Phillies make unprecedented move with ace pitcher Cristopher Sanchez
The Philadelphia Phillies have made an unprecedented move with ace pitcher Cristopher Sanchez.
The Phillies signed Sanchez to a new six-year contract worth $107 million, according to multiple reports. This is despite the fact that the Phillies had already signed him through 2030 for a paltry $22.5 million in 2024.
The deal essentially adds two guaranteed seasons to Sanchez’s previous deal at roughly $30 million per year, but it was something the Phillies were under no obligation to do.
“John (Middleton, Phillies owner) and Dave (Dombrowski, team president) stepped up and decided to reward Cristopher with a deal more than commensurate with his abilities even though the club still had five years of control at minimal dollars,” Sanchez’s agent Gene Mato told Matt Gelb of The Athletic in a text message. “It’s really unprecedented.”
The Phillies have previously shown a willingness to go above and beyond for Sanchez. In a sport where teams are usually eager to keep payrolls low and ensure players remain under team control for minimal cost, the Phillies certainly stand out for their openness to rewarding top players for good performances. Other players are likely to notice something like that.
Sanchez, 29, went 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA for the Phillies last year and finished second in NL Cy Young voting.
Legendary Nebraska announcer’s call of wild finish vs. Vanderbilt will give fans chills
Longtime Nebraska basketball radio announcer Kent Pavelka sounded like he was about to have a heart attack on Saturday as his team survived a scare against Vanderbilt.
Pavelka, who has been Nebraska’s radio announcer for 41 years, was electric on the mic in the closing seconds of the 4-seed Cornhuskers’ win against the 5-seed Commodores in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Nebraska got an all-important stop to keep the score tied at 72 with 10 seconds left inside Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Cornhuskers pushed the tempo the other way and scored a go-ahead layup courtesy of freshman Braden Frager, leaving 2.2 seconds on the clock.
Kent Pavelka Nebraska’s play by play announcer for 41 years had the best call you’ll hear today.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 22, 2026
pic.twitter.com/ToCrpduWpM
Nebraska’s jubilation almost turned into misery in a matter of minutes as Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner nearly sank a 50-foot buzzer-beater that rattled in and out of the ring. Pavelka’s voice was there to capture every heart-stopping moment.
Several Cornhuskers players mobbed Pavelka after the game as Nebraska celebrated just its second-ever March Madness victory. The first one had come just two days prior.
Happiest man in America and it’s not even close. 🥹 @KentPavelka #GBR pic.twitter.com/uSktylcsEc
— Jessica Coody (@JessicaCoody) March 22, 2026
The NBA has some incredible voices on the call during pro games. But there’s no mimicking the passion shown by partisan college announcers who have been waiting their entire lives to be on the call for their school’s crowning moments.
Pavelka and the Cornhuskers can create even more of those as they head to the Sweet 16.
John Calipari delivered great quote after Arkansas survived scare against High Point
John Calipari gave fans a glimpse Saturday of why star athletes love to play for him.
The Arkansas head coach had a speech prepared in praise of his star players, Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, after the Razorbacks held on for a 94-88 win over High Point in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
With High Point looking every bit the part of a Cinderella, 4-seed Arkansas hunkered down in the closing minutes to turn the 12-seed back into a pumpkin.
“I want you to look at these two closely, okay?” Calipari said while sitting next to Acuff and Thomas during their postgame press conference.
“They have otherworldly confidence. Both of ’em. They could run for President and believe, ‘I could run this country,’ cause that’s how they think … They’re being empowered.”
"They have otherworldly confidence. Both of 'em. They could run for President and believe 'I could run this country.'"
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2026
— .@RazorbackMBB head coach John Calipari on Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/EjBrXcm2GQ
Acuff made a statement with his clutch play Saturday akin to delivering a knockout line at a presidential debate. With the two teams tied at 83 in the final few minutes, Acuff went on a personal 7-0 run to push Arkansas back ahead.
The freshman point guard capped off the burst with a contested three-pointer that showed why scouts see shades of Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard in his game.
DARIUS ACUFF HAS 34 😮
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2026
RAZORBACKS CLOSING IN ‼️#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/5TKOqbuu3Z
Acuff scored nine of the Razorbacks’ final 11 points to finish with 36 on an 11/22 shooting clip. Thomas served well as his vice president of scoring with 19 points on 8/16 shooting.
As long as Acuff continues his presidential play, Arkansas fans will continue to give both him and Calipari their vote of confidence throughout March Madness.
Vanderbilt was a lucky bounce away from unreal 50-foot buzzer-beater
Vanderbilt sophomore Tyler Tanner was a friendly bounce away from NCAA Tournament immortality.
5-seed Vanderbilt trailed 4-seed Nebraska 74-72 in the closing seconds of their South Regional matchup at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. With 2.2 left on the clock and no timeouts remaining, Vanderbilt needed a miracle to advance to the next round of March Madness.
The Commodores nearly got one off the fingertips of Tanner, who launched a desperation heave from well behind the halfcourt line that went halfway down and out. The ball hit off the backboard and rattled around the ring three times before rolling off the cylinder.
TYLER TANNER WITH AS CLOSE TO A HALF COURT BUZZER BEATER THAT YOU WILL EVER SEE 🤯
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) March 22, 2026
ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAKER FOR VANDY 💔pic.twitter.com/GR4GiTSD2k
Vanderbilt’s bench had the perfect view to witness just how close the team was to advancing to the Sweet 16 on Tanner’s shot. Several of them fell to the floor in agony amid the roller coaster of emotions they must have felt in the split second the teased going in the rim.
Here’s another angle of the shot.
This close…. 🤏#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/lEtY7T1WX1
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2026
The slow-motion replay showed the ball legitimately entering the hoop. Had Tanner’s shot been a tiny bit softer, the Commodores would have been the ones dancing toward a Sweet 16 appearance.
Instead, the Cornhuskers survived the type of score only March Madness can bring. The win was only Nebraska’s second-ever victory in the NCAA Tournament. The first one came on Thursday against Troy.
Luka Doncic claims Goga Bitadze made threats against his family
Luka Doncic claimed Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze had some choice words for his family during the Los Angeles Lakers’ Saturday game at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla.
Doncic and Bitadze were both hit with technical fouls late in the third quarter of the contest after the two continued to chirp at each other. The technical foul Doncic received was his 16th of the season, meaning he is slated to be suspended for the Lakers’ Monday game against the Detroit Pistons.
Speaking to reporters after the Lakers’ 105-104 win, Doncic stated that Bitadze had crossed the line by threatening his family.
“I let my team down getting that last tech,” Doncic said during his postgame press conference. “But honestly, I wasn’t trying to. He said at [the free-throw line] that he would f–k my whole family. At some point, I just can’t stand it. I’ve got to stand up for myself. But I know I’ve got to do better.”
Bitadze denied having said anything of that nature in a statement to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“I have all the respect for Luka and what he has done,” Bitadze told McMenamin. “I really respect everybody’s family. Where I come from, it’s really sacred and we really respect each other’s family. I would never directly say that.”
Bitadze, who is Georgian, claimed that the Slovenian Doncic had started their beef by saying “some inappropriate things in the Serbian language” that rubbed him the wrong way. Bitadze added that he had played in Serbia before and understood what Luka supposedly said, but was unsure Doncic knew that. He asserted that his remarks to Doncic were “nothing towards his family or anybody.”
The Lakers are reportedly appealing for Doncic’s technical foul to be rescinded.
VCU band director trolls North Carolina during Round of 32 game
VCU was definitely relishing in their upset victory over North Carolina in the previous round.
The No. 11 seed Rams faced off on Saturday against No. 3 seed Illinois for their South Region Round of 32 game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. During a timeout in the first half of the contest, the CBS broadcast cut to the VCU band section in the stands.
Notably, the director of the VCU band was wearing a North Carolina jersey (Michael Jordan’s No. 23). Take a look at the video.
"That's a little bit of a troll job"
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2026
– Ian Eagle on the VCU band director wearing a UNC jerseypic.twitter.com/LCTV7Svnx1
That was a thinly-veiled troll job aimed at the Tar Heels. VCU pulled off an epic comeback on Thursday against North Carolina in the Round of 64, resulting in some cruel memes being sent UNC’s way (mainly to head coach Hubert Davis).
Unfortunately for VCU, that upset of the Tar Heels was as good as it got for them. Illinois ended up destroying VCU on Saturday, using a second-half avalanche to earn the eventual 76-55 win and advance to the Sweet 16.
That said, the mid-major Rams still have to be feeling pretty good about themselves. They won 28 games and the Atlantic 10 Tournament this year under new head coach Phil Martelli Jr. and also starred in one of the biggest brouhahas of the college basketball season.
Sean Miller was asked absurd boy band question after Texas’ upset of Gonzaga
Texas head coach Sean Miller was clearly not prepared for a question about a former boy band star during his most recent NCAA Tournament postgame press conference.
Miller was riding high when he spoke to reporters Saturday after 11-seed Texas’ upset of 3-seed Gonzaga at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. But not every question was about the Longhorns’ gritty 74-68 victory against the Bulldogs in the second round of March Madness.
The Texas head coach received an interesting question from The Athletic’s Lindsay Schnell about a former student manager from his past life as an assistant at Miami (Ohio).
Reporter: “I am so excited to ask you this question. Back in the ’90s, you were an assistant at Miami of Ohio. One of the people on your bench, you might say, an integral member of your team, was student manager and future boy band star Nick Lachey.
Miller: “I’m embarrassed. I mean, I have an amazing rapport and relationship with managers, and I obviously wasn’t the head coach, but you’re the first person that’s ever brought that to my attention. Wow. I apologize. I may have to get his number and give him a ring.”
The Athletic continues its hard-hitting journalism pic.twitter.com/p3nWG0pG6I
— Big On Basketball 🤘🏽 (@BigOnBasketball) March 21, 2026
Schnell then asked Miller if he watches the Netflix show “Love is Blind,” which is hosted by Lachey. The Texas coach admitted that he is not as plugged into the dating reality program.
Some fans felt like the question was out of place, considering Texas had just pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far. One would have thought any sports journalist would be “excited” to ask a question about the game rather than rehash something from decades ago.
Miller himself, however, had no problem with the question and even sounded impressed to learn something new about his early coaching days. It’s hard to be upset after pulling off an NCAA Tournament upset.
Luis Arraez had a great reason for not wearing his WBC gold medal
Luis Arraez has returned to work with the San Francisco Giants after a memorable time with Venezuela at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Whatever happens to his stint with the Giants, he can always say that he’s a world champion, having helped Venezuela capture a WBC championship.
But somebody else now has Arraez’s gold medal.
On Saturday, Arraez was asked why he wasn’t flaunting his WBC gold medal, and his answer was, well, golden.
“I don’t have it. I gave it to my Mom. She’s the one who deserves it,” the 28-year-old Arraez said, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Regardless of who possesses Arraez’s gold medal, nothing can take away the fact that he and Venezuela ruled the baseball world in 2026. They finished second in Pool D with a 3-1 record, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Dominican Republic.
In the quarterfinals, Venezuela knocked out the then-reigning champions, Japan, before beating Italy in the semifinals.
In the championship game, Venezuela took down Team USA, 3-2.
Throughout the tournament, Arraez hit .308/.367/.692 with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs in seven games. Signed by the Giants to a 1-year, $12 million contract in February, the three-time All-Star Arraez now looks to help San Francisco end a World Series drought.
Mark Few gets the memes after Gonzaga’s latest March Madness disappointment
Mark Few and Gonzaga continue to be the bridesmaids of March Madness.
The No. 3 seed Bulldogs suffered another early NCAA Tournament exit on Saturday with a loss in the Round of 32 to the No. 11 seed Texas Longhorns. Gonzaga blew an early eight-point lead in the first half at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. and ended up losing by a final score of 74-68.
As a result of Gonzaga’s latest March Madness dud, their veteran head coach Few got the meme treatment online. Check out some of the most ruthless ones that were posted to X.
Another year of Mark Few not winning a National Championship pic.twitter.com/pKql3KILVQ
— BetMGM (@BetMGM) March 22, 2026
Mark few explaining what went wrong against Texas pic.twitter.com/ObTSZh0kE3
— Chris (@hornsupchris) March 22, 2026
Mark Few pic.twitter.com/YS6HuNc3zV
— Stan (@notsstann) March 22, 2026
Mark Few may be the greatest magician ever because he makes yall fall for his tricks every year.
— (@TheA1God) March 22, 2026
Few, 63, has been the head coach at Gonzaga since 1999 and owns a blistering career record of 773-156 (.832). The Bulldogs regularly run roughshod over the competition in their conference, resulting in Few accruing 21 WCC Tournament victories as well as 23 WCC regular season titles over the course of his head coaching career.
But for all their regular season success, Gonzaga still has yet to win a single national championship during Few’s entire 27-year run. They came close in 2017 and 2021, making the NCAA title game in both years, but ultimately failed to win The Big One.
With the Bulldogs’ loss this year in the Round of 32, this now marks the 13th time that Few’s team has bowed out of the NCAA Tournament by the first weekend. Gonzaga has already reportedly picked their replacement for Few whenever he decides to retire, and Bulldogs fans may now be hoping that day comes sooner than later.
Bol Bol wanted no part of a wild basketball fight
Former Denver Nuggets power forward Bol Bol just had a rude awakening to what basketball can be like in Asia.
Bol, who played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks, is currently serving as an import in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the TNT Tropang 5G. He made his PBA debut on Thursday against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and put up big numbers, which was to be expected.
At 7-foot-3, Bol is at least a foot taller than most players in the PBA, so taking and blocking shots were a cakewalk for him.
His height also allowed him to have a great vantage point when a brawl erupted in the fourth quarter of the contest between one of his teammates, Glenn Khobuntin, and Rain or Shine import, Jaylen Johnson.
You can watch the video here.
Bol Bol saw a brawl erupt in his first PBA game 😳 pic.twitter.com/nDPTmOeSXE
— Don March (@ItsAlwaysMarch) March 22, 2026
Khobuntin and Johnson were fighting for position in the paint before suddenly morphing into UFC title contenders.
But while others rushed to the scene, Bol seemed to want no part of it. His initial reaction after seeing the melee develop was to turn around and wave his hand.
It was a business decision by Bol, who likely felt there were enough people to calm things down and that he didn’t need to risk getting ejected by joining the fracas.
Khobuntin and Johnson were both ejected from the game, while Bol finished the contest with 38 points, 16 rebounds and 5 blocks, albeit in a 112-109 TNT loss.
Luka Doncic to be suspended after trash talking Magic center
Luka Doncic can only blame himself for his looming suspension.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was all up in the face of Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze late in the third quarter of their matchup at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The dueling Europeans got called for a double technical foul.
While the fouls offset each other and had virtually no impact on Saturday’s game, the incident did result in Doncic picking up his 16th technical foul of the season. The 16-technical mark results in an automatic suspension, meaning Doncic will have to miss the Lakers’ Monday game against the Detroit Pistons.
Luka Doncic receives his 16th tech of the season and if it stands he will be suspended for Monday’s game vs. the Pistons. pic.twitter.com/UNUABrb6W2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 22, 2026
The two began chirping during the previous possession after Bitadze fouled Doncic on a reach-in and sent the latter to the free-throw line. They exchanged words as the Lakers guard took his foul shots.
🚨Luka Doncic picks up his 16th tech and will be suspended next game pic.twitter.com/3ScVj4yZWQ
— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) March 22, 2026
The technical may be rescinded upon appeal, which would allow Doncic to play in the marquee Lakers-Pistons matchup. However, it’s hard to imagine that taking place, given that Doncic was visibly harassing Bitadze as they walked down the court. Doncic claimed after the game that Bitadze had made a vulgar threat against his family.
Doncic finished Saturday’s tight contest with 33 points on 12/30 shooting to go along with 8 assists and 4 steals. He got the last laugh on Bitadze as Luka Kennard hit a game-winning triple in the final seconds to give the Lakers a 105-104 victory.
LUKE KENNARD GAME-WINNER IN ORLANDO 😱
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 22, 2026
BRON, LUKA & THE CREW LOVING IT. 9-STRAIGHT WINS FOR THE LAKERS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QXDzgWzUg9
Kennard’s clutch shot extended the Lakers’ winning streak to 9 games. The streak will be tested on Monday, with Doncic likely out of the lineup against a Pistons team playing without Cade Cunningham.
Video: Cameron Boozer leaves TCU player bloodied after a flagrant foul
The No. 9 seed TCU Horned Frogs were left figuratively bloodied on Saturday by Cameron Boozer and the No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils. It was a little bit more literal, however, for Horned Frogs star David Punch.
During the first half of the contest, Duke freshman star Boozer put the ball on the floor as he tried to get away from Punch’s defense. In doing so, Boozer’s right elbow hit Punch in the face, causing the TCU sophomore forward’s nose to bleed.
Here’s the replay of that scene.
"To me, it doesn't feel overly excessive." — @GeneSteratore on David Punch taking an elbow to the face from Cameron Boozer pic.twitter.com/pSmHb4FEPv
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 21, 2026
Boozer initially was not called for a foul, but he was later assessed with a flagrant foul upon video review.
Because Punch needed to get attended to on the bench, TCU junior Liutauras Lelevicius was called on to take the free throws in his place, going 1-for-2 from the charity stripe to cut the Horned Frogs’ deficit down to seven points.
Duke was on an upset alert by halftime, as the Blue Devils ended the first half with just a four-point lead. But they turned things around in the second half on their way to an easy 81-58 victory at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Boozer led the way for Duke with 19 points on 7/10 shooting with 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Punch, on the other hand, mightily struggled, as he was perhaps bothered by his nose the rest of the way. He averaged 22.0 points in the previous three TCU games, but only had 4 points on an atrocious 1/10 shooting against Duke.
Video: Rob Gronkowski suffers an injury after connecting with Tom Brady
It’s not a pain-free Saturday for Rob Gronkowski.
Gronkowski is among the many football stars participating in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., but he got injured after making an impact in the game.
Playing alongside Tom Brady, Gronkowski caught a pass from his former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammate for a successful 2-point conversion attempt on the opening drive for Team Founders against Team USA. Before that, Brady found wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a fourth-down touchdown.
Gronkowski, however, seemingly got banged up while gathering himself following his catch. He slipped as he was trying to get back on his feet, later acknowledging that he hurt his hamstring. Although he said he was fine, the 36-year-old Gronk said that he wouldn’t return to the contest, according to Jacob Camenker of USA Today.
Here’s the video of his catch and slip.
Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski 👀 pic.twitter.com/hF1sCQgGMx
— Savage (@Savageboston) March 21, 2026
Also taking a hit was the ego of the NFL pros who lost to Team USA. Team Founders was blown out by Team USA, 43-16.
The outcome likely would have been the same even if Gronkowski had stayed in, as Team USA showed that flag football is a completely different beast.
LeBron James sets another NBA record during Lakers-Magic game
LeBron James is now the king of yet another all-time NBA list.
By simply taking the court on Saturday night against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center in Orlando, Fla., the Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward broke his tie with Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish for most games played ever in NBA history
The NBA immediately congratulated the 41-year-old James for his latest milestone.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers on becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in TOTAL GAMES PLAYED! pic.twitter.com/MOxwbcDJw1
— NBA (@NBA) March 21, 2026
It’s another record that further strengthens James’ basketball legacy and underscores his incredible longevity.
For comparison, Parish was hardly a contributor for the Chicago Bulls late in his NBA career, while James continues to be one of the most important players on a title-contending Lakers squad even after turning 41 in December. Based on his current play, James could continue his career for years to come.
James started his NBA journey in 2003, when the Cleveland Cavaliers took him first overall in the NBA draft. He’s played heavy minutes every season of his pro career, unlike aging stars before him who settled for bench roles and limited playing time in the twilight of their NBA careers.
The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James entered the Magic game with season averages of 21.3 points, 6.9 assists and 5.8 rebounds per outing.
Cam Skattebo addresses his controversial comment about CTE
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo addressed some controversial comments he made about CTE in a recent podcast appearance.
Skattebo was a guest on the “Bring The Juice” podcast and was asked by host Frank Dalena if he thought CTE was real. Skattebo said no and called it an “excuse,” and was similarly dismissive of asthma.
NEW: NY Giants RB Cam Skattebo says CTE is fake and calls it an “excuse.”
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) March 21, 2026
“You think CTE is a real thing?”
Skattebo: “No. It’s an excuse.”
Skattebo also believes asthma is an excuse.
“Yeah, just literally breathe air.” 😭 pic.twitter.com/LbkNRWZQX4
Skattebo’s comments quickly went viral, prompting him to issue an apology Saturday on X. The Giants running back apologized for his comments, calling them a “tasteless joke” and “a lapse in judgment.”
I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I…
— cameron skattebo (@camskattebo5) March 21, 2026
We have already seen that Skattebo likes to have fun and is indifferent to his critics. This time, however, he upset many people by seemingly downplaying the risk of serious head injuries.
Skattebo is coming off a successful rookie season with the Giants. He rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 attempts before an ankle injury prematurely ended his season.
Umpire had the most awkward hot mic moment during challenge
Home plate umpire Bill Miller had an embarrassing hot mic moment during Saturday’s spring training game that he probably wishes he could forget.
Miller’s ball call was challenged by the San Francisco Giants in the top of the fourth inning of Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians. Miller said the 0-2 pitch missed the strike zone, but the Giants challenged in a bid to get a called third strike that would end the inning.
After announcing the challenge to the crowd, Miller’s mic picked up his next comment: “Please be a strike.” He visibly flinched upon realizing the entire stadium had heard the remark.
The ump’s face after the whole crowd heard him say “please be a strike” 💀 pic.twitter.com/fHpi7FfsGw
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 21, 2026
It’s not clear why Miller was hoping his call was wrong. The gametime temperature was 96 degrees, however, so he might have just wanted a few moments of shade and a drink of water.
Unfortunately for Miller, his call was correct, but Cleveland third baseman Alex Mooney wound up striking out two pitches later.
This is hardly the first time an umpire has been caught on a hot mic. With the new challenge system being implemented this year, it might happen more frequently going forward.
4 players ejected after huge Thunder-Wizards fight
Four players were ejected Saturday after the Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards got into a wild fight during their game.
Washington’s Justin Champagnie and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams started jawing just before halftime during the game at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell then jumped into the fray, prompting Champagnie to seemingly take a swing at his face and set off a brawl.
Justin Champagnie and Ajay Mitchell get into it 😳pic.twitter.com/ecjEvMay2R
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 21, 2026
A second view showed how things escalated just before the fight took out the cameraman on the baseline.
yup lmaopic.twitter.com/Fhe0x6geXf https://t.co/JzrC9Z9m5t
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 21, 2026
Champagnie and Mitchell had to be held back from going after each other and were both livid. They were ejected along with Williams and Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace.
This did not quite escalate to the level of the Pistons-Hornets fight earlier this season, but things got pretty heated, especially between Champagnie and Mitchell. Suspensions are almost certainly coming.
Joe Burrow had fans terrified with his play in flag football tournament
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had fans very concerned with how hard he was playing in Saturday’s flag football event.
Burrow was one of several NFL players taking part in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles on Saturday, and he certainly did not go easy. At one point, Burrow attempted to make a catch when he was taken out below the knees by an opposing defender.
If I am a Bengals fan I am having a stroke watching Joe Burrow in this game pic.twitter.com/mZvcwCx6Wr
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) March 21, 2026
That is a fairly high-speed collision for a star quarterback that the Bengals will want protected. All involved were playing with a competitive intensity, and some were questioning how he was allowed to participate.
Joe Burrow just legit got hit/knocked down while trying to **catch** a pass.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 21, 2026
This is nuts. https://t.co/sTXN6tteyK
Saturday’s event also featured the likes of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski suffered a pulled hamstring during the event and was unable to continue.
Considering Burrow has a history of injuries, including a significant one last season, the Bengals are probably cringing while watching this. It is a bit of a surprise the team let him participate.
Fans are not happy with Pirates’ decision on top prospect Konnor Griffin
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a decision on Saturday that left a lot of their fans deeply disappointed.
The Pirates demoted top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp on Saturday, the team announced. That means he will not make the Opening Day roster.
Griffin, a shortstop and center fielder, is regarded as the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball. The team has no clear option at the shortstop position right now, so many Pirates fans were hoping he would make the team, and were deeply upset that he will not.
Not serious about winning, nothing has changed.
— 4th Period Hockey (@4thPeriodHockey) March 21, 2026
Alika Williams over Konnor Griffin is legitimately laughable
— SSDK™️ (@SouthSideDK) March 21, 2026
On one hand, the frustration is understandable. On the other, Griffin hit just .171 in spring training, though he did add four home runs. He is only 19 and has played just 21 games above A-ball, and it is plausible he needs more seasoning.
There is also the reality that the Pirates might be trying to forestall Griffin’s service clock and possibly get an extra year of team control out of him. Regardless, there is a solid chance Griffin will be up before the end of the season, even if he is not there for Opening Day.
Ex-NBA player ruthlessly fries Tracy McGrady over his take on expansion
Tracy McGrady is getting posterized over a decade after his final appearance in the NBA.
The retired Basketball Hall of Famer McGrady drew attention this week with his take on the NBA’s impending expansion efforts. McGrady issued a warning, claiming that there was not enough talent in the league to support an increase from 30 teams in the NBA to 32 (read his full remarks here).
That led to an absolutely cruel response from ex-NBA forward Solomon Hill. In a post to X this week, Hill reacted to McGrady’s comments and roasted the former NBA scoring champion over his lack of playoff success.
“He could have a point,” wrote Hill. “Back when Tracy played, there was so much talent that he couldn’t get out of the first round.”
Heat legend Solomon Hill to the rescue
— HeatMuse (@Heat_Muse) March 20, 2026
@solohill pic.twitter.com/dbRSVXhr7X
The seven-time All-Star McGrady did have a notorious streak of failing to get past the first round of the playoffs during his NBA career. He lost in the first round seven straight times during his peak as a player from 2000-08 and only advanced any further than that in 2009 (while he was injured) and then as a benchwarmer for the 2013 San Antonio Spurs (who eventually lost in the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat).
That said, Hill might not be the right messenger here. While he himself went on multiple deep playoff runs with the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat, Hill was very much a role player and is probably best remembered for once injuring LeBron James.
