New details have emerged regarding the death of former star linebacker Aldon Smith.

Smith was found unresponsive in the passenger seat of a friend’s truck. The friend, Amir Shirazi, told Matthias Gafni and Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle that he initially believed Smith had fallen asleep until the former pass rusher started twitching.

Smith had been helping to deliver pizzas to a local homeless shelter earlier in the day Saturday. Scott Wagers, the co-founder of the charity, said Smith looked “lethargic.” After that delivery, Shirazi drove the two of them home, ran into the house to turn some lights on, and returned to find Smith unresponsive.

Smith was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, where he was pronounced dead. No cause of death has officially been given, but Shirazi speculated that it might have been caused by a heart attack.

The 36-year-old former NFL standout died suddenly on Saturday. A top-10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Smith was an All-Pro in his second NFL season, and had a whopping 33.5 sacks through his first two campaigns. His career was ultimately derailed by substance abuse, and he received several NFL suspensions for repeated violations of league policy.

The post New details emerge regarding Aldon Smith’s death appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

At least one former NBA All-Star was left unimpressed by Victor Wembanyama’s performance during the NBA Finals.

Two-time All-Star and NBA champion David West had some critical remarks about Wembanyama following the Spurs’ 94-90 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday. West was specifically critical of what he saw as Wembanyama’s lack of strength and moves in the post.

“7’6″ and no post game or back to the basket game. Wild business,” West wrote on X.

7"6 and no post game or back to the basket game. Wild business.

— David West (@D_West30) June 14, 2026

Wembanyama is officially 7’4″, but the point stands. At 235 pounds despite his height, Wembanyama is more of a finesse player at this stage of his career. He does things that no one else can, but he isn’t exactly known for physically bullying other big men down low.

On the other hand, even if Wembanyama is lacking in some areas, he still averaged 25 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in his age 22 season. Strength is one thing he can add to his game as time goes by. The natural skills he has cannot be taught, though.

One of the game’s greatest-ever players suggested that Wembanyama needs to dedicate his offseason to getting stronger. West, it would appear, has similar advice.

The post Former NBA All-Star has sharp criticism of Victor Wembanyama appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Brunson’s father Rick has been around the New York Knicks for a long time — long enough that he won’t even proclaim his son as the greatest Knicks player ever.

Rick and Jalen Brunson appeared on “Inside the NBA” following the Knicks’ 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday. One of the debates following the game was whether Jalen Brunson could claim the title of greatest Knick after scoring 45 points and leading the team to a title.

Rick Brunson is not willing to go that far.

“I’m going to stop the argument. I love my son. But Patrick Ewing is the best Knick I ever witnessed,” Rick said.

Rick Brunson: "I'm gonna stop the argument too, no disrespect, I love my son, Patrick Ewing is the greatest Knick that I've ever witnessed.”

Kenny Smith: "Well, I'm gonna say it, it's gonna be debatable now.”

(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)

pic.twitter.com/HOWytSaC0C

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 14, 2026

Kenny Smith felt that the question was now debatable, and he is probably right. As great as Ewing was, he never added a title to his resume. Brunson, meanwhile, joined the Knicks when they weren’t even a playoff team and was the core player who stuck around to win a championship. His attitude has only added to his legend.

Ultimately, this is a debate meant more for fans than anyone else. Maybe Rick just won’t let himself say it, but for now, he is sticking with Ewing, who was an 11-time All-Star.

The post Jalen Brunson’s dad will not crown him as greatest Knick ever appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Boston Celtics are taking a key step toward trying to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Bill Simmons of “The Ringer” said on his podcast that he had been told the Celtics made an offer for Antetokounmpo this past week. The nature of the offer is not known, but it would confirm the Celtics as active suitors for the Milwaukee Bucks star.

“From what I heard, they made an offer in the past week. I don’t know what the offer was and I don’t know who’s in it, but the hat was in the ring, which I was really surprised by,” Simmons said.

“From what I heard, they made an offer in the past week.”@BillSimmons and @ZachLowe_NBA discuss the latest on the potential of Boston making a move for Giannis. pic.twitter.com/uzK5Yg4rRX

— The Ringer (@ringer) June 14, 2026

There have been conflicting reports on how interested the Celtics are in trying to trade for Antetokounmpo. It has been reported that they are one of the teams he would strongly consider staying with long-term, which presumably provided the organization with some encouragement.

The Celtics would be the second team to reportedly make a firm offer for Antetokounmpo, who is widely expected to be traded within the next several weeks. Whether the Celtics can or would beat that offer remains to be seen.

The post Celtics take significant step toward a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Diego Padres infielder Manny Machado is having his roughest MLB season, and it does not sound like he is having a ton of fun.

Machado entered play Sunday hitting just .178 with 12 home runs through 67 games this season. The veteran is adamant that he can still get back to his best, but he had quite the quote to describe how the ups and downs of baseball can feel.

“This is why we love baseball. Us baseball players are masochists. We love being tortured,” Machado told Gabe Lacques of USA Today. “It’s a failing game. We obviously don’t want to be in this position. But that’s the beauty of playing the game – the rollercoaster. It’s a lot of ups and downs.”

No matter how much he says he loves it, the slump is taking a toll on Machado. He has been terse with reporters over his struggles, and ranted about analytics as if they have anything to do with his poor performances.

Machado is a career .275 hitter, which is also the exact mark he hit in 2025. It is hard to believe his offensive capabilities could crater in one offseason, but two months into the year, he has yet to break out of his slump. Still, if these quotes are any indication, he is coping in his own unique way.

The post Manny Machado compares his lengthy slump to ‘being tortured’ appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Mike Yastrzemski made the strangest error of the MLB season so far thanks to some flukishly bad luck.

Yastrzemski was in left field Sunday at Citi Field in New York, N.Y. when the Mets’ AJ Ewing lined a ball down the left field line with two men on. Yastrzemski quickly fielded the ball and tried to hit the cutoff man.

Unfortunately, the only thing he hit was a large pole that holds up the protective netting along the first base line. The ball caromed back toward second base, which allowed the other runner to score.

Two runs come home with an AJ Ewing line drive and throw that hit the pole by Mike Yastrzemski! pic.twitter.com/2wUg9hywu7

— SNY (@SNYtv) June 14, 2026

Obviously, Yastrzemski was not aiming for the pole. He might not have been able to hit it dead on like that if he tried. Moreover, most stadiums do not even have a pole like that for the protective netting, but this entire series of events combined to make Yastrzemski look extremely silly.

Something weird seems to happen on that side of Citi Field at least a couple of times per year. We might not see a stranger play this year.

The post Braves’ Mike Yastrzemski makes the most bizarre error of the MLB season appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Shaquille O’Neal offered some advice for Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs lost to the New York Knicks in five games in the NBA Finals.

Shaq said one thing Wembanyama needs to take from the series is that he needs to get stronger. The legendary center noted that Wembanyama struggled at times with intense physicality, pointing to Mitchell Robinson’s crucial offensive rebound late as an example of that.

“I say this with respect about Wemby: As good as he is, he’s going to need to get stronger,” Shaq said. “Because when you become a dominant big man, people are going to force, and a lot of times he couldn’t handle that push — for example, that offensive rebound that Mitchell Robinson got. I don’t know what he’s going to do this summer, but he definitely needs to get in that weight room and get stronger.”

Shaq: "I say this with respect about Wemby: As good as he is, he's going to need to get stronger. Because when you become a dominant big man, people are going to force. I don't know what he's going to do this summer, but he definitely needs to get in that weight room and get… pic.twitter.com/MR2RYPQhag

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 14, 2026

Wembanyama is listed at 235 pounds despite being 7-foot-4. The Spurs star is well aware that he has work to do to get bigger, but as he is still just 22, he has plenty of time to do just that. He probably would have done it even if Shaq hadn’t said so.

Wembanyama has to work on growing up mentally as well as physically, as we saw from how he reacted to the defeat. This entire series should serve as an important learning experience for him.

The post Shaq offers some advice for Victor Wembanyama appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Lewis Hamilton on Sunday secured his first win for Ferrari, winning at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. His victory also ended a streak for Mercedes, as it was the first race in 2026 where Mercedes did not finish on top of the poduim.

Rounding out the first all-British podium since 1968 were George Russell and Lando Norris, who finished second and third, respectively.

In somewhat of a disappointing fashion, current drivers’ championship leader Kimi Antonelli was forced to retire on lap 62 due to powertrain issues after overtaking Russell for P2.

While Antonelli still leads in the drivers’ championship, Hamilton has now firmly cemented himself in second place ahead of former teammate Russell.

The European leg of the schedule continues next in Austria. Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull will have two weeks to look through all the race data and put together a plan to challenge to the recent upgrades made by Ferrari.

The post Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish Grand Prix appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Brunson may be taking the high road when it comes to his critics after winning the NBA title, but his sister is not.

Erica Brunson, Jalen’s younger sister, took to X on Sunday and made sure to call out some of those who had criticized Brunson in recent weeks or otherwise demeaned him as a player who could not carry a team to a title. Becky Hammon was Erica’s first callout, a response to the Las Vegas Aces coach’s 2023 comment about Brunson being too small to be any team’s No. 1 option.

Now what? https://t.co/Q3P7BJ9wZS

— Erica Brunson (@eribrunson) June 14, 2026

Erica was not done there. She also reposted a clip from Colin Cowherd’s “The Herd” from back in April, when Cowherd dismissed the Knicks star as “a number two, on a great team a three.”

“Unfortunately I’m petty and idc. WHAT. NOW!!!” Erica wrote. “Where will the goal post move now?”

Unfortunately I’m petty and idc. WHAT. NOW!!! Where will the goal post move now? https://t.co/PxdpGkcEC9

— Erica Brunson (@eribrunson) June 14, 2026

Erica has certainly earned the victory lap. Plenty of people argued that Brunson was too small to lead a team to a title, and he wound up dropping 45 points in the clincher to win Finals MVP and cement his status as one of the greatest Knicks ever.

The younger Brunson is clearly expecting the critics to move the goalposts and find something new to criticize Brunson over. That may or may not be the case, but any arguments against Brunson got a lot tougher to make after Saturday night.

The post Jalen Brunson’s sister went after his critics following his NBA title win appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Antonio Spurs coach Mitch Johnson did not mince words about his team’s shortcomings following their loss in the NBA Finals on Saturday.

Johnson admitted after the Spurs’ 94-90 loss in Game 5 that his team simply had not been ready to win a title, and that it showed through how the five games played out.

“We weren’t ready to win an NBA championship. The better team won,” Johnson said. “We did a lot of good things, but we didn’t finish the job.”

"We weren't ready to win an NBA championship… We did a lot of good things and we didn't finish the job. That's what it is."

– Mitch Johnson on the Spurs’ collapses in the Finals 🗣️

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/LadqfdTb49

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 14, 2026

It’s hard to argue with Johnson’s conclusion. The Spurs led by double-digits at one point in all five games of the series, only to lose four of them. The most prominent of those is the infamous 29-point blown lead in Game 4 that will haunt San Antonio for the foreseeable future.

One can certainly blame Johnson, at least in part, for that lack of readiness. He made some questionable decisions in multiple games, and did not seem to know how to stem the tide when the Knicks made their inevitable fourth quarter runs. By the fourth quarter of Game 5, a Knicks comeback felt almost inevitable, and Johnson still couldn’t lift his team to stop it.

There is little doubt that Johnson will be back next season. Spurs fans will hope he and his team learned some lessons from what happened over the course of the series.

The post Mitch Johnson had a brutally honest take on the Spurs’ NBA Finals loss appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Karl-Anthony Towns celebrated his NBA title with one of his former Minnesota Timberwolves teammates.

Towns shared a photo of himself on a video call with Anthony Edwards while holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy following Saturday’s 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Tex. Towns captioned the photo by calling Edwards “my brudda 4eva!”

KAT’s IG STORY pic.twitter.com/g9ZbkV7QT7

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 14, 2026

Towns even credited Edwards with playing a role in the victory when speaking with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after the game.

“A huge shoutout to all the teammates I’ve had before coming here,” Towns said. “Shoutout to my brother, Anthony Edwards, talking to him all the time. Those guys made me better, they made me a better leader, they made me a better player, made me the man I am today. Forever grateful for them.”

KAT: "Shoutout to my brother Anthony Edwards talking to him all the time. Those guys made me better, they made me a better leader, they made me a better player, made me the man I am today. Forever grateful for them" pic.twitter.com/dux6qydTdG

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 14, 2026

There is no doubt that Towns and Edwards remain close nearly two years after the Timberwolves dealt Towns to the Knicks. At the time, Edwards admitted that the trade hurt, and it would not be a shock if there was a bit of jealousy on Edwards’ part to see how well things worked out for his friend and former teammate.

Edwards, meanwhile, is said to want to see major roster upgrades from the Timberwolves in order to compete with teams like the Knicks. One cannot help but wonder if he wishes Minnesota had never made that trade to begin with.

The post Karl-Anthony Towns celebrated his NBA title with an ex-teammate appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Victor Wembanyama just kept on exhibiting bad sportsmanship after his team’s season-ending loss on Saturday.

Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs fell by a final score of 94-90 to the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. They lost in front of their home crowd at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas after blowing yet another double-digit lead in the first half.

After the game, Wembanyama, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds but on just 7/19 shooting from the field, spoke with reporters. To wrap his press conference after answering all of the media’s questions, Wembanyama delivered a childish line.

“Appreciate y’all,” said Wembanyama as he was standing up to leave. “See y’all … never.”

Victor Wembanyama at the end of his press conference:

"Appreciate y'all. See you… never"😭 pic.twitter.com/X9THuYIsRR

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 14, 2026

Wembanyama also acted classlessly immediately after the final buzzer on Saturday night. The ABC broadcast showed Wembanyama briskly walking off the court without shaking hands with the Knicks (video here).

The seven-footer Wembanyama is still only 22 years old and has a long way to go before he becomes a truly finished product. But Wembanyama clearly has a whole lot of work left to do when it comes to losing with the grace, class, and good sportsmanship required of an athlete at his level.

The post Victor Wembanyama has a childish end to his press conference after losing NBA title appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

One of the New York Knicks’ most prominent fans is sounding off now that the team has finally ended its 53-year championship drought.

The Knicks won the NBA title on Saturday night with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the Finals. New York once again overcame an early double-digit deficit to San Antonio and clinched their first championship since 1973.

Shortly thereafter, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith appeared on “SportsCenter” to share his thoughts on the long-awaited Knicks title. Smith said “I never thought it would happen” and added that “it’s the best feeling I’ve had in my life covering sports.”

"It's the best feeling I've had in my life covering sports"

– Stephen A. Smith pic.twitter.com/Hpl4ks9VGk

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 14, 2026

Smith also shared a video from his own X account of how he reacted in the press room as the final buzzer sounded.

IT’S OVER!!!! pic.twitter.com/rzrDF7CeCx

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 14, 2026

The 58-year-old Smith is a New York City native who has been vocal about his support of the Knicks throughout his lengthy career in sports media. Meanwhile, Smith was just five years old the last time that the Knicks won an NBA title back in 1973.

Smith was accused earlier this season of being a fake Knicks fan by (interestingly enough) some current members of the team. But based on that genuine display of emotion from him on Saturday night, Smith is sharing with all of his fellow New Yorkers to the fullest in the joy of the Knicks winning it all.

The post Stephen A. Smith reacts to the Knicks winning the NBA title appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Fans in New York were feeling all sorts of pride amid the Knicks’ NBA championship win.

The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday night to win the team’s first title since 1973. Though the championship was won in San Antonio, that didn’t stop fans in New York from enjoying themselves in celebration.

A video was circulated online showing fans in New York all singing “Empire State of Mind” — a famous song by Jay-Z — amid the celebration after a watch party.

EVERYONE IN NYC IS SINGING EMPIRE STATE OF MIND pic.twitter.com/theerk3Y6r

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 14, 2026

Knicks fans were definitely feeling it.

Clinching the championship at home would have been nice, but winning the title in five games — even if it was in San Antonio — is hard to turn down. The fans were still able to have a great time and enjoy the championship.

The post Fans in New York sing ‘Empire State of Mind’ after Knicks win title appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Fans were not happy with Victor Wembanyama seemingly acting like a sore loser after fumbling away the NBA Finals at home.

The San Antonio Spurs star immediately walked off the floor Saturday once the final buzzer sounded at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Wembanyama did not stick around to congratulate the New York Knicks once their celebration began following their 94-90 road victory in Game 5.

Wemby was already in the tunnel headed to the Spurs’ locker room just seconds after he missed the final shot of the NBA Finals — an inconsequential three-point shot that ended up hitting off the backboard.

53 Years. pic.twitter.com/R2L0buXh6o

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) June 14, 2026

Several fans slammed Wembanyama for his lack of sportsmanship at the end of Game 5.

Wemby not shaking hands with the Thunder or Knicks at the end of each series is so lame.

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) June 14, 2026

Wemby and Castle immediately walked off the court without dapping anyone up lmao i can’t respect that

— A ✩ (@adryanashton) June 14, 2026

Wemby of course walks off the court and doesn’t shake hands, very bad look

— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) June 14, 2026

Wemby went to go cry in the locker room without showing an ounce of sportsmanship lmfao. Clown.

— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) June 14, 2026

In a battle between contrasting star players, Brunson completely outclassed Wembanyama in Game 5.

The Knicks guard poured in 45 points on 14/27 shooting to power New York’s offense all game long. The Spurs giant tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but could not get into an offensive rhythm throughout the game.

Dylan Harper was San Antonio’s leading scorer off the bench with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on a 10/19 clip.

Wembanyama entered Game 5 sounding confident despite the Spurs consistently squandering late leads in three of the first four games of the NBA Finals.

After a fourth championship-round meltdown on Saturday, Wembanyama was in no mood to give Brunson the handshake he deserved.

The post Fans slammed Victor Wembanyama for his disrespectful move after losing Game 5 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Brunson had another huge game as he helped lead his New York Knicks to the NBA championship on Saturday night, and he was emotional afterwards.

Brunson scored 45 points while leading the Knicks to a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday. Brunson made 14/27 shots and was 13/15 from the free throw line as he scored nearly half of his team’s points in the championship-clinching win.

Brunson was teary-eyed in his interview after winning the championship.

"I don't know what I'm feeling."

Jalen Brunson is in disbelief after leading the Knicks to the mountaintop 👏 pic.twitter.com/OQRgWcRotw

— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2026

“I got no words … It’s everything I ever dreamed of,” Brunson said in his postgame interview.

“We’re going to find a way. Whatever you put in front of us, we’re going to find a way. It doesn’t matter,” Brunson said of his Knicks team.

Brunson has faced criticism before, including from some doubters who said he was too small to lead a team to an NBA championship. He proved them wrong.

The 29-year-old guard has blossomed since signing with the Knicks. He has averaged 26 points per game in two straight seasons and proven that he can be the star player on a championship team.

The post Jalen Brunson in tears after winning NBA championship appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The championship drought is finally over for the New York Knicks.

The Knicks came back from yet another double-digit deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Spurs led 81-71 with just under nine minutes left in the contest, but the Knicks closed the game on a 23-9 run to get the confetti to fall on the road inside Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Victor Wembanyama’s final three-point attempt smacked off the backboard, allowing OG Anunoby to grab the game-ending rebound as the Knicks held on for a 94-90 victory. Pandemonium ensued among the Knicks players, coaches, and fans.

AFTER 53 YEARS, THE KNICKS ARE FINALLY NBA CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN!"

THE NEW YORK KNICKS WIN THEIR FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1973 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9bJTGA1oSj

— NBA (@NBA) June 14, 2026

Jalen Brunson put the team on his back in Game 5. With the Knicks’ offense sputtering all game long, Brunson hit every big shot to keep New York afloat until it was time to roar past San Antonio in the closing minutes.

“Holy s–t,” Brunson started his postgame interview with Lisa Salters. “I’ve got no words. Everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’m in awe. Whenever someone counted us out, we found a way to come back and do something about it.

“My confidence comes from my work ethic. Every time I got the ball, all I could think about is all the hours in the summer, for every summer I had, since I ever could remember — making this a reality. Whenever I had the ball, I’m just thinking it’s just me alone in the gym.”

The Knicks superstar finished with 45 points, including 15 of his team’s 29 points in the fourth quarter, en route to a championship through five NBA Finals games. Brunson was named NBA Finals MVP by a unanimous vote.

The post Knicks outlast Spurs to win the 2026 NBA title appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Referees looked away as Victor Wembanyama got away with a flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs center had his foot well within the New York Knicks guard’s landing space as the latter took a top-of-the-key three in the third quarter. Brunson was able to nail the shot, but was in serious pain after tripping over Wembanyama’s foot on the hardwood at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

This is very CLEARLY a flagrant foul on Wemby and the refs just watching 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/iYQBvxgULd

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) June 14, 2026

Even announcers Tim Legler and Richard Jefferson called the referees out for missing what would have been a highly consequential call. Here’s the play in live action.

Wemby just got away with ANOTHER FLAGRANT FOUL on Jalen Brunson 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/6945gasLm3

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) June 14, 2026

The Spurs also benefited from Brunson being hurt, as they were able to generate a three-point make on the other end with the Knicks down a defender.

The officiating crew led by Scott Foster would have probably called that play a flagrant foul without question in most other scenarios. This scenario wasn’t one of them. The foul would have been Wembanyama’s third flagrant foul of the postseason, which would have meant an automatic suspension for a potential Game 6. It appeared to be a textbook star non-call.

Wembanyama also got away with a dirty hit on Brunson in Game 3.

The post Referees miss Victor Wembanyama’s blatant flagrant foul on Jalen Brunson appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan hasn’t seen the floor much in the 2026 NBA Finals, but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to make a mark in Game 5 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.

As Wembanyama was walking back to the bench, Jeremy Sochan approached the center in a clear attempt to get under the skin of the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Wembanyama didn’t seem too bothered, however, despite Sochan making contact with him.

Wemby and his former teammate Jeremy Sochan on the Knicks bench 😯 pic.twitter.com/feLgiiMbn0

— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2026

What made it more interesting was that Sochan and Wembanyama were teammates not long ago. Sochan started the 2025-26 season with the Spurs, who waived him in February. The Knicks later signed the former Baylor Bears star after he cleared waivers. 

Wembanyama knew better than to take Sochan’s bait. The Spurs can’t afford for Wembanyama to lose focus in the game, as their chances of prolonging the series rely heavily on what he can do on the court.

Sochan entered Game 5 having played only seven playoff games, averaging 3.7 minutes per outing. Wembanyama, on the other hand, averaged 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 2.7 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field in his first 21 games in the playoffs.

The post Video: Jeremy Sochan tried to disrupt Victor Wembanyama’s focus in Game 5 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Rose did not endear himself to the New York Knicks fan base in the slightest with his message before Game 5.

The Michigan alum took to social media to send a rather odd reminder to Knicks fans ahead of their first chance at a closeout game in the NBA Finals. Rose’s message noted that the Knicks would only “get one” title with a victory on Saturday and “not ten.”

“Dear Knicks fans(and those on the bandwagon), you get ONE Championship if you win not TEN),” Rose posted on X.

“Note, A Champion happens every season in the NBA. Thank you, the rest of us.”

Rose surely has a lot of Knicks fans in his life, and the message may have been his attempt to get them to settle down. But it was quite a puzzling way to phrase such a reminder. Several Knicks supporters responded, with many pointing out that Rose himself never won a ring despite a champion being crowned “every season in the NBA.”

What a weird tweet. Especially from someone who never got one.

— Rebecca (@RebeccaChasen) June 13, 2026

🤡 pic.twitter.com/bTD712ID0a

— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) June 13, 2026

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
The Knicks could win one Championship tonight,
And that’d be one more than you.

(Cause you had ZERO.)

— Top Notch Jefe (@FilmmakerJeff) June 13, 2026

Dear Jalen Rose, you got ZERO CHAMPIONSHIPS. Note, a champion happens every season in the NBA. Quit acting like you know about winning one. Thank you, Knicks fans.

— Gilbert Romero II🎈🚀 (@81Gill81) June 14, 2026

Knicks fans are well aware that their franchise would only get one championship should they finish the job in the NBA Finals. The excitement comes from the fact that the team hasn’t won a championship since 1973 and is on the verge of doing so again for the first time in half a century.

Knicks supporters have endured some rough seasons over the past few decades, and they’re not about to temper their excitement because Rose said so.

The post Jalen Rose got roasted for his bizarre post chastising Knicks fans appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Charles Barkley is apparently a huge Sydney Sweeney fan.

Barkley and his “Inside the NBA” co-hosts were in attendance for Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. As the panel was shown the different celebrities in the building during their pregame segment, Barkley sounded particularly excited when the camera panned to Sweeney, who was wearing a pretty tight-fitting Jalen Brunson shirt.

“Sydney Sweeney is here!?” Barkley said with much gusto. “I care about the New York Knicks fans now!”

Charles Barkley was EXCITED lmao

“Sydney Sweeney is here?" pic.twitter.com/LGdbONk2y3

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) June 14, 2026

Barkley has famously mocked the “big ole” women of San Antonio on multiple occasions and even had to be put in his place by Tim Duncan’s longtime girlfriend. Seeing (or hearing) the veteran announcer ogling a Knicks fan in Sweeney probably won’t win him any points with the Spurs faithful.

Sweeney was one of thousands of Knicks fans to invade the Spurs’ home venue for Game 5. While there were reports that the Spurs were revoking tickets purchased by Knicks supporters, the folks clad in blue and orange still found a way into the arena.

The post Charles Barkley sounded way too excited that Sydney Sweeney was at Game 5 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Caitlin Clark turned heads with her impressive performance on Saturday against the Connecticut Sun, and grabbed more attention after the Indiana Fever’s 85-75 win at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

While Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was speaking to reporters in the postgame press conference, Indiana head coach Stephanie White covered her mouth while coughing in the background. Caitlin Clark, seated between White and Cunningham, then turned to White and made a disgusted face.

Fever-Sun postgame thing number 1: Please enjoy Caitlin Clark's reaction to Stephanie White coughing: pic.twitter.com/MA4MDCWgeG

— Tony East (@TonyREast) June 14, 2026

Clark was obviously just teasing White. It was not to be taken as anything beyond the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar jokingly messing with her coach. After all, the two had just moved on from a recent controversy that was sparked by a confrontation on the bench during a game.

As for the game, Clark took care of business on the court, finishing with 25 points on 10/17 shooting from the field with five 3-pointers to go along with 5 assists and 3 rebounds in 36 minutes. Clark’s ball security issue continues, however, with 6 turnovers to her name.

In any case, Clark and the Fever are rolling, with an 8-5 record and a three-game winning streak heading into a game on Tuesday versus the Toronto Tempo at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The post Caitlin Clark had a hilarious reaction to Stephanie White’s gesture appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Cleveland Guardians will have to soldier on without Jose Ramirez for what is expected to be an extended absence.

Ramirez hurt his hand during Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers and underwent testing after the contest at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Results showed that Ramirez had fractured his left hamate bone,

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told reporters Saturday that the team would “know more” after additional testing, but stated that the fracture had already been “confirmed.”

“We’re working through the logistics of what the next steps are, so we’ll know more tomorrow or the next day. You know these things can get complicated, but yeah, I mean, they confirmed that it is a hamate fracture.”

Ramirez was spotted wearing a hand splint as he faced the media. The Dominican third baseman reportedly did not have an interpreter around but was seemingly “in good spirits” despite the diagnosis.

According to sports injury expert Dr. Jesse Morse, the injury Ramirez suffered typically takes at least six weeks to recover from. He added that Ramirez was likely to have his power at the plate muted until at least next season.

It’s going to be a rare stint on the injured list for Ramirez, who was the only Guardians player to appear in all of Cleveland’s 71 games thus far. The 7-time All-Star has played in at least 152 games in each of the last five seasons.

Through 71 games, Ramirez has batted .238 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and an AL-best 24 stolen bases.

The post Guardians hit with brutal Jose Ramirez injury news appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Former San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36. The team shared the tough news on Saturday.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the statement on San Francisco’s official website read.

“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen.

Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”

Smith saw action for three teams in the NFL, but he will always be most associated with the 49ers, who selected him as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

He immediately blossomed into an important cog in San Francisco’s defense, finishing second in the 2011 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, which was won by Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. The following season, Smith earned his first and only Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. 

In his first two seasons in the league, the former Missouri Tigers star amassed 33.5 sacks, 103 combined tackles and 5 passes defended across 32 games.

Smith’s incredible start to his NFL career put him on a path to becoming one of the all-time greats, but off-field issues derailed him. He was hit with a nine-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2014, then received an indefinite suspension in 2015 and did not play in 2016 or 2017.

After his stint with the 49ers, he played for the then-Oakland Raiders and last played in the NFL in the 2020 season with the Dallas Cowboys.

The post Former 49ers star Aldon Smith dies at 36 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Draymond Green can be considered a leading figure when it comes to NBA suspensions, and he thinks San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama should have already been handed one during the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

In an episode of Green’s eponymous podcast, the four-time NBA champion said he believes the NBA is being lenient with Wembanyama because the league is “showing him grace.”

“I’m not one that wants to see a series decided by suspensions,” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show.” “That’s not good for anyone. Leaves a lot of questions, a lot of what ifs. So I don’t enjoy that. I will say he’s been shown a lot of grace. He probably should be suspended at some point, or has already. He’s been shown a lot of grace.”

Draymond Green believes Wemby should’ve been suspended already this finals but the NBA is showing him ‘grace’:

“I will say he’s been shown a lot of grace. He probably should be suspended at some point or have been already. But I agree with the Grace”

(Via @DraymondShow) pic.twitter.com/vH5o54baBx

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 13, 2026

Wembanyama is easily one of the biggest draws of the playoffs, including in the 2026 NBA Finals. There would be much less interest in the series between the Spurs and the New York Knicks if he were to miss at least one game for any reason, but he is also just a flagrant-foul away from being automatically suspended.

Green speaks from a position of authority regarding suspensions, even on the grandest stage. He has been suspended six times in his career, none more infamous than his one-game suspension in the 2016 NBA Finals after reaching the maximum threshold for flagrant fouls.

The post Draymond Green had a blunt opinion on NBA’s treatment of Victor Wembanyama appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

In addition to his basketball skills, Jalen Brunson may be a clairvoyant.

One of Brunson’s 11-year-old social media posts went viral on Saturday ahead of the potentially decisive Game 5 of the NBA Finals. At 11:02 p.m. on June 13, 2015, an 18-year-old Brunson tweeted “One win away” without any context.

One win away

— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) June 14, 2015

11 years later, to the exact day, Brunson has the Knicks one win away from their first NBA title since 1973. The coincidences don’t even stop there, as the Knicks also have a banner hanging at Madison Square Garden that reads 613, representing the number of games legendary coach Rex Holzman won with the franchise. Holzman was the coach of that 1973 Knicks team.

It is not even clear what Brunson was referring to 11 years ago. To Knicks fans, it did not matter. This served as proof to them that fate and destiny are on their side Saturday.

Ironically, Brunson’s messaging these days is a little bit different. That is the right mindset to have, however, ahead of an elimination game.

The post Old Jalen Brunson social media post is an amazing coincidence appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was denied a chance at a perfect game on Saturday by one of the most routine errors you will ever see.

Yamamoto retired the first 23 batters he faced in order Saturday against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. He did more than enough to make it 24 in a row, as infielder Chase Meidroth hit a weak ground ball to shortstop with two out in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Betts somehow misplayed the ball that was hit right to him. Meidroth reached on the error, and Yamamoto’s quest for perfection was over through no fault of his own.

Yamamoto's Perfect Game comes to an end on an error from Mookie Betts pic.twitter.com/ZbQq5Vo96n

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 13, 2026

Yamamoto was able to get out of the eighth with his no-hitter intact. He wound up losing that in the ninth inning on a solo home run by Tristan Peters.

The loss of the no-hitter probably won’t make Betts feel any better about his error. The Dodgers moved him from the outfield to shortstop in 2024, and while he has not been awful, he has produced some ugly moments before. This was about as easy a play as he was going to get, and he blew it.

Betts has not been the same player for two years running now. He is hitting just .181 with six home runs so far this season.

The post Mookie Betts blows Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s perfect game in unbelievable fashion appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Rumors continue to circulate about a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, but one team does not appear to be in the running.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been named as a potential landing spot for Antetokounmpo, even as recently as Friday. However, Chris Hine of the Star Tribune reported Saturday that Minnesota is not a serious suitor for Antetokounmpo, and those reports may have been an effort on the part of the Milwaukee Bucks to drum up interest.

My quick $0.02 on yesterday … that Giannis update felt like Milwaukee trying to drum up more of a market at the 11th hour before having to make a call. (At least that’s how it was viewed after checking in w/ some folks). Get the sense any Wolves-Giannis deal still very unlikely.

— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) June 13, 2026

On paper, the Timberwolves have the pieces to be players in the Antetokounmpo bidding. The team is at an interesting inflection point with regard to their future. In addition, their star player supposedly wants to see some upgrades to the roster. Whether the Timberwolves could get Antetokounmpo without gutting their core is a fair question, though.

While it is likely that Antetokounmpo will be traded this summer, other teams appear to be leading the race for him. Minnesota will likely prioritize other moves.

Antetokounmpo is not the only star the Timberwolves have been linked to since their season ended.

The post Giannis Antetokounmpo unlikely to draw interest from 1 team appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The New York Yankees had hoped to get a key member of their lineup back soon, but that will no longer be the case.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that Giancarlo Stanton suffered a setback to his calf injury while running the bases this week. Stanton will undergo more tests, and it appears almost certain that his return will be delayed.

Giancarlo Stanton felt a tweak/twinge in his calf while running bases this week, Aaron Boone said. More imaging is possible. Boone had expected Stanton to return early this coming homestand, that is now in jeopardy.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) June 13, 2026

The Yankees open a homestand on Tuesday and hoped to have Stanton back at some point during the week. That is clearly unlikely now.

At this point, Stanton has more or less acquired the dreaded injury-prone label. He suffered the calf strain in April, and the issue was initially believed to be minor. Nearly two months later, he still has not returned. That came on top of the elbow injury he was dealing with before the start of the season.

Stanton has not played 100 games in a season since 2024. He hit .256 with three home runs in 24 games when healthy this season.

The post Yankees All-Star suffers injury setback appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The New York Knicks were forced to respond Saturday amid claims that the San Antonio Spurs were revoking tickets from New York purchasers.

As they have done all playoffs, the Spurs attempted to limit ticket sales for Saturday’s Game 5 to fans living within a 150-mile radius of Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. A message on Ticketmaster warned that purchases made by those outside of that radius “will be canceled without notice and refunds given.”

This was interpreted by a number of sources, including the New York Post, as a threat to revoke tickets that had already been purchased by Knicks fans. The Knicks issued a statement indicating that they had received assurances from the Spurs that no Knicks fans would have their tickets revoked.

MSG Sports statement on Game 5 tickets says MSG has confirmed with Spurs ownership that Spurs will not be revoking any Knicks fans’ tickets for tonight. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/Hb1hUWwHIK

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 13, 2026

The confusion stemmed from the Spurs’ restrictions on Ticketmaster. There is not a great deal they can do about tickets that are bought and sold on the secondary market.

Knicks fans have had no trouble taking over opposing arenas throughout the postseason. Expect a large contingent of them to make their way to Saturday’s Game 5 in spite of the Spurs’ efforts to foil them.

The post Knicks address claims that Spurs are trying to ban their fans appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had a message for the NFL during Team USA’s FIFA World Cup opener on Friday.

The Americans played their first game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a 4-1 win over Paraguay. Because FIFA requires games to be played on natural grass, SoFi and the other stadiums hosting games have been made to remove their usual turf and replace it for the event.

Kittle was all too eager to point that out during the game.

“Also this grass looks great on Sofi’s field… wonder if we could get that all season,” Kittle wrote on X.

Also this grass looks great on Sofi’s field… wonder if we could get that all season

— George Kittle (@gkittle46) June 13, 2026

The NFL has long refused to mandate grass fields, as many NFL stadiums are also used for concerts and events that would damage grass fields much more than they do to turf. On the other hand, players have overwhelmingly indicated that they have a preference for playing on grass.

Some stadiums are known to be worse than others in the turf department. The league maintains that all turf used during games meets the league’s expectations for a playing field, but seeing World Cup players get to play on grass while they do not has been understandably annoying for a lot of NFL players.

Kittle would be more concerned by this than most. He suffered a torn Achilles in the playoffs last season on Philadelphia’s hybrid turf field.

The post George Kittle takes pointed shot at the NFL appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was accused of getting a family kicked out of a $20,000 penthouse hotel room next to his own.

Knicks fan Phil Godlewski claimed he booked a penthouse suite at the Ritz-Carlton in New York to attend Game 4. Wembanyama was staying in the other penthouse, which Godlewski was unaware of. The only interaction Godlewski’s party had with Wembanyama was when one of Godlewski’s friends wished Wembanyama good luck when the Spurs center was leaving his room.

Godlewski told Angela Barbuti of the New York Post that shortly after, they were asked to leave by hotel management for “harassing and waiting for the players to exit their rooms.”

“Not only did they not block out the hotel, but they put us on the same frigging floor as Victor Wembanyama,” he said.

“If you don’t want anyone around the Spurs, especially Victor, don’t book the penthouse directly next to him. It was a huge mistake on their part,” Godlewski said.

Godlewski also claimed that his 11-year-old son wanted to burn his Wembanyama jerseys after the interaction, and that the Spurs’ Game 4 collapse was “instant karma” for the situation.

Whatever the case, there are certainly legitimate concerns about Wembanyama’s safety in New York, as Knicks fans have engaged in some regrettable behavior. If this did happen as the fan described, it is also fair to question why the hotel would have been booking the penthouse opposite Wembanyama to someone else as long as those concerns existed.

The post Victor Wembanyama accused of getting Knicks fan kicked out of $20,000 hotel room appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Donovan McNabb’s son will be playing college football in 2027, and he will be doing so out west.

Donovan McNabb Jr., the son of the longtime Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, has committed to UNLV, he announced on Friday.

All the glory to the one above I’m Home!!!🎰🎰🎰 #Rebels pic.twitter.com/0vHm625Zb0

— 3⭐️Donovan McNabb Jr (@donovanmcnabbjr) June 12, 2026

McNabb had offers from the likes of Kansas State, Iowa, Minnesota, and Iowa State. He was also linked to Syracuse, where his father played collegiately.

The younger McNabb is a three-star wide receiver out of Brophy College Prep near Phoenix, Ariz. He caught 23 passes for 280 yards and five touchdowns as a junior in 2025, notably playing alongside Larry Fitzgerald’s son Devin, who has already committed to Notre Dame.

McNabb himself is remembered for his 13-year NFL career which was primarily spent with the Philadelphia Eagles. The quarterback was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and guided the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2005, where they lost narrowly to the New England Patriots. For better or worse, that Eagles team is also well-remembered for the initial connection and eventual fallout between McNabb and Terrell Owens.

Donovan Jr. is not the first of McNabb’s children to go to college on an athletic scholarship.

The post Donovan McNabb’s son has made his college decision appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday on a weapons charge.

Harden was arrested in Texas and charged with unlawful carrying of weapons, according to TMZ Sports. The Cavaliers guard allegedly had an unholstered handgun in his car sitting in plain sight of officers.

Harden’s charge is a misdemeanor. He has a court date scheduled for June 22 regarding the incident.

While Harden’s off-court behavior has drawn scrutiny before, this is his first real brush with the law. Presumably, it will not have too much of an impact on his upcoming free agency. The expectation is that the Cavaliers will negotiate a new contract with him after trading for him during the season.

Harden averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists for Cleveland in 26 games during the regular season. His playoff performances were a mixed bag and left a lot to be desired against the New York Knicks, but the Cavaliers certainly traded for the 36-year-old with the intention of keeping him around for at least another year or two.

The post James Harden arrested on weapons charge appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The NBA’s referee assignments for Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday has everyone saying the exact same thing.

The league on Saturday announced its officiating crew for Game 5 in San Antonio, a game in which the New York Knicks will be looking to finish off the series and win a championship. The immediate headliner was Scott Foster as crew chief.

Scott Foster has been named crew chief for Knicks' potential NBA Finals clincher vs. Spurs in Game 5 👀 pic.twitter.com/hvAJyfGjZs

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 13, 2026

Even though there is no real statistical data to back it, Foster is nicknamed “The Extender” for the perception that underdogs win games he is assigned to in the playoffs, thus extending playoff series. With the Spurs down 3-1, the joke on social media immediately became that the league is looking to push the Finals to a sixth game.

Scott Foster https://t.co/VI49lHFfLO pic.twitter.com/JdaaLQ8qUh

— Sergio Rabinal (@S_Rabinal) June 13, 2026

Adam Silver has made a boss call for the Spurs.

Scott Foster aka THE EXTENDER is here. https://t.co/qUpj2kO7YT pic.twitter.com/c8w4m6LQJI

— ArsMan (@shankha_79) June 13, 2026

Scott Foster legacy game tonight 🤞🏼 https://t.co/KsWI4sUJMP

— Alex (@Alexzachary305) June 13, 2026

The Knicks actually have not lost in any of the three games Foster has officiated during these playoffs. He did make one notable call against them, though.

Ironically, the Knicks allegedly benefited from Foster’s “Extender” status in last year’s playoffs. If the Spurs win on Saturday, expect Foster to get a lot of the credit, whether it is deserved or not.

The post Everyone said the same thing about the NBA’s Game 5 referee assignment appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Samantha Busch has opened up about the heartfelt promise she made to her husband, NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, during his final moments in the hospital.

The couple, married for 15 years, share two children: son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.

Kyle Busch passed away on May 21 at age 41 after a severe illness that progressed from pneumonia to sepsis.

In an emotional Instagram post shared on Wednesday, Samantha reflected on watching Brexton return to the racetrack, describing the experience as both heartbreaking and beautiful. She sees glimpses of Kyle in their son — his determination, passion, and spark — which reminds her that Kyle’s legacy endures through the dreams he inspired in his children.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samantha Busch (@samanthabusch)

“In the hospital, I made Kyle a promise. I promised him that I would do everything I could to help our children pursue their dreams no matter what,” she wrote.

For Brexton, whose love for racing mirrored his father’s, this means supporting his passion on the track, where the family has created countless memories over the years. Samantha emphasized that racing was a shared bond between father and son, not something imposed. She added that she will stand by her children as they chase their aspirations, whether in motorsports or elsewhere.

The racetrack remains a place of comfort and connection to Kyle, even amid the profound absence.

“So, we race on,” Samantha concluded, honoring the life and dreams they built together.

The post Kyle Busch’s widow reveals promise she made him in final moments appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

UFC CEO Dana White announced on Friday that the promotion will award record fight-night bonuses at UFC Freedom 250, the historic event taking place Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House.

The card will feature two $400,000 bonuses for the fighters in the Fight of the Night and two $425,000 bonuses for Performance of the Night winners. The increases stem from a new partnership with World Liberty Financial, which is contributing an additional $250,000 to the bonus pool, alongside support from Crypto.com.

These figures more than triple the standard $100,000 post-fight bonuses implemented earlier in the year and surpass the previous high of $300,000 awarded at UFC 300. In total, the 14 fighters on the card are competing for approximately $1.65 million in bonus money, providing substantial incentive for exciting performances.

White made the announcement during a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial, emphasizing that the show will proceed regardless of weather concerns.

The event, headlined by Ilia Topuria versus Justin Gaethje and featuring Alex Pereira against Ciryl Gane, airs live on Paramount+ starting at 8:00 p.m. ET Sunday night.

The elevated payouts underscore the unique significance of this landmark UFC card.

The post UFC significantly increases bonuses for Freedom 250 card appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Former New York Giants defensive back Sam Beal remains missing, nearly one year after his last known contact in July 2025,” his sister Essence Zhane revealed in a Facebook post on Friday night.

Beal, 29, was last seen on July 12, 2025, when he dropped his girlfriend off at a family member’s house in Michigan and borrowed her vehicle, stating he was heading to work. Instead, he traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, an area with no known connections. His final message to his girlfriend indicated he planned to return home, but he has not been heard from since.

The girlfriend’s vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Virginia Beach. Inside were Beal’s shoes, socks, and sand on the floorboard. He had left with only the clothes he was wearing, a pair of slides, and his wallet containing his banking cards and driver’s license.

A Michigan native and Western Michigan product, Beal was selected by the Giants in the 2018 supplemental draft. He appeared in nine games over three seasons, recording 27 tackles before his release in 2021. Following football, he faced personal challenges, including incarceration on child support issues from September 2024 to February 2025. After his release, loved ones noted he had stopped taking prescribed medication and made concerning statements about his well-being.

Zhane has repeatedly appealed for information.

Authorities and family continue to seek leads. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kentwood Police Department at (616) 698-6580 or the Virginia Beach Police Department at (757) 385-4141.

The post Family says ex-NFL player Sam Beal still missing appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Facing elimination after a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, Vegas Golden Knights coach John Tortorella made a bold declaration.

With his team trailing 3-2 in the series, Tortorella vowed that the Golden Knights would force a Game 7 by winning the next contest in Las Vegas and subsequently return to Raleigh.

“We’ll be back here,” Tortorella said, via ESPN. “I’m going to leave my clothes here. That’s for sure. They’ll be in the hotel.”

The statement echoes the confidence of past playoff guarantees, though the Knights face significant challenges. Carolina has seized momentum with strong play, while Vegas is dealing with the likely absence of key center William Karlsson due to an upper-body injury. Goaltender Carter Hart has also struggled, allowing four or more goals in each of the first five games of the series.

Despite the deficit, players like Jack Eichel emphasized the group’s resilience. The Golden Knights, who have thrived in must-win situations throughout the postseason, will host Game 6 on Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena. A victory would return the series to Raleigh for a decisive seventh game.

Tortorella’s team has shown fight all year, and now they must deliver on his prediction to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

The post Golden Knights coach calls his shot: There will be a Game 7 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it clear Friday that the organization does not owe Aroldis Chapman an apology for how the reliever’s tenure in the Bronx ended in 2022.

The comments came one day after Chapman, now closing for the Boston Red Sox, reiterated his belief that general manager Brian Cashman should apologize if a reunion were ever to occur.

Chapman was left off the Yankees’ ALDS roster against Cleveland after missing a mandatory workout. He had dealt with an infected tattoo earlier that season, lost the closer role, and posted a 4.46 ERA. Boone stood by the decision, noting Chapman had apologized at the time.

“At the end of the day, he wasn’t at the workout,” Boone said, via the New York Post. “I made the decision, based on a lot of things and thought, to leave him off because I thought that was the right thing to do at the time. Chappy apologized, and really, it’s water under the bridge for me.

“I love Chappy. I have a really good relationship with him to this day. But the ending of the ’22 season was what it was. He wasn’t there, and I made the decision that I didn’t think it was best for him to come back at that point. He maintained that he was throwing and would be ready as the playoffs unfolded that year. But ultimately, I made that decision.”

Asked directly if Chapman deserved an apology from Cashman, Boone responded bluntly: “No.”

Cashman had previously questioned whether Chapman was fully committed that season.

Chapman, who has thrived with a 0.46 ERA and 13 saves for Boston this year, remains a potential trade candidate, but any return to New York appears highly unlikely given the history.

The post Aaron Boone: Yankees don’t owe Aroldis Chapman squat appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jalen Brunson is not letting the New York Knicks’ 3-1 lead alter his approach to Game 5.

The Knicks star spoke to the media on Friday ahead of the Knicks’ first chance to close out the NBA Finals inside the San Antonio Spurs’ building at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

A reporter asked him about what the moment felt like in his head. Brunson, with a hood over his head, maintained an emotionless gaze as he responded.

Reporter: “Jalen, I’m sure you’ve thought of this moment for a long time. But does it feel different? Does it feel like you guys are one step away from a championship, or even different from the other games in the finals?”

Brunson: “0-0.”

Jalen Brunson was asked if it feels like the Knicks are one win away from a championship:

"0-0." pic.twitter.com/B2zq4kNneH

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 12, 2026

The Knicks have three cracks at winning the championship, but Brunson sounded like a man ready to finish off his opponents in Game 5.

While New York holds a commanding lead in the NBA Finals, all four of the series’ first four games went down to the wire. Erase Victor Wembanyama’s errant pass in Game 2 and De’Aaron Fox’s boneheaded decision to challenge OG Anunoby late in Game 4, and San Antonio could have easily been the ones up 3-1.

Brunson clearly understands that’s the case. The moment the Knicks get complacent, the Spurs could inch their way back towards making this a series again.

Game 5 tips off on Saturday night.

The post Jalen Brunson sends cold message ahead of Game 5 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

England’s stateside visit has already gone haywire before the team’s first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Three Lions had equipment stolen as the team prepared to move from their pre-tournament home base in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Mo. England concluded their preparations on Thursday and were given the day off before flying out to Kansas City on Saturday.

England’s Football Association had been setting up the team’s new home base ahead of the players’ arrival when staffers noticed several items missing upon unloading a team van.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, the most significant items stolen were match boots for several of the team’s stars. The team was also short on its inventory of official tournament balls, training kits, and other equipment.

The Kansas City Police Department reportedly confirmed that two suspects were taken into custody over the incident.

“We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening,” the KCPD said in a statement.

England still has some time to go shoe shopping, with the team’s first match in the group stage not kicking off until next Wednesday against Croatia. They may need some time to break in the new cleats, though.

The post England’s World Cup team has equipment stolen by thieves appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Christian Pulisic was not on the field as the final whistle was blown in Team USA’s win over Paraguay.

Team USA won its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener convincingly on Friday, despite Pulisic getting substituted just before the start of the second half. Sebastian Berhalter came in to replace Pulisic in midfield as play resumed after the break at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino explained that the decision to remove Pulisic early was due to a minor injury scare the veteran star suffered in the first half.

“We didn’t want to take any risks,” Pochettino told reporters.

Pulisic later chimed in as well, revealing that he took a kick in the back of the calf that prompted the team to give him the rest of the night off.

“I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I’m really hoping that it’s nothing,” Pulisic shared. “Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I’m hoping I’ll be fine the next few days.”

Pulisic may have remained in the game had Team USA not come out firing in the first half. With the Americans racing out to a 3-0 lead before halftime, there wasn’t much logic in keeping Pulisic in the contest with a gimpy leg.

Pulisic did his part in the victory, recording the assist on Folarin Balogun’s first goal to give their team a 2-0 lead. Balogun’s 31st-minute goal was gently tucked in off a Pulisic pass into the box.

🚨 GOAL USA! 🚨

Folarin Balogun makes it 2-0 for the United States off a beautiful assist from Christian Pulisic. Absolute class from start to finish. 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6OUMHFzyCE

— Everintrigued (@EverIntrigued) June 13, 2026

As things stand, Pulisic does not sound like he’s in danger of missing Team USA’s second game in the group stage next week against Australia.

The post The reason Team USA subbed out Christian Pulisic early revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski overheated the radar gun on Friday with his flamethrower of a fastball against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The hard-throwing right-hander came out firing against the first batter he faced at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. Philadelphia’s free-swinging leadoff hitter, Kyle Schwarber, never stood a chance.

Misiorowski started Schwarber off with a couple of borderline pitches that were deemed balls. The Brewers star got back in the count with back-to-back heaters in the zone to set up a 2-2 pitch for the ages.

Misiorowski struck Schwarber out on a 104.5-mph fastball, foul-tipped into catcher William Contreras’ glove. It was the fastest recorded pitch thrown by a starting pitcher in MLB history.

JACOB MISIOROWSKI JUST HIT 104.5 MPH — THE FASTEST PITCH BY A SP IN MLB HISTORY pic.twitter.com/J9fXQauDeS

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 12, 2026

Not only did Misiorowski blow by Schwarber with straight gas, but he also located it perfectly in the bottom outside corner of the strike zone.

Schwarber didn’t see a single pitch under 103 mph in his first at-bat. He wasn’t alone in being rendered ineffective by “The Miz,” who struck out 15 batters in the best start of his young career.

Misiorowski took a page out of Greg Maddux’s playbook with a 95-pitch complete-game shutout for a 6-0 Brewers win. Coincidentally, Schwarber was the only Phillies player to get a hit in the evening.

Every baseball fan entered Friday knowing Misiorowski was one of the hardest-throwing starting pitchers in the game. Then he showed the world he had another level to get to.

The post Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski throws fastest pitch by a starter in MLB history appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

FOX drew the ire of soccer fans everywhere with how it handled its broadcast of Team USA’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

Team USA took on Paraguay on Friday night in their first group stage contest on home soil at Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, Calif. For casual American soccer fans tuning into the World Cup clash, it was also their first encounter with the newly implemented “hydration breaks.”

FIFA instituted the three-minute breaks for what was touted as a measure for player welfare, with some competing nations not used to potentially sweltering heat in some host locations. The mandatory breaks occur midway through each half, at around the 22nd and 67th minutes of every match.

But the weather was far from threatening for the USA-Paraguay matchup, with temperatures in the mid-70s. Many complained about the breaks, which FOX used to broadcast commercials similar to quarter breaks in the NBA or NFL.

They aren’t even hiding what these hydration breaks are about. It’s 75 degrees under a roof at SoFi, the announcer says “that’s the end of the first quarter,” and then it’s straight to commercials. The game is gone.

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) June 13, 2026

So we're doing hydration breaks even when it's 71 degrees and no direct sun, huh? Kinda crazy the sport just decided to change format from 2 halves to 4 quarters.

— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) June 13, 2026

So water breaks are just Soccer being 4 quarters and a halftime?

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) June 13, 2026

The amount of commercials during these hydration breaks during the USMNT-Paraguay World Cup opener…

What happened to the game I love? 💔 pic.twitter.com/7PAzqukEGb

— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 13, 2026

One of the best things about the fan viewing experience in soccer is that stoppages are minimal, with the halftime break being the only lengthy gap in the action. While the hydration breaks were framed as being pro-player, the biggest beneficiaries from the change are obviously the broadcasters and FIFA itself. More breaks means more ad time.

The 2026 World Cup started, and there’s already been some outrage over the breaks. FOX was also under fire on Thursday when it missed several seconds of game action during Mexico’s tournament opener against South Africa.

Team USA at least made waiting through the commercials worth it for its fans during Friday’s first half. The home team scored three goals to take a 3-0 lead into the mid-game break.

The post Fans all had the same complaint while watching FOX’s broadcast of Team USA World Cup opener appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

You can safely check Uncle Drew off the list of offseason trade candidates.

The Dallas Mavericks have been indicating to teams that nine-time NBA All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is not available for trade, veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported to Substack on Friday. Stein notes that the Mavericks have been receiving trade calls for Irving but that they are standing firm in their stance that Irving is not for sale.

Irving, now 34 years old, missed all of the 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from an ACL tear. He is under contract for $39.5 million next season and holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28 as well.

The Mavericks have undergone a lot of change over the last several months with the firings of both GM Nico Harrison and head coach Jason Kidd as well as the trade of 10-time All-Star center Anthony Davis. That has naturally led to questions over Irving’s status as well, especially since he is one of the oldest players left on the Dallas roster.

In recent weeks, we had heard that there were four specific NBA teams being mentioned in connection with Irving. Since the Mavericks only went 26-56 this season as well, a full-on rebuild would make plenty of sense for them at this point.

But Irving still played one particularly meaningful role for Dallas during his injury recovery this season. Now it sounds like the Mavericks are still trying to keep Irving around as a seasoned elder statesman of sorts for them.

The post Mavericks’ stance on a Kyrie Irving trade is revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly keeping a little-known teenager off the table in any Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions.

The Miami Heat have widely been considered the frontrunners in the Greek Freak sweepstakes this offseason. But that doesn’t mean the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t taking phone calls from other team executives.

According to a report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, the Bucks are currently “seeking clarity” on what other teams aside from the Heat are willing to offer for Antetokounmpo. The Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Timberwolves are all considered contenders for the Bucks star’s services.

Per the report, Milwaukee’s desired trade return from Minnesota would be a package that includes Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr., and two first-round picks. The Timberwolves, however, supposedly have two players (aside from the obvious name: Anthony Edwards) on their exclusion list in any trade talks: McDaniels and 19-year-old Joan Beringer.

Beringer, a 6’11” big man from France, played sparingly this year in his first season in the NBA. The No. 17 pick in last year’s draft took the floor in 40 regular-season contests, averaging just 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds. His offense consisted almost entirely of dunks, which is why his field goal percentage sat at 66.3 percent.

To exclude a player like that in any Antetokounmpo trade talks would seem borderline foolish, given how raw Beringer looked in his rookie campaign. But once upon a time, Giannis looked just as raw as Beringer did when he entered the league in 2013. Minnesota may want to hold on to their French lottery ticket for the time being.

Nobody should expect Beringer’s “off-limits” tag to stick, however, if he’s the only piece holding up a trade that sends Antetokounmpo to Minneapolis.

The post Timberwolves keeping 1 surprising player ‘off-limits’ in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

ESPN is not doing its reputation any favors as the 2026 World Cup gets underway.

On Friday, the United States kicked off its World Cup run with a match against Paraguay in Group D play. Before the contest at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., ESPN’s “SportsCenter” ran a segment previewing the matchup.

Unfortunately though, ESPN made an embarrassing mistake with their graphic during their segment. They accidentally stated that the United States was facing Panama instead.

Check out the video of the screw-up (with the erroneous graphic making two separate appearances in the segment).

Good luck to the USMNT tonight against Paraguay, or maybe it's Panama? Who can say? pic.twitter.com/o1fwiDJgn3

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 12, 2026

Panama is in a completely different continent and is located nearly 3,000 miles north of Paraguay. While Panama is also competing in the 2026 World Cup, they are playing in Group L and will not have their first group-stage match until next Wednesday against Ghana.

Plenty will likely point to the fact that ESPN does not quite specialize in soccer coverage. But even when it comes to the four major sports in the United States, ESPN has been known to make some humiliating mistakes with their graphics as well.

The post ESPN makes an embarrassing mistake with USA-Paraguay World Cup match appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Shohei Ohtani fortunately only appears to be dealing with a maintenance issue right now.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke with reporters on Friday and shared an update on two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. Roberts said that Ohtani would be held out of that night’s game against the Chicago White Sox due to his left knee injury.

However, Roberts also disclosed that an MRI on Ohtani’s knee revealed that the Japanese sensation is only dealing with inflammation in the knee. As a result, Roberts now expects Ohtani to return to the lineup as a hitter over the weekend as well as to make his next scheduled start as a pitcher on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Ohtani, who turns 32 next month, had to leave Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early with the injury. He was 2-for-2 with a home run and two walks at the time he exited (as the Dodgers eventually went on to win 8-6 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.).

The news of a left knee injury was very concerning for Ohtani, who has managed a bipartite patella condition in his left knee throughout his professional career. Ohtani has dealt with the congenital condition ever since his childhood, and a particularly bad flare-up forced him to undergo season-ending surgery back in 2019 when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels.

That said, Ohtani (who is once again the frontrunner for NL MVP this season), has appeared in 63 of the Dodgers’ 69 games up to this point. Though he will not be in the lineup for Friday’s series opener against the White Sox, Ohtani sounds unlikely to miss much more time beyond that.

The post Notable update emerges on Shohei Ohtani’s injury appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The New York Yankees may be looking for an offensive jolt with the likes of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton currently sidelined.

Rival teams have tabbed Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams as a potential fit for the Yankees ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported this week. Heyman notes Abrams could serve as a possible upgrade to the Yankees’ current shortstop duo of Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero.

The lefty-hitting Abrams, 25, was an All-Star with the Nationals in 2024, batting .246 with 20 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases through 138 games. This season, Abrams has looked even better, hitting .287 with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases through just 67 games.

Meanwhile, Abrams is still on a very team-friendly deal too. He is under club control through the 2028 MLB season, making Abrams a strong asset to any team with both his contract and his production.

As for the Nationals, they have had a respectable 2026 season thus far, sitting at 35-34 (which is just one game out of an NL Wild Card spot). But if the bottom falls out on them over the next seven-and-a-half weeks, Washington could easily become sellers ahead of the trade deadline.

The 41-26 Yankees are currently battling with the 40-25 Tampa Bay Rays atop the AL East and seem like a lock for a playoff spot regardless. Now it looks like Abrams, who has had some troubles with the Nationals in years past, might be a potential match in the Bronx.

The post Yankees are being linked to 1 All-Star hitter in trade rumors appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The San Antonio Spurs may have to try to stave off elimination without one of their most important bench cogs.

San Antonio is listing center Luke Kornet as questionable for Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks on Saturday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Kornet is apparently dealing with an illness on the eve of the game.

The seven-footer Kornet, 30, serves as the backup to Victor Wembanyama. Kornet averaged 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game during the regular season and is now averaging 3.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 13.0 minutes per game during the NBA playoffs (while appearing in all 22 postseason contests thus far).

Whenever Wembanyama (34.0 minutes per game these playoffs) takes a rest, Kornet is always the go-to fill-in for the Spurs. Kornet even had a series-altering play in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Outside of rookie phenom Dylan Harper, the Spurs bench is already relatively thin. If Kornet has to miss Game 5 on Saturday as well, San Antonio could have to get creative while facing a 3-1 deficit to the Knicks in the Finals.

Bismack Biyombo (33), Kelly Olynyk (35), Mason Plumlee (36) are next up on the center depth chart, but hardly any of those three have played at all this postseason outside of garbage time. Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson might also work as desperation small-ball 5 options, but the chances of a Spurs comeback will get even thinner if Kornet is out of commission during Game 5.

The post Key Spurs player is in danger of missing Game 5 of the NBA Finals appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

John Calipari sticks up for the players he coached in college, and De’Aaron Fox is no exception.

Calipari appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” Friday and tried to defend Fox for his ill-advised layup attempt at the end of the San Antonio Spurs’ Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. Unprompted, Calipari blamed Fox’s ankle injury for the blocked layup, and argued that under normal circumstances the Spurs guard would have dunked the ball and been the hero.

“Stop on De’Aaron Fox,” Calipari said. “He’s playing with a high ankle sprain. Probably shouldn’t be playing. He would normally dunk that layup. If he would’ve dunked it, he’s the hero.”

"Stop on De'Aaron Fox, he's playing with a high ankle sprain – probably shouldn't be playing. He would normally dunk that layup – if he would've dunked it, he's the hero…"

– @CoachCalArk on people blaming De'Aaron Fox for the #Spurs loss pic.twitter.com/BftiQYW3pK

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) June 12, 2026

The problem with Calipari’s logic is that he is focused on the wrong issue. Fox did not draw criticism for not converting the layup. The criticism stemmed from the fact that there was no reason whatsoever to attempt a shot, be it a dunk or a layup. Even if Fox had scored, the Spurs would have only been up three, and they would have been giving the Knicks the ball back with a chance to tie and a full 11 seconds left.

Fox’s strategy should have been to pull back, try to burn as much clock as possible, and force the Knicks to foul him. Attempting a shot never even should have been on his radar.

Fox played one year under Calipari at Kentucky in 2016-17. That was enough to get Calipari on his side for life, as is often the case with his former players. It is part of the reason players want to play for him, even if it makes him look pretty foolish sometimes.

The post John Calipari made the lamest excuse for De’Aaron Fox appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The West Virginia Mountaineers appear to be making the most of their first College World Series appearance in school history.

West Virginia made their debut in the tournament on Friday against Troy, and wasted little time in getting on the board in wild fashion. Outfielder Armani Guzman opened the bottom of the first by reaching second base on an error, then took third on an ensuing strikeout. With two down, Guzman took matters into his own hands and scored the Mountaineers’ first run on a straight steal of home plate.

STOLE HOME IN WEST VIRGINIA'S FIRST-EVER MEN'S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES GAME‼️ pic.twitter.com/oT7wIvez32

— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2026

The program has had plenty of success in baseball historically, but this is their first trip to the College World Series. They fell at the Super Regional stage in each of the last two seasons, but were able to break through this time with consecutive blowout wins over Cal Poly.

Guzman had 38 stolen bases in 41 attempts on the season before swiping home Friday. The steal wasn’t a surprise, but the boldness certainly caught Troy off guard.

The run wound up being quite crucial, as the Mountaineers went on to win 7-5.

The post West Virginia scored its first ever College World Series run in crazy fashion appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Rich Paul addressed some rumors about LeBron James’ future on Friday, but probably started some new ones in the process.

James’ longtime agent appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and addressed some of the rumors about whether James will continue playing and where that will be if he does. Paul claimed that he has not spoken to James about his status for next season, but that plenty of teams will be interested if James does want to play.

“I have not had one conversation with him,” Paul said. “We played a couple rounds of golf. I don’t mention it. When he comes to me and wants to sit down, I am more than prepared for every scenario that there could be. When you think about numbers being thrown out, what we’re asking about, that’s all false. We haven’t had one conversation with anybody about anything.

“There have been incoming calls from every team with the excitement of possibly him playing for them. … I would say without naming names, about 10-12 (teams).”

Despite rumors circulating, Rich Paul tells @PatMcAfeeshow that he hasn't had a conversation with LeBron James about next season, but has received calls from "about 10-12 teams" interested 👀

"Believe nothing that's out there because I haven't had one conversation with him." pic.twitter.com/drtwegSNhC

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 12, 2026

James will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. He has yet to confirm that he will even play another NBA season, but most feel he will, and James himself has fueled that, intentionally or not.

It remains to be seen if James would actually leave the Lakers, though there seems to be some belief that it is at least a possibility. One team in particular keeps getting linked to him if he hits the open market.

The post Rich Paul addresses rumors about LeBron James appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Austin Reaves is going to be a wanted man in free agency.

The Los Angeles Lakers wing is expected to be the recipient of a four-year, $178.5 million contract offer from the Brooklyn Nets, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. The Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons are also expected to have interest in Reaves.

The Lakers have made no secret of their desire to retain Reaves as well. They have exclusive negotiating rights with him until the end of June, and are expected to aggressively try to keep him from hitting the open market.

There probably would be even more suitors if Reaves did hit the open market. The Nets are hoping to become a contender again, while the Hawks want to add some outside firepower. The Pistons are also a good fit as the team looks for some more outside shooting to take some of the heat off Cade Cunningham.

Reaves, 28, is reported to be seeking a max deal in free agency, which could prove prohibitive for some interested teams. The Lakers may even be one of them. He averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season for Los Angeles, and has emerged as one of the more dangerous wings in the league.

The post Austin Reaves linked to 3 teams in free agency appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is taking heat on social media after video emerged of a pretty brutal mistake on his part.

Sanders was taking reps during minicamp on Thursday, but one particular attempt was caught on video and quickly went viral. The quarterback spent roughly five seconds scanning the field for a throw, then threw a pass directly into the waiting hand of defensive lineman Mike Hall Jr., even though Hall had been standing with his hand up for nearly as long as Sanders was scanning the field.

Mike Hall bats down Shedeur Sanders pass. Hall held his arm up and Shedeur threw right into it. #browns pic.twitter.com/natveUnuJs

— Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) June 11, 2026

Needless to say, few were impressed with Sanders managing to throw a pass directly at a waiting obstacle.

6.3 seconds to throw to a DTs stationary hand💔

— Andrew Berry’s Burner (@Dawg_Check11) June 11, 2026

Now scan the field for 11 seconds and check down to the D linemen’s hand pic.twitter.com/yFfgtmzQqe

— BarelyLegalHC (@Simpsonsgetit) June 12, 2026

This is one of the most embarrassing clips I’ve ever seen from a quarterback in practice and I’m not joking

— Sling (@Sling424) June 11, 2026

Sanders remains a polarizing quarterback, and video like this will be seized upon by his critics. It doesn’t help that he has also put together some regrettable sequences during game action. There really is no explanation for what he might have been seeing here, but fundamentally, it is still one play in an offseason practice.

Sanders threw for seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie last season. He is competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ starting quarterback job.

The post Shedeur Sanders gets mocked for embarrassing throw in practice appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Will 2026 be the year of the Arch? That’s what one online sportsbook believes.

Bovada has released odds for who will win the 2026 Heisman Trophy. They have listed Arch Manning as a co-favorite to win the coveted award, along with Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr. The two have 8/1 odds to win the award, which is the best odds of any player in the country. Here is the full list of odds (only players with odds of 25/1 or better are included).

• Arch Manning (TEX): +800
• CJ Carr (ND): +800
• Darian Mensah (MIA): +1000
• Dante Moore (ORE): +1100
• Trinidad Chambliss (MISS): +1200
• Jeremiah Smith (OSU): +1300
• Josh Hoover (TCU): +1400
• Julian Sayin (OSU): +1400
• Gunner Stockton (UGA): +1800
• Brendan Sorsby (TT): +2000
• Sam Leavitt (LSU): +2000
• Jayden Maiava (USC): +2500
• Marcel Reed (TAM): +2500

With the exception of Jeremiah Smith, the entire list contains quarterbacks. This doesn’t mean some unforeseen player can’t emerge to win the award, but these are the 13 players who currently have the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy.

Manning passed for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for the Texas Longhorns last season. He also rushed for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns. His potential as a dual-threat quarterback should allow him to rack up the stats needed to contend for the award.

What’s interesting is seeing Brendan Sorsby’s name on the list. Sorsby just gained eligibility for the upcoming season thanks to an injunction from a Texas district court judge. The NCAA had previously ruled Sorsby ineligible for the season due to a violation of sports gambling rules. There are still questions about whether he will even be allowed to play for Texas Tech in the upcoming season.

The post Arch Manning favored to win Heisman Trophy appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama’s confidence certainly has not been dented by the team’s 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

Wembanyama was asked Friday if the Spurs still believe in their ability to rally against the New York Knicks and become just the second team in NBA history to come back from down 3-1 in the NBA Finals. According to the center, the sentiment around the team remains that it will absolutely happen.

“Everybody knows we’re going to do it. I feel like we need to isolate that one game and take it one game at a time,” Wembanyama said.

Wemby on a possible 3-1 comeback:

"Everybody knows we're gonna do it. I think it'd be a mistake to waste our energy on multiple games. It's one game at a time" pic.twitter.com/hOJ6klnuiu

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 12, 2026

To be clear, Wembanyama is saying that everyone around the Spurs has the belief, not everyone in the world. It’s still a pretty bold stance from a team that has blown two games in heartbreaking fashion, though the Spurs could just as easily be leading 3-1 if they could close games better than they have.

The Spurs have no choice but to maintain that belief. There would not be much point in playing out the rest of the series if the players felt they couldn’t come back. Plus, a win at home in Game 5 would shift the series back to New York and put pressure on the Knicks to close things out at home in Game 6.

Still, a collapse like the one the Spurs endured in Game 4 is tough to come back from. The team can say all the right things, but their mentality will be put to the test in a big way on Saturday.

The post Victor Wembanyama is not worried about Spurs being down 3-1 in NBA Finals appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The NFL on Friday made a decision on whether wide receiver Stefon Diggs will face any punishment after being accused of battery and strangulation last December.

The league informed Diggs that there was insufficient evidence to indicate any violation of the Personal Conduct Policy on Diggs’ part, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That means the league’s investigation is closed, and Diggs will face no further punishment.

Diggs’ former live-in chef had accused him of assaulting her last December after she confronted him about money owed to her. The former New England Patriots wide receiver was alleged to have slapped and choked the woman, which Diggs categorically denied. He was found not guilty last month in a subsequent battery case stemming from the allegations.

Diggs remains without a team after spending last season with the New England Patriots. There have been reports that he might still return there, and that process may be accelerated now that teams know there will not be any sort of suspension coming his way.

The wide receiver had 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns for New England last season. Despite those numbers, the Patriots ultimately let him go in a cost-cutting move.

The post NFL makes decision on Stefon Diggs punishment appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper is facing a new set of charges after allegedly violating a protective order to stay away from his ex-girlfriend.

Cooper was arrested Thursday and charged with two additional cases domestic violence, as well as misdemeanor charges of harassment and violation of a protection order, via Luka Evans and Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post. Cooper’s ex-girlfriend alleged that he had repeatedly called and texted her asking to see her, and on Thursday night, she alleged that he arrived at her house and spent 5-10 minutes knocking on her door before leaving. He also called her on FaceTime while she was on the phone with police.

Cooper’s girlfriend had a protective order against him following their last arrest on June 4 relating to some sort of argument over a phone. She alleged at that time that Cooper had grabbed her by the neck and thrown her to the ground several times, and provided an affidavit from a forensic nurse who said Cooper’s girlfriend showed signs of “strangulation with hypoxia and traumatic brain injury.”

Last week, Cooper pleaded not guilty to the original charges. He has taken part in the Broncos’ offseason minicamp this week as normal.

The 28-year-old pass rusher has had a breakout trio of seasons and has emerged as a key member of Denver’s defense. He had 10.5 sacks for the Broncos in 2024, and followed it up with another eight sacks in 2025. That figure was good enough to put him second on the team last year.

The post Jonathon Cooper facing new charges after second arrest appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Seattle Seahawks celebrated their Super Bowl LX championship with a private ring ceremony for players, coaches and staff on Thursday night.

Designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, the rings represent the franchise’s second title, earned with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in February.

The centerpiece features the Seahawks logo surrounded by blue sapphires and flanked by two Lombardi Trophies, honoring both of the team’s championships. 50 white diamonds encircle the design, commemorating the franchise’s 50th season. One side of the ring displays each player’s name and number above the mantra “M.O.B.” (Mission Over Bulls—), while the other bears “12 AS ONE” above the Seattle skyline and the Super Bowl LX logo.

A standout engineering feature is the “12 Flag” button, which releases Lumen Field arches to reveal the words “WORLD CHAMPIONS.” The removable top converts into a pendant, with an authentic piece of game-used football and the number 50 underneath.

Inside, “17 WINS” is engraved to mark the team’s combined regular-season and playoff victories, while 12 feathers on the bottom honor the devoted 12s fanbase.

Seahawks president Chuck Arnold noted the rings capture the dedication of the franchise and the support of its fans.

“The Super Bowl LX championship ring will forever represent our historic 50th season and the dedication and determination of our entire franchise,” Arnold said. “We are deeply grateful to Jason of Beverly Hills for bringing our vision to life. The stories told in the ring’s design perfectly capture the significance of an unforgettable season and the unwavering support of our fans.”

The largest Super Bowl rings ever made, they blend history, innovation and appreciation for the city and its community.

The post Seahawks go big with Super Bowl LX rings appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid turned coy when pressed about the upcoming wedding of tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

During a Thursday news conference, Reid deflected questions on whether he would attend the high-profile event with a playful response.

“Can’t talk about it, can’t talk about it,” a laughing Reid said, via ESPN.

Reid, who played a pivotal matchmaking role thanks to his long friendship with Swift’s father Scott from their Philadelphia Eagles days, has long been a supportive figure for the couple. On this topic, the coach opted for secrecy, likening wedding planning to his own experience where his wife handled everything while he simply showed up.

“He’s very excited,” Reid added of Kelce, noting the tight end’s strong focus during mandatory minicamp with no visible distractions from nuptial plans.

The wedding is reportedly set for mid-July in Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden before training camp begins.

In typical Reid fashion, the coach kept his cards close, delivering one-liners worthy of a Swift lyric while steering clear of any spoilers. Chiefs fans and Swifties alike will have to wait for the details — or the reception playlist.

The post Andy Reid very hush-hush about Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift wedding appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Serena Williams’ highly anticipated comeback to professional tennis at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club has ended prematurely after just one match.

The 44-year-old legend paired with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko for doubles, securing a straight-sets victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in her first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open.

The partnership unraveled when Mboko suffered a left knee injury during her singles match against Karolina Pliskova on Wednesday. Mboko slipped awkwardly on the baseline, clutching her knee and retiring from the contest after showing signs of instability.

Tournament officials confirmed her withdrawal from the doubles quarterfinal against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, awarding the opponents a walkover.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion with seven Wimbledon titles, expressed enthusiasm after her initial win, noting the special feeling of competing at the iconic venue and citing boredom with home life as motivation while her children are on summer break. She plans to continue her return in doubles at next week’s Berlin Open, with Wimbledon possibilities remaining open but uncertain.

The abrupt conclusion leaves fans eager for more insight into her future on the court.

The post Serena Williams’ tennis return comes to disappointing end appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Karl-Anthony Towns played a pivotal role in the New York Knicks’ dramatic 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, helping orchestrate the largest comeback in NBA Finals history after trailing by 29 points en route to a 3-1 series lead.

With 1.2 seconds remaining and OG Anunoby’s go-ahead tip-in giving the Knicks a one-point advantage, Spurs rookie Dylan Harper prepared to inbound the ball near the sideline.

Video shows Towns subtly gesturing to nearby Knicks fans, encouraging them to move closer and crowd Harper’s space, thereby increasing pressure and limiting his options on the critical play.

A second angle gives an even better look at Towns casually and subtly motioning for the fans to crowd Harper.

As Harper attempted a lob pass intended for Stephon Castle, Towns deflected the inbounds, disrupting the delivery. Castle struggled to secure the ball cleanly under pressure from Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson, and could not launch a shot before the buzzer sounded, preserving the Knicks’ hard-fought win.

Towns’ quick thinking in leveraging the home crowd, paired with his defensive instincts on the final possession, proved instrumental in securing the victory for New York.

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Former New York Knicks forward Quentin Richardson is calling on the team’s passionate fanbase to celebrate victories with greater restraint and sportsmanship following chaotic scenes in Midtown Manhattan after Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The Knicks engineered a historic comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, with OG Anunoby’s putback effectively securing the win and moving New York within one victory of its first title since 1973.

Yet the postgame atmosphere outside Madison Square Garden quickly turned unruly. Fans were seen trampling a taxi cab, smashing its windshield, and chasing individuals wearing Spurs jerseys.

Additional incidents included objects, such as eggs, being thrown toward Victor Wembanyama as he returned to the Spurs’ team hotel, alongside reports of multiple arrests. Explosions during street celebrations also sent fans scrambling for cover in scenes that shifted rapidly from jubilation to panic.

Richardson, who played for the Knicks from 2005-09 and briefly in 2013, expressed support for the franchise while voicing disapproval of the unsportsmanlike behavior. He emphasized handling celebrations with more class and urged fans not to let isolated actions tarnish the collective experience.

“I think there could be a lot more class handled with that,” Richardson told TMZ Sports. “You can’t let one crazy fan ruin it for everybody.”

Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday night in San Antonio.

The post Quentin Richardson urges Knicks fans to win with class appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Monica McNutt is reversing course this week after getting caught on a hot mic ripping Taylor Swift.

The ESPN personality McNutt, who also serves as a radio color commentator for the New York Knicks, was on the call during Wednesday’s Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. During a timeout at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., McNutt and broadcast partner Tyler Murray thought they were off the air and proceeded to make some candid remarks about Swift, who was sitting courtside at the game.

McNutt in particular was caught dissing the music superstar Swift and questioning her fandom of the Knicks. “She’s not a Knicks fan,” said McNutt of Swift. “Get out of here, girl!”

Here is the video.

"She's not a Knicks fan. Get out of here girl!"

Monica McNutt is not a fan of Taylor Swift being at Game 4.

On the other hand, Tyler Murray made sure to get a picture for his wife. pic.twitter.com/dVaJ0p8QEj

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 11, 2026

In reality though, Swift is actually an enthusiastic longtime supporter of the Knicks. Swift said back in 2014 that her Knicks fandom began during childhood when she participated in the Knicks Kids Talent Competition at Madison Square Garden, and she has been seen attending games and wearing Knicks gear for over a decade now.

On Thursday, McNutt spoke with TMZ and apologized for dissing Swift. “I misspoke, I did not know,” said McNutt of Swift. “I did not know of her Knicks loyalty … I did not know. I apologize if I’m wrong. And apparently I’m wrong. And that’s fine. But I did not know.”

EXCLUSIVE: Knicks radio host Monica McNutt apologizes to Taylor Swift for NBA finals comment. pic.twitter.com/JLyor4PvIA

— TMZ (@TMZ) June 11, 2026

McNutt has been with ESPN since 2019 and has also served as a primary Knicks radio commentator on the MSG Network since 2023. But McNutt has also drawn attention for negative reasons in the past and made a particularly bad mistake while on ESPN’s “First Take” just last year.

The post Monica McNutt apologizes after dissing Taylor Swift on a hot mic during NBA Finals appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Aroldis Chapman has not forgotten about the events of 2022.

The Boston Red Sox reliever Chapman spoke this week with Enrique Rojas of ESPN. During the interview, Chapman discussed the possibility of being dealt away by the plummeting 27-39 Red Sox ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.

Chapman was also asked about the potential of a reunion with the New York Yankees. The lefty flamethrower replied that he would need an apology from Yankees general manager Brian Cashman if that were ever to happen.

“What happened, happened,” Chapman said, according to a rough translation. “If something like [a trade back to the Yankees] were to happen, I believe someone from this organization should apologize first.”

Chapman was then asked if he was referring to Cashman and said in response, “Yes.”

The 38-year-old Chapman pitched for the Yankees in 2016 and again from 2017-22. But his time in New York ended on acrimonious terms as Chapman was left off the playoff roster in 2022 due to insubordination. Chapman allegedly missed a mandatory team workout (after a subpar regular season in which Chapman had a stint on the injured list due to a bizarre tattoo-related infection), and Cashman ended up publicly calling out Chapman in the media while explaining the situation.

Brian Cashman on doubting if Aroldis Chapman was all in this season for the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/wzwXwezYlJ

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 9, 2022

These days, Chapman has been lights out for the Red Sox, posting a 0.46 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 13 saves in 20 total appearances. Meanwhile, the Yankees are weak in the bullpen with Devin Williams having exited in free agency and the likes of David Bednar (3.90 ERA) and Camilo Doval (5.47 ERA) having looked far from unhittable. But Chapman, even if he does not possess a no-trade clause, will be insisting on an apology from Cashman if a reunion with New York were ever to happen.

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An old issue is rearing its ugly head again for Shohei Ohtani.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was forced to exit Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to an injury. During the seventh inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa., Ohtani was pinch hit for by Dodgers teammate Santiago Espinal (after going 2-for-2 with a home runs and two walks up to that point).

The Dodgers later shared a concerning update on Ohtani. They said that the two-way sensation was removed due to left knee inflammation.

That set off plenty of alarm bells for those who are familiar with Ohtani’s history. Ever since childhood, Ohtani has dealt with a bipartite patella in his left knee — a congenital condition where the kneecap fails to fuse into a single bone and is instead comprised of two separate ones. Ohtani has managed flare-ups of the knee throughout his career, the most concerning of which was an issue back in 2019 with the Los Angeles Angels that needed season-ending surgery.

Dodgers writer Nelson Espinal shared the full context on Ohtani’s condition.

Important context on Shohei:

Back in 2019, he had surgery on his left knee to address bipartite patella, which was causing discomfort.

He was given a 10-12 week timeline.

Ohtani has dealt with bipartite patella since birth, which is a condition that means his knee is made up… pic.twitter.com/za8gwh1LRr

— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) June 12, 2026

Ohtani has mostly been a picture of health so far this season, appearing in 63 of the Dodgers’ first 69 games as a hitter and also returning to a full and complete workload as a starting pitcher. But now the team has some serious concern with their resident unicorn, especially since they have already been relatively conservative with Ohtani’s workload throughout the year.

The post Shohei Ohtani exits game with a concerning injury appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Patrick Mahomes appears to be recovering like one of the X-Men.

Both the Kansas City Chiefs and their star quarterback Mahomes are leaning into the possibility of a return in Week 1 of the 2026 season, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on Thursday. Fowler added that Mahomes has progressed to 7-on-7 work and is now eyeing the potential of 11-man work as minicamp wraps up.

Mahomes, 30, tore both the ACL and the LCL in his left knee during a game on Dec. 14 (see the video here). He then underwent surgery the following day in order to repair the damage.

The median recovery from ACL tears in the NFL is around 9-10 months. The Chiefs begin the 2026 season on Sept. 14, which would mark exactly 9 months to the day since Mahomes’ injury.

For the three-time Super Bowl MVP Mahomes, he has been participating in OTAs for Kansas City and has long been targeting Week 1 for his potential return. That said, it is one thing to be targeting a Week 1 return and quite another to be realistically on pace for it.

Still, Mahomes appears to be checking off every box in his recovery up to this point, and now the team is apparently even starting to see Week 1 as a legitimate possibility for him. The Chiefs did trade for Justin Fields earlier this offseason, but Mahomes (who just set a record earlier this week with his massive new Kansas City contract) just might make it back in time to reclaim the starting job from the get-go of the 2026 season.

The post Surprising update emerges about Patrick Mahomes’ injury appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Carmelo Anthony thinks that he played a part in the biggest shot in New York Knicks history.

The Knicks completed an absolutely unprecedented 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night. New York won by a final score of 107-106 in front of their home crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. after OG Anunoby had a game-winning tip-in with just 1.2 seconds remaining (video here).

Speaking with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN after the game, retired Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony said that he had a role in Anunoby’s game-winner. Anthony, who is now a broadcaster for NBC Sports, was in attendance at the game and said that he was yelling out instructions to the Knicks players right before the crucial sequence.

“I was yelling at them the whole time, ‘The offensive rebound is there! The offensive rebound is there!'” said Anthony. “Coming out of that timeout, I made eye contact with them and was yelling ‘The offensive rebound is there! Somebody go!'”

Indeed, Anunoby’s putback came after Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson missed a deep three that pulled San Antonio seven-footer Victor Wembanyama out of the paint to contest the shot. Anunoby was then able to leap above some of the Spurs’ smaller guards and tip in the miss to produce one of the most iconic moments in NBA Finals history to date.

Meanwhile, Anthony (who played for the Knicks from 2011-17 and won a scoring title in 2013) was sitting on the opposite side from the basket where Anunoby’s game-winner took place. But his seat was also right by the Knicks’ bench, and he thinks that he was able to direct some of their players on what to do right before that decisive final offensive possession.

Of course, the Knicks players were probably much more locked in on what their coaching staff was telling them during the timeout than what Me7o was yelling out at them from a distance. But you certainly cannot question Anthony’s loyalty to New York, and he is also hoping he gets a big honor from the Knicks in the near future.

The post Carmelo Anthony takes credit for the Knicks’ winning shot in Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Manu Ginobili appeared to ruin the vibes for his former team this week.

The San Antonio Spurs suffered arguably the single worst collapse in NBA history during their Finals game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Despite leading by 27 points at halftime and by as many as 29 in the second half, the Spurs completely crumbled down the stretch and lost by a final score of 107-106 in front of a delirious crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

After the unbelievable turnaround, a post by the retired Spurs legend Ginobili drew attention online. While San Antonio was up big at the time, Ginobili marked down Game 4 as a victory for the team, effectively turning the Finals into a new best-of-three set.

“0-0!! #GoSpursGo!” wrote Ginobili.

0-0!! #GoSpursGo!

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) June 11, 2026

Unfortunately for Ginobili though, it all fell apart for San Antonio from there as the Spurs improbably snatched defeat from the jaws of victory to abruptly go down to the Knicks by a 3-1 tally in the Finals (meaning they now need to win three games in a row to secure the championship). That ultimately led to the saddest follow-up post from Ginobili some hours later.

🇺🇸I cannot believe what just happened! Unreal! Extremely tough loss. Now time to lick wounds and try again. No alternatives.
🇦🇷No puedo creer el partido que perdimos! Extremadamente doloroso! Ahora a lamerse las heridas y volver a intentarlo. No queda otra.

— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) June 11, 2026

Ginobili, now 48 years old, played on the Spurs for his entire NBA career from 2002-18. He made two All-Star teams in San Antonio and also won four championships and has since been providing his support to the newest generation of Spurs. But Ginobili of all people should have known that a game is never over until there are triple zeroes on the clock.

The post Manu Ginobili had the craziest Spurs jinx post in the middle of Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jordon Hudson appears to be trying to hunt down would-be leakers at the University of North Carolina.

Bill Belichick’s 25-year-old girlfriend sent an email to North Carolina vice chancellor for communications and marketing Dean Stoyer seeking communications that referenced her alleged ban from the Tar Heels’ football facility, according to Matt Hartman of The Assembly. She also demanded the university produce any emails referencing Pablo Torre or linking to the episode of Torre’s podcast in which he reported on the alleged ban.

Hudson also sought access to any communications between select North Carolina staff members and a group of reporters, including Torre and multiple journalists who regularly cover the Tar Heels.

Torre had reported on May 9, 2025 that Hudson had been banned from the Tar Heels’ facility, which proved to be false. Hudson sent her email to Stoyer exactly one year later, and even referred to the day as her “BANniversary” within the email.

Torre has become notorious for his deep dives into alleged sports corruption, and it was his reporting that helped launch the NBA’s current investigation into allegedly shady deals between Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. A lot of his Belichick reporting did not come to pass, which got him mocked by more than just Hudson.

Hudson, of course, is no stranger to this sort of publicity. There were major questions about her influence over Belichick based on her controversial involvement in a “60 Minutes” interview in 2025, and she has continued to mock Belichick’s supposed critics since then. For better or worse, she also clearly still maintains a level of access and influence to the North Carolina football program that few others do.

The post Jordon Hudson demands North Carolina turn over communications with Pablo Torre appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The relationship between AJ Brown and his new quarterback appears to be off to a fantastic start.

Brown was effusive in his praise for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Thursday after day one of the team’s offseason minicamp. The newly-acquired wide receiver complimented Maye on both his talent and his mental understanding of the game.

“The talent speaks for itself. He can make any throw,” Brown told reporters Thursday. “What’s more impressive to me is that he knows what he’s doing. To be that young and to understand the defense, to understand every little check, the hots, the blitz, all those things so young and so fast, is very impressive. I really admire that. He knows what he’s talking about. He demands everybody else to know as well. He’s a true leader of men. It’s crazy to see at a young age.”

A.J. Brown is very impressed with Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/xjasGPUJEQ

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) June 11, 2026

Considering how Brown felt about his previous quarterback, this is like night and day. Of course, that relationship also started positively and deteriorated, so this hardly means Maye is permanently in Brown’s good graces.

Still, there is some reason to believe that Maye and Brown may maintain a happy marriage for some time. Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns last season and appears well-equipped to handle Brown’s desire for the ball as much as possible. Brown should also face less competitions for targets as well, which could lead to huge numbers for both of them.

The post AJ Brown offers his opinion on Drake Maye appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs has received his parole decision five years after his fatal drunk driving crash.

Nevada’s Board of Parole Commissioners denied Ruggs parole on Thursday following a May hearing, via Stephanie Overton of 8NewsNow. He will be able to go before the parole board again next year, three months before his Aug. 24, 2027, mandatory parole release date.

Ruggs is currently serving a 3- to 10-year sentence for his role in a Nov. 2, 2021 crash that killed a woman and her dog. Ruggs drove up to 156 MPH and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16, which is twice the legal limit. He was sentenced in August 2023 and has been incarcerated since then, and had hoped to be paroled after expressing remorse for what happened.

The Raiders drafted Ruggs with the No. 12 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but released him immediately midway through 2021 when details of the fatal crash came to light. He is still just 27, and one of his ex-teammates suggested that he might actually try to make an NFL comeback if and when he is released from prison.

Ruggs caught 50 passes for 921 yards and four touchdowns during his brief two-year NFL career.

The post Ex-Raider Henry Ruggs receives his parole decision appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Phil Mickelson has been banned from a San Diego-area golf club following an accusation of misconduct made against him.

Golf Digest published a report about the matter on Thursday. According to their story, Mickelson, 55, was accused by a female staff member at The Farms Golf Club in Ranch Santa Fe, Calif., of making inappropriate contact with her prior to a round of golf earlier this spring.

The report says Mickelson approached the woman in the clubhouse and made “nonconsensual and inappropriate physical contact” with the woman. The woman rejected his advances and then reported the incident to her supervisors. Mickelson reportedly returned to the golf course, and was then confronted about the incident during his round. He was told to leave the course, and did so before completing his round.

“Any misunderstanding has been cleared up,” Mickelson’s representative said in a statement to Golf Digest. “Phil continues to attend to a family health matter and is uncertain when he will be able to return to professional golf,”

Mickelson has not been playing golf professionally this year due to a family health matter.

The Farms Golf Club said in a statement to Golf Digest that the person in question is no longer a member of the club.

“The Farms Golf Club is committed to maintaining a golf club environment that is safe, respectful and reflects the highest standards of conduct,” their statement said. “All members are required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, and any allegations of misconduct are taken seriously. Following a staff member report of member misconduct, the Club provided immediate and ongoing support to the staff member, conducted a thorough independent investigation of the incident and took decisive action. This individual is no longer a member of The Farms Golf Club.”

The person alluded to in the statement is Mickelson.

Mickelson has been married to his wife Amy since 1996. They have three children together.

The post Phil Mickelson banned from golf club after misconduct accusation appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart was one of the most relieved players in Madison Square Garden after his team completed their stunning comeback over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4.

Hart was very nearly the goat in the final two minutes, as he missed a layup attempt that would have put the Knicks in the lead with just under two minutes to go. He then got caught ball-watching with 30 seconds left, allowing Spurs guard Stephon Castle to swoop in for an offensive rebound and draw the foul that put San Antonio back up by a point.

The Knicks were ultimately saved by OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds to go, and Hart did not hide how grateful he was for that play when speaking postgame.

“I got a special shoutout for OG, man, because he saved me, at least for this game, a lifetime of regret,” Hart admitted.

"I got a special shout-out for OG because he saved me … a lifetime of regret.

Josh Hart following Game 4 of the NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/AlLD05RaaX

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 11, 2026

Hart’s miss drew stunned reactions around MSG. Had the Knicks lost, it would have gone down as an enormous blunder that only would have gotten worse if the Spurs had gone on to win the series. The fact that he compounded the issue by falling asleep on defense at the other end just over a minute later would have only made matters worse.

Hart contributed plenty during the game, scoring six points but adding eight rebounds and six assists.

The post Josh Hart had the most relieved quote after Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Miami Heat’s reported trade offer for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been revealed.

The Heat have long been rumored to have an offer on the table for Antetokounmpo. According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, they are offering a package headlined by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr., along with what is described as “prime draft capital.”

The Bucks will presumably want to start a bidding war over Antetokounmpo to get the best possible offer for him. As such, they have no real reason to rush to accept Miami’s offer no matter how good it is.

The Bucks are known to want that draft capital, and at least a few players that could help them now. Miami’s offer seems to do that. Herro has been an All-Star in the past, and Ware and Jaquez Jr. are both recent first-round picks.

Another question is whether Antetokounmpo would want to go to the Heat. They make sense and have frequently been named as a frontrunner, but Giannis wants to be certain they can still contend even after making a deal to acquire him.

Antetokounmpo, the former NBA MVP, is signed for $58.5 million next season. He can test free agency right after that by turning down his $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, meaning he can exercise some leverage to steer himself to where he wants to go and stay long-term.

The post Heat offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo has been revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Rumors about LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers to play with another star will not go away.

A league source told Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area that James has “curiosity” about playing with Stephen Curry, and that both James and the Warriors have interest in at least talking about the possibility of him joining the team.

“I know it seems crazy, but there is at least curiosity on both sides,” the source told Poole. “This wouldn’t even be a conversation five or six years ago, and it might not happen now, but there’s enough there that we shouldn’t ignore the possibility. It’s mostly up to LeBron.”

The stories linking James to Golden State just will not go away. It was recently reported that Curry intends to try and recruit James to the Bay Area, though it still is not clear how realistic any of this is. The most likely outcome remains that James will stay in Los Angeles, though this is not certain.

One big question is how the Warriors would make this work, even if James does want to team up. There are no indications that James would take a big discount to do it, but it may remain a story worth watching.

The post LeBron James reportedly has ‘curiosity’ about playing with 1 fellow superstar appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Denver Broncos are rewarding Sean Payton for his immediate success as their head coach.

Payton and the Broncos have agreed to a new five-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday. The agreement ties Payton to the organization through the 2030 season, keeping his deal in line with that of general manager George Paton.

“We’re thrilled for Sean to continue leading our team as head coach, building on our progress during such an exciting time for the Broncos.” – Owner & CEO Greg Penner

We have signed Head Coach Sean Payton to a new five-year contract through the 2030 season »… pic.twitter.com/bi6c1hLIcE

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 11, 2026

Payton has once again established himself as one of the NFL’s top coaches. He is 32-19 in three seasons with Denver and led the team to the AFC Championship game last season. While he drew criticism for some of his bold decisions in that game, he is a big part of why the team was able to get there in the first place.

The terms of Payton’s new deal were not made public, but it would not be a shock if he earned a raise. He was already one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL, and was making roughly $18 million per year on the initial contract he signed with Denver.

The post Broncos make major move with Sean Payton appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Knicks fans got a bit too carried away following the team’s stunning comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Exuberant Knicks fans were caught on video throwing things at Victor Wembanyama upon his return to the Spurs’ team hotel in New York on Wednesday. In one video, what appears to be an egg hits Wembanyama in or near the head.

Knicks fans shouting & throwing stuff at Wemby and the Spurs. 😳

(via @KingCharge)

pic.twitter.com/nkPLMHZnSg

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 11, 2026

Someone just perfectly threw an egg at Wemby LMFAOOO pic.twitter.com/yvPPzWZaAf

— 🌧️ (@wstgoat7) June 11, 2026

Wembanyama might have underestimated just how much Knicks fans have come to dislike him over the course of this series. Some of his moves during Game 4 did not help matters either.

Still, there is obviously no justification for this sort of thing. The Knicks won, and it makes no sense for their fans to be harassing the opponent instead of celebrating their own historic victory. It’s a bad look for a fanbase that otherwise had one of the most memorable nights any fanbase could ever hope to have.

This capped off a miserable night for Wembanyama, who shot just 9/25 from the floor and missed two crucial free throws down the stretch during his team’s collapse. He will be back in the friendly confines of San Antonio for Game 5, but he and his Spurs will be playing to avoid elimination.

The post Knicks fans threw things at Victor Wembanyama after Game 4 win appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

It looks like George Kittle has some money to collect from Mac Jones after the incredible praise the 49ers tight end made about the quarterback.

Kittle recently made an appearance on ” The Up and Adams Show” and spoke glowingly about Jones, who just finished his first season with the Niners.

“He’s a juice guy. He’s got all the energy in the world, and he loves life. Usually, your quarterback is not usually the glue guy, and Mac Jones is a glue guy,” Kittle told host Kay Adams. “It’s usually an offensive lineman, a tight end or a defensive lineman.

“There’s usually one guy that the entire team loves, and it’s not usually a quarterback. That’s Mac Jones. He goes everywhere with the boys. If you invite him to anything, he’s there. He’s always down to hang out with the boys and support.”

It did not take long for Kittle’s flowers to reach Jones’ virtual doorstep.

“Thanks Georgie. Send me your Venmo, I’ll get you that PR consultant retainer fee sent over shortly,” Jones wrote in a post on X as a response to Kittle.

Kittle surely doesn’t need money from anyone, having signed a 4-year, 76.4 million contract extension with the 49ers in 2025. Jones’ acknowledgment of Kittle’s praise should be enough for the star tight end, who remains in high spirits in the offseason despite suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in the last NFL playoffs.

More than just being a fun guy to be around, Jones apparently serves as Brock Purdy’s chief backup for the 49ers. He filled that role nicely in 2025, making 11 appearances, including five starts, and throwing for 2,151 passing yards and 13 touchdowns against 6 interceptions while going 5-3.

The post Mac Jones responds to George Kittle’s ‘ultimate’ message appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Mike LaFleur has a good problem in his first year as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and he’s invoked the name of an NBA superstar to address it.

On paper, the Cardinals have solid depth at the running back position, with Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier and James Conner all in the mix.

With such a talented RB room, it’s a challenge for LaFleur to balance it. Taking a page from a different sport, the 39-year-old LaFleur explained how he would deal with such a dilemma.

“If Steph Curry’s on fire, and he’s supposed to get his sub, you’re not taking the hot hand out,” LaFleur told reporters. “And that’s kind of the same approach you end up taking with a back. A back, just like a basketball player or any football player, can get into a rhythm. It’s like, just keep giving him the football. He’s just feeling it right now.”

#Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur on how he’ll deploy his running backs:

“If Steph Curry’s on fire, and he’s supposed to get his sub, you’re not taking the hot hand out. And that’s kinda the same approach you end up taking with a back. A back — just like a basketball player, or any… pic.twitter.com/bEkYqmFQR5

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) June 10, 2026

More than the running back usage, it will be interesting to see how big of a shift toward more rushing plays the Cardinals will have in LaFleur’s first year in charge of the team. Last season, Arizona ranked last in the league with just 21.5 rushing attempts per game and second-to-last with 93.1 rushing yards per game. 

Then again, three of the Cardinals’ most productive rushers in 2025 are no longer on the team, including quarterback Kyler Murray, who’s now with the Minnesota Vikings.

The post Mike LaFleur’s running back strategy comes with a ‘Steph Curry’ twist appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Even Jaylen Brown was left impressed by OG Anunoby’s unforgettable performance in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Anunoby played a crucial role in the New York Knicks’ come-from-behind 107-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., on Wednesday. His putback with 1.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter capped the Knicks’ ridiculous rally from 29 points down.

Brown, whose Boston Celtics failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs, took his thoughts on Anunoby to social media after the game.

“OG Anunoby is different,” the former NBA Finals Most Valuable Player wrote in a post on X.

Anunoby finished Game 4 with 33 points on an efficient 10/15 shooting from the field, including seven 3-pointers. None of those baskets was bigger than his aforementioned putback that now symbolizes the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history.

As for Brown, he and the Celtics can only wish they were in the Knicks’ position. Boston entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and could have crossed paths with the Knicks, but it was stunned in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, who were then swept by Anunoby and company in the second round.

The post Jaylen Brown had a telling remark about OG Anunoby after Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Magic Johnson will remember Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals for many reasons.

The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar point guard talked about some of them in an incisive post on X. 

After praising Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks for their unbelievable 107-106 win on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., the 66-year-old Johnson got right to the point about Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox’s questionable decision down the stretch of the fourth quarter.

“De’Aaron Fox made a huge mistake when he got the ball with seconds left in the fourth and decided to go for a layup instead of dribbling the ball out to be fouled,” the Basketball Hall of Famer wrote.  

The Spurs squandered a 29-point lead in Game 4 but were still clinging to a one-point lead late. After Brunson missed a shot with seconds left, Fox grabbed the loose ball and raced down the court. 

But instead of trying to burn as much time on the clock as possible, call a timeout, or wait for the Knicks to foul him, Fox attempted a layup, which he missed, allowing New York to get the ball back. Moments later, OG Anunoby made a game-winning putback for the Knicks.

Nevertheless, Johnson still feels good about San Antonio’s chances to force at least a Game 6.

“I think the Spurs have another win in them and the Series will stretch out to 6 or 7 games, but I still see the Knicks winning it all.”

Johnson and the rest of the basketball world will find out about that on Saturday, when the Spurs host New York for Game 5 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The post Magic Johnson had a pointed message about De’Aaron Fox’s Game 4 blunder appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Larry David seemed trapped in an episode of his own show late in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday. 

The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” creator and actor found himself in quite a situation when he witnessed New York Knicks guard Josh Hart flub a layup in transition against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y.

The 78-year-old David was in disbelief over Hart’s missed layup, throwing his arms sideways before seemingly acting as though he was about to faint.

The Knicks were still trailing San Antonio by a point with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter when the former Villanova Wildcats star miscalculated his shot on the break.

Here is the video showing Hart’s miss and David’s reaction.

I can’t stop watching Larry David’s reaction when Josh Hart missed that layup. pic.twitter.com/bw8a1J0Jb3

— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) June 11, 2026

But it all ended well for David and the entire Knicks fanbase, as New York completed a comeback for the ages, battling back from a 29-point deficit and scoring an improbable 107-106 win to take a 3-1 series lead.

OG Anunoby saved the day for the Knicks (and Josh Hart from fan condemnation) with a game-winning putback with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation.

New York can close the series out in Game 5 on Saturday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The post Video: Larry David had an outrageous reaction to Josh Hart’s missed layup appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

OG Anunoby instantly became a New York Knicks legend on Wednesday night. But you wouldn’t have thought that based on his postgame comments.

The Knicks star made two game-winning plays in the final 12 seconds of Game 4 to give his team a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals. Anunoby blocked De’Aaron Fox’s fastbreak layup on one end, then made the game-winning putback on the other end to seal a 107-106 victory at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y.

Despite hitting arguably the greatest shot in Knicks franchise history in front of a sellout crowd, Anunoby remained completely stone-faced in the moments afterward.

OG Anunoby literally had no care after he just had one of the most historic game winners in NBA history.

Stoic at its best. pic.twitter.com/8ysIH6d3ct

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) June 11, 2026

OG’s demeanor didn’t change after the game, as he spoke to the media during his postgame press conference. One reporter asked him to describe how he felt in that moment, and his words didn’t exactly match the emotions visible on his face.

“It feels cool. I mean, everyone’s pretty excited. I’m excited too,” Anunoby said in a monotonous tone as reporters laughed.

Anunoby then let out a sheepish smile, as if he had anything to be embarrassed about.

“We’re all excited,” he continued. “We’re enjoying it right now. But we’re just focused on the next game now.”

Q: "You just hit the game-winning shot in an NBA Finals game in front of your home crowd. How does that feel?"

OG Anunoby: "Uh, it feels cool. I mean, everyone's pretty excited. I'm excited too" pic.twitter.com/WL9PlQDbnc

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 11, 2026

During Anunoby’s early days with the Toronto Raptors, many compared his off-court demeanor to that of the robotic Kawhi Leonard. The two teamed up in Toronto in 2019, when Leonard led the Raptors to their first title while Anunoby remained sidelined with an injury.

On Wednesday, OG mimicked Kawhi both on and off the court with championship-caliber plays on both ends of the floor.

Anunoby finished with 33 points on 10/15 shooting and 7 three-pointers — the third-highest single-game total in NBA Finals history behind Steph Curry and Ray Allen. He also ensured that he would never pay for another meal in New York City for the rest of his life.

The post OG Anunoby had priceless reaction to his own heroics in Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

New York Knicks fans took living in the moment to another level after stunning the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The home crowd refused to leave the moment at all.

The Knicks audience rode the wildest roller coaster of emotions imaginable on Wednesday while inside Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. The home team trailed by as many as 29 points before clawing its way back to a 107-106 win, completing the largest comeback in the history of the NBA Finals.

The celebration commenced the moment the final buzzer sounded. With the Knicks just one win away from an NBA championship, the fans did not want it to end. The “World’s Most Famous Arena” remained packed well after the game had ended.

MSG remains packed well after the game as Knicks fans celebrate the biggest comeback in Finals history.pic.twitter.com/50bXxv81my

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 11, 2026

The celebrity Knicks fans were also out on the court to congratulate their Game 4 heroes.

Timothée Chalamet CANNOT BELIEVE the Knicks pulled off the comeback 😱 pic.twitter.com/CiMOFz7bxC

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2026

Mariska Hargitay was going CRAZY ALL NIGHT and shared a moment with OG Anunoby after his INCREDIBLE game-winning play! pic.twitter.com/r4TXmpaKeL

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) June 11, 2026

It’s possible some fans stuck around for safety reasons, as the surrounding areas turned chaotic in the wake of the Game 4 win.

The astronomically high ticket prices for the Knicks’ first two home games in the NBA Finals became a huge talking point heading into Games 3 and 4. While players themselves condemned the team’s pricing strategy, there definitely wasn’t a single Knicks fan in the building on Wednesday who felt the ticket wasn’t worth the money.

The post Knicks fans refused to leave Madison Square Garden after Game 4 win appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Nine-year NBA veteran De’Aaron Fox made a basic rookie mistake in the closing seconds of Game 4.

The San Antonio Spurs guard chased down a loose ball in the frontcourt with his team ahead 106-105 in the dying seconds of Wednesday’s NBA Finals contest at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. With the Spurs in the lead, Fox could have dribbled out the clock and waited for the Knicks to foul him.

Instead, Fox challenged shot-blocker extraordinaire OG Anunoby at the rim. The Knicks swingman swatted Fox’s shot off the backboard, allowing New York to get the rebound and call a timeout.

DE'AARON FOX COST SAN ANTONIO THE GAME 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/kv9eciYzJS

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) June 11, 2026

As every Knicks fan will remember for the rest of their lives, Anunoby tapped in the game-winning putback one possession later.

Several fans slammed Fox for his decision to attack Anunoby in transition rather than pull the ball back out and waste more clock.

Why did Fox shoot that?

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) June 11, 2026

And of course the story is the NY comeback

But this is an epic disaster by San Antonio

Everything that went wrong did, including Fox going for the layup instead of pulling the ball out https://t.co/tS8L60FDzP

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 11, 2026

Fox will think about this for the rest of his life…

What on earth was he thinking? BRUTAL pic.twitter.com/BYBRxjzqDc

— Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) June 11, 2026

WTF was Fox thinking? Just run the clock out or make them foul you. He’s played some DUMB 🏀 LAST 20mins

— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) June 11, 2026

DeAaron Fox shooting the ball up 1 with the shot clock off was idiotic. Tough to pin point 1 moment when you blow a 30
Pt lead but that’s the game.

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) June 11, 2026

The Spurs’ 29-point collapse was obviously caused by far more than just one play. But San Antonio could have easily escaped with the victory had Fox had the proper situational awareness with Game 4 hanging in the balance.

It was the second time in the NBA Finals that the Spurs committed a game-losing mistake in the closing seconds. With a championship on the line, even one time is too many.

The post De’Aaron Fox made the most catastrophic mental mistake to lose Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

To say the New York Knicks stole Game 4 of the NBA Finals from the San Antonio Spurs would be the understatement of the century.

The Knicks climbed all the way back from a 29-point hole to stun the Spurs in the most thrilling fashion, taking a 3-1 series lead in front of a packed crowd at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. The Spurs led wire-to-wire up until the very end, when OG Anunoby tipped in a Jalen Brunson miss that pushed New York ahead 107-106 — their first lead of the game with 1.2 seconds left.

OG ANUNOBY!! THE TIP IN WITH 1.2 LEFT!! KNICKS ON TOP!! KNICKS ON TOP!! pic.twitter.com/i2nmdNGxv6

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) June 11, 2026

Here’s the replay of the go-ahead basket.

OG Anunoby game-winner for the Knicks! 😳

New York pulls off the unreal 29-point comeback! pic.twitter.com/o5FF3IoMiX

— ESPN (@espn) June 11, 2026

The Spurs ran a sideline out-of-bounds play for Stephon Castle, but were unable to get a shot off as time expired. The Knicks sealed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history with a 107-106 win.

Anunoby was a hero on both ends of the floor for New York. On the previous possession, he blocked De’Aaron Fox in transition as a precursor to what will likely go down as the greatest moment in the modern history of the Knicks franchise.

The post Knicks pull off the wildest comeback in NBA Finals history appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The New York Knicks took a historic beating in the first half of Game 4, and neutral observers believed they deserved it.

The San Antonio Spurs pulverized the Knicks in the first half of Wednesday’s NBA Finals clash at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. The home team was outscored 76-49 in an all-time offensive performance by the visitors.

The Spurs’ point total was the third-highest in a first half in NBA Finals history. San Antonio did it with 14 made threes, breaking the record for most triples in an NBA Finals half.

The Spurs just had the 3rd most points in the first half of a Finals game EVER 🤯 pic.twitter.com/K6uSkNYOMg

— Real App (@realapp) June 11, 2026

Several fans chimed in on social media, calling the result a form of karmic justice against the Knicks fan base. Many pointed to clips of Knicks fans beating and berating innocent Spurs fans after San Antonio’s Game 3 win.

Is this Karma for the Knicks? pic.twitter.com/CmeV74c34K

— Hoops (@Hoopss) June 11, 2026

Karma real . Basketball gods real too ….. Knicks not winning ts nomo . https://t.co/BV3vEwyy5n

— Baba Yaga 🕴🏾 (@ronniesanders_1) June 11, 2026

Karma. Knicks fans are experiencing it in real time. #Spursin6 https://t.co/a71zK1wh9o

— NCSportsTakes (@NCSportsTakes) June 11, 2026

Karma is real Knicks fans https://t.co/MMAvmE5evH

— Gage (@1234_shaming) June 11, 2026

While the basketball gods may have had something to do with San Antonio’s lucky shooting, the Spurs also played an extremely disciplined game.

The Spurs did not commit a single turnover until midway through the second quarter, when their lead had already ballooned to nearly 30 points.

It didn’t help that Wembanyama seemed to be getting into the Knicks’ heads.

The post Fans all said the same thing after Knicks got embarrassed in first half of Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jose Alvarado found a unique way to overcome his 16-inch height disadvantage to Victor Wembanyama.

The New York Knicks guard Alvarado had an unusual moment during Wednesday’s Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. In the second quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., Alvarado rotated onto the Spurs star Wembanyama during a San Antonio possession and started getting physical with him.

Alvarado gave Wembanyama a couple of shoves (which Wembanyama then returned) before falling to the ground himself. Upon getting up, Alvarado then grabbed ahold of Wembanyama’s leg and took him down WWE-style.

Jose Alvarado all over Wemby. pic.twitter.com/A3JrAUzOA7

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 11, 2026

Interestingly enough, it seemed like Alvarado may have had some help from Wembanyama himself in executing the takedown. After all, it did look like Wembanyama immediately went airborne after feeling Alvarado grab at his leg.

Here is another angle of the incident.

Jose Alvarado tackled Wemby and Iverson stepped over him pic.twitter.com/I9YGV66DKa

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) June 11, 2026

Alvarado was called for a foul on the spot but was not hit with a flagrant foul despite a review being initiated. Still, the Spurs made a three-pointer on that same possession, so Alvarado’s common foul gave Wembanyama an extra free throw, which the seven-footer then made.

The Knicks were already down 19 points at the time of the incident, so that might have been a frustration foul on Alvarado’s part. But you at least have to tip your cap to Alvarado for keeping his word in Game 4 after issuing a public warning to Wembanyama earlier this week.

The post Jose Alvarado has a WWE takedown of Victor Wembanyama in Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Victor Wembanyama believes he has some real estate inside Mitchell Robinson’s head.

The San Antonio Spurs star and the New York Knicks center got entangled early in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The flare-up happened after Wemby scored on Robinson with under a minute to play in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y.

As Wembanyama walked back down the floor, he told Robinson that he was in the Knicks big man’s head. Robinson retaliated with a forearm shiver to Wemby’s neck once the two passed halfcourt.

Mitchell Robinson flagrant vs. Wemby 😳

"I'm in your head, boy." —Wemby pic.twitter.com/XoXEjHs6k0

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2026

Wembanyama continued to taunt Robinson while sitting on the hardwood, repeatedly pointing to his dome after the referees flagged Robinson for an offensive foul. The play was eventually upgraded to a flagrant foul after referees deemed Robinson’s hit as unnecessary contact above the neck.

Wembanyama sank both technical free throws to extend the Spurs’ lead to 39-20 with 41.7 left in the first quarter.

The ESPN broadcast booth was in agreement that the play had warranted an upgrade to a flagrant foul. But the announcers also pointed to the dirty hit on Jalen Brunson that Wemby got away with in Game 3, which the NBA did not punish the Spurs star for upon review.

The post Victor Wembanyama taunts Mitchell Robinson after baiting him into a flagrant foul appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The officiating controversies began very early in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The San Antonio Spurs met the New York Knicks for the fourth installment of the championship series on Wednesday. Barely one minute into the first quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama drew an extremely soft offensive foul on Knicks counterpart Karl-Anthony Towns.

While attempting to drive to the basket for a dunk, Towns originally drew a defensive foul on Wembanyama. But Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson chose to challenge the play, and the referees overturned the defensive foul on Wembanyama … to an offensive foul on Towns after review.

Here is the video of the play.

This was ruled a foul on KAT.

He now has 2. pic.twitter.com/igcpIwE2yr

— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) June 11, 2026

The officials ruled that Towns had hooked Wembanyama’s arm on his drive prior to the contact on the dunk attempt. But it certainly looked like Wembanyama reached in on Towns first, resulting in the two getting tangled up.

The offensive foul was Towns’ second of the game, meaning that he had to sit for most of the quarter from there. Fans were also incensed because Towns’ first foul seemed like a very questionable one drawn by San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox as well.

The game JUST started and the refs already trying to foul out KAT

Fox RAN INTO KAT pic.twitter.com/2uO6MA3wav

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) June 11, 2026

Whether justified or not, Wembanyama is quickly developing a reputation for favorable treatment from the referees. Among some other incidents, Wembanyama already managed to draw a very soft technical foul on Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson in Game 2 and also got away with a dirty play on Knicks star Jalen Brunson in Game 3.

The post Victor Wembanyama draws the softest offensive foul on Karl-Anthony Towns in Game 4 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Seth Lugo was involved in an absolutely terrifying moment during Wednesday’s game.

The Kansas City Royals pitcher Lugo was on the mound Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. In the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Lugo was pitching against Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

On a 3-2 count, Nimmo smacked a line drive back towards Lugo. The liner came off Nimmo’s bat at an estimated 106.6 mph and struck Lugo directly in the head. Here is the scary video.

Status alert: Seth Lugo leaves game Wednesday after being hit in the face with 106.6 MPH comebacker.pic.twitter.com/ejTRoxf2gU

— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) June 11, 2026

Lugo did manage to get up pretty quickly but immediately had a large red welt on his forehead from where the comebacker struck him. He exited the game shortly after and was at least able to walk off under his own power.

Meanwhile, Nimmo was clearly very shaken up and promptly came over from first base to check on Lugo. Nimmo and Lugo used to be teammates on the New York Mets, playing together from 2016-22.

The health and well-being of Lugo is obviously the immediate priority here. But Nimmo also deserves some commendation for his reaction and has long been known as one of the classiest players in the big leagues.

The post Seth Lugo exits game after taking a 107-mph line drive to the head appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A former Pro Bowl defender apparently could not stay away from the game for too long.

The Philadelphia Eagles have released edge rusher Za’Darius Smith off the reserve/retired list, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Wednesday. Rapoport notes that the move appears to be an indication that Smith would be open to playing again in the right situation.

Smith, still only 33, is an 11-year NFL veteran. He was originally drafted in 2015 by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round (No. 11 overall).

In addition to the Ravens, Smith also played during his pro career for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions before landing with the Eagles last season. Smith was a two-time Pro Bowler and a 2020 All-Pro with the Packers and then made a third Pro Bowl team with the Vikings in 2022.

Last year for Philadelphia, Smith appeared in just five games before surprisingly announcing his retirement from the league in mid-October. But only about some eight months later, Smith apparently has the itch to play again.

Smith has 70.5 career sacks to his name plus 343 combined tackles and 10 forced fumbles. If Smith’s feelings from last year are any indication, there may be one prominent team in particular that should now consider signing him.

The post 3-time NFL Pro Bowler appears to be coming out of retirement appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Carnell Tate has made an admission about April’s NFL Draft.

Tate was selected No. 4 overall by the Tennessee Titans out of Ohio State. During an appearance on the “St. Brown Podcast” with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Equanimeous St. Brown, Tate admitted he was shocked to go as high in the draft as he did.

Tate was asked if he knew he would go as early as he did.

“No, I didn’t know I was going that early. … We said we started at four, and then four to fifteen. But realistically, I thought I was gonna go like six or seven or eight,” Tate said.

“I was shocked, for real. I didn’t expect to go that high, and then it happened.”

"I thought I was locked in on the Commanders (at 7)."

Carnell Tate speaks on his NFL Draft experience, noting that he didn't expect to go as high as No. 4 to the Titans 🏈 pic.twitter.com/Iyhwg87w4a

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) June 10, 2026

Tate said he thought the Washington Commanders (picking No. 7) and Cleveland Browns (picking No. 9) wouldn’t pass him up in the draft. But he didn’t expect to go as high as No. 4.

Tate played three seasons at Ohio State and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last year. Tate had 51 catches for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns last year. He had 733 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns the year before.

The Titans did not have a receiver top 560 yards last season. They were desperate to give young quarterback Cam Ward a go-to option at receiver.

The post Carnell Tate says he was ‘shocked’ by his NFL Draft position appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Patrick Mahomes has agreed to a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs that adds two years to his current deal and increases his annual salary in upcoming seasons.

Mahomes will now be under contract through 2033 and has over $504 million coming his way. The new money for his deal will kick in for 2027 and gives him an average of $64 million per year, which is an NFL record for average annual value.

Patrick Mahomes Contract Renegotiation includes:
▫️8-yrs, $504.75M base value
▫️$522.25M max value
▫️4-yrs guaranteed at sign
▫️Add'l early vesting guarantees

Mahomes' previous contract had 6-years, $265.7M remaining on it through 2031, or $44M per year.

He's now on the books…

— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 10, 2026

The Chiefs have reworked Mahomes’ deal three times in six years, often to keep him at the top of the quarterback market for his salary. Mahomes had initially signed a 10-year, $450 million deal in 2020. The Chiefs have updated the contract since then to keep Mahomes in line with the escalating quarterback salaries.

The Chiefs have not been deterred by Mahomes’ knee injury. The 30-year-old tore his ACL and LCL in December 2025 and is recovering from surgery. Mahomes participated in OTAs for the Chiefs and has remained optimistic about being ready for Week 1 of the NFL season.

In 14 games last season, Mahomes passed for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 422 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Chiefs went 6-11, marking their first time having a losing season since 2012 and first time missing the playoffs since 2014.

The post Patrick Mahomes sets record on his new Chiefs contract appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo may be getting more than just his brothers to come along with him to a new team.

There is a “growing belief” in league circles that any potential trade of the Milwaukee Bucks star forward Antetokounmpo will include one other notable player, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported on Wednesday. That player is Antetokounmpo’s longtime Bucks teammate Bobby Portis.

The 31-year-old Portis shares a close bond with Antetokounmpo. The two have been teammates in Milwaukee since 2020 and won the 2021 NBA championship together with the Bucks.

Portis is also still a productive player in his own right. This season for Milwaukee, Portis averaged 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in a modest 24.2 minutes per game, mostly off the bench.

But the Bucks might be looking to move on from Portis’ contract if they choose to trigger a full rebuild by trading away Antetokounmpo. Portis is owed $14.5 million next season (with a $15.6 million player option for 2027-28 as well) and would no longer match Milwaukee’s timeline if Antetokounmpo is sent packing.

As it currently stands, Antetokounmpo is not expected to be traded until after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. But there are two particular teams that have been mentioned most closely in connection with the former league MVP Antetokounmpo in trade rumors up to this point.

The post 1 notable player is expected to be traded along with Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Charles Barkley appears to be in his George Costanza-New York Yankees era.

The legendary Basketball Hall of Famer Barkley appeared this week on “The Dan Patrick Show.” During the appearance, Barkley was asked about his recent out-of-pocket comments on rapper Cardi B during an episode of ESPN’s “Inside the NBA.”

Cardi B performed at halftime of NBA Finals Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. In response, Barkley made a wild remark on the air about Cardi B’s body.

Barkley said on “The Dan Patrick Show” that he regretted nothing and even added that he was actually hoping to get fired by ESPN. The retired former NBA MVP explained that it all has to do with his contract.

“Dan, you know I’m hoping they fire me,” said Barkley. “I got six or seven years left on my contract that they know I’ve got no chance of doing. I would love for them to fire me and have to pay me for the next six or seven years.

“I was talking to my agent,” Barkley added. “I was like, ‘What can I do to get fired where they have to pay for me for the whole six, seven years?’ I would love to get fired, I’m not gonna lie … There’s zero chance I’m gonna be working the next six, seven years. ZERO.”

Barkley, who is now 63 years old, certainly has a very good point there. In late 2022, he agreed to a new 10-year contract extension with TNT (which now licenses “Inside the NBA” to ESPN) but has been saying for years now that he will not be finishing out his contract.

Meanwhile, Barkley is about as unfireable as they come because he is so deeply embedded in the fabric of “Inside the NBA” and of baskeball culture at large. Thus, Barkley will be having his fun on television while he still can, especially since he himself will be the ultimate beneficiary if he ends up getting fired because of it.

The post Charles Barkley explains why he wants to get fired by ESPN appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Chicago Bulls are one just three head coaching vacancies left in the NBA, and they appear to be narrowing down their list of options.

Chicago currently has four finalists for their head coach position, according to a report this week by veteran NBA writers Marc Stein and Jake Fischer to Substack. The four finalists are Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori, Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter, Atlanta Hawks assistant coach Ryan Schmidt, and current Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr.

The Bulls are reportedly meeting with candidates for in-person interviews this week. You can read the full report by Stein and Fischer at the link here.

Unseld is obviously the most familiar of those names to Chicago brass. He has been an assistant coach for the Bulls since 2024 after previously serving as head coach of the Washington Wizards from 2021-24.

Meanwhile, Nori and Splitter are perhaps the two most well-known names of those four finalists. Both are in demand however and were each recently named as finalists for another current NBA head coach opening as well.

The Bulls are looking for a successor to Billy Donovan, who stepped down in April after six total seasons in charge of the team. Having gone just 31-51 this season, Chicago will be starting with a completely fresh slate after also replacing executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas with a new name.

The post Report: Bulls have 4 finalists for their head coaching job appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Fernando Mendoza may be setting himself up for a legal battle with The Mouse.

The Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Mendoza has filed a trademark for the term “Nandolorian,” according to a report this week by attorney Josh Gerben. Mendoza reportedly filed for the trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on June 8 and is seeking to protect the name as a brand of clothing.

Gerben also notes though that Mendoza could now be in line for a showdown with Disney and Lucasfilm, who hold 16 trademarks related to “The Mandalorian” (the “Star Wars” live action series which has since spawned the film “The Mandalorian and Grogu” as well). Additionally, Gerben says that, while federal trademark law allows for parody, Mendoza’s desire to use “Nandolorian” for commercial clothing purposes may put him in direct conflict with Disney and Lucasfilm’s existing trademark rights to “The Mandalorian.”

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

Mendoza, the 22-year-old Heisman winner who was the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has quickly earned the nickname of “Nandolorian” (a play on the “Nando” part of “Fernando”) from Raiders teammates and fans. He has also spoken openly about his fandom of the “Star Wars” franchise.

As he enters his rookie season in the NFL in 2026, Mendoza is not worried about some of the notable concerns over his ability to succeed in the pros. Mendoza is also apparently not worried about a potential fight against Disney and their lawyers over his trademark application.

The post Fernando Mendoza files for a trademark that could spark a fight with Disney appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Mike Brown had some issues with the officiating during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, but Karl-Anthony Towns had a different approach.

Towns’ New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs 115-111 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday. Brown, who is in his first season as the Knicks’ head coach, complained after the game about all the free throws the Spurs were awarded in the second half.

“I never thought I’d be in the NBA Finals and see a team get 24 free throw attempts in the second half to another team’s eight,” Brown said after the game. “I don’t think I complain much about officials, or the fairness when it comes to free throw attempts. San Antonio is a great team. It’s going to lower our odds big time if we play Game 4 and in the second half, they get 24 free throw attempts to our eight. Maybe we were fouling, but they fouled, too.”

Though Brown felt the free throw issue hurt his team, Towns did not. Or, at least he did not say so publicly.

“Naw, that ain’t cost us the game,” Towns said. “Turned the ball over. Didn’t execut. Didn’t do what got us 13 straight wins in a row. That’s how you lose a game. We didn’t do what we did for 13; we decided to do something different. … It’s a clear indication of how you’re going to lose the game, especially in the playoffs.”

Towns had just 11 points on 4/10 shooting with 8 rebounds. He added 3 steals and 2 blocks. Jalen Brunson, who is typically the Knicks’ standout player, scored 32 points but shot just 11/25 from the field.

Game 4 of the series is on Wednesday night in New York.

The post Karl-Anthony Towns disagrees with Mike Brown about officials appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

LeBron James has another NBA city that he is not a fan of.

The Los Angeles Lakers star James was speaking this week during the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash. At one point, the two were discussing the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks when James got in a profane shot at San Antonio.

James said that he believed that the Knicks had the advantage because they started the series on the road in San Antonio. The reasoning by James was that there is supposedly nothing to do in San Antonio.

“I mean [in] San Antonio, we focused on basketball,” said James. “You ain’t doing s–t in San Antonio. Nothing at all. Nothing. And I mean nothing.”

Here is the full clip of James’ remarks (but beware of the foul language).

LeBron says the Knicks had an advantage starting the NBA Finals on the road because there’s nothing to do in San Antonio

“You ain’t doing sh*t in San Antonio. Nothing at all. Nothing. And I mean nothing.“

(via @mindthegamepod) pic.twitter.com/59QmhEJi0K

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 10, 2026

There might be some sour grapes here for James as he did lose in the NBA Finals to the Spurs in both 2007 and in 2014 (though he did also manage to beat the Spurs in the Finals once in 2013). But James might have a point in that San Antonio was much more relaxed of an environment to begin the Finals in than New York City would have been.

That said, James has clearly not been a fan of his career-long road trips to Bexar County. Now we can officially put San Antonio alongside Memphis in terms of NBA cities that the 22-time All-Star James does not like traveling to.

The post LeBron James takes a profane shot at San Antonio appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is seeing great things coming for his teammate and star defensive end Will Anderson Jr. in 2026.

But one of his predictions for the upcoming season may surprise even Anderson himself.

While talking about Anderson, Stingley blurted out a wild statistical outlook for the pass rusher.

“Will is just Will. He’ll probably end up with like 30 sacks or something this year, he’s just him,” the two-time Pro Bowler defensive back said.

Derek Stingley Jr. on Will Anderson Jr.:

“Will just Will. He’ll probably end up with like 30 sacks or something this year, he’s just him.” pic.twitter.com/urNuSCjmcd

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) June 9, 2026

Stingley might have said it half jokingly, but it says a lot about how much he trusts Anderson to do great things for Houston’s stop unit.

Since being selected by the Texans in the first round (third overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, Anderson has gradually increased his sack production. He had 7.0 sacks in his first year in the league on his way to winning the 2023 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

The following season, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star recorded 11.0 sacks. In 2025, Anderson posted a career-high 12.0 sacks while earning his second Pro Bowl nod.

With Anderson playing a big role in anchoring Houston’s defense, the Texans finished the 2025 regular season second in the league with just 17.4 points allowed per game and among the leaders in sacks with 47.

Still, 30 sacks in a season would be a lot, considering that the single-season record is 23.0, set by Myles Garrett in 2025.

The post Derek Stingley Jr. had an absurd 2026 prediction for Will Anderson Jr. appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Something is not right with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is struggling to find his power at the plate. 

The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman has just three home runs through 66 games in the 2026 MLB season, a potential cause for concern for the Blue Jays,  if it isn’t already.

According to Sportsnet Stats, it’s the fewest home runs Guerrero has hit over his first 65 games of a season at least since the 2021 campaign. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has experienced a power outage in 2026 pic.twitter.com/hCFYpN0CC1

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 9, 2026

The 27-year-old Guerrero is still hitting a solid .282 with a .371 on-base percentage, but a .366 slugging percentage reflects a decrease in power this season. In the previous five seasons, during which he was an All-Star each year, Guerrero slashed .293/.372/.507 with a 143 OPS+.

What’s also intriguing is that he is striking out at a lower rate (10.4%) this year than he did over that same five-season stretch (14.9%). Guerrero is putting balls in play at an impressive rate as well (.305 BABIP), but a 45.1% hard-hit rate is hurting his potential to hit home runs with the same frequency as he used to.

The reigning American League champions are playing catch-up in the AL East, as the Blue Jays are behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees by eight games through Tuesday. 

Guerrero will have to recapture his power sooner rather than later in order to help Toronto stay in the playoff picture before it is too late.

The post A concerning Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stat emerges amid a down 2026 season appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales revealed a health scare he dealt with in the offseason. During the Panthers’ minicamp on Tuesday, Canales said he underwent a procedure on his nose to remove a basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

Wearing a Band-Aid on his nose, the 45-year-old Canales shared that the concerning spot was identified during a routine screening done by the team.

“It’s a good reminder not to take these things for granted,” Canales said on Tuesday, via Steve Reed of The Associated Press.

“It was a basal cell type of skin cancer in a small spot, and they were able to get it off. So I’m really appreciative.”

Canales appeared to be in good spirits, though. He even took the opportunity to remind others to undergo precautionary measures to catch the disease early, saying that his mother “had the same thing when she was in her 40s,” via Darin Gantt of Panthers.com

“So this is my opportunity to say go get screened,” Canales added. “This is something that can be caught and detected early; they took care of it and took care of me, so I’m really appreciative of them.”

Canales is entering his third season as Carolina’s head coach. The Panthers went 5-12 and missed the playoffs in his first year with the team in 2024, but he guided them to an 8-9 record and a postseason appearance in 2025.

The post NFL head coach reveals he had cancer removed from his nose appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Trae Young might have just served a warning for the rest of the NBA.

After a rocky 2025-26 season, the Washington Wizards point guard is looking forward to a restart. He believes his best days are still ahead of him and thinks his new team can contend right away in the Eastern Conference in his first full season with them. 

The former Oklahoma Sooners star acknowledges that the Wizards are not considered a serious contender, and that appears to be driving him.

“This is the most slept on I’ve been in my whole life,” Young said during a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast. “Even when I was in high school, I wasn’t this slept on.”

The four-time NBA All-Star is already envisioning the Wizards becoming the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, a feat Washington has yet to achieve.

“Imagine the Wizards as the No. 1 team in the East next year. What are people gonna be saying? I haven’t played much in a year and a half, but trust me, I’m just entering my prime. The way people talk about me is just funny,” added the 27-year-old Young.

Coming off the worst season of his NBA career, thus far, Young is determined to rise up again, together with the Wizards, who have not won more than 18 games in any of the last three seasons. 

If Young leads the Wizards to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference next season after the team won only 17 games in the previous campaign, he might deserve a statue outside their arena.

The post Trae Young puts the NBA on notice with a bold remark about the Wizards appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Angel Reese gave her former team a reminder of what it has been missing since she left.

The Atlanta Dream star forward Reese had a big night Tuesday against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill., torching the home team with a performance it had benefited from many times during her time in the Windy City.

Reese scored 17 points on 5/12 shooting and grabbed 17 rebounds, while also racking up 4 assists and 2 steals to lead the Dream to an 82-75 win.

That stat line gave Reese the 57th double-double of her WNBA career, which is the most by any player through their first 75 games, according to ESPN Insights.

In addition, the former LSU Tigers star’s 57 double-doubles in 75 games tied Blake Griffin for the second-most double-doubles over the same span in the WNBA and NBA.

Reese has been enjoying great team success so far in her tenure with the Dream, who are third in the WNBA standings with an 8-3 record. Conversely, Chicago continues to struggle. After a promising 3-1 start to the 2026 campaign, the Sky have won just two of their 10 outings since.

On the season, Reese is averaging 13.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. She has a five-game double-double streak going, which she can sustain when the Dream take on the New York Liberty on Friday at Gateway Center in Atlanta, Ga.

The post Angel Reese sets WNBA record in revenge game against the Sky appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Sophie Cunningham had to speak up about a recent social media post that has gone viral following the Indiana Fever’s thrilling 78-76 win over the Washington Mystics on Monday.

Caitlin Clark delivered the biggest bucket of that contest, as she hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C.

Her basket came off a cross-court inbound pass from Cunningham, who later posted a series of photos on Instagram, including a meme that appeared to suggest she and Clark went rogue rather than follow head coach Stephanie White’s designed play out of the timeout.

Fans feasted on the meme online, prompting Cunningham to clarify its meaning.

“You guys read too much into things. That’s THE EXACT play our coach drew up and we executed it perfectly!” Cunningham wrote in a post on X.

you guys read too much into things. that’s THE EXACT play our coach drew up and we executed it perfectly! https://t.co/8C0iouJ5LK

— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) June 10, 2026

Cunningham was right. Indiana ran the play to perfection, with Clark getting a wide-open look at the rim before knocking down the shot from way deep.

The Fever don’t need any more drama this season, especially after dealing with controversy regarding a recent sideline confrontation between Clark and White. Cunningham simply shared a meme that other fans apparently mistook for something else.

With everything looking good again for the Fever, who have won two of their last three outings, they will aim for another victory on Thursday against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Chicago, Ill.

The post Sophie Cunningham addresses her viral post about Caitlin Clark’s game-winner appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kyler Murray did not exactly have the dream start to his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.

The veteran quarterback is in an open competition with JJ McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting job in Week 1. McCarthy may have gotten the edge on Tuesday to kick off Minnesota’s mandatory mini-camp.

Murray and McCarthy reportedly split first-team reps to kick off the offseason training. According to ESPN reporter Lindsey Thiry, Murray had a brutal first run with the main unit during 7-on-7 scrimmages. Murray got first crack at running the offense and had both of his first two pass attempts intercepted.

Murray was asked about the most difficult part of his transition to a new team thus far. He pointed to his QB battle with McCarthy as something making him uncomfortable.

“Now, having to split reps, me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense, that’s probably the toughest part,” Murray told reporters after Tuesday’s workouts.

Murray pointed to his experience with the Arizona Cardinals, when he felt “in control” and “comfortable” in an offense being built around the former No. 1 overall pick.

After seven years of being the franchise face in Phoenix, Murray finds himself in a completely different situation in Minnesota. How he responds to the adversity may go a long way in determining how many games he ends up starting for the Vikings next season.

McCarthy probably won’t be helping Murray assimilate to his new surroundings, considering the Michigan alum’s loaded comments about his relationship with Murray a couple of weeks ago.

The post Kyler Murray had disastrous first scrimmage during Vikings mini-camp appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Mikal Bridges feels like he owes it to a forgiving New York Knicks fan base to perform better in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The New York Knicks swingman was a virtual non-factor in his team’s 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. He went scoreless in the first half due to foul trouble and never got into a rhythm on both ends of the floor.

Bridges finished with just two points on 1/5 shooting and was the only starter to log under 30 minutes of playing time. But despite that, Bridges felt like he still had the support of the Knicks’ faithful, who want him looking forward to Game 4.

“I think I played a terrible game — not playing defense well and being in foul trouble,” Bridges told reporters on Tuesday. “I know personally, I’ve got to be better. I’ll do whatever it takes to be ready for Game 4.

“But it’s nice to have a sense from fans sometimes. You just walk in, and their mindset’s on getting ready for the next game, and that’s our mindset as a team. You can’t sulk about last game, you learn from it. You just can’t do nothing about it. You’ve got to learn from it, know what you’ve got to do better, and attack the next day.

“So getting that sense from the fans, you kind of see where they’re at, which is pretty cool for a fan base to think like that.”

Bridges became the internet’s punching bag after his muted performance in Games 2 and 3 of the Knicks’ first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. He had since rebounded with stellar play through the Knicks’ 13-game postseason winning streak, averaging 16.3 points on nearly 62 percent shooting from the floor.

Knicks fans will need that version of Bridges to show up for New York to have its best shot at going up 3-1 in the NBA Finals.

The post Mikal Bridges reveals how fans treated him after his ‘terrible’ Game 3 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Chicago White Sox rookie Braden Montgomery could not have scripted his first big-league game any better.

The 23-year-old got called up to play in his first MLB contest on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves in front of the home crowd at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. The baseball gods did not waste any time putting him in a pressure-packed situation.

With the White Sox trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the 10th inning, Montgomery was at the plate with a runner on third, two outs, and the entire stadium’s hopes resting on his shoulders. Montgomery took a first-pitch changeup from closer Raisel Iglesias and wasn’t going to take a second.

The Mississippi native put a charge in an identical 0-1 changeup that ended up in the left-field seats, electrifying the crowd with a walk-off home run.

BRADEN MONTGOMERY HITS A WALK-OFF HOMER IN HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT! pic.twitter.com/ifxPs2t57F

— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2026

The crowd noise was deafening as Montgomery rounded the bases. But the White Sox youngster apparently did not hear it as he entered a state of pure elation following his game-ending blast.

“That was surreal,” Montgomery said after the game. “I couldn’t hear anything. I was told the crowd was pretty loud.”

Crazy what your brain does in moments like this. Here is Braden Montgomery on rounding the bases: “That was surreal. I couldn’t hear anything. I was told the crowd was pretty loud.”

— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 10, 2026

Montgomery was no one-hit wonder either. He also delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the 4th inning that cut the Braves’ lead to 4-3. Final line: 2-for-5 with a home run and 3 RBIs. He recorded his first hit, first home run, and first walk-off hit all in his taste of MLB action.

In one night, Braden Montgomery made his MLB debut and collected his:
– first hit
– first RBI
– first home run
– first walk-off
– first walk-off home run pic.twitter.com/22TxG9k1v0

— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2026

That’s quite the first impression Montgomery made with the White Sox fan base.

The post White Sox rookie had great quote after hitting walk-off home run in MLB debut appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Jeremy Lin believes Jalen Brunson’s biggest contribution to the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals run may have come off the court.

Lin returned to Madison Square Garden as a spectator for Game 3 — his first time back in the venue since his last season in the NBA in 2018-2019. The Knicks icon, famous for his “Linsanity” run in 2012, had glowing praise for Brunson as he spoke to Melissa Rohlin of the California Post on Monday during New York’s 115-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

The Taiwanese-American pointed to Brunson’s decision to leave over $100 million on the table in 2021 as a huge reason behind the team’s success.

“[Brunson] is starting to get [the attention] now and definitely deserves it,” Lin said. “I don’t think enough people are talking about him giving up $113 million to build a team full of players that want to win. I think that speaks volumes. That’s also historic. It’s not talked about enough. Now he’s starting to get some of the recognition he deserves as a player, but he’s the consummate teammate and professional.”

Brunson had the opportunity to wait one more season to become eligible for a five-year, $270 million contract. Instead, he gave the Knicks a hometown discount by locking in his money early.

The Knicks All-Star did get the benefit of securing his bag rather than risking any serious injuries before signing. But his biggest gain arguably came in the form of reinforcements on the court, as the savings helped New York balance its cap sheet to form and keep the core of Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart.

The fivesome earned $170 million between them this season, and that figure is only set to go higher with all five under contract through to the 2027-28 season.

Brunson may have lost out on an additional nine-figure check, but the power of friendship may repay him with an NBA championship if the Knicks win two more NBA Finals games. That’s something money can’t buy.

The post Jeremy Lin points to 1 Jalen Brunson move that’s ‘not talked about enough’ appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The star power in the crowd for Game 4 of the NBA Finals is expected to be short a president.

President Donald Trump was in attendance for Game 3 of the New York Knicks- San Antonio Spurs clash at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. That’s not expected to be the case for Game 4.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Trump “will not be attending” a second consecutive NBA Finals game. The news comes after Trump stated he was considering going to both Knicks home contests. There’s reportedly no word yet on whether Trump would attend a Game 6 if the Spurs win at least one of the next two games.

Trump appeared to rank far below Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothee Chalamet in terms of popularity among Knicks fans in the stands for Game 3. The Knicks faithful booed Trump heavily when he was shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem.

Trump was seated next to his granddaughter, Kai Trump, and Knicks owner James Dolan, who invited the president to attend.

Regardless of where Knicks fans lie on the political spectrum, the presidential absence should make things easier for anyone looking to cheer on the team in Game 4. New York City cancelled several watch parties and heightened security measures to accommodate Trump.

The Knicks lost their first game of the NBA Finals in a 115-111 contest, continuing a trend plaguing the home team when Trump attends sporting events.

The post Donald Trump’s status for Knicks-Spurs Game 4 revealed appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Kyrie Irving is apparently drawing interest from coast to coast.

There are currently four “realistic” trade suitors for the Dallas Mavericks star guard Irving, per a report this week by veteran NBA writer Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. According to Robinson, those four teams are the Detroit Pistons, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving, a nine-time All-Star at 34 years old, missed all of this season while recovering from an ACL tear. He is signed for $39.5 million next season and also holds a $42.4 million player option for 2027-28.

Over the last several months, the Mavericks have fired GM Nico Harrison, traded away 10-time All-Star big man Anthony Davis, and parted ways with head coach Jason Kidd. As such, many believe that an Irving trade could be next for Dallas as he is the last man standing of sorts from the old regime.

There is, of course, some risk involved when it comes to trading for Irving, who is coming off a devastating injury and roughly 15 months and counting now away from the game. But Irving did recently provide a very encouraging update on his own status, which should put most concerns to rest.

Meanwhile, the Lakers (Luka Doncic), the Pistons (Cade Cunningham), and the Rockets (a returning Fred VanVleet) would all have to navigate crowded point guard situations by bringing in Irving. But the PG-needy Timberwolves might actually be the single most logical trade suitor for Irving, especially since Irving reportedly has the endorsement of one major figure in Minnesota.

The post Kyrie Irving is being linked to 4 teams in trade rumors appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Victor Wembanyama will be skating by without even so much as a slap on the wrist.

The NBA has decided not to retroactively assess the San Antonio Spurs star center Wembanyama a flagrant foul for his dirty hit on New York Knicks opponent Jalen Brunson during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday (per the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy). As a result, Wembanyama will remain at two total flagrant-foul points for the 2026 postseason.

In the first quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., Wembanyama got tangled up with Brunson during an off-ball sequence on a Spurs possession. Wembanyama shoved Brunson off him and hit the 6-foot-2 point guard with some force in the back of the head and neck area (see the video here).

The play went completely uncalled at the time, and the Spurs went on to win Game 3 over the Knicks by a final score of 115-111 to trim the latter’s advantage in the series to 2-1. Now the NBA has gone back and reviewed the Wembanyama-Brunson incident … but determined that no further action is necessary.

Wembanyama already picked up two flagrant-foul points with a flagrant 2 for elbowing Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second round. If Wembanyama had received a received a retroactive flagrant 1 foul for the dust-up with Brunson, he would have been just one more point away from an automatic one-game suspension (which is triggered by picking up four flagrant-foul points in a single postseason).

Now Wembanyama still has some leeway to potentially pick up one more flagrant 1 foul in the NBA Finals without having to worry about getting suspended. That ruling is sure to spark criticism from fans who might see the NBA as doing everything that they can to protect Wembanyama’s availability for the remainder of the Finals.

The post NBA makes a controversial decision on Victor Wembanyama-Jalen Brunson play in Game 3 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Leody Taveras was somewhere out in La La Land during Tuesday’s game.

The Baltimore Orioles outfielder Taveras produced one of the most embarrassing moments of the 2026 season in his team’s game against the Seattle Mariners. Taveras was batting for Baltimore to lead off the bottom of the ninth at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md.

With his team trailing 4-2, Taveras worked a 3-2 count from Mariners reliever Jose Ferrer. But Taveras somehow lost track of the count and started walking to first base after ball 3.

Taveras then compounded the mistake by taking his sweet time to get set in the batter’s box for the next pitch. Because Taveras was not in the box and alert to the pitcher by the eight-second count, he was called for a pitch timer violation. As a result, Taveras was automatically given strike 3 for an extremely humiliating strikeout.

mariners legend leody taveras just struck out on a pitch clock violation in the bottom of the 9th pic.twitter.com/9ea6thtVzF

— In pLy, Ran(s) (@lyagonalcutters) June 10, 2026

It is difficult to overstate how horrific that mistake was by Taveras. He was the leadoff batter in the ninth inning during a tight ballgame and ended up giving away an out on an absurd brain fart like that.

Taveras did end up getting bailed out by his Orioles teammates, who proceeded to score two runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game after the screw-up. But as a seven-year MLB veteran, Taveras looked even worse than a raw rookie on that play (which might be tied for the worst blunder of the year with the one that Tyler Stephenson produced last month).

The post Orioles’ Leody Taveras has the most boneheaded strikeout of the MLB season appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Aaron Boone does not see a world in which the New York Yankees finish the season with Aaron Judge on the injured list.

A serious rib injury has kept Judge out of the Yankees lineup since the end of May. Judge stated last week that he believes he suffered the injury while making a diving play during an April contest against the Houston Astros, and continued to play through the pain for a month.

Judge also declined to provide a timetable for his return, which has understandably raised concern among Yankees fans.

On Tuesday, Boone explained that the lack of a timeline does not mean Judge is in danger of missing the rest of the 2026 campaign. He was asked by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman whether the Yankees skipper was confident in Judge returning this season.

“Yes, yeah, and [Judge is] very confident,” Boone answered.

Boone was asked to explain the confidence despite the team not providing a target date for his return.

“Just the nature of the injury and hearing the doctors talk,” he added. “We just haven’t put a timeline on it because we don’t want to do that and miss the target or make the target or anything like that. I think there’s pretty strong confidence that he’ll be back and fully healthy.”

Judge was a surprise scratch from the Yankees’ lineup during a June 1 contest against the Cleveland Guardians due to what was initially listed as a shoulder injury. There were clear signs that neither Judge nor the Yankees initially knew what was truly bothering the 3-time MVP.

Any timeline would be better than no timeline when it comes to the sanity of the Yankees faithful eagerly awaiting the return of their star slugger. But Boone’s comments should alleviate any doomsday-level fears some fans may have about Judge’s injury.

The post Aaron Boone sends ‘strong’ message about Aaron Judge’s injury return appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Dalton Rushing once again went Dalton Rushing during Tuesday’s game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Rushing drew ire in the middle of his team’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the fifth inning at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa., Rushing was on first base with nobody out and teammate Alex Freeland at the plate.

Freeland bounced a ball to the right side that looked like a possible double play. But Rushing went way off the bag to slide into Pirates shortstop Jared Triolo in an attempt to break things up.

While Freeland ended up beating the return throw to first, the gambit was short-lived. Upon review, Rushing was called for interference due to the illegal slide, and Freeland was ruled out at first base as a result. Here is the video.

An illegal slide by Dalton Rushing results in a double play. pic.twitter.com/silR3Cjocc

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 10, 2026

In 2016, Major League Baseball adopted the “bona fide slide” rule, which was intended to punish dangerous takeout slides in which a baserunner went away from the bag in order to target a fielder. Interestingly enough, it was another Dodgers player (Chase Utley) who inspired the rule change by badly injuring an opponent on a reckless slide in the 2015 postseason.

As for Rushing, he already had a similarly dangerous slide during a game against the San Francisco Giants in April. Combined with some of Rushing’s other villainous moments this season, he is quickly becoming one of MLB’s most hated players.

The post Dodgers’ Dalton Rushing under fire for his latest reckless slide appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Ja Morant’s list of potential destinations appears to be dwindling again.

The Phoenix Suns will not be entertaining the possibility of trading for the Memphis Grizzlies star Morant this summer, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported on Tuesday. Siegel notes that Morant is “not an option” for the Suns heading into the offseason.

Morant’s relationship with the Grizzlies appears to have run its course. He was suspended by the team this season after confronting team head coach Tuomas Iisalo, and Memphis then proceeded to initiate a full-fledged rebuild in February by trading away former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. (a move that Morant openly spoke out against).

At 26 years old, Morant is a two-time NBA All-Star as well as a former All-NBA selection. But he has lost much of his luster these days, especially after appearing in just 79 total games over the last three seasons combined due to various injuries.

That said, Morant still has some appeal as a reclamation project. He posted 19.5 points and 8.1 assists per game this season when healthy and only has two more guaranteed years left under contract (meaning that a team could give Morant a one-year trial run and then easily flip him as an expiring contract next summer if he does not pan out).

Phoenix, a team that surprisingly went 45-37 this season without a starting-caliber true point guard on the roster, had previously been linked to Morant in trade rumors. But with the Suns now bowing out of the race for the mercurial point guard, there could still be at least one intriguing Morant suitor left out there.

The post 1 prominent suitor is out of the race for Ja Morant appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

Stephon Castle is calling his shot three games in.

The San Antonio Spurs guard Castle was speaking with ESPN’s Malika Andrews on Tuesday after his team’s Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. At one point in the interview, Andrews asked Castle if he expected the Spurs to win Game 4 in New York on Wednesday.

“Yeah definitely,” replied Castle. “I expect us to win the next three.”

Here is the full video of Castle’s remarks.

Stephon Castle on if he expects to win game 4 in Madison Square Garden

“I expect us to win the next three” pic.twitter.com/wedLA3PB9n

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 9, 2026

That is obviously the mentality that Castle and the Spurs should have after making it a series again with a victory in Game 3. San Antonio was right there in both Games 1 and 2 against New York as well (before collapsing late during both games), so it is safe to say they know that they can compete.

Castle, still only 21 years old, had one of his biggest career performances yet in Game 3 on Monday, posting 23 points on 8/14 shooting (including a crucial three-pointer to beat the shot clock buzzer with 1:53 left in the fourth quarter and two clutch free throws to ice the game for the Spurs with just 6.8 seconds remaining). While Castle has struggled with turnovers and inconsistency during San Antonio’s playoff run as well, he has also produced some breathaking highlights and is clearly not afraid of the moment right now in the NBA Finals.

The post Stephon Castle makes a bold statement for the rest of the NBA Finals appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

A jury in Collin County, Texas, on Tuesday announced its verdict in the Karmelo Anthony murder case.

Anthony was on trial in a Texas District Court for the murder of Austin Metcalf, a fellow high school student-athlete. Anthony was found guilty of stabbing Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025. Anthony’s Centennial High School and Metcalf’s Memorial High School were among the schools participating in the meet.

Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident and has since turned 19, admitted that he stabbed Metcalf. Anthony’s attorneys argued that Anthony was acting in self-defense in response to pressure from Metcalf’s school to leave from the area under Metcalf’s team’s tent. Metcalf had reportedly told Anthony to leave the area. Anthony reportedly said in response, “touch me and see what happens.”

Metcalf died in the arms of his twin brother.

Anthony was tried as an adult and can be sentenced from five years to life (99 years) in prison. The jury took three hours to deliberate before reaching its guilty verdict.

Here are screenshots of the Judge's charge to the jury in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial. It's the instructions they follow to determine whether the defendant's actions met the requirements of murder or manslaughter. If they don't meet the requirements of either he will be… pic.twitter.com/AYYmRt9qF9

— J.D. Miles (@jdmiles11) June 9, 2026

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The New York Knicks are well aware that Victor Wembanyama got away with one in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and are determined to make sure that does not happen again.

Wembanyama got away with a shove to the head of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during the Spurs’ Game 3 win on Monday. Officials did not see the play, and the Spurs center was not even called for a foul, even though it arguably could have been a flagrant.

The refs may have missed the play, but the Knicks did not. On Tuesday, reserve guard Jose Alvarado indicated that the players would make sure Wembanyama did not attempt that kind of move again.

“I think that’s not basketball,” Alvarado said, via Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “That’s something that they gotta look at. But he got away with one. That’ll be the last one.”

Alvarado is not necessarily threatening Wembanyama, but presumably, the Knicks will not be afraid to play physically against him. The league could still retroactively take action against the Spurs center as well.

Alvarado is not the sort of player anyone would want to mess with. The Knicks might have some extra motivation for Game 4.

The post Knicks player issues warning to Victor Wembanyama appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The NBA’s head of officiating admitted that the referees in Game 3 of the NBA Finals fell short in one odd fourth quarter moment.

The San Antonio Spurs attempted to make a substitution with just over five minutes left in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. Initially, the substitution did not take place, but officials abruptly whistled the play dead just after the New York Knicks had inbounded the ball to try to figure out what was going on.

NBA head of officiating Monty McCutchen felt that the game officials were not authoritative enough and got themselves into a mess as a result.

“You have to run the game with a certain authority that isn’t overly authoritative, which can be off-putting, but also not to be in a situation in which you allow confusion, which is exactly what happened,” McCutchen said on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “I think we contributed to the confusion by not being more authoritative in that regard, and allowed someone who thought they were coming in to come in.

“It should have been you are not allowed into the game, make sure he is clear that he is not allowed in the game, or clear that he is allowed into the game. Because we did such a poor job of that administratively, I think it was best handled the way it was.”

Monty McCutchen on this moment:

"It should have been you are not allowed into the game make sure he is clear that he is not allowed in the game or clear that he is allowed into the game and because we did such a poor job of that administratively I think it was best handled the… https://t.co/ubdVwbFepO pic.twitter.com/Pts7hEy7br

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 9, 2026

One can certainly argue that the officials did not put their stamp on the game as much as they should have even before this point. Victor Wembanyama seemingly got away with a dirty move in the first half, and it was not until the second half that foul calls became more frequent, though that benefitted one team more than the other.

Regardless, the officiating in Game 3 left a lot to be desired. It’s never a great sign when the league’s head of officiating is on television the next day answering questions about where they messed up.

The post Top NBA ref admits where crew did a ‘poor job’ in Game 3 appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

The Aaron Donald comeback rumors are continuing to gain steam.

Donald has been linked to speculation about a comeback since the Los Angeles Rams traded for Myles Garrett last week, but it is hard to tell just how serious the rumors are. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “The Adam Schefter Podcast” that not only are they serious, but that he believes it will ultimately happen.

“When you talk to all the people involved, nobody is coming out right now saying Aaron Donald is coming back. But everybody is acknowledging a possibility,” Schefter said. “And the fact that it is even a possibility in June tells me that I think there’s every possibility it will become more real in July. I think, if and when they present a plan to him as to how he would be used, I think it’s more likely than not that he’ll be back.”

Breaking down the chances of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement to return to the Los Angeles Rams.

Cc: @tyschmit

🎧 https://t.co/feeOzzB3Oz pic.twitter.com/7oxNlp4N3m

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 9, 2026

Schefter made it clear that no decision has been made yet, and Donald himself is not committing to anything. Instead, the signs are simply pointing this way.

Donald has also opened the door to the speculation via social media. When asked directly about the possibility, he admitted he is thinking about it “if I can find the fire.”

While Donald has not played in a game since the 2023 season, he has certainly stayed in impeccable enough shape to warrant speculation about a possible return. The notion of him teaming up with Garrett is a terrifying one if he can perform anywhere close to what he did at his peak. Based on Schefter’s speculation, we might actually get to find out what that would look like.

The post Top NFL insider shares bold prediction about Aaron Donald appeared first on Larry Brown Sports.

LeBron James dropped something of a hint about his career plans as speculation swirls about his future.

James has taken up golf in recent years with great enthusiasm, which has led some to believe that it is a signal of his impending retirement. Despite appearances, however, James says there is nothing to that.

“I’m happy that I picked it up at this point in my life, but that has nothing to do with my decision on my playing career,” James told Sean Gregory of Time. “That is separate. I love golf, man. But I also know the main thing is the main thing. And that’s my love for the game of basketball. If I continue to play, then that’s always gonna be my passion.”

It’s certainly easy to see why the golf fixation sparked speculation. James has even been spotted practicing his golf game on the sideline during NBA games, which felt a lot like a prelude to retirement.

To be clear, there is still no certainty that James will play next season. Even if he does, it remains a mystery as to where. Clearly, the expectation should be that James will remain interested in his golf game, but it will not be his top priority no matter how much it looks like it is.

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AJ Brown had a very bold farewell message for the Philadelphia Eagles after the team dealt him to the New England Patriots.

Brown was at the Eagles’ facility last week to pick up some of his belongings and say his goodbyes. The team hangs pictures of its Pro Bowl players at the facility and has the players sign them, so Brown took the opportunity to write a message on the his.

That message, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network: “The best to ever play here. Always open.”

From @gmfb: A.J. Brown stopped by the #Eagles’ facility last week to pick up some items, say goodbye and leave a parting message on the wall.

Meanwhile, as for the conspiracy theory floating around on what led to the Brown-Hurts rift, Big Dom and others are adamant it’s bogus. pic.twitter.com/M134pe9j8d

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 9, 2026

It is certainly a matter of debate as to whether Brown is even the greatest Eagles wide receiver of all time, but if he wanted to leave his mark, he undoubtedly did that. As Garafolo noted, the photo will stay up, so Brown’s message will be displayed going forward whether the team likes it or not.

Brown’s final year in Philadelphia was plagued by rumors of a dysfunctional relationship with Jalen Hurts and his own obvious frustrations with the offense. That evolved into an offseason saga regarding whether he would be dealt or not. When he finally did get shipped to the Patriots, the prevailing emotion seemed to be one of relief more than anything else.

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ESPN is negotiating a new contract with Pat McAfee, and the network is poised to make him a very wealthy man.

McAfee and ESPN are discussing a contract extension that would pay him more than $60 million per year, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. No agreement is officially in place yet.

McAfee’s new deal could also come with added responsibilities, including a more prominent role in the network’s NFL coverage. He currently makes about $30 million per year with the network for his daily show and his role on “College GameDay.”

Such a deal would make McAfee the top earner at ESPN. It would be nearly double what Stephen A. Smith makes for the network, so this is a clear indication of just how much ESPN values McAfee and wants to keep him in their stable of talent for years to come. The deal would even make him wealthier than the vast majority of NFL players, with only Dak Prescott’s and Joe Burrow’s deals being comparable in terms of average annual value.

McAfee first joined ESPN in 2023. His time with the network has not been without drama, and there have been reports that he is not hugely popular behind the scenes. However, he drives ratings and attention, which is the obvious top priority for the network.

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