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.
Bears commit disastrous blunder to end first half vs. Patriots
The Chicago Bears defense was already mentally in the tunnel to end the first half on Thursday against the New England Patriots.
The Bears were one stop away from entering the halftime break with a 20-7 lead at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The Patriots had possession near midfield with just seconds left on the clock.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw a short pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson just barely past the line of scrimmage. The clock was already at zero when he got his hands on the ball.
The Bears had 48 yards of space to tackle Stevenson but failed miserably to prevent him from cruising all the way to the end zone for a touchdown.
THE DUMP OFF TURNS INTO A TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS STUN THE BEARS AT THE END OF THE HALF https://t.co/nvwthLQWRK
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 23, 2026
Chicago’s defense seemed far too wary of a lateral that it forgot to focus on the man with the pigskin. It didn’t help that cornerback Kyler Gordon ran into safety Dillon Thieneman, which opened a lane for Stevenson to rumble into the end zone.
Much has been made about the Bears’ offense this season. But their defense clearly needs some work when it’s giving up 48-yard touchdowns on dump-off passes near midfield.
Report: Jonathan Taylor drawing trade interest from ‘multiple teams’
The sharks are circling Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
The Colts fired longtime general manager Chris Ballard on Monday after the team’s embarrassing Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. With Indianapolis’ franchise direction in question, several suitors have reportedly emerged for Taylor’s services.
According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, “multiple teams” are already interested in a potential trade for Taylor. The Colts, however, are reportedly still undecided about whether they want to sell ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Taylor himself doesn’t want to talk about any potential deals just yet.
“I haven’t given any thought,” he said when asked about potentially being traded midseason. “That’d be crazy right now, especially because we’ve got a great Minnesota Vikings team that we have to go against.
“I think it would be a discredit and a disservice to my teammates and this whole organization to think about what could, what should, what may be.”
Taylor has been as productive as ever in his seventh NFL season. The three-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 492 yards across six games. His 7 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most among running backs entering Week 7.
The 27-year-old rusher has been in several trade rumors over the years, yet has remained a Colts lifer up to this point. But with Ballard gone and Indy potentially considering a full reset, a trade could very well materialize between now and the deadline.
Rams are dealing with a new Puka Nacua injury concern
The injury bug cannot stop biting the Los Angeles Rams.
Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua had to leave practice early on Thursday due to a calf injury, Sarah Barshop of ESPN reports. Barshop adds that Nacua is officially being listed as limited on the injury report as a a result.
The Rams are set to play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as part of Week 7 action. As a result, Nacua’s status for that game now appears to be in some real question.
Nacua, the 25-year-old All-Pro selection, has caught 37 passes for 417 yards and just one touchdown through four games this season. That production has been hampered by a number of previous injuries, including a psoas (groin) issue that plagued him through training camp and a hip injury that caused Nacua to miss two weeks of action earlier in the year.
Entering this season as a Super Bowl favorite, the Rams are off to a disappointing 2-4 start to the 2026 campaign. While they are still listed as 5.5-point favorites over the Raiders on Sunday, it looks like Los Angeles could be without their WR1 Nacua for that matchup.
That continues on what has been a miserable last several weeks for the Rams from an injury standpoint. In addition to all of their injuries on the defensive side of the ball, Los Angeles is already without multiple other pass-catchers like Terrance Ferguson (who is still recovering from an ankle issue) and Davante Adams (who just got some rotten news on his hamstring injury). If Nacua cannot go on Sunday either, that would leave the Rams with a bare-bones unit of receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington plus tight ends Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee to serve as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s primary targets.
Luka Doncic’s former teammate disses Yaxel Lendeborg amid beef
Luka Doncic’s former teammate is coming to his defense this week.
The Los Angeles Lakers star Doncic feuded during Wednesday’s season opener with Golden State Warriors rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg. With Lendeborg drawing the unenviable task of defending Doncic, the two players went back and forth in several heated on-court moments.
During his press conference after the game, Lendeborg took more shots at Doncic. Lendeborg said he was telling Doncic that “he sucks” and went on to call out Doncic for complaining to the referees all throughout the game.
That led to a response on Thursday from Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall. In an Instagram comment on a post about the Doncic-Lendeborg feud, Marshall wrote, “80 ball next time they play never speak on the DON.”
Luka Doncic’s former teammate and Mavs forward Naji Marshall responds to Yaxel Lendeborg: “80 ball next time they play never speak on the DON” Screenshot via: https://t.co/uYJ2jL9iZx https://t.co/k0xRJXF6N7
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 22, 2026
Indeed, Doncic got the last laugh on Lendeborg and the Warriors during Wednesday’s game. He finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as the Lakers cruised to a blowout 127-105 victory.
As for Marshall, he played with Doncic in Dallas during the 2024-25 NBA season. As such, Marshall knows how hazardous it can be for opponents to talk trash to Doncic (with the next matchup between the Lakers and the Warriors slated for Oct. 30 in the Bay Area).
Video shows ex-ESPN host Britt McHenry throwing drink on fan at NBA game
Former ESPN host Britt McHenry was involved in a heated incident with a fan during Wednesday’s Washington Wizards game.
The Wizards tipped off their season on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. In the end, the Wizards secured the 128-116 victory over the Bucks.
But on Thursday, video went viral of an ugly episode involving McHenry in the stands. The video showed McHenry standing up to leave her seat and then throwing a drink on a fan who was sitting down near her.
As a result, other fans in the stands began to pelt debris in McHenry’s direction as she was exiting the section with a male companion. You can see the video at the link here.
McHenry’s camp told TMZ Sports that fans sitting behind them were allegedly making inappropriate comments about Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (who used to play for the Wizards) and Kuzma’s fiancée Winnie Harlow. Additionally, McHenry’s camp claimed that the same group of fans was saying inappropriate and misogynistic comments to McHenry to try to antagonize her.
The 40-year-old McHenry worked for ESPN as a correspondent from 2014-17 but became infamous during that period for a video of her profanely berating a parking lot attendant. McHenry was later laid off by ESPN in 2017 and eventually said she believed that she was fired for being too conservative.
More recently, McHenry had worked as a host for WTTG FOX 5 in Washington, D.C. as well as a commentator for FOX Nation. She also had a notable health scare a few years ago but has since recovered and now works as a press advisor for the U.S. State Department under the Donald Trump administration.
Draymond Green makes a big statement about his future plans
Draymond Green is looking to play a Year 16 in the NBA … no matter where that occurs.
The longtime Golden State Warriors star Green spoke this week in an interview to CNBC Sport. During the interview, Green said that he would love to remain with the Warriors but also intends to continue his NBA career next season even if it does not happen in Golden State.
“I would love to retire a Golden State Warrior,” said Green. “However, I’m also not Steph Curry, right? So I don’t have every luxury that Steph Curry has, and that’s okay. It’s such a rare thing to be on one team your entire career. And if I can accomplish that feat, I would love to.
“[But] I would love to play basketball next year,” Green added. “If that’s not here, I’m not going to retire … If I don’t [fit into the team’s plans], great. But I’m extremely grateful for the journey that I’ve been on here.”
Green’s legacy in Golden State is more than secure as a four-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year Award winner who was absolutely crucial to all four of the Warriors’ championship teams of the last decade-plus. But the facts remain that Green will turn 37 years old later this season and is quickly fading in terms of both statistics and overall contributions.
As it stands right now, Green is in the final year of his contract with Golden State at $27.7 million and becomes eligible for trade on Dec. 15. Green himself also seems to sense that a potential breakup with the Warriors is near and even lashed out last season at the Golden State fans who wanted him gone.
Bad news emerges for Pat McAfee’s ‘Monday Night Football’ alt-cast
Pat McAfee may quickly be reaching the point of oversaturation.
The ESPN personality McAfee managed to draw just 351,000 viewers for his debut alternate telecast to “Monday Night Football” this week, Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal reported on Thursday. McAfee’s alt-cast aired on ESPN2 for the San Francisco 49ers-Washington Commanders Week 6 game but was reportedly outperformed by NFL Network’s Next Gen Stats alt-cast for the same game (which drew in 469,000 viewers).
Karp adds that McAfee has five more “MNF” alt-casts coming up for ESPN this NFL regular season (with the next set to air in Week 9 during the Buffalo Bills-Minnesota Vikings game). You can read Karp’s full report on the situation here.
The former NFL All-Pro punter McAfee, 39, has quickly become one of ESPN’s biggest stars. He first joined the network on an $85 million deal in 2023 in connection with his popular program “The Pat McAfee Show” and is now reportedly in talks with ESPN for another staggering payday.
As a result of the network’s massive investment in him, McAfee is seeing a vast expansion of his on-air duties. In addition to his “MNF” alt-casts, McAfee has received some other notable NFL coverage roles from ESPN.
But with those meager numbers for his debut alt-cast, it appears that McAfee’s popularity is hitting its ceiling. In fairness though, even the once-popular “ManningCast” of Peyton and Eli Manning has also drawn disappointing viewership for ESPN this season.
