Seahawks give starting LB a new contract
The Seattle Seahawks are getting an early start before NFL free agency.
On Thursday, the Seahawks and starting linebacker Drake Thomas agreed to terms on a new contract that will pay him a base salary of $8 million per season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Seahawks and starting LB Drake Thomas have agreed to terms on a new 2-year deal worth $8M base with a chance to make $9M, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026
With 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a first-year starter, Thomas cashes in with a deal done by agent Jay Courie of @mgcsports. pic.twitter.com/WJocyYlDlx
Thomas had 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks in the regular season for Seattle, along with an interception and a fumble recovery.
In the Super Bowl run, Thomas had 18 total tackles, including three solo tackles in the Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.
Thomas played college football at NC State but went undrafted in 2023 before being picked up by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders released him, and Thomas has been in Seattle ever since, although 2025 was a coming-out party for the 26-year-old.
The Seahawks do enter free agency with some questions, especially with running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III likely signing elsewhere after he did not receive the franchise tag.
On the other hand, Thomas had an excellent year, and the Seahawks wasted no time keeping him around for the foreseeable future.
Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility case takes another turn
The future of Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is once again up in the air.
After the court granted him a preliminary injunction, allowing him to be eligible for the 2026 college football season, the NCAA is now appealing, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The NCAA filed a 658-page document with the Mississippi State Supreme Court.
NEWS: The NCAA is appealing the Trinidad Chambliss preliminary injunction, which granted him eligibility for the 2026 season. In a 658-page filing to the Mississippi State Supreme Court today, the NCAA is asking the court to overrule the injunction and expedite the ruling. pic.twitter.com/oWiqEQU7bj
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 5, 2026
Once Ole Miss’ season came to an end, the NCAA denied Chambliss’ waiver for an extra year of eligibility. Then, the Ole Miss QB sued the NCAA in the first of many changes.
The NCAA upheld the appeal before Ole Miss called for a “reconsideration” of the decision. Then, finally, Mississippi judge Robert Whitwell granted Chambliss a preliminary injunction, allowing him a sixth year of eligibility, which means he could play college football in 2026.
However, now the NCAA is appealing the decision, and it is not happy that the court allowed Chambliss an extra year.
"then the NCAA’s ability to ensure fair athletic competition in which all participants play by the same rules will depend upon the whims of trial courts throughout the country."
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 5, 2026
So, the Chambliss-NCAA saga is not over. Not yet.
Providence makes final decision on head coach Kim English
The Providence Friars men’s basketball program is making another change at head coach.
On Wednesday, word came out that Providence informed Kim English that he would be let go after the season, according to Adam Zagoria of NJ.com.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon.
Providence informed Kim English about a week ago that he will not return as its head coach, per multiple sources.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 5, 2026
With tonight’s loss, English is 42-50 overall and 20-36 in the Big East in 3 seasons pic.twitter.com/74VE57o6ui
Providence lost to Marquette 78-56 on Wednesday, moving the Friars to 14-16 overall with a 7-12 mark in Big East Conference play.
English led Providence to a 21-win season and brought the Friars to the Big East tournament semifinals, but they were just outside of the NCAA Tournament field.
Rumors have swirled recently about Xavier coach Richard Pitino potentially being an option for Providence. Rick Pitino coached Providence early in his career, and his son is a graduate of there.
However, Richard Pitino made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave Xavier, at least right now.
“I promise you I will never leave after a 14 or 15-win season because that’s not my intent at all,” Pitino said. “You know, I appreciate greatly what Xavier has given me.”
The Friars made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 12 seasons under Ed Cooley, who left for the Georgetown job after the 2022-23 season.
Now, Providence will once again be searching for a new head coach.
Ex-Bears head coach Matt Eberflus lands a new job
Former Chicago Bears head coach and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will now have his third job in three years.
After being fired by the Cowboys, Eberflus is joining the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant head coach of defense, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The 49ers have hired Matt Eberflus as their assistant head coach of defense, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2026
Eberflus — the former Bears head coach and most recently Cowboys defensive coordinator — fills a key role vacated when Gus Bradley left for Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/x58ngjOc5r
Eberflus spent just under three full seasons as the Bears’ head coach, finishing with a 14-32 record before being fired after Week 13 of the 2025 season.
The Cowboys then got rid of Eberflus after just one year as the DC in Dallas, and he hit the open market once again.
Eberflus had spent four seasons as the Indianapolis Colts’ DC before going to Chicago, so he has moved around a lot recently.
The 49ers’ staff looks quite different after Robert Saleh was named the head coach of the Tenneessee Titans. Former Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem Morris came to SF as the new DC, and 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fluery left to be the new Seattle Seahawks’ OC.
This marks Eberflus’ first time coaching on the West Coast, and he joins a team coming off an NFC playoff trip.
Joe Mazzulla had an all-time response on Jayson Tatum’s potential return
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has become known for his memorable quotes.
With reports coming out on Thursday that Jayson Tatum could make his season debut on Friday, Mazzulla responded to that possibility perfectly.
“I might not even be alive by that day. I go to bed questionable, I wake up probable,” Mazzulla said during an interview on Zolak & Bertrand.
“I MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE… I GO TO BED QUESTIONABLE, I WAKE UP PROBABLE.”
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 5, 2026
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla when asked if Jayson Tatum will return in March 🗣️😳
Another all-time quote from Mazzulla! 😂
Via. @NBCSBoston / @ZoandBertrand pic.twitter.com/cYQx6SGNTJ
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Thursday that there was an “expectation” of Tatum making his season debut on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden.
Tatum has been out since the Eastern Conference playoffs last year following a torn Achilles, although his return date has been a discussion point lately.
Mazzulla was asked in February if Tatum participated in practice, and instead of answering the question, he gave a blank stare for a few seconds, so the Celtics coach has remained coy on the Tatum injury front.
Regardless, the good news is that Tatum will make his season debut at some point. If it isn’t on Friday, the Celtics’ next game is on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Saints franchise leader is set to enter NFL free agency
Star defensive end Cameron Jordan has spent his entire 15-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints.
However, for the first time since coming to the NFL, Jordan is set to enter free agency, and he is open to leaving New Orleans, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The two sides were not able to come to a new deal, meaning Jordan will test the open market when the new league year begins.
Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, who has spent his 15-year career in New Orleans and had 10.5 sacks last season, will not have a new deal in place with New Orleans by next week and now will hit free agency for the first time in his NFL career, per sources. Jordan will play… pic.twitter.com/r5Q9sfk3am
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2026
The Saints selected Jordan at No. 24 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He has played a total of 243 regular-season games, registered 132 sacks with 12 forced fumbles, and has made the Pro Bowl team eight times.
In 2025, he recorded 10.5 sacks, the most since 2021, so the 36-year-old can still produce at a high level.
Jordan is also the Saints’ franchise leader in sacks, and Rickey Jackson is second with 123.
Jordan said in 2023 that he wanted to finish his career in New Orleans, but there is a very realistic chance that he plays elsewhere in 2026.
Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman doubles down after NFL rumors
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman seems to be staying in South Bend for now.
After being linked to some NFL head coach openings, Freeman stated he was focused on Notre Dame, and he doubled down with some recent comments on “Good Morning Football.”
Freeman did say “never say never,” but he then added that he has the best job in America.
“I have the best job in America, and I say that with a strong conviction,” Freeman said. “I love this place…This is what I’m called to do and I’m fullfilled and I’m happy. I love being here.”
"I have the best job in America, and I say that with a strong conviction."@NDFootball HC Marcus Freeman on his current role along with the potential of eventually being a NFL HC. pic.twitter.com/eH6YfuXXB7
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 5, 2026
Freeman then added, “We’ll see what the future holds,” but he seems content to stay with the Irish for the time being.
The New York Giants emerged as a possible landing spot for Freeman, but the Notre Dame coach ended those dreams by posing on X with a message saying, “2026…run it back. Go Irish.”
Notre Dame also seemed ready to go in a bidding war for Freeman, and reports state he is already making around $10 million per season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network then stated in January that Freeman still “looms large” with teams hoping he makes the jump at some point.
Freeman just finished his fourth full season as the Notre Dame head coach, and he has a 43-12 overall record, which includes an appearance in the College Football Playoff national title game in 2025.
For now, Freeman is staying at Notre Dame, but there is no telling what the future holds in next year’s NFL coaching cycle.
Stephen A. Smith reveals his choice for NBA Rookie of the Year
The San Antonio Spurs have had the last two NBA Rookie of the Year winners with Victor Wembanyama in 2024 and Stephon Castle in 2025.
This year, the race will likely come down to two former Duke teammates, Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets sensation Kon Knueppel.
Both players are having impressive years, and Stephen A. Smith didn’t hesitate to name Knueppel as his choice for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing from this kid,” Smith said. “With his numbers being superior in a few of these categories along the way. Kon Knueppel would be my Rookie of the Year.”
"I can't believe what I'm seeing from this kid. … With his numbers being superior in a few of these categories along the way. Kon Knueppel would be my Rookie of the Year."
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 5, 2026
—@stephenasmith on the NBA Rookie of the Year race 🏀 pic.twitter.com/V78QXjXrT8
Flagg was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he is averaging 20.4 points per game with 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in a stellar rookie season. However, the Mavericks’ star has been out since Feb. 10 due to a foot injury.
Knueppel was selected at No. 4 overall, and he is averaging 19.2 points per game with 5.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and a 43.6% mark from three-point land.
Knueppel just broke the record for most three-pointers in a season by a rookie, which was previously held by Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (206).
The latest NBA.com Rookie Ladder had Knueppel at No. 1 and Flagg at No. 2 again, but a lot can change with one month remaining in the regular season.
Bills give Josh Allen a new WR in trade with Bears
The Buffalo Bills entered the offseason needing to find a new wide receiver for superstar quarterback Josh Allen.
On Thursday, that became a reality. The Bills have agreed to acquire Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore in a trade for draft pick compensation. The trade will be official once the new league year begins.
Sources: The #Bears are trading veteran WR DJ Moore to the #Bills, landing Josh Allen another weapon. It’s a mid-round pick compensation going back. pic.twitter.com/vtFCiXhsbs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026
Here are the full details of the trade, via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
- Bills get: DJ Moore and 2026 5th-round pick
- Bears get: 2026 2nd round pick
Moore was traded to the Bears by the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 offseason in the move that saw Carolina land the No. 1 pick, which ended up being quarterback Bryce Young.
Now, Moore goes to Buffalo, and he reunites with new Bills head coach Joe Brady, who was the Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021 before becoming the Buffalo QBs coach.
One of Moore’s best seasons came in 2021, when he caught 93 passes for 1,157 yards with four touchdowns while Brady was the play-caller in Carolina.
The Bills finished 12-5 this past season but lost to the Denver Broncos 33-30 in the divisional round in overtime.
However, finding a true WR1 was a priority for Buffalo as Khalil Shakir led the team with 72 catches and 719 yards. Tight end Dalton Kincaid was the only other player to record more than 500 yards receiving.
Moore is coming off a down year with just 682 yards and 50 catches (both career lows), but he should see a ton of targets from Allen in the new-look offense in Buffalo.
Texas Rangers sign former NL MVP
The Texas Rangers have some new faces going into the 2026 MLB season. On Thursday, they added another one with former Pittsburgh Pirates star and one-time National League MVP Andrew McCutchen signing a minor league deal with the club, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.
Spring training is already underway, so McCutchen doesn’t have much time to get acclimated as he hopes to land a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The Rangers have been busy, acquiring Brandon Nimmo in a trade that sent Marcus Semien to the New York Mets.
Manager Bruce Bochy and the Rangers parted ways after the season, and Skip Schumaker was promoted to the position. And, the Rangers landed Washington Nationals All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore in a blockbuster trade.
McCutchen spent the first nine seasons of his MLB career with the Pirates, making the All-Star team five times, winning four Silver Slugger awards, one Gold Glove, and being named the NL MVP in 2013.
McCutchen then spent time with the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies (3 seasons), and Milwaukee Brewers before returning to the Pirates for the past three seasons.
In 2025, McCutchen hit .239 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs in 135 games, but the Pirates’ signing of Marcell Ozuna all but signaled the end of his time in Pittsburgh.
Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Nimmo figure to be the starting outfield for Texas, but McCutchen should have a chance to make the roster as a reserve.
Reggie Miller shares the truth behind his Caitlin Clark-Payton Pritchard comparison
Reggie Miller isn’t backing down on his take about which NBA player he thinks resembles Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Miller has caught a lot of heat ever since he said on NBC’s “Basketball Night in America” in February that Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard is the player who compares to Clark. He uttered that with Clark beside him, as she was making her NBC broadcasting debut.
The former Indiana Pacers sharpshooter revisited his claim during an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show” on Tuesday.
According to Miller, his assessment wasn’t based on Clark’s impact on the WNBA but on something more tangible: their style of play.
“So if that was the question, then I probably should have said Stephen Curry,” Miller told Patrick, as he shed more light on the comparison.
“But I was going by game alone, like who does her game remind me of and when I look at Payton Pritchard and if you’ve watched Payton Pritchard, they’re very similar.”
Miller added: “Caitlin has the ball like Payton Pritchard has the ball all the time,” Miller said. “To the basketball people, (they) really love Payton Pritchard.”
Miller did not mean to disrespect Clark by equating her with a non-NBA superstar, as he seemingly chose Pritchard purely on a basketball basis.
Pritchard isn’t a bad player, either. His star just doesn’t shine in the NBA as much as Clark’s does in her realm.
Aaron Rodgers turns heads with an unfiltered comment about his mysterious wife
People have their reasons for wanting to stay in shape. Aaron Rodgers has his, too, and it’s more than just his desire to defy Father Time on the football field.
In one of his frequent appearances on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback shared a candid response about why he still works on his body even at age 42.
“We’re not on ESPN — it wouldn’t f—ing matter — but I want to look good,” Rodgers told McAfee. “I want my wife to want to f–k me all the time.”
That might be a bit too revealing of an answer from the future Pro Football Hall of Famer. Fans can also now say that they know more about Rodgers’ non-football motivation to stay fit than anything about his wife.
The four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Rodgers said in 2025 that he tied the knot, but almost nothing is known about the person he married.
Another thing that is uncertain that pertains to Rodgers is his status for the 2026 NFL season.
At his age, he’s ripe for retirement, but he’s yet to announce a decision on his future after playing his 21st season in the league.
In 2025, he amassed 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against 7 interceptions while playing in all 16 games.
Kendrick Perkins drops a borderline dirty quote about Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kendrick Perkins forgot to pump the brakes on a comment about Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday.
During halftime of the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., the former NBA big man and ESPN personality Perkins said something on air about Antetokounmpo’s dunk in the first half.
Commenting on the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player’s highlight play, Perkins described it in a manner that might have raised some eyebrows.
“He made love to the rim,” Perkins said.
You can hear him say it here.
Kendrick Perkins saying FREAKY stuff again on Live TV:
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 5, 2026
"He's making love to the rim." pic.twitter.com/3vafULTDBX
That was a pretty wild thing to say on air, but Perkins snuck that one in and now probably thinks he can get away with variations of it in the future. It was also certainly not the first time that the former Oklahoma City Thunder big man has gotten attention for his way with words while on live air.
Unlike Perkins, Milwaukee was not able to get away with one, as the Bucks ultimately suffered a 131-113 loss to the Hawks.
Despite Antetokounmpo scoring 24 points on 10/15 shooting, Milwaukee failed to prevent dropping its fourth game in a row.
The Bucks will regroup anew and go back to it on Saturday when they host the Utah Jazz.
As for Perkins, who knows what kind of shenanigans he’ll blurt out the next time he becomes impressed with a basketball play.
Video: Indiana player’s mom absolutely loses it after seeing a surprise gift from her son
Indiana Hoosiers senior guard Lamar Wilkerson had a night to remember on Wednesday, and so did her mom.
After the Hoosiers’ game against the visiting Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind., on Tuesday, surprised her mother, Kizzy, with a brand new Cadillac Escalade.
Needless to say, his mom totally lost it as she saw the sweet ride.
You can check out the incredible moment here.
Lamar Wilkerson just gifted his mom, Kizzy, a brand new Cadillac Escalade.
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) March 5, 2026
What an end to Senior Day. #iubb pic.twitter.com/C6mibAUPEb
Wilkerson clearly put his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money to good use with that purchase, but Kizzy’s reaction to the surprise gift was priceless. She was happy enough to see her son score 16 points to help Indiana crush the Golden Gophers 77-47, and getting a car surely made the day even harder to top.
Wilkerson’s dream doesn’t end there. He likely has more in store for his mom once he makes it to the NBA.
After playing three seasons for the Sam Houston State Bearkats, Wilkerson transferred to Indiana for the 2025-26 campaign. Even in the tougher Big Ten conference, Wilkerson managed to shine. On the season, he is averaging 21.1 points per game, and he’ll look to do more for the Hoosiers on Saturday against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was ruthlessly roasted for his postgame outfit
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander grabbed attention before, during and after Wednesday’s game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City, N.Y.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player showed up at the arena wearing an oversized fur coat that made him look like he was carrying a large mammal around.
That outfit surely kept him warm and comfortable before heating up on the court against the Knicks. The former Kentucky Wildcats star had his way in the game, finishing with 26 points on 9/16 shooting with 8 assists and 3 rebounds in 35 minutes.
Gilgeous-Alexander later reunited with his fur coat as he spoke to reporters in the postgame press conference. It seemingly stole the show based on how the internet reacted to the video posted on X by Knicks Videos.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shares his assessment of the Knicks after playing them tonight:
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 5, 2026
"Good team. Obviously, a good offense, then they have really good defenders up there as well, so they're well-balanced. They're obviously top of the East for a reason. They're a good team,… pic.twitter.com/lBMdCWkxSI
It was just impossible not to take notice of it, as fans made all sorts of jokes and hilarious comments about his winter wear.
He’s also the team mascot?
— Sol Goldman of Crypto (@LandlordOfBTC) March 5, 2026
— Joe (@_Jno144) March 5, 2026
lol it's really hard to take SGA seriously when he's cosplaying as pooh bear
— Simon Chu (@StuckSimon) March 5, 2026
— El Duque (@DFAevery1) March 5, 2026
Did the refs dress him up after the game?
— The Grumpy New York Sports Fan (@TheGrumpyKnick) March 5, 2026
Nevertheless, Gilgeous-Alexander pulled it off with all the confidence in the world.
It will be interesting to see what he will be donning in the pregame and postgame on Saturday, when the Thunder host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.
U.S. Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes is dating a famous pop star
Jack Hughes’ 2026 is certainly off to a rocking start.
The United States Olympic hockey hero Hughes is now exclusively dating pop star Tate McRae, according to a report on Wednesday by US Weekly. The report notes that the pair started casually seeing each other late last year after connecting when Hughes sent McRae a direct message on Instagram.
Hughes, 24, is a hot-ticket item right now after his heroics for the U.S. men’s hockey team during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. He scored the “golden goal” in the final against Canada to give the United States the gold medal (despite losing two of his teeth beforehand).
The former No. 1 overall pick Hughes also stars at the club level for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Playing as a center, Hughes is a three-time NHL All-Star and has tallied 41 total points (12 goals and 29 assists) for the Devils through 40 games so far this season.
As for McRae, 22, she is a Canadian singer who first entered the public eye as a contestant on the show “So You Think You Can Dance” back in 2016. McRae has since released three studio albums and is best known for such hit songs as “greedy” and “you broke me first.”
In the past, Hughes would mostly only make headlines for some of his bizarre mishaps. But now as a national hero who is dating one of the most popular music stars around, Hughes is definitely winning on and off the ice.
Kawhi Leonard is being linked to 1 new team in rumors
Kawhi Leonard could end up reuniting with his former co-star … Paul George.
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to add the LA Clippers star forward Leonard at the trade deadline, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports reported on Wednesday. O’Connor notes that 76ers president Daryl Morey was “star hunting” and “actively making calls” but that obviously nothing ever materialized on that front before the deadline.
Leonard, now 34 years old, is currently having a banner year for the Clippers. He is averaging a career-high 27.8 points per game on phenomenal 50/38/90 shooting splits and was just able to earn his seventh career NBA All-Star selection as a result.
But Leonard is facing a very uncertain situation heading into the summer. He is only under contract for one more season in 2026-27 (at $50.3 million), and the Clippers may be eyeing a rebuild after trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac at last month’s deadline.
As for the 76ers, they are on the fringe of contention at 33-28 and have an aging roster that needs to win as quickly as possible. The connections are there as well with Leonard having co-starred with the 76ers forward George on the Clippers from 2019-24 and also having been coached by 76ers head coach Nick Nurse on the Toronto Raptors when they famously won the NBA title in 2019. On top of that, the 76ers and the Clippers have linked up on multiple trades in recent years, most notably the 2023 blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Los Angeles.
When it comes to a renewed offseason pursuit of Leonard though, Philadelphia might not have a lot to realistically trade. George and (arguably) Joel Embiid are negative assets right now due to their bloated contracts, and young stars Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are presumably untouchable for the 76ers. Additionally, there is a chance that Leonard could get his contract with the Clippers voided in the coming weeks due to the Aspiration scandal, which would immediately make him a free agent and pit one of these teams as a far likelier destination instead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets away with the most blatant charge of season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is probably not beating the allegations.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander sparked backlash during Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. During the first quarter of the contest, SGA was driving to the basket when Knicks counterpart Jalen Brunson stepped in to take the charge.
Gilgeous-Alexander barreled over Brunson, knocking him to the ground in a heap. However, the referees did not blow a whistle, and Gilgeous-Alexander completed the play by hitting an uncontested layup.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown was so incensed by the no-call that he picked up a technical foul for complaining to the refs. Here is the video of the sequence
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores the layup over Jalen Brunson, who tried to take the charge. Mike Brown is absolutely furious, gets on the court and yells on the referee from blank range, eventually receiving a technical foul (with replays)
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 5, 2026
It would have been SGA's 3rd foul in the… pic.twitter.com/3t6aRfM2ga
It certainly looked like Brunson got his feet set there and obviously did so well outside of the restricted area. Gilgeous-Alexander also had two fouls at the time, meaning that a third foul in the very first quarter could have changed the complexion of the game entirely.
Oklahoma City went on to beat New York by a narrow final score of 103-100 with SGA finishing with 26 points on 9/15 total shooting from the field. But Knicks fans will likely be crying foul that Gilgeous-Alexander seemingly got away with yet another favorable decision by the referees on the missed charge call (adding to what has become an absurd rap sheet at this point).
Athletics’ stance on a Kyler Murray reunion is revealed
The Athletics are leaving a key under the mat for Kyler Murray just in case.
Athletics general manager David Forst was interviewed this week by Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. During the interview, Forst spoke on the possibility of a reunion with the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Murray … and revealed that the Athletics were very open to it.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback, and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst said. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”
Now 28 years old, Murray was a standout amateur baseball player, being selected for the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game in high school before going on to play left field in college at Oklahoma. Murray’s talents were ultimately strong enough that the Athletics selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Murray even went on to sign a contract with the Athletics that included a roughly $4.7 million signing bonus. But he ultimately went pro in football after his Heisman Trophy-winning 2018 season and forfeited most of that big signing bonus as a result.
This week though, we learned that the Cardinals intend to release Murray within the coming days after seven total seasons with them. That has led to some fans and pundits urging Murray to pivot back to baseball instead.
The Athletics do still hold Murray’s rights if he ever decides to return to the diamond. But given how long Murray has been out of competitive baseball, it makes a lot more sense for him to just give it another go in the NFL instead (perhaps even with this recently-rumored team).
Harrison Barnes’ iron-man streak ended because of the weirdest injury
Harrison Barnes was apparently done in by the world’s most dangerous nap.
The San Antonio Spurs forward Barnes had to sit out Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. That ended a very impressive iron-man streak by Barnes of 364 consecutive games played.
It was later revealed by the Associated Press why Barnes was finally forced to sit. Apparently, the 33-year-old veteran woke up from a pregame nap on Tuesday with a sore right ankle. Barnes then proceeded to report his sore ankle to the medical staff upon awakening and was ruled out against the 76ers as a result (with the Spurs going on to win in a 131-91 blowout).
Barnes played in the first 60 games of the season for San Antonio (whom he joined in 2024) and had also appeared in all 82 games in each of the previous three NBA seasons as well. On top of that, Barnes had played in the final 58 games of the 2021-22 campaign (with his last missed game coming all the way back on Dec. 4, 2021 when he was with the Sacramento Kings).
The former NBA champion Barnes has had a fairly modest role for the the Spurs this season, averaging 10.2 points over 26.9 minutes per game. But Barnes’ iron-man streak had certainly taken on a life of its own, especially since he had yet to miss a game while in San Antonio … until Tuesday.
New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges still currently holds the NBA’s longest active iron-man streak at a rather staggering 617 straight games played. But Bridges may want to be wary of naps from here as they have now felled both Barnes and some notable MLB All-Stars as well.
