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Cooper Kupp without a helmet

Fans react to Cooper Kupp’s new hairstyle with Seahawks

July 14, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Cooper Kupp is now a member of the Seattle Seahawks, and he has marked his new start with a new haircut.

Kupp has trimmed his beard and has his hair long and frizzy, coming down to midway down his cheeks. You can see the look in a photo of him in a Seahawks jersey.

There's a new QB and WR in Seattle 👀@CooperKupp | @Seahawks pic.twitter.com/SJMPatO5q5

— NFL (@NFL) July 14, 2025

Fans reacted to the photo and feel Kupp’s new look has a music vibe.

Cooper Kupp out here looking like the lead singer of a boy band pic.twitter.com/t7VlCPEsA3

— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) July 14, 2025

Cooper Kupp is all in on being in Seattle. Apparently he joined some grunge band in addition to signing with the Seahawks. 😂🎸 pic.twitter.com/It3CezstSK

— Auerbach Thoroughbreds 🏇 (@UnusualHeat) July 14, 2025

Who wore it better?

Cooper Kupp or Pickford from Dazed & Confused? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/dWPNr39QIo

— Sean Mitchell (@smitchell17) July 14, 2025

Cooper Kupp looks like one of those boyfriends off the old Disney Channel shows back in the day. pic.twitter.com/17McllsSEk

— Jameson Hutchison (@Jamesonrulez) July 14, 2025

Cooper Kupp new look giving me the same vibes here… pic.twitter.com/wf7qt02WK5

— LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy) July 14, 2025

Here is a comparison to the more clean-cut look Kupp had during his rookie season.

Cooper Kupp in his rookie year 🆚 his ninth season 🌊

📸: @RamsNFL / @Seahawks https://t.co/KySn6JaDbq pic.twitter.com/v8IPZKqBUO

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) July 14, 2025

Kupp has definitely changed things up. The 32-year-old is also hoping for a rebirth in Seattle.

Kupp has battled injuries over the past three years, which followed his stellar 2021 season. That year, Kupp led the NFL with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Since then, Kupp has played in 33 games over three seasons while being limited by hamstring and ankle injuries.

Last season, Kupp had 67 catches for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns. Despite his down year, Kupp still got a 3-year, $45 million deal from the Seahawks. He’s eager to show the Seahawks were right to invest in him.

FootballCooper Kupp
Nick Sirianni on the sideline

Nick Sirianni calls out ‘bullsh-t’ narrative about Jalen Hurts

July 14, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Nick Sirianni believes there is a narrative surrounding Jalen Hurts that is total baloney.

Sirianni was quoted by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Reuben Frank for a piece that was published on Monday. In that story, Sirianni called out the narrative that Hurts is more of a game-manager quarterback rather than a dynamic playmaker.

“Yeah, that’s bullsh-t,” Sirianni said, according to Frank (profanity censored by LBS).

Sirianni, who is entering his fifth season as the Eagles’ head coach, believes some of that narrative is rooted in sports talk shows needing to fill air time.

“Anytime, I hear that, it’s cool, it’s like a nice debate thing that people like to have and I get it, there’s a lot of hours that TV shows and radio stations have to fill to be able to fill that debate. I understand that, but we’re talking about the ultimate team game there is and he does whatever he needs to do to win each and every game,” Sirianni said.

Hurts was a second-round pick by the Eagles in 2020 and became the starter in 2021. The Eagles have gone 46-20 in games he’s started. He has passed for 14,667 yards and 85 touchdowns in 77 career games, while rushing for 3,133 yards and 55 touchdowns. He’s had at least 600 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in every season he’s been a starting quarterback. He is a playmaker who wins and has mastered the “Tush Push.”

Hurts is not a gimmick, nor is he merely a product of a team with talent surrounding him. He is a key piece to the Eagles’ success, which is dependent on having several good players on the team.

The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl win. They have been to the playoffs in all four seasons where Hurts has been their starter, reaching the Super Bowl twice.

FootballJalen HurtsPhiladelphia Eagles
Al Horford during warmups

Interesting report surfaces about Al Horford’s free agency decision

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Al Horford has drawn significant interest as a free agent this summer despite his age, and there is apparently one team that expected to have signed the veteran big man by now.

ESPN’s Marc Spears discussed Horford’s free agency during Monday’s edition of “NBA Today.” The reporter said there are at least four teams that have been pursuing Horford and that the Golden State Warriors expected to sign the five-time All-Star last week.

“Golden State obviously expected him to sign last week. He didn’t,” Spears said. “Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta I believe are also interested in a nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table. He’s still considering retiring.

“He’s not in any hurry. He’s got a sixth kid coming on the way. He lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. But I’m hearing that whether it’s Golden State or, to a lesser extent, if it’s the Lakers, being away from the family that far isn’t gonna be in the decision.”

Spears also said that Horford’s 10-year-old son Ian “loves basketball” and could convince his father to keep playing.

"Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn't. Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta I believe are also interested."

– @MarcJSpears on Al Horford

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )

pic.twitter.com/DyBaNW7puI

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 14, 2025

Horford, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game for the Boston Celtics this past season. He can hit the occasional three-pointer and has made 37.7 percent of his career attempts from beyond the arc. Horford is also a strong rebounder and low-post defender.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens suggested last week that the team does not expect Horford to be back. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss most — if not all — of the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles, Boston may not want to spend the money to re-sign Horford.

The Warriors seem like the favorite to sign Horford if he does not retire, though the 39-year-old may have his choice of multiple contenders.

BasketballAl Horford
Jonathan Kuminga grinning while warming up

Report: Jonathan Kuminga could remain with Warriors

July 14, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Jonathan Kuminga might actually be back with the Golden State Warriors for next season.

Kuminga is a restricted free agent since the Warriors extended him a qualifying offer. Going back to May, when the Warriors were eliminated from the playoffs by the Timberwolves, some Golden State star players did not express confidence in Kuminga returning to the team. However, things may have changed.

Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel reported in a column over the weekend that Kuminga returning to the Warriors seems “likely.” A market for him in a sign-and-trade deal did not really materialize. That’s why the expectation reportedly is that Kuminga will return to the team for 2025-2026 and then be traded ahead of the February deadline.

Kuminga was the No. 7 overall pick by the Warriors in 2021. He has been with the team for four seasons, though he slipped back into a reserve role last season. Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game last season. He appeared in 47 games, making 10 starts and averaging 24.3 minutes per game. Kuminga increased his 3-point shot attempts from 2.2 per game the previous season to 3.2 per game last season, which likely contributed to his field goal percentage dropping to a career-low 45.4. Kuminga had less of a rule on the team once they acquired Jimmy Butler.

“We would love to have him back,” Buddy Hield said of Kuminga during an interview Sunday at the NBA Summer League. “He’s a specialty talent, and I hope that he stays and hope that we can go on this run together.”

If Kuminga indeed returns to the Warriors, it sounds like his teammates will be pretty happy about it.

BasketballGolden State WarriorsJonathan Kuminga
Karmelo Anthony poses for a mugshot

Karmelo Anthony will not face trial for a long time

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Karmelo Anthony was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder last month, but it will be a very long time before the teenager faces trial.

Anthony was indicted on first-degree murder charges by a grand jury in Collin County, Texas, on June 24. A judge in Collin County has now set a preliminary start date for the trial of June 1, 2026.

A court hearing that was previously scheduled for July 18, 2025, has been cancelled, according to CBS News.

Anthony was arrested on April 2 after he allegedly stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest during a dispute at a high school track meet in Frisco. Metcalf died due to the stabbing. A police report said that Anthony had admitted to stabbing Metcalf.

Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident and is 18 now, was released on April 14 after posting a bond that had been reduced to $250,000 from $1 million. He is currently under house arrest and must stay inside his parents’ house under adult supervision while wearing an ankle monitor. Anthony is not allowed to use social media and must check in with the court once a week.

An online fundraising campaign bearing Anthony’s name had raised nearly $550,000 as of Monday. Anthony’s family drew backlash following reports that they had moved into a gated community and purchased a new car, but Anthony’s mother said in April that the family had not used any money from the fundraising campaign.

The June 1, 2026, trial date could potentially be pushed back at some point, which means Anthony may not face trial for a year or more. He is facing a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

Everything ElseKarmelo Anthony
Garrett Wilson wearing a cap

Garrett Wilson sets new NFL mark with massive contract extension from Jets

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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The New York Jets expect Garrett Wilson to be their top wide receiver for years to come, and they have proven that by signing the former first-round pick to a massive new contract.

Wilson and the Jets have agreed to a 4-year, $130 million contract extension, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $90 million in guaranteed money.

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, Wilson will become the first receiver in NFL history to sign a contract worth more than $31 million annually after playing in the NFL for only three seasons.

Wilson has had more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first three NFL seasons. He set career highs last season with 101 catches, 1,104 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Wilson, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was openly unhappy with his role in New York’s offense late last season. That led to speculation that he might be traded, but the Jets have since cleaned house and have a new head coach in Aaron Glenn and quarterback in Justin Fields.

The $32.5 million average annual salary makes Wilson the fifth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL behind only Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and DK Metcalf.

FootballGarrett WilsonNew York Jets
Joy Taylor poses for a photo

Joy Taylor out at FS1 as part of major changes

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Joy Taylor is out at Fox Sports amid a series of changes that are being made to FS1’s on-air programming.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported on Monday that Taylor will not have her contract renewed by Fox Sports after nine-plus years with the network. The move coincides with the cancellation of “Speak,” which is the show Taylor co-hosts with Keyshawn Johnson and Paul Pierce.

FS1 is also canceling its two morning programs, “Breakfast Ball” and “The Facility.”

Taylor has been in the news this year for unwanted reasons, which is why her FS1 exit is not a surprise. She was named in a lawsuit filed by a hairdresser against Skip Bayless. The lawsuit accused Taylor of using sexual relationships with her FS1 bosses and colleague to advance her career.

FS1 had “sidelined” Taylor in March, but she later returned and resumed her role as the co-host of “Speak.” In April, FS1 fired Charlie Dixon, the executive who was also named in the lawsuit.

There were signs in recent months that Taylor did not expect to remain with FS1 for the long term. The 38-year-old recently launched her own show called “Two Personal,” which she uses to discuss topics well outside the sports scope. She has discussed topics like sex and dating on that show, and she may focus more on that now that she is parting ways with Fox.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joy Taylor (@joytaylortalks)

Featured StoriesMediaFS1Joy Taylor
Teddy Bridgewater looks on

Teddy Bridgewater suspended over alleged impermissible benefits to his high school players

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended by his alma mater after the former NFL quarterback allegedly provided impermissible benefits to players.

Bridgewater acknowledged in a Facebook post on Sunday that he has been suspended by Miami Northwestern Senior High School in Miami, Fla., days after the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) began looking into the possibility of Bridgewater providing impermissible benefits to players. The investigation appears to have been triggered by a different post Bridgewater made on Facebook last week.

An FHSAA official confirmed to Andy Villamarzo of Rivals on Monday that Miami Northwestern is working to gather more information about the allegations against Bridgewater.

Bridgewater, who led Miami Northwestern to a state championship last season, indicated on Facebook that he is not currently employed by the school. He suggested he plans to return to coaching the Bulls despite the disciplinary action, however.

“The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you. So if im (sic) suspended from MNW im (sic) free to go to another school of my choice but IM (sic) NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

“And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem.

“This is my last post about this bs,” Bridgewater wrote.

Teddy Bridgewater paid out of pocket for training camp ($14K), pride sets ($9,500), pregame meals ($2,200/wk), recovery ($1,300/wk), Ubers ($700/wk), field paint ($300/wk).

He did this as a VOLUNTEER, not employee. We shouldn’t be punishing people for improving their community. https://t.co/rfF4ezj2Iq pic.twitter.com/CC6O827b2F

— Master (@MasterTes) July 14, 2025

Bridgewater had a lengthy Facebook post on July 7 that seems to have led to the investigation. In that post, he asked fans to help raise money to cover expenses for players that were not being covered by Miami Northwestern. Bridgewater listed several team and player expenses he says he had to cover out of his own pocket, including $2,200 per week for pregame meals, $1,300 per week for athletic recovery services and $700 per week for Uber rides.

Bridgewater wrote in the post that “THIS ISNT A CRY OUT FOR HELP but more so a coach seeking donations.”

Teddy Bridgewater’s FB post that led to these series of events, detailing what he paid out of pocket for these kids.

He’s a Miami Northwestern alum, came back as the head coach, won a state title in his 1st season and didn’t take a dollar. He should be celebrated, not punished. pic.twitter.com/Yw3VRnqjHI

— Master (@MasterTes) July 14, 2025

Villamarzo notes that there is precedent for the FHSSA to punish programs over benefits to players that are deemed impermissible. The First Academy in Orlando was fined $36,000 and banned from the postseason for two years last fall over providing players with free meals and Uber rides.

Bridgewater, 32, came out of retirement to rejoin the Detroit Lions late last season. He had said his plan was to return as the head coach at Miami Northwestern in 2025, but his social media post suggested he is not an official employee of the school at the moment.

It is unclear how long Bridgewater’s suspension will last or whether he will continue to coach the Bulls this upcoming season. There has also been some talk of Bridgewater coaching in the NFL.

FootballHeadlinesHigh SchoolTeddy Bridgewater
Quinshon Judkins in a mug shot

Troubling new details emerge from Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins’ arrest

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins is facing a charge related to domestic violence after he was arrested on Saturday, and some troubling new details about the incident have surfaced.

Judkins was arrested in Florida on Saturday after the Fort Lauderdale Police Department responded to a report of a delayed battery. Officers determined that battery had occurred and took Judkins into custody. The 21-year-old was charged with touch or strike battery/domestic violence, according to Broward County Sheriff’s Office records.

On Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network obtained the full arrest report from the alleged incident. The report states that Judkins was accused of punching a woman in the face with a closed fist and later hitting her in the left arm and thigh on July 7. Judkins and the woman were in a car leaving Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport at the time.

The woman told police that she is currently in a relationship with Judkins.

Here is the arrest report for #Browns RB Quinshon Judkins, whose accuser told police he punched her with a closed fist in the chin/lip area and later struck her in the left arm and thigh while they were in the car leaving the airport on July 7. pic.twitter.com/dSOCbi8Y9G

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 14, 2025

Judkins was selected by Cleveland in the second round, No. 36 overall in April’s draft. Judkins began his college career playing two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to play for the eventual national champion Ohio State Buckeyes last season.

Judkins rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns during his college career. He added 442 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. Judkins had a career-high 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman with Ole Miss in 2022. He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Whether he is convicted or not, Judkins is facing a potential six-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.

FootballPolice BlotterQuinshon Judkins
Nick Saban in a suit

Ex-Alabama star believes Nick Saban will return to coaching

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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Nick Saban stunned the college football world when he stepped down as the head coach at Alabama two years ago, but fans are suddenly buzzing about the idea of the seven-time national champion making a return.

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy shared a major rumor about Saban during the latest episode of the “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” podcast, which was released on Monday. McElroy said he recently spoke with a “very-much-in-the-know person” who is convinced Saban will return to coaching. McElroy said the person, whom he described as “notable,” was “adamant” that Saban will be back on the sideline.

“This is a little bit out of left field, but the question was asked of me … a very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around and just really, really admire, they seem to think Nick Saban’s not done coaching,” McElroy said, as transcribed by Nick Schultz of On3. “I had a similar reaction. He’s pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again. … Look, if it wasn’t someone notable, I’d never say a word.”

McElroy was speaking with fellow ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, who was a guest on the show, at the time. Finebaum gave a stern “no” when asked if he believes there is a chance of Saban coaching again.

“Greg, you know Nick Saban better than I do, but I ran into somebody the other day who spends time with Saban in Florida — you can imagine where — and said that he is literally having the time of his life,” Finebaum said. “And why wouldn’t he? I’m much closer to Nick Saban’s age than you are and I can assure you, when you have everything you want and you start playing golf at the best golf clubs in America and you start making friends who belong to even better golf clubs and you make a lot of money for doing very little work on TV, the interest in doing what he walked away from is not very high.”

Saban seems to be enjoying his gig with ESPN’s “College GameDay.” The 73-year-old is widely considered to be the greatest college football coach of all time and has won titles with multiple schools. It is hard to imagine an opportunity that would entice him to return to an incredibly demanding job at this point in his life and career.

Saban has found a way to remain involved in college football and remains a very influential voice. If he wanted to continue coaching, he probably would have never left Alabama in the first place. It is unlikely that he will have a change of heart.

College FootballFeatured StoriesGreg McElroyNick Saban
Greg Sankey at a press conference

SEC commissioner addresses the big criticism of the conference

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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The SEC has faced criticism for not changing its in-conference schedule after adding Texas and Oklahoma, but commissioner Greg Sankey says there are still no immediate plans to do so.

Sankey spoke on Monday about the possibility of the SEC expanding its in-conference schedule from eight opponents to nine. Each team in the Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 plays nine conference opponents, but the SEC is not adopting that format for the 2025 season. The Big East also plays an eight-team conference schedule.

Sankey said it has “never been a secret” that the SEC plays one fewer conference opponent than some other Power Five conferences.

“It is absolutely, fully, 100 percent correct that in the SEC we play eight conference games while some others play nine conference games, never been a secret,” Sankey said. “Second, it’s also correct that last season, all 16 members of the Southeastern Conference played at least nine games against what you would label Power opponents. We had several that played 10 of their 12 games against Power opponents.”

Sankey argued that the SEC’s schedule is still more difficult than that of any other Power Five conference.

“I don’t believe there’s anyone looking to swap their conference schedule and its opponents with the opponents played by Southeastern Conference teams and our conference schedule, be it eight or nine. … We’re gonna continue to evaluate whether increasing the number of conference football games is appropriate for us,” Sankey said.

“I don’t believe there’s anyone looking to swap their conference schedule and its opponents with the opponents played by Southeastern Conference teams in our conference schedule — be it 8 or 9 (games).”

Greg Sankey discussed the SEC’s ongoing discussion over league scheduling. pic.twitter.com/vSkadg5D9I

— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) July 14, 2025

There would be financial considerations associated with the SEC shifting to a nine-game conference schedule, so that is something that Sankey and company need to work through.

Now that the SEC has expanded, a nine-game conference schedule seems inevitable. The SEC has already done away with its two divisions, but one big question is how opponents will be determined each year. Nick Saban raised a concern about that two years back.

College FootballFeatured StoriesGreg SankeySEC
Jauan Jennings looks on from the sideline

Report: 49ers player who had breakout season could seek trade

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings could potentially ask for a trade in the wake of his breakout 2024 season.

Jennings is seeking a new contract ahead of training camp, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday. The 28-year-old is set to make $7.5 million in the final year of his deal this season, and he wants an extension.

If Jennings and the 49ers cannot come to an agreement on a new contract prior to the start of training camp next week, the receiver is planning to seek a trade. Schefter reports that the two sides have made very little progress in negotiations.

Jennings is not expected to hold out from training camp even without a new deal, but the 49ers would have a disgruntled wideout on their hands for the second consecutive offseason. Brandon Aiyuk skipped much of the team’s offseason a year ago as he sought a new contract.

The 49ers believe they have treated Jennings fairly after they signed him to a new two-year deal worth up to $15.4 million last year, according to Schefter.

Jennings posted career-high numbers almost across the board in 2024 with 77 catches for 975 yards and 6 touchdowns. He had only one drop.

The 49ers have handed out massive contract extensions to several of their top players over the past year, so they may be hesitant to pay Jennings before they have to. That could lead to a tense situation in the coming weeks.

FootballHeadlinesJauan JenningsSan Francisco 49ers
The NFL logo

Fans all had the same reaction to ESPN’s new NFL QB ranking list

July 14, 2025 by Steve DelVecchio
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A new list of NFL quarterback rankings was released on Monday, and fans feel there is one player who should not be pleased with where he landed on it.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surveyed a number of NFL executives, coaches and scouts to compile his annual rankings of each position ahead of training camp. Voters were asked to list the players they consider to be the 10 best at each position, and the lists are based on those results plus interviews and other research.

The top-10 quarterback list was released on Monday, and it featured some surprises. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson were the first four players listed. Jayden Daniels then came in at No. 5, which many people felt was too high. But the biggest issue, according to fans, was Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts being ranked No. 9.

Hurts climbed up slightly from an honorable mention a year ago, but he was still behind No. 7-ranked Justin Herbert and No. 8-ranked Jared Goff . That drew some strong reactions from fans:

“Rarely does Mahomes look as frazzled as he did against Philadelphia…”. You know who wasn’t frazzled? Jalen Hurts.

— lori1 (@lorigraff85) July 14, 2025

Eagles fans are gonna throw a tantrum

— Elon Magus (@JD5HTTR) July 14, 2025

Herbert/Goff over Hurts is insane
Hurts should be higher top 5 qb!!! It’s about wins and stats and he has 2 SB…with great performances in both

— Sandy Kaup (@STLSandman) July 14, 2025

Hurts at 9 is why most of these executives/coaches end up getting fired.

— Robert Mezlan (@RMezlan) July 14, 2025

Jared Goff over Jalen Hurts is pathetic and proves my point about people would rather be right about their pre-draft opinions.

— Davon Evans (@GoodFellah91) July 14, 2025

Hurts is coming off a season in which he led the Eagles to a championship and was named Super Bowl MVP. His regular-season passing numbers of 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions were modest, but he also rushed for 630 yards and 14 scores.

Critics will argue that Hurts needs to get better at playing from the pocket, but he has made two Super Bowl appearances in five seasons. That success obviously was not weighted all that heavily in Fowler’s list.

Hurts was carried to a win in a big playoff game last season, but that happens with all star quarterbacks at some point. We can expect him to take it personally that he was not ranked closer to the top five.

FootballJalen Hurts
Amon-Ra St. Brown warming up

Amon-Ra St. Brown’s father makes racist comments about breeding athletes

July 13, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Amon-Ra St. Brown’s father John made some racist comments recently regarding breeding athletic children.

John Brown is the father of Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown, both of whom are NFL players. John has a third son Osiris who played college football at Stanford.

During an appearance on his sons’ “St. Brown Podcast,” Amon-Ra asked his father for his answer when he gets asked how he developed three Division I athletes. John said his answer has to do with breeding. He made clear that he had breeding on his mind when he had children.

“I believe in breeding,” John said. “I’m black, mom is white. I done stepped on it once. You can’t keep stepping on it cuz you’re going to weaken it. … you can’t keep cutting it.

“If I’m black, I got the black gold running through my veins, I’m excited. I’m just gonna find the right person to mate with. And if I’m white, I’m saying ‘let me get one of these brothers right here.’ If you want to have athletes.”

When John talked about “cutting it,” he was talking about the genetic lineage. He cautioned that his son Amon-Ra, who is already half-white and half-black, would be in danger of losing that black lineage by having children with a woman who is also half-white and half-black.

John Brown, for his part, was a two-time Amateur Mr. Universe when he was a bodybuilder in the early 1980s. He definitely has the strength in his lineage.

Many people noted that these comments were not far off from what Jimmy the Greek said in a 1988 interview that got him fired from CBS.

John Brown keeps it real when people ask him about raising three boys that got a D1 scholarship, two of which made it to the NFL 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GgyOVqSOqf

— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) July 12, 2025
FootballAmon-Ra St. Brown
A Dodgers hat in the dugout

Dodgers take infamous Arkansas player in MLB Draft

July 13, 2025 by Larry Brown
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The Los Angeles Dodgers selected an infamous former Arkansas player in the 2025 MLB Draft.

The Dodgers drafted outfielder Charles Davalan with pick No. 41 overall, which was a Competitive Balance Round A selection. They also took former Arkansas pitcher Zach Root No. 40 overall.

Davalan became known to sports fans last month for the wrong reasons. He missed a line drive in left field with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning of Arkansas’ College World Series game against LSU. LSU was able to win the game, which allowed them to advance to the CWS Final. They beat Coastal Carolina to win it all, while Arkansas was sent home in disappointment.

Though he made a brutal mistake that had him crying, Davalan is still a phenomenal player. He batted .346 with 12 doubles, 14 home runs with 60 RBIs and a .994 OPS with Arkansas last season.

Davalan transferred to Arkansas from Florida Gulf Coast. He batted .288 with 16 doubles and 10 home runs as a freshman for them in 2024.

The Dodgers are obviously big fans of the Razorbacks’ program, as evidenced by their decision to use their first two picks of the 2025 draft on two of their players.

BaseballCharles DavalanLos Angeles Dodgers
Scott Boras talks

Nationals may have avoided Scott Boras in MLB Draft

July 13, 2025 by Larry Brown
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The Washington Nationals pulled what many regarded as a stunner in the 2025 MLB Draft, but there may have been an explanation for their strategy.

The Nats on Sunday selected Eli Willits with the No. 1 overall pick. Willits is a shortstop out of Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Okla. He is the son of former MLB player Reggie Willits, and batted .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases as a senior last season.

Some view Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, as a better high school shortstop. Former LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was also viewed as a player with great upside, making him a potential No. 1 pick. The interesting note about both players is that they are represented by agent Scott Boras.

Because people have asked about whether or not the top Nats draft considerations are Boras advised —

Both Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson are repped by Boras. Willits is not. Boras also has fellow Top-5 hopeful Aiva Arquette among high-end clients in the 2025 draft class.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) July 13, 2025

The Nationals may not have taken the best player at No. 1, but rather went with a player they found to have better value, and who might be a better long-term solution for the team. Boras often advises his clients to test the free agent market rather than sign extensions with their original team. The Nationals offered extensions to Boras clients Bryce Harper and Juan Soto, who both declined to sign. Harper ended up leaving for the Phillies, while the Nats traded Soto to the Padres.

What’s interesting is that a week ago, the team fired longtime executive Mike Rizzo, who has an extensive history of working with Boras.

Can't be overstated how involved Mike Rizzo was in the Nationals scouting process. A scout at heart. Long, decorated career in scouting.

Many have long felt Rizzo and Scott Boras have a very strong relationship. Ethan Holliday and Kade Anderson are both Boras clients. https://t.co/X24zLaYNlI

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 6, 2025

It’s possible that those in charge decided to veer from the Rizzo-Boras path, leading to the pick of Willits.

BaseballScott BorasWashington Nationals
Tyler Bremner reacts with surprise

Fans had the same reaction to the Angels’ No. 2 pick in MLB draft

July 13, 2025 by Larry Brown
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Fans had the same reaction to the Los Angeles Angeles’ first pick in the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday.

The Angels were picking No. 2 overall and selected pitcher Tyler Bremner out of UCSB. Bremner was viewed as a high first-round pick, but few people saw him going as high as No. 2. They all reacted with surprise, though some thought the pick followed a formula for Angels GM Perry Minasian.

Bremner has a huge fastball, but there’s a reason that he wasn’t mocked this high.

There just isn’t a second high quality off-speed pitch — yet — to round out an arsenal. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s called up really quickly.

— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) July 13, 2025

Stunner. The Angels select Tyler Bremner from UC Santa Barbara.

He was not really on the radar for this early of a selection.

Follows similar pattern of collegiate players.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 13, 2025

I am the high man on Bremner and this is still shocking.

— Jeffmlbdraft (@jeffMLBdraft) July 13, 2025

Even Bremner’s family displayed complete surprise upon learning that he had been picked No. 2 overall.

Tyler Bremner and his family's reaction to being drafted No. 2 overall by the Angels in the MLB draft ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cDlfquPkHb

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 13, 2025

Bremner is listed at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds. The right-handed pitcher went 21-9 with a 3.58 ERA and 295 strikeouts over 221.1 career innings at UCSB. He is regarded as having a good fastball and changeup, but needs work developing his slider.

The Angels under Minasian have had success drafting college players highly and advancing them to the major leagues quickly. They have done that with Reid Detmers (2020), Sam Bachman (2021), Zach Neto (2022), Nolan Schanuel (2023) and Christian Moore (2024), who were all first-round picks by the team. They also advanced later-round picks Ben Joyce (3rd round/2022) and Chase Silseth (11th round/2021) quickly.

Bremner could be in position to advance through the Angels’ minor-league system quickly to help the big club.

BaseballLos Angeles AngelsTyler Bremner
The Washington Nationals logo

Nationals pull stunner with No. 1 pick in MLB Draft

July 13, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The Washington Nationals threw everyone a curveball to kick off Sunday’s MLB Draft.

Washington surprisingly used their No. 1 overall draft pick on high school shortstop Eli Willits. The switch-hitting Willits is still only 17 years old and now becomes the youngest top overall pick in MLB history.

The Nationals have their guy

With the Number 1 pick in the 2025 #MLBDraft, the @Nationals select SS Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK) High School. pic.twitter.com/mHPUOi0WBR

— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2025

Hailing from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Okla., Willits was largely projected to be a top-five pick. However, almost no one had Willits as a candidate for No. 1 overall, where LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was expected to go instead.

In fact, Willits was not even seen as the consensus best shortstop available in the draft. Stillwater High School product Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday and the younger brother of Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, was in the mix to be the first shortstop off the board as well.

When it comes to his own resume, Willits clearly has the talent. Having reclassified from the class of 2026, Willits was The Oklahoman’s 2025 All-State Player of the Year. As a senior last season, Willits clubbed a ridiculous .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs, and 49 stolen bases.

Willits is viewed as a prospect with five-tool upside, and his switch-hitting ability gives him an even higher ceiling. The Nationals just made some major changes to their organization earlier this month, and now their new regime is happy to roll the dice on a phenom like Willits with the No. 1 overall draft pick.

BaseballFeatured StoriesEli WillitsMLB draftWashington Nationals
Jayson Tatum smiling

Report: Jayson Tatum recruiting 1 All-Star to Celtics

July 13, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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Jayson Tatum may be nursing a torn Achilles, but he is still doing some good work right now for the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics star Tatum is actively recruiting free agent guard Damian Lillard to the team, Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported on Sunday. Washburn notes that Lillard is in no hurry to sign but adds that the Celtics are interested in adding Lillard on a multi-year deal with an eye on the 2026-27 season.

Lillard, the nine-time All-Star, is an unrestricted free agent after being stretched-and-waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month. At almost 35 years old, he will likely miss all of next season thanks to an Achilles tear. But that could work out perfectly for the Celtics, who may treat 2025-26 as a punt year anyway with Tatum also expected to miss the entire season with his own Achilles rupture.

Tatum and Lillard are known to have a close friendship. Boston has a need at guard as well after trading away Jrue Holiday, but they would like to add cheaper option with an eye on staying under the second apron of the luxury tax.

Lillard averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists per game last season for the Bucks. While it is anybody’s guess how a player of his age will look upon his return from an Achilles tear, the swing is probably worth taking for the Celtics.

Boston is behind the eight-ball a bit since they are geographically pretty far from Lillard’s home state of Oregon (and since there are a couple of other competitive suitors for Lillard as well). But for Tatum’s part, it looks like he is doing all that he can to ensure that Lillard ends up in Celtics green.

BasketballDamian LillardJayson Tatum
Luis Enrique grabbing by Joao Pedro by the throat

PSG manager grabs Chelsea player by throat at end of Club World Cup final

July 13, 2025 by Darryn Albert
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The end of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final was marred by a heated incident involving Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.

English club Chelsea was victorious during Sunday’s final against French giant PSG at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Chelsea won 3-0 in a major upset over PSG, a powerhouse club that just won UEFA Champions League (the annual competition of all the top clubs in Europe) in May. As a result, the Blue claimed their second-ever Club World Cup trophy as well as their second trophy in the span of the last two months (after winning the UEFA Conference League title in May).

While Chelsea was celebrating their triumph after the final whistle, players from both teams began exchanging words. At one point, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, who scored in the 43rd minute for his club’s third goal of the contest, got into it with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and right-back Achraf Hakimi.

That led to PSG manager Luis Enrique coming in and grabbing Pedro by the throat. Pedro ended up falling to the ground as a result of the combined contact from Enrique and Donnarumma.

This does not look good for Luis Enrique. pic.twitter.com/3PJscgW8qP

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) July 13, 2025

The incident was a culmination of a heated 90 minutes on Sunday that saw multiple yellow cards and even a red card in the 85th minute for PSG’s Joao Neves. The midfielder was sent off for pulling on the hair of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.

PSG’s Joao Neves is shown a red card for pulling the hair of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella during the Club World Cup final. pic.twitter.com/XUSElSIspa

— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 13, 2025

Enrique also notably has some history with Chelsea. He was a candidate for their manager job in 2023 but was passed on in favor of Mauricio Pochettino (who was later replaced by current manager Enzo Maresca). Enrique, who then took the PSG job later that year, deserves a whole lot of credit for leading the French club to the treble this year (league title, domestic cup title, and Champions League title). But for that ugly incident with Pedro at full-time on Sunday, Enrique could be facing a fine or maybe even a suspension to begin the 2025-26 season.

Featured StoriesSoccerJoao PedroLuis Enrique

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