John Harbaugh planning to snub some interested teams
John Harbaugh is the most wanted man on the coaching market right now, but at least a few teams with a vacancy will not even be able to get their foot in the door to speak to him.
Harbaugh told Jay Glazer of FOX Sports that he only plans to speak to three or four teams about their head coaching vacancies. The former Baltimore Ravens coach intends to take the weekend to narrow down the field before starting the interview process next week.
Just spoke with John Harbaugh who told me that while a ton of teams have reached out to him about their openings he’s going to take the weekend and narrow down to maybe 3 or 4 to go interview for rather than all across the board @NFLonFOX
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 10, 2026
In other words, of the eight head coaching vacancies in the NFL right now, maybe half will get their chance to speak with Harbaugh. It is safe to bet the New York Giants will be one of them, and he seems to at least be considering the Tennessee Titans as well. The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns are also known to be strongly interested in Harbaugh.
Realistically, Harbaugh might not have the time or energy to sit through eight interviews, especially when there are certain teams that will inevitably appeal to him less than others. One would imagine that a team like the Las Vegas Raiders, who might be poised for a full rebuild, just do not match up with Harbaugh’s timeline.
Harbaugh will essentially have his choice of jobs. His decision will allow at least some teams to move on and seek out some more realistic targets.
LeBron James calls out refs on social media
LeBron James is not happy with how Friday night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks ended, even a full day later.
James took to his Instagram story on Saturday to vent about what he saw as a missed call with under a minute remaining in the Lakers’ 105-101 defeat. The Lakers star shared a photo from when Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked James’ driving layup to keep the game tied with 39.2 seconds left. The photo appears to show Bucks center Myles Turner making contact with James’ arm, and is accompanied by a facepalm emoji.
LeBron’s latest IG story expresses frustration with the officiating last night: pic.twitter.com/S33ZUyEmzO
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 10, 2026
While there is nothing James can do about it now, his message is clear. He felt he should have had two free throws with a chance to put his team ahead, but instead was left with an empty possession.
James was not angry enough to wave Antetokounmpo away after the game, but he still wants to make his point a day later. He might not have said anything if the Lakers had managed to win the game, but they did not even score again after this moment.
David Cone gets dropped by ESPN
David Cone will not be returning to The Worldwide Leader.
The retired former Cy Young winner Cone won’t return to ESPN next season, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported this week. The news comes as ESPN moves from “Sunday Night Baseball” to weeknight game coverage instead.
Cone, now 63 years old, had spent the last four years as a color commentator for ESPN on “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts. He worked in the booth alongside play-by-play announcer Karl Ravech and analyst Eduardo Perez.
But ESPN is moving into a new era with NBC now taking over the “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast rights beginning with the 2026 MLB season. Marchand also notes that ESPN is interested in adding former NL MVP Joey Votto to help call a handful of games.
Cone pitched in Major League Baseball from 1986-2003. The lefty hurler made five All-Star teams, won five World Series titles (one with the Toronto Blue Jays and four with the New York Yankees), and led MLB in strikeouts three times. Cone also took home the AL Cy Young Award in 1994 and notably threw a perfect game in 1999.
Fortunately, Cone still has a couple of other cushy broadcasting gigs as he serves as a color commentator for the Yankees both locally on YES Network and nationally on Amazon Prime. But Cone’s ESPN era is officially over after an eventful run during which he produced some notable on-air spectacles.
Steph Curry took a cold swipe at the Kings after beating them
It wasn’t quite enough for Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors to blow out the Sacramento Kings by 34 points on Friday night.
The Warriors steamrolled the Pacific Division foe Kings by a final score of 137-103 during their latest matchup at Chase Centet in San Francisco, Calif. It was Curry who led the way for Golden State, dropping a game-high 27 points and 10 assists as the Warriors won their 21st game of the season.
After the contest, Curry was speaking with reporters and was asked if there was a rivalry between the Warriors and the Kings. Curry’s ensuing response was as cold as could be.
“Geographically, yeah,” Curry said. “That’s about it.”
"Geographically, yeah. That's about it."
— KNBR (@KNBR) January 10, 2026
Steph Curry was quick to shut down the idea of there being a rivalry between the Warriors and the lowly Kings after a dominate 137-103 win. pic.twitter.com/b9Z2G0gfzt
The former NBA MVP Curry was very much on point there. Golden State has won four championships and made six NBA Finals appearances since 2015. Meanwhile over that exact same span, Sacramento has made it to the playoffs exactly one time (in 2023 when they lost in the first round to … the Warriors).
When it comes to head-to-head regular season matchups, those do not get much better for the Kings either. Since 2015, the Warriors have won the head-to-head by a 27-13 count (including Friday’s result). Thus, no one can really dispute the claim of Curry, who also seems to really dislike the Kings, that the only rivalry there is divisionally and geographically.
John Harbaugh studying 2 QBs as he considers his next job
John Harbaugh has started to do some film study on his potential head coach suitors, but two in particular may have caught his attention.
The former Baltimore Ravens coach is spending the weekend watching film on New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. That would certainly suggest Harbaugh has real interest in both the Giants and Titans jobs.
John Harbaugh is spending today and the next few days watching film specifically on quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Cam Ward. He’s also been in contact with team decision makers, while continuing to communicate with potential members of his own coaching staff.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 10, 2026
Harbaugh’s focus on quarterbacks makes a lot of sense. The position will have a lot to do with whether he succeeds or fails in his next job, and both Dart and Ward appear to have bright futures. The former Ravens coach will want to feel comfortable with whoever he is tying himself to as his franchise quarterback.
This certainly suggests the Titans have a chance at landing Harbaugh, even if they are not necessarily seen as a favorite. The Giants, on the other hand, have already been heavily linked to the coach.
Harbaugh is likely to be in high demand, and it would be fair to assume that he is doing ample research on every team that has interest in him. For now, that appears to be everyone with an opening. He could easily have his pick of any available job based on his reputation and resume.
Troy Aikman is not finished working for the Dolphins
Troy Aikman’s work with the Miami Dolphins is not finished quite yet.
After helping the team with their general manager hire, Aikman will do the same as they search for a new head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Aikman is assisting, though new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is heading the search.
ESPN analyst and Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman, who consulted on the #Dolphins GM search, will also be working in a similar capacity for their head coach search, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2026
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan is leading the search with owner Stephen Ross, but Aikman will assist. pic.twitter.com/b9WuMCrQiQ
While Aikman was never reported to be leading the search, he did play some role in it. Some are even convinced that he had a say in the firing of coach Mike McDaniel considering some of his past comments about the Dolphins.
There is no indication that Aikman will be leaving behind his role on ESPN doing “Monday Night Football.” However, the more work he does with the Dolphins, the more people will wonder if either he or the team would be interested in some sort of permanent arrangement working together. It is quite unusual, after all, for someone as prominent as Aikman to simply help a team out for a little bit and then no longer be involved.
The Dolphins figure to be one of the more desirable head coaching jobs available. Miami probably does not need Aikman to recommend certain options to them, but it remains to be seen if they can land a top candidate.
Matt Ryan makes announcement about his CBS job
Matt Ryan officially has a new job with the Atlanta Falcons, meaning he is leaving his old one behind.
Ryan accepted the Falcons’ president of football role on Saturday and will be in charge of the team’s football operations going forward. As such, he confirmed he will be leaving CBS after Sunday’s “The NFL Today.”
Ryan said he loved his time at CBS and thanked the network for allowing him to pursue the Atlanta job.
With his new job in Atlanta, Matt Ryan’s time at CBS has come to an end — almost. He will appear on his final show Sunday and address his new job with the Falcons. pic.twitter.com/Lk5pT7INDJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2026
Ryan will lead the hiring process for the Falcons’ new general manager as part of his new role. He has no experience in this sort of thing, but the organization is trusting him to turn things around for a team that has not had a great deal of on-field success since he was still playing quarterback for them.
Initial reports had suggested that Ryan was interested in remaining on CBS while still fulfilling his Falcons duties. That obviously proved untenable, and he had to choose one way or the other. The opportunity in Atlanta was simply too good for him to pass up.
Bills get splashy, auction off Highmark Stadium troughs
Buffalo Bills fans, brace yourselves for the ultimate man-cave upgrade: The infamous trough urinals from Highmark Stadium are officially up for sale!
As the Bills prepare to move across the street to their shiny new $2.1 billion digs after 53 seasons, the old Orchard Park icon is getting stripped bare. Partnering with memorabilia pros CollectibleXchange, the team is hawking everything from seats ($549) to turf chunks and goalposts ($100).
But the real golden shower of nostalgia? Those shoulder-to-shoulder communal troughs where Bills Mafia bonded over beers, blizzards, and bladder emergencies.
Brandon Steiner, the memorabilia mastermind behind Yankee Stadium and MSG cleanouts, couldn’t believe the demand.
“People want those troughs. They want that kind of stuff, so we’ll make that available,” he said, via TMZ. “You’re talking about Buffalo, and people take a lot of pride in the stadium.”
Pride indeed! Now you can relive the “splashing solidarity” in your basement — no more accidental elbow bumps from strangers, just you, your memories, and a plumber wondering what fresh heck this is.
It’s the ultimate way to say, “I was there… and I held it together.” Who needs a Super Bowl ring when you’ve got a genuine pee-ice of Bills history?
Falcons complete interview with Matt Ryan for newly created role
The Atlanta Falcons have completed an interview with franchise great Matt Ryan for the newly established role of president of football, the team announced on Friday.
“The leader in this new role will set the vision and identity for our team,” Owner Arthur Blank wrote in a letter shared with fans. “Our new head coach and general manager will report to the new president of football, and they will work collaboratively as a football leadership team on all football decisions. Final decision-making authority will rest with the president of football.”
Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler, spent 14 seasons with Atlanta after being drafted in 2008. He holds franchise records for passing yards (55,767), touchdowns (347), and more. Retired since spring 2024, Ryan currently serves as a CBS Sports analyst, providing league-wide insights.
Blank highlighted Ryan’s leadership, deep Atlanta roots — his family has lived there 18 years — and respected football intellect. The candidacy follows recent front-office changes after a disappointing season.
Reports indicate Ryan may aim to retain his broadcasting duties alongside the role, pending approvals.
A potential hire would mark a homecoming for the Ring of Honor inductee, leveraging his experience to guide the Falcons’ future.
Kevin Durant pays respect to Wilt Chamberlain after passing him on scoring list
In a historic night at the Moda Center, Kevin Durant passed Wilt Chamberlain for seventh place on the NBA’s career scoring list during the Houston Rockets’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.
The 37-year-old Durant, in his 18th season, entered needing 15 points to top Chamberlain’s 31,419. He sealed the milestone with a 3-pointer at 7:57 in the third quarter, reaching 31,422 points. Durant also eclipsed 8,000 career rebounds in the same contest, showcasing his enduring excellence as a 15-time All-Star.
The Portland crowd gave warm applause upon announcement, and Blazers coach Tiago Splitter embraced Durant. Rockets coach Ime Udoka lauded his work ethic, while Splitter reflected on Durant’s consistent scoring prowess.
Postgame, in a locker room interview, Durant expressed gratitude and a deep respect for Chamberlain.
“To be amongst the greats is always an honor,” Durant told reporters. “Wilt is somebody I studied and try to look up as much as I can on a player like that. He set a standard for NBA players and grateful to reach that and inspired by what he produced to the game of basketball.
“Portland is such a classy, classy city for recognizing me in that moment and honoring me.”
Dirk Nowitzki sits sixth with 31,560 points.
Warriors ban fans after chaotic brawl at ‘Hello Kitty’ game
A violent altercation erupted in the stands at the Chase Center during the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
The matchup, themed as Hello Kitty giveaway night, turned ugly when fans clashed midway through the contest, which the Warriors ultimately won, 120-113.
Video footage captured the chaos.
A man wearing a Steph Curry jersey and a Warriors hat repeatedly punched another spectator in a black shirt, who was also placed in a headlock by a third individual in a grey quarter-zip.
A woman attempted to intervene but couldn’t stop the blows. Most onlookers appeared stunned as the brawl unfolded in the seating area, while others cheered.
Security personnel and San Francisco Police Department officers quickly responded, separating the parties and restoring order.
The Warriors organization issued a statement calling it a “brief altercation” and confirmed the involved fans were ejected. Both primary antagonists have been banned indefinitely from all future events at Chase Center to ensure fan safety.
“SFPD (San Francisco Police Department) was on location to defuse the situation,” the team told TMZ. “The fans have been banned from future Chase Center events.”
No injuries or arrests have been reported
Giannis Antetokounmpo rejects LeBron, then asks for jersey
In a tense showdown, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 105-101, powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s clutch defense against LeBron James in the final minute.
With the score tied at 101 and 39.2 seconds left, Giannis blocked LeBron’s driving layup attempt to prevent a go-ahead basket. The Bucks capitalized on the stop, drawing a foul and taking the lead. Moments later, with the Lakers trailing by two with 1.5 seconds remaining, LeBron drove again — only for Giannis to poke the ball away with a crucial steal, securing the victory.
Giannis finished with an efficient 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting, but his defensive heroics defined the night.
Afterward, the two superstars shared a heartfelt moment. Giannis requested and received a signed purple No. 23 Lakers jersey from LeBron, adding it to his personal collection.
“You never know. Might be our last game against one another,” Antetokounmpo said after the game, via ESPN. “It means a lot to me. I think he’s a blueprint for every athlete, not just basketball athlete. Being able to be consistent for 23 years. Available. Be a winner, lead by example. It’s incredible. And any opportunity I have to be around greatness and compete against greatness, I will always take it. I never take it for granted.
“I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he’s carried himself for 23 years. And as I said, I miss going against him. I think he brings the best out of me as a player and he’s one of the guys that I definitely look up to on the court and off the court.”
LeBron echoed the sentiment.
“At this point in my career, it’s always great to go against some of the greats. If it’s Giannis, if it’s Steph, KD, James, Russ. Guys that I’ve been either going against for a long time or played with,” he said.
The jersey swap underscored the profound admiration between two generational talents.
WNBA CBA deadline passes without agreement
The WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement by the Friday, 11:59 p.m. ET deadline, allowing the prior CBA to expire. Negotiations continue amid significant differences, particularly over revenue sharing, as both sides discuss a potential moratorium on early free agency activities.
With the CBA expired, the league and union have entered a “status quo” period, maintaining previous working conditions while talks proceed. However, this opens the possibility of a work stoppage, though the league has no plans for a lockout.
The league recently proposed halting qualifying offers and core designations — typically due between Sunday and January 20 — while the WNBPA reviews the idea. Nearly all veteran players are free agents this offseason, anticipating major salary increases in a new deal.
The sides remain far apart on the compensation structure. The league proposes that players receive 70% of net revenue, with maximum salaries rising above $1.3 million (eventually nearing $2 million), average salaries exceeding $530,000 (growing to $780,000), and a $5 million base salary cap in Year 1. The union has countered with demands closer to 30% of gross revenue and a $10.5–12.5 million cap.
“Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness. Instead, they have remained committed to undervaluing player contributions, dismissing player concerns, and running out the clock,” the WNBPA said in a statement, via ESPN.
“In the face of the league and teams’ actions, the players remain undeterred, unafraid, and unwavering in their commitment to doing what is necessary to secure a transformational new CBA…. Make no mistake. Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue. We urge the league and its teams to meet this moment. The players already have and will continue to do so.”
The WNBA continues to insist its priority is to increase player salaries.
“As the league experiences a pivotal time of unprecedented popularity and growth, we recognize the importance of building upon that momentum. Our priority is a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league for current and future generations of players and fans,” the league said in their own statement.
LeBron James pulls a disrespectful move on Kevin Porter Jr. during game
LeBron James was out there clowning on a player over 15 years his junior this week.
James and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off on Friday night against Kevin Porter Jr. and the Milwaukee Bucks. In the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., Lakers star Luka Doncic got a steal and launched the ball up the floor to James in transition.
The Bucks guard Porter attempted to chase down James and steal the ball away. But James easily stepped past Porter and gave him a disrespectful look before throwing down the open dunk.
Here is the video.
The look from LeBron.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 10, 2026
(h/t @ShowCaseShabazz)
pic.twitter.com/OpHzfnYDby
You can’t fault Porter for trying there. James has more than a 30-pound weight advantage over Porter, so it was indeed a much better idea to go for the last-ditch steal attempt rather than to try to take a charge there.
But that staredown from the 41-year-old James just ensured that Porter’s face will be plastered all over highlight reels for the rest of the weekend. That was the most disrespectful thing that we have seen the four-time NBA champion do in the middle of a game since this stunt that he pulled a few years ago.
Curt Cignetti had unexpected quote after Indiana destroyed Oregon in CFP semifinals
Curt Cignetti finally let loose just a little bit Friday after Indiana wiped the floor with Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Hoosiers crushed the Ducks 56-22 in a wire-to-wire drubbing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Indiana took control on the very first play when star cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore for a pick-six.
Indiana rode that wave to lead by as many as 41 points in a game that was never close after the first quarter. Despite the lopsided scoreboard, Cignetti looked locked in all throughout the game. Even when Indian was making game-changing plays, Cignetti somehow maintained his signature scowl.
During his postgame interview, however, Cignetti surprisingly let his guard down.
“I’m really not thinking about the next game,” Cignetti said when asked about Indiana’s next game against Miami. “I’m thinking about cracking open a beer.”
“I’m really not thinking about the next game. I’m thinking about cracking open a beer.”
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) January 10, 2026
Curt Cignetti 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5Tw9cSoptl
With more than a week between Friday’s game and the College Football Playoff National Championship against Miami, even Cignetti feels comfortable enough to crack open a cold one.
The veteran coach probably won’t be sharing any IPAs with Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. But the reigning Heisman Trophy winner definitely deserves at least one mug of draft beer for the way he sliced up the Oregon defense.
Mendoza went 17/20 for 177 yards with 5 touchdowns to get his team to the national title game. He vastly outshone his counterpart in Moore, who faltered under the bright lights of the CPF semifinals.
Everyone said the same thing about Dan Lanning during Oregon’s blowout CFP loss
Dan Lanning drew an unflattering coaching comp with Oregon’s no-show during Friday’s CFP semifinal.
Lanning and the Ducks were blown out by Indiana in Friday’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The Hoosiers went up 35-7 by halftime, and it didn’t get any better for Oregon from there as they ended up losing by an ugly 56-22 final score.
In response to the drubbing, everyone said the same thing about the Oregon head coach Lanning. They compared him to former Penn State head coach (and now Virginia Tech head coach) James Franklin.
The millennial generation has their own James Franklin! pic.twitter.com/v6kh2fH1Ra
— quentan tarantino (@CRlME_SCENE) January 10, 2026
Oregon what the hell are y’all doing Dan Lanning only been two years in but his big game so far looks like James Franklin
— DJ House (@DJHouse82) January 10, 2026
Dan Lanning is just a younger James Franklin
— green80sports (@green80sports) January 10, 2026
Is Dan Lanning the new James Franklin?
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) January 10, 2026
At what point does Dan Lanning start getting a James Franklin reputation. pic.twitter.com/Qb1Xax71S6
— Dan Divjak (@IceShark8) January 10, 2026
Franklin developed a reputation for a strong 9-to-10-win floor but an inability to get the job when it matters most. While he was at Penn State, Franklin regularly failed to beat elite opponents and was unable to make it out of the semifinal during his one time leading the program to the CFP in the 2024 season.
As for Lanning, that comparison might be a little unfair since he is a younger coach who is only in his fourth season leading the Ducks. Lanning also already led Oregon to a Big Ten championship and a CFP berth last season before winning 13 games and getting them back into the CFP again this season.
But Friday’s CFP semifinal was an immensely ugly showing for the Ducks, no thanks to some very embarrassing blunders by quarterback Dante Moore. Now Lanning and the Ducks will have to go home and lick their wounds before trying to regroup for next season.
Curt Cignetti had amazing reaction to Indiana blocking an Oregon punt
Curt Cignetti did not look like he was having a good time on Friday in what was supposed to be a celebratory moment for Indiana.
Indiana led Oregon 42-15 in an absolute rout at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The Hoosiers gave their head coach something to smile about in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter with a blocked punt and recovery at the Ducks’ 11.
PUNT BLOCKED ❌
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 10, 2026
📺ESPN pic.twitter.com/elxO8GBtaZ
Instead of showing a shred of excitement on what was virtually a game-sealing defensive play, Cignetti looked more like he had been waiting in line for hours at his local DMV.
Curt Cignetti was upset Indiana didn't score on the blocked punt. pic.twitter.com/LXCMezYQOL
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 10, 2026
Curt Cignetti's reaction to the blocked bunt. Not Pleased…still pic.twitter.com/Pxkh41xa8N
— JAiHAWKFLY℠ (@JAiHAWKFLY) January 10, 2026
Indiana did capitalize with a touchdown three plays later. But it may have been three plays more than what Cignetti was hoping for.
Cignetti has developed a reputation for maintaining a perpetual scowl no matter the situation on the gridiron. The Indiana coach finally broke with about five minutes left in the contest. Cignetti cracked a little bit of a smirk after Kaelon Black bulldozed his way to a 23-yard touchdown run, giving the Hoosiers a 56-15 lead.
Curt Cignetti smile sighting.
— TJ Salomone (@TJSalomone) January 10, 2026
That’s how you know Indiana is absolutely dominating Oregon in every way. 😭
pic.twitter.com/Xl9FCY2Wik
Apparently, all it takes is breaking the 50-point plateau in a College Football Playoff game.
Report: Ja Morant has had problems with his Grizzlies teammates
More details are emerging on Ja Morant’s seemingly fractured relationship with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies are, for the first time, considering trading away their two-time All-Star point guard Morant, it was revealed on Friday. Since then, some interesting potential suitors have already emerged for Morant.
Later in the day on Friday, Michael C. Wright of ESPN shared some interesting details about the Morant saga. Wright says that Morant felt alienated by his Grizzlies teammates after he was suspended by the team earlier this season over a confrontation with head coach Tuomas Iisalo.
While Wright notes that Grizzlies players were told to leave Morant alone so that he could get through the issues that led to the suspension, Morant reportedly proceeded to tell players around the league as well as former coaches that he would not be playing for Memphis anymore. You can read Wright’s full report on the situation here.
Morant, 26, was the Grizzlies’ No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and has been with them ever since. But Morant has notably been suspended multiple times by the NBA for flashing weapons on his social media, and his relationship with Iisalo has gotten particularly problematic this season. One recent report even claimed that Morant “hates” playing for Iisalo, who took over as Memphis’ head coach in the middle of last season after Taylor Jenkins was fired.
This year’s NBA trade deadline will be on Feb. 5. Morant is still signed through 2028, but it looks like his situation with the 16-22 Grizzlies is getting increasingly more untenable as the days go by.
NBA referee Bill Kennedy leaves the court in a wheelchair after injury
One of the Internet’s favorite referees suffered an unfortunate mishap during Friday’s game.
Veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy was part of the crew for Friday’s matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. During the first quarter of the contest, Kennedy was trying to follow along with a play in transition by the 76ers when he appeared to pull up lame.
Kennedy immediately called for a stoppage in play. He was then taken off the court in a wheelchair.
Here is the video.
Bill Kennedy suffered an injury and was wheeled off the court pic.twitter.com/232lH3qoIl
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) January 10, 2026
The 60-year-old Kennedy is in his 26th career season as an NBA referee. He has worked over 1,400 games over the years, including over 130 playoff games.
Kennedy has also become a viral favorite over the last couple of years due to his extremely entertaining and theatrical deliveries while announcing the results of coach’s challenges. Take a look at one example.
another night, another Bill Kennedy announcement!pic.twitter.com/hJd1n1FR8C
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 31, 2025
For Kennedy though, he has been producing these kinds of antics for over a decade now. But now the NBA world will be holding its collective breath that the apparent injury that Kennedy suffered on Friday is not a serious one.
Cardinals add former World Series winner to pitching staff
The St. Louis Cardinals are taking a flier on a former top-shelf bullpen arm.
Several reporters confirmed Friday that the Cardinals have agreed to a contract with relief pitcher Ryne Stanek. The right-hander heads to St. Louis after a down season with the New York Mets.
Free-agent reliever Ryne Stanek and the St. Louis Cardinals are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 10, 2026
Stanek is a few seasons removed from his stellar 2022 campaign, when he looked unhittable as a setup man for the Houston Astros. Stanek had a 1.15 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 59 games that year. He also had four spotless outings en route to the Astros’ 2022 World Series title.
However, Stanek has failed to keep his ERA below 4.00 in each of the last three seasons, including a nightmare 2025 campaign with the Mets. Stanek had one of the worst seasons of his career during his final season in New York. He had a 5.30 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP across 65 games, with his numbers worsening as the season progressed.
With Stanek once showing that he could perform at the highest level, it’s understandable why the Cardinals wanted to give him a shot. It may help that Stanek was born and raised in St. Louis. What doesn’t help is that he was actually named after a Chicago Cubs legend, despite being born into a family of Cardinals fans.
