Brother of Kellen Moore lands head coach job
There will be another head football coach in the Moore family.
Kirby Moore, who is the brother of current New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore, will be the next head coach at Washington State. He will take over for Jimmy Rogers, who went 6-6 with the Cougars this season and left to replace Matt Campbell at Iowa State.
Kirby Moore is 35 and has been serving as the offensive coordinator for Missouri the last three years. Like his brother, Kirby played high school ball for their father Tom at Prosser High School in Washington. Both Moore brothers went on to play college ball at Boise State. Kellen famously played quarterback for the Broncos from 2008-2011, while Kirby played wide receiver for the school from 2009-2013.
Over his four seasons at Boise State, Kirby Moore had 115 catches for 1,137 yards and 6 touchdowns. He immediately began his coaching career following his playing career. He started with the College of Idaho as a wide receivers coach in 2014, moved to Washington as a graduate assistant, and he had stints as an offensive coach at Fresno State from 2017-2022.
From 2022-2024, Moore was an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2022 at Fresno State and the following two years at Missouri). He served as Missouri’s OC in 2025, dropping the QB coach role. The Tigers have gone 29-9 over the last three seasons, with their offense averaging just over 32 points in two of the three seasons.
Washington State is set to join the revamped Pac-12 for the 2026 season. They were an independent program in 2024 and 2025.
Josh Allen announces major news with wife Hailee Steinfeld
Josh Allen is about to become a father for the first time.
The Buffalo Bills star quarterback Allen announced in a joint post with his actress wife Hailee Steinfeld that they are expecting their first child together. The couple shared video clips from a maternity shoot that they recently did.
Take a look.
Allen and Steinfeld, both 29 years old, were first spotted going on dates together back in 2023. They ended up becoming engaged in Nov. 2024 and finally tied the knot in late May of this year.
Some stunning photos also later emerged of the Allen-Steinfeld wedding, a private ceremony that took place at a resort in California. Now some seven months after their wedding, the couple has announced the exciting news that Steinfeld is pregnant.
A former child actress, Steinfeld has featured in multiple high-profile films over the years, most recently earning critical acclaim thanks to her role in the 2025 movie “Sinners.” Meanwhile, Allen was the 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player as well as a three-time career Pro Bowl honoree. He has led the Bills to a 9-4 record this year, posting 3,083 passing yards and 34 total touchdowns (22 passing and 12 rushing).
Pete Alonso picks an interesting new jersey number with Orioles
Pete Alonso has a fresh new team and also a fresh new jersey number.
The five-time MLB All-Star slugger Alonso was officially introduced by the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Alonso had agreed to a monster five-year contract with the Orioles earlier in the week, leaving his longtime team the New York Mets in order to do so.
During his introductory press conference, Alonso put on his new jersey number for Baltimore — No. 25.
Pete Alonso puts on his Orioles jersey for the first time pic.twitter.com/Mk1AIOH2tq
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) December 12, 2025
In a video feature later in the day on Friday, Alonso shared the reason behind picking No. 25. It is a nod to the year 2025, during which Alonso welcomed his first child (a son named Sonny) with wife Haley.
The meaning behind the number pic.twitter.com/E1VvmTKx1j
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) December 12, 2025
Alonso had worn No. 20 for his entire MLB career, which began with the Mets in 2019. But the No. 20 is retired in Baltimore in honor of the late Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.
As such, the former MLB home runs leader Alonso will be sporting some new digits in 2026 and beyond for the Orioles. Baltimore’s splashy offseason might not be over yet either as they have also recently been linked to a multi-time All-Star pitcher in free agency.
Utah announces big news about Kyle Whittingham
The Utah Utes announced some major news on Friday surrounding Kyle Whittingham.
Utah shared a note from Whittingham saying that he was stepping down as the head coach of the Utes.
“The time is right to step down from my position as the head football coach at the University of Utah,” Whittingham wrote in his note.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead the program for the past 21 years and I’m very grateful for the relationships forget with all the players and assistant coaches that have worked so hard and proudly worn the drum and feather during our time here.
“The opportunity to guide so many talented young men as they pursued their goals — both on and off the field, has truly been a blessing. Thank you to the University, the Salt Lake community, all of Ute Nation, and most of all my wife and family for your unwavering support that has helped make Utah Football what it is today.”
𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗨𝘁𝗮𝗵 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵.
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 12, 2025
𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 head coach in Utah Football history will coach his last game for the Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31. #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/ii706lcGXW
Whittingham gathered his team after practice on Friday to announce the news. He is passing the torch along to defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, who last year was named the head coach-in-waiting.
The announcement begs the question: to what extent did Whittingham leave willingly? Utah’s athletic department just took on some private equity investment. Whittingham’s statement also does not explicitly say that he is retiring. The Athletic says he could look to other coaching opportunities.
Utah is 10-2 and facing Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, which will be Whittingham’s final game as Utah’s head coach. Utah went 177-88 under Whittingham. They won the Mountain West once and Pac-12 twice under his leadership. He was a two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year and was also a Mountain West Coach of the Year.
Knicks reportedly could reunite with a beloved former player
The New York Knicks could potentially be getting The Nova Crew back together.
The Knicks have had exploratory trade discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about guard Donte DiVincenzo, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported on Friday. Pursiainen adds that the Knicks have also discussed the possibility of a Jose Alvarado trade with the New Orleans Pelicans.
DiVincenzo, 28, is a former NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. He also notably played for the Knicks during the 2023-24 season before sent to Minnesota as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade two summers ago. Since that trade took place in a different league year, DiVincenzo is now eligible to return to the Knicks.
During his time with the Knicks, DiVincenzo was especially beloved. He used to be college teammates at Villanova with the Knicks’ current standout trio of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. DiVincenzo also had some clutch moments during the Knicks’ playoff run that year, including a memorable game-winning shot in the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers.
This season, the 17-7 Knicks need more depth in the backcourt alongside Brunson and Hart. Backup guard Miles McBride is currently out with an ankle injury, and newcomer Jordan Clarkson is a historically poor defender who has also regressed offensively this year.
The 3-and-D wing DiVincenzo is averaging 13.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for Minnesota this season. Meanwhile, he is signed for $12 million this year and $12.5 million next year.
There were some rumors after DiVincenzo got traded from New York that he was supposedly unhappy about his time with the Knicks. But that apparently is not stopping the Knicks from exploring the possibility of a reunion over a year later.
Report: Mets eyeing a former 38-HR hitter after Pete Alonso’s departure
The New York Mets appear to be in full-on contingency mode after Pete Alonso’s exit.
The Mets have recently made trade inquiries about Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Thursday. Heyman does note however that the Mets would like money back from the White Sox to offset Robert’s salary in any potential deal.
This news comes after the Mets just lost longtime slugger Pete Alonso in free agency earlier this week. Alonso, who had been with the Mets since the start of his career in 2019, left to sign a monster deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
Robert, 28, is a few years younger than Alonso, 31, and is also a fellow righty power bat. He was an All-Star and a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2023 (when he produced 38 home runs and 80 RBIs) and won a Gold Glove Award in center field back in 2020 as well.
That said, Robert has been pummeled by injuries in recent years and missed over 50 games last season for a second straight year. On top of that, Robert is a poor hitter for average these days and batted a miserable .223 last season to go along with his 14 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases.
Robert remains under team control with the White Sox for two more years but might be a slightly negative asset at this point with the hefty $20 million that he is owed next season (with a $20 million club option for 2027 as well). But the Mets could be desperate to save face after Alonso’s departure and have since been linked to a far older righty power bat too.
UCLA gets rid of beloved coach as Bob Chesney cleans house
Incoming UCLA coach Bob Chesney is making big changes to the staff, and that includes parting ways with a very popular coach.
Tight ends coach and interim offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel will not be a part of Chesney’s staff. David Woods of Bruin Report said Dean Kennedy, Chesney’s offensive coordinator at James Madison, is likely to follow him to UCLA in the same role.
per @BruinReport , Jerry Neuheisel will not be part of Bob Chesney's staff.
— Barstool UCLA (@StoolWestwood) December 11, 2025
Many other coaches are not expected to return either. pic.twitter.com/alnDRur3dl
Neuheisel actually sparked speculation that he could become head coach himself after DeShaun Foster was fired in September. The offense initially surged under his guidance, and they put up 42 points in an upset win over Penn State in October. Eventually, the team came back to earth, and only reached the 20-point mark in one of their final five games.
Neuheisel was also a UCLA quarterback from 2012-2015 under Jim Mora. He went into coaching in 2017 and has been at his alma mater since 2018, working his way up from graduate assistant to wide receivers coach and now tight ends coach.
For those reasons alone, Bruins fans will not want to see Neuheisel depart. The way UCLA’s season ended, however, Chesney cannot be faulted for wanting to bring in his own personnel.
TJ Watt suffered collapsed lung while receiving treatment from Steelers
TJ Watt was confirmed to have suffered a collapsed lung on Friday, with the cause of the injury being a treatment at the team’s facility.
Watt’s brother JJ posted on X Friday that TJ Watt underwent surgery on Thursday to repair a partially collapsed lung he suffered a day earlier. Watt suffered the injury after receiving a dry needling treatment session at the team facility.
Yesterday TJ had successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 12, 2025
Recovery timeline is still TBD, but all went well and he is being released from the hospital today.
He and his…
Dry needling treatment is used to address muscle pain and involves inserting needles to relieve pain and improve blood flow in knotted muscles. A collapsed lung is a possible side effect, but is described by the Cleveland Clinic as an “extremely rare” one.
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor infamously suffered a punctured lung when receiving a pain-killing injection from a team doctor while with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. The doctor, David S. Gazzaniga, remains employed by the Chargers, though Taylor filed a lawsuit against him two years after the incident.
In the short-term, the most relevant fact is that Watt’s status is unclear at best going forward, but he may miss time while the Steelers are in the midst of a playoff push. They currently sit at 7-6 and occupy first place in the AFC North.
Watt has 53 total tackles and 7 sacks in 13 games this season. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year, $123 million extension with Pittsburgh this past offseason.
Sherrone Moore allegedly threatened victim after she broke up with him
Former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was arraigned Friday and new details came to light about his downfall as coach and what led to his arrest.
Washtenaw County prosecutors said in court Friday that the woman Moore is accused of stalking broke up with him on Monday morning and went to the university to confirm that the two had been having an intimate relationship. That confirmation ultimately led to Moore being fired on Wednesday for cause.
After being fired on Wednesday, Moore allegedly went to the woman’s house, grabbed a set of butter knives and kitchen scissors, and threatened to kill himself while making the alleged victim watch.
“I’m going to kill myself. I’m going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life,” Moore allegedly told her.
Prosecutor in court says Sherrone Moore went to woman's house, "grabbed several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors and began to threaten his own life. 'I'm going to kill myself. I'm going to make you watch. My blood is on your hands. You ruined my life.'"
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 12, 2025
During the arraignment, Moore was charged with three crimes, including home invasion and stalking a person he had dated. The home invasion charge is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Moore’s bond was set at $25,000. He will not be allowed to leave the state of Michigan without court permission, and will have to undergo mental health treatment and wear a GPS tether.
The name of the woman Moore was involved with has not been publicly identified by officials, but is believed to be Paige Shiver, his executive assistant. The initial 911 call about Moore’s threatening behavior was reportedly made from her address, and Moore allegedly stalked her for years.
Moore, 39, was fired on Wednesday for cause after the university obtained credible evidence to suggest he had been in an improper relationship with a staff member. Based on what prosecutors said, that evidence was likely the staff member herself going straight to the university.
Bijan Robinson apologizes for saying ‘Smear the Queer’
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson apologized for a comment he made following his team’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday.
Robinson was interviewed on “TNF Nightcap” after his team’s 29-28 victory over the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. When Richard Sherman made reference to Robinson making defenders miss like it was a backyard game, Robinson agreed by saying he grew up playing “Smear the Queer.”
After the interview, Robinson apologized for the comment on X, as “queer” is generally regarded as a homophobic slur.
Hey everyone I want to apologize for the insensitive comment I made in the broadcast, it was a football game we used to play as a kid but that’s not an excuse. I recognize the mistake and make sure to do better in the future. It was not reflective of my beliefs and I am so sorry…
— Bijan Robinson (@Bijan5Robinson) December 12, 2025
The childhood game, now typically known as “Kill the Carrier,” involves one person who is the carrier and everyone else attempting to take the ball from them. The name Robinson referenced was much more commonly used at the time he would have been playing it.
Robinson ran 19 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, and also added eight catches for 82 yards in the win.
Tom Brady pokes fun at Philip Rivers’ return
Tom Brady is having some fun with Philip Rivers’ unexpected NFL return.
Brady had some self-deprecating humor about Rivers’ return, joking about how the Indianapolis Colts quarterback would retire and come back after having done the same thing himself.
“Who retires and then unretires and then is ultimately going to retire again? Who does that? That’s ridiculous for Philip to do that,” Brady joked on Thursday’s “The Herd.”
Brady added that, like Rivers, he believes he could come back and play, even at the age of 48.
“Yes, I certainly could,” Brady said. “I think the answer for me would be yes. I’m not allowed to anymore because I’m a minority owner of the Raiders, so I can’t unretire.”
Brady, of course, initially retired before making a comeback for one final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady reversed his retirement decision in one offseason, however, as opposed to Rivers, who has not played in the NFL in five years.
Rivers’ older peers are happy to see him back, and that includes Brady. Perhaps they will not feel quite as enthusiastic if the 44-year-old comes out and struggles, but to them, Rivers is demonstrating that age does not necessarily matter when it comes to quarterbacking in the NFL.
Rivers came out of retirement to sign with Indianapolis after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury. He has a chance to play as soon as Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Troy Aikman says he is done with NIL after investment gone wrong
Troy Aikman is one of many who is disillusioned with the state of NIL in college football, and he is finished contributing to his alma mater after a particularly bad experience.
In an interview with Richard Deitsch of The Athletic, Aikman opened up about how he contributed to a UCLA recruit’s NIL, only for the player to transfer after one season. That led the former quarterback to bemoan a lack of “accountability and responsibility” for those receiving the money.
“I gave money to a kid. I won’t mention who. I’ve done it one time at UCLA. Never met the young man,” Aikman said. “He was there a year, he left after the year. I wrote a sizable check, and he went to another school. I didn’t even get so much as a thank you note. It’s one of those deals to where I’m done with NIL. I mean, I wanna see UCLA be successful, but I’m done with it.”
While Aikman did not name the player, most believed he was referring to former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore. Moore was a top recruit who initially signed with UCLA, then transferred to Oregon after one season with the Bruins. He is now seen as a potential top pick in next year’s NFL Draft.
One of the criticisms of NIL is that lack of accountability. Since players are not contractually bound to a university, they can simply transfer without necessarily being beholden to the school. Georgia is even suing a former player about this situation.
Aikman is far from the only one finished with funding NIL, though his stance is much more firm than others. Until there is more structure to it, others may choose to follow his lead.
Sherrone Moore had allegedly been stalking Paige Shiver for months
Former Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore had allegedly been stalking his executive assistant for months before his firing on Wednesday.
Steven Vago, Chris Nesi, and Anthony Blair of the New York Post obtained 911 dispatcher audio in which a female caller alleged that Moore was armed with a knife and trying to attack her. The caller also indicated Moore had been stalking her.
“Male at the location is attacking her … said he’s been stalking her for months,” a male voice can be heard saying.
The victim’s identity had not been revealed, though the call to 911 came from the Ann Arbor address of Paige Shiver, Moore’s executive assistant. It is not known if she was the one making the call, but she did go dark on social media shortly after Moore was fired on Wednesday. Other reports also indicated that Moore sought out the employee with a knife at her residence.
Moore remains in police custody as of Friday and has been monitored by mental health professionals while detained.
Moore, 39, was fired on Wednesday for cause after the university obtained credible evidence to suggest he had been in an improper relationship with a staff member. He was in just his second season as the head coach at Michigan. He took over after his predecessor Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers. Moore went 18-8 (.692) overall and led the Wolverines to victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl last year.
Bill Belichick fires 2 high-profile North Carolina assistants
Two of Bill Belichick’s top assistant coaches at North Carolina are being shown the door.
The Tar Heels are firing offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and special teams coach Mike Priefer, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Kitchens had been a holdover under previous coach Mack Brown, while Priefer was one of Belichick’s own hires.
Both Kitchens and Priefer have extensive NFL ties and were viewed as prime examples of Belichick’s ambition to build an NFL-style program at the college level. Kitchens served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, while Priefer brought nearly two decades of experience as an NFL special teams coordinator with him.
The fact that North Carolina is making changes to its offensive staff is not a surprise. The Tar Heels scored fewer than 20 points in seven of their 12 games, and their lone game with 30 points or more was a 41-6 win over Richmond in September.
Despite North Carolina’s 4-8 season, the school is clearly committed to Belichick. His strategy with his replacement hires will be interesting, but it would not be a shock if he doubled down on his eagerness to bring in some NFL experience.
Mike Evans went ballistic on the sidelines amid Bucs collapse
Mike Evans did not hide his emotions on the sideline near the end of Thursday night’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
After witnessing the Bucs’ 14-point lead evaporate in the fourth period, Evans went absolutely nuts, as shown on the game’s broadcast.
Mike Evans was heated on the sidelines pic.twitter.com/27f41Qd311
— Artoftheleague 🖌️ (@artoftheleague) December 12, 2025
The Buccaneers’ meltdown concluded when Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez made the game-winning field goal that must have felt like a punch to the gut for the entire Bucs squad — including Evans — as the Bucs absorbed a 29-28 loss.
But Evans was so upset that he did not even bother to stay on the sidelines to watch Gonzalez’s 43-yard goal complete the Falcons’ incredible comeback, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Bucs were visibly disgusted on the sideline in the final minute. Mike Evans, trying to control his emotions, walked clear into the tunnel before the winning kick, with several others following.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 12, 2025
The Buccaneers entered Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season needing a win to stay atop the NFC South standings, but the loss to Kirk Cousins and company allowed the Carolina Panthers to move into first place in the division, at least until Sunday.
Evans had just been activated from injured reserve after missing six games because of a collarbone issue, and his return to action was supposed to give Todd Bowles’ squad a nice lift amid the team’s struggles.
In any case, the former Texas A&M Aggies star led the Bucs in the Falcons game with 132 receiving yards on six catches and 12 targets.
Todd Bowles goes off on rant after brutal loss to Falcons
Todd Bowles was not a happy man speaking in front of reporters following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ painful 29-28 loss on Thursday night to Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
The loss was Tampa Bay’s fifth in six games and allowed the Carolina Panthers to sneak into the top of the NFC South standings, at least momentarily.
Bowles made sure to let everyone know how he felt after such a stinging defeat that put his team in jeopardy of missing the NFL playoffs.
“It’s inexcusable, you don’t make excuses,” Bowles said in the postgame press conference, via NFL reporter Ari Meirov. “You gotta [expletive] care enough, where this [expletive] hurts. You gotta [expletive] care enough where this [expletive] hurts.”
A pissed off #Bucs HC Todd Bowles dropped 7 F-bombs in his postgame presser when asked what he’ll tell his locker room after the 4th-quarter collapse. pic.twitter.com/1RjCz455Nw https://t.co/EB4BpMEOVc
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 12, 2025
Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, they can’t turn the seven F-bombs that Bowles dropped into points, as they now wonder what’s going to happen to them the rest of the 2025 NFL season.
The Buccaneers had a 14-point lead after wide receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 3-yard touchdown off a pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield, but that turned out to be the last points of the night for Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile, the Falcons scored two touchdowns in the fourth period and nailed the game-winning field goal as time expired to escape with a narrow victory and hurt Tampa Bay’s chances of clinching a spot in the postseason.
Fans felt the fix was in after controversial fumble ruling late in ‘TNF’ game
Several fans were left scratching their heads over a questionable fumble recovery ruling made late in Thursday night’s game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Falcons trailed the Buccaneers 28-20 with about five minutes left at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Facing 2nd-and-10 just outside the red zone, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins found wide receiver Darnell Mooney in motion near the first-down marker.
Mooney got mobbed by several Buccaneers defenders and ended up fumbling near the 10. Despite a sea of Tampa Bay players surrounding the loose pigskin during the play, referees somehow ruled it Atlanta’s ball.
The NFL posted a snapshot of the play showing six Buccaneers defenders ready to pounce on the ball as Mooney lay helpless on the ground.
The Falcons recovered this fumble 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FELRlqS1ft
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025
The Prime broadcast failed to capture a conclusive angle that clearly showed who recovered the fumble. The referees eventually ruled it Atlanta’s ball, allowing the Falcons to score a critical touchdown.
Somehow the Buccaneers did not recover this fumble… pic.twitter.com/h19mwFVQZ2
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) December 12, 2025
Some fans questioned the ruling, with many calling the game rigged as a result.
NFL is Rigged! Did They Just Rig this Fumble Recover by the Buccaneers? pic.twitter.com/7fnRnhEn2S
— Vic Monte (@TheVicMonte) December 12, 2025
Can someone explain how the bucs got a fumble recover on The falcons and the refs randomly call it was a “tie” so Falcons still get poss? is no one going to question that? My entire life a fumble at the bottom of a pile was about WHO COMES UP with it. Bucs get it but it’s a tie?
— aaron maze (@SportsRRigged) December 12, 2025
NFL is fixed I just watched a fumble from the falcons and all tampa all over the ball and somehow the Falcons came up with the ball
— Rev. Steve Mac (@Mackjack7777) December 12, 2025
NFL is so rigged how is that Atlanta ball on the fumble
— Chan (@ChantanamoBay) December 12, 2025
The Buccaneers would have been in a prime position for the victory had the fumble ruling been in their favor. The home team would have had a 28-20 lead and possession late in a game that was crucial for their playoff hopes.
Instead, the Falcons escaped with the fumble recovery and the 29-28 win. The ruling may have been karmic justice after Atlanta was burned by another questionable call earlier in the game.
Bobby Portis taunts Jaylen Brown in a heated moment
Bobby Portis is taking on the world right now.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward Portis led the way for the team in a 116-101 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Portis finished with an impressive 27 points and 10 rebounds off the bench as the Bucks got just their third win in the last 13 games.
In the third quarter at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisc., Portis had an especially cold moment at the expense of the Celtics star Brown. Portis isolated one-on-one against Brown in the post and hit a turnaround jumper over him.
After making the basket, Portis began running back up the floor but then turned back towards Brown to taunt him. The in-your-face moment led to Brown giving Portis a two-handed shove in response.
Here is the video.
BOBBY PORTIS BACKS DOWN JAYLEN BROWN AND HITS THE MIDDY AND GETS IN HIS FACE AND TRASH TALKS HIM AND JAYLEN BROWN SHOVES HIM LOVE IT pic.twitter.com/K0SGVbtcrd
— Artoftheleague (@artoftheleague) December 12, 2025
Portis ended up getting a technical foul for the taunt. Meanwhile, Brown finished with a team-high 30 points during Thursday’s game, but it still wasn’t quite enough for a competitive affair against the Bucks.
The former NBA champion big man Portis has long been known as one of the most confrontational players in the league, and he is really furthering that reputation this year. Portis also got very heated with Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart during a game earlier this month and then proceeded to get profane with a heckler during a subsequent game.
Kendrick Perkins slams ‘coward’ Giannis Antetokounmpo
Kendrick Perkins is pulling no punches when it comes to the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation.
The ESPN analyst Perkins appeared this week on the “Road Trippin’ Show.” During the episode, Perkins touched on the Milwaukee Bucks star forward Antetokounmpo along with his co-hosts and proceeded to rip Antetokounmpo as a “coward.”
“Giannis is a coward,” said Perkins. “Giannis is a coward. Let’s just call a spade a spade … Giannis is a coward, and I say that respectfully. He don’t wanna be there, and it’s OK … Publicly come out and say, ‘Trade me’ and stand on it.”
Here is the video, which resulted in a heated response from co-host Richard Jefferson.
Kendrick Perkins calls Giannis Antetokounmpo a coward
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 12, 2025
“Giannis is a coward, respectfully. Come out and say trade me and stand on it”
(Via @RoadTrippinShow, h/t @HeatCulture13)pic.twitter.com/JqNVp1Q5mi
Perkins is right that rumors of Antetokounmpo’s supposed unhappiness in Milwaukee have been swirling since at least last May when the Bucks lost again in the first round of the playoffs. But instead of ripping off the Band-Aid and publicly asking for a trade, Antetokounmpo has seemingly been dragging his feet while simultaneously putting on a continued front of loyalty.
Another round of rumors was also triggered earlier this month when a report broke claiming that Antetokounmpo had actually requested a trade in private before the season. Antetokounmpo has since supposedly been preaching unity to his Bucks teammates since that report broke, and it seems there is still no end in sight to the whole saga.
That said, Jefferson’s argument was that Antetokounmpo has earned a certain level of respect and leeway to plan his exit as a career-long Bucks star who brought the team two MVP awards as well as an NBA title in 2021. It may be worth mentioning too that Perkins has an increasingly glaring habit of making outrageous public comments.
Falcons burned by questionable call on ‘TNF’ after Kirk Cousins got grabbed by his face mask
Atlanta Falcons fans were not happy with a call that went against Kirk Cousins in their Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Cousins was facing 2nd-and-10 at the Buccaneers’ 31 with under five minutes left at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The veteran quarterback held onto the ball for a split second too long as he scanned the field for an open target.
Kirk Cousins flagged for intentional grounding but the refs don't flag Bucs for hitting Kirk in the facemask. pic.twitter.com/8YH3fV92hc
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 12, 2025
A Buccaneers linebacker broke through the offensive line just as Cousins attempted to throw. The defender ended up grabbing Cousins by the face mask as he went into his throwing motion. But it was Cousins who was flagged for intentional grounding as his pass sailed to an empty patch of grass to his right.
The Falcons were hit with a 10-yard penalty and had to punt after failing to convert on 3rd-and-20. The call came during a crucial juncture of the contest, as the Falcons trailed 20-14 midway through the second half.
Cousins was named the Falcons’ full-time starter in Week 12 in place of Michael Penix Jr., who is out for the season with a torn ACL suffered in Atlanta’s overtime loss in Week 11.
