Lombardi, who previously served as the general manager of the Tar Heels, has resigned his position, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Lombardi had previously been on leave amid an internal investigation.

Sources: UNC football GM Michael Lombardi has resigned from his position. He’d been on paid leave in the wake of an internal investigation. pic.twitter.com/dpEv5rzguO

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 3, 2026

Lombardi had been Belichick’s hand-picked choice to run his program when he took over as head coach in 2025. The former NFL Network analyst is a longtime Belichick confidant, having served as an assistant to the coaching staff with the New England Patriots from 2014 to 2016.

Lombardi was placed on administrative leave in July after he was the subject of a complaint filed with the school’s human resources department. While the nature of the investigation is unknown publicly, Lombardi has denied any wrongdoing.

The Lombardi situation is the latest example of the chaotic reputation Belichick’s Tar Heel program has garnered over the last year. There are questions about other staffers as well, as Belichick’s son Steve is also unable to fulfill his duties as defensive coordinator.

The post Bill Belichick’s North Carolina GM has resigned appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Anthony Richardson asked for a trade earlier in the offseason once it became apparent that he was no longer the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. Several months later, no trade has happened, and Richardson does not seem to care much about that.

The Colts confirmed Thursday that Richardson will serve as Daniel Jones’ backup to open the 2026 season, which does constitute a promotion from where he was earlier in the offseason. Richardson labeled himself “honored” to get the job, and seemed to walk back his trade request when asked about it on Thursday.

“I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that. I haven’t really talked to my agent about that in a minute,” Richardson said of the request. “Since day one of camp, I’ve been trying to prep myself to be the backup for Danny.”

Anthony Richardson Sr. on being named the #Colts’ backup QB:

“I’m honored. … I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2.”

But what about the trade request?

“I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that. I haven’t talked to my agent about that …” pic.twitter.com/uRHSXLcNGy

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 3, 2026

The Colts were prepared to trade Richardson during the offseason, but never found a taker. His stock had crashed after a rough few seasons that saw him lose his job and deal with a significant injury. He is 8-7 overall as an NFL starter, but his play has been inconsistent at best and terribly mistake-prone at worst.

Richardson seemed convinced the lack of a trade was a good thing when he last addressed it. Perhaps he was simply trying to convince himself of that.

The post Anthony Richardson seems to have changed his mind about the Colts appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Bob Iger might end up being a second banana of sorts with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The former Disney CEO Iger is not expected to serve as the new governor of the Lakers, Charles Gasparino of The California Post reported on Thursday. Gasparino adds that Joshua Kushner is expected to be governor of the team instead and would himself be putting up the at-least 15 percent ownership stake necessary for governorship.

Iger, meanwhile, is expected to be part of a consortium of investors who are buying smaller parts of the team in a deal led by Kushner. However, Iger could still reportedly wield sizable influence with the Lakers, potentially as an alternate governor and/or the leader of the day-to-day management of the team.

You can read Gasparino’s full report on the situation here.

Iger, 75, and Kushner, 41, agreed in principle last month to purchase the controlling stake of the Lakers from embattled outgoing owner Mark Walter at an estimated $12.5 billion valuation. The former was largely expected to be the new leader of the franchise, especially given his history with Disney (the owner of ESPN, which holds a TV rights deal with the NBA) and his close relationship with commissioner Adam Silver and other key NBA figures.

Instead however, Kushner will likely be the central figure of the franchise’s new ownership group. Additionally, the Lakers still have to sort out the messy situation with the Buss family minority owners (which we recently learned Iger’s feelings about).

The post Report: Bob Iger could have a smaller role with the Lakers than expected appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo briefly considered ending his NFL career after just seven games.

Skattebo said his plan coming into the NFL was to retire if he endured any serious injury. Seven games into his rookie year, he endured a severe ankle injury that ended his season.

Skattebo admitted that for a brief period after he suffered the injury, he questioned whether or not he should come back.

“Coming out of college and going to the NFL, I gave myself one rule. If I ever got a major injury, I was done playing,” Skattebo said. “That happened seven games into my career. It kind of sucked, but I think that really helped me find who I am as a player and as a person.

“The first month, I was like, do I really want to do this? But it was seven games. I’ve got to go back and play.”

Giants RB Cam Skattebo considered retirement after his season-ending injury during his rookie year:@camskattebo5 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/CZ3HYbioPn

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 3, 2026

Obviously, Skattebo decided not to call it a career at the age of 23. The Giants running back is healthy and ready to go for 2026, though there has been speculation that some around the team aren’t exactly thrilled about that.

Skattebo was off to a very promising start to his NFL career. He ran for 410 yards and five touchdowns in the seven games before he went down for the year.

The post Cam Skattebo makes shocking revelation about his ankle injury appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Donovan Mitchell is crediting a very unlikely source for his 71-point game a few years back.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star Mitchell appeared this week on the “Cousins” podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. During the episode, Mitchell touched on his 71-point outburst against the Chicago Bulls in 2023.

Mitchell made the surprising revelation that his big performance was fueled by alcohol. The seven-time All-Star noted that the game took place after New Year’s (on Jan. 2) and that he had partaken in some adult beverages the night before.

“We played them on New Year’s Eve,” said Mitchell. “Then we had New Year’s in Cleveland. Then we played the next day. Now I will say this. I’ve never drank before a game in my life. It was New Year’s. So I did have a drink, a few drinks the night before the game.

“Never done that in my career,” Mitchell added. “Haven’t done it since. So I tell people like that was probably what, you know, allowed me to have the night I had.”

That night against Chicago, Mitchell scored 71 on 22/34 shooting from the field in a 145-134 overtime victory for Cleveland. It tied for the 10th-highest scoring game in NBA history and well eclipsed Mitchell’s previous career high of 57 points set in 2020.

Mitchell, 29, is indeed known as one of the highest volume-scoring guards in the league today. But interestingly enough, the NBA might have known that something was up with Mitchell as they actually gave him an unwelcome surprise the morning after.

The post Donovan Mitchell says his 71-point game was alcohol-fueled appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Will Levis has gotten his first NFL workout since being cut by the Tennessee Titans.

Levis was one of two quarterbacks to work out for the New York Jets on Thursday. Levis and Jack Plummer both took workouts for a spot on the team’s practice squad.

The Jets worked out two QBs today, per source:

Will Levis
Jack Plummer

It'd be for a spot on the practice squad, I'm told.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 3, 2026

Neither quarterback signed before leaving the building, so for now, the Jets are putting off any further decisions.

The Titans parted ways with Levis as one of their final roster cuts on Sunday. This is the quarterback’s first workout with another team since then as he tries to find somewhere new to continue his NFL career. The former 33rd overall pick went 5-16 as Tennessee’s starter with 21 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over a span of two seasons.

Levis has made it clear that he still firmly sees himself as a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. Obviously, the rest of the league does not agree right now, and he is looking for any opportunity he can get to prove himself.

The post Will Levis works out for new NFL team after his Titans release appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kawhi Leonard’s trade to the Toronto Raptors is still expected to happen, but the Raptors themselves are being mum on its status.

Teams around the league are wondering if the Raptors are still planning to complete the trade that will bring Leonard to the Raptors from the Los Angeles Clippers. For now, the Raptors are not confirming either way, issuing what was essentially a no-comment to Front Office Sports.

“Our policy is that we don’t comment on pending or potential transactions,” the organization said.

A lingering question after the NBA issued its findings in the Clippers saga yesterday is whether the Kawhi Leonard trade will now go through.

The Raptors are remaining mum for now.

"Our policy is that we don’t comment on pending or potential transactions," a rep tells @FOS.

— Ben Horney (@BenHorney) September 3, 2026

In theory, there are no obstacles regarding the pending Leonard trade. Both sides had agreed to it while the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers was still ongoing, but the Raptors did not want to assume the risk of acquiring Leonard and potentially being subjected to penalties from that investigation.

The Clippers have been accused of using fake endorsement deals to funnel additional money to Leonard, and have been harshly punished for it. In theory, the Raptors would not be assuming any risk by acquiring him, and the expectation remains that the trade will get done in the days to come.

The post Raptors have interesting response to Kawhi Leonard trade status appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Amen Thompson will be with the Houston Rockets for more years to come. 

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday that Thompson and the Rockets have agreed to a new multi-year deal.

“Houston Rockets’ Amen Thompson has agreed to a five-year, $208 million rookie-scale contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. The new deal includes a 10% trade kicker,” the NBA insider wrote on X.

Thompson was the fourth-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He inked a 4-year, $40 million rookie scale contract that year with the Rockets, who have since picked up two club options on the guard-forward, including one that’s worth $12.26 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

Thompson’s new contract underscores how much Houston values not just what he’s done for the team so far, but his potential to be an even bigger contributor on both ends of the court in the years to come.

In the 2025-26 NBA season, only Kevin Durant had higher win shares (10.7) than Thompson (10.3) among Rockets players. Thompson was also third on the team with a value over replacement player of 3.4 and finished eighth in the league in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Together with Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., Thompson represents the bright future of a Houston team, particularly once Durant eventually leaves.

The 23-year-old Thompson posted career highs of 18.3 points and 5.3 assists per game in the 2025-26 season, while averaging 7.8 rebounds. He’s still far from a finished product, and the Rockets may be hoping he becomes a more potent perimeter threat, since he’s only a career 21.9% shooter from deep.

The post Amen Thompson lands stunning new contract with the Rockets appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Trent Thornton was enraged after he was pulled from the mound during Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Ill.

It was not a great outing, to say the least, for Thornton, who, after loading the bases in the bottom of the fifth inning, was replaced on the mound by Ryan Rolison. 

Thornton started great, as he struck out Brewers outfielder Luis Lara in three pitches to finish the fourth inning before punching out former National League Most Valuable Player Christian Yelich to start the fifth frame. 

It all went downhill from there for the 32-year-old Thornton, as he walked Joey Ortiz and allowed a single to Cooper Pratt, with the Cubs trailing 6-5. 

The right-handed pitcher then surrendered a single to Jackson Chourio to load the bases, prompting Cubs manager Craig Counsell to get the ball from him.

Once he got to the dugout, Thornton angrily threw his gloves to the bench and shouted what sounded like a profane word out of sheer frustration.

You can watch his eruption here.

Cubs pitcher Trent Thornton has provided us with an all-time reaction video pic.twitter.com/h1zvYfn67x

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 3, 2026

The Cubs were able to wiggle out of the jam in the inning to keep it a one-run game, but Milwaukee ended up winning the contest, 9-5.

Thornton hasn’t been pitching well of late, having allowed six earned runs over his last three appearances, spanning three innings, so that might have also factored into his dugout outburst.

The post Video: Cubs pitcher goes berserk in wild dugout scene appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A Dallas Wings player’s dream of playing in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin has been dashed by a mistake no one saw coming.

Wings center Li Yueru will be unable to provide Team China with her services at the World Cup after losing her passport, an unfortunate mishap she addressed in an Instagram Story post.

“Unfortunately, my passport was lost in the mail and still hasn’t been found. Throughout this time, we’ve all been working hard together and exploring every possible solution, but maybe we were just a little short on luck this time. As of today, the passport is still missing,” The 27-year-old Yueru wrote. 

“Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life. I’m sad that I won’t be able to be there this time, but I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me and continues to support Chinese women’s basketball.”

❗️| Li Yueru won't be able to represent China in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup due to missing passport! 😔

via Li's Instagram pic.twitter.com/z1VViJ9l4v

— Dallas Wings Updates (@DALWingsUpdates) September 2, 2026

The absence of 6-foot-7 Yueru is a big blow for China’s World Cup campaign. Without her, the team is missing its most prolific scorer and rebounder in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she averaged 17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field.

China will look to buck the odds and try to pull off an upset in its FIBA World Cup opener on Friday at Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin, Germany, against Team USA, which is also without its best center.

The post WNBA player to miss FIBA World Cup after bizarre snafu appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A wardrobe-related issue is among the latest reasons fans are roasting the Cleveland Browns online, and it has nothing to do with their uniforms.

Browns assistant general manager Catherine Hickman faced reporters on Wednesday, which wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. 

What caught the attention of people online the most was not the words she was saying but her sweatshirt, including the message on it.

On the front of her ripped attire was a message that read “Los Angeles Made Me Do It.” 

Here is a clip showing Hickman wearing that sweatshirt while fielding questions from the media.

#Browns assistant GM Catherine Hickman on the edge rusher rotation: pic.twitter.com/vHUYl7NPRU

— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) September 2, 2026

The message itself wasn’t exactly a profound statement that would make anyone ponder the meaning of life, but it was interesting nonetheless given the context of Cleveland’s season. 

For one, the football world is still buzzing over the massive trade the Browns made with the Los Angeles Rams, who acquired former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick and superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett from Cleveland in exchange for a package that included star defensive end Jared Verse.

Fans quickly pointed out the seeming irony of a Browns front office executive wearing a shirt with a message referring to the city the team just sent its franchise player to.

Man, the Browns always find a new way to lower the bar 😂

— EL HUNK (@el_hunk) September 2, 2026

This is the perfect embodiment of why the Browns can’t field a winning football team.

— pete (@pete_ace88) September 2, 2026

We are a joke and this lady is trolling us. Why do I even root for this team if they are just going to troll us?

— TheMainRyan85 (@TheMainRyan85) September 2, 2026

Why is she wearing a los Angeles shirt? Assistant GM in Cleveland and she can't wear the city or colors she is representing?

— justin thivener (@Jateou) September 2, 2026

God this organization is a bad joke.

— Murph (@MrMajicTone) September 2, 2026

This is a small issue that shouldn’t impact the Browns’ performance on the field, but it’s another example of how Cleveland always finds a way to turn heads for the wrong reasons.

The post Fans take issue with Browns assistant GM’s outfit appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Miami Heat signed Klay Thompson for one reason and one reason only — for his shooting.

Thompson is looking to provide that for the new-look Miami squad, and he wants to do it in historic fashion.

In a video shared by the Heat on social media, the four-time NBA champion Thompson is seen testing his shooting form while in a Miami uniform before asking, “What’s the Miami Heat’s 3-point makes record?”

Klay already looking to make HEAT history 🤝

Check out the full all-access video on Klay Thompson’s first day 👉 https://t.co/hJAMBobZ6i pic.twitter.com/kWF9LkgYJt

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 2, 2026

The answer to Thompson’s inquiry is 270. Duncan Robinson set the franchise record with that many shots drained from behind the arc during the 2019-20 NBA season. 

Now with the Detroit Pistons, Robinson may kiss his Miami record goodbye in the 2026-27 campaign if Thompson shoots it like, well, Klay Thompson.

The 36-year-old Thompson has two seasons with at least 270 3-pointers. He had 276 during the 2015-16 campaign and 301 in 2022-23. He also has two seasons with 268 shots made from the 3-point area.  

Thompson is no longer the elite two-way weapon he was during his peak with the Golden State Warriors, but he should see plenty of opportunities as the Heat’s top floor spacer, a role Miami needs him to play consistently, primarily to open things up inside for the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Before signing a 2-year, $11.48 million contract with Miami in August, Thompson averaged 12.9 points and shot 40.3% from deep through two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

The post Klay Thompson wants to break a Heat record appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Hunger for success after reaching the top of the NBA will be essential to Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks’ mission to repeat as champions. Brunson is very much aware of that.

During a recent appearance on the “Road Trippin’ Show,” the former Villanova Wildcats star point guard stressed the importance of having a tougher mindset, as the Knicks look to defend their NBA title. 

“We don’t want to speak of the trophy, we don’t want to talk about the trophy, we don’t want to see the trophy, right?” the 30-year-old Brunson said.  “We want to come in with the same mindset if not even tougher mindset we had last year.”

The Knicks have a big target on their back after ending a 53-year title drought with one of the most memorable runs in the NBA Playoffs ever. As the reigning NBA champions, the Knicks stand to face teams that are a little more motivated to beat them.

With Brunson as the leader and a core that still features Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, New York can still feel confident that it has the right formula to at least seriously compete for another NBA championship.

The Knicks will start their title defense on Oct. 20 against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

H/T NBA Courtside

The post Jalen Brunson issues demand to Knicks ahead of NBA title defense appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A man is officially out of a job after sending a racist text message last month to Dearica Hamby.

Acclaro Medical, a medical equipment supplier based in Rhode Island, revealed this week that they have terminated one of their employees after he allegedly sent a racist message to the Los Angeles Sparks star Hamby. In a statement to USA Today Sports, Acclaro Medical confirmed that the man was no longer with the company after they initially suspended him in the wake of the scandal.

“Acclaro Medical is aware of the deeply disturbing situation on social media,” said the company. “Acclaro Medical sympathizes with everyone who has been affected by this situation. The Company takes this matter extremely seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation.”

On Aug. 22, Hamby, a three-time WNBA All-Star forward, was ejected from a game against the Connecticut Sun for striking Sun counterpart Raegan Beers. On Aug. 24, Hamby took to social media to expose the racist message that she had received in the wake of the incident (which included the N-word as well as a monkey emoji).

Hamby’s post included the unredacted phone number of the person whom it came from. USA Today’s report notes that Internet sleuths were able to identify the man responsible by reverse-searching the phone number (though it remains unclear how the man obtained Hamby’s cell phone number in the first place).

The 32-year-old Hamby, who is averaging 14.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game on the year for the Sparks, is not the only WNBA player to receive racist treatment this season. Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray also spoke out in July about a racist message that was also sent to her after a game.

The post Man gets fired over his racist message to WNBA’s Dearica Hamby appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kawhi Leonard will apparently be leaving a big ol’ mess in Los Angeles and dipping.

The agreed-upon trade between the Toronto Raptors and the LA Clippers for the seven-time All-Star Leonard is now an all-systems-go, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday. Charania notes that Leonard, who neither got his contract voided by the league nor was suspended, is expected to officially be headed to Toronto “in the next few days.”

This news comes shortly after the NBA formally handed down a harsh punishment to the Clippers (docking them five first-round picks, fining them $30 million, and issuing multiple suspensions to high-ranking Clippers figures) over their alleged circumvention of the salary cap with Leonard. The Clippers had been accused of using fake endorsement deals to funnel under-the-table money to Leonard in clear violation of NBA rules.

Meanwhile, Leonard himself was also fined a sum of $700,000 by the league but seemingly got off lightly given that his contract was not voided and that he was not suspended. Leonard has since issued a public statement about the saga saying that he accepted responsbility for “lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle” (read his statement in full here).

Now Leonard can officially turn his attention back to the court. The 35-year-old is entering his final year under contract next season at $50.3 million, resulting in the Clippers deciding back in June to trade him to the Raptors for a package based around former All-Star Brandon Ingram and several other pieces.

A few days later however, the Raptors decided to put the trade on hold given that they were not comfortable with assuming the risk of Leonard possibly being suspended or having his contract voided. But now they have received the all-clear to proceed with the Leonard trade with less than a month to go now before the start of training camp.

The post Update emerges on Raptors’ Kawhi Leonard trade after Clippers punishment appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Seattle Mariners will likely be moving on from El Jefe this offseason.

Seattle is not expected to bring back outfielder Randy Arozarena after the season, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Wednesday. Passan adds that the Mariners are expected to part ways with manager Dan Wilson in the offseason as well.

Arozarena, 31, is in his second full season with Seattle after arriving in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has made the All-Star team in both of those seasons and is currently batting an stellar .273 to go along with 22 homers, 65 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases this year.

But Arozarena will become a free agent in the winter. He is playing out this season on an expiring contract of $15.7 million and could now be in line for a big raise on the open market.

But the Mariners as a team are in a very confusing situation right now. They won the AL West last season and made it to the ALCS … but are now likely to miss the postseason altogether this year (sitting at 66-74 and 4.5 games back of a playoff spot with less than a month to go).

We already heard recently that Wilson was expected to get the boot from Seattle after the season (putting him in the same category as two other notable MLB managers). But now we are finding out that Arozarena, a three-time All-Star and former ALCS MVP, could be in his final weeks with the Mariners as well.

The post Mariners are not expected to bring back 1 All-Star appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jarren Duran certainly said it with his chest during Wednesday’s game.

Duran and the Boston Red Sox played Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners. In the bottom of the fourth inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., the Red Sox outfielder Duran came up to bat with two runners on and one out as his team was trailing 4-0.

On an 0-1 count against Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller, Duran got what he thought was an excellent pitch to hit. Unfortunately though, Duran got under it and lifted an easy can of corn onto the outer fringe of the infield for the second out of the inning.

Duran was quite upset about missing his opportunity and let out one of the loudest F-bombs imaginable. Here is the video (but obviously watch out for the foul language).

Jarren Duran was NOT happy about popping up pic.twitter.com/aTEODaMrnt

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 2, 2026

The former All-Star Duran, 29, is having a frustrating year, entering play on Wednesday batting .207 with a .631 OPS (both career-worst marks). While Duran has still managed to produce 19 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases on the year, the Red Sox are fighting for playoff seeding and need to capitalize on every opportunity at this point in the season.

Meanwhile, Duran is also quite notorious for these kinds of outbursts. Just this season alone, he got into yet another altercation with a fan and even crashed out on his own teammate during a game.

The post Jarren Duran dropped the loudest F-bomb during game appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Sacramento’s great exodus may be continuing.

Kings big man Domantas Sabonis “wants to get out” of Sacramento, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported this week on “The Hoop Collective” podcast. Windhorst noted that Sabonis also recently hired a new agent — Aaron Mintz of CAA, who successfully orchestrated Trae Young’s exit from the Atlanta Hawks last January.

Sabonis, now 30 years old, has been with the Kings since 2022 after arriving in the Tyrese Haliburton trade with the Indiana Pacers. He quickly became a centerpiece for Sacramento, making an All-Star team, getting named to two All-NBA teams, and leading the league in rebounding three straight times from 2023-25.

The Kings most recently peaked in 2022-23 when they earned their first playoff berth since 2006 and won their first division title since 2003. But Sacramento has steadily plummeted ever since then, most recently finishing at a brutal 22-60 last season.

As a result, the Kings have traded away or otherwise parted ways with several key members of that 2022-23 team, including De’Aaron Fox (Sabonis’ co-star), Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Davion Mitchell. Now it looks like Sabonis himself could be the next one to go.

Sabonis, who averaged 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game last season over just 19 total appearances due to a meniscus injury, is still owed $94.1 million over the next two seasons. But he has been the subject of trade rumors for well over a year now and could now finally be angling for his off-ramp from Sacramento.

The post Report: 1 All-Star wants to leave the Kings appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Victor Oladipo’s persistence may end up paying off.

The Miami Heat are monitoring the former NBA All-Star guard Oladipo’s comeback efforts, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on Wednesday. Winderman adds that the Heat have also granted Oladipo permission to work out at their home arena (Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla.).

Oladipo, the former No. 2 overall pick, is openly pursuing an NBA comeback after last playing in the league back in 2022-23. Earlier this week, he even made an emotional public appeal to NBA teams asking for another opportunity in the league.

As for the Heat, there is obviously plenty of history there. Oladipo already played for Miami for three seasons from 2021-23, marking his most recent stint to date in the NBA.

Oladipo first debuted in 2013 and eventually developed into a two-time All-Star, a one-time All-NBA selection, and a one-time All-Defensive selection (holding career averages of 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game). But injuries, most prominently a 2019 quad tear and a 2023 patellar tendon tear, sapped Oladipo of much of his ability to contribute.

Now 34 years old, Oladipo did manage to play for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League during the 2025-26 season. The Heat also do still have an open roster spot available, but it might be a bit crowded in their backcourt next season after the addition of another notable former All-Star guard in recent days.

The post Victor Oladipo is being linked to 1 team in rumors appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Russell Westbrook already has a new job in basketball, though it appears to be an off-court role.

Westbrook has joined global basketball startup Project B as a co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer. He will also obtain an equity stake in the league.

Russell Westbrook is joining Project B as a co-founder and as its Chief Strategy Officer. He will take an equity stake and be on its board of directors.

But there is no confirmation yet that he will play in the league, which is set to launch next year.

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) September 2, 2026

Nothing was announced about Westbrook possibly playing in the league.

Project B bills itself as a basketball league with international appeal that plans to stage games in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Candace Parker, Novak Djokovic, and Steve Young are among its investors, though it has yet to announce which men will take part in the league.

Westbrook is fresh off his retirement from the NBA, though he is still just 37 and could plausibly still play. This will launch speculation that he might take part as a player, though there is no reason to believe that will be the case just yet.

The post Russell Westbrook already has a new job in basketball appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Los Angeles Clippers do not appear willing to accept the punishment they have received from the NBA over allegedly circumventing salary cap rules with regard to Kawhi Leonard.

In a statement, the Clippers said they “vehemently reject” the findings of the league’s investigation, which indicated that the organization knowingly set up fraudulent sponsorship deals for Leonard to pay him extra money. The organization even suggested the NBA gave them different information privately, and that they “intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us.”

The Clippers respond, promising the challenge the NBA’s findings. pic.twitter.com/Iri12ADM1d

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) September 2, 2026

It is not clear what, specifically, the Clippers intend to do to contest the NBA’s findings. Reports emerged in August suggesting that no evidence was found linking owner Steve Ballmer to the scandal, and that may have been the impression the team was under.

The Clippers received some of the harshest possible penalties from the NBA, which indicated that the Clippers knowingly circumvented salary cap rules with Leonard. The Clippers have consistently denied wrongdoing and claimed they, too, were defrauded by the companies involved in the scandal.

If the penalties stand, the Clippers will be docked five first-round picks between 2029 and 2033. Ballmer has also been suspended for a year and fined $30 million.

The post Clippers intend to challenge NBA’s Kawhi Leonard investigation appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Former NFL cornerback Alphonso Smith Jr. is dead at the age of 40.

Smith, who spent four seasons in the NFL, died by suicide at a housing community in Florida, according to TMZ. His death came after he made a final Facebook post that essentially functioned as a suicide note.

Smith was a standout cornerback at Wake Forest, where he was a consensus All-American as a senior in 2008. The Denver Broncos made him the 37th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, but traded him to the Detroit Lions after one season.

Smith spent three years with the Lions, where he intercepted eight passes over the course of his career. He was ultimately out of the NFL after the 2012 season and did not play professionally again.

At Wake Forest, Smith had 188 total tackles over four seasons to go with 21 total interceptions.

The post Former NFL DB Alphonso Smith Jr. dies at 40 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kawhi Leonard’s controversial Uncle Dennis has been given the longest suspension of anyone involved in the Aspiration scandal.

Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s uncle and former business manager, has been barred from conducting any business with NBA teams on any player’s behalf for five years due to his role in the scandal surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers’ salary cap circumvention, the league announced Wednesday. Essentially, Robertson is frozen out of NBA business until 2031.

The fact that Robertson was tightly involved in the scandal does not come as a surprise. During Leonard’s 2019 free agency, it was widely reported that he demanded significant and illegal concessions from teams interested in signing the forward. It was reported more recently that Robertson had specifically asked for guaranteed off-court endorsement money for Leonard.

At the time, Leonard said he had no knowledge of his uncle’s demands to teams.

Leonard did ultimately sign with the Clippers, who were punished heavily on Wednesday after it was found they illegally circumvented salary cap rules to funnel extra money to the star player. Clearly, the NBA found evidence that Robertson played a big role in that arrangement.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s Uncle Dennis got the longest suspension of the Clippers scandal appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kawhi Leonard has issued a public statement in the wake of the NBA’s decision on the scandal involving him and the Los Angeles Clippers.

In a statement issued through his agent Harrison Gaines, Leonard said he accepted responsibility for “lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle.” He said he entered into his contract with the Clippers in good faith, and had not set out to circumvent salary cap rules.

Leonard added that he is “focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate” as he is traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Kawhi Leonard's statement through his agent Harrison Gaines pic.twitter.com/6bFAp809If

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 2, 2026

Leonard received a $700,000 fine for his role in the scandal. That is nothing compared to the hefty punishment the Clippers received for circumvention of salary cap rules.

Leonard was accused of having money funneled to him by the Clippers through fraudulent sponsorship deals. Based on his statement, Leonard contends that he knew little about those arrangements, but was let down by those working on his behalf.

The conclusion of the NBA’s investigation should allow the long-awaited trade sending Leonard to Toronto to be completed. That will effectively close the chapter on Leonard’s Clippers career.

The post Kawhi Leonard issues statement about Clippers punishment appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The NBA is dropping the hammer on the Los Angeles Clippers after concluding their investigation into the Kawhi Leonard scandal.

The league determined that the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules through fake endorsement deals that were used to funnel additional money to Kawhi Leonard. In a statement, the league said the Clippers engaged in “a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations” relating to the cap.

The Clippers are being stripped of five first-round draft picks, starting in 2029 and going through 2033. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has also been suspended for a year for “knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.”

Clippers president Lawrence Frank also received a six-month suspension, while the organization has been fined $30 million.

The Clippers were accused of setting up endorsement deals for Leonard with other companies that would not require Leonard himself to do any actual work. Ballmer and the Clippers said they were also victims of fraud, but the league clearly found otherwise.

The post Clippers receive huge penalties in Kawhi Leonard investigation appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Tiger Woods accepted a plea deal in his DUI case on Tuesday, though it contains a rather significant requirement that might actually impact his career.

As part of the plea deal, Woods has agreed not to drive a motor vehicle for the next five years. That definition, per TMZ Sports, includes golf carts. Violating the terms of the plea deal would put Woods at risk of being sent back to jail immediately.

Woods’ plea came in Florida, a state where golf carts are considered motor vehicles. It would be more of a gray area if Woods tried to operate a golf cart in a state where they are not considered motor vehicles, but either way, it might be a risk that is not worth taking for Woods.

Professionally, this part of Woods’ plea deal may not be all that significant. He has not played in a tournament on the PGA Tour since 2024, and while he made noise about trying to take part in The Masters this year, that obviously did not come to pass.

Woods was arrested in late March after being involved in a rollover accident in Florida. The 50-year-old appeared to be under the influence of prescription drugs at the time of the crash, and has subsequently become fodder for jokes since the incident.

The post Tiger Woods banned from driving golf carts as part of his plea deal appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Los Angeles Dodgers maintain they are still trying to get Shohei Ohtani ready to pitch again in 2026, but the organization no longer sounds certain about whether he will be able to do so.

Dodgers president Andrew Friedman maintains that the team is committed to trying to get Ohtani ready to pitch in the playoffs as he deals with knee and biceps injuries. Manager Dave Roberts, however, indicated Tuesday that the team might have to have an internal discussion about what the two-way star will be able to contribute on the mound.

“I do think that there’s going to be a conversation that needs to be had this week about what the outlook is,” Roberts said, via Jack Harris of the California Post. “We haven’t had it yet.”

This is a significant shift from even a week ago, when the Dodgers were naming specific dates for Ohtani’s potential return to the mound. However, the team scaled things back when he reported soreness after a bullpen session.

Ohtani had a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts this season, and obviously, the Dodgers would love to get him on the mound if they can do so. However, they cannot justify risking his availability on offense, and time is of the essence. Any additional setbacks might not leave him with enough time to get ready for the postseason.

The post Dodgers sound pessimistic about Shohei Ohtani pitching again appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

George Kittle appears to be over 7,000 miles closer to suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers’ 2026 NFL season opener.

The 49ers star tight end’s status for their game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, gets an intriguing update on Wednesday, with Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reporting that Kittle is joining the team on its flight to the Land Down Under.

“The #49ers leave today for their game vs the #Rams in Australia, and star TE George Kittle will make the trip after 2 positive days of practice, sources say. Kittle is trending in the right direction to play,” Rapoport shared in a post on X.

Also making the trip is defensive end Nick Bosa, who went down with a torn ACL in Week 3 of the 2025 season.

That Kittle was able to show up on the field for practices before the long journey to Australia is already a great sign for his Week 1 status.

His flying to Australia with the team adds another very positive sign for his chances to suit up and play in his first NFL game since suffering an Achilles tendon tear in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Philadelphia Eagles in January.

In the event that Kittle gets ultimately ruled out for the Rams game, tight ends Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell could see a larger role in San Francisco’s offense.

The seven-time Pro Bowler Kittle posted 628 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games in 2025.

The post Major update on George Kittle’s Week 1 status emerges appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

It has been over a decade since former Seattle Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman gave one of the most memorable postgame interviews in sports history, and Erin Andrews recently looked back at it with a little bit of regret.

Andrews, who interviewed Sherman after his game-saving pass breakup in the end zone against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2014 NFC Championship Game, shared that she wished she and Sherman could have parlayed that memorable moment into a commercial.

“I still think to this day, we should have gotten a Snickers commercial out of it,” Andrews said during an appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily. “I was trying to get that going for Sherman.”

"I still think to this day we should've gotten a Snickers commercial out of it." 😆@ErinAndrews looks back on her iconic postgame interview with Richard Sherman.

(via Yahoo Sports Daily) pic.twitter.com/UXWT09psfS

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 1, 2026

That interview with Sherman has become something of a gold standard for postgame outbursts. Sherman staring at the camera with a menacing look and ruthlessly dismissing 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree as a “sorry receiver” turned into an instant classic and a clip that just never gets old. 

It also helped boost Sherman’s status as one of the game’s best cornerbacks (and trash-talkers) at the time, as he followed up a big-time play with an interview for the ages.

Of course, Sherman and the Seahawks finished the job that season, as he and the Legion of Boom helped Seattle demolish the Denver Broncos at Super Bowl XLVIII.

The post Erin Andrews reveals a regret from unforgettable Richard Sherman interview appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Ketel Marte just keeps finding himself in the news, and this time, it has nothing to do with his controversial no-show or his return from a stint on the injured list.

During practice before Tuesday’s game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., Marte accidentally struck a member of the Diamondbacks’ grounds crew with a home run ball, via Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

The accident happened while the grounds crew member was working in the bullpen, as Marte hit a home run at 113 mph. 

A video shared by Nick King of 3TV CBS 5 showed Marte sprinting toward the scene to check on the person hit by the home run.

The good news is that the grounds crew member did not seem to suffer anything serious and was attended to by the Diamondbacks training staff.

As for the Diamondbacks, they are still struggling on the field. Their offense was nowhere to be found once again in a 7-1 loss to Philadelphia. Marte went 1-for-3, while the Diamondbacks were 6-for-32 as a whole.

Through the first two games of the Phillies series, Arizona has been outscored 9-2. The team has also scored only four runs in its last three outings, all of which were losses.

The post Ketel Marte involved in scary scene before Diamondbacks game appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Chicago White Sox play-by-play announcer John Schriffen could use a mulligan after a bizarre slip-up while calling a game on Tuesday.

In the fourth inning of the game between the White Sox and the Houston Astros at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, Schriffen accidentally used an offensive term to describe the moment Altuve was retired on a flyout caught by White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters for the first out in the bottom of the frame.

Schriffen immediately realized his blunder and corrected himself, but it was too late to keep it from hitting the internet.

You can hear what Schriffen said here.

Altuve is what? pic.twitter.com/BgZsp5xnfe

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 2, 2026

Schriffen clearly did not mean to say that, and he wasn’t the first person to have an embarrassing slip-up on air.

As for the ballgame, the White Sox avoided a three-game losing skid by defeating Altuve and the Astros, 5-1, to even the series at one win apiece. 

Chicago’s pitching kept the Astros’ bats silent throughout the contest, with Houston’s only damage coming in the eighth inning, when Isaac Paredes hit a solo home run for what turned out to be the final run of the game.

Two more games remain in the series, and Schriffen will look to avoid any more blunders in the booth.

The post White Sox announcer had an unfortunate slip-up while talking about Jose Altuve appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

George Pickens’ golf swing is anything but a work of art.

The Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver left Dak Prescott and his other teammates rolling in laughter after seeing him drive the ball during a trip to a course in Utah.

Pickens’ swing surely can’t be mistaken for Rory McIlroy’s and looked as though it was his first time holding a golf club.

Prescott even tried to mimic Pickens’ swing, though the Dallas quarterback later offered some tips for the wide receiver.

“G, listen, you’re trying to hit it too hard,” Prescott said. “Just hit it smooth.”

Pickens took all the laughter from his teammates in stride and gave it another go. The former Georgia Bulldogs star wide receiver had better results on his second try, as CeeDee Lamb and others celebrated with him.

You can watch the video here.

The boys went golfing in Utah, and George Pickens had everyone dying with this swing 😂 pic.twitter.com/nwCR3by9sq

— SleeperCowboys (@SleeperCowboys) September 1, 2026

Pickens’ golf swing may not be poetry in motion, but the Cowboys are not paying him to be Scottie Scheffler. Dalla, which franchise tagged Pickens for the 2026 NFL season, is hoping to get the same — if not more — on-field production from Pickens as the team did in 2025, when he posted career-highs of 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 93 catches and 137 targets.

The post Video: George Pickens’ teammates lose it after seeing his golf swing appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

George Kittle’s wife, Claire, gave San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy his flowers, but several fans think she also threw subtle shade at former Niners signal-callers, including Jimmy Garoppolo.

Mrs. Kittle shared an Instagram Story post on Tuesday, implying that her husband’s career would have been so much better if the 49ers had more stability under center during the first years of Kittle’s time in the league.

“Just imagine if he had a consistent QB week-to-week for the first five years of his career lol,” Claire wrote. “Thankful to have Brock at the helm. This duo has a lot of records together. Let’s keep it rolling.”

The caption was accompanied by data that proves how elite Kittle and Purdy’s QB-TE connection has been ever since the latter took over as San Francisco’s QB1.

Claire Kittle kept it 💯 on the Brock Purdy and George Kittle duo 👏 pic.twitter.com/LrTuAN8vFx

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 1, 2026

But fans online interpreted Claire’s post differently, with many saying she threw shade at former 49ers quarterback Garoppolo and others who started under center before Purdy entered the picture.

the shade to Jimmy Garoppolo is hilarious

— Nicksvsc (@Nicksvsc) September 2, 2026

I’m glad Mrs. Kittle knows how awful Jimmy G was too

— Stepper (@bigstepper_04) September 2, 2026

Jimmy g slander will not be tolerated

— daniel (@dhnyhl) September 2, 2026

Shot at Jimmy??? I agree with her

— Kody (@KodyBruce72) September 1, 2026

Throwing his buddy cj under the bus is crazy work 🤣

— Football Talk (@Football_Talk2) September 1, 2026

Garoppolo was a San Francisco quarterback from 2017 to 2o22, and was even the 49ers’ starting quarterback when they reached the Super Bowl in 2020. Still, he never quite lived up to his immense 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension with the 49ers during his time. Other San Francisco QBs in the pre-Purdy era that coincided with Kittle’s early years in the NFL were C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens.

Purdy’s rise to the top QB job for the Niners is well documented and one of the best football stories in recent memory. Selected last overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and a third-string quarterback for San Francisco, Purdy capitalized on every break on his way to the top of the 49ers depth chart. Injuries to Trey Lance and Garoppolo paved the way for Purdy’s rise.

The post Fans think George Kittle’s wife threw shade at Jimmy Garoppolo appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Philadelphia 76ers are bringing in Tacko Fall, and some fans believe they understand why.

The Sixers on Tuesday announced the signing of a trio of players — Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Saint Thomas — to Exhibit 10 contracts. The move for Fall got by far the most attention.

Several fans believe the 76ers signed Fall to gear up for a potential NBA Finals matchup against a more seasoned Victor Wembanyama. The 7’6″ Fall is one of the few players in NBA history with a legitimate size advantage over the French phenom.

Philly think they playing spurs in the finals

— Hunchored30 (@hunchored14) September 1, 2026

The WEMBY Stopper!!! pic.twitter.com/NpxwZ0Ypsv

— DJACK (@DJACK_RipCity) September 1, 2026

Wemby right now pic.twitter.com/HZxNV9zKd7

— ParlayPlay (@parlay_play) September 1, 2026

Just in case it’s Spurs and Philly in the Finals. You Got 🌮

— BLkAVellii (BMB) (@BlKMarketTv) September 1, 2026

The 76ers already have several big bodies to throw at Wembanyama in a potential Sixers-Spurs matchup, chief among them being former MVP Joel Embiid. But perhaps Nick Nurse recently fell into a 2019 NCAA Tournament rabbit hole and watched Fall repeatedly stymie an in-shape Zion Williamson at the rim.

Philly will at least give Fall a look during training camp, but there is no guarantee he makes a Sixers squad that already has big men Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti sitting behind Embiid.

The UCF alum has not played in an NBA game since December 30, 2021, which coincidentally was LeBron James’ birthday. The 76ers also signed Tacko on a Tuesday, which happens to be LeBron’s favorite day of the week.

If nothing else, the social media material with Fall on the roster would practically generate itself.

The post Fans all said the same thing after 76ers signed Tacko Fall appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard appears to be a big believer in second chances.

The Colts granted Keenan Allen such a chance when the team decided not to cut the veteran wide receiver after he was arrested over two misdemeanor drunken-driving charges. Allen was taken into custody by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in the wee hours of Sunday morning, less than 12 hours after making his preseason debut with the Colts. You can read more about Allen’s arrest here.

During a press conference held Tuesday, Ballard was asked about Indy sticking with Allen amid the off-field incident.

“Good people make mistakes, okay?” Ballard told reporters. “14 years in the league and no issues. Decorated career. Decorated teammate.”

Ballard cited Allen’s relationship with Philip Rivers, who previously played with the veteran wideout on the Los Angeles Chargers. He added that Rivers holds Allen in “extremely high regard” following their time as teammates from 2013 to 2019.

Allen also played under Colts head coach Shane Steichen, when he served as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020.

Ballard knows what it’s like to be given some leeway, as the Colts have stood by him despite a relative lack of on-field success since he took over as GM in 2021. It’s gotten to the point that Ballard felt the need to put himself on the hot seat heading into next season.

The post Colts GM Chris Ballard sends strong message amid Keenan Allen’s arrest appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are taking full advantage of their first offseason as retirees.

The two future Hall of Famers were spotted vacationing together in Italy this week. Paul and Westbrook brought family along on a trip to Portofino and allowed fans to tag along vicariously through social media.

The All-Star point guards still looked to be in great shape despite no longer having to prepare for the rigors of an 82-game season.

Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook on vacation together. ✊

(via kingcozy/IG, h/t @Ballislife) pic.twitter.com/OOcEouWprZ

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 1, 2026

Retirement didn’t stop the duo from getting some basketball in during the trip. Instead of the usual hardwood floors of an NBA practice facility, the two former Clippers guards were throwing alley-oops to each other while on the deck of a boat. It was basically Lob City: Portofino edition.

Russ and CP3 enjoying retirement 🥹 (via @CP3) pic.twitter.com/jBYsUXyllF

— Overtime (@overtime) September 2, 2026

Paul never threw down an alley-oop dunk during an actual game throughout his 21-year NBA career. But he did record one during the 2020 All-Star Game, which Westbrook also set up for him.

😱 WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 😱@CP3 on the receiving end of an alley-oop dunk ‼️ pic.twitter.com/n7acfACevH

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 17, 2020

Westbrook must be a big fan of the fishing village of Portofino. Last August, Russ and his wife, Nina, got married in the same Italian coastal comune.

The post Video of Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul vacationing together will make fans smile appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Golden State Warriors’ issues have now extended beyond the hardwood floor.

Two former Warriors employees are reportedly suing the Bay Area basketball organization over allegations of gender, age, and race-based discrimination. According to a report by The Athletic’s Devon Henderson, the women, Lisa Shelley and Jennifer Vasquez, also allege that their firings were in part an act of retaliation.

Shelley served as the organization’s associate general counsel and director of business and legal affairs and risk management, while Vasquez was vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The two high-ranking executives endured “humiliation, emotional distress, embarrassment, and mental and physical pain and anguish” while working with the team.

Per the report, Shelley also felt discriminated against when the Warriors “passed her over for multiple promotions” despite her performing her duties well. Shelley alleges that a younger male with less experience got promoted instead of her.

Vasquez reportedly felt the workplace had a “climate of isolation and intimidation in which her ideas were routinely dismissed.” She also noted an incident in which a colleague made fun of her during a meeting for being over 40 years old.

Per the suit, Vasquez expressed her dissatisfaction with her workplace in an anonymous, NBA-wide employee engagement survey conducted in 2025. She was allegedly questioned about her responses, prompting Shelley to file an internal report on the matter in defense of Vasquez.

Shelley was terminated in December 2025. Vasquez suffered the same fate weeks later. You can read about the allegations in more detail here.

The Warriors issued a statement addressing Shelley and Vasquez’s claims, calling them “baseless” and touting that the organization has “operated with the highest levels of integrity and fairness.”

The post Warriors being sued by 2 former employees over alleged discrimination appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White is ready to test the limits of what melatonin can do.

White and the rest of the Niners will be heading down under next week for their season opener against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Nearly 8,000 miles separate California and Melbourne, a journey that goes far beyond what players normally have to endure in a 17-game season.

The 27-year-old was asked about how he intends to deal with the 15-hour flight. Rather than finding a way to entertain himself, White explained Tuesday that he plans to break the record for most melatonin pills consumed during a single flight.

“I don’t know if you can OD on melatonin, but I’m gonna try,” White said when asked by reporters.

“Take like five melatonin, go to sleep on the plane. As soon as I wake up, I’m taking five more and just keep rolling like that.”

49ers DE Keion White on the 15-hour, across-the-dateline, overnight flight from SFO to Australia coming up:

"I don't know if you can OD on melatonin, but I'm gonna try." 🤣 pic.twitter.com/nWuOG29wc3

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 1, 2026

White, who was traded to San Francisco before last season’s trade deadline, could choose to spend some of those 15 hours getting to know his teammates better. Perhaps he could brush up on the team’s playbook or scouting report for Week 1.

Instead, the Georgia Tech product plans to take the path of least resistance. Considering the flight duration and what White has gone through this year, nobody else would blame him. But he may want to check in with the 49ers’ medical staff to ensure he doesn’t actually take too many melatonin gummies.

The post 49ers player has amazing plan to deal with 15-hour flight for Week 1 game appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Big changes up top for the Los Angeles Angels could also mean some changes when it comes to the status of Mike Trout.

In a bombshell development on Tuesday, Angels owner Arte Moreno agreed in principle to sell his controlling stake in the team to Stan Kroenke for a record-setting sum. As a result, Moreno’s time as owner of the Angels is set to come to an end after over 23 years in charge of the team.

ESPN’s Buster Olney reported in the wake of the news that a trade of the Angels superstar outfielder Trout is now “more likely” under a new owner than it would have been under Moreno. Olney adds that it could now be a more viable option for Trout to potentially force his way out of Anaheim as a result.

Now 35 years old, Trout is a three-time AL MVP, a 12-time MLB All-Star, and one of the greatest players of his entire generation. He has spent his whole 16-year MLB career with the Angels but only has a single playoff appearance to show for it, in large part due to the franchise’s incompetence under Moreno.

Trout has also been marred by injuries in recent years but has actually managed to bounce back this season with 20 home runs and 50 RBIs through 119 games and counting (good enough for Trout to make his first All-Star team since 2023). Still, he has been the subject of much trade speculation in recent years as the Angels continue to flounder, including this season when Trout even had to issue a public response.

Of course, the biggest obstacle to any potential trade of Trout is the fact that he is still owed $37.1 million a year through the 2030 MLB campaign (and holds a full no-trade clause too). Trout himself has also remained loyal to Anaheim all throughout his career, stating time and time again that he is still dedicated to his longtime ball club.

That said, Kroenke might consider the possibility of finally moving on from Trout in order to kick-start a full reboot for the Angels and build a sustainable winner as quickly as possible. While conventional wisdom would suggest that Trout, who stuck it out in Anaheim all throughout the Moreno years, would be even more excited about staying with the Angels amid the team’s fresh new era, he might ultimately oblige if the new ownership attempts to push him out the door as one of their first moves in charge.

The post Interesting update emerges about Mike Trout amid sale of the Angels appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kyrie Irving is one of the last men standing in Dallas from the old guard, but even he might get sent packing over the next several months.

The Dallas Mavericks would like to play their veteran point guard Irving through January and get him to build value, Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported on Tuesday. Deveney notes that Dallas would then be looking to see if something can be done with Irving at the trade deadline.

Irving, the nine-time All-Star, missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL. While he was away, the Mavericks pivoted into a full rebuild by trading Anthony Davis, hiring Masai Ujiri, firing Jason Kidd, replacing Kidd with Dusty May, and hard-launching a new era based around 19-year-old phenom Cooper Flagg.

Meanwhile, Irving is now 34 years old and about to enter his 15th career NBA season. A 25-ppg scorer for Dallas before he got hurt, Irving will presumably be taking the ball out of Flagg’s hands some once he returns to the court in 2026-27.

That said, the Mavericks have remained committed to Irving all throughout this offseason, rebuffing some notable trade overtures from other teams. Dallas was also said to value one underrated part of Irving’s continued presence on their team.

But that all might change once Irving can rebuild some of his trade value to the point that he commands a feasible return for the Mavericks. Irving is under contract for $39.5 million next season (with a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28 as well), so he could become easier to move for Dallas as the year progresses.

The post Mavericks’ plan for Kyrie Irving has been revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to soldier on without his older brother for the first time in seven years.

With Giannis no longer with the Milwaukee Bucks this season, Thanasis Antetokounmpo has reportedly decided to leave the NBA entirely. According to Eurohoops, Thanasis has agreed to sign a three-year contract with Greek team Aris Thessaloniki.

🚨 BREAKING:

ARIS Thessaloniki signs THANASIS ANTETOKOUNMPO to a three-year deal pic.twitter.com/pHvwLTGZ6M

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 1, 2026

The 34-year-old won’t be too lonely, as he reunites with another younger brother, Kostas Antetokounmpo, on the Aris Thessaloniki squad.

Thanasis spent the last seven years with the Bucks, missing the 2024-25 season entirely due to a torn Achilles tendon. He averaged 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds across 230 games in Milwaukee.

Thanasis’ biggest contribution for the Bucks evidently went beyond the box score. He gave Giannis, one of the most family-oriented players in the league, moral support from the sidelines and the locker room every night.

Fans were surprised to learn that Thanasis was not included in the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis to the Heat, with many cracking jokes at his expense. Reports later confirmed that Miami was not interested in bringing Thanasis to South Beach.

Giannis largely received preferential treatment within the Bucks organization, which explains why a benchwarmer like Thanasis stuck on their roster for so long. Pat Riley was not going to bend the same way.

The post Thanasis Antetokounmpo has signed with a new team appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Joel Embiid is about to enter his most important NBA season yet, and some are questioning whether he will be up to the challenge.

The Philadelphia 76ers star center Embiid was the subject of an unflattering report this week by Max Kellerman of The Ringer. During the latest episode of the “Game Over” podcast, Kellerman said that he had heard negative things about Embiid’s work ethic during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

“The way they really compete and impress each other is by who works the hardest,” said Kellerman of the NBA stars who played for Team USA at the Olympics. “And that was not Embiid at all. It was the opposite for Embiid … Isn’t that a problem for the Sixers? Or does LeBron [James] get on and help fix that?”

Here is the full clip of Kellerman’s remarks.

max kellerman tells rich paul he’s heard joel embiid has a poor work ethic and questions if it could become a problem for lebron and the 76ers

(: game over) https://t.co/wKaIf0GhEp pic.twitter.com/q2Knj3AYIZ

— the aesthetic (@theaestheticnba) September 1, 2026

Questions about Embiid’s work ethic are really nothing new. You might recall that the seven-footer hurt his public perception with a 2018 viral video in which he ate a burger while getting his feet rubbed prior to a game. Then we learned earlier this offseason that LeBron James (before deciding to sign with the 76ers) reportedly had major concerns about playing with Embiid, who has not hit 40 games played in a single season since 2022-23.

But in fairness to the former NBA MVP Embiid, 32, he was managing a knee injury at the 2024 Olympics and might not have pushed himself too hard in Paris due to the sheer volume of talent on the USA roster. Embiid also looked extremely slim in an offseason workout photo several weeks ago, so he may deserve the benefit of the doubt until he proves otherwise.

The post Unflattering report surfaces about Joel Embiid appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons still have a gap to bridge but not as big of one as you might think.

The restricted free agent center Duren is roughly $5 million apart from the Pistons in their ongoing contract talks. Tim MacMahon of ESPN reported on Tuesday that Detroit has offered Duren a five-year deal in the range of $35 million annually.

However, Duren continues to seek a deal with an average salary in excess of $40 million annually. As a result, the two sides are still at a stalemate in their negotiations.

Duren, the 22-year-old All-Star, has gone two full months now as an unsigned free agent. The Pistons, a 60-win team and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season with Duren as their starting center, still clearly want to keep him and recently took a notable stance on Duren’s ongoing situation.

A report that we heard several weeks ago even suggested that the Pistons were going slightly above $35 million per year on their offer to Duren. As a result, it looks like Duren and his agent are drawing the (arguably unrealistic) line in the sand of $40 million per year being their number.

Another report even claimed that Duren’s negotiations with the Pistons had turned nasty. Now we know that there is only about a $5 million per year gap (roughly $25 million in total value) that the two sides are squabbling over here.

The post Report reveals how far apart Jalen Duren and the Pistons are appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Father Time may really be starting to catch up to Steph Curry.

The longtime Golden State Warriors superstar Curry will still need to manage his right knee heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area reported on Tuesday. Poole reports that “some lingering concern” still exists about Curry’s knee.

Curry, the 12-time NBA All-Star, already missed extended time last season because of the knee. He was officially diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (a.k.a. runner’s knee) and was also dealing with a bone bruise to the same knee as well.

As a result of the ailment, Curry was limited to just 43 games played on the year. On the bright side though, Curry did still manage to average 26.6 points per game on 47/39/92 shooting splits and might have been able to gut through the injury if the 37-45 Warriors had a better shot at contending last season.

That said, it is obviously a major concern that Curry is still dealing with knee trouble after already missing so much time with it last season. But the reality is that he is 38 years old now with a lot of mileage, so this may simply be a product of career-long wear-and-tear, especially with how much running Curry does to get open in the halfcourt.

Curry, who is entering his final year under contract next season at $62.6 million, recently answered the question of whether or not he plans to retire in Golden State. But the condition of Curry’s knee and overall health might end up complicating matters financially, even if the two sides would still like to continue their partnership with one another.

The post Troubling report emerges about Steph Curry’s health appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The long nightmare is finally over for Los Angeles Angels fans.

Major news emerged on Tuesday that longtime Angels owner Arte Moreno is selling his controlling stake in the team. Stan Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Arsenal FC, and other well-known pro sports franchises, will become the new owner of the Angels as part of a record-breaking purchase price.

The news of Moreno finally deciding to sell the team led to widespread celebrations in the (social media) streets by Angels fans. Many could not contain their joy about the impending end of Moreno’s tenure as Angels owner.

WE WON

ARTE IS GONE

— Stan Kroenke STAN (@BeyondTheHalo) September 1, 2026

ARTE IS OUT pic.twitter.com/tDI3w8SDjr

— Halos Hub (@haloshub) September 1, 2026

ARTE MORENO CANT HURT ME ANYMORE pic.twitter.com/lSwyRf640O

— Brandaddy Clarke (@BrandaddyClarke) September 1, 2026

Arte Moreno has sold the Angels.

I actually can’t believe it. pic.twitter.com/ykSOAjmnoT

— Robbie Hyde (@gingersnaphyde) September 1, 2026

Job finished! #LFG pic.twitter.com/z3C9Zi4dx6

— SellTheTeamArte (@WeSuckkAgain) September 1, 2026

pic.twitter.com/OHX8O5oLdv

— The Anaheim Fan (@veddermicheI) September 1, 2026

Moreno, 80, first purchased the Angels back in 2003 for a sum of $180 million. With their infrastructure already built out, the Angels were a relative powerhouse through the end of the decade, winning five division titles, and making multiple ALCS appearances.

But the last decade-and-a-half of Moreno’s ownership had been an abject disaster for the Angels, despite the entire career of generational superstar Mike Trout taking place in that span. Under Moreno, the Angels spent lavishly on ill-advised free agent signings such as Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, CJ Wilson, and (gulp) Anthony Rendon. Meanwhile, Moreno cheaped out on virtually every other aspect of the organization, including player development, baseball operations, and basic amenities with both Angel Stadium and with the team’s minor-league affiliates.

Moreno’s leadership will ultimately be remembered for essentially wasting Trout’s entire prime, failing to produce even so much as a single winning season with both Trout and fellow superstar Shohei Ohtani on the roster, and then allowing Ohtani to walk in free agency to the hated rival Los Angeles Dodgers where he proceeded to win two straight championships and counting. Meanwhile, the Angels now possess the longest active playoff drought in Major League Baseball (since 2014), sit at an AL-worst 53-85 this season, and continue to rank as having one of the worst farm systems in all of baseball.

Back in 2022, Moreno excited Angels fans by exploring the possibility of a sale but eventually ended up pulling the team off the market several months later. Nearly four years after though, Moreno is finally exiting as owner of the franchise, and Kroenke will formally become the new owner of the Angels in the first quarter of 2027.

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Two-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo is doing what he can to return to the league, yet nobody has signed him just yet.

On Tuesday, Oladipo penned an emotional message to NBA teams in The Players’ Tribune.

“I believe I can be a valuable contributor to an NBA locker room. And what I’m asking for right now is an opportunity to prove it,” Oladipo said as part of the lengthy post.

I wrote this from the heart. Thanks for reading. @PlayersTribune https://t.co/qDRO0F2238

— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) September 1, 2026

Oladipo last played for the Miami Heat in 2022-23, and he posted a message on July 1 saying he would rather show that he is ready to play.

Oladipo then held a Pro Day in Las Vegas to showcase his skills in front of NBA personnel.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be holding a Pro Day on Tuesday, July 14, at 11:00 AM in Las Vegas.

The workout will be led by @94feetofgame and is open to NBA front office executives, scouts, coaches, league personnel, and officials interested in attending. I’m looking… pic.twitter.com/E4j4VBBj4i

— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) July 11, 2026

Victor Oladipo last played for the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate, during the 2025-26 season, although he wasn’t able to make the NBA roster during the season.

Only time will tell if an NBA team gives Oladipo a chance.

The post Victor Oladipo makes an emotional appeal to NBA teams appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Aaron Donald is officially back with the Los Angeles Rams after coming out of retirement. The only question is when Donald will play this season.

His status for Week 1 is up in the air with the Rams heading to Australia for the opener. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned that Week 2 or Week 3 might be “more likely” for Donald to make his much-anticipated return.

“A Week 2 or 3 debut looks more likely than Week 1.”@DanGrazianoESPN on when he believes Aaron Donald might step onto the field for the Los Angeles Rams 👀 pic.twitter.com/eFlGhVFTZV

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 1, 2026

Donald coming out of retirement to play for the Rams is something that had been rumored for months. Things intensified when he was spotted at the Rams training facility.

And, finally, the Rams made it official by giving Donald a one-year deal, with the news breaking on Sunday.

Donald said he was seeing if he could do it, which is why it took so long before he made the choice to unretire and play for the Rams again.

The Rams acquired Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns on June 1, and they also landed Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie in a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the offseason.

So, there is plenty of Super Bowl buzz in LA, and everyone will wait to see when Aaron Donald will make his official return.

The Rams face the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on Monday Night Football in Week 2, which would make for a highly anticipated return.

The post NFL insider gives timeline for Aaron Donald’s Rams return appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken decided to roll with Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback, and fans have been questioning the move ever since.

On Tuesday, Monken was asked if he was bothered by the reaction from the fans, but the new Browns coach doesn’t seem to care.

“Absolutely not,” Monken said. “Would I prefer that we would all be on the same page? Yeah, but that has nothing to do with my decision, and it can never have anything to do with my decision.”

“My decision has got to be about what’s best for the Browns in Week 1 and all the way through the season, and as long as I’m the head coach here.”

#Browns HC Todd Monken acknowledged he’d prefer fans to support starting Deshaun Watson, but made it clear outside opinion won't influence his decisions on the field.

"Absolutely not. Would I prefer that we were all on the same page? Yeah, but that has nothing to do with my… pic.twitter.com/iOXG8bYlTN

— Ashly Holder (@AshNoelleTV) September 1, 2026

The news broke on August 24 that Watson won the job over Shedeur Sanders. However, some have wondered if Watson will be given a short leash, especially with the way fans have reacted to the decision.

Fans showered Watson with boos during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, so the decision to roll with Watson as the QB1 has certainly not gone over too well.

The browns open the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.

The post Todd Monken had a blunt response to Browns fans questioning his QB decision appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

It’s been three years since Jimbo Fisher was fired as the head coach at Texas A&M, but he is reportedly ready to hop back into the game.

According to John Brice of USA Today Sports, multiple coaches have said that Fisher is ready to return to college football.

“Jimbo Fisher, after working to be in the mix this past coaching cycle at Auburn specifically, is ready for a return to the sideline. Multiple coaches and agents informed USA TODAY Sports of Fisher’s desire to return to the game, noting money (coaching salary) would not be a prohibitive factor for a coach looking to again prove himself,” Brice wrote.

Texas A&M moved on from Fisher after the 2023 season despite a hefty buyout. In August 2024, he landed a job with SiriusXM, although he repeatedly said he would want to return to coaching if the situation was right.

In November, Fisher was named an “intriguing option” for the Auburn Tigers job, although they ended up hiring Alex Golesh, who was recently at Central Florida.

Currently, Jimbo Fisher is a studio analyst for the ACC Network on the show ACC Huddle. In his career as a head coach, he has a 128-48 record in 14 seasons between Florida State and Texas A&M, including an 8-2 record in bowl games.

So, Fisher’s name could be one to watch in the next coaching cycle.

The post Report: Jimbo Fisher wants another shot at coaching appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will face each other in Week 1 in the first-ever NFL game in Melbourne, Australia.

And, it sure seems possible that 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa will be ready.

On Tuesday, 49ers GM John Lynch said that the plan is for Bosa to practice Wednesday.

“Nick worked on the side field yesterday and I think that’s the plan today. Nick has been doing great work on the side. The plan is for him to practice on Wednesday. He’s been tracking very well,” Lynch said on KNBR.

The plan for Nick Bosa is to work on the side today and return to practice Wednesday before the 49ers fly to Australia, per John Lynch on KNBR

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 1, 2026

Bosa played just three games in 2025 as he suffered a torn ACL in September, and he has been working hard to be ready for the season opener.

In August, however, it was reported that Bosa was dealing with tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee, although Kyle Shanahan said it was a normal thing when it comes to ACL recovery.

The plan is for the 49ers to leave on Wednesday to fly to Australia, giving themselves a few days to get adjusted before the Week 1 game, which will be at 5:35 p.m. Pacific time.

The Rams, however, are flying out one day before the game in an interesting decision.

The post 49ers get encouraging Nick Bosa injury update ahead of Australia trip appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The sports empire of Stan Kroenke continues to grow.

On Tuesday, reports surfaced that Kroenke has now purchased the Los Angeles Angels in a major move.

The deal is through Kroenke’s company, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, which also owns the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, the Colorado Rapids of MLS and Arsenal of the Premier League.

“The Angels are a storied franchise anchored in a great market,” Kroenke said in a statement. “We look forward to an exciting future with the Angels organization.”

Arte Moreno’s tenure as the Angels’ owner is over. Rams owner Stan Kroenke has purchased the team. From Kroenke’s side … pic.twitter.com/pof5UqrSex

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) September 1, 2026

Moreno also released a statement.

“The Angels organization is pleased to announce this transaction with Kroenke Sports & Entertainment,” Moreno said in a statement. “The Moreno Family has been honored to steward the Angels for 23 years and we believe with KSE’s experience and success they are the best next owner for the franchise. The Angels Organization looks forward to continuing its commitment to the fans, our employees, the players and our business partners.”

Arte Moreno put the Angels on the market in 2022, and in 2024, he said he didn’t plan on selling the team anytime soon.

However, the Angels’ struggles have led to many calling for him to sell the team and start fresh, and now Stan Kroenke comes in to purchase another team in hopes of turning things around in Anaheim.

The reported price for the sale is somewhere around $4 billion, which surpasses the record for the highest amount for an MLB team. The San Diego Padres previously held that when they were purchased for a $3.9 billion price.

Angels sold for a record price for MLB. Believed to be about $4B, perhaps a bit over. https://t.co/YiY27EELgW

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 1, 2026

The Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian at the end of June, and manager Kurt Suzuki is coming to an end on his one-year deal, so there could be plenty of changes coming in Anaheim.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027.

The post Rams owner Stan Kroenke buys the Angels in a major move appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

7-foot-6 big man Tacko Fall has now earned another chance in the NBA.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers signed all of Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Saint Thomas to Exhibit 10 deals, which will allow them to participate in training camp with hopes of making the roster.

we have signed Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr., and Saint Thomas. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/1vIxBv5QBe

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 1, 2026

Fall is initially from Senegal, but he made a name for himself while playing in college with the UCF Golden Knights.

Fall went undrafted in 2019 before signing with the Boston Celtics. He then went to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2021-22 season before going overseas.

Fall played with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and Nanjing Monkey Kings in China, and he had one of the most disrespectful posters we have seen in a long time.

Tacko Fall POSTER OF THE YEAR? 😳 (h/t myhoopshubs/IG) pic.twitter.com/9tDU3wqy42

— Overtime (@overtime) December 5, 2023

Fall then played with the New Zealand Breakers before returning to Nanjing, and he most recently played for the Ningbo Rockets in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Tacko Fall has played in a total of 37 regular-season games in the NBA and 55 G League games. He now joins the 76ers team that signed LeBron James and traded for Jaylen Brown as they have NBA Finals aspirations.

The post 7-foot-6 basketball giant gets another NBA opportunity appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Odell Beckham Jr. will be suiting up for the New York Giants this season.

Beckham made the Giants’ 53-man roster, and the veteran WR admitted he was in tears after the news came. Now, the team announced some big news, posting a video saying that Beckham will get back to his original jersey number, 13.

“OBJ back in 13,” the caption read with highlights of Beckham wearing the jersey.

OBJ back in 13 pic.twitter.com/CqVBiaI09n

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 1, 2026

Jalin Hyatt, who was a third-round pick by the Giants in 2023, held the No. 13 jersey until now.

After Beckham made the team, he said, “We’ll see what happens,” regarding convincing Hyatt to let him wear No. 13 again. However, Hyatt was cut by the team, which then made the switch easy for Beckham.

Odell Beckham Jr. on potential conversations with Jalin Hyatt for No. 13: “We’ll see what happens.” #giants pic.twitter.com/F1aJwsNgzp

— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) August 31, 2026

Odell Beckham Jr. wore No. 3 at LSU, and he then held the No. 13 jersey number after being selected by the Giants at No. 12 overall in 2014. When Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Rams, he wore No. 3 and has continued wearing that number until now.

So, there is all sorts of nostalgia for Beckham and the Giants entering the 2026 season.

The post Giants make big announcement on Odell Beckham Jr.’s jersey number appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Tony Romo on Tuesday issued a lengthy statement regarding the incident and the alcohol-related struggles he has been dealing with. The statement from the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback addressed those personal matters.

Here’s part of what Romo wrote in the statement:

“This is one of those moments when I am leaning on everything football taught me. This morning, I faced a recent personal failure by pleading no contest to a civil offense for OWI in Wisconsin. I own this completely. Multiple back surgeries ended by career earlier than I expected and left me with constant, debilitating pain. That pain led to a dependence on pain medication, and my efforts to get off those medications led to an over-reliance on alcohol.”

A statement from Tony Romo pic.twitter.com/SnvWtSM3rh

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 1, 2026

On July 24, reports surfaced that the current CBS analyst Romo was arrested in Milwaukee, Wisc., for OWI. Romo reportedly failed to take a sobriety test at first, and when he finally did, he “performed poorly” and was arrested and booked.

Romo also said in his statement that “none of this is an excuse. These are my failures, and I take responsibility for them.”

At the end of July, CBS placed Romo on leave, and his future is up in the air as JJ Watt was named his replacement, at least for the time being.

CBS Sports president David Berson also said the network has to protect its image, raising more questions about whether or not Romo will be allowed back.

A spokesperson did say a few days prior that Romo accepted responsibility for his actions, but CBS still has a decision to make, especially since they gave the ex-QB a 10-year, $180 million contract to join the network.

The post Tony Romo breaks silence on his OWI arrest appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers face Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers in Week 1 on Saturday.

However, Swinney might’ve added more fuel to the fire with a cheeky jab towards Kiffin. When asked about NFL players returning to college, Swinney not only said it was “embarrassing” but also took a shot at Kiffin with a clever pun.

“It’s kind of embarrassing. Honestly, it’s embarrassing that’s where we are. I don’t blame the kids, but people trying to take advantage of the system. It’s embarrassing, but we’ve been there for a while.” Swinney said.

“No pun intended, but we’re just going to stay in our LANE.”

Dabo on NFL guys being able to play: "It's kind of embarrassing, Honestly, it's embarrassing that's where we are. I don't blame the kids, but people trying to take advantage of the system. It's embarrassing but we've been there for a while."

Adds "no pun intended but we're just…

— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) September 1, 2026

Swinney also added that there are “no rules” when it comes to this matter.

Kiffin and LSU have already brought back two players who were on NFL rosters over the summer, although the new LSU head coach says his players are on board with the moves.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also said that it is morally wrong to do such a thing and take jobs away from players who have been working hard for months.

At the end of the day, there are still questions regarding whether or not LSU can play the former NFL players due to the SEC policy, but there should be some clarity before Saturday’s game.

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With MLB rosters expanding on September 1, the San Diego Padres decided to call up top prospect Ethan Salas.

Salas, the 20-year-old catcher, is the top prospect in the Padres organization and the No. 23 in all of baseball. With him being promoted, he is set to make history whenever he appears in a game as a catcher.

Salas will become the youngest catcher to play in an MLB game since 1991, when Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez accomplished the feat.

Answer's yes. With rosters set to expand tomorrow, the Padres are calling up top prospect Ethan Salas.

If he gets into a game at catcher, he'd be the youngest catcher to appear in a big league game since Pudge Rodríguez in 1991. https://t.co/XIWlmSCF16

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 1, 2026

The Padres signed Salas in 2023 as a 16-year-old, and the team spent $5.6 million in international bonus money.

Even at 16 years old, Salas was already making headlines.

This season, Salas has played a total of 96 games between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso, hitting a combined .296 with an .822 OPS, 19 doubles, 2 triples and 10 home runs.

Ethan Salas (Andrew_FBB No.11 ranked prospect) is getting the call!

In MiLB:

.296 / 10 HR / 61 RBI / 17 SB
14.3 K% and 11.6 BB%

I was preaching patience on Salas and he proved me right in a big way in 2026…Extremely advanced for a 20 year old! pic.twitter.com/eN5YkItjyV

— Andrew DeCeglie (@Andrew_FBB) September 1, 2026

The Padres also have Freddy Fermin and Luis Campusano as catchers, but the need for a left-handed bat and the additional roster space made this an easy choice for San Diego.

The post Padres’ top prospect set to make MLB history with call-up appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Add Josh Hart to the long list of people who are not fond of Boston Red Sox radio announcer Will Flemming. 

The New York Knicks star guard took to social media to share his true feelings about Flemming’s controversial comment on New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.

In last Sunday’s game between the Yankees and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium in New York, N.Y., Flemming was heard on the broadcast calling Chisholm a “bush league player” while urging Boston to throw at Yankees catcher Austin Wells in response to Chisholm stealing third base despite New York holding a large lead in the seventh inning.

Flemming has already apologized for his words on Monday, but he still continues to face backlash.

Hart, for one, called for the Red Sox to fire their “idiotic announcer.”

Yo @RedSox your idiotic announcer got to go

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) August 31, 2026

Although Hart did not mention Flemming by name, it doesn’t take a lot to conclude that he had the announcer in his crosshairs with that post. In any case, it’s clear that the NBA champion and former Villanova Wildcats star has the Yankees’ back.

Like Hart, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has also made his feelings clear about Flemming, leaving a clown emoji in a comment on a post about the announcer’s unsavory remarks.

The post Josh Hart calls out Red Sox announcer appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Count Malik Nabers among the many who are happy to see Odell Beckham Jr. make the New York Giants’ 53-man roster. 

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Nabers shared how it’s like being on the same team with Beckham, who is back with the team that took him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

“He’s come up many times asking me about the rehab process, trying to give me tips that helped him,” the second-year NFL wide receiver Nabers said, via SNY Giants. 

“Telling me I can do more. ‘You can do more.’ He wanted to see me back out there. He’s excited to see me run routes, and I’m excited to also be on the side of him playing. I used to watch him when I was younger, so just to be here right now is crazy, as it seems. He’s been a great leader for sure.”

Beckham’s chances of making the roster weren’t always guaranteed, but he seemingly caught a break, albeit at the expense of wide receiver Calvin Austin III’s health. Austin suffered a torn ACL during training camp practice less than a week before cut day, thus improving Beckham’s outlook.

Having secured a roster spot with the Giants, Beckham can continue being the veteran voice in the team’s wide receiver room. Nabers, meanwhile, is coming off a down season, as an ACL injury limited him to just four games in 2025. He’s been practicing in full in the summer, however, and could be ready to see action in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The post Malik Nabers gets honest about being teammates with Odell Beckham Jr. appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The internet is having a great time consuming the wild story of a man who allegedly scammed several women out of millions by pretending to be a San Francisco 49ers player.

Daejon Love, who has been arrested along with a co-conspirator and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, is at the center of a viral story sweeping social media. 

The bizarre situation has gotten to the point that fans are linking a San Francisco 49ers player’s move to Love.

San Francisco first-year wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has found himself at the center of hilarious jokes from fans online following his decision to choose No. 7 for his jersey, as reported by Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

Apparently, it is the same jersey number that Love used to bolster his claim that he was a Niners player.

Here are some of the fans’ reactions to Stribling’s jersey number.

He’s going to have to pay for Daejon’s number.

— Joe Ma (@JoeMa_5) August 31, 2026

No respect for Daejon smh

— tay🪬 (@tay_elevate) August 31, 2026

Hope he paid Daejon his $80k

— Gregory “SQUISHER” House (@squisher21) August 31, 2026

How much did he have to pay Love for it?

— Michael Gallegos (@GaIIegos) August 31, 2026

Stribling can give 49ers fans other, more sensible things to discuss come the regular season.

Selected in the second round (33rd overall) by the 49ers in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Ole Miss Rebels star wideout is expected to have a significant role downfield for San Francisco’s passing attack. He already turned heads in the preseason, where he saw action in two games and racked up 109 receiving yards on 11 catches.

The post 49ers rookie’s move sparks jokes tied to alleged fraudster appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Even Ketel Marte’s fashion appears to be adding to the drama. 

The embattled Arizona Diamondbacks star made his return to action on Monday, weeks after he sparked controversy by failing to show up for a game at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass., against the Boston Red Sox.

Marte was greeted by loud boos when he stepped up to the plate for the first time in Monday’s series opener versus the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. Before that, he seemingly refused to address Diamondbacks fans during a pregame press conference.

Following Arizona’s 2-1 loss to the Phillies, Marte fielded more questions from the media while wearing a hat with an intriguing message that may have been a subtle way for him to deal with his current situation.

“MAY THE BRIDGES I BURN LIGHT THE WAY,” the message on his lime green hat read, as seen in this photo shared by Nick King of KTVK 3TV.

Ketel Marte’s hat choice after the game is something.

He said he didn’t expect the boos from the home crowd, and also that he didn’t understand the question before the game about delivering a message to fans. pic.twitter.com/p2kb5PjtSk

— Nick King (@NickKingSports) September 1, 2026

Marte can only hope that fans will learn to appreciate him again, but that could take some time, as this wasn’t the first time he went AWOL on his team. In 2025, he missed three games after traveling back home to the Dominican Republic after that season’s All-Star break.

The three-time All-Star Marte went 1-for-3 with a walk in the loss to Philadelphia.

The post Ketel Marte’s hat after first game back appears to bear a telling message appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The football world is shaking with Aaron Donald officially back in business with the Los Angeles Rams, and even Green Bay Packers superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons is on high alert.

During a recent episode of “The Edge with Micah Parsons,” the five-time Pro Bowler revisited the moment he found out that Donald is indeed back.

“I’m leaving from practice, and they show Aaron Donald’s back.  I told the O-line, we all go to the weight room, like, ‘Hey, they didn’t get the last Infinity Stone. It’s time for y’all to, like, we gotta do more at practice.'” 

Parsons seems wary of what Donald is still capable of doing on the field despite last playing an NFL game in 2023. He even used Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan to stress his point about Donald’s potential impact on Los Angeles.

“People don’t realize Jordan took three years off. Like, he still came back with championships. This could be one of those. He literally said, ‘I didn’t wanna keep dealing with triple teams and double teams.’ He does not have to do that no more,” Parsons added.

.@MicahhParsons11 says the Rams "got the last infinity stone" after adding Aaron Donald 😅

Full reaction: https://t.co/NBalazHXCz pic.twitter.com/5yQ4VgMnQe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 31, 2026

Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award winner, but he may not be as effective as he used to be. Still, even a diminished version of Donald could be better than most defensive tackles in the league today.

Parsons and the Packers will get their chances to see Donald back in action in person in a Week 12 matchup against the Rams on Nov. 25 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

The post Micah Parsons had the most candid reaction to the Rams getting Aaron Donald back appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle doesn’t discriminate when it comes to doling out hugs. He showed that during a moment in Monday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass.

In the top of the third inning, Tolle faced Seattle designated hitter Dominic Canzone with one out. On the second pitch Tolle threw to the Mariners hitter, Canzone hit a chopper back toward the pitcher. Tolle fielded the ball and sprinted to first base before slowing down and simply offering Canzone a hug for the out.

Here is a video of that play.

Payton Tolle just hugged (yep, you read that right) Dominic Canzone for the out 🤣

Tolle's just having fun out there 👏 pic.twitter.com/J3U9bQTNlb

— NESN (@NESN) August 31, 2026

Tolle had just given up a home run to Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena before facing Canzone, but he clearly did not let the frustration from that play stop him from making a kind, impromptu gesture to the next batter. 

Tolle might have shared more hugs after the game, as the Red Sox won in thrilling fashion, with Trevor Story hitting a walk-off RBI single to give Boston a 9-8 win in extra innings.

The 23-year-old left-handed Tolle pitched for 5 ⅔ innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits with two free passes issued and six strikeouts. 

On the season, Tolle has an 8-6 record and a 3.23 ERA through 23 starts. 

The post Video: Payton Tolle found a unique way to record an out appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Los Angeles Rams made sure there would be no shortage of team captains heading into the 2026 season.

The Rams made waves Monday night when they announced their complete list of captains via a social media post. Instead of choosing five or six captains as teams normally do, the Rams dialed their number up, literally, all the way up to 11.

Here is the full list of Rams captains: quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams, wide receiver Davante Adams, tight end Tyler Higbee, center Coleman Shelton, defensive lineman Kobie Turner, outside linebacker Myles Garrett, inside linebacker Nate Landman, cornerback Trent McDuffie, safety Quentin Lake, and long snapper Joe Cardona.

The Rams’ graphic looked more like a meme thought up by someone from The Onion rather than a real announcement post.

Introducing our 2026 captains 🫡 pic.twitter.com/breO1uRqWS

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 1, 2026

Fans couldn’t help but laugh at the Rams handing out captaincy like cars on that one episode of Oprah. One fan hilariously compared it to a bride being indecisive about which of her friends to name as bridesmaids.

You’re a captain & you’re a captain & you’re a captain 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/rfoLfHpFE2

— NB (@NitroBrewz2023) September 1, 2026

That is too many captains. This is like one of those weddings with 12 bridesmaids there's no way you like all those girls that much learn to have some tough conversations, Kayleigh https://t.co/gLXOA3FHTI

— StartKyleOrton (@startkyIeorton) September 1, 2026

11 captains pic.twitter.com/XlEEfuR7Ru

— Onyx Odds (@OnyxOdds) September 1, 2026

Might as well just make the whole roster captains https://t.co/Ixps1lOqT8

— Łunaticø (@CanRaidersWin) September 1, 2026

Despite more than a fifth of the Rams’ roster being named a captain, the recently unretired Aaron Donald conspicuously was not one of them. Considering the respect he’ll likely have within the locker room, he’ll probably be seen as an unofficial captain, bumping that number up to a dozen.

I know he unretired 5 mins ago, but Aaron Donald not being one of ELEVEN captains is just funny. https://t.co/gQEiIbzoR5

— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) September 1, 2026

The Rams had five captains in 2024 and seven in 2025, before that number ballooned to 11 this season. The logic behind it appears to be that Sean McVay wanted one player from each position group to be named captain.

If the Rams do end up fulfilling their potential with a second Super Bowl win in the Stafford era, the other 31 teams may need to look into pumping up their captaincy numbers for the 2027 season.

The post Fans had jokes about the Rams naming way too many captains appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Colton Cowser has just submitted his entry for Catch of the Year.

The Orioles, who entered Monday deep in an AL Wild Card race, were an out away from securing a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo. But Baltimore’s chances of escaping with a win looked bleak when Jake McCarthy rocked a 1-0 fastball to dead center that was destined to go over the fence.

That’s when Cowser put on his Superman cape and took flight. He timed the ball perfectly and caught it just as his back collided with the padded wall.

COLTON COWSER GAME-ENDING HOME RUN ROBBERY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wHivffl0Fu

— MLB (@MLB) September 1, 2026

Watching the play in slow motion shows just how difficult it was to make. Cowser essentially had to execute a no-look catch given the angle required to make the snag, putting his body on the line to do so.

WE ARE ALL WITNESSES pic.twitter.com/Z9iz4trpkv

— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 1, 2026

There have been other outfielders who have made spectacular catches throughout the 2026 season. But few carried the same weight as Cowser’s grab, both in terms of game situation and playoff race implications.

Holy Cow! pic.twitter.com/L1UjM6fOTG

— MLB (@MLB) September 1, 2026

The win brought the Orioles back to a .500 record for the first time since the team was 15-15 toward the end of April. It also kept Baltimore just half a game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL Wild Card spot.

If the Orioles end up sneaking into the postseason by a single game, fans will likely be playing Cowser’s catch on repeat while waiting for Game 1 of their team’s Wild Card series.

The post Orioles’ Colton Cowser denies walk-off with the sickest home run robbery of the year appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Say what you want about Jonathan Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner. But the man sure knows how to make headlines, for better or for worse.

Turner has been on a press tour of sorts, defending Kuminga and his career decisions after the latter signed a relatively modest deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kuminga’s two-year, $13 million agreement with the T-Wolves fell well short of past deals the swingman reportedly turned down in pursuit of a larger payday.

The veteran agent appeared on Monday’s episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show” to discuss Kuminga’s move to Minnesota. One particular clip of Turner talking up his client turned heads among neutral observers on social media.

Turner claimed Kuminga, who got traded to the Atlanta Hawks before last season’s trade deadline, was the team’s “best player” in terms of “winning impact.”

“JK got shipped to Atlanta, and there was a lot of talk about Jonathan Kuminga and his winning impact. He was their best player from the moment he showed up in terms of winning impact,” Turner told O’Connor.

“He had the best on/off net rating in the regular season and in the playoffs. In their two wins against the New York Knicks, who had the best net rating? Jonathan Kuminga.”

Aaron Turner on Kuminga’s role with the Hawks: “He was their best player” pic.twitter.com/XWcOGWzI9l

— dre (@OnBallSteph) August 31, 2026

Kuminga looked poised to break out with the Hawks after his 27-point debut. However, he ended up averaging just 11.3 points over the remaining 15 regular-season games he played.

As Turner mentioned, Kuminga was indeed a standout performer in Games 2 and 3. He averaged 20.0 points in those contests, both of which ended in Atlanta wins. But mentioning just the two games in which he played well feels more like cherry-picking than making a valid argument in Kuminga’s favor.

Using net rating to call Kuminga the team’s “best player” is also misleading, given the various factors that affect the statistic. A big one is that Kuminga came off the bench for 21 of his 22 games with the team, which could significantly skew the data since he was mostly playing against reserves.

One could argue that Kuminga was an overqualified bench player who deserved to start. But calling him the Hawks’ “best player” because of net rating is quite a leap.

Atlanta saw Jalen Johnson blossom into an All-Star, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker won the Most Improved Player award with a breakout season of his own. Veteran guard CJ McCollum also channeled his inner Damian Lillard for a series against the Knicks.

Turner may tout Kuminga as the Hawks’ best player, but the team’s fans almost certainly wouldn’t agree.

The post Jonathan Kuminga’s agent doubles down with another wild claim appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Arizona Diamondbacks fans did not hide their anger toward Ketel Marte in his return to the field Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Marte was back in the D-Backs’ lineup for the first time since his unexcused absence on Aug. 17 in a game against the Boston Red Sox. Fans were already booing him during early pregame introductions, even with the crowd still settling in 20 minutes before first pitch at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.

Not many people here 20 mins before first pitch, but still a pretty significant chorus of boos when Ketel Marte’s name was said during starting lineup introductions. pic.twitter.com/kh0Vb9JYhG

— Nick King (@NickKingSports) September 1, 2026

The volume of the boos was exponentially higher as Marte stepped up to the plate for his first MLB at-bat in weeks. He ended up grounding out to lead off the second inning, which drew even more jeers from his home fans.

Ketel Marte loudly booed by the Diamondbacks fans which goes louder when he grounds out pic.twitter.com/KsM8h0HNkc

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 1, 2026

The boos were even audible on the Phillies’ broadcast of the contest.

Diamondbacks fans welcome Ketel Marte back from ILpic.twitter.com/heHOCZs2lU

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) September 1, 2026

The folks in attendance may have caught wind of Marte’s pregame press conference, wherein he refused to issue any sort of message toward Diamondbacks fans.

Marte only apologized to his manager and his teammates, promising to address them like a man.

The post Diamondbacks fans viciously boo Ketel Marte in his return appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Manny Gonzalez is doing well after suffering a big scare during Monday’s game.

The veteran MLB umpire Gonzalez was behind home plate for Monday’s matchup between the San Diego Padres and the Cincinnati Reds. Before the start of the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, Gonzalez had to exit after feeling unwell.

Gonzalez stepped off to the side and was attended to by Reds athletic trainer Sean McQueeney. Soon afterwards, Gonzalez slowly went down to the ground.

Fortunately, Gonzalez was eventually able to get to his feet with assistance and walked off under his own power. He did not return to the game however as the Padres beat the Reds by a final of 5-0. Here is the video of the incident.

pic.twitter.com/uBzz2u2leV

— Foul Territory (@bsbls885) September 1, 2026

Cincinnati sportswriter Mike Petraglia reported shortly thereafter that Gonzalez had to exit due to heat exhaustion and received treatment for elevated blood pressure and dehydration. Petraglia added though that Gonzalez’s blood pressure had since returned to normal levels and that he was resting comfortably.

Temperatures in Cincinnati were around 91 degrees with high humidity at the time of first pitch. Since Gonzalez was the home plate umpire as well, the heavy gear he was wearing certainly could not have helped matters either.

The 46-year-old Gonzalez has been an MLB umpire since 2010. Several years ago, Gonzalez was also involved in another scary incident during which he took a foul tip to the head.

The post Update surfaces on umpire Manny Gonzalez after heat exhaustion exit appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Ketel Marte did little Monday to repair his reputation among fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Marte was reinstated to the D-Backs’ lineup for the team’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. But before he suited up for the action on the field, Marte addressed the media about his lengthy absence from the team.

The Dominican failed to show up for Arizona’s Aug. 17 contest against the Boston Red Sox, prompting the D-Backs to place him on the restricted list. The Diamondbacks later placed Marte on the injured list due to a lingering knee issue. Days later, Marte was spotted gambling at a casino while his teammates were playing against the Cincinnati Reds.

On Monday, Marte apologized to manager Torey Lovulo for the insubordination. But he did not express any regret to the Diamondbacks’ fan base. When asked if he had a message for the fans, Marte shook his head, relaying to his translator that he was unwilling to give one.

When asked if he had a message for Arizona Diamondbacks fans, Ketel Marte was silent and shook his head no. pic.twitter.com/nZFsiJbUvm

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 31, 2026

Diamondbacks fans were not happy about Marte’s refusal to address them. Many took to social media to slam Marte for not having the courtesy to apologize.

Wow. I want the Diamondbacks to win therefore I want him to do well even though I do want them to move him in the offseason. But come on can't we all at least agree that he owes an apology to the fans too? Do we need to be split on that? https://t.co/UWXJtjHPbw

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 31, 2026

He doesn’t owe the fans anything but his lack of awareness about how it looks to not even pretend to apologize for the chaos he has caused says a lot about him.

— Rockford Peach (@Ms_Historian) September 1, 2026

🖕him! I won’t go to another game and pay a cent until this little baby is off the roster.

— Jason G (@jgutzgb) September 1, 2026

His silence when asked if he had a message for the fans speaks volumes! Shame on the DBacks for letting this go on for three years. Good luck trading him now.

— James Jones (@JamesJo94477789) August 31, 2026

It’s the fourth season in a row that Marte has gone AWOL on the team and its fans. Diamondbacks fans may have fairly questioned the sincerity of any apology given. But it would still have been a nice gesture from Marte, whom the D-Backs need to come up big as the team fights for an NL Wild Card spot.

Marte, who is in his 10th season with Arizona, has been one of the most productive hitters in Diamondbacks history. After a decade of All-Star-level output on the field, Marte and the D-Backs may be headed for a messy divorce in the offseason.

The post Fans were not happy with Ketel Marte’s non-apology appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Philadelphia 76ers got LeBron James this offseason, but the same will not be true of another former No. 1 overall draft pick.

Rumors spread online this week about retired 76ers legend Allen Iverson potentially joining the team’s ownership group. The source of the rumors appears to have been a viral post by singer and actor Tyrese Gibson claiming that Iverson was purchasing a stake in the 76ers.

On Monday though, Ben Horney of Front Office Sports shared an update on the bombshell claim. Horney reports that Gibson’s claim is not true and that Iverson will not be joining the 76ers’ ownership group.

Iverson, 51, is one of the most iconic and beloved players in franchise history. He played for the 76ers for 12 total seasons from 1996-2010 (spanning two separate stints), making eight All-Star teams and winning four scoring titles. Iverson also famously won NBA MVP in 2001 and led Philadelphia to a surprise NBA Finals berth later that year as well (with that still marking the franchise’s most recent trip to the Finals).

Ever since retiring as a player, Iverson had his No. 3 jersey lifted to the rafters by the 76ers in 2014 and was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Iverson was even honored by the 76ers a couple of years ago with his own statue (which unfortunately turned out to be very small).

Iverson has recently been speaking very positively about his old team and could not contain his excitement about the four-time champion James picking the 76ers in free agency. But in the end, Iverson will continue to root on the 76ers from afar instead of taking on an active role as a member of their ownership group.

The post Update emerges on bombshell Allen Iverson-76ers rumor appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Billy Donovan is speaking out for the first time on his departure from the Chicago Bulls.

The former Bulls head coach Donovan spoke this week with Olivia Eisenhauer of WCJB in Florida. During the interview, Donovan explained why he decided to step down from his position with Chicago last April.

“They had to bring in a new front office,” said Donovan of the Bulls. “I just felt like, with a new front office coming in, that person should have the freedom to choose their coach and build out the organization how they see fit, which was fine.”

Donovan also said though that he loved his time in Chicago and even received an offer from the organization to stay on either as coach or to move into the front office (before ultimately deciding to walk away). You can see his full interview at the link here.

The 61-year-old Donovan was head coach of the Bulls for six seasons from 2020-26 but ultimately had a mediocre run. He went 226-256 (.469) overall in Chicago and made just one total playoff appearance in 2022 (though the Bulls did earn three additional play-in tournament berths during his time in charge).

With Chicago firing both executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley prior to Donovan’s departure (and subsequently hiring Bryson Graham as their new lead executive), Donovan decided that he would rather call it quits than have to look over his shoulder to continue in his position. Donovan has also since done quite well for himself and has already landed an assistant coaching job with a top NBA contender.

The post Billy Donovan explains why he left the Bulls appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A former Dallas Cowboys player is jumping ship to a division rival.

The Philadelphia Eagles on Monday reportedly signed running back Jaydon Blue to their practice squad. The news comes just a day after the Cowboys released him.

Former Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue, released Sunday, is signing with the Eagles practice squad, per source. pic.twitter.com/iHn4yHDBNS

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2026

The Cowboys selected Blue last April in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The team signed him to a four-year, $4.63 million deal.

Blue served as Dallas’ third-string running back behind Javonte Williams and Malik Davis. He rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries across five games in his rookie campaign. The lone TD and nearly half of his yards came during the Cowboys’ inconsequential Week 18 clash against the New York Giants.

The Cowboys named Blue among the team’s final roster cuts ahead of the 2026 season. Perhaps the team had not forgotten about Blue wearing Louis Vuitton-Nike cleats last season, to the point that he developed blisters on his feet.

If nothing else, the Eagles can likely bank on Blue going extra hard for Philadelphia’s two regular-season games against Dallas this season.

The post Former Cowboys player is signing with Eagles appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Cam Schlittler will not be so quick to forgive Will Flemming.

The longtime Boston Red Sox radio announcer Flemming sparked backlash over the weekend with some controversial comments during a game against the rival New York Yankees. In the middle of Sunday’s matchup at Yankee Stadium in New York, N.Y., Flemming targeted New York infielder Jazz Chisholm.

Flemming ripped Chisholm as a “bush league player,” suggesting that the Red Sox should start a fight with him and also throw at Yankees catcher Austin Wells as retaliation (you can listen to his full remarks here). After receiving sharp criticism for his comments, Flemming then proceeded to issue a public apology on Monday.

The Yankees star pitcher Schlittler was among those who did not buy Flemming’s apology however. Schlittler left a comment on an Instagram post about Flemming’s mea culpa and simply put a clown emoji.

Cam Schlittler comments and calls Will Flemming a clown. pic.twitter.com/csrxIEl3uE

— Everything Yankees (@eyyankees) August 31, 2026

New York beat Boston on Sunday by an absurd final score of 16-1 to take three out of four games in their weekend set. The uncompetitive series combined with the fact that Flemming only backtracked a full day later after receiving backlash led many to believe that his apology was insincere.

Schlittler, who has been a breakout star for the Yankees this year with an AL-leading 2.09 ERA and 201 strikeouts, certainly felt that way as well. The 25-year-old righty Schlittler also has it out for the Red Sox in particular (despite being a Boston native) and already took a ruthless shot at the team during last year’s playoffs.

The post Cam Schlittler calls Red Sox announcer Will Flemming a clown appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Steph Curry still does not have a wandering eye.

The longtime Golden State Warriors superstar Curry spoke this week in an interview with Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. During the interview, Curry was asked the million-dollar question of whether or not he ultimately plans to retire with the Warriors.

Curry responded that he was “pretty sure” that he would be retiring in Golden State. He did note though that his contract situation would still have to be resolved at a later time.

“There’s no question I want to be here the rest of my career, and I’m pretty sure that’s going to happen,” said Curry. “The deal and the contract stuff will happen at the right time, and we’re not letting it be a distraction from our preparation for the season and the fact that the team we’re coming back with has a lot of familiarity.”

No matter what happens going forward, Curry is already the undisputed greatest player in Warriors history as a 12-time All-Star, two-time NBA MVP, and centerpiece of four total championship teams who has spent his entire pro career in Golden State. But the fact remains that Curry is now 38 years old and is entering his final season under contract with the Warriors at $62.6 million.

The former scoring champion Curry is now officially eligible for a new max extension from Golden State of two years and roughly $136.7 million. There was some recent chatter that Curry could potentially play hardball with the Warriors to pressure them into improving the roster. But more optimistic news has since emerged on Curry’s future in Golden State, and now we are hearing from The Chef himself that he would be more than happy to stay put for the rest of his career.

The post Steph Curry answers whether he will retire with the Warriors appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers could be bringing in another one of Luka Doncic’s old Dallas buddies.

Veteran NBA big man Dwight Powell may potentially be an option for the Lakers in free agency, Khobi Price of The California Post reported on Monday. Price notes that the Lakers still have a need on their roster when it comes to big man depth.

Powell, 35, is a 6-foot-10 big who spent the last 12 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. There he was teammates with the Lakers superstar Doncic for six-and-a-half seasons from 2018-25 (prior to Doncic getting traded to L.A.).

Price notes that Powell has played the most career games alongside Doncic of any player in the NBA (with 389 total appearances as Doncic’s teammate). Powell also remains unsigned this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Of course, Powell is not exactly an exciting player to say the least. He only averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season for the Mavericks and has barely been a viable rotation piece for the last several years now.

But the Lakers do still need some more size behind offseason additions Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. They also recently missed out on free agent target Jonathan Kuminga, leaving the Lakers to explore some other interesting potential signings as well.

The post Lakers could sign Luka Doncic’s longtime former teammate appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin is never afraid to do things that are a bit unusual, and that continues to be the case.

Following a ruling that granted some college players extra eligibility, LSU landed former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright after he popped up in the transfer portal.

Zxavian Harris also committed to LSU, and he was with the New Orleans Saints over the summer. The NFL-to-college pipeline has caused some conferences in college football to ban it from happening.

However, Kiffin opened up in the moves and even said his current players are on board with them coming to Baton Rouge.

“Every one of them was emphatic about, ‘If they can help us win, bring ’em,'” Kiffin told reporters on Monday. “We understand we have a team that’s practiced together and worked together all offseason, but one of them said, ‘Hey, this is how it works at the next level, and this is how the real world works.’ So that made me feel a little better in the struggle and being torn back and forth.”

Lane Kiffin says his LSU player leadership committee gave him their blessing to bring in players who have NFL experience

“Every one of them was emphatic that if they can help us win, bring them…” pic.twitter.com/bBSS9P9xen

— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) August 31, 2026

Right after the initial ruling, Kiffin defended his stance on recruiting the former NFL players, saying it is going to happen one way or another.

Now, Kiffin sure seems to be standing by the decision to bring them on board.

There are still hurdles to climb for Kiffin to play them since the SEC laid out a new policy, so it is a developing situation.

LSU begins the 2026 season on Saturday against Clemson at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.

The post Lane Kiffin gets candid about LSU’s decision to bring in NFL players appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

It has been a long road for wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

However, he officially made the New York Giants’ 53-man roster going into the 2026 NFL season.

The Giants signed Beckham in June, but John Harbaugh and the team had been persistent that Beckham needed to earn his roster spot, and now he has.

On Monday, Beckham spoke to reporters and admitted he was in tears after hearing the news.

“I had tears when I got back to the hotel and realized I was going to be here,” Beckham said. “Definitely had that moment where it was like, you could let out some of the pain that I feel like I went through.”

Odel Beckham Jr. says he was in tears when he returned to the hotel after learning he had made the Giants' initial 53-man roster:

"Definitely had that moment where it was like, you could let out some of the pain that I feel like I've went through." pic.twitter.com/8YiPcPRNAk

— SNY Giants (@SNYGiants) August 31, 2026

Beckham’s last few years have been a bit of a whirlwind. He played in nine games for the Miami Dolphins in 2024 before missing all of the 2025 season.

The NFL suspended Beckham for six games in 2025 due to violating the PED policy. However, Beckham showcased his skills in March during Tom Brady’s flag football game, and that led to some NFL interest.

The Giants initially selected Odell Beckham Jr. at No. 12 overall in 2014, and now he goes full circle by making the roster.

The post Odell Beckham Jr. was in tears after making the Giants’ Roster appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire had an honest take ahead of Week 1, although it sure seems like he took a small dig at Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans.

USC played San Jose State in Week 0, and fans couldn’t help but notice the mostly empty stadium despite USC saying the attendance was 51,144.

McGuire was asked about playing in front of a sold-out crowd, and he made sure to mention Riley and USC.

“Not to take any shots because I have a lot of respect for USC and Lincoln Riley, but man, it’s really awesome to be playing in Lubbock, Texas, knowing we’re going to be playing front of 60,000, and it’s going to be warm. It’s going to be every bit as warm as it was Saturday. The great thing is we got some really tough people in West Texas that love their football and they’re going to show up,” McGuire said.

Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire on crowds and USC:

"We’ve got some really tough people in West Texas that love their football. They’re gonna show up no matter what the weather’s like. There’s not going to be any excuses of why they’re not here for us.” pic.twitter.com/kEkLv7hXeN

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) August 31, 2026

USC’s home opener drew an underwhelming crowd and became a hot topic of conversation over the weekend. And, although McGuire said he wasn’t going to “take any shots,” he did make sure to discuss the Trojans and Riley.

The Coliseum at kickoff of USC’s season opener with San Jose State pic.twitter.com/4bOhMY487b

— Ryan Kartje (@RyanKartje) August 29, 2026

USC is ranked 14th in the preseason poll, with Texas Tech coming in at 12th.

Texas Tech faces Abilene Christian in Week 1 on Saturday at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, and it sure seems like Joey McGuire expects a sold-out crowd.

The post Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire takes a subtle shot at USC crowd appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Country music legend Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, and now the Tennessee Volunteers football program is honoring her.

The Tennessee football team will have a commemorative sticker on their helmet that will be worn for every game this season.

For Dolly. 🦋

A commemorative helmet sticker will be worn to honor Dolly Parton for every game this season. pic.twitter.com/A1mBw9ZqxZ

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 31, 2026

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel spoke about the decision on Monday while talking with reporters.

“All that she’s meant across the world, this country, and certainly the Queen of East Tennessee,” Heupel said. “A lady that was extremely proud of her roots. You look at her impact, just her ability to give back, make an impact to people, certainly here in East Tennessee. She means a lot to people across this country, but certainly here inside the state of Tennessee, too.”

Parton was born in Locust Ridge, Tenn., and she has deep ties to the state and the program.

Dolly Parton spoke at the university’s commencement in 2009. She also performed at the school during tours in 2011 and 2014. In 2009, she also received an honorary doctorate in “Humane and Musical Letters.”

The Tennessee football team begins the 2026 season against Furman on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

The post Tennessee Volunteers set to honor Dolly Parton this season appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

On August 25, the New York Jets cut kicker Cade York, which meant veteran Jason Sanders had won the job going into the regular season.

On Monday, the Jets then released Sanders just hours after claiming Indianapolis Colts kicker Blake Grupe on waivers.

After claiming Blake Grupe, the Jets have released kicker Jason Sanders.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2026

After the Jets claimed Grupe, head coach Aaron Glenn said that there would be a “competition,” but now Sanders has been released in a quick change.

Aaron Glenn said Jason Sanders is still on the roster and referred to it as a “competition” with Blake Grupe. Though said the roster situation is fluid.

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 31, 2026

Sanders had spent his entire NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, which included going 37-of-41 on field goals in 2024.

Sanders then missed the entire 2025 season with a hip injury. He signed with the New York Giants in the offseason before being released.

Sanders missed an extra point and a field goal in the Jets’ 23-6 loss to the New York Giants in the final preseason game.

Grupe spent the 2025 season between the New Orleans Saints and the Colts, and he went 11-for-11 with Indianapolis with a perfect 10-for-10 clip on extra points.

The Jets also named rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik as the backup to Geno Smith earlier in the day, so it’s been a busy day for the team.

Shortly after initially releasing Sanders, the Jets announced that he was added to the practice squad, so there could be a competition brewing still.

The post Jets cut veteran kicker days after he won the starting job appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jaylen Brown is sending a warning to the remainder of the NBA after a tumultuous offseason.

On a recent livestream, Brown said he is adopting a mentality of “kill” ahead of the new NBA season. The new Philadelphia 76ers star added that he is out for “blood” after being traded from the Boston Celtics.

“My mentality is kill,” Brown said. “I feel like I want blood this year. I feel like that’s the mentality.”

Jaylen Brown: “My mentality this year is to kill. I want blood this year. That’s the mentality.” pic.twitter.com/knmnKr5928

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 31, 2026

That should come as good news to Sixers fans, who would love to see a very motivated Brown this season. The team has already added LeBron James, who is also highly motivated to win a championship in his first season in Philadelphia. If Brown is really willing to cede some of his usage to James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, that is even better news.

Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 points, and 5.1 assists per game as the focal point for the Celtics last season. One can only wonder what sorts of numbers he might post if he is even more motivated with the 76ers.

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The Kentucky Wildcats might be feeling a bit spurned right now after college basketball star Mark Mitchell backed out of his transfer to Lexington after roughly a week.

Mitchell is returning to Missouri as he seeks a fifth year of eligibility, his agent confirmed Monday. Previously, Mitchell had said he intended to seek that additional year at Kentucky.

Mark Mitchell will no longer be suiting up for Kentucky this season and will instead return to Missouri for a fifth season of eligibility, agent Brandon Mitchell of BAM Sports and Entertainment told @On3. https://t.co/NS89D3L8Zo

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) August 31, 2026

Mitchell’s decision might ultimately have nothing to do with preference and may simply be down to where he is most likely to be granted eligibility. While Mitchell obtained a temporary restraining order to play for Kentucky, the SEC threatened to declare Mitchell ineligible based on a rule that blocks transfers within the conference outside of a short period each year.

While Mitchell is not guaranteed to be eligible to play for Missouri next season, he likely has a better chance of gaining eligibility there compared with at Kentucky.

Mitchell led Missouri with 18.3 points per game last season. He previously spent the first two years of his college career at Duke.

The post Top college basketball player goes back on his Kentucky commitment after 1 week appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is not holding back when it comes to sharing his opinion about how one of his SEC rivals is conducting business.

Sarkisian on Monday said programs that are bringing in players who spent time in NFL training camps are “morally” wrong. The Texas coach believes it is unfair for players who have worked with teams for the better part of the last year to suddenly be cast aside in favor of someone who just transferred in after getting a chance in the NFL.

“These players on all of our rosters, not just ours, have been working for nine months for this moment on Saturday, which then will lead into the next five to six months,” Sarkisian said. “The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player off of an NFL roster and tell somebody who’s been doing it for nine months to go kick rocks, that doesn’t sit well with me. I think that’s wrong. That, morally, is wrong.”

"I think that's wrong. That morally is wrong."

Steve Sarkisian speaks to college programs trying to bring back professional players to their roster. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/fx5yKWXCf3

— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) August 31, 2026

Whether intentionally or not, Sarkisian is definitely calling out LSU. The Tigers have been very aggressive in bringing in transfer players who just received an additional year of eligibility even after spending time in NFL training camps. LSU coach Lane Kiffin has said he is seeking to bring in such players because if he doesn’t, someone else will.

A number of high-profile former college players were granted an additional year of eligibility after a legal fight, much to the consternation of the NCAA and many of its conferences. Many leagues are still seeking to ban such players from playing, but the likes of LSU are betting on the legal system continuing to take their side.

The post Steve Sarkisian accuses SEC rival of making morally wrong move appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Joe Burrow had a number of people wondering if he was going to follow Andrew Luck into an early retirement late last season. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is now making it clear that those fears were unfounded.

Burrow said in a new interview that he did used to think he would not want to play in the NFL for too long. Now, however, he is much more eager to play until the wheels fall off.

“I used to think I didn’t want to play very long, and now I’m like, I’m just going to go until I can’t do it anymore. This is fun to do. What the hell else would I do?” Burrow told Albert Breer of The MMQB. “I used to want to go and maybe play a different sport after a couple of Super Bowls, but now I’m like, I’m just going to play until I can’t.”

Those words will be a big relief to Bengals fans. Last season, there was some panic when Burrow suggested he was no longer having fun in Cincinnati, and questioned why he would keep playing if he was not enjoying himself. That quickly led to comparisons with Luck, but those comparisons can seemingly stop now.

Burrow is very driven to have a great season and contend for a Super Bowl this year. There is certainly no reason to question his motivation at the moment.

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JJ McCarthy remains with the Minnesota Vikings, and he still has at least one believer within the organization despite his struggles.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell “wants to keep working with” McCarthy, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB. That is despite speculation that the team considered cutting McCarthy and leaving him off their 53-man roster.

McCarthy is a former top-10 pick, and it would have been a very bold move to get rid of him after just two NFL seasons. Some projected that he would miss the roster, but that never made sense, and the Vikings have invested enough in him that they might as well keep trying to get something out of him.

On the other hand, McCarthy has looked downright hopeless at times. He took significant heat for uncorking one of the worst throws of the entire preseason during one of the team’s games.

Over 10 total starts in 2025, McCarthy threw for just 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns to an ugly 12 interceptions (also missing time due to ankle, hand, and concussion issues).

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