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Ime Udoka on the sideline

Ime Udoka lays into his team after Rockets’ unreal Game 3 collapse

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka called out his players after the team’s epic collapse on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets had a win virtually wrapped up with under 30 seconds left in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Despite having possession and a six-point lead, the Rockets still found a way to lose the contest.

Two avoidable turnovers, a fouled three-point shooter, and a clutch three from LeBron James forced overtime. The pressure of choking and falling to 0-3 in the series consumed the Rockets in OT, losing 112-108 against an undermanned Lakers squad.

Udoka laid into his team during his postgame press conference.

“Horrendous mistakes,” Udoka said with a stern look on his face. “I don’t know if you want to say youth, or scared of the moment, or whatever the case.

“You have a six-point lead with 20, 30 seconds to go. Get a rebound and just have to hold the ball, get fouled. … To make it worse, a terrible foul on Marcus Smart to give him three free throws.

“Next play, backcourt, you’ve got it. Double’s coming. You try to split it instead of throwing it to [Alperen Sengun] wide open. Turnover, and James makes a tough shot.”

Houston had a chance to salvage a win with a last-second shot in regulation. Udoka added that Houston did not run the play he drew up, resulting in Sengun badly missing a contested fadeaway along the baseline.

With the Rockets’ season all but over barring a miraculous turnaround, Udoka could be looking at an offseason on the hot seat. While he could be angry at his players for letting a winnable game slip away, Udoka still deserves part of the blame as head coach.

Beyond the Game 3 collapse, the Rockets were outplayed and outcoached through three games against a Lakers team missing two of its three best players.

BasketballHouston RocketsIme UdokaNBA Playoffs 2026
Munetaka Murakami in a White Sox uniform

Munetaka Murakami posts record not even Shohei Ohtani could match

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Munetaka Murakami is on a home run tear that MLB has never seen from a rookie.

The Chicago White Sox slugger smashed a mammoth home run on Friday against the Washington Nationals deep to right-center field at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. The solo blast tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of teh 4th inning.

MUNETAKA MURAKAMI 😤

HOME RUN NO. 11 pic.twitter.com/KW8paBl3K3

— MLB (@MLB) April 25, 2026

The home run was Murakami’s 11th of the season — an unfathomable number for someone who took his first MLB at-bats just over a month ago. The Japanese stud became the first rookie ever to surpass 10 home runs before the calendar reached May.

Murakami bested Aaron Judge, Trevor Story, and Jose Abreu, who each had legendary rookie campaigns that saw them hit 10 home runs through April.

The White Sox still have five games left in April for Murakami to pad his lead even more. Given that he just his home runs in six of his last seven games, there’s a decent chance he can add at least one more before May.

Murakami hit a home run in each of his first three games before hitting a bit of a cold stretch in the early part of April, then finding his form again over the past two weeks.

For reference, Shohei Ohtani similarly had a 3-game home run streak in his first week as a rookie for the Los Angeles Angels back in 2018, but only had four home runs by May.

In all fairness to Ohtani, he was missing a fifth of his possible at-bats back then on the days he was on the mound as a starting pitcher.

The White Sox won over Murakami in free agency in December in a deal that’s now looking like an absolute bargain. The team hilariously misspelled Murakami’s name on his locker during spring training. After 11 home runs through most of April, that mistake won’t be happening again.

BaseballMunetaka Murakami
Rams coach Sean McVay smiles

Sean McVay has addressed his ‘grumpy’ behavior after Rams drafted Ty Simpson

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Sean McVay wants the world to know that NFL head coaches can sometimes be grumpy for reasons other than football.

The Los Angeles Rams coach turned heads on Thursday for looking unenthusiastic after his team drafted Ty Simpson. Fans and media members alike read into the moment as McVay’s non-verbal way of expressing disapproval of general manager Les Snead drafting Matthew Stafford’s potential successor.

McVay shot that notion down during the Rams’ press conference following Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft. A report emerged earlier in the day that McVay was “in lockstep” with Snead on the Simpson pick, and the veteran coach confirmed it.

“What do you guys think, am I angry right now?” McVay joked to cut through the tension.

“I will say this, though: the one thing that would never be doubted is we couldn’t be in more lockstep in every decision that we make. I get my demeanor last night. … We’re excited about [Ty Simpson].

“Always want to be mindful of how things come off, things like that. … Couldn’t be more excited about us continuing to lead together, but every decision that we make is collective and collaborative.”

Sean McVay addresses his demeanor during the Ty Simpson press conference on Thursday and says he’s excited about the draft pick and that Les Snead is his buddy and they are on the same page. pic.twitter.com/nFUAJ1eLzE

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 25, 2026

McVay claimed there were “misunderstandings” regarding his demeanor and called Snead his “brother.”

“Sometimes, I could be a little grumpy,” McVay admitted.

Asked about why he was feeling grumpy, McVay stated that he had “normal life” reasons that had nothing to do with the Rams’ draft decisions.

McVay called it a “blessing” for Simpson to get the chance to learn from Stafford. The Rams coach added that he was also trying to be respectful of his longtime starting QB, which is what many interpreted from the previous day’s press conference.

Stafford has had to answer questions about retirement for several offseasons now, but has continued to post productive seasons for the Rams year after year. If Stafford still has a few more MVP-caliber campaigns left in the tank, Simpson may be sitting behind him for quite some time.

Featured StoriesFootball2026 NFL DraftLos Angeles RamsSean McVayTy Simpson
Rockets with possession and the lead in game 3 against the Lakers

Rockets had one of the most catastrophic choke jobs ever to end Game 3

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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The Houston Rockets snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Friday to fall one game away from postseason elimination.

The Rockets led 101-95 with just over 30 seconds left in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The contest looked done and dusted after LeBron James clanked a three-pointer, and the Rockets secured the rebound.

Houston had possession and a six-point lead with just a little over a full shot clock of game time remaining. The win was basically guaranteed at that point, which may be why the Rockets got complacent.

Jabari Smith Jr. lofted a lazy pass that was stolen away by Marcus Smart near the halfcourt line. Smart then got fouled by Jae’Sean Tate while from beyond the arc and sank all three free throws.

this genuinely the stupidest play i ever seen like Jabari had NO reason to throw this pass he legit wasn’t even getting pressured???? pic.twitter.com/BQ5TufV8cy

— A ✩ (@adryanashton) April 25, 2026

The Rockets still led by three and just needed to take care of the ball. They did not do that, however, as Reed Sheppard got his pocket picked by LeBron James in the backcourt. The Lakers star then got the ball back and proceeded to drain a contested three-pointer to tie the game with 13 seconds left.

HOUSTON CHOKED 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/KN55AP3o13

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 25, 2026

The game went into overtime, where the Lakers prevailed in a 112-108 stunner in Texas.

The Rockets entered Friday’s matchup behind in the series 0-2, making Game 3 an absolute must-win contest. That win was already theirs up until one of the most monumental collapses in recent playoff memory.

No NBA team has ever come back to win after being down 0-3 in a series.

BasketballHeadlinesHouston RocketsLos Angeles LakersNBA Playoffs 2026
Ty Simpson warming up for Alabama

Ty Simpson reveals message he got from Kelly Stafford after Rams drafted him

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Ty Simpson has connected with the Stafford family, but not through the member who’s the Los Angeles Rams’ starting quarterback.

The Rams made Simpson the surprise pick of the 2026 NFL draft when they selected him 13th overall. It was quite the use of the team’s first-round pick when incumbent QB1 Matthew Stafford just won the MVP trophy last season.

The Rams reportedly had to assure Stafford that the pick was made for after he decides to retire. But Stafford’s true thoughts on the matter have yet to be made public.

Simpson spoke to reporters on Friday and was asked if Stafford had contacted him since getting drafted. The rookie shared that it was actually Matthew’s wife Kelly Stafford who had reached out to him so far.

“I have not. Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram,” Simpson said. “Welcomed me and told me to hit her up with my family if we ever needed anything.”

“But I can’t wait to talk to Matthew,” followed Simpson. “I’m super ecstatic. I just want to pick his brain about everything. Soak up all that knowledge. How he goes about things.”

Ty Simpson says he has not heard from Matthew Stafford but his wife “Kelly has actually texted me on Instagram and welcomed me and told me to hit her up if we need anything but I can’t wait to talk to Matthew. I’m super ecstatic because I just want to pick his brain.” pic.twitter.com/qWY62T4mSi

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 24, 2026

Simpson added that he’s been a “big fan” of Matthew Stafford for “a long time.” Ty also got a welcome message from Rams safety Quentin Lake.

It’s tough to read too much into Stafford not messaging Simpson yet. That may just not be his style, and he could prefer to connect with his teammates in person later on.

Fans and media members, however, felt like Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t happy with the Simpson pick. McVay seemed to be in an uncharacteristically dour mood during the Rams’ press conference following Day 1 of the draft.

One report indicated that McVay was “in lockstep” with Rams GM Les Snead over the Stafford pick, and his seemingly sullen state was a show of solidarity for his veteran QB.

Football2026 NFL DraftKelly StaffordLos Angeles RamsTy Simpson
Mark Ingram II and his son taunting Steelers fans at NFL draft

Mark Ingram II’s son taunts stadium full of Steelers fans at NFL draft

April 24, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Mark Ingram II has instilled a hatred in his son of the Pittsburgh Steelers, even at an early age.

The Baltimore Ravens invited Ingram as a special guest at the NFL draft to announce pick No. 45. Ingram had much more planned than just speaking into the mic and saying a name at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.

The former Pro Bowl running back brought his son with him to the podium. He gave the little one a big boost to the mic to send a message to the thousands of Steelers fans in attendance.

“Steelers still suck!” Ingram’s son shouted into the mic.

"Steelers still suck!" 😅

Mark Ingram II's son made sure to let the crowd in Pittsburgh know his Ravens loyalty 😂 pic.twitter.com/TJ6cc0EXck

— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2026

The Steelers faithful showered the father-and-son tandem with boos. Ingram hilariously prioritized the special message over shouting out the Maryland girls’ flag football players who were on stage with him.

With the crowd already hostile toward Ingram, the girls received nothing but boos.

Maryland girls flag football athletes take the stage to celebrate it being a sanctioned state championship sport 🙌 @NFLFlag

NFL Draft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6TAvxekxp0

— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026

After all the hullabaloo, Ingram finally announced the Ravens’ second-round pick: edge rusher Zion Young out of Missouri.

Ingram only spent two of his 12 NFL seasons with the Ravens. The former Heisman Trophy winner spent most of his career with the New Orleans Saints. But those two years in Baltimore were apparently enough to develop a distaste for the Black and Gold.

Football2026 NFL DraftMark IngramPittsburgh Steelers fans
Alperen Sengun in his Rockets uniform

Rockets could make 1 shocking move if they lose to the Lakers

April 24, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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The Houston Rockets are currently down 0-2 to the Los Angeles Lakers, and a lot may be riding on what happens from here.

Houston could potentially look to trade star center Alperen Sengun if they lose in the first round to the Lakers, William Guillory of The Athletic reported on Friday. Guillory notes that the Rockets may try to move Sengun in exchange for a (potentially) disgruntled star such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Donovan Mitchell.

Sengun, still only 23, has been a central player for the Rockets over the last few seasons. With a skillset drawing comparisons to a lite version of Nikola Jokic, Sengun has made the All-Star team in back-to-back seasons now and averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game in the regular season this year.

But Sengun’s development has actually cratered somewhat with starting point guard Fred VanVleet missing the entire season due to a torn ACL. As a result, Sengun is not getting to his spots as easily, and his efficiency has taken a hit.

Sengun is also averaging a career-high 3.2 turnovers per game this season, and his deficiencies have really been exposed in the playoff series against the Lakers. In particular, Sengun is not finishing effectively in the paint and has largely been a traffic cone as Houston’s final line of defense.

The former first-round pick Sengun did survive some notable trade rumors last offseason, and it was ex-Rockets co-star Jalen Green who ended up getting dealt instead. But with Kevin Durant about to turn 38 later this year, Houston may have to go all-in on next season if they cannot ultimately get the job done this season.

BasketballFeatured StoriesAlperen SengunHouston RocketsNBA Playoffs 2026
Jeff Hoffman delivers a pitch

Blue Jays make a big decision on the struggling Jeff Hoffman

April 24, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Jeff Hoffman is officially out of a job (as the closer).

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins announced to reporters on Friday that Hoffman has been removed from his role as the team’s closer. The Blue Jays will now go with a closer-by-committee while Hoffman pitches out of lower-leverage spots for the time being, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.

The righty Hoffman, 33, was an All-Star in 2024 with the Philadelphia Phillies before signing with the Blue Jays in 2025. Last season, Hoffman went 9-7 with a 4.37 ERA for Toronto with 33 saves in 40 total opportunities.

But Hoffman also had a very forgettable moment in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He blew the save in the ninth inning by allowing Miguel Rojas to hit a game-tying homer as the Dodgers then went on to win in extra innings to claim the championship. Hoffman later had a very heartbreaking quote about his Game 7 failure.

Now in 2026, Hoffman has been even worse. In just 12 appearances for the Blue Jays thus far, Hoffman owns an ugly 7.59 ERA with a comical 2.06 WHIP and has already blown three saves for Toronto.

With Hoffman now having been pulled from the ninth inning, the Blue Jays will turn to some combination of Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher for spot save opportunities. Not much has gone right this season for Toronto otherwise either as they now sit at 10-14 on the year and have an absurd amount of money sitting on the injured list at the moment.

BaseballJeff HoffmanToronto Blue Jays
Cody Bellinger twirling his glove

Cody Bellinger pulled a disrespectful move on Red Sox at end of game

April 24, 2026 by Darryn Albert
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Cody Bellinger apparently did not see the Boston Red Sox as much of a threat this week.

Bellinger and the New York Yankees defeated the Red Sox on Thursday by a final score of 4-2 at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. That secured a three-game sweep by the Yankees of the hated rival Red Sox.

In the ninth inning of Thursday’s game, the Yankees outfielder Bellinger was seen pulling a disrespectful move on the Red Sox while in left field. With two outs and Boston’s Willson Contreras up at the plate, Bellinger began twirling his glove around on his finger in the middle of the at-bat.

Here is the video.

Coby Bellinger twirled his glove 420 times in 3 seconds during a game against the Red Sox

It is an MLB and Twirling record pic.twitter.com/uPkW6FFHiM

— Statfax (@statfax) April 24, 2026

Contreras would go on to ground out just three pitches later to end the game. Thus, Bellinger indeed ended up not having to do very much there in the outfield.

While that was a pretty ruthless move by the former NL MVP Bellinger, Boston only had themselves to blame there. Getting outscored in the series 12-3 by the Yankees, the Red Sox should have put up more of a fight if they wanted to be taken more seriously. Even Boston’s own fans would probably agree that their 9-16 team deserves all the clowning right now.

BaseballBoston Red SoxCody Bellinger
Matthew Stafford looks on

Report reveals how much longer Rams think Matthew Stafford will play

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Los Angeles Rams shocked many by taking quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft. The pick becomes even more surprising with the revelation that the Rams are not necessarily treating 2026 as Matthew Stafford’s last year.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Friday that the Rams still see Stafford as their quarterback of the present and immediate future. In fact, the team believes Stafford is likely to play even beyond 2026.

“The Rams and Stafford are deep in discussions on a contract extension that would take care of him for next season and beyond,” Rapoport said. “They do believe there is a real chance that he plays after 2026.”

From NFL Draft Kickoff on @NFLNetwork: The background on the #Rams selection of QB Ty Simpson and what it means for the future. pic.twitter.com/RKKS4eQthP

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026

If true, this means the Rams are prepared to let Simpson sit and learn for at least two seasons. That is certainly unorthodox, but the Rams have the luxury of being able to do that.

On the other hand, this will only embolden critics who think the Rams should have targeted a more immediate need instead of drafting a long-term developmental project at No. 13 overall. Coach Sean McVay looked like one of those people, although that appears to have been an acting job.

Stafford, 38, continues to play at a tremendously high level. He threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns last season en route to an MVP campaign.

FootballMatthew Stafford
Kenyon Sadiq at a press conference

Jets’ 1st-round pick thought he was being prank called

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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New York Jets first round pick Kenyon Sadiq wasn’t sure if it was really his new team calling when he got word that he was going to be the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The Jets shared video of GM Darren Mougey and coach Aaron Glenn calling Sadiq, as is customary, to inform him that he was going to be the second of their two first-round picks on Thursday. The Oregon tight end initially sounded unsure, but warmed up quickly once he realized what was going on.

Once he was speaking to Glenn, he admitted that he briefly thought he had fallen victim to a prank.

“I was thinking it was a prank call for a second,” Sadiq admitted.

definitely not a prank call @KenyonSadiq 😂 pic.twitter.com/dhdKLcYQGQ

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 24, 2026

Sadiq can hardly be blamed for his lack of certainty. Multiple draft picks fell victim to prank callers last year, with Shedeur Sanders the most prominent victim. It was later revealed that Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son was responsible for the prank.

Sadiq had 51 catches for 560 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns last season and should quickly emerge as a weapon within the Jets’ offense.

Football2026 NFL DraftKenyon Sadiq
Mike Brown looks ahead

Mike Brown is taking heat for his quote after Game 3

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The New York Knicks are suddenly facing a 2-1 deficit in their Eastern Conference quarterfinal against the Atlanta Hawks, and coach Mike Brown did not exactly inspire a lot of belief that a comeback is in the offing.

Many Knicks fans sharply criticized Brown for his comments following the Knicks’ 109-108 loss to the Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday. The coach said he had reassured his team that a 2-1 series deficit was not the end of the world, and pointed out that the Oklahoma City Thunder fell behind 2-1 twice last season before going on to win the NBA title.

“Oklahoma City was down 1-2 last year and they ended up winning it. I’m not saying we’re going to win it or anything like that,” Brown said.

Mike Brown: "I told them this: It's a 7-game series for a reason. Stuff's gonna happen. Plenty of teams have been down 1-2. Sh*t I even think OKC was down 1-2 last year and they ended up winning it––I'm not saying we're gonna win it or anything like that…" pic.twitter.com/uVXxsete0a

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 24, 2026

Many Knicks fans suggested Brown’s comments were a sign of defeatism and a lack of fight.

“Not going to say we are going to win it…”

BRO WHAT LMFAO

THAT WAS WHAT YOU WERE BROUGHT HERE TO 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

— The Grumpy New York Sports Fan (@TheGrumpyKnick) April 24, 2026

“I’m not saying we’re gonna win it” already planning on losing

— SleeperHawks (@SleeperHawks) April 24, 2026

I’m Not saying we’re gonna win it or anything like that pic.twitter.com/hGsVBUXgQk

— kush (@05kush0) April 24, 2026

This dude really just said…”I’m not saying we’re gonna win it or anything like that…” Pack him tf up!

— SiR SM00TH (@SiR_SM00TH) April 24, 2026

Brown’s point was that the Knicks are not done, and that other teams have come back and had success from similar positions. That last sentence sort of trampled all over that point. After all, the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau last year in part because of the team’s failure in the Eastern Conference Finals. Logically, Brown would be expected to at least match that progress.

Brown’s handling of the first three games of the series has been widely panned, and that was before their Game 3 loss. If the Knicks cannot come back to win this series, he is going to have a lot of questions to answer for failing to match Thibodeau’s achievements.

BasketballMike BrownNBA Playoffs 2026
Lawrence Taylor looking on

Lawrence Taylor hospitalized due to medical emergency

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Legendary former linebacker Lawrence Taylor was hospitalized on Friday after suffering a medical emergency.

TMZ was the first to report that Taylor has been hospitalized in New Jersey due to the unspecified medical problem. The 67-year-old was initially admitted to the emergency room before being taken to a different part of the hospital.

Sources close to Taylor told TMZ his issue does not appear serious, though he remains hospitalized. TMZ’s Michael J. Babcock later added that Taylor is unlikely to be released from the hospital Friday, but that his condition is not considered life-threatening.

Some more info on Lawrence Taylor — I'm told he's still hospitalized in New Jersey, and the expectation is that he will NOT be released today, as he continues to be evaluated by doctors.
Unclear what LT is dealing with, but I'm told it's not life-threatening.

— michael j. babcock (@mikejbabcock) April 24, 2026

Taylor has had no known health issues recently. Earlier this month, he was photographed visiting coach Bill Belichick at North Carolina.

Taylor is regarded by many as the greatest defensive player in NFL history and won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Since the end of his career, he has dealt with health issues and substance abuse problems, which he has discussed publicly.

Featured StoriesFootballLawrence Taylor
Damian Lillard warms up before a game while wearing a Blazers hoodie

Surprising news emerges about Damian Lillard

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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The Portland Trail Blazers are very much in their first round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. If they can hold out long enough, there is at least a small chance that a big boost might be around the corner.

The Blazers have not completely ruled out the chances of Lillard playing in the playoffs this year, according to Bill Oram of The Oregonian. While still a long shot, a source told Oram not to rule anything out “or get too excited about anything.”

Lillard is one year removed from the Achilles tear that he suffered in last year’s postseason. At no point has he been expected to play this year, though the Blazers’ X account did share some video of him working out recently.

👀 pic.twitter.com/1nJpn5QZgQ

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 22, 2026

Lillard is far enough along in his recovery that we know he can shoot, albeit in an uncontested environment. An NBA playoff game is an entirely different animal, but it does make sense that the team has not completely shut the door on the possibility of him playing.

The Blazers were given little chance in their Western Conference quarterfinal against the Spurs, but managed a split on the road. Still, their chances could hinge on whether San Antonio will have Victor Wembanyama going forward.

BasketballDamian LillardNBA Playoffs 2026
Sean McVay on the sideline

Sean McVay’s real feelings about the Ty Simpson pick have been revealed

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Much has been made of Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay’s muted reaction to the team’s decision to pick quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall. There is a widespread belief, however, that McVay was fully behind the pick.

“All indications to me were they were in lockstep,” a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler of McVay and GM Les Snead.

Some around the league believe McVay’s muted reaction was his way of projecting confidence in veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams had also been careful not to telegraph their intentions during the pre-draft process, fearing that interest in Simpson would increase if word got out that McVay was interested in him.

Ultimately, it is not a huge surprise that McVay at least signed off on the pick. He and Snead are known to work closely together, and it seems highly unlikely that the team would invest a top-15 pick in a quarterback without at least some level of buy-in from the head coach.

This will not necessarily quiet the whispers that McVay would have wanted to draft someone that would offer more immediate upside with the Rams in Super Bowl contention. Perhaps this is all a ploy, but if it is, McVay’s acting is so convincing that it resulted in one of the most awkward post-pick press conferences in recent memory.

FootballHeadlines2026 NFL DraftSean McVayTy Simpson
Sherrone Moore at a press conference

Paige Shiver says Sherrone Moore got her pregnant

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Former Michigan staffer Paige Shiver claimed coach Sherrone Moore got her pregnant during their relationship and accused the school of not doing enough to protect her from the former head coach.

Shiver spoke to “Good Morning America” in her first public comments since her affair with Moore became public knowledge. The 32-year-old said she became pregnant with Moore’s child during their relationship, but via Austin Meek of The Athletic, she was advised it “wouldn’t be right or healthy for me to keep the baby” due to a health condition.

Shiver said she feared for her life when Moore entered her apartment last December after the Wolverines fired him for cause, and felt he should have been punished more harshly for his actions. She added that she had tried to end the relationship multiple times, but Moore “always had a story, always had a way to pull me in and (make) me feel bad.”

“I couldn’t leave him because he was so miserable without me,” Shiver said.

.@ABC News’ @LinseyDavis sits down with Paige Shiver for her first TV interview since the arrest of fired Michigan Head Football Coach Sherrone Moore.

Moore was sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading no contest to malicious use of a telecommunications device and… pic.twitter.com/5G8phb9tYO

— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 23, 2026

Moore was fired by Michigan on Dec. 10 after his relationship with Shiver, his administrative assistant, was discovered by the university. He was arrested the same day when he went to Shiver’s apartment and threatened to harm himself with a knife.

Moore faced a number of charges, including felony home invasion. He eventually avoided jail time after accepting a plea deal.

College FootballFeatured StoriesPaige ShiverSherrone Moore
Nick Saban on set

Nick Saban caught bashing a draft pick on hot mic

April 24, 2026 by Grey Papke
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Nick Saban was caught on a hot mic seriously questioning one team’s first round pick during the NFL Draft on Thursday.

Saban made the remark as ABC was coming back from a commercial just before the Dallas Cowboys selected UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd overall pick. Based on his commentary, Saban did not seem too enthralled with the pick.

“Wow, this is a reach,” Saban is heard saying.

"This is a reach" 😬 pic.twitter.com/60zloMY8nq

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 24, 2026

Saban was a little bit kinder when actually analyzing the pick, calling Lawrence “one of my sleepers for tomorrow.” Of course, that only underlines Saban’s point that he felt No. 23 was simply too early for Lawrence.

Initially, Lawrence was viewed as a second day pick, but he moved up draft boards throughout the process. By Thursday, most mock drafts had him going late in the first round, so while Saban may have felt the pick is a reach, many experts saw this coming.

Lawrence had seven sacks at UCF last season and will feature as an edge rusher in Dallas’ new-look defense. He should have ample opportunity to make Saban eat his words. It would not be the first time something he said did not age well.

Featured StoriesFootball2026 NFL DraftNick Saban
Devin Booker looks on wearing a Suns warmup shirt

Devin Booker called out 1 referee by name after losing Game 2 to Thunder

April 23, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Devin Booker singled out NBA referee James Williams on Wednesday after the Phoenix Suns fell to 0-2 in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Booker was upset with Williams over a controversial sequence late in the third quarter of Game 2 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Suns trailed 93-75 with about two minutes left when Booker was called for a technical foul.

The Suns All-Star looked in utter disbelief over the ruling, which didn’t help his team at all while on the comeback trail. Even the ESPN broadcast was perplexed at what the technical foul was for, as Booker was seemingly being penalized for trying to save the ball from going out of bounds.

Devin Booker receives a technical foul trying to save the ball from going out of bounds. 😳🤔

(h/t @ridiculouscage)

pic.twitter.com/4xnQpT8qWX

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 23, 2026

The Suns fought back in the fourth quarter to get within 10, but did not get any closer in the 120-107 Thunder win.

Booker did not hold back his criticism after the game. He called out referee James Williams by name and accused him of calling a technical foul because Thunder guard Alex Caruso asked him to.

“In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight, through and through,” Booker said during his postgame press conference. “It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as the WWE if they’re not held responsible.”

“… It just feels disrespectful. I know I haven’t won a championship in this league, but I have been in it for 11 years now, so to get to this point to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud … It’s bad.”

Booker challenged anyone questioning his stance to “pull the clips and see where the frustration comes from.” He said he would willingly pay the fine to get his feelings across.

The NBA did hit Booker with a $35,000 fine on Thursday for “public criticism of the officiating.” The league looked into the matter through interviews and video replays and “found no basis to any claim” Booker made.

BasketballDevin BookerJames Williams NBA refereeNBA Playoffs 2026
Sean McVay on the sideline

Everyone felt Sean McVay ‘did not want’ Ty Simpson after his unusual press conference

April 23, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Sean McVay did not sound like a head coach ecstatic about his team’s draft choices after Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft.

The Los Angeles Rams made the surprise move of the draft on Thursday with their selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. The Rams, of course, employ reigning MVP Matthew Stafford as the team’s starting QB.

McVay addressed the media next to Rams GM Les Snead after Simpson’s name was called. The Super Bowl-winning coach was uncharacteristically muted about Simpson and appeared to be shooting daggers at Snead throughout the press conference.

Sean McVay couldn’t be more pumped about drafting Ty Simpson pic.twitter.com/lDnfC99JwT

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 24, 2026

Sean McVay after drafting Verse vs Simpson pic.twitter.com/EDxIJoHvwm

— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) April 24, 2026

Fans and media members alike couldn’t help but feel McVay’s body language and snarky answers conveyed that he was not on board with the pick. McVay has maintained a close, personal relationship with Stafford throughout their five seasons together in Los Angeles.

Sean McVay did not want Ty Simpson. Oh my goodness. Please watch that Rams presser.

— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) April 24, 2026

You could tell that McVay looked dead inside after Snead drafted Ty Simpson. pic.twitter.com/EVvbUfxgEE

— Matthew (@compSciMatt) April 24, 2026

I just watched the entire Rams presser, and I can't say Sean McVay was showing a ton of excitement about the Ty Simpson selection. Said he will compete with Stetson Bennett for the QB2 job. Not a bunch of smiles.

Les Snead was way more fired up.

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) April 24, 2026

I’ve covered a lot of first-round pick pressers across four beats. This was by far the most muted I have seen a regime about the player they drafted. https://t.co/g0W27EjINE

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 24, 2026

McVay reportedly informed Stafford earlier in the day that the Rams were planning to draft Simpson specifically to prepare for life after Stafford. But just because McVay was the messenger of the news doesn’t mean that he agreed with the call to draft his star QB’s replacement.

FootballHeadlines2026 NFL DraftLos Angeles RamsSean McVayTy Simpson
Makai Lemon on the phone with the Steelers just before the Eagles drafted him

Makai Lemon was on the phone with the wrong team after Eagles drafted him

April 23, 2026 by Renzo Pocholo Salao
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Makai Lemon had quite the draft night to begin his NFL career.

Lemon, one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL draft, did not hear his name called Thursday through the first 19 picks of the first round. The Dallas Cowboys were also widely expected to pass on Lemon with their 20th pick in favor of a defensive player.

That was before the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in at the last minute, trading up with the Cowboys to nab the USC star at 20. Nobody told the Pittsburgh Steelers that, however, as they geared up to draft Lemon at 21.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Steelers were already on the phone with Lemon as the Cowboys were on the clock. The Eagles were trying to call Lemon, but hilariously couldn’t get through because Lemon was still talking to Pittsburgh’s brass.

From the NFL Draft: A wild story, as the #Eagles trade up for Makai Lemon… while he was on the phone with the #Steelers. pic.twitter.com/r1R6pQnFgi

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2026

The whole thing played out like a high school love triangle, complete with the usual teenage miscommunication and last-minute moves. Lemon must have at least felt quite the ego boost, given that two suitors were fighting over him right before prom.

The Eagles made the move for Lemon in the first place because they wanted out of their current relationship with wide receiver AJ Brown. Only time will tell whether Lemon will just be a rebound for Philly or if the two sides end up tying the knot with a second contract in a few years.

Featured StoriesFootball2026 NFL DraftMakai LemonPhiladelphia EaglesPittsburgh Steelers

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