DK Metcalf could be sued over his confrontation with a Lions fan
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is already in trouble on the field for his interaction with a Detroit Lions fan during Sunday’s game. He may have a problem off the field as well.
Metcalf seemingly threw a punch at a fan during the game at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., but his camp claimed after the game that the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy provoked him by using racial and misogynistic slurs about Metcalf and his mother. On Monday, attorneys working on Kennedy’s behalf denied those allegations, and threatened Metcalf with a lawsuit over them.
“Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game,” the statement said. “These allegations are completely false.”
The statement noted that Kennedy has dealt with threats since the game, and strongly indicated that Metcalf would be facing a defamation suit.
“Because this matter will now likely be the subject of formal legal proceedings, Mr. Kennedy will not comment further at this time,” the statement added.
Ryan Kennedy, the fan involved in the DK Metcalf altercation Sunday, has issued a statement through an attorney “categorically denying using the “N-word,” the “C-word,” or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 22, 2025
“These allegations are completely false.” pic.twitter.com/pQUbBYa0ww
Kennedy has claimed he set Metcalf off by addressing the wide receiver using his government name. The video of the incident that has surfaced from the stands has not done anything to either confirm or deny Metcalf’s claims.
The NFL took the situation seriously enough to hand Metcalf a two-game suspension, though the wide receiver is appealing. If the punishment is upheld, he may have cost himself a lot of money with his actions.
USC legend goes off on Trojans for ending Notre Dame rivalry games
A USC legend is blaming the Trojans for the end of their longstanding rivalry series with Notre Dame.
Keyshawn Johnson, a two-time All-American with the Trojans, shared a video on social media Monday in which he was critical of USC for dropping its historic rivalry game with Notre Dame.
“I just heard that we’re not playing Notre Dame. The series is getting ready to end in the next year or so,” Johnson said in a social media video. “I don’t know what the F is going on with our athletic department. We’ve got people in there that are not Trojans, that don’t know anything about being a Trojan, running our athletic department. We’ve got a head coach that knows nothing about being a Trojan. Why don’t we just not play football? How about that?
“If I can remember correctly, I had Lincoln Riley talking about, ‘well, I don’t know if I want to play them in the future.’ You ain’t gonna be here in the future! Especially if you keep missing the playoffs! … We running from teams now? We running from Notre Dame? Why don’t we run from Oregon and Michigan and Ohio State and Wisconsin? Why don’t we just not be in the conference?”
Johnson concluded by essentially arguing that the Trojans were abandoning the rivalry because they are scared of Notre Dame.
“Why would we cancel our biggest rivalry? Because we can’t beat them? It makes zero sense,” Johnson concluded. “It’s really hard to support this program when we keep on doing this type of stuff.”
This is ridiculous! Just say we scared. I’ll accept that at least it’s the truth. 🤦🏾♂️ #USC #Trojans #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/B11S2sqcEX
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) December 22, 2025
Johnson’s message came on the same day reports indicated USC and Notre Dame would not renew their rivalry for at least the next several years. The Trojans were said to have had concerns about what a late-season defeat might do to their hypothetical chances of making future College Football Playoff fields.
Johnson is speaking for a lot of Trojans fans here. Riley has failed to bring the high-end results that the school had hoped for, opening himself up for criticism over his perceived underachievement. Moves like this only make longtime fans feel even more distant from the USC program.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Johnson is still clearly passionate about USC. He just wishes the school would make it easier to back them up.
Report: Bucks planning big move to help Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks are still not giving up on getting Giannis Antetokounmpo the sort of help that they think he needs to win another championship.
The Bucks are expected to make a “big move” prior to the NBA trade deadline, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Despite the rumors that Antetokounmpo wants to leave Milwaukee, the team is staying the course and plans to go all-in to try and win a title.
Portland Trail Blazers wing Jerami Grant is one name that has been linked to the Bucks in league circles. His Portland teammate Robert Williams III could also be a target for Milwaukee.
The Bucks are trying to develop a trade deadline strategy at a delicate time for the organization. There are lingering rumors that Antetokounmpo is losing patience with the franchise, though he has tried to downplay that chatter. Further complicating the situation is the fact that Milwaukee is just 11-18, and Antetokounmpo has not played since Dec. 3.
The reality for the Bucks is that it might not be worth going all-in right now. If they do not, however, they risk further alienating Antetokounmpo. Losing him would set the franchise back even further.
New name emerges in Michigan head coach search
A new name is emerging as a potential target in Michigan’s search for a new head coach.
Michigan has begun vetting Louisville coach Jeff Brohm as a possible candidate for the job, according to John Brice of Football Scoop. The school has also gauged Brohm’s potential interest in the job. Pete Nakos of On3 also characterized Brohm as “a name of interest” for Michigan.
Brohm’s name coming up cannot be a huge surprise. He has Big Ten experience, having managed to go 36-34 at Purdue. He is 27-12 in his stint at Louisville and has consistently performed well despite lacking the huge resources of other programs.
Brohm was also linked to the Penn State job earlier in the hiring cycle, but ultimately backed out. At that time, he was expected to sign a contract extension with Louisville, but no agreement has officially been made yet.
While the Michigan job is appealing, Brohm is a Louisville alumnus, so getting him to leave his school might be challenging. Plus, the Michigan program does not appear to be in a great place right now, which might make it less appealing than it usually would be.
Ty Simpson reveals what motivated Alabama against Oklahoma
The Alabama Crimson Tide made something of a statement on Friday with their comeback win over Oklahoma, and the team apparently had some extra motivation to make that statement.
In an appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson admitted the negativity about the Crimson Tide in the media helped motivate the team ahead of the Oklahoma game. Alabama’s ugly 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship led some to question whether Alabama should even be in the College Football Playoff, and Simpson took that personally.
“Having the days off [before the game], right — that’s all everybody, ESPN, talked about, [that] Alabama didn’t look good in the SEC championship, they’ve fallen off,” Simpson said, via Mike Rodak of 247 Sports. “The offense the last couple of weeks. The defense can’t stop the run. Just a whole bunch of just talk that we didn’t really appreciate.
“Just the narrative of Alabama isn’t who they are, they don’t have Saban, they don’t have the same juice, they don’t have the same squad as they used to. To me, it honestly just kind of p—ed me off. Because why does everyone bring up the past?”
Standards are high at Alabama, and they have yet to reach the same heights as previous Crimson Tide teams did since Saban retired. Last year’s team did not even make the CFP, and this year’s team also looked vulnerable at times. They lost earlier in the season to the same Oklahoma team that they beat in the first round.
We’ve come a long way since the days of Saban’s “rat poison.” Back then, the concern was that Alabama players would grow complacent due to all the praise they received in the media. Now, like with most teams, the skepticism serves as motivation.
Christian McCaffrey’s huge Week 16 puts him on brink of Super Bowl-era history
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey made his fantasy football owners happy on Monday night. He is also now close to breaking a Super Bowl-era record, thanks to his incredible performance against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
McCaffrey entered Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season with 34 career touchdown receptions, two short of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk’s record of 36 receiving scores for a running back in the Super Bowl era.
The former Stanford Cardinal star RB came within a touchdown of tying that mark in the first quarter on a 2-yard scoring grab that extended the 49ers’ lead to seven points. McCaffrey wasn’t going to wait for another game to get on Faulk’s level, as he added to Indianapolis’ woes with a 9-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter for a 14-point Niners cushion.
Christian McCaffrey ties HOF Marshall Faulk for the most career receiving TD among RBs in the Super Bowl Era (36) 🔥
— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 23, 2025
SFvsIND on ESPN
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/II9B6mChYT
All told, the 29-year-old McCaffrey racked up 117 rushing yards on 21 carries and 29 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns on 6 receptions and 8 targets in a 48-27 win over Philip Rivers and the Colts.
The 49ers have already clinched a spot in the NFL playoffs, so they might scale back McCaffrey’s load in their remaining two games before the postseason. But with the NFC West title still within reach of the 11-4 Niners, McCaffrey can be expected to see enough snaps to break his tie with Faulk and set a new NFL record.
Looking ahead, San Francisco will face the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., in Week 17 before a showdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the same venue in Week 18, which could potentially determine the winner of the division’s crown.
Brock Purdy’s mom reacts to Trent Williams’ honest message
Mama Purdy may have to invite San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams for Christmas dinner.
Williams had nothing but praise for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy after the Niners’ 48-27 demolition of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.—and it caught the attention of Purdy’s mother, Carrie Purdy.
“When you’re in that huddle, it’s only one voice speaking,” Williams said during the postgame press conference, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “You’ve got 10 grown men staring at you and you can’t fool grown men. The confidence that he has in that huddle … from A to Z, he does it at a really high level. I say it all the time. He’s a godsend.”
A clip of Williams’ take on the former Iowa State Cyclones star signal-caller was shared on X by David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard, which got the attention of Mrs. Purdy.
— Carrie Purdy (@bigbirdpurdy) December 23, 2025
With how Purdy dissected Indianapolis’ defense on the road, only great things could be said about him.
The 25-year-old QB went 25-of-34 for 295 passing yards and five touchdowns against just an interception, as the Colts’ stop unit struggled all night long to slow down San Francisco’s attack, which is looking dangerous as the NFL playoffs get closer.
The 11-4 49ers will look to keep it going in Week 17 against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Draymond Green breaks silence on incident with Steve Kerr
Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green and head coach Steve Kerr were seen having a heated exchange on the bench on Monday night at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., and they were certainly not arguing about Christmas dinner recipes.
During a timeout with 8:31 remaining in the third quarter of the game against the Orlando Magic, Kerr and Green got into a shouting match. That led to Green leaving Golden State’s bench and going straight to the locker room, where he spent the rest of the contest.
Although the former Defensive Player of the Year never returned to the game, he did not skip his postgame media duties, as he shared his side of the fiery player-coach moment.
“Tempers spilled over,” Green told reporters, via Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area & California. “And I thought it was best that get out of there. I didn’t think it was a situation where it was going to get better. So, it was best to remove myself.”
It will be interesting to see how the spat between Green and Kerr will affect the team and their relationship with each other going forward.
However, Green’s absence in the final 20 minutes of the game ultimately did not matter, as the Warriors pounded Orlando in a 120-97 victory.
Stephen Curry paced the Dubs with 26 points, while Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody contributed 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Texas Tech head coach had words for CFP-snubbed Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have enough heartbreak after missing the College Football Playoff, but Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire added to it with some words.
As the Red Raiders prepare for their Capital One Orange Bowl matchup against No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks on Jan. 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., McGuire seemingly took a shot at the Fighting Irish over their independence.
“It’s really tough, because you hate to eliminate anybody, but I do think that when you have a criteria of where you’re going to select a team, everybody should be in that same criteria,” said McGuire, as transcribed by Sean Keeley of Awful Announcing. “So, and I don’t wanna make Notre Dame mad, but be in a conference, and you’re in the playoffs. If they’re in the ACC, they’re in the playoffs.”
McGuire is always free to express his opinion, especially on college football matters, but it’s hard to imagine Notre Dame football changing its stance on being unaffiliated with any conference, just because the Red Raiders’ head coach threw shade at the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame controversially failed to earn a spot in the CFP, as the committee favored the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Miami Hurricanes amid intense debates over the cases of each program.
Meanwhile, the Texas Tech Red Raiders earned the No. 4 seed in the CFP, which came with a huge perk in the form of a first-round bye.
George Kittle issues honest update on troubling injury
The San Francisco 49ers claimed another victim on Monday, but they were also bitten by the injury bug.
Niners star tight end George Kittle hurt his ankle in the third quarter of San Francisco’s Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., forcing him to leave the field. San Francisco declared him questionable to return, and while they did not officially rule him out, he never got to see action again after sustaining the injury.
After the 49ers’ 48-27 win over the Colts, the six-time Pro Bowler spoke about the game and offered an update on his injury.
“Pretty excited we won ‘Monday Night Football’ on the road,” Kittle told reporters in the postgame press conference, via a video shared by Matt Lively of CBS News Bay Area. “It is after 12 already. I can’t wait to go on the plane and go home.”
As for the more concerning part of the evening, Kittle didn’t sound too worried about his ankle.
“My concern level? I don’t think it’s a high ankle sprain, so we’ll take it one day at a time, and we’ll go from there.”
Kittle didn’t need to play the entire game to make a tremendous impact. By the time he left the contest, he already had 115 receiving yards and a touchdown on 7 catches and 8 targets to lead all players from both sides.
San Francisco’s next assignment will be against the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., in Week 17, and for now, Kittle can be considered questionable to play in that high-profile matchup.
AJ Dybantsa does something even the NBA hasn’t seen in 30 years
The hype on top NBA draft prospect AJ Dybantsa continues to grow.
It reached another level on Monday, when he led the No. 10 BYU Cougars to a 109-81 victory against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.
Dybantsa made his presence felt in nearly every facet of the contest, as he recorded the first triple-double by a BYU player since 2016, with 33 points on 11-for-13 shooting, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes of action. Making his performance more memorable was the completion of a feat that had not been seen in the last 30 years in Division I basketball — or the NBA.
According to OptaSTATS, Dybantsa became just the first player from either the highest level of college basketball or NBA in the last 30 years to average at least 25.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and shoot 65% or better from the field, while going undefeated in at least five games in a calendar month.
AJ Dybantsa of @BYUMBB is the only Division I or NBA player in the last 30 seasons to have a calendar month (min. 5 games) with:
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 23, 2025
25.0+ PPG
5.0+ RPG
5.0+ APG
65.0+ FG%
undefeated record
He did it in just the second month of his career. pic.twitter.com/mlH30A9VGp
Dybantsa continues to show why NBA scouts were already salivating over him even before he took his talents to the college level.
In six games so far in December, the 18-year-old forward from Brockton, Mass. has averaged 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals while knocking down 65.9% of his attempts from the field for the Cougars, who have won eight consecutive outings since their November loss to the then-No. 3 UConn Huskies.
Those looking to see more of Dybantsa on the court will have to wait for nearly two weeks to get the next opportunity, as the Cougars have already played their last game in 2025. They will be back in action on Jan. 3 against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan.
Fans all said the same thing about 49ers’ punter who has not punted in ages
San Francisco 49ers punter Thomas Morstead had fans green with envy Monday after yet another quiet night on the gridiron.
Morstead stayed ready throughout the 49ers’ Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. But for the second straight game, Morstead’s services were not needed.
ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” broadcast showed Morstead keeping himself busy on the sidelines and looking somewhat disappointed as San Francisco’s offense fired on all cylinders.
Thomas Morstead keeping busy on the sideline since he hasn’t punted in the month of December 😂
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
SFvsIND on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/X68Jn21M1l
The 49ers had nine full drives in their 48-27 victory over the Colts. Those drives resulted in five touchdowns, two made field goals, a missed 64-yard field goal attempt, and an interception. Morstead was reduced to a mere spectator.
Morstead has not punted since the opening drive of the 49ers’ Nov. 30 contest against the Cleveland Browns. San Francisco had a bye the following week before starting its puntless streak in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans. Fans were quick to label Morstead’s gig as one of the best in the country.
49ers punter is the best job in sports right now
— jamfan40 (@jamfan40) December 23, 2025
Being 49ers punter is so easy https://t.co/lCZ0b5iwlh
— Anthony Gonter (@Stargate476) December 23, 2025
That’s the dream, paid to vibe while offense cooks.
— Mutt (@MuttMetaX) December 23, 2025
Morstead was downright happy about his lack of work last week when the 49ers cruised past the Titans without needing to punt.
#49ers Punter Thomas Morstead is hyped he didn’t have to punt in the Win 🔥😅 pic.twitter.com/UQLymbvB5h
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 15, 2025
Once was fun, but twice was apparently a little disconcerting for Morstead. But it’s tough to feel sorry for him when he still gets paid $1.255 million this season, all the same.
Jalen Brunson issues a response to those who accuse him of ‘foul baiting’
Jalen Brunson is trying to beat the flopper allegations.
The New York Knicks star Brunson appeared this week on Lou Williams’ podcast “The Underground Lounge.” During the episode, Brunson spoke out against those who accuse him of baiting referees into calling fouls by exaggerating minimal defensive contact.
“I play by the rules,” said Brunson. “I’m not a foul baiter. I just play by the rules. Be disciplined on defense. Don’t reach … Go look, go watch the film, I jump straight up.”
Here is the full clip of Brunson’s remarks.
Jalen Brunson believes he is not a foul baiter
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) December 22, 2025
“I’m not a foul baiter. I just play by the rules. Be discipline on defense. Don’t reach”
(@undergrndlounge) pic.twitter.com/ijt6JIY8iJ
The two-time All-Star Brunson is one of the most adept players in the league at getting to the foul line and has averaged a whopping 13.4 free throw attempts per game since joining the Knicks in 2022 (including 13.7 per game this season). Many believe however that Brunson sells contact by throwing his head back or otherwise embellishing when he has the ball in his hands. In the recent past, Brunson has faced flopper accusations from both rival fans and opposing players alike.
That said, plenty of other star guards such as James Harden, Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and even reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have made a career out of finding shrewd ways to draw whistles. Unless the NBA rulebook changes drastically, Brunson is right that he simply operates within the parameters of what is allowed, especially as a smaller guard who needs to get crafty in order to score efficiently.
Brock Purdy topped himself with amazing Christmas gifts for 49ers fans
Brock Purdy may be angling to become Santa’s backup during the holiday season.
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback once again helped organize a Christmas giveaway this month after turning heads with his gift for the 49ers’ offensive line last December. Purdy hooked up his O-line with a fresh set of wheels courtesy of Toyota.
With his O-line already taken care of, Purdy wanted to spread some of that love with some deserving 49ers fans. The fourth-year QB partnered with Toyota for the second year in a row, but this time the new vehicles were for military veterans and families with children battling pediatric illnesses.
One year after giving trucks to his offensive line, Brock Purdy gave nine vehicles to 49ers’ fans in need — military veterans and families with children battling pediatric illness. pic.twitter.com/64xul9jgBx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2025
Aside from the new trucks, fans also received a goodie bag that included an unreleased 49ers jersey, a new football, and tickets to San Francisco’s season finale against the Seattle Seahawks. The squeals of excitement from the families throughout the giveaway event spoke volumes.
Purdy also had a gift for every other 49ers fan who watched Monday night’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. The 49ers QB went off for 295 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in the contest, the most in a regular season game since Joe Montana was still slinging passes for the Red and Gold.
Sean Payton responds to Liam Coen’s swipe at him
Sean Payton is offering a response to Liam Coen’s recent subtweet of him.
Coen and the Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off an upset victory on Sunday over Payton and the Denver Broncos. Jacksonville earned the 34-20 win on the road at Empower Field in Denver, Colo., improving to 11-4 on the season and extending their lead atop the AFC South.
Before Sunday’s game, the Broncos head coach Payton took a notable swipe at the Jaguars. He pointed to the fact that Jacksonville was “a smaller-market” team (while also praising the Jaguars for the job they have done this year).
That led to a savage reply from the Jaguars head coach Coen after beating the Broncos. Coen referenced Payton’s “smaller-market” comment in a postgame press conference jab of his own.
Addressing reporters Monday, Payton responded to Coen’s shade. Payton insisted that he was just complimenting the Jaguars with his initial comments and added that he did not blame Coen for using the remarks as motivation.
“It was very [a] complimentary [comment], and those guys are playing outstanding football,” Payton said, per Awful Announcing. “That topic came up strictly because, hey, not enough of the country has seen how good these guys are playing.
“The point is, though, listen, that was a good job by Liam,” added Payton. “He was looking for a rallying cry. Obviously, if you were listening to the press conference, the intention was strictly, ‘Hey, quietly, these guys are sitting here right near the top of the AFC, they’re ready to win their division.’ I spent 16 years at a small market. It was just a way for a coach to take it and use it to his advantage.”
Payton, who coached the New Orleans Saints from 2006-21 (not counting his suspension for the entire 2012 season due to the infamous Bountygate scandal), saw his Broncos snap an 11-game winning streak with the defeat to the Jaguars on Sunday. With his knack for making outspoken comments, Payton has made a number of enemies over the years (including Aaron Rodgers). Now it looks like you can add the rival head coach Coen to that list as well.
49ers’ Jauan Jennings pulled savage troll job on Colts fan
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings put on his villain mask Monday during his team’s game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Jennings capped off the 49ers’ first drive of the second half with a three-yard touchdown to give San Francisco a 31-17 lead. Jennings ran straight toward the crowd, reaching the football out to a woman sitting by the railing.
The 49ers wideout then took the ball away at the last second, leaving the woman with a distressed look on her face.
Purdy to Jennings for six to open the 2nd half
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
SFvsIND on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/RA0hBq9bmv
Jennings is surely getting a lump of coal in his Christmas stockings after that fake-out. It’s a good thing he didn’t do that to a child, or else he’d probably receive a permanent spot on Santa’s naughty list.
Perhaps Jennings was getting revenge for his teammate, Kendrick Bourne, who momentarily had his $500,000 bonus taken away on a successful Colts challenge earlier in the game.
While Jennings’ move was ruthless, it was still all in the spirit of good, competitive fun. After what happened between DK Metcalf and the Detroit Lions fan on Sunday, few would probably give Jennings much flak for his own playful fan interaction.
Fans think Francisco Lindor took a shot at Jeff McNeil after trade
Francisco Lindor appears to be pretty happy about the New York Mets’ latest roster move.
The Mets made the noteworthy decision on Monday to trade away two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil to an American League team. The move ended McNeil’s lengthy eight-season tenure in New York.
Lindor, the Mets’ star shortstop, then took to Instagram just minutes after the news of the trade broke with a notable post. Seemingly sharing how excited he was for the coming MLB season, Lindor posted some photos of himself working out on the field along with the caption, “2026 Season Loading.”
Given the timing of Lindor’s post, many fans on social media believed that he was celebrating McNeil’s departure.
HILARIOUS TIMING pic.twitter.com/Y042Wb0yOF
— dianna (@runwildkian) December 22, 2025
Bro is throwing a party
— Helena (@HelenaKnowsBall) December 22, 2025
Love the pettiness minutes after mcneil was traded
— K.O.N.Y. (@metskingsny) December 22, 2025
Lindor had a long history of feuding with McNeil, his teammate in New York for the last five seasons. In 2025, the two reportedly got into a confrontation over a defensive lapse during a game. That came a few years after Lindor and McNeil got physical with each other as part of another confrontation in the dugout during a 2021 game.
The Mets have lost several other mainstays this offseason, including Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Diaz. But of those departures, it sounds like Lindor is the happiest about McNeil now being sent packing as well.
Internet reacts to Philip Rivers’ superb 1st half against 49ers on ‘MNF’
The NFL’s resident grandpa is continuing to impress.
44-year-old Philip Rivers turned in an incredible first-half performance for the Indianapolis Colts on “Monday Night Football” this week. During the team’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Rivers was remarkably efficient, going 14/21 for 175 passing yards before halftime.
Rivers also threw two touchdown passes (both to wide receiver Alec Pierce) and only took one sack. That helped the Colts put 17 points on the board before the break (though a shoddy defensive performance resulted in them trailing the 49ers 24-17 at halftime).
In response to Rivers’ fantastic first-half play, the Internet reacted with some great memes. Take a look.
44-year-old Philip Rivers cooking the 49ers pic.twitter.com/Bg2IPTJpGo
— GhettoGronk (@GhettoGronk) December 23, 2025
Watching Philip Rivers light defenses up in the big 25
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 23, 2025
pic.twitter.com/8yqOXR3Zkf
Seeing Philip Rivers pre-snap identify modern defenses pic.twitter.com/IFwX42WNSg
— a (@DakHOF) December 23, 2025
44 year old Philip Rivers & Alec Pierce pic.twitter.com/8NdIUkpoor
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 23, 2025
“He’s 44 years old he can’t throw”
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) December 23, 2025
Philip Rivers: pic.twitter.com/FTbCuqE0je
The eight-time Pro Bowler Rivers had not played in nearly five full calendar years before getting the call to return from the quarterback-desperate Colts earlier this month. He has answered that call and then some ever since then, seamlessly making quick reads and adjustments in the pocket to help put Indianapolis in a competitive position.
Rivers was also fairly excellent last week against the Seattle Seahawks on short notice and even ended up getting quite emotional in his postgame press conference. While Rivers may only have a couple more weeks left at best in his cameo role, he has quickly become one of the very best stories in all of sports this year.
49ers wide receiver had $500,000 bonus wiped away after Colts challenge his decisive catch
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen cruelly challenged a catch on Monday that had earned an opposing player half a million dollars.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne entered the Week 16 contest just one yard shy of hitting a $500,000 bonus if he tallied 500 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season. Bourne got his opportunity early in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Niners quarterback Brock Purdy hit Bourne with a short pass right for 12 yards, prompting Bourne to celebrate as if he had just scored a touchdown. However, Steichen challenged the catch, given that Bourne did not appear to catch it cleanly. The Colts’ challenge was successful, effectively taking away Bourne’s bonus.
Fans could only imagine how Bourne must have felt after Steichen successfully won the challenge.
Ahhh man Kendrick Bourne spammed like 6 emotes for his payday just for the Colts to challenge the catch 😂😂😂
— NeverMadeJB (@NeverMadeJB) December 23, 2025
Shane Steichen taking the bag from Kendrick Bourne with that challenge call. pic.twitter.com/dV8rSMpMbW
— GolfCalled (@ItsShowtime223) December 23, 2025
Old Kendrick Bourne was flashing the money after that catch after cashing a $500k incentive/bonus
— Josh Inglis (@Covers_josh) December 23, 2025
Only to have it reversed. Lol.
Bourne did not have to wait long to get a second chance. Purdy went to Bourne on a short pass right again later in the second quarter. There was no contesting Bourne’s catch the second time around.
Kendrick Bourne just earned a $500k incentive 💰
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2025
SFvsIND on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/LfrOH79vYQ
And Bourne celebrated accordingly.
Kendrick Bourne just got his $500K bonus for reaching 500 receiving yards on the season pic.twitter.com/V5z781BuWh
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 23, 2025
Bourne also still has a chance for even more money. His bonus would rise to $750,000 if he gets to 600 yards before the season ends.
Anthony Davis gets a surprising reception from Pelicans fans
The city of New Orleans apparently has the memory of an elephant.
Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks played Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. During the game in The Big Easy, Davis got a surprising reception from the local fans.
As Davis got the ball in the first quarter, the Pelicans faithful began loudly booing him. Take a look at the video.
The Pelicans fans still haven't forgiven AD "BOOOOOO" pic.twitter.com/lXjyGVCkmw
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) December 23, 2025
Now 32 years old, Davis was the No. 1 overall pick by New Orleans in 2012 and played the first seven seasons of his career there. While Davis earned six All-Star appearances and three All-Defensive nods with the franchise and led New Orleans to multiple playoff berths, he torched his goodwill with the city by demanding a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers (which the Pelicans granted in 2019).
Davis went on to win an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020 before eventually being traded to Dallas as part of the Luka Doncic shocker earlier this year. Even so though, that reception from Pelicans fans is a surprise, especially some six-and-a-half years after the entire saga with Davis took place.
In the Davis trade, the Pelicans were at least able to get back Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, and three future first-round draft picks (assets that eventually helped them earn three separate postseason berths). But New Orleans fans have still been plenty cruel to their former stars in recent years and even gave some harsh treatment a few seasons ago to Chris Paul (who left all the way back in 2011).
