Kenny Smith putting up staggering money to bid for Las Vegas NBA team
Kenny Smith has apparently managed to raise a whole lot of capital.
The NBA commentator Smith has joined an ownership group (led by ex-Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry and Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos) attempting to bid for an expansion team in Las Vegas, Nev., Chris Haynes of NBA TV reported on Friday. Haynes further adds that Smith has raised 20 percent of the total bid.
Smith, 61, played in the NBA for 10 seasons from 1987-97 and won back-to-back championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. He then went into commentating and eventually became a core member of the Sports Emmy Award-winning “Inside the NBA” crew.
For Smith, who also appears on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” as well as on CBS March Madness coverage, he earned an estimated $12 million in total salary over the course of his NBA career. Smith now earns more than that per year as an analyst (with a salary that is reportedly in the range of around $15 million annually).
But the numbers needed to fund a bid for the anticipated NBA expansion team in Las Vegas are staggering. The winning bid for the Vegas team is expected to surpass $10 billion, so this week’s report would mean that Smith somehow has been able to raise a sum of at least $2 billion.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently shared a notable update on the league’s expansion efforts. Las Vegas appears to be at the forefront of that conversation, and now Smith is trying to get to the front of the line when it comes to the bidding.
Tyrese Maxey calls out Stephen A. Smith over false report
Tyrese Maxey has now become the latest NBA star to dispute Stephen A. Smith’s reporting.
The ESPN personality Smith made a big claim on the air this week about the Philadelphia 76ers star Maxey. Smith was reacting on “First Take” to the 76ers’ epic comeback victory over James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.
Making note of the fact that Harden and Maxey used to be teammates on the 76ers, Smith claimed that Maxey went to then-head coach Doc Rivers’ house in 2023 and was nearly in tears over Harden’s lack of effort in the playoffs that year.
“Remember when they got bounced out in the postseason?” said Smith. “Remember when James Harden didn’t show up? Remember when Tyrese Maxey went to Doc Rivers’ crib damn-near crying because he was so damn frustrated [with] the absence of effort that took place [from Harden].”
Maxey disputed those remarks in a post to his X page on Friday. “Here yall go,” wrote Maxey. “I’ve never even been to DOC house.”
Here yall go… I’ve never even been to DOC house
— Tyrese Maxey (@TyreseMaxey) October 23, 2026
For what it is worth, Maxey and Harden were teammates on the 76ers for two seasons from 2022-23. In the latter year, Philadelphia lost in the second round of the playoffs after blowing a 3-2 series lead to the Boston Celtics.
During that series, Harden was indeed criticized for seemingly quitting on his team. But as for Maxey supposedly showing up at his head coach’s house with a list of grievances against Harden, that much appears to be quite false.
Indiana Fever make a major firing after playoff exit
The Indiana Fever are shaking things up.
The Fever have decided to fire general manager Amber Cox, Annie Costabile of The Athletic reported on Friday. Costabile adds that the move signals a “radical” shake-up in Indiana’s front office as the team looks to build a championship-caliber roster around superstar guard Caitlin Clark.
Additionally, the Fever announced earlier in the day on Friday that president Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down from her position as well. As a result, Indiana’s two lead front-office decision-makers are now out of the picture.
Cox was hired as the general manager and chief operations officer for the Fever in 2024, replacing Hall of Famer Lin Dunn. She had also previously worked as a lead executive for other WNBA franchises such as the Connecticut Sun and the Dallas Wings.
The Fever went a stellar 28-16 this season but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Las Vegas Aces. As a result, Indiana still has just one total playoff series win during Clark’s three seasons with the team.
This offseason, the Fever have a lot on the agenda with major decisions to make on unrestricted free agents Kelsey Mitchell (who was their leading scorer this season) and Sophie Cunningham. Clark herself is also eligible for a new max extension under the WNBA’s EPIC (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) provision this offseason.
Meanwhile with Cox and Krauskopf both now out of their respective jobs, the question now turns to the future of Indiana head coach Stephanie White, who has become an increasingly unpopular figure as well.
Britt McHenry fired from her Trump administration job after drink-throwing incident
Britt McHenry is out of a job in short order.
The former ESPN host McHenry has been forced to resign this week after video emerged of her throwing a drink on a fan at a Washington Wizards game, Carlos Greer of Page Six reported on Friday. McHenry had been working as a press advisor for the U.S. State Department under President Donald Trump.
Now 40 years old, McHenry was seen in a viral video throwing a drink on a fan during Wednesday’s Washington Wizards-Milwaukee Bucks game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (see the video here). The video also showed McHenry getting booed and pelted with debris after throwing the drink, and she would eventually blow kisses to the crowd as she was being escorted out.
McHenry’s camp later claimed that fans in the area had been heckling Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, allegedly making inappropriate comments about him and his fiancée Winnie Harlow. The Wizards went on to defeat the Bucks by a final score of 128-116.
Greer adds that McHenry had just been promoted earlier this week to a new role in the State Department leading External Affairs & Press under the team of Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. But as a result of the incident at the Wizards game, McHenry ended up being promoted and then fired within a 24-hour span.
McHenry worked as a correspondent for ESPN from 2014-17 but ultimately found herself laid off by the network (with McHenry later claiming that it was because of her conservative views). Additionally, McHenry drew infamy in 2015 over a viral video of her berating an attendant in a towing lot.
Nation’s leading receiver makes huge decision about his future
Oregon State Beavers freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree has taken the entire nation by storm.
Now, the leading receiver in the NCAA has announced he has re-signed and plans to stay at Oregon State for the 2027 season.
The moment Jesse Legree announced that he will be staying at Oregon State for the 2027-28 season: https://t.co/5vXPJmO9uL
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 23, 2026
Legree is leading the NCAA in receiving yards (1,040), touchdown receptions (14) and receiving yards per game (148.6).
Here’s what Legree said to ESPN about his decision to stay at Oregon State.
“I fell in love with the culture out there,” Legree said. “We’ve built a great culture and it’s only going to get bigger from here. This is going to become the start of a national powerhouse.”
Legree had a massive 8-catch, 240-yard, 2-touchdown performance in Week 2 against Texas Tech, although the Beavers lost 35-24 to a top-25 team in the nation.
Oregon State has won five in a row, and quarterback Braden Atkinson has thrown for 2,604 yards with 24 touchdowns as he leads the nation in both categories.
Legree made the announcement where he played high school football, at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, as Oregon State is currently on its bye week.
Legree was a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports, and he had offers from Delaware State, Rhode Island, Temple and others before he decided to go to Oregon State.
Legree also didn’t have a traditional signing day because he was a three-star prospect. And, he didn’t even play WR until his senior year, after he made the switch from defensive back.
If you’re wondering why Jesse Legree held a big decision day announcement at his high school during the middle of the season he told us that he didn’t get a big signing day as a 3 star prospect coming out of high school. He felt like he missed out. He now leads the country in every major receiving category. He didn’t end play WR until his senior year when he switched from DB!! You never know where the top talent is going to come from!!
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) October 23, 2026
Oregon State is currently in first place in the revamped Pac-12 Conference, and the Beavers will face the Fresno State Bulldogs in Week 9 on the road on Halloween.
Brian Schottenheimer had 3-word response to potentially giving up play-calling duties
The Dallas Cowboys offense has struggled this season, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer sure doesn’t sound like he will make a change at this moment.
When asked if he was considering giving up his duties as the offensive play-caller, Schottenheimer had three words: “No, absolutely not.”
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer on @1053thefan on if he’s considered giving up play-calling duties: “No, absolutely not.”
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 23, 2026
In the same interview, Schottenheimer went on to call himself an “elite play-caller.”
"We haven’t changed who we are. We’re still a good, explosive offense with weapons… I haven’t lost the ability to call plays. I’m an elite play caller in this league." Brian Schottenheimer discusses the noise around the Cowboys’ offense and why he believes the issues can be corrected quickly with @1053SS, @rjchoppy, and @BobbyBeltTX
— 105.3 The FAN (@1053thefan) October 23, 2026
The Cowboys have gotten off to a 2-4 start, and the offense ranks 12th in points per game. The Cowboys are second-to-last in rushing yards per game.
However, over the past two weeks, Dallas has scored a total of 29 points, and that comes after two straight games of scoring 30 or more points.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said it was “very frustrating” after the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Owner Jerry Jones then made it clear that they don’t intend to sell at the deadline, although things can change quickly in Dallas.
The Cowboys have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, so if they miss out again, frustration could be brewing more in Dallas.
Lamar Jackson shares injury update ahead of Bengals game
Everyone is wondering whether or not Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will return for the Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On Friday, Jackson spoke to reporters, and he said he feels like he’s headed in the “right direction.”
Lamar Jackson on whether he will play Sunday against the Bengals: “Right now, I’m heading in the right direction.” https://t.co/AGRYdRZvmc
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 23, 2026
Jackson left the game early in Week 4 after suffering a sprained ankle, and Tyler “Snoop” Huntley has been filling in at QB since then.
Jackson has been limited during practice this week, but on Friday, head coach Jesse Minter said that they are “still working through” whether or not the QB will start.
Ravens coach Jesse Minter on whether Lamar Jackson will play Sunday against the Bengals: “We’re still working through that.” Minter did say that Jackson got a “pretty good amount of work in” at Friday’s practice. He said it will be a decision on how Jackson feels and how effective he will be.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 23, 2026
Jackson also said that he has a “grace period” until Sunday as far as figuring out whether or not he can play, so there might not be any indication until that day.
The Ravens released another injury report on Friday, and Jackson is listed as questionable for the game.
Game status vs. Bengals https://t.co/bJIL9hngwi
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2026
The Ravens are 4-2, but getting Jackson back for the AFC North showdown with the Bengals would be a big boost.
NFL makes final decision on Bills player’s suspension for spitting
Buffalo Bills defensive back Sam Franklin Jr. was suspended for one game by the NFL, but after the appeal, a new ruling has come in.
Hearing officer Hames Thrash announced that Franklin will now face a fine of $14,926 instead of serving a one-game suspension.
Hearing officer James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has reduced the discipline of Sam Franklin from a one-game suspension to a fine of $14,926 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 23, 2026
Following the Bills’ 33-30 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, the league said Franklin was suspended due to an “act of unsportsmanlike conduct.”
Franklin was accused of spitting on a Raiders player, but the Buffalo DB denied such allegations, as he posted a video on social media.
Bills safety Sam Franklin has posted the slo-mo video of him getting hit in the groin on his official IG page, with the hashtag #notthemcnuggets, and a caption reading, in part, “still won’t spit on anyone!” I’m told Franklin will appeal his 1-game suspension. https://t.co/QlXnMDrVuU
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) October 21, 2026
Franklin’s agents also released a statement after the appeal decision.
Statement from Bills DB Sam Franklin Jr.’s agents, Harold C. Lewis and Christian Addison, after appeals officer James Thrash reduced Franklin’s one-game suspension to a $14,926 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct: “As we said from the start, Sam did not and would never spit at an opponent, and there was no evidence that he did. We’re glad the suspension was overturned and grateful to the hearing officer for a fair and thorough review. It’s unfortunate the league suspended Sam in the first place based on an unsupported accusation that received so much undeserved attention, and we hope the outcome is covered just as widely. We also hope the league takes a serious look at the opposing player’s conduct, including striking Sam in the groin twice during the game. We’re glad this is behind him, so Sam can get back to focusing on his teammates and next Sunday.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 23, 2026
In the same game, Bills veteran CJ Gardner-Johnson was ejected for spitting on Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, and he was then suspended by the league for one game.
The Bills have a bye in Week 7, but Franklin will be able to play in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Brewers make surprising call on Brandon Woodruff for World Series despite injury
Brandon Woodruff hasn’t pitched since July 4, but the Milwaukee Brewers hope he can contribute in the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Questions swirled about whether Woodruff would make the roster, but the Brewers did include him on the official roster when it was released Friday morning ahead of Game 1.
The Brewers have 13 pitchers and 13 position players on the roster.
The #WorldSeries Crew ❕ #WinOurWay x @AmFam https://t.co/Oya31RmdZb
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) October 23, 2026
Woodruff has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee, and he has been there since 2017, meaning he is the longest-tenured player on the roster.
This season, Woodruff has made just 9 starts. He dealt with an injury early in the season, then returned at the end of June and almost threw a perfect game in his return.
Woodruff then left his start early on July 4, and he was placed on the IL with an inflamed labrum. He didn’t return in the regular season, and it looked like the two-time All-Star would not be able to return at all this season.
Woodruff also missed the entire 2024 season, and he made just 12 starts in 2025 as injuries have derailed his career over the past few seasons.
Milwaukee left Chad Patrick off the roster as Woodruff took his spot, but it remains to be seen how much Woodruff will pitch in the World Series.
Game 1 of the World Series between the Brewers and Rays is on Friday at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Dalton Knecht has signed with a new team after being released by Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, but the ex-Tennessee Volunteers star has now landed with a new team.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the New York Knicks have signed Knecht to a two-way contract. The Knicks are waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. in a corresponding move to make room for Knecht, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Former Lakers forward Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks on a two-way NBA contract, his agents at Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. https://t.co/1gePugMy3Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2026
Knecht’s name swirled in trade rumors this summer. The Lakers appeared to trade Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in 2025 in exchange for Mark Williams, although the trade was rescinded due to medicals for the Hornets’ center.
Since then, Knecht’s role took a hit, and he never found much of a rhythm, which led to the Lakers releasing him right before the start of the season.
Knecht was selected at No. 17 overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he played 78 games as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points in over 19 minutes per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, but averaged just 4.2 points in just over 10 minutes per game, so he had fallen out of the rotation.
The NBA’s two-way deal means Knecht can be eligible to play for the Knicks and their G League team.
Colts’ Anthony Richardson has been charged with marijuana possession
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. is now dealing with some legal issues.
Reports surfaced on Friday that Richardson has been charged with marijuana possession after being pulled over because the vehicle’s license plate did not match its registration.
“According to court documents obtained by FOX59/CBS4, Richardson faces a Class B misdemeanor charge for possession of marijuana. The charge was officially filed on Monday, Oct. 19,” according to Tyler Haughn of Fox 59.
Officers said they smelled the “odor of marijuana” when they approached the vehicle. Richardson then admitted to the officers that he did smoke in the vehicle to avoid doing so in front of his children.
The Colts released a statement on the matter involving Richardson: “We are aware of the situation involving Anthony Richardson and are currently gathering additional information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
Officers found a jar containing marijuana and gummies that tested positive for THC.
Currently, Indiana is one of 19 states where marijuana has yet to be fully decriminalized. Whether Richardson will be suspended from the NFL remains to be seen, although players have been suspended for such situations in the past.
Richardson requested a trade this offseason, but the Colts ended up holding on to the former No. 4 overall pick.
A bench trial for Richardson has been scheduled for Jan. 4.
LeBron James laughs off President Trump’s apology demand
LeBron James brushed aside President Donald Trump’s demand for an apology Thursday night, delivering a short, lighthearted reply after the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener.
The episode originated Tuesday at Madison Square Garden during the 76ers’ season-opening game against the New York Knicks. Video captured James practicing a golf swing and shooting motion while the national anthem played, as most of his teammates stood still.
Trump shared the footage on Truth Social and wrote that James “disrespects our Country,” labeling him a “TOTAL DISGRACE.” He added that James “should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for.”
Trump later referenced the moment at a campaign rally in Iowa, calling it “a big scandal kind of a story.”
James addressed the comments after the 76ers overcame a 29-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106, the largest comeback win of his career.
“It must be a slow news day at the office,” he said, via ESPN. “Slow news day at the office.”
Head coach Nick Nurse described the situation as outside noise, emphasizing that the team’s focus in practice, film sessions, and games has remained outstanding amid other distractions.
The exchange continues a years-long public friction between the two.
James, 41 and in his record 24th NBA season with his fourth team, has previously criticized Trump, including calling him a “bum” in 2017. No apology has been offered, and the 76ers appear focused on moving past the external attention as the season progresses.
Chiefs rookie praises Travis Kelce’s aura in wholesome mic’d-up moment
A mic’d-up moment from the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 6 win over the Los Angeles Chargers captured the genuine respect a high-profile rookie holds for veteran tight end Travis Kelce.
After Kelce hauled in a 24-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs’ No. 6 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, offered an unfiltered reaction from the sideline.
“Kelce has so much aura,” Delane said. “He got so much aura, bro. Kelce has so much aura, like if I had a son, I want him to be just like him.”
The clip, which circulated widely after being shared by the NFL, underscored the leadership presence Kelce continues to provide in his 14th season. The three-time Super Bowl champion later addressed the comments on the New Heights podcast alongside his brother Jason, responding with clear appreciation.
“Yeah, that’s my guy! Shout out to 5,” Kelce said, referencing Delane’s jersey number. “Mansoor is funny as [expletive] for that. I love this squad; we got a good team.”
Kansas City improved to 5-0 with the 22-6 victory at Arrowhead Stadium and remains the only undefeated team in the AFC.
Delane, who played college football at Virginia Tech and LSU, has already contributed on the defensive side while learning from established veterans. The exchange offered a lighthearted look at the culture inside a contending locker room, where a young player openly credits a longtime star for setting a high standard both on and off the field.
Fans all said the same thing after Al Michaels’ latest blunders
Al Michaels drew fresh criticism during Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football broadcast of the Chicago Bears’ 30-24 win over the New England Patriots at Soldier Field.
The long-time play-by-play voice committed multiple errors that stood out to viewers and fueled immediate calls for his retirement on social media.
Early in the game, Michaels called a fumble that never occurred. On a second-and-seven run by Corey Kiner, he declared that the ball came out as defenders converged, yet Kiner retained possession, and New England kept the ball.
Later, Michaels stated that quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Drake Maye belonged to the 2014 draft class. Both were selected in 2024, with Williams going first overall to Chicago and Maye third overall to New England.
Additional missteps included a subdued call on Rhamondre Stevenson’s 48-yard touchdown as time expired in the first half, during which Michaels offered little more than a late, “Look at him go.”
He also claimed the Chicago Cubs had won the World Series in Cleveland 10 years earlier that night; the Series had not yet begun, and he appeared to mean the National League pennant. Michaels further overlooked a helmet-to-the-knee collision that briefly sidelined Bears running back D’Andre Swift.
These lapses prompted widespread fan frustration online, with many arguing that the 81-year-old broadcaster’s performance had declined and that it was time for him to step away from the booth. The reaction was consistent across platforms as clips of the mistakes circulated.
NFL slams 3 head coaches with separate $250,000 fines
The NFL has fined Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, and New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn $250,000 each for conduct toward game officials, reports Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
News of the fines first surfaced during the league’s fall owners’ meetings as officials addressed rising sideline tensions among coaches, players and referees.
The fines are being held in abeyance. That means they remain on hold and can be rescinded if the three coaches avoid further confrontations with officials for the rest of the season. The league appears intent on drawing a clearer line against berating referees while still leaving room for the penalties to disappear with improved behavior.
Specific incidents tied to the fines were not publicly identified. Vrabel, however, drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in Week 4 during New England’s 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills. He left the coaching box late in the first half to confront an official after a defensive holding call on cornerback Marcus Jones and used profanity.
Vrabel later said he told the official it was a “terrible” call and noted he had used similar language many times before, though he acknowledged he should not have sworn and that he needed to be better in those moments.
Sirianni has long been known for animated exchanges with referees. When asked Thursday about his approach, he said he tries to improve daily as a coach and person, adding that progress is not overnight and that moments of “relapse” still occur.
Glenn has also had visible, heated discussions with crews this season, including an animated exchange during a Jets game against the Browns.
If the $250,000 penalties ultimately stick, they would rank among the largest coaching fines in NFL history. For now, they function as a pointed warning rather than an immediate collection.
NFL legend reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis
Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has revealed that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The 53-year-old shared the news on the Caring Neurologist podcast with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar, saying he has been managing the progressive condition for roughly 18 months.
Faulk first noticed symptoms while playing golf. He initially dismissed the issue as ordinary nerves.
“I just thought it was normal nerves when putting and stuff like that,” Faulk said. “But it started to be times where I was playing, but I wasn’t in a match, and it would still do that. And I was like, ‘Wow, is that something — is that normal?’ And the doctor was — he literally was like, ‘You need to go get checked.’”
Early detection allowed him to begin treatment promptly. With medication, Faulk reports that his symptoms have remained stable. He experiences hand rigidity and occasional tremors but has noted no cognitive decline.
“Since I’ve started on the medication, I don’t really have a lot of issues,” he said. “I might sleep a little more. Other than that, the rigidity in my hands, I still have that. Can’t say that it’s gotten worse. The little tremors that I get, you know, they are what they are. I just pay attention to my gait while I walk, when I’m working out, my ability to balance. It’s still where it is.”
Faulk described his outlook as measured rather than fearful.
“I didn’t look at it like if I got a diagnosis, life was going to end,” he said. “It’s something you live with. It’s not to where it’s a detriment to your livelihood. Now, if you don’t take care of it, there’s an opportunity for that to be. But you have to take care of it.”
He added that he feels “in a good place” and is “functioning” well, calling himself “one of the lucky ones” for catching the condition early.
Faulk continues in his role as head football coach at Southern University, where the Jaguars are 3-4 this season.
The former Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams standout was a cornerstone of the Rams’ Greatest Show on Turf offense. He helped win Super Bowl XXXIV, earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors in 2000, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 on his first ballot.
Faulk hopes speaking publicly will encourage others to address early symptoms.
“I want to help as many people as I can,” he said. “Just start on the medication. Don’t wait for it to get worse.”
He has not yet discussed the diagnosis extensively with family but remains optimistic that consistent care will allow him to maintain his current lifestyle.
Jaylen Brown calls Jayson Tatum a liar in public callout
Jaylen Brown is not buying what his former buddy Jayson Tatum is trying to sell.
The Boston Celtics’ dynamic duo was broken up in July when the team traded Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster move that eventually led to LeBron James also ending up in Philly. The pair played nine seasons together and won a championship in 2024.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report posted a video of Tatum sharing how he found out about the trade. The Celtics star claimed he had just finished a pickup basketball run in Las Vegas when ESPN reporter Shams Charania personally told him the news.
“Shams walks over,” Tatum recounted. “He hands me the towel. He was like, ‘Yo, put this over your face. Don’t react. They just traded him.”
“I’m like, ‘Oh s–t, where?’ He said, ‘Philly.’ … So, I was just as much caught off guard as the rest of the world.”
Brown commented on a video with a cap emoji, claiming Tatum was lying or “capping” in his message.
Jaylen Brown replied "🧢" under this Jayson Tatum video 🤔🤔🤔 https://t.co/xnrnuf3usy
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) October 23, 2026
It’s hard to imagine the Celtics making such a franchise-altering decision without consulting with their franchise player in Tatum. That’s probably how Brown felt as well.
Perhaps Tatum genuinely didn’t expect the trade to be completed exactly in that moment, but he more than likely privy to Boston’s possible moves with Brown. At the very least, Celtics president Brad Stevens must have inquired about Tatum’s feelings on teaming up with Paul George before agreeing to the deal.
Once the 76ers-Celtics trade was official, reports emerged about Tatum and Brown’s virtually non-existent relationship off the court. Jaylen’s public callout of Jayson all but confirms animosity still lingering between the two.
Everyone had the same reaction to Ben Johnson’s bold move to beat Patriots
Ben Johnson won over several fans with his daring play call that paid off Thursday against the New England Patriots.
The Chicago Bears had possession and led the Patriots 27-21 with under two minutes left at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. With the Bears facing 4th-and-15 at the Patriots’ 40, most expected the punting unit to trot out.
Instead, Johnson had kicker Cairo Santos line up for a 58-yard field goal attempt. Santos’ kick had just enough juice to sneak through the uprights, sealing Chicago’s 30-24 win.
SANTOS JUST DRILLED A 58-YARDER TO GO UP TWO POSSESSIONS. NEvsCHI on Prime Video Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/XgUaLFdlzS
— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2026
Santos entered Thursday’s game without ever converting on a field goal beyond 55 yards. Had he missed, the Patriots would have had prime field position for a potential game-winning touchdown drive.
Several fans lauded Johnson, calling him ballsy for riding with his kicker in that moment.
Ben Johnson leaving Soldier Field after deciding to kick a 58-yard FG with a lead to ice the game https://t.co/XHc7pkVI3e
— NFL Memes (@NFLMemes) October 23, 2026
Ballsy by Ben Johnson. Wow.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2026
BALLSY PLAYCALL FROM BEN JOHNSON!! BEARS GO UP 9 ON A 58 YARD FG!!! https://t.co/GpyrfRtQQY
— Zero Gravity (@zgsportsmedia) October 23, 2026
Ben Johnson had balls of STEEL for that 😭
— caleb williams nail tech (@fvckalicia_) October 23, 2026
Santos had just missed a 53-yard kick to end the Bears’ previous possession.
Given such circumstances, most coaches probably wouldn’t have doubled down on an even longer attempt. But Johnson has never been shy about bucking the usual coaching trends.
Knicks employees had the cruelest trick pulled on them before ring ceremony
The New York Knicks used a mean-spirited way to test their employees on the heels of the team’s first championship in decades.
The Knicks doled out some of their championship jewelry during Tuesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, N.Y. But not everyone hoping for a ring actually got one.
NBA teams maintain full discretion over which of their employees and staff members receive championship rings. Such a policy usually means that teams go above and beyond to provide rings — even watered-down versions — to loyal employees and staffers.
According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, several longtime Madison Square Garden employees, including some who work in the Knicks’ business operations, “will not receive rings at all.”
What’s worse is that those same employees and several others who work in MSG “got their hopes up” in late September when they each received an email claiming they would.
“Congratulations, your Employee Championship Ring is here,” the email read, via The Athletic.
“(Employee name), this one is on the house. MSG is issuing a complimentary employee championship ring. The same jeweler, the same craftsmanship, personalized with your name. No cost to you.
“There are two designs to choose from: Championship Gold and Garden Classic. Reserve the one you want below.”
The email turned out to be a phishing test conducted by Madison Square Garden security personnel. Instead of getting a championship ring, those who clicked on the link provided in the email were forced to undergo mandatory cybersecurity training.
The test was reportedly to help “satisfy” Knicks owner James Dolan, who has had growing concerns about cybersecurity within his companies. While cybersecurity safety levels probably rose within the MSG organization, team morale likely went the other direction.
Cavaliers succumb to historic choke job in LeBron James’ 76ers home debut
The Cleveland Cavaliers made the wrong kind of history Thursday to open their 2026-27 campaign.
The Cavaliers dominated the Philadelphia 76ers through two quarters, leading to some early boos from the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. Donovan Mitchell converted on a turnaround jumper to give the Cavs a 69-40 lead with just over a minute left in the first half.
The 76ers were already getting clowned by fans before the halftime break.
Cavs very elite or 76ers just not as good as we thought they would be… https://t.co/sswYu4CcN2
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) October 23, 2026
Not opening day champions Philadelphia 76ers getting dominated at home by the Cleveland Cavaliers 😭😭
— LOOPY (@TheLoopyBlgger) October 23, 2026
It was all downhill from there for Cleveland. The 76ers’ newly formed Big 4 of LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey combined for 61 second-half points to key a 37-point turnaround for Philly.
After trailing by 29 points late in the second quarter, the Sixers came roaring back to win 114-106.
BROWN, MAXEY, EMBIID, LEBRON LEAD 29-POINT COMEBACK 🔥 In the 2nd half: Brown: 17 PTS, 5 REB Maxey: 17 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL Embiid: 15 PTS LeBron: 12 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST LARGEST SIXERS COMEBACK OF THE PLAY-BY-PLAY ERA! https://t.co/s0Vet48MsA
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2026
The Cavs’ choke job was the first time in the shot clock era that a team had led by 20+ points at the half of their season opener and lost. Teams were 65-0 in such scenarios before Thursday’s contest.
The 29-point comeback also represented the Sixers’ largest in franchise history. The previous high was Philadelphia’s 26-point comeback against the Indiana Pacers in 2008.
LeBron will surely be in a great mood during his helicopter ride back to his New York residence.
