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).
DK Metcalf has $40 million in guaranteed salary voided after punching Lions fan
DK Metcalf’s financial situation was dealt a huge blow as punishment for punching a Detroit Lions fan.
The NFL announced Monday that the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was being suspended for two games over what was deemed detrimental conduct to the league. Metcalf is reportedly appealing the suspension, but it appears unlikely to be rescinded.
The suspension reportedly voids $40 million in guaranteed salary for Metcalf. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Metcalf’s contract contains a clause that deems his salary guarantees “null and void” if Metcalf “fails to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” which includes suspensions imposed by the league or team.
Metcalf was slated to make at least $20 million in guaranteed salary in each of the next two seasons. While the Steelers are unlikely to part ways with Metcalf after trading draft capital to acquire him, meaning he could still earn the money if he remains on the team, Pittsburgh now holds all the leverage over the star wideout.
If Metcalf suffers a serious injury or starts acting out, the team could cut its losses thanks to the voided guarantees.
In his first season with Pittsburgh, Metcalf has underperformed relative to expectations. If the two-game suspension stands and ends his regular season, his 850 receiving yards would be the lowest tally of his seven-year career. DK’s 59-catch total would also be his lowest since his rookie season.
If there’s one positive for Steelers fans in all this, it’s that Metcalf may be motivated more than ever to perform on the field, given that his salary through 2027 is no longer guaranteed.
Aaron Rodgers had ruthless trash talk for Lions’ Jack Campbell during game
Aaron Rodgers still has not lost his fastball when it comes to talking smack.
Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers were victorious on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. They squeaked out a 29-24 win at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich. in a game that had a very controversial ending.
On Monday, the NFL released some “Mic’d Up” clips from the game. In one particular clip, Rodgers was flushed from the pocket and beat Lions linebacker Jack Campbell to the sideline for a short gain.
Campbell was knocked down on the play and brushed off Rodgers a bit as Rodgers attempted to help him up. That led to Rodgers dropping a savage line.
“Oh you don’t want me to help pick you up? Why ’cause you’re slower than a 42-year-old?” said Rodgers to Campbell. “Is that why? You’re slower than a 42-year-old?”
Rodgers was showing respect and talking trash on Sunday @Steelers @insidetheNFL Week 16 Mic'd Up on X pic.twitter.com/AHr3qMuhZX
— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025
Indeed, Rodgers is now 42, meaning that he is 17 years the senior of the 25-year-old Campbell. But Rodgers got the better of Campbell and the Lions, both on that play and by earning the victory during Sunday’s meeting.
The four-time NFL MVP Rodgers continues to be one of the game’s best trash-talkers, even in his 21st NFL season. Just last week, Rodgers targeted a Miami Dolphins player who was trying to run his mouth with his team down big.
Fans roast Cavaliers player for tripping while doing ‘too small’ taunt
Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant could not have looked more uncool Monday after his taunt gone wrong.
Bryant posted up Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel in the first quarter of the Eastern Conference clash at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Bryant pounded his way closer to the rim and hit a contested hook shot over Knueppel’s outstretched arms.
The veteran big man was feeling himself after the made basket. He started flexing as he ran back down the court, then proceeded to do the “too small” taunt.
Bryant’s moment of glory did not last long, as he tumbled to the hardwood while hitting the celebration.
Oh no, Thomas Bryant!
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 23, 2025
He scored over Kon Knueppel, hit the "too small" celebration on him, and proceeded to trip over his own feet on the way down the court 😭pic.twitter.com/IZUjH42oWO
NBC announcer Michael Grady accurately described it as Bryant losing all his “aura” on the play. It’s impossible to salvage any cool points when you’re tripping over yourself in front of your home fans. It’s even worse when the game was on national television rather than just the teams’ regional broadcasts.
Fans added insult to injury, piling on Bryant for his embarrassing moment.
That’s the kind of embarrassment that it’s hard late at night when you can’t go to sleep
— AeroGant ✭ (@AeroGant) December 23, 2025
Thomas Bryant is the most comical player in the league wtf was that 😭
— Sam Merrill Fan (@CAVSARSENAL) December 23, 2025
Oh nah Thomas Bryant did that in front of America😭😭😭
— jack (@TheCavsJack) December 23, 2025
You can't trip while doing the "Too Small" Thomas Bryant, you just can'tpic.twitter.com/M5ahPV7wnp
— Ashley Anderson (@AshleyAnde91326) December 23, 2025
Bryant’s hook shot over Knueppel turned out to be his lone attempt of the half. Knueppel, meanwhile, tallied 15 points on 5/7 shooting to tie LaMelo Ball for the team lead in scoring at the break.
Jim Harbaugh drops another golden Justin Herbert comment
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert continues to put together dazzling performances.
In Week 16, Herbert led the Chargers to a 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Herbert went 23-of-39 for 300 yards with two touchdowns while adding another 42 yards and a score on the ground.
On Monday, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh had a perfect description of Herbert’s performance.
“As far as quarterback performances go, that was a Picasso,” Harbaugh said, via Kris Rhim of ESPN.
Herbert has 3,491 yards with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this year for the Chargers. In November, Herbert suffered a broken hand in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but he had surgery and didn’t miss a game.
Harbaugh has time and time again dropped golden comments about Herbert, and this is yet another example of that.
In 2024, Harbaugh said there is “not a gene in his body I wouldn’t immediately trade for” regarding Herbert. He then also added, “If you don’t love Justin Herbert, then there’s something wrong with you.”
Now, the Chargers head coach showered his quarterback with Picasso praise, which is quite something considering that Picasso is regarded as the artist of the 20th century.
The Chargers moved to 11-4 on the year and won their fourth straight game, and they are in the race for the AFC West title if they can win out.
In Week 17, the Chargers face the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium, followed by the Denver Broncos on the road at Empower Field in a game that could decide the AFC West division.
Dan Lanning rips ‘messed up’ College Football Playoff format ahead of Oregon-Texas Tech
Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are preparing for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Orange Bowl on January 1 against Texas Tech.
No. 5 seed Oregon defeated No. 12 seed James Madison, 51-34, on December 20 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The game against No. 4 seed Texas Tech will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on New Year’s Day, and Lanning was not afraid to call out the poor formatting when asked whether or not Oregon has an advantage due to Texas Tech not having a game for a month.
“I think it’s just more of an indicator that the way we do playoffs in college football is messed up. We’re really excited to be going to the Orange Bowl, but this game should be played at Texas Tech,” Lanning said during the press conference on Monday.
Texas Tech last played on December 6 in the Big 12 title game against BYU, which was why Lanning was asked whether or not he feels Oregon has an advantage.
In the new 12-team College Football Playoffs format, the top-four seeds get first-round byes, and the No. 5-8 seeds all host first-round games at their respective stadium.
The quarterfinal round games are the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Cotton Bowl, meaning none of the top-four seeds get to host a College Football Playoff game.
The semifinal games are the Peach Bowl and Fiesta Bowl, and the national title game is played this season in Miami, Fla.
Whether or not the College Football Playoff format changes remains to be seen, but as of now, Lanning isn’t too thrilled that the higher-seeded team doesn’t get to play a home game.
Cowboys coach has 4-word message ahead of Christmas Day game
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be sitting at home once again watching the NFL playoffs.
After being eliminated, the Cowboys are preparing for a Week 17 game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Christmas Day. Even though this game won’t impact anything other than draft order, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer had four simple words for his team’s mindset.
“We’re playing to win,” Schottenheimer said, via Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Going into Week 16, the Cowboys had a less than 1% chance of making the postseason, although the Los Angeles Chargers ended their dreams with a 34-17 win at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Now, Cowboys fans don’t have much to look forward to for the final two games of the regular season, although Schottenheimer is still focusing on winning football games.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a deflated message after they were eliminated from contention.
“It’s tough. I’m definitely surprised, hurt, pissed off, frustrated, but all I can do is get better tomorrow,” Prescott stated.
Just a few weeks ago, the Cowboys had playoff hopes and aspirations after winning three in a row to end November, including a 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Day.
This is the first season with Schottenheimer as the Cowboys’ head coach, but it marks the second year in a row they won’t be in the postseason.
The Cowboys’ final game of the season comes in Week 18 against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
DK Metcalf suspended by NFL
The NFL has decided on its discipline for DK Metcalf for the wide receiver’s actions on Sunday.
Metcalf has been suspended two games by the NFL for what they said was detrimental conduct to the league.
“Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘”‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable,’” the statement said.
Metcalf will miss the Steelers’ final two regular-season games, which are at the Cleveland Browns and then home against the Baltimore Ravens. Metcalf has the option of appealing the suspension.
The suspension came as a result of Metcalf going over towards the stands, grabbing a Lions fan and then throwing a punch up at the fan during Sunday’s game at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.
New from @NFL345 pic.twitter.com/GqwnAhnANU
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) December 22, 2025
Metcalf apparently has some history with the fan and took issue with the man when playing against the Lions in the past while a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf had 4 catches for 42 yards on 9 targets in the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Lions. The wide receiver is in his first season with the Steelers and has 59 catches for 850 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. He has also rushed for a TD. Pittsburgh is 9-6 and holding a 2-game lead in the AFC North.
Mets reportedly eyeing 3-time All-Star after latest trade
The New York Mets roster is already looking much different from what it did two months ago.
The Mets continued moving pieces on Monday by trading infielder Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. Right after that, a report came that the Mets are exploring a deal for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, according to Francys Romero.
“With Jeff McNeil gone, the Mets are believed to be exploring Ketel Marte, or at least discussing him in trade talks, per an industry source,” Romero wrote on X.
Marte is a three-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger winner and won the NLCS MVP in 2023 when the Diamondbacks went to the World Series.
The Mets’ trade of McNeil is yet another big change. McNeil had spent his entire eight-year MLB career with the Mets, and New York also traded longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in the offseason.
The Mets then watched Pete Alonso sign with the Baltimore Orioles and closer Edwin Diaz join the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Marte’s name has been involved in plenty of trade rumblings, although a report stated previously that the Boston Red Sox were the frontrunners for a possible trade.
The Diamondbacks’ All-Star signed a six-year, $116.5 million extension in April, and said at the time that he wanted to be in Arizona forever. This offseason, the Diamondbacks have explored moving Marte, and they also emerged as a surprise suitor for Alex Bregman.
Currently, the idea of a Marte trade for the Mets seems to be exploratory, but it could be a decent move to help fill some holes left by Alonso, Nimmo and now McNeil.
Michigan had previous concerns about Sherrone Moore’s social media activity
The allegations that led to Sherrone Moore’s dismissal as Michigan’s head coach may not have come as a complete surprise to the university.
New allegations published by Bruce Feldman, Austin Meek, and Katie Strang of The Athletic indicated that Michigan officials had concerns about Moore’s social media activity dating back to fall 2024. One Michigan official indicated that Moore was not engaged in any criminal activity and described it as “propriety, ‘Are you an idiot?’ kind of stuff.”
Moore is alleged to have frequently chatted up women on social media unsolicited. Four women provided evidence of those interactions to The Athletic, frequently reaching out via direct message or liking their posts, and he asked at least one of them to fly out to visit him. Several of the women worked in sports media.
One woman questioned how focused Moore was on his job after he messaged her multiple times on a Nov. 1 game day, including once roughly 20 minutes after he finished his postgame news conference.
Earlier allegations suggested Moore made unwanted advances toward other women, and at least two lodged complaints with the university over his behavior.
There were other reported instances of erratic behavior by Moore during his tenure. The Athletic’s story details instances of him breaking down sobbing during staff meetings, and he was even seen eavesdropping on closed-door meetings at the team’s football facility.
Moore was fired on Dec. 10 after Michigan obtained evidence that he had been conducting an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. He was arrested that day after breaking into the staff member’s apartment and threatening to harm himself in front of her.
Ex-Chiefs QB jokes about making a comeback
The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback situation is so bad that a 43-year-old who has not played in seven years is joking about making a comeback.
Matt Cassel, who started 47 career games with the Chiefs, joked on social media Sunday that he was ready to make a comeback. He made the joke after Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew went down with season-ending injuries in consecutive weeks.
“Seeing a lot (of) people mentioning me going to the Chiefs,” Cassel wrote. “Arm’s loose. Phone line’s open.”
Seeing a lot people mentioning me going to the Chiefs. Arm’s loose. Phone line’s open.
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) December 22, 2025
Cassel presumably will not be getting a call and he knows it. The 43-year-old last played in an NFL game in 2018, and the Chiefs are not that desperate for an experienced quarterback since they have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Perhaps Cassel wants to have a better experience with the modern-day Chiefs than what he dealt with when he played there. Either that, or Philip Rivers’ comeback really has inspired a lot of other ex-quarterbacks to test what they are capable of.
Mets trade away another former All-Star
The New York Mets are continuing to clean house after their collapse at the end of the 2025 season.
The Mets on Monday traded utility man Jeff McNeil to the Athletics. They are receiving a minor league pitcher in return, and also are covering roughly a third of McNeil’s 2026 salary.
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2025
A's receive: Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million (to help cover his $15.75 million salary; the Mets also would pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn't exercised)
Mets receive: RHP Yordan Rodriguez
This is essentially a salary dump for the Mets, who wanted to get a large portion of his $15.75 million annual salary off the books. The 33-year-old is coming off a season that saw him hit .243 with 12 home runs while also spending time at six positions, not counting DH.
The Mets are getting rid of a lot of core players this offseason. Longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo was traded to Texas, while Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz both departed via free agency. McNeil is another longtime stalwart, having spent his entire eight-year career with the Mets.
Things are going to look a lot different for the Mets next season, and many fans do not necessarily see it as an improvement. Getting rid of McNeil for essentially nothing is not likely to change those opinions.
