Deebo Samuel takes a Cowboys defender’s helmet off with ruthless trucking
Grandma may have gotten run over by a reindeer, but Donovan Wilson just got run over by Deebo Samuel.
The Washington Commanders receiver Samuel went viral during Thursday’s Christmas Day game against Wilson and the Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Samuel got open for a screen pass off a 1st-and-10 play.
Samuel then proceeded to turn on the jets and run for a big gain. He picked up 41 yards on the play and puncutated things with an emphatic bulldozer move on Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson.
As Wilson ran in to try to make the tackle, Samuel completely trucked him, taking off Wilson’s helmet in the process. Here is the video.
OH MY, DEEBO.
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2025
DALvsWAS on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/kUXeh1JJbJ
Take a look at another angle.
Deebo running TOUGH.
— NFL (@NFL) December 25, 2025
DALvsWAS on @Netflix pic.twitter.com/DiGQJkpiSK
The Commanders would end up getting a field goal out of the play after Samuel’s big run. But the Cowboys went on to score two touchdowns unanswered from there and eventually took a 24-10 lead into halftime.
As for the former All-Pro Samuel, he has had a somewhat underwhelming first season in Washington, but dynamic plays like those in the open field are what he has been known for throughout his career. That had to be the most cold-blooded trucking we have seen in the NFL since Patrick Mahomes’ one from last season.
Charles Barkley sends a savage message to Draymond Green on Christmas
Charles Barkley certainly made the most of the first “Inside the NBA” airing in several weeks.
The basketball icon Barkley went viral on Thursday’s Christmas Day for the ruthless message that he sent to Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green. During ESPN’s broadcast of “Inside the NBA” before the day’s slate of Christmas games began, Green appeared remotely to ham it up with the crew.
With seconds of Green’s appearance, Barkley let one loose at his expense. “We’re going to have you back here once the playoffs start,” Barkley joked.
Here is the video.
Charles Barkley had no mercy for Draymond
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 25, 2025
“We're going to have you back here once the playoffs start.”
(h/t @Fullcourtpass)
pic.twitter.com/InyRFCQYVQ
Green and the Warriors are just 15-15 this season, which ranks eighth in the Western Conference (just 3.5 games away from falling out of the play-in tournament zone altogether). Clearly, Barkley does not feel confident in Golden State’s chances of making the playoffs this season.
The former Defensive Player of the Year Green also recently made headlines over an incident he had with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during a game earlier this week. If Green and the Warriors do not get their act together soon, they may indeed have to resort to making media appearances once the postseason rolls around.
Brock Purdy responds to idea of defying Kyle Shanahan
The San Francisco 49ers are showing that their offense is ready in time for the NFL playoffs, with quarterback Brock Purdy heating up.
In the Niners’ most recent outing, Purdy sliced through the Indianapolis Colts’ defense for 295 passing yards and 5 touchdowns against just an interception in a 48-27 win at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., in Week 16’s edition of “Monday Night Football.”
There was a minor issue that Purdy had to deal with in the middle of that contest involving his headset, but it did not affect his overall performance.
Jumping off from that topic, Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn asked Purdy during Wednesday’s availability whether he had ever considered going rogue after receiving a play call from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“No. No, I do not,” Purdy responded, as heard in a video shared by Matt Lively of CBS Sports Bay Area. “Kyle has great play calls. No, Grant.”
"Does Kyle ever call a play and you listen to it and you're like 'that play sucks, I'm calling my own play'"
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) December 24, 2025
Brock Purdy: pic.twitter.com/JLQXiUcHgm
From being a last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft to becoming a Pro Bowl quarterback for a Super Bowl contender, Purdy has come a long way, and it has a lot to do with how he’s been handled by Shanahan and the 49ers coaching staff.
Sure, he’ll always listen to Shanahan, but he’s also experienced, talented and cerebral enough to make decisions on his own when he sees fit.
On a five-game winning streak and with still the chance to earn the top seed in the NFC, the Niners will look to keep it going when they take on the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., in Week 17.
Luka Doncic gets status update for Lakers-Rockets game
The Los Angeles Lakers played without Luka Doncic on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, and it showed in the final score. With the Slovenian superstar sidelined with a leg injury, the Lakers suffered a 132-108 loss to the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
But the Lakers’ longing for the former NBA scoring champion may soon end, as he is expected to return to action for Thursday’s Christmas Day showdown against the visiting Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., according toShams Charania of ESPN. His comeback will also have a bit of a promotional twist.
“He will return to the lineup and debut his new signature shoe on Thursday,” Charania said of Doncic.
Charania was referring to Doncic’s fifth signature shoe with the Jordan Brand, which was teased in a social media post on Tuesday.
The five-time NBA All-Star sustained the injury in the first half of Monday’s 103-88 Lakers loss at the hands of Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., leaving the soon-to-be 41-year-old LeBron James carrying most of LA’s load on offense.
With James in the lineup, Doncic returning, and Austin Reaves healthy again, the Lakers will have their dangerous triumvirate all set to go against the struggling Rockets, who are also on a two-game losing streak.
So far in the 2025-26 NBA season, Doncic is averaging a team-best 34.1 points per game with a 45.8% shooting from the field.
LeBron James excitedly reveals offseason plan
LeBron James is already thinking of the offseason.
As the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest of the NBA took a break on Wednesday, the future Basketball Hall of Famer shared a plan he’s looking forward to once the 2025-26 NBA season is over, and it involves his new passion – golf.
In an Instagram Story post, the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player expressed his excitement over the prospect of teeing up at the “Teeth of the Dog,” a golf course located at Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
“Will be one of my first stops i take off-season! Can’t wait! Welcome back🦷 of the 🐶!😁🏌️♂️,” James wrote.
LeBron James is really in his golf phase now.
— Rex (@Rexwell14) December 25, 2025
Via LeBron James' Instagram Stories:
"Will be one of my first stops i take off-season! Can't wait! Welcome back🦷 of the 🐶!😁🏌️♂️" pic.twitter.com/c4dbVS9p4F
As invincible as James has appeared as an NBA player for over two decades, his time in the league is winding down. But golf presents an opportunity for him to get his competitive juices flowing even after his playing career ends.
Then again, that’s more in the future. Right now, James has a job to do with the Lakers, who are on a two-game slump and will look to snap that losing skid in a Christmas Day showdown against the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
Maxx Crosby goes on unfiltered rant about Giants-Raiders game
What happens when a stoppable object meets a movable force on the football field? That can be answered on Sunday, when two of the worst teams in the 2025 NFL season collide at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., as the 2-13 Las Vegas Raiders host the 2-13 New York Giants.
Both teams are obviously out of the running for a ticket to the NFL playoffs, but this upcoming showdown has some intriguing flavor to it, particularly because it could decide which team gets the right to pick first in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But as far as Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby is concerned, his sole focus is on hunting down Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the backfield and doing everything he can to help Las Vegas win, even if a victory likely costs the team a shot at the No. 1 pick.
“Yeah, I don’t give a s–t about the pick, to be honest,” Crosby can be heard telling reporters in a video shared by Vegas Sports Today. “I don’t play for that, that’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world and that’s what I focus on every day and being a great leader and influence and being that guy on a consistent basis for my team.”
A must listen for #RaiderNation
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) December 23, 2025
Maxx Crosby on his 2025 Pro Bowl selection, his relationship with Michael Jordan & Tom Brady, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of becoming “The best defensive end in the world.”
🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today pic.twitter.com/uONGqfJtRC
The Raiders and the Giants each have holes to address in the offseason, but Las Vegas may benefit more from holding the top pick.
Unlike New York, which appears to have found a young quarterback in Dart, around whom it could build the team, the Raiders have Geno Smith, whom Las Vegas fans can’t wait for their team to get rid of.
Video emerges of Dillon Brooks’ troll move targeting LeBron James
There really is no stopping Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks from trying every trick he can to get under the skin of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
In one of his latest shenanigans aimed at the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, Brooks appeared to give James a high-five after a free throw during Tuesday’s meeting between the Lakers and the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
That’ a normal gesture between teammates, but Brooks and James play for different teams. James seemed to realize Brooks was back to trolling him again, giving the former Oregon Ducks star a stare, only for Brooks to return the favor by staring back at James.
You can check out that interaction here:
Dillon Brooks high-fives LeBron James after free throw 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂@12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/CJyN6JOYam
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) December 24, 2025
Brooks has proven over and over that he’s not one to back down from James. The two have a long history of enmity on and off the court, dating back to Brooks’ time with the Memphis Grizzlies, with Brooks usually the instigator. Now with the Suns, Brooks has gotten more opportunities to irritate “The King,” as Phoenix and Los Angeles play in the same division.
Brooks won this round, though, as the Suns came away with a 132-108 victory over James and the Lakers. He even led Phoenix with 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field, while James paced Los Angeles with 23 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
Hawaii shatters California’s bowl dreams in unexpected ending
On a day when many were craving sports action, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors provided the fireworks in dramatic fashion, as they stunned the California Golden Bears in a come-from-behind 35-31 Sheraton Hawaiʻi Bowl win at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday.
Hawaii battled back from a 21-point deficit to score the win, capping it off with a go-ahead touchdown pass in the final seconds from an unlikely hero, backup quarterback Luke Weaver.
Rainbow Warriors starting quarterback Micah Alejado had to give way to Weaver late in regulation after absorbing a hit, and his backup rose to the occasion.
On a 1st-and-10 at the Golden Bears’ 22, Weaver connected with wide receiver Nick Cenacle for a 22-yard touchdown that gave Hawaii the lead with 10 seconds left in regulation.
Here’s how the entire sequence unfolded:
YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP#BRADDAHHOOD x #GoBows pic.twitter.com/Z4yLxaEgqP
— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) December 25, 2025
Although the Golden Bears got the ball back, they ultimately failed to pull off a miracle of their own, as Hawaii celebrated its first bowl win since 2020 and first under head coach Timmy Chang.
The Rainbow Warriors seemed headed for disaster when California built a massive first-half lead, but Hawaii surged back, with Alejado throwing 3 touchdown passes amid the spirited comeback. Fortunately for Hawaii, Alejado’s big performance didn’t go for naught, as Weaver stepped up for a game-changing moment no one saw coming.
Aaron Rodgers has brutally honest take on DK Metcalf’s altercation with Lions fan
Aaron Rodgers has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding his top target DK Metcalf.
The NFL on Monday imposed a two-game suspension on Metcalf after the Steelers wide receiver punched a fan during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. Rodgers was asked about the incident on Wednesday during a media scrum.
“There’s always a lot of different things that are said — some things that are benign, and some things that aren’t,” Rodgers said of Metcalf’s altercation with the fan.
“I think there’s a mindset that you pay for a ticket, you say whatever the hell you want. I think there should be some code of conduct. Obviously, that was intentional, and I think there was some celebration afterward on his part.
“I obviously don’t condone what DK did, but I understand. There’s been a lot of crazy comments said my way over the years, and the truth is, that would never happen face to face. Even some of the people that hate me the most … it’s always pretty cordial when you see some of those people out and about. But in that setting, there’s a lot of things that are said.”
While Rodgers has never punched a fan midgame like Metcalf, the veteran QB has had his fair share of spicy moments with opposing fan bases. Rodgers has even named which opposing fan base talks the best trash during games. The man has undoubtedly had heinous things shouted at him over the years.
Nothing justified Metcalf’s decision to get physical with a fan. But Rodgers reminded everyone that the fan played a role in the altercation, too.
Fans all made the same joke after former NBA draft pick gained college eligibility
Fans had some fun amid the latest news that a former NBA draftee was going to join the college ranks.
Nigerian center James Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, made headlines Wednesday with his commitment to play for the Baylor Bears this season. Several reporters confirmed that the 21-year-old was granted four years of eligibility despite already playing on the New York Knicks’ summer league team earlier this year.
Nnaji is part of the new frontier of college sports, which has seen a softening of eligibility rules in the wake of the NIL explosion. Several fans couldn’t help but daydream about what else would be possible. Some even imagined a world wherein LeBron James could finally suit up for Ohio State after his NBA career is over.
lebron james joining ohio state for the 2027 season PLEASE https://t.co/WzdbD8zuPC
— jeffonsports (@j_shao_) December 24, 2025
✔️Committed🌰
— The Ohio State Hoops Insider (@OSUHoopsInsider) December 25, 2025
Former Lakers duo Lebron James and Bronny James have officially committed to The Ohio State University! O-H!#GoBucks 🔴⚪️ https://t.co/XdsFtoIIMe pic.twitter.com/MGAXz8d6Nb
LeBron James has enrolled at Ohio State, per source.
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) December 24, 2025
The legendary NBA player has four full years of eligibility left and can suit up immediately for the Buckeyes.
Buckeyes supporters weren’t the only ones in the recruiting trail for James’ services, either.
Make it happen Notre Dame
— Burlington Sock Puppets (@GoSockPuppets) December 24, 2025
@NDmbb pic.twitter.com/2tQJVCmyZV
Gonna be sick when LeBron retires from the NBA and commits to Maryland https://t.co/WeINXZnHWq
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) December 24, 2025
Nnaji was granted four years of eligibility because he never suited up in an NBA or G League game. The same cannot be said for James, who has played more seasons than anyone else in NBA history. The NCAA probably won’t be as lenient with the Los Angeles Lakers star.
The Akron, Ohio, native has long suggested he would have enrolled at Ohio State had he gone to college before going pro. The Buckeyes even gifted James an honorary locker years ago.
While the rules wouldn’t allow it today, who knows what the future holds? If Nnaji, a longtime player of the professional Spanish team FC Barcelona, can go back to college, there may be a world wherein James takes Columbus by storm for a couple of semesters.
After all, one of James’ former teammates did end up playing in the NCAA after his retirement, albeit for a different sport.
Anthony Edwards has a new gun-themed celebration
Anthony Edwards is doing his best Ja Morant impression.
The Minnesota Timberwolves star Edwards drew attention during Tuesday’s game against the New York Knicks with his new celebration. In the third quarter at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., Edwards hit a three-pointer over Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson.
As he was walking back up the floor into a Knicks timeout, Edwards raised his right arm and did a gun-shooting gesture into the crowd. Here is the video.
Anthony Edwards 3PT celebration.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 24, 2025
(h/t @WolvesClips)
pic.twitter.com/ZYel2g2VFi
It was certainly a game to remember for the three-time All-Star Edwards. He finished with 38 points on 15/27 shooting as the Timberwolves went on to win by a 115-104 final score.
Minnesota now sits at 20-10 on the season, which is fifth in the Western Conference. Once again, they have been led by the 24-year-old Edwards, who is averaging a career-high 28.7 points to go along with 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
Meanwhile though, the gun celebrations are more the signature move of the Memphis Grizzlies star Morant than of Edwards. Morant has done weapons-themed celebrations so often that he even now has a new celebration to mimic “putting the gun down.”
AJ Brown gets the meme treatment after missing practice for an unusual reason
AJ Brown missed practice on Wednesday for a reason that really bites.
The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Brown had to sit out the team’s practice session for an unusual reason. Brown was listed as out due to his teeth.
Eagles WR A.J. Brown (teeth) did not practice today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 24, 2025
In response to the unexpected midweek twist, fans on social media hit Brown with the meme treatment.
— Zac – Immortal (@WhosImmortal) December 24, 2025
— Alex (@Alam6In) December 24, 2025
https://t.co/kpfFpH8ioq pic.twitter.com/qoomll6zz6
— Funhouse (@BackAftaThis) December 25, 2025
Did someone say teeth? Hit it! pic.twitter.com/p5INKi61L4 https://t.co/vCpoXweUXs
— Josh (@_Philly_Talk) December 24, 2025
Later in the day Wednesday, some further context emerged on the situation. Eagles writer John McMullen of Sports Illustrated reported that Brown had a dental procedure on Wednesday, believed to be a wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom tooth removals can have painful recoveries and generally require some kind of sedation. Thus, it makes sense that Brown would have to sit out a practice session in order to recuperate from that.
That said, the three-time All-Pro Brown is in the midst of a frustrating season with the Eagles. While his overall numbers look decent (73 catches for 935 yards and seven touchdowns), Brown has spoken out publicly about his unhappiness with the team’s offense.
In recent days, there have even been rumors that Brown could possibly be a trade candidate for Philadelphia this offseason. But at least for now, Brown will be a tooth or two lighter when he takes the field against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Fans stunned as former Knicks draft prospect commits to Big 12 school
A college basketball controversy is brewing after former NBA draft pick James Nnaji gets set for his NCAA debut.
Nnaji, whom the Detroit Pistons drafted 31st overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has reportedly enrolled at Baylor. According to Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony, the 21-year-old Nigerian has “immediately” become eligible to play. On3’s Joe Tipton confirmed that Nnaji has been granted four years of eligibility.
NEWS: James Nnaji, the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has enrolled at Baylor, agents Gerard Raventos and Deirunas Visockas of Gersh Sports told DraftExpress.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 24, 2025
A monumental development: a former NBA draft pick is immediately eligible to play college basketball this season. pic.twitter.com/8S9aK6MWR3
The news was shocking to most fans, given that the New York Knicks currently own Nnaji’s draft rights. Aside from being the first name selected in the second round two seasons ago, Nnaji was also under contract with Spanish club FC Barcelona for half a decade. Nnaji and Barcelona parted ways in August.
James Nnaji had an NBA rookie card and is now going to be playing in March Madness (most likely) pic.twitter.com/qcfQlbKnyS
— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) December 24, 2025
This James Nnaji thing is wild.
— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) December 24, 2025
On one hand, we talk about wanting to allow players to go back to school if they fall in the draft/go undrafted & this helps for that. He also never played in an NBA game, which matters.
On the other, NBA teams had his rights!
Former NBA draft pick James Nnaji is not just eligible for Baylor, he has four years because he never tried to get eligible when he graduated high school. Wild world we’re living in.
— CJ Moore (@CJMooreHoops) December 24, 2025
James Nnaji was literally involved in maybe the biggest NBA trade this decade. Now he’s going to be playing College Basketball
— Jacob Rhymer (@Rhymetime05) December 24, 2025
What are we doing man pic.twitter.com/goAHANxOKi
The Knicks acquired Nnaji’s draft rights as part of the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves to New York. Nnaji played for the Knicks’ summer league team earlier this year, averaging 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds across five games. Nnaji never played in the NBA or G League, which preserved his college eligibility.
A college sports landscape dominated by NIL has also seen a softening of eligibility rules. Nnaji is just the latest in a recent wave of former pros opting to go to college. Questions abound on where things go from here for Nnaji if he plays himself back onto the NBA radar.
Would the Knicks keep his draft rights, even after a four-year college stint, or would Nnaji be able to get drafted a second time? The answer to that question remain to be seen.
Clippers linked to a prominent 20-ppg scorer on the trade market
After formally banishing Chris Paul, the LA Clippers may now be going for another former NBPA president.
The Clippers have recently been brought up in connection with Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported this week. Siegel notes that McCollum is drawing attention from teams around the league and is believed to potentially be available for two or three future second-round draft picks.
McCollum, the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2016, is a well-known veteran piece who has produced 10 separate seasons of 20 points or more per game during his professional career. Though McCollum’s numbers have dipped slightly with the Wizards this season (18.6 points per game on 44/39/79 shooting splits), he remains a dynamic three-level scorer.
As a player on a $30.7 million expiring contract, McCollum makes perfect sense as a trade chip ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline. It also helps that McCollum is on an NBA-worst Wizards team (currently sitting at an appalling 5-23) that needs to focus all of its efforts on developing young players at this point.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are not much better this season at 8-21, which is 13th in the Western Conference. But the Clippers have gotten two quality wins in a row (over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets) and do not have any incentive whatsoever to tank since the Oklahoma City Thunder own their first-round draft pick in 2026.
The Clippers lost shooting guard Bradley Beal to a season-ending hip injury in November and badly need a consistent third scorer behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. While McCollum is 34 years old and would surely spark punchlines by going to the oldest team in the NBA in the Clippers, he is at least younger than the other veteran scorer whom the Clippers were recently linked to as well.
NBA admits to a mistake on the game-deciding Bulls-Hawks play
The NBA is offering an “our bad” after Tuesday’s Chicago Bulls-Atlanta Hawks game.
Chicago defeated Atlanta by a final score of 126-123 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. The deciding moment of the game came with just 1.9 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the score tied at 123 after a game-tying layup by Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
On a Bulls inbounds play, Chicago guard Coby White fell down as he was trying to get open while being trailed by Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher. The referees then whistled Risacher for an away-from-the-play foul.
Because the foul was deemed to have occurred before the ball was inbounded, the Bulls received one shot as well as possession. They made the ensuing free throw and then hit two more to secure the win after Atlanta was forced to intentionally foul.
Here is the video of the full sequence.
Nickeli Alexander-Walker easily goes by Nikola Vucevic and scores the layup to tie the game, and Zaccharie Risacher with a really silly foul before the inbound pass, which resulted in the win for the Bulls (with replays) pic.twitter.com/z9MJsIFm1Q
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 24, 2025
On Wednesday, the NBA released the last-two-minute (L2M) report for the game. In the report, the league admitted that the foul call on Risacher was incorrect. The report stated that White fell to the ground on his own without any contact from Risacher.
Not that it changes anything, but the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report is out for last night’s game.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) December 24, 2025
The headliner is that they acknowledge the game-swinging foul call against Zaccharie Risacher in the final seconds was incorrect. pic.twitter.com/I9Xr99zgiq
If the play had proceeded without a whistle, Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic would have had to hit a tough turnaround jumper to win the game. Had Vucevic missed, Atlanta would have been able to force overtime carrying all the momentum on their home floor.
Last season, the NBA already admitted to multiple mistakes that directly swung the outcome of games. Though we had not seen too much of that up to this point of the season, it certainly seems like the Hawks had a legitimate gripe with how Tuesday’s game played out.
Yankees linked to a new All-Star outfielder in free agency
The New York Yankees apparently have their failsafe in case Cody Bellinger leaves in free agency.
The Yankees have checked in on veteran outfielder Austin Hays, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Wednesday. Heyman notes that Hays will become more realistic for the Yankees if they are unable to retain Bellinger, their No. 1 free agent target.
Hays, 30, was an All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles. A righty hitter, Hays spent last season with the Cincinnati Reds and batted .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, and seven stolen bases over 103 total games.
Though primarily a left fielder, Hays has gotten experience at all three outfield positions over the course of his eight-year MLB career. Hays also made 40 total appearances as a designated hitter for Cincinnati in 2025.
While the Yankees are very much trying to re-sign the former NL MVP Bellinger, he is expected to come with a high price tag this offseason. In 2025, Bellinger enjoyed one of the best years of his career, batting .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases over 152 total games.
After winning 94 games but losing to Toronto in the ALDS this past season, the Yankees were recently revealed to be on the no-trade list of a three-time All-Star target. Thus, they could be going bargain shopping on the free agent market instead, particularly if their talented outfielder Bellinger ends up signing for more money elsewhere.
Russell Westbrook gets disciplined by the NBA for flopping
Even Russell Westbrook is getting hit by the flopping police these days.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that they are fining the Sacramento Kings guard Westbrook a sum of $2,000. Westbrook is being disciplined for a flopping violation that occurred during the previous day’s game against the Detroit Pistons (after the league office conducted a postgame review).
Late in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., Westbrook was playing tight full-court defense on Pistons guard Cade Cunningham. When Cunningham bumped him a bit to create space, Westbrook crashed theatrically to the ground.
You can see the video of the play at the link here.
The Pistons went on to win the game by a final score of 136-127. While Westbrook did well individually with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists, the Kings fell to a Western Conference-worst 7-23 with the loss.
Westbrook, the former MVP, is having a strong age-37 season with the Kings, averaging 14.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in a starting role (especially given the significant number of injuries that have been hitting Sacramento lately). But now he becomes the biggest name yet to be fined by the NBA for flopping this season (though far from the first player as one of his Kings teammates was also recently punished for a flop).
John Harbaugh addresses questions about his relationship with Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh attempted to respond to speculation about his relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Harbaugh addressed a column by Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun, who argued that it was time for the Ravens to move on from Jackson. Preston wrote that it was “clear” that Harbaugh has grown “tired” of Jackson.
“I’ll tell you how I feel. I’m pretty transparent. All the guys will tell you if I have something I want to talk to them about, I’m right up front,” Harbaugh told reporters. “Had a great conversation with Lamar this morning about a few things, football, how he’s feeling, things like that. Our relationship is A-plus. I love him, always have, always will.”
In responding to a column in The Baltimore Sun, John Harbaugh said his relationship with Lamar Jackson is “A-plus.” pic.twitter.com/11297c16tv
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 24, 2025
The last week has seen increased speculation about Jackson after he suffered another injury in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. It has also been pointed out that the Ravens have a significant decision to make regarding Jackson this offseason about whether to commit to him long-term or not. One would assume that if there is tension between Harbaugh and Jackson, that would impact the ultimate decision.
The Ravens are 7-8 after Sunday’s loss, and while their playoff hopes are still alive, it would be a longshot for them to make it. That is enough to raise questions about the futures of both Harbaugh and Jackson given the Ravens’ high expectations.
Report: Michigan could target prominent NFL OC as head coach
Another name has emerged as a possible candidate for the Michigan Wolverines’ head coaching job.
Michigan has begun vetting Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and hopes to speak with him about their head coach job, according to John Brice and Doug Samuels of FootballScoop. Monken works alongside John Harbaugh, the brother of former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
Monken’s appeal to Michigan is clear. He is familiar with the Midwest, has ample experience at both the college and pro levels, and has even been a college head coach before at Southern Miss. He has won plaudits for his work with the Ravens, although there has been speculation that his relationship with Lamar Jackson is strained.
Monken was also offensive coordinator for Georgia when the team won back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. His cousin, Jeff Monken, is head coach at Army.
Michigan appears to be casting a fairly wide net in its expedited coaching search. Another leading candidate for the position emerged earlier in the week, though Monken also appears to be getting serious consideration.
The Wolverines are searching for a replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was fired on Dec. 10 for allegedly engaging in an affair with his administrative assistant.
Steve Kerr addresses his incident with Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors appear determined to try to move on after Monday night’s confrontation between coach Steve Kerr and forward Draymond Green.
Kerr on Wednesday apologized for the part he played in the confrontation, which led to Green leaving the bench early in the second half and sitting out the remainder of the game. Kerr said he and Green had apologized to each other, and that he had needed to be calmer in the huddle than he was.
“Monday night was not my finest hour and that was a time I needed to be calm in the huddle, and so I regret my actions in that exchange,” Kerr said, via Joseph Dycus of the Mercury News. “I apologized to Dray. He apologized to me. We both apologized to the team.”
Green and Kerr got into a shouting match in the huddle during Monday’s win over the Orlando Magic. Green largely downplayed the incident, though it was fair to wonder if any bad feelings would linger.
Kerr made clear that Green would retain his lineup spot and essentially indicated that the Warriors were moving on with business as usual. The team will face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday in their first game since the incident.
